Asia

Indian Naval Ship Sandhayak visits Singapore on its National Day 

Indian Naval Ship Sandhayak, the first indigenous Survey Vessel Large (SVL) with state-of-the-art hydrography capability, entered Singapore on the occasion of its National Day today for a three-day visit.

2025-08-09T17:19:40.017923+00:00 IST

Putin-Trump Summit: "Definitely" have an impact on India

"India has to keep a very close watch on what happens on August 15. Anything can happen, there can be negotiations. Donald Trump has said that there will be talks on territory...Both Russia and Ukraine will have to compromise... If peace is established between Russia and America, there is normalisaton of ties-- it will have a global impact. It will definitely have an impact on India. It will have an impact on Europe and on Ukraine," Saran said.

2025-08-09T16:57:55.544180+00:00 IST

India welcomes meeting between US, Russia on Aug 15

India on Saturday welcomed the understanding reached between the United States and the Russian Federation for a meeting in Alaska on August 15.

2025-08-09T14:57:37.206635+00:00 IST

China’s lower Yarlung Tsangpo Dam could tip geopolitical scales 

China's aggressive push to construct the world's largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo is more than a developmental project; it's a strategic weapon in Beijing's escalating water war against South Asia, reports Borderlens.

2025-08-09T13:57:31.174754+00:00 IST

China to drop Tibetan as core subject in university entrance exam

Beijing's push to intensify Sinicization across the Tibetan Plateau has taken a significant step forward, with the Communist Party of China's top Tibetan leader announcing that the Tibetan language will no longer be a core subject in the region's national college entrance examination for most students, Tibetan Review reported on August 7, citing the Financial Times.

2025-08-09T12:02:42.362608+00:00 IST

Taiwan tightens rules for Chinese Nationals

Chinese nationals applying for permanent residency in Taiwan through family-based channels will soon have to prove they have renounced their Chinese passports, under a draft amendment from Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior (MOI), Focus Taiwan reported.

2025-08-09T11:42:30.566628+00:00 IST

Amnesty exposes Pakistan’s discrimination against sanitation work

Amnesty International's report reveals severe caste and religion-based discrimination against Pakistan's sanitation workers, mainly Christians and Hindus. They face hazardous work, low pay, job insecurity, and social stigma, with little legal protection, highlighting systemic human rights violations and exploitation.

2025-08-09T09:40:39.359582+00:00 IST

Tablighi Jamaat’s grip on KP fuels concerns of radicalisation

The rise of the Tablighi Jamaat in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is changing Pashtun culture, promoting strict religious rules, and preparing followers for extremism. Critics say it weakens Pashtun identity and nationalism, helping the Pakistani state control the region and support Islamist groups like the Taliban.

2025-08-09T09:12:03.029491+00:00 IST

Afghanistan faces power crisis as electricity imports decline

Afghanistan's electricity imports from Tajikistan have dropped, causing shortages in Kabul. Despite using thermal generators, supply lasts only 12-13 hours daily. Officials urge large investments in domestic energy. A $10 billion plan for 10,000 MW renewable projects was recently signed to address the crisis.

2025-08-09T08:40:04.173248+00:00 IST

Afghan mothers in Chagai fear Pakistan’s mass deportations

Afghan refugee mothers in Pakistan's Chagai district fear forced deportation after their protective PoR cards expired. They face losing safety, education, and dignity in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, while aid cuts and police raids worsen conditions. Human rights groups condemn Pakistan's actions as inhumane.

2025-08-09T08:33:10.390348+00:00 IST

IOM sounds alarm over 1.5 million Afghan deportations in 2025

Afghanistan faces a major crisis as 1.5 million migrants, nearly half women and girls, are forcibly deported from neighboring countries in 2025. The UN warns of increased risks like poverty and violence, while the caretaker government denies these concerns, claiming women's rights are protected.

2025-08-09T08:11:19.466429+00:00 IST

KKH protest disrupts Pak-China trade over PoGB tax dispute

Protests on the Karakoram Highway have halted trade between Pakistan and China for 20 days, opposing taxation and customs delays in Pakistan-occupied Gilgit-Baltistan (PoGB). Protesters demand tax exemptions and clearance of stuck goods, warning of escalation if their legal demands are not met.

2025-08-09T07:53:01.867525+00:00 IST

Balochistan internet ban hits education, business, and press

Internet in Balochistan has been suspended until August 31 to curb armed groups' communication, disrupting education, businesses, and media. The move faces criticism from students, entrepreneurs, journalists, and human rights groups, who call it a violation of civil liberties and harmful to the region's economy and access to information.

2025-08-09T07:24:24.828330+00:00 IST

"The most socialist president in the history of the US": MJ Akbar

Former MoS MJ Akbar said President Trump might be seen as the most socialist US president for challenging free trade and promoting protectionism, calling it a "socialist response" to competition with capitalist products seen during the Cold War and Soviet Union era.

2025-08-09T07:19:54.347131+00:00 IST

Nepal observes Janai Purnima with ritual bath, thread changing

Nepal is celebrating Janai Purnima, a festival where Hindu devotees perform ritual baths and tie sacred threads--"Janai" across the body and "Rakshya Bandhan" on the wrist. The festival honors traditions, offers protection, and includes fairs and special foods like Kwanti soup.

2025-08-09T06:30:12.258545+00:00 IST

Surge in Afghan women asylum seekers reported in Germany

Germany has seen a sharp rise in asylum applications from Afghan women due to Taliban repression and EU rulings recognising gender-based persecution. Over 9,500 women have sought refuge this year, with experts warning that international support is needed to handle the growing number of vulnerable refugees.

2025-08-09T06:26:37.574925+00:00 IST

Sindh High Court extends suspension of K-Electric CEO removal

The Sindh High Court extended the interim suspension of K-Electric CEO Moonis Alvi's removal over workplace harassment allegations until September 12. Alvi challenged the ombudsman's decision, citing jurisdiction issues, while the complainant seeks to set aside the court's interim order.

2025-08-09T06:26:28.712062+00:00 IST

EAM Jaishankar congratulates Singapore on 60th National Day

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar congratulated Singapore on its 60th National Day, highlighting the strong friendship and broad cooperation between India and Singapore.

2025-08-09T04:02:14.901356+00:00 IST

“Very crucial time in world affairs”: Foreign affairs expert

Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev said PM Modi's call with President Putin comes at a crucial time, signaling a new world order. He highlighted India's independent foreign policy and its strategic partnership with Russia amid US tariffs and the Ukraine conflict deadline.

2025-08-09T03:45:41.155831+00:00 IST

UN Women warns of urgent aid for returning Afghan women, girls

UN Women has warned that Afghan women and girls returning from Iran and Pakistan face urgent humanitarian needs, including shelter, healthcare, and education. Khaama Press reported that aid cuts are worsening poverty, violence, and restrictions, with officials calling for greater international support to help them rebuild their lives.

2025-08-09T03:08:16.919197+00:00 IST

PTI leaders Omar Ayub Khan, Shibli Faraz disqualified over riots

Pakistan's NA Opposition Leader Omar Ayub Khan and Senate Opposition Leader Shibli Faraz were disqualified by the ECP over May 9 riot convictions. The Peshawar High Court has halted action against them, while several other PTI leaders face similar disqualifications and prison terms of up to 10 years.

2025-08-09T02:57:07.829350+00:00 IST