Religion & Education Culture Wars: India’s NCERT is accused of removing “secular” and “secularism” from a Class 9 textbook, with Congress leader Vijay Wadettiwar calling it a bid to “poison” children’s minds. Faith in Daily Life: In a “Dear Eric” column, a non-religious reader asks how to respond when friends request prayers—advice focuses on respectful boundaries and offering support without forcing beliefs. Coexistence Diplomacy: Bahrain’s King Hamad Global Centre for Coexistence and Tolerance highlights religious diversity at an international conference, warning that polarization and hate speech are rising. Art as Witness: Artist Samara Gabriel’s new painting uses a mother holding a baby amid fire and smoke to confront the human cost of conflict and the speed at which digital audiences move on. Civil Society Under Pressure: A coalition of 160+ groups in South Africa says government response to xenophobic violence and migrant displacement is “woefully inadequate.” Policy & Power: New FCRA rules are framed as shifting from regulating money to controlling civil society institutions, while cyber threats against NGOs keep intensifying. Music & Community Life: From free outdoor concerts and early music festivals to local theatre and touring acts, the week’s culture coverage leans heavily into live performance as a social glue. Religion, Space & Belief: Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day” reignites debate over UFOs and what extraterrestrial life could mean for religion. Arts & Housing: Denver’s Santa Fe Arts District sees rapid modular construction for affordable apartments, tying cultural neighborhoods to faster delivery of homes.