The water management project for the Himalayan river is back at the centre of discussions between Bangladesh, China and India. The Bangladeshi government, currently led by Tarique Rahman, is seeking support from Beijing, reigniting tensions with New Delhi over water resources and Chinese influence in the region. At stake are 1.5 million tonnes of rice a year that Dhaka loses due to poor irrigation.
The prelate last week addressed the plenary session of the Australian Catholic Bishops' Conference (ACBC), highlighting his country’s multiple challenges, from earthquakes and healthcare to war and the economy. He bore witness to the devastation caused by the 2021 military coup while reiterating the strength of the local Catholic community. The US State Department acknowledges religious persecution.
The historic Orthodox church of Agios Nikolaos will become a public library. According to scholars, the building’s remarkable architecture offers a unique atmosphere for reading. Meanwhile, Bartholomew I has announced for September the reopening of the historic seminary with a grand ceremony, but its future use remains uncertain.
Capital Day provided an opportunity to celebrate the efforts that, during the years of the terrible Stalinist dictatorship, made it possible to build one of Central Asia’s most beautiful cities on a desert plateau. Today, its modern buildings project it into the future.
Today’s headlines: shots fired in the Philippine Senate where a pro-Duterte senator attempts to evade an International Criminal Court warrant; Israel set for early parliamentary elections in early September; Satheesan chosen by the Congress Party as chief minister of Kerala; North Korea has earned billion over three years by sending its troops to the war in Ukraine.
A bill before the Knesset has passed first reading, granting Israel control over antiquities in the Palestinian territories, where violence settler continues. For Prof Sabella, a climate of insecurity is pushing families to leave. Jewish schools are fuelling an anti-Christian ideology. From Gaza and Iran to Lebanon, the trauma caused by wars must be overcome.
