Two days before the national elections, which also include a constitutional referendum, a climate of intense political uncertainty prevails in the country. With the exclusion of the Awami League, the electoral contest will see the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Jamaat-e-Islami, two parties deeply distrusted by Hindus and Christians, as the main protagonists. Once again, the country finds itself torn between hope for change and suspicion that the election’s outcome is already preordained.

The Punjab government has brought back the Basant cultural festival. Celebrated from 5 to 9 February, it enlivened the city, reviving tourism and the local economy. Strict security measures were in place to prevent accidents that led to the 2007 ban, which was also supported by the Muslim clergy. Activists and citizens enthusiastically welcomed the return.

The Qasr-e-Khadijatul Kubra mosque in the Tarlai area, on the outskirts of the capital, was the target, resulting in at least 31 deaths and 169 people wounded, according to initial reports. This is the second attack in Islamabad in three months. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing, but observers are pointing the finger at the Islamic State.

A delicate ecosystem covering only 6% of the Earth's surface, but home to up to 40% of animal and plant species. Their presence is also essential as natural barriers against flooding. Urbanisation and mega-infrastructure risk causing irreversible damage. 2 February is World Wetlands Day, coinciding with the adoption of the Ramsar Convention.

The award was also given to the leaders of Armenia and Azerbaijan for their peace process and to the Palestinian NGO Taawon for its humanitarian work. In his message, Pope Leo XIV said that fraternity is “not a distant ideal, but an urgent necessity.” Yaftali’s work for girls’ education, which has been severely restricted under the Taliban after they returned to power in 2021, was recognised. Her appeal is for the world not to forget Afghan women.

After two years of presidential rule, the northeastern state is governed by an elected government. The appointment of Nemcha Kipgen, an ethnic Kuki, as deputy chief minister has sparked protests and strikes in the hill areas, where demands for a separate administration remain strong, reigniting tensions with the Meitei majority.