by Purushottam Nayak | INDIA

In Siunaguda, Odisha, a Christian family was denied the right to bury a loved one until they agreed to convert him back to Hinduism. The incident, which is part of a broader pattern of religious discrimination, has raised concern among activists and religious leaders, who slam increasing pressure on Christian minorities in India's states with large tribal communities.


Established by the FABC, the commission is tasked with facilitating collaboration among Asian Churches to translate the path indicated by Pope Francis in their own context. It includes religious and lay people who took part in the Synod in Rome.

| 14/03/2025
| ASIA

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an “enhanced strategic partnership” with Mauritius during a state visit to the Indian Ocean nation, with investments, maritime security agreements, and Indian support for Mauritian sovereignty over the UK-administered Chagos Islands. The visit is part of India’s competition with China for influence in the Indian Ocean.

| 14/03/2025
| INDIAN MANDALA
by Melani Manel Perera

According to the Global Terrorism Index 2025, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP), the island nation is among 63 countries with the lowest level. No attacks have been reported in the last five years. In South Asia, Pakistan ranks first, followed by Afghanistan and Myanmar.

| 14/03/2025
| SRI LANKA
by Fady Noun

Kurdish and Druze conditional reintegration is an important sign for Ahmed al-Sharaa's Syria, despite great fragility. However, the draft constitution recognises Islamic law as the basis of legislation. Meanwhile, Israel tries to temp Druze in Suwayda. Alawite massacres cast a dark shadow.

| 14/03/2025
| LEBANON – ISRAEL – SYRIA
by Steve Suwannarat

The city-state government is launching a 100-local-dollar card to facilitate access to events, exhibitions and initiatives for young and old. It is also a way to support employment in the sector, which is still struggling despite the post-Covid recovery.

| 14/03/2025
| SINGAPORE
by Joseph Masilamany

Hostile and derogatory comments inflame the climate in the country during the holy month of Ramadan (and during Lent). For the police, these are events that threaten ‘national security, economic stability and racial harmony’. The characteristic rituals of the Hindu festival of Thaipusam and the Kavadi Attam dance are in the crosshairs.

| 14/03/2025
| MALAYSIA
Editor's choices
 
by Fr. Bajat Barakash *
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights speaks of over 500 victims in the last two days. The testimony of the Franciscan parish priest of Aleppo: ‘Despite the countless voices calling for a government that represents all components of Syrian ...
| 08/03/2025
| SYRIA
 
by Dario Salvi
AsiaNews interviewed the only woman, a Catholic, on the Committee of Seven set up by President Ahmad al-Sharaa. Amid sanctions and economic crisis, the challenges of reconstruction affect the country and its people. For her, “Syria is not a single ...
| 04/03/2025
| GATEWAY TO THE EAST
 
The gesture took place a few days ago during a visit to Shanghai by a delegation from the diocese of Hong Kong. Card. Chow said: ‘The shrine of Our Lady of Sheshan is of immense importance for the Church in China and it was significant to pray ...
| 03/03/2025
| CHINA
 
While world attention is focused on the synthetic drug from China, a market for illegally produced opioids in India is fuelling a health emergency in Nigeria, Ghana and Ivory Coast. Indian authorities have launched searches and imposed restrictions on ...
| 28/02/2025
| INDIAN MANDALA
 
by Nirmala Carvalho
Robert Naorem presented his collection, which uses the local tradition of hand-weaving to promote indigenous embroidery. He also offered a message of peace for the Indian state shaken by violence between Meitei and Kukis in the past two years. He calls ...
| 27/02/2025
| INDIA – ITALY
 
Despite reports of more people being freed, thousands remain at risk in compounds in Myanmar or even on the Thai border if their governments do not act. Analysts note that some Chinese citizens voluntarily work in online scams. Myanmar’s military ...
| 26/02/2025
| MYANMAR – CHINA – THAILAND
 
The inauguration of a place of worship and pilgrimage four years after the papal visit sends a message. Both Christians and Muslims worry about the pontiff's health. A country’s cultural lasting heritage is a treasure that supports the economy. ...
| 26/02/2025
| IRAQ
 
by Nirmala Carvalho
While the pontiff remains in serious condition at the Gemelli Hospital, people of other religions are joining Christians to pray for him. “May the divine mercies surround Pope Francis for his speedy recovery,” reads a prayer by the secretary ...
| 24/02/2025
| VATICAN – ASIA
“L’Asia: ecco il nostro comune compito per il terzo millennio!” - Giovanni Paolo II, da “Alzatevi, andiamo”