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Ayodhya: a defining moment for India

A grand new Hindu temple sits on a disputed site, exposing India's religious fault-line. The Ram Mandir temple fulfils a dream for many Hindus, but has alienated India's Muslims.

Kate Adie presents stories from India, Bangladesh, the US, Switzerland and Finland.

This week, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, opened a grand Hindu temple in the northern city of Ayodhya. The site on which it sits was once home to a centuries-old mosque which was demolished by a Hindu mob thirty years ago. Yogita Limaye reflects on the impact of the new temple, which fulfils a dream for many Hindus, but has alienated much of India's Muslim minority.

Samira Hussain attends a press conference in Bangladesh, soon after Sheikh Hasina was returned to power for a fourth consecutive term as prime minister. With voter turnout at almost half that of the previous election, Samira explores why Bangladeshi voters are feeling despondent, amid claims of growing autocracy in the country.

After securing victory in the Republican primary in New Hampshire, Donald Trump is currently in a strong position to clinch the party's presidential nomination. Within his base is a sizeable contingent of evangelical Christians. Mike Wendling met with some of them, to hear how they have become a political force.

China's human rights record has been under the microscope at the UN in Geneva this week. It's attracted particular interest as, since the last review, China has faced criticism for its continued repression of Uyghur Muslims, while clamping down on democratic freedoms in Hong Kong. Micky Bristow was there to watch proceedings.

And John Kampfner visits one of the world's last remaining museums dedicated to Vladimir Lenin. Located in the Finnish city of Tampere, it tells the story of the complex relationship between Finland and Russia over the last century.

Series Producer: Serena Tarling
Production Coordinator: Gemma Ashman
Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

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28 minutes

Last on

Sat 27 Jan 2024 11:30

Broadcast

  • Sat 27 Jan 2024 11:30