In northern Bangladesh, the project to erect one of Asia’s largest statues of the Hindu god Ram has been halted. Muslim leaders are calling for the statue’s permanent removal, whilst Christian and Hindu representatives denounce a climate of mounting pressure on non-Muslim communities.
The Russian academic world has been silenced. An unprecedented campaign mounted around a research project on Aristotle is even discrediting the Institute of Philosophy of the Russian Academy of Sciences. And whereas in 2022 scientists were the professional group most vocal in condemning the ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine, today their community has all but vanished from the public eye.
Leo XIV spoke at the "Les Raíces" centre in Tenerife. “God’s love knows no borders, makes no distinctions,” he said, adding that, “all of us are migrants.” The pontiff led the Mass on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, at the port of Santa Cruz, a "privileged place" for the poor in the Church's mission.
Born online as satire following a controversial statement by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the movement has brought into the streets millions of supporters, including students and young people with no job security. At the core of its complaint are unemployment, public exam scandals, and the growing disconnect from traditional parties. Analysts urge caution, but see the phenomenon as a sign of widespread dissatisfaction.
Faced with a wave of share sell-off and a currency that has fallen to historic lows against the dollar, Prabowo supporters blame Singapore and turn to social media with the hashtag #buyIndonesia. Students are taking to the streets against rising fuel prices and subsidy cuts, riled by the president's costly free school lunch programme.
Three Indian nationals died in a US attack on a tanker carrying Iranian oil. Despite the public outrage, New Delhi is keeping a low profile to avoid angering Washington: in the background, a possible meeting between Trump and Modi on the sidelines of the G7. Meanwhile, the White House announced a deal with Tehran. Saudi Arabia reboots trade with Lebanon.
