Wickremesinghe was summoned by the CID over allegations of misuse of State funds and subsequently arrested following a four-hour-long statementreports Asian Lite News In a major development, former Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe was taken into custody on Friday by the countrys Criminal Investigation Department (CID), marking the first-ever arrest of a former President in the nations history, local media reported. Wickremesinghe was summoned by the CID over allegations of misuse of Sta

Sources confirmed that the core of this visit lies in the defence cooperation.reports Asian Lite News Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is set to embark on an official visit to Algeria next week. This will be his first overseas visit after the triumph in Operation Sindoor, underscoring the Armys growing role in strengthening Indias strategic engagements abroad. The visit also follows the recent tours of the President of India and the Chief of Defence Staff to Algeria, which laid the foundation

During the talks, Macron shared assessment on the recent meetings held between the leaders of the Europe, US and Ukraine in Washington.reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday, discussing efforts to achieve peaceful resolutions to the conflicts in Ukraine and West Asia. The two leaders also reiterated their commitment to deepening the IndiaFrance strategic partnership. Had a very good conversation with my friend Preside

The initiative also served to deepen mutual understanding, promote maritime diplomacyreports Asian Lite News Aiming to boost maritime diplomacy and enhance people-to-people ties, the 12th edition of the India-Sri Lanka bilateral naval exercise, SLINEX-25, concluded in Colombo, an official said on Thursday. Reaffirming shared commitment and maritime security, the current edition, which concluded on August 18, saw the participation of Indian Naval ships INS Jyoti and INS Rana from the Eastern Fl

Jaishankar noted that the two sides engaged in extensive discussions on bilateral cooperation.reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow on Thursday, where they reviewed bilateral relations and discussed preparations for the upcoming annual summit later this year. Speaking at the meeting, Jaishankar said, Todays meeting gives an occasion to discuss our political relations as well and also our bilateral ties. ..We now prepa

EAM Jaishankar thanked Lavrov for the warm welcome and hospitality in Moscow and recalled their earlier meetings on the sidelines of multilateral eventsreports Asian Lite News Emphasising the shared goal of maximising complementarity between India and Russia, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday voiced confidence that his talks with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov would be fruitful and productive, helping ensure that the upcoming annual summit between Prime Minister Narendra Mod

This bridge connecting the northern and southern parts of Koshi province is the longest such bridge ever installed in Nepalreports Asian Lite News Indias Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, and Nepals Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, jointly inaugurated a 70-metre modular bridge built with Indian assistance over the Hewa Khola in Panchthar district. This bridge connecting the northern and southern parts of Koshi province is the longest such bridge ever insta

India and the Eurasian Economic Union have signed terms to begin negotiations on a FTA, a pact that could reshape trade ties with the Russia-led bloc and unlock new opportunities for Indian exporters across energy, manufacturing and servicesreports Asian Lite News India and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) have formally taken the first step towards negotiating a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), a deal that could reshape economic ties with a bloc representing a combined GDP of $6.5 trillion. On Wedn

Veteran drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will retain the captaincy, leading a well-balanced side that blends experience with depth across all departments.reports Asian Lite News Hockey India on Wednesday named an 18-member squad for the Mens Asia Cup, to be played at the newly built Rajgir Hockey Stadium in Bihar from August 29 to September 7. Veteran drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh will retain the captaincy, leading a well-balanced side that blends experience with depth across all departments. As

Agarkar named Gill and wicketkeeper batter Jitesh Sharma first while listing out Samson and Rinku Singh at the end. Shubman Gills appointment as vice-captain for Indias Asia Cup squad in the UAE has sparked fresh doubts over Sanju Samsons T20 future. While Samson, the long-time Rajasthan Royals captain, makes the squad, Gills return raises the possibility of the Keralite missing out from the playing XI. The speculation has further gained ground in the order in which chairman of the selection com

By clearly distinguishing esports from online money games and gambling, the bill provides the legal recognition and legitimacy that athletes, creators, and gaming organizations have long awaited.reports Asian Lite News Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw introduced the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, in Lok Sabha on Wednesday. The Bill aims to promote and regulate esports, educational, and social games, while completely prohibiting the offering, operation, facilitation, adverti

