Puran Ram suffered discrimination since childhood, which made him feel dirty from birth. In Sanskrit, his name means "ancient legends and popular lore", but his classmates mocked him for it sounding like porn. One schoolmate left school "because he refused to study with me.” Others brought their own glasses to avoid drinking with him.

The Australian missionary and his 10- and 6-year-old sons were burnt alive as they slept in his car. The clergyman helped lepers, the poor, Dalits and tribal people. For the Archbishop of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar, the country urgently needs unity. The murders’ anniversary falls during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Huanggang, a city of 6 million residents, is on a lockdown. University of Hong Kong virologist Guan Yi warns the new coronavirus outbreak could be ten times worse as the 2003 SARS epidemic. So far 17 deaths have been reported out of 583 confirmed cases, 571 in China and 12 in Thailand, Korea South, Japan, the United States, Hong Kong and Macau.

Intervention of religious leaders at the World Forum to "generate global awareness for change". The Oxfam report highlighted that wealth remains highly concentrated at the top of the distribution pyramid: the wealthiest 1%, in mid-2019, held more than double the net wealth owned by 6.9 billion people.

The executive committee’s third meeting was held on January 21 and 22. Christian leaders re-launch appeal for the release of the two bishops kidnapped in Syria. The political and institutional situation in the area is worrying, from Lebanon to Iraq. Greater support for Christians in Palestine, victims of occupation and isolation.

The panel of 17 judges ruled unanimously. Myanmar must protect the ethnic group, prevent killings and physical and mental damage as well as submit a report within four months. Aung San Suu Kyi says refugees have exaggerated the abuse against them.

The victims contested the rebirth of a movement that defended the tribal land, even with violence. Some media reports that those killed are Christians; the local Church does not confirm. The "inexplicable" violence between two factions both fighting for survival.

More than 7,000 people are being held in various centres in Hong Kong and Shenzhen. Many of them are very young. A former detainee testifies to unhygienic conditions and poor food quality.

No tourist guides talk about this place which draws upwards of 5 million faithful on Marian feasts. A devotion that is also widespread among Buddhists and Protestants. After years of destruction, a new sanctuary is now emerging.

Cardinal addresses citizens, inviting them not to oppose "an outright rejection" to new cabinet but give them time to "put a rescue program in place". Violence and destruction, he adds, "must end". Yesterday, new demonstrations and more clashes in the center of Beirut, at least 10 injured. President Aoun calls on the executive to "conquer the confidence of the Lebanese".

From 10 this morning trains, buses, ferries and planes blocked. Medical checks on the roads for those who leave the city by car. Obligation to wear medical masks in public places. Hospitals are overcrowded with patients.