St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), a Jesuit-managed institution in Mangaluru, has been granted Category-I status by the University Grants Commission (UGC), marking a major achievement in its 146-year history.

The recognition was awarded on June 20 and places the university among India’s top-performing higher education institutions. Vice Chancellor Fr. Praveen Martis said the honour reflects the university’s long tradition of academic excellence, research, innovation, and service to society.

Category-I is the highest level of autonomy granted by the UGC to universities with strong academic performance, high accreditation standards, and excellent institutional rankings. The recognition also comes at a time when competition among higher education institutions in India is increasing.

St Aloysius is only the second deemed-to-be university in Karnataka to receive this status under the UGC’s graded autonomy framework, introduced in 2018. Across India, there are 1,292 universities, including 157 deemed universities. Only 26 deemed universities have earned Category-I status, making this recognition highly prestigious.

Founded by the Jesuits in 1880, St Aloysius has built a strong reputation through quality teaching, active research, dedicated faculty, and a wide network of alumni across the world.

The new status gives the university greater academic and administrative freedom. It can establish off-campus centres within its jurisdiction, set up research parks, innovation hubs, and incubation centres without prior approval. The recognition also strengthens opportunities for international collaborations, joint research projects, dual-degree programmes, and attracting students from abroad.

University leaders believe this milestone will open new opportunities for academic growth and further strengthen St Aloysius University’s contribution to higher education in India.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI) has called on Catholic churches across India to observe June 28, 2026, as a National Day of Prayer in response to the proposed Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) Amendment Bill.

The bill is expected to be discussed during Parliament’s Monsoon Session, and Church leaders have expressed concern that it could affect the charitable, educational, healthcare, and social service activities carried out by Christian institutions across the country.

In a circular dated June 17, Cardinal Anthony Poola, President of the CBCI, said that the Church in India has always served society, especially the poor and marginalized, inspired by the Gospel values of love, justice, and compassion.

The CBCI has requested all parishes to include special prayers during Holy Mass and organize Eucharistic Adoration, the Rosary, prayer services, and voluntary fasting on June 28. It has also encouraged ecumenical prayer gatherings with members of other Christian denominations.

The circular further asked dioceses, parishes, and Church institutions to prepare memoranda signed by the faithful and other people of goodwill. These memoranda should express concerns about the possible impact of the proposed legislation and may be submitted to the Central Government through local Members of Parliament.

Quoting Philippians 4:6, Cardinal Poola reminded the faithful not to be anxious but to present their concerns to God through prayer and thanksgiving. He described prayer as a peaceful and democratic way of expressing concern.

The CBCI also requested that the circular be translated into regional languages and read in all churches on June 21 to encourage the participation of the faithful in the nationwide observance.

Pope Leo XIV has appointed Father Anand David Xalxo as the new Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Ranchi. The appointment marks an important milestone in the life and ministry of the 51-year-old priest, who has served the archdiocese in several key roles.

Bishop-elect Anand David Xalxo is currently the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Ranchi and the parish priest of St. Mary’s Cathedral.

Born on November 20, 1975, in Mandar, near Ranchi, he completed his early education in his hometown. He began his priestly formation at St. John Vianney Minor Seminary in Kolkata and later continued his studies at St. Albert’s College and St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi. He completed his theological studies at St. Albert’s College and was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Ranchi on May 15, 2006.

After his ordination, Fr. Xalxo served as the private secretary to Cardinal Telesphore Toppo. He later pursued postgraduate studies in hospital administration in Mangaluru.

During his priestly ministry, he held several important positions, including Associate Director of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India Society for Medical Education in North India and Secretary to the Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India in New Delhi. He also served as Public Relations Officer, administrator of the Archbishop’s House, and director of various pastoral and social ministries in Ranchi. Since 2024, he has been serving as the Vicar General of the Archdiocese. His appointment as Auxiliary Bishop is expected to strengthen the pastoral mission of the Archdiocese of Ranchi.

India has launched Operation Amistad, a major humanitarian mission to assist Venezuela after powerful earthquakes caused widespread destruction and loss of life.

As part of the mission, the Indian Air Force deployed two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft carrying emergency relief supplies, medical equipment, and a team of healthcare professionals. The aircraft travelled nearly 14,000 kilometres to deliver aid to the earthquake-affected country.

