Asia

Radically improve ease of doing business: Anand Mahindra

"Two strong steps we can take today are: 1. Radically Improve Ease of Doing Business --India must go beyond incremental reform and create a genuinely effective single-window clearance system for all investment proposals. --While states control many investment regulations, we can begin with a coalition of willing states aligning with a national single-window platform. --If we demonstrate speed, simplicity, and predictability, we can make India an irresistible destination for global capital in a world seeking trusted partners," his post read.

2025-08-06T16:48:26.624174+00:00 IST

Bangladesh Chief Adviser’s office asks poll body to hold election

Bangladesh's Chief Adviser's Office has formally requested the Election Commission to hold National Parliament elections before Ramadan in February 2026, stressing the need for free, fair, peaceful, and festive polls with full government support, as pledged by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus in his recent national address.

2025-08-06T16:43:53.340900+00:00 IST

Human Rights Watch urges UN action on Taliban rights abuses

Human Rights Watch said the world has failed to act against Taliban abuses since 2021, urging the UN to set up an independent body to investigate violations. It warned that global inaction is worsening Afghanistan's crisis and risks legitimizing Taliban rule.

2025-08-06T16:40:46.889129+00:00 IST

"Unfair, unjustified and unreasonable": MEA on US tariffs

"We reiterate that these actions are unfair, unjustified and unreasonable. India will take all actions necessary to protect its national interests," the MEA said.

2025-08-06T16:05:29.353442+00:00 IST

India and Russia sign protocol to boost industrial ties

Key focus areas included cooperation in aerospace science and technology, including the establishment of a modernised wind tunnel facility, production of small aircraft piston engines, and joint development in carbon fibre technology, additive manufacturing, and 3D printing. Both sides also explored opportunities in rare earth and critical minerals extraction, underground coal gasification, and the creation of modern industrial infrastructure.

2025-08-06T15:20:25.594700+00:00 IST

Nepal law minister denies any move to legalise polygamy

Nepal's Minister for Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, on Wednesday assured lawmakers that no bill, including those relating to polygamy, will be presented in Parliament.

2025-08-06T15:10:37.603880+00:00 IST

EAM Jaishankar meets young Nepalese leaders

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday met with a delegation of young political leaders from Nepal, underscoring the deep-rooted people-to-people linkages and close cooperation between the two nations.

2025-08-06T15:00:19.765362+00:00 IST

"India can be proud of its rise under PM Modi": Marcos

Philippines' President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., on a state visit to India, expressed sympathy for Uttarakhand flood victims, honoured Mahatma Gandhi, and discussed defence, security, and business cooperation with Indian leaders, reaffirming the nations' longstanding friendship and shared role as rising democracies and growing economies.

2025-08-06T14:45:54.087153+00:00 IST

Afghan deportations from Iran, Pakistan spark calls for jobs, aid

Over 2.1 million Afghans have been deported from Iran and Pakistan in 2025, Tolo News reported. Many returnees, skilled in fields like agriculture, face unemployment and harsh living conditions, prompting Afghan authorities to register their skills to connect them with job opportunities.

2025-08-06T14:32:10.554594+00:00 IST

Boris Johnson urges West, US to stand with Taiwan

"As China intensifies its pressure on Taiwan, I hope that we all -- the West, America, the UK and all Europeans -- will have the courage not to tiptoe away, not to be cowed by our desire to be deferential to Beijing, but to stand with Taiwan and deepen our economic partnership," the former UK PM stated, as quoted by Taipei Times.

2025-08-06T13:56:34.160394+00:00 IST

Indonesia gives $3.5 million for WFP Afghan school meals

According to Khaama Press, WFP announced on Wednesday that the contribution from Indonesia will support school feeding initiatives in Afghanistan for a three-month period, benefiting both girls and boys in primary schools.

2025-08-06T13:33:47.646548+00:00 IST

UNHCR raises alarm over Pakistan’s forced repatriation of Afghan

"UNHCR remains particularly concerned about women and girls forced to return to a country where their human rights are at risk, as well as other groups who might be endangered." We call on the authorities to ensure that any return of Afghans to Afghanistan is voluntary, safe and dignified," it said.

2025-08-06T13:29:22.500306+00:00 IST

Hiroshima marks 80 years since atomic bombing with peace call

Thousands gathered in Hiroshima to mark 80 years since the atomic bombing, with survivors, officials, and global delegates calling for nuclear disarmament. Mayor Kazumi Matsui warned against rising militarism, while UN representatives urged peace. Survivor numbers have fallen below 100,000 for the first time.

2025-08-06T13:08:32.003175+00:00 IST

Pakistan misses three key IMF targets

Pakistan has missed out on three of its five major fiscal conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the second review of its USD 7 billion bailout package, The Express Tribune reported.

2025-08-06T12:12:39.567745+00:00 IST

China expresses concern over "third party" in South China Sea

China has expressed strong reservations regarding the recent joint naval exercise conducted by India and the Philippines in the South China Sea, emphasising that territorial and maritime disputes should be resolved solely by the countries directly involved.

2025-08-06T11:42:37.733418+00:00 IST

71 dead, 86 injured in rains across Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

At least 71 people, over half of them children, have died and 86 have been injured in rain-related incidents across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since late June, Dawn reported. Heavy monsoon rains have caused floods, landslides, and infrastructure collapse, with Swat district recording the highest number of fatalities.

2025-08-06T11:25:52.712180+00:00 IST

India joins hands with BIMSTEC partners to strengthen cancer care

The NCG was a collaborative network that included over 360 cancer centres, research institutes, patient groups, and professional societies in India, along with 15 other countries.

2025-08-06T10:38:50.519620+00:00 IST

US Special Envoy arrives in Moscow of Trump’s ceasefire deadline 

US President Donald Trump has warned that he would impose sanctions on Russia if Moscow does not agree to a ceasefire in its war on Ukraine before Friday.

2025-08-06T09:45:45.145585+00:00 IST

Pak: Audit uncovers massive under-invoicing in luxury car imports

As reported by The Express Tribune, a detailed 127-page audit report has exposed what is being termed the largest trade-based money laundering scandal in Pakistan's history related to luxury vehicle imports.

2025-08-06T09:23:12.851526+00:00 IST

Afghanistan's hunger crisis worsens, WFP warns of dire situation

The hunger crisis in Afghanistan is spiralling out of control, with the World Food Programme (WFP) warning that the situation is deteriorating by the day.

2025-08-06T09:17:33.251849+00:00 IST

Corruption leaves Pakistan-Occupied Jammu-Kashmir in shambles

The ongoing neglect of infrastructure and public services in Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoJK) has left thousands of residents without even the most essential facilities. Local community members are increasingly denouncing systemic corruption, political favouritism, and poor management of development funds.

2025-08-06T09:11:58.959901+00:00 IST