Guided by ‘zakat’, a village funds its road and bridge

LUCKNOW - Guided by ‘zakat’ - charity as envisaged by the Quran - villagers of Muslim-dominated Shirajpur in Uttar Pradesh have repaired roads, dug wells, established schools and are now building a bridge.

Health care overhaul fight exposes rift pitting Catholic bishops against nuns and hospitals

Health care overhaul fight exposes Catholic rift

Pravin Togadia prevented from entering Kandhamal

BHUBANESWAR - Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) international general secretary Praveen Togadia was Friday stopped by police on his way to Kandhamal district in Orissa.

Moderate, Western-educated Islamic scholar named Egypt’s new top cleric

Islamic scholar named Egypt’s new top cleric

Muslim law board to oppose any anti-Shariat law

LUCKNOW - In a major development, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) resolved Friday evening to oppose any court verdict that goes against the tenets of the Islamic Shariat.

Pope signs letter on child abuse cases in Ireland

VATICAN CITY - Pope Benedict XVI Friday signed a highly anticipated pastoral letter to Catholics in Ireland dealing with a child sex abuse scandal involving priests, the Vatican said.

Turkey indicts 33 more, including military officers, in alleged plot to overthrow government

Turkey indicts 33 in alleged coup plot

ANKARA, Turkey — Authorities have indicted 33 people in an alleged secularist plot to destabilize Turkey and overthrow the government.

No cut in duration of Amarnath pilgrimage

JAMMU - Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has pledged to keep the duration of the annual Hindu Amarnath pilgrimage two months long, rejecting a separatist leader’s request to cut it short.

First summit of religious leaders on AIDS in Netherlands

NEW DELHI - Some 40 Baha’, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh religious leaders will meet to discuss the HIV and AIDS in the Netherlands March 22-23.