The Nagaland Baptist Church Council has voiced strong opposition to any directive making the singing of 'Vande Mataram' compulsory, especially for Christians. They argue that patriotism should not be reduced to forced conformity and that India's constitutional values of liberty, pluralism, and freedom of conscience must be respected. The council also called for dialogue and sensitivity from state institutions.
Churches across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region have started asking worshippers to fill self-declaration forms, affirming they are attending prayers voluntarily. This move comes after Maharashtra's new anti-conversion law, the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, came into force, leading to concerns among the Christian community about potential harassment and false accusations.
The Meghalaya High Court has ruled that moral objections from church elders and locals cannot be a valid ground to deny the operation of a legally licensed liquor outlet. The court directed authorities to permit a shop owner to operate her IMFL retail outlet, noting she fulfilled all statutory requirements and that the objections were based on moral rather than legal grounds. The ruling also highlighted that a legal outlet could help curb illegal liquor sales.
We check horoscopes. We check family background. We check whether the boy has a 'government job' or the girl 'knows how to cook'. Somewhere in this elaborate audit, nobody thought to ask: Hey, are you both healthy?
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju strongly condemned the alleged desecration of the Indian flag and pro-Khalistan slogans by protesters outside Madison Square Garden in New York, where RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the Indian-American community. Rijiju warned against insulting the nation and its flag, while Bhagwat spoke on unity in diversity.
Two incidents of granite grave slabs being stolen from church cemeteries in Mallappally, Pathanamthitta, have unsettled the community. Police are investigating the thefts, suspecting multiple individuals and a vehicle were involved, and are exploring a possible connection between the two incidents.
Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma met Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. Shah assured that the bill would not be retrospective. Various church and minority organisations have expressed concerns about the bill's impact on NGOs, schools, and healthcare units, urging its withdrawal or referral to a joint parliamentary committee.
A US Congressman has raised serious concerns regarding India's proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), warning that these changes could lead to government takeovers of religious charities and strain bilateral relations.
Southern chief ministers fear population stabilisation could reduce their parliamentary representation and tax devolution benefits.
Senior Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has accused the BJP of attempting to intimidate bishops and church leaders in Kerala to gain their support, asserting that such tactics will not succeed in the state.
Three people were killed and four others injured in an attack by suspected militants in Manipur's Kangpokpi district. The victims were members of the Thadou Baptist Association returning from a religious gathering. The Chief Minister has condemned the violence and assured support for the injured.
An Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholder from the UK has been booked by Pune Police for allegedly attempting to induce people to convert to Christianity. The individual is accused of using religious gatherings to spread misconceptions about Hindu traditions and make superstitious claims to attract followers, violating the Immigration and Foreigners Act 2025 and the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026.
In a unique Kerala wedding, twin brothers married twin sisters, with the entire ceremony, including officiating priests and altar boys, featuring multiple sets of twins.
Polish envoy Piotr Antoni Switalski stated that Poland stands with India in the fight against terrorism, asserting his country's support for India's right to pursue terrorists globally, while also highlighting strong cultural and defence ties between the two nations.
The Supreme Court on Monday asked an apex court-appointed committee to verify claims that around 24,000 families affected by the 2023 Manipur ethnic violence are yet to receive benefits under government rehabilitation and welfare schemes.
India's Ambassador to the US, Vinay Mohan Kwatra, has clarified that the recent amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) are primarily aimed at enhancing transparency and ensuring accountability in foreign financial flows.
Fans, former teammates, and opponents gathered in Milan to bid farewell to Franco Baresi, the iconic AC Milan and Italy defender who passed away at 66. Baresi, a legendary figure in Italian football, was remembered for his illustrious 20-year career with AC Milan and his contributions to the Italian national team.
The government is considering sending 'The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026' to a joint committee of both houses of Parliament for further examination, even as the Congress and some other opposition parties have demanded that it be withdrawn, sources said on Tuesday.
Every day, the older men running our politics keep pushing Gen Z voters further away, observes Binu Alex.
The Nagaland government has postponed its official International Day of Yoga programme from Sunday to Monday following significant opposition from student bodies, tribal organisations, churches, and political groups. These groups cited religious sentiments in the Christian-majority state against holding the event on a Sunday.
The Malankara Orthodox Church opposes the Kerala government's decision to extend bar timings, fearing it will negatively impact the youth. The government defends the decision as a tourism-boosting measure already in place in tourist areas.
