India’s Catholic church prepares to prevent scandals

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM - Catholic leaders in India are drawing up procedures to prevent scandals and tackle them if they happen, though the country has been spared the child abuse controversies rocking the church in Western countries, Christian leaders say.

Postelection court order disqualifies Iraqi candidates, risks longer delays for new government

Iraqi court bans candidates in election disarray

Iran’s opposition leader says corrupt dictatorship is ruling country in the name of Islam

Iran’s opposition leader assails ruling clerics

Leaked memo will not affect Pope’s Britain visit: Vatican

Vatican City, April 26 (IANS/AKI) The Vatican has said there will be no changes to Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Britain in September despite an embarrassing memo that has apparently mocked the pontiff.

Sikhs celebrate Vaisakhi in Malaysia

GEORGE TOWN - Thousands of Sikhs were joined by tourists at the annual Vasakhi Fest held in Malaysia’s Penang state to mark Vaisakhi, the harvesting festival.

Millions throng Mathura, Vrindavan for special prayers

MATHURA/VRINDAVAN - Lakhs of pilgrims have gathered at the temple towns of Mathura and Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh for special rituals this month, also called ‘Purushottam Mas’, which is an extra month added to the Hindu calender and is considered auspicious.