In a statement, the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India slammed the “alarming” escalation of attacks and violence on the eve of the holiday. In one incident, a visually-impaired woman was insulted and harassed. In Kerala, a 24-year-old man linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was arrested for attacking children singing Christmas carols.
The Punjab government has promoted the Christmas Interfaith Harmony Rally. Thousands of participants, with the capital decorated for the festivities. The Christian community rejoices at this sign of recognition and public dignity and the fight against discrimination. A step by Maryam Nawaz's administration towards the inclusion of Christians in Pakistani society.
The cyclone reshaped large swathes of the upcountry. The devastation is so great that remapping is necessary. More than half of all landslides occurred in the districts of Badulla, Kandy, and Matale. Experts need high-quality close-up images, with essential assistance from international organisations and agencies.
Hadi, 32, founder of the Inqilab Moncho movement and one of the main players in the protest movement that ousted Sheikh Hasina, died in Singapore from a gunshot wound to the head. The suspect reportedly fled to India. Hundreds vandalised the offices of Prothom Alo and the Daily Star in Dhaka. For Muhammad Yunus, this was “an assault on independent media and democratic progress.”
The Indian government has approved the Shanti Bill: a reform set to change the nuclear sector, which has remained under public control for decades. New Delhi is betting on private capital, technology and new reactors to strengthen energy security and green transition. The goal is 100 gigawatts of nuclear energy by 2047 (compared to 8 today).
Lahore holds the sad record of being the most polluted city in the world. The health of 127 million inhabitants is at risk. Hospitals are overwhelmed with respiratory diseases, with children most at risk. Experts say it is ‘no longer’ just a ‘seasonal’ problem. Drastic and coordinated action is needed, but the government is failing to act.
