In Maharashtra, the gesture of a Catholic couple who, because of financial problems, took their own lives on the day of their wedding anniversary wearing their wedding dress, has caused a stir. Fr. Jose Kurian told AsiaNews: ‘A story that in this Jubilee of Hope challenges us to be close to those who experience dismay in their lives’.
A quarter of a century has now passed since Boris Yeltsin's ceding of power. No one then thought that the peaceful and flourishing Russia that celebrated Moscow's 850th anniversary in 1997 would disappear. Today, however, the New Year greetings ominously repeat ‘we will go on, until victory’ while everything seems to be dragging Russia further and further backwards.
India’s foreign secretary met Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister in Dubai. In a statement, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stressed the importance of humanitarian aid to the Afghan people, but it is also in New Delhi's interest to develop trade through the Iranian port of Chabahar to bypass the ports of Karachi and Gwadar, in rival Pakistan.
The Vatican Secretary of State, who presided over the consecration of the Latin Church at Al-Maghtas on behalf of Pope Francis, made a new appeal for a ceasefire, hostage release, and peace based on coexistence between peoples. For Card Pizzaballa, the new church is “a gift from the local Church” to pilgrims from all over the world. Priests and Sisters of the Incarnate Word will provide spiritual outreach at the site. Gaza’s parish priest belongs to the same institute.
An OECD study highlighting this trend worries Singapore authorities. To remedy the situation, the government is vetting plans to boost education levels. The country’s competitiveness, occupational levels, not to mention workers’ skills, earnings and well-being are under threat.
The National Health Commission announced the measure as part of a plan to cope with an emergency kept hidden for many years for cultural reasons. Mental distress is also pervasive in rural areas, especially among women and young people. Fewer than four psychiatrists are available per 100,000 people in the country.
