A complaint was filed against Kunal Kamra after he made a joke about a local leader, while the club where he performed was vandalised and partly demolished. His case reflects a growing climate of repression against comedy that makes fun of politicians. This trend began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi coming to power and continues with complaints, threats and even with some artists arrested.

In an open letter, numerous religious and lay people committed to the defence of the underprivileged criticise the Bishops' Conference for having invited Christian parliamentarians to vote in favour of the measure that came into force yesterday and limits the autonomy of Muslims in the management of their properties. ’This is not the way to solve the problem of the evicted families in Munambam. It sets a precedent that Hindu nationalists will also use against Christians."

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has indicated the path of negotiation with Washington after the imposition of a 26% tariff on Indian exports (excluding drugs). The jewellery sector is at risk, while some say textiles could benefit in the medium term. Many economists agree that India will need economic reforms and large-scale deregulation to turn the situation into an opportunity.

Work has officially begun on the construction of a 120-megawatt power plant in the Trincomalee area. India and Sri Lanka have also announced the creation of the Colombo Security Conclave, a security cooperation forum that also includes Bangladesh, the Maldives and Mauritius.

In the village of Kondavat, in the district of Khandwa, eight workers had gone down to clean it in preparation for the diving ceremony during the Gangour Mata festival. The victims were trapped and died of suffocation. Compensation of 400,000 rupees (4,200 euros) has been announced for the families. Activist Fr Prakash Louis: ‘It could have been avoided. Do workers come from disadvantaged castes? Is their life worth so little?’

In the past month, protests calling for the restoration of the monarchy have broken out in the Himalayan country in which pictures of an Indian BJP leader have appeared. New Delhi has repeatedly expressed support for the king and for Nepal to return to being a Hindu state. But many believe the protests express dissatisfaction with traditional parties, which are not keeping their promises of prosperity.