Today, 78 years after India gained independence in 1947, Bose remains physically separated from the country he fought to free. The Indian government has in the past considered repatriating his remains, but political sensitivities, coupled with lingering doubts about the exact circumstances of his death, have kept the matter unresolvedreports Asian Lite News As India marked the 80th death anniversary of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, one of the nations most revered yet controversial freedom fighters

Moscow is set to stage twin cultural showcases, with BRICS+ filmmakers at the Librarys Film Night and young theatre actors joining an expanded InteRussia fellowship for creative exchange.reports Asian Lite News The All-Russian State Library for Foreign Literature named after MI Rudomino is preparing to turn into a hub of global storytelling as it gears up for the third annual All-Russian Film Night on 23 August. This years edition will present a hand-picked selection of documentaries from BRICS

Russia has blasted US sanctions on India as unlawful competition, pledging uninterrupted crude supplies, market access, and unwavering support for New Delhi amid Western pressure and tariffs.reports Asian Lite News Russia has launched a scathing attack on Washingtons decision to impose additional sanctions and tariffs on India, warning that such measures reflect double standards, unlawful competition, and a disregard for sovereignty. Russian Charge dAffaires in India, Roman Babushkin, speaking a

India and US officials push forward defence and trade ties despite Trumps tariff hike, balancing strategic cooperation, energy security, and congressional outreach in a turbulent geopolitical landscape.reports Asian Lite News Indian and American officials are doubling down on defence and trade engagement even as Washingtons recent tariff hike on Indian goods, linked to New Delhis oil imports from Russia, introduces turbulence into the bilateral relationship. On Tuesday, Deputy Assistant Secretar

A landmark UK-Uttar Pradesh pact brings the Chevening Scholarship to the state, funding 15 scholars for masters study in Britain and strengthening bilateral education ties. The United Kingdom has partnered with the Government of Uttar Pradesh to expand the prestigious Chevening Scholarship Programme to the state, opening new academic doors for aspiring young scholars. The agreement, signed in Lucknow, will see up to 15 students from Uttar Pradesh benefit from full financial support to pursue one

The leaders announced that they were stepping down from the committee in a media conference called at Nakla Upazila.reports Asian Lite News Amid escalating rifts within Bangladeshs National Citizen Party (NCP), 15 leaders including five joint coordinators and 10 members resigned from the Nakla Upazila Coordination Committee in Sherpur district, rejecting the partys newly announced body. The members alleged that the new committee was formed under the leadership of an incompetent, unethical, and

Exciting preparations are underway for hosting the 46th Annual Convention of Odisha Society of United Kingdom (OSUK) Rahul Laud reports The Two days long Grand Ceremony of the Odiya community in the U.K. is scheduled to be held at Maidenhead in London on 23rd and 24th of August 2025.The OSUK Convention will provide the occasion and opportunity to Odias and Odisha state lovers settled in U.K. and nearby Countries to interact and have a social cultural dialogue . More than thousand members and wel

EAM Jaishankars visit comes at the invitation of Denis Manturov, the First Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation.reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday met with leading Russian scholars and think-tank representatives to discuss India-Russia bilateral relations, evolving global geopolitics, and Indias perspective, as part of his ongoing three-day official visit to Russia. Pleased to interact with prominent scholars and think tank representatives of

Krishna Janmashtami, the joyous festival marking the birth of Lord Krishna, is one of the most cherished celebrations across India and beyond. Falling in the month of Bhadrapada(AugustSeptember) on the Ashtami tithi of Krishna Paksha, the occasion brings together devotion, music, dance, and most importantly, food. As we look forward to janmashtami 2025, preparations for this beloved festival begin to take shape. Lord Krishna, fondly called Madhava, Keshav, Kanha, Kanhaiya, Devakinandan, or Bal G

The comments come at a time when India faces additional tariffs imposed by Washington over discounted Russian oil purchasesreports Asian Lite News India and Russia will not only maintain but also expand their crude oil partnership, despite the United States plans to impose additional tariffs on India, said Russias Charge dAffaires in India, Roman Babushkin, on Wednesday. Absolutely, not only continue but it will be expanding because we have demonstrated our ability to overcome all the obstacles

