Democracy in decline worldwide

For the first time since 2004, the Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) has recorded more autocratic states than democracies around the world. Civil society activists often represent the last bastion of resistance. Autocracies such as Russia and China on the one hand; democracies like the USA or Germany on the other. Is that the great conflict

Thousands in India gather for Magh Mela festival amid COVID surge – DW News

In northern India, tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims have gathered for a festival, despite a huge jump in COVID-19 infections. The Magh Mela festival, which includes bathing in the Ganges river, is one of the holiest pilgrimages in the Hindu faither. Last year’s festival was described as a COVID-19 ‘superspreader’ event. How are pilgrims

The ongoing challenges to democracy in Asia – DW News

Many regions in Asia saw challenges to their democratic form of governance in 2021. But there were always people who stood up to abuses of power. We look at how in Myanmar, Hong Kong, India and the Philippines.

India monks call for ‘Muslim genocide’ in hate speech summit

Outrage as far-right religious and political groups seek Rohingya-like mass murder and exodus of Indian Muslims, in presence of the leaders of ruling BJP, in a three-day Hindutva conclave held in northern Haridwar city. Leaders of several far-right groups with ties to the ruling Narendra Modi’s government have called for ethnic cleansing of minorities in

Putin heads to India with eye on military, energy ties – France24

Russian President Vladimir #Putin will arrive in #India on Monday for just his second overseas trip since the pandemic, seeking to bolster military and energy ties with a traditional ally being courted by #Washington. FRANCE 24’s Chief Foreign Editor Rob Parsons tells us more.

India to repeal controversial farming laws following persistent protests – DW News

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Friday in an address to the nation that he will be repealing three controversial farm laws. Farmers in the northern part of the country have been protesting against the laws for over a year. The announcement came on the day of Guru Nanak Jayanti, a celebration of the birthday

Indian police arrest seven for ‘celebrating’ Pakistan cricket win

Young Muslims face charges including ‘promoting enmity’ after match at T20 World Cup in Dubai Indian police have arrested seven Muslim youths for allegedly celebrating Pakistan’s victory over India in a cricket match on Sunday. Uttar Pradesh’s chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, a senior Bharatiya Janata party figure, said in a tweet that the three may be charged

US to use Pakistan’s airspace for counter-terrorism in Afghanistan, may sign a deal – WION

According to US media reports, the Joe Biden administration is close to a formal agreement with Pakistan to use its airspace to conduct military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan.

Many Indians unlikely to be fully vaccinated by year-end despite ample COVID shots

Tens of millions of Indian adults are unlikely to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the end of 2021, despite ample supplies, due to an unusually large gap between the doses of the most widely-used vaccine and growing complacency as cases fall. The locally-produced AstraZeneca (AZN.L) vaccine which is known as Covishield has a 12 to 16

The Hindu Extremists at War With Interfaith Love – VICE News

Hindu nationalist vigilanties believe India is in the grips of an Islamic plot called “Love Jihad”. They work with police to track down interfaith couples, and “rescue” Hindu women who’ve been allegedly seduced into marriage and forced religious conversion.