India has sent more than 35 tonnes of humanitarian assistance, including medicines, medical equipment, and other essential supplies needed for emergency relief operations. The mission also includes a 41-member Indian Army medical team trained to provide healthcare during disasters. The team will support local hospitals and treat people injured in the earthquake.

A key part of the mission is the deployment of two BHISHM Cubes, portable field hospital units that can be quickly set up in disaster-hit areas. These advanced medical units can together treat up to 200 patients and provide emergency healthcare where hospitals have been damaged or are overcrowded.

Operation Amistad highlights India’s growing role in international humanitarian assistance. Over the years, India has responded to several global emergencies by sending relief materials, rescue teams, and medical support to countries affected by natural disasters.

The name “Amistad,” which means “friendship,” reflects the spirit of solidarity behind the mission. By sending medical teams, relief supplies, and advanced healthcare facilities, India has extended a helping hand to Venezuela during a difficult time.

The mission demonstrates India’s commitment to international cooperation and humanitarian service, bringing hope and support to people working to rebuild their lives after the devastating earthquake.

The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) released the Indian edition of Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas at the Apostolic Nunciature in New Delhi on June 10, 2026.

The first copy was formally handed over by Msgr. Andrea Francia, Chargé d’affaires a.i. of the Apostolic Nunciature in India, to Rev. Dr. Stephen Alathara, Deputy Secretary General of the CCBI, during a brief ceremony at the Nunciature. Ms Caroline Bussutti and Sr. Reema Martin O.SS.S. were also present.

Issued by Pope Leo XIV on May 25, 2026, Magnifica Humanitas reflects on the growing influence of artificial intelligence and its impact on human life. The encyclical discusses how rapid technological development affects human dignity, work, solidarity, ethics, and the common good.

Drawing on the Church’s social teaching tradition, the document builds on earlier encyclicals such as Rerum Novarum, Centesimus Annus, and Laudato Si’. It calls for a human-centred approach to technology, insisting that innovation should serve people, protect dignity, and contribute to a more just and compassionate society.

The CCBI said the Indian edition has been published to make the Pope’s teaching on artificial intelligence more accessible to the faithful, educators, policymakers, and others involved in shaping technology and society.

The release comes at a time when questions about AI ethics, employment, privacy, and human responsibility are becoming increasingly important across the world.

Visakhapatnam, June 7, 2026: Archbishop Prakash Mallavarapu, Archbishop Emeritus of Visakhapatnam and a respected leader of the Catholic Church in India, passed away on June 7, 2026, at a private hospital in Visakhapatnam. He was 77 years old.

The Archbishop had been admitted to St. Joseph’s Hospital in May due to severe breathing difficulties and was later transferred to Medicover Hospital for specialized treatment. After showing signs of recovery and being discharged, his health suddenly worsened because of acute respiratory distress. He passed away peacefully in the early hours of Sunday.

Born on January 29, 1949, in Nizamabad, Telangana, Archbishop Prakash pursued his priestly formation at St. Peter’s Minor Seminary and the Papal Seminary in Pune. He was ordained a priest on October 11, 1979.

During his long ministry, he served in several important roles in the Church. He was Bishop of Cuddapah from 1998 to 2002, Bishop of Vijayawada from 2002 to 2012, and Archbishop of Visakhapatnam from 2012 until his retirement in 2024. He also served as Apostolic Administrator of Srikakulam and held many leadership positions at regional and national levels.

One of his most notable responsibilities was serving as Secretary General of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) from 2005 to 2011. He also chaired several commissions related to healthcare, education, theology, and pastoral ministry.

Archbishop Prakash Mallavarapu will be remembered for his dedicated service, intellectual leadership, and commitment to the growth of the Church in India. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced shortly.

Indian women’s football star Grace Dangmei has announced her retirement from professional football, bringing to a close an outstanding 13-year career that inspired countless young athletes across the country.

Dangmei, who comes from Dimdailong village in Manipur’s Churachandpur district, shared her decision after helping India win the SAFF Women’s Championship. In an emotional message, she said it was difficult to say goodbye to a sport she loved deeply and expressed gratitude for the support she received throughout her journey.

A member of the Rongmei Catholic community, Grace is the daughter of Simon Dangmei, a catechist of St. Ignatius Parish, Bishnupur, and Rita Dangmei. Church and community leaders praised her dedication, humility, and achievements, describing her as a role model for young people, especially girls.