Tata Groups new plant at Hosur in Tamil Nadu and Foxconns large new hub near Bengaluru airport are at the centre of this expansion.reports asian Lite news Apple is ramping up its manufacturing drive in India, with all models of the upcoming iPhone 17 series including the premium Pro versions set to be assembled domestically from the outset. This is the first time the company will produce every new iPhone variant in India, a move seen as part of its strategy to reduce reliance on China and safe

PM Modi underscored that the country is poised to lead the next wave of digital transformation in 5Greports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday hailed Indias progress in expanding affordable broadband, transforming digital payments through UPI, and harnessing technology for governance, emphasising that these achievements have now become global case studies. PM Modi underscored that the country is poised to lead the next wave of digital transformation in 5G, Artificial Intel

Emphasising the civilisational ties between India and Japan, the Ambassador called the bilateral relationship a quantum leap in recent yearsreports Asian Lite News In an exclusive interview, Indias Ambassador to Japan, Sibi George, discussed the growing strength of India-Japan ties, shifts in the global order, and the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modis diplomacy in elevating Indias global standing. Emphasising the civilisational ties between India and Japan, the Ambassador called the bilatera

Recognised as one of the few age-appropriate resources in this area, Earn, Save, Investhas been praised by educators and parents for sparking early conversations about moneyan often-neglected subject in childhood learning As more parents and educators seek early learning tools that extend beyond academics, theres a growing demand for illustrated childrens books that also build life skills. Meeting this need, author Tanuj Khoslahas launched two new titles that help children understand financial l

During the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971, Pakistans Army and its allies in what was then known as East Pakistan, raped as many as 4,00,000 women in an orchestrated campaignwrite Arul Louis While Pakistan pretends to be a champion of human rights, its shameful record of heinous crimes of sexual violence against women set in during the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War continues today with impunity, India has charged at the Security Council. Indias Permanent Missions Charge dAffaires Eldos Mathew

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, delivering President Xi Jinpings message and invitation for the upcoming SCO Summit in Tianjin.reports Asian Lite News Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, handing over a message and invitation from President Xi Jinping to the PM for the SCO Summit being held in Tianjin, later this month. Wang Yi, a Member of the Politburo of the Communist Party,

Both nations have stepped up naval cooperation in recent years, including bilateral exercises, port calls, and information-sharing mechanisms.reports Asian Lite News In a major push to maritime diplomacy, UAE Naval Forces Commander Maj Gen Humaid Mohammed Abdullah Alremeithi is on an official visit to India from July 7 to 9 to strengthen bilateral naval cooperation and strategic engagement in the Indian Ocean Region. The visit, which underscores the growing defence partnership between the two na

The session, aimed at further deepening bilateral relations, is a key engagement in his ongoing three-day official visit to Russiareports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will co-chair the 26th India-Russia Inter-Governmental Commission on trade, economic, scientific, technological and cultural cooperation in Moscow on Wednesday. The session, aimed at further deepening bilateral relations, is a key engagement in his ongoing three-day official visit to Russia from August 19

The initiative, backed by the Indian High Commission in Georgetown, stands as a testament to India-Guyana friendship reports Asian Lite News Fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modis pledge, India has delivered artificial limbs to support persons with disabilities in the Caribbean. The Indian Company Kalpataru Projects International Limited, in collaboration with Guyanas Ministry of Health and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, on Monday (local time) launched an Artificial Limb Donati

The meetings could see both sides deliberate on a range of key issues, including the border situation, trade and resumption of flight services.reports Asian Lite News National Security Advisor Ajit Doval met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on Tuesday for a new round of Special Representatives talks on the boundary issue. Wang Yi arrived in India late Monday afternoon on a two-day visit. The meetings could see both sides deliberate on a range of key issues, includ

Founded in 1919 by Rao Sahib Jashanmal in Basra, Iraq, Jashanmal Group has over a century of retail excellence. Headquartered in Dubai, the Group operates across the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and India, with a network of department and travel stores Jashanmal Group has unveiled its first-ever Back-to-School Campaign for 2025, offering shoppers in the UAE a chance to win grand prizes totaling AED 150,000. The campaign, running until September 14, encourages customers to shop in-store or online

gang-driven extortion and Khalistani extremism, threatening public safety, community trust, and bilateral ties with Indiareports Asian Lite News Canada is grappling with a nexus of gang-led extortion and Khalistani extremism that threatens public safety, community trust, and its ties with India, a report said on Monday. gang-driven extortion and Khalistani extremism, threatening public safety, community trust, and bilateral ties with India, a report cited on Monday. Recently, Surreys Kaps Cafe r