Go once. You will know, even before you board the flight home, that you will return.
On Christmas Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the Christmas morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in New Delhi along with a large congregation of Christians from Delhi and north India.
Dutch footballer Cody Gakpo scored a goal at the World Cup against Morocco, immediately breaking down in tears due to the recent loss of his unborn baby boy. His emotional reaction, understood by teammates and visible to his parents in the stands, highlighted the profound personal grief he carried while competing on the global stage, overshadowing the team's eventual defeat.
Christmas was celebrated with devotion and festive gaiety across India, with churches decked in lights, midnight masses, and community events spreading cheer. Leaders extended greetings, and celebrations took place in various states with prayers for peace and harmony.
Christianity came to India long before it came to Europe and the Western world, and India's spiritual landscape, that had always hosted diverse faiths, quickly adopted the religion as its own. A look at 22 historic Indian churches...
Baselios Marthoma Mathews III, head of the Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church, condemns attacks against Christians in India and urges government authorities to control religious fanatics. He highlights the constitutional right to religious freedom and criticizes the silence of governing bodies in the face of increasing attacks.
Shaji Kailas delivers familiar mass moments, but Varavu never rises above its dated revenge formula.
Kin of 2019 Easter Sunday attack victims in Sri Lanka protested against alleged opposition attempts to obstruct ongoing investigations. The protests follow the arrest of former intelligence chief Suresh Sallay and accusations of political conspiracy related to the attacks. The current government has reopened the probe, citing past political interference.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a Christmas morning service at the Cathedral Church of the Redemption in Delhi, joining a large congregation. The service included prayers, carols, and a special prayer for the Prime Minister. The Vice President also extended Christmas greetings.
A devastating landslide at Kalladi near Meppady in Wayanad, Kerala, has resulted in one death and seven missing individuals at a crucial tunnel road project site, with Chief Minister V D Satheesan attributing the tragedy to contractors' failure to heed warnings about accumulated mud.
A Sri Lankan court has imposed an overseas travel ban on former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and two former military officers in connection with ongoing investigations into the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks. The ban was issued after the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) raised concerns that their flight could hamper the probe into the coordinated suicide bombings that killed 270 people. The current government reopened the investigation in late 2024, alleging political influence led to an earlier cover-up.
The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has altered the iconic 'Dancing Girl' figurine from Mohenjo-daro in its new Class 9 arts textbook, covering its bare torso with shading. This change has drawn criticism for misrepresenting the original artefact and sparking a debate on what is considered 'age-appropriate' in educational materials.
At Kolga Aabla, the closest beach to her grandmother's home, at the edge of a birch forest, we immersed her balance ashes. It was a sombre, precious day for both of us. But a day that also brought long-needed closure. My mother's spirit, chained for so many years in a Parkinson's-locked body, was free. But my father came back from the beach a visibly older man.
Suspected militants attacked Kultuh Kuki village in Manipur's Kamjong district, killing two people and burning 30 houses. This incident follows the recovery of six Naga civilians' bodies, believed to be hostages. Security forces are investigating, while the Kuki Baptist Convention and a Congress leader have condemned the violence and criticised the government's response.
One person was killed and his wife injured in a fresh attack in Manipur's Noney district on Wednesday evening, when suspected militants fired on their vehicle, officials said.
A Sri Lankan court has ordered a five-member expert judicial panel to investigate claims of torture made by former state intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, who is currently detained under the anti-terror act and on a hunger strike. Sallay was arrested in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks.
Pope Leo may have traded his life in Chicago for the ornate apartments at the Vatican's apostolic palace, but he still plans to root for his old national team at the World Cup this month.
Sri Lankan opposition leaders are protesting the detention and alleged mistreatment of former state intelligence chief Suresh Sallay, who was hospitalised after a hunger strike. Sallay was arrested in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings investigation, and his wife has raised concerns about his treatment and restricted access.
Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has strongly condemned the "horrific and inhuman" killing of six Nagas in Manipur, demanding immediate action against those responsible. The incident occurred after Naga organisations facilitated the release of 14 hostages, but appeals for the reciprocal release of six Naga hostages allegedly held by the Kuki community ended in tragedy. Rio urged both the Indian and Manipur governments to ensure justice and called for peace and restraint among communities.
