South Asia

| VATICAN

In its message to Hindu communities on the eve of the Festival of Lights, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue wishes their hearts be filled “with peace and joy.” Everyone should work against “Religious fundamentalism, extremism, fanaticism, racism and hyper nationalism” and break down “stereotypes, fostering empathy, sensitivity and respect”.

by Arundathie Abeysinghe

The accidents involving the MT New Diamond and X-Press Pearl have exposed "delays and inadequacies" in the country’s environmental protection system. Ocean waters are crucial for the fishing sector. Legal and regulatory frameworks also have serious shortcomings.

| 26/10/2024
| SRI LANKA

While India reached an agreement with China on border patrols, activist Sonam Wangchuk, 58, ended one of his many hunger strikes. Local herders, whose activities have been limited due to military tensions (unlikely to decrease, experts say), fear the construction of power plants.

| 25/10/2024
| INDIAN MANDALA
by Melani Manel Perera

The suspects are being questioned, said Minister Herath. The government is tightening controls and boosting protection for foreigners, especially tourists from Israel from "potential threats". A Muslim leader says that a "conspiracy" against the country's new leadership seeks to "destroy" the economy.

| 25/10/2024
| SRI LANKA – ISRAEL
by Sumon Corraya

In the last 15 years, the Bangladesh Chhatra League has been a tool of repression for former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's party and its members have been charged in connection with dozens of very serious crimes. The student movement that led to the resignation of the former government had given the current administration a week to ban the organisation.

| 24/10/2024
| BANGLADESH

According to international observers, this is a pragmatic truce among long-term rivals. Diplomats from the two countries will resume meetings to manage the border dispute in Ladakh. For India’s Modi, talks with everyone is an opportunity to show himself as a credible leader of the global South.

| 24/10/2024
| INDIA – CHINA

After months of clashes with the judiciary, most notably over the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, the government led by Shehbaz Sharif has approved a constitutional amendment empowering a parliamentary committee with appointing the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, hitherto chosen based on seniority. For experts, this is a new attempt to limit the powers to which the opposition can turn to.

| 23/10/2024
| PAKISTAN
Editor's choices
 
The annual document for Pope Francis on initiatives for the prevention of child abuse was presented today. The Commission calls on local Churches to overcome a “culture of silence, a reluctance to report abuse, and a general lack of education and ...
| 29/10/2024
| VATICAN – ASIA
 
by Dario Salvi
AsiaNews met the bishop of Ha Tinh, in the north of the country, among the participants at the Synod that concludes this weekend. Waiting for the signing of full relations between Hanoi and the Holy See. Faith and spirituality are ‘very ...
| 24/10/2024
| VIETNAM
 
by Gianni Criveller
Th, Fr Gianni Criveller, editorial director of AsiaNews, made the comment following the renewal of the Agreement between the Vatican and Beijing on episcopal appointments. Given the lowkey with which the renewal was announced suggests awareness that ...
| 23/10/2024
| VATICAN – CHINA
 
Set for Friday, 25 October, the ordination in the Chinese capital becomes the first appointment (in agreement with Rome) after the renewal of the Agreement on episcopal appointments, expected in the coming days. The new prelate is 54 years old, just ...
| 18/10/2024
| CHINA – VATICAN
 
by Giorgio Bernardelli
Fr Alberto Berra, a PIME missionary in the city of the first atomic bomb in 1945, speaks about the decision to award the prize to the association that gives voice to the victims who still bear the signs of the explosion from almost eighty years ago. ...
| 11/10/2024
| JAPAN
 
Chosen by the Swedish Academy for her ability to deal with "historical traumas” and “the fragility of human life", the 53-year-old author is the first Korean to win the prestigious award. Alongside "The Vegetarian", her most famous novel, ...
| 10/10/2024
| SOUTH KOREA
 
by Nirmala Carvalho
Francis’s decision to choose George Koovakkad, 51, his close aide in organising papal journeys, and not to the new major Archbishop Thattil, means that in a few months this young priest will be the only cardinal elector of this Church of the Eastern ...
| 09/10/2024
| VATICAN – INDIA
 
by Dario Salvi
AsiaNews met with Archbishop Mathieu on the sidelines of the Synod, a few hours before the announcement of his elevation to the rank of cardinal. The appointment shows the pope's "incessant desire" to "weave and strengthen bonds with all peoples." ...
| 07/10/2024
| VATICAN - IRAN
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”