Police reports say over 300 attackers armed with rods and bricks targeted Ahmadiyya worshippers during Independence Day processions in Dijkot.reports Asian Lite News A prominent minority group on Monday condemned attacks on religious minorities in Pakistan, citing the mob-led torching of two Ahmadiyya places of worship by leaders of the hardline Islamist party Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM) mentioned that on the occasion of Pakistans 78th Independence Day

The visit, scheduled till August 21, comes at the invitation of Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar will leave for Russia on Tuesday for a three-day official visit aimed at deepening the longstanding India-Russia Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced. The visit, scheduled till August 21, comes at the invitation of Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis

GCCs are expected to contribute 2 per cent of Indias GDP and generate 2.8 million jobs by 2030, according to the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) Indias reskilling market is witnessing accelerated growth, driven largely by the rapid expansion of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) across the country. As demand for advanced digital and technical skills rises, international players are increasingly focusing on Indian professional markets, according to top executives and experts.

In 2023, Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) rose by 44.98 per cent year-on-year to 2.5 billion. Uttar Pradesh led the tally with 478.53 million visits, followed by Tamil Nadu at 286.01 million Indias tourism sector is witnessing a rapid growth surge, with projections indicating the industry will generate over Rs 5,12,356 crore (USD 59 billion) by 2028, according to a new report by Capitalmind PMS. The report cites rising disposable incomes, improved connectivity, and enhanced infrastructure as key e

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday spoke with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sharing his assessment of last weeks meeting with US President Donald Trump in Alaska PM Modi reiterated Indias consistent stance on the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the countrys support for a peaceful resolution and all diplomatic efforts aimed at ending hostilities. Thank my friend, President Putin, for his phone call and for sharing insights on his recent meeting with President Trump in Alaska. India has cons

In July, EAM Jaishankar attended the SCO Meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs in Tianjin, meeting his Chinese counterpart and calling on Xi Jinping alongside other SCO Foreign Ministers Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in New Delhi on Monday for a two-day official visit, during which he will hold a fresh round of Special Representatives (SR) dialogue on the boundary question with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. MEA spokespe

Wang Yi is scheduled to hold a fresh round of Special Representatives dialogue with NSA Ajit Doval on the boundary question and later call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi Emphasising the importance of stability along the border, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday said that the basis for any positive momentum in India-China relations rests on jointly maintaining peace and tranquility in the border areas. Jaishankar made the remarks during a meeting with visiting Chinese Foreign Min

Palestinian Prime Minister Mustafa highlighted that the Arab-Islamic peace plan stresses reconstruction of Gaza without displacement of its people Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and his Palestinian counterpart Mohammad Mustafa met in Egypts New Alamein city on Sunday to review the latest developments in the Palestinian territories and coordinate efforts amid the ongoing Gaza war. Madbouly reaffirmed Egypts unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, pledging to provide all possible a

The expansion is not only in scale but also in quality, with significant capacity dedicated to high-efficiency modules. Many manufacturers have adopted vertically integrated operations, enhancing quality, reducing costs, and improving resilience against supply chain disruptions India has achieved a landmark milestone of 100 gigawatts (GW) of solar photovoltaic (PV) module manufacturing capacity, marking rapid progress towards a robust, self-reliant, and globally competitive solar ecosystem. The

As Afghanistan nears the fourth anniversary of the Taliban takeover, Akhundzada, ruling largely from Kandahar, ordered ministers to drop the caretaker tag.reports Asian Lite News The Talibans reclusive supreme leader, Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, has directed ministers in Afghanistan to remove the word acting or caretaker from their titles, signalling what experts say is a move toward formalising the groups administration as a permanent government. The Taliban took power in August 2021 followin

President Putin praised Trumps efforts to facilitate dialogue and reaffirming that Ukraines security must be guaranteed. US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin concluded a landmark summit in Anchorage, Alaska, on Friday, signalling potential progress toward ending the devastating Russia-Ukraine conflict. While no formal deal was reached, both leaders described the meeting as very productive, emphasising dialogue, cooperation, and a shared interest in reducing the human to