After eight years, the trial against the Sisters has ended. In 2018, far-fetched child trafficking charges were laid against them, sparking worldwide media coverage. The High Court's verdict declared them not guilty. For Bishop Mascarenhas, “after years of suffering, prayer and perseverance, truth has prevailed.”

Controversy and outrage mount across the country over the latest femicide committed within the family. Fuelling the controversy is the fact that it occurred under the eyes of police officers who were supposed to protect the victim. Activists blame the killing on a mix of patriarchy, caste, and failure to enforce the law in Uttar Pradesh.

The new sustainability rules are causing difficulties for many local exporters. The European Union is the largest market for the textile industry. From September, companies will have to comply with requirements across the entire supply chain: firms are being called upon to invest in certifications, carbon footprint monitoring and packaging reviews.

Last week, the authorities evicted security staff and residents from Forman Christian College University. They were given “24 hours” to remove all property and historical artefacts. The administration is seeking a legal solution to retain control of the building. Christian activist: “The government has hurt the community’s feelings”.

Despite the Indian National Congress party’s gains in southern India following the latest local elections, the dispute over the Mekedatu dam project remains unresolved. Karnataka and Tamil Nadu are at loggerheads over the management of the Kaveri’s waters, a dispute that has lasted for over a century and flares up particularly during periods of drought.

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.