As a special gesture, India gifted 20 ambulances to the Afghan people with a symbolic handover being done by the EAMreports Asian Lite News India on Friday announced plans to expand its development cooperation in Afghanistan, focusing on healthcare, public infrastructure, and capacity-building to support the war-torn nations economic recovery and growth. India has also expressed its willingness to assist the Afghan government in reconstructing residential buildings in the earthquake affected are

Authorities have placed containers at Faizabad Interchange to block entry into Islamabad from Rawalpindi.reports Asian Lite News In Pakistans capital Islamabad and neighbouring Rawalpindi, roads and entry points were sealed, and communication lines cut on Friday ahead of a planned protest by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). Local media reported that police anticipated clashes with TLP supporters on Multan Road following Friday prayers Section 144 has been imposed in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, wi

Jaishankar reaffirmed Indias commitment to Afghanistans sovereignty and announced the upgrade of its Kabul mission to full embassy status to boost cooperation and regional stability.reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Friday reaffirmed Indias commitment to Afghanistans sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence, announcing the upgrade of Indias Technical Mission in Kabul to full Embassy status. He noted that the visit of Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan

During the visit, Starmer underscored the growing UK-India partnership, particularly in areas of technology, education, trade, and cultural exchangereports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Keir Starmer has reiterated his countrys strong support for Indias permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), saying New Delhi deserves its rightful place on the global decision-making body. Following his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Raj Bhavan in Mumbai, Starmer underlin

Visit underscores Indias delicate balancing act between engaging Kabul and avoiding formal recognition of Taliban rule, writes Manoj Menon The decision to host the Talibans acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in New Delhi this week highlights a calculated shift in Indias approach to Afghanistan. Although India does not officially recognise the Taliban regime, the visit granted under a temporary UN exemption from international travel restrictions signals a willingness by New Delhi to en

