South Asia

by Nirmala Carvalho | INDIAN MANDALA

With a reserved order, the court halted for “for 15 days” the film's premiere, today. Questions remain about the certification and classification of a work that presents an "unfiltered" reality. Of greatest concern are the repercussions at the community level, given the sensitive issues such as reconversions.

by Shafique Khokhar

The Heal Foundation Pakistan financed the month-long renovation work at St Mary's Church in Malkhanwala. Local groups and individuals who had previously received support and aid from the Catholic NGO were also involved. Fr Rauf: the widows' offering has ‘spiritual value’ and is ‘an example for the whole community’.

| 24/02/2026
| PAKISTAN
by Shafique Khokhar

The government of Punjab, led by Maryam Nawaz Sharif, is launching the “Nigahban Ramadan 2026” program for more than four million vulnerable families. Aid includes cards worth up to 10,000 rupees for essential goods and cash withdrawals. Christians observing Lent are also included; the initiative promotes inclusivity and social harmony, easing the impact of inflation.

| 21/02/2026
| PAKISTAN
by Arundathie Abeysinghe

Less restrictive land use is threatening the 72-year-old structure located in southeast Sri Lanka. Two pillars have been destroyed with five more at risk. Farmers allege favouritism towards a government-affiliated cooperative. For decades, illegal sand mining has generated huge profits.

| 20/02/2026
| SRI LANKA
by Nirmala Carvalho

A ruling has called for a halt to the forced exhumation of the bodies of tribal people who converted to Christianity, which often meets with opposition from villagers. Similar incidents have also occurred in Orissa, where a family was denied burial of their son in the village cemetery.

| 20/02/2026
| INDIAN MANDALA
by Sumon Corraya

For Christians and Muslims, the sacred period of fasting and prayer began yesterday, at a delicate time for the nation. Archbishop of Dhaka: “We hunger and thirst for justice.” Through fasting and austerity, “Christian life becomes stronger and more authentic.” Government office hours change, public primary schools close for 35 days.

| 19/02/2026
| BANGLADESH
by Maria Casadei

On Monday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the India AI Impact Summit, welcoming world leaders from more than 20 countries and major AI industry giants. Several new investments were announced, while India is adopting new regulations governing the use of advanced technologies.

| 18/02/2026
| INDIA
Editor's choices
 
by Stefano Vecchia
12.5% of Filipino families still rely on remittances sent by relatives who have emigrated abroad for their livelihood. However, international instability, the more stable forms of residence abroad for many migrants and economic changes in Manila are ...
| 27/02/2026
| PHILIPPINES
 
A report by the International Labour Organisation reveals that 20 per cent of migrant fishermen work in exploitative conditions. The fishing industry, which is worth billions of dollars, relies heavily on foreign labour. Shifts of up to 20 hours a day, ...
| 25/02/2026
| SOUTHEAST ASIA
 
In London, the award for Best Children and Family Film went to a Manipuri-language production directed by Lakshmipriya Devi. Filming wrapped up before the outbreak of ethnic violence in 2023. The film touches upon timely topics such as migration and ...
| 24/02/2026
| INDIA
 
More than 4.7 million people were eligible to vote in yesterday’s election to the Lao National Assembly, dominated by the Lao People's Revolutionary Party to. On the same day, the death of activist Bao Mo Khaen, known for his outspoken denunciations ...
| 23/02/2026
| LAOS
 
At the Milano Cortina Games, three medals bear the mark of Venerable Hosan, abbot of the Bongseon Temple. All South Korean athletes in this discipline competed at the Dalma Open Championship, a tournament launched in 2002 by the Jogye Order. Born to ...
| 17/02/2026
| SOUTH KOREA
 
by Giuseppe Caffulli
Pašinyan's government will place a sculpture dedicated to the writing created by the monk Mesrop Mashtots to translate the Bible in an area adjacent to the European Parliament headquarters. A symbol of national pride, resilience and the deep ...
| 16/02/2026
| ARMENIA - EUROPEAN UNION
 
Party leaders urge supporters to refrain from celebrations and pray "for the future of Bangladesh”. Jamaat-e-Islami acknowledges defeat but is "not satisfied" with the electoral process. India, Pakistan, and the United States have reacted. The ...
| 13/02/2026
| BANGLADESH
 
by Dario Salvi
The cardinal who recently left his post in Damascus reflects with AsiaNews on his long service in the country amid the suffering of children and the faces of friends who have disappeared. A nation ‘destroyed and humiliated’ that must find ...
| 13/02/2026
| VATICAN - SYRIA
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”