Asia

Forced conversions, child labour trap Pak’s minority children

A Pakistan government report reveals widespread discrimination and abuse against minority children, especially Christians and Hindus. Issues include forced conversions, child marriages, and bonded labour. Despite urgent calls for reform, progress remains limited due to lack of political will and systemic neglect.

2025-08-10T07:55:12.763970+00:00 IST

Iran vows to block US-brokered Caucasus corridor plan

Iran has vowed to block a US-brokered Caucasus corridor between Armenia and Azerbaijan, calling it a threat to its security. Tehran opposes foreign interference near its borders, while Russia and Turkey express cautious support for the peace deal aiming to stabilize the region, Al Jazeera reported.

2025-08-10T07:41:06.982342+00:00 IST

Two killed in Karachi accident as mob burns seven dumper trucks

Two siblings were killed and their father injured in a Karachi road accident involving a dumper. The incident sparked protests and mob violence, with several dumpers set on fire. Police arrested 14 suspects and are investigating, as traffic accidents involving heavy vehicles rise in the city.

2025-08-10T07:30:36.458694+00:00 IST

Monsoon rains in Pakistan’s Punjab raise death toll to 166

Two more people died in Punjab due to heavy monsoon rains, raising the death toll to 166. Several cities experienced flooding and power outages. Authorities warned of low-level river flooding and urged residents to avoid water bodies and stay alert, with safety measures already in place.

2025-08-10T06:58:22.899465+00:00 IST

Nepal: Gai Jatra observed to commemorate memory of loved ones

Thousands in Kathmandu dressed as cows took part in the Gai Jatra festival, honoring those who died in the past year. The tradition helps souls reach heaven and includes music, drama, and family offerings. It is mainly observed by Newari and Tharu communities in Nepal.

2025-08-10T06:29:53.501516+00:00 IST

Bangladesh to buy 40,000 body cameras for February election

Bangladesh's Interim Government plans to buy 40,000 body-worn cameras for police to boost security at vulnerable polling stations in the February election. Officials aim to train police by October and launch an Election App to provide voter information and complaint features.

2025-08-10T05:40:03.436911+00:00 IST

Afghanistan: SC carries out 340 discretionary punishments

Afghanistan's Supreme Court has carried out 340 discretionary punishments across 27 provinces, following Islamic Sharia law. The court dismissed international criticism, while some legal experts raised concerns about offenders' rights and rehabilitation under the current enforcement system.

2025-08-10T05:09:54.288040+00:00 IST

Three Thai soldiers injured by landmine near Cambodia border

Three Thai soldiers were injured by a landmine near the Cambodia border, days after a ceasefire was agreed following deadly clashes. Thailand blames Cambodia for planting mines, while Cambodia denies this, saying old mines caused the injuries. Both countries agreed to ASEAN inspections to prevent further conflict.

2025-08-10T04:41:22.782789+00:00 IST

Syria’s govt rejects Paris talks, demands dialogue in Damascus

Syria's new government refused to join planned talks with the Kurdish-led SDF in Paris, demanding negotiations happen in Damascus. Tensions rise after clashes and a Kurdish conference calling for decentralization. The SDF accused government-backed groups of repeated attacks, threatening trust between the parties.

2025-08-10T04:25:43.238146+00:00 IST

IDF launches surprise "Dawn" drill amid ongoing operations

The Israel Defense Forces launched a surprise exercise called "Dawn" to test their readiness for large-scale attacks. The drill includes multiple scenarios across various war zones. This comes as the IDF continues operations, including a recent strike on a Hezbollah terrorist in southern Lebanon.

2025-08-10T04:09:26.006231+00:00 IST

Afghanistan adopts new plan to regulate mining, boost economy

Afghanistan's Ministry of Mines aims to stop illegal mining and boost the economy by attracting skilled investors. They focus on job creation, local processing of minerals, and strict contract awards. Experts say foreign investment in processing will help reduce unemployment and support economic self-reliance.

2025-08-10T03:53:01.503956+00:00 IST

Pak SC to hear Imran Khan’s bail appeals in May 9 cases

The Supreme Court will hear Imran Khan's appeals against the Lahore High Court's bail denial in May 9 violence cases. Khan denies involvement, calling the charges politically motivated and based on weak evidence, urging the court to grant him bail.

2025-08-10T03:36:36.968812+00:00 IST

Six Lebanese soldiers killed in blast amid Hezbollah disarmament

At least six Lebanese soldiers were killed in a blast while inspecting a weapons depot in southern Lebanon. The army, working with UN peacekeepers to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure, reported injuries and launched an investigation, Al Jazeera reported.

2025-08-10T02:37:33.902957+00:00 IST

Iran accused of mass Afghan deportations without checks

Iranian social workers allege Afghan migrants are being deported without verifying legal status, causing mistaken identities, family separations and abuse. Over a million have been expelled in 100 days, with reports of violence, prompting rights groups to seek lawful, humane deportations and protection for vulnerable groups, Khaama Press reported.

2025-08-10T02:22:36.072322+00:00 IST

Pakistan loses over ₹1,240 crore after airspace ban on Indian fli

According to Dawn, the closure, which Islamabad claimed was in retaliation to India's suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty on April 23, came into effect from April 24, when Pakistan withdrew overflight permission for all Indian-registered aircraft and those operated, owned, or leased by Indian carriers.

2025-08-10T01:45:46.752475+00:00 IST

US blocked Afghan FM’s visit to Pakistan over UN travel ban waive

According to Dawn, Muttaqi was scheduled to visit Pakistan on August 4 as part of a recent push to improve relations between Kabul and Islamabad. The engagement followed Pakistani Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar's earlier visit to Kabul, which had been facilitated by China.

2025-08-10T01:16:03.815071+00:00 IST

"People importing from Russia are objecting to us for importing f

Naidu also said that India would not "compromise or succumb to pressure from anybody" despite tensions with Washington over Russian crude purchases and the recent imposition of additional US tariffs on Indian goods.

2025-08-10T00:44:34.403841+00:00 IST

Bangkok-bound train derails in Thailand’s Prachuap Khiri Khan

According to The Bangkok Post, the special express train No. 38/46, consisting of 12 carriages, was travelling from Su-ngai Kolok district in Narathiwat province to Krungthep Aphiwat (Bang Sue) station in Bangkok when the accident occurred.

2025-08-10T00:18:34.142868+00:00 IST

China issues Level IV emergency flood response in multiple region

According to Global Times, the emergency response was activated for Jiangsu, Anhui, Hubei, and Chongqing at 3:00 pm (local time) on Saturday, with work teams dispatched to Anhui and Hubei to assist local authorities in flood prevention.

2025-08-10T00:18:02.267361+00:00 IST

London Police arrest over 300 at pro-Palestine Action protest

According to Al Jazeera, footage on social media showed officers removing demonstrators sitting across the square and holding placards that read, "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action." Organisers from advocacy group Defend our Juries wrote on X, "The people are collectively opposing the genocide in Gaza and the Palestine Action ban."

2025-08-09T20:13:58.566220+00:00 IST

EAM Jaishankar congratulates Armenian FM on historic peace accord

The peace agreement, brokered by the United States, ends decades of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave. The deal was hailed by US President Donald Trump as a major diplomatic breakthrough that would boost regional stability and open opportunities for trade and investment.

2025-08-09T20:12:04.664644+00:00 IST