Grace began her football career in 2013 and went on to become one of India’s most respected women footballers. She made 96 appearances for the national team and scored 24 international goals. Her performances earned her several honours, including AIFF Emerging Player of the Year, Indian Women’s League Emerging Player, and FPAI Indian Player of the Year in 2023.

She represented leading clubs such as KRYPHSA, Sethu FC, Gokulam Kerala, and Sribhumi. In 2022, she also played for FC Nasaf Karshi in Uzbekistan, helping the club win both league and cup titles.

As Grace Dangmei retires from international football, she leaves behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and excellence. Her journey from a small village in Manipur to the international stage continues to inspire aspiring athletes across India.

A nationwide citizens’ tribunal held in New Delhi has heard testimonies of violence, social boycott, and discrimination faced by Christians in different parts of India. The People’s Tribunal on Violence Against Christians in India was convened on June 1 at the Constitution Club by Karwan-e-Mohabbat and a group of concerned citizens.

The tribunal followed field visits to Chhattisgarh and Odisha, where members met many affected families. Survivors, lawyers, researchers, and human rights defenders shared accounts of increasing hostility, especially against Adivasi and Dalit Christians.

Evidence presented included attacks on churches and prayer meetings, intimidation of pastors and worshippers, forced displacement from villages, denial of burial rights, and economic boycotts. Testimonies also described arrests under anti-conversion laws and a growing atmosphere of fear.

Several speakers expressed concern over what they called institutional failure. They pointed to the low number of police complaints registered despite numerous reported incidents and alleged delays in investigations. Some survivors said that police filed cases against victims or pressured communities into compromise agreements.

Participants also highlighted the denial of burial rights, describing incidents where funeral processions were obstructed and Christian families were prevented from burying their loved ones according to their faith traditions.

The tribunal concluded that these incidents should not be seen as isolated events but as part of a broader pattern that threatens constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and equal citizenship. It called on citizens, institutions, and governments to take urgent steps to protect the rights and dignity of religious minorities in India.

Catholics in Mumbai have strongly condemned the vandalism of a roadside statue of Jesus Christ in the Parel suburb and have demanded strict action against those responsible. The statue, located outside Holy Cross Church, was damaged by unidentified persons on June 7.

The incident caused deep hurt among parishioners who regularly gathered at the site for prayer and devotion. Church leaders described the act as an attack not only on a religious symbol but also on the faith and sentiments of the Christian community.

The Archdiocese of Bombay issued a statement expressing deep concern and condemning the desecration. It said such incidents are not isolated acts of mischief but targeted attacks that threaten the spirit of peaceful coexistence for which Mumbai is known.

The latest attack comes less than a month after a roadside Cross near the historic St. John the Baptist Church in Andheri East was vandalized twice. Following those incidents, police had taken steps to protect several roadside crosses in the area.

Roadside crosses and statues have long been part of Mumbai’s Catholic heritage, dating back to the Portuguese era. They are not only objects of devotion but also symbols of history, identity, and community life.

The Archdiocese has called for a thorough investigation and urged the authorities to ensure the protection of all places of worship. Catholic organizations and community leaders warned that repeated attacks on religious symbols could disturb communal harmony.

They appealed to all citizens to uphold Mumbai’s values of pluralism, tolerance, and mutual respect.

India is set to introduce artificial intelligence (AI) and computational thinking in schools from Grade 3 beginning with the 2026–27 academic year. While the move aims to prepare students for a technology-driven future, education experts are urging caution and calling for stronger ethical safeguards.

The Ministry of Education has described AI as a “basic universal skill” necessary for future-ready learning. However, many believe that children should first understand the limits and risks of AI before depending on it.

Recent studies show that children are adopting AI tools rapidly. A 2025 survey across 10 Indian states found that 35 percent of students using educational technology already use generative AI for learning. Yet, nearly 75 percent mistakenly believe AI works just like an internet search engine.

Experts warn that using AI without proper understanding could weaken important skills such as critical thinking, concentration, fact-checking, and independent judgment.

Concerns have also been raised about India’s preparedness. Official figures show that around one-third of schools still lack adequate computer or internet facilities, while more than 100,000 schools continue to function with only one teacher.

International organisations such as UNESCO have stressed the importance of teacher training, ethical guidelines, and age-appropriate use of AI in classrooms. They recommend that younger children focus on computational thinking, creativity, and responsible technology use rather than becoming dependent on generative AI tools.

Educators say the goal should not simply be teaching children how to use AI, but helping them become wise, responsible, and thoughtful individuals who can use technology for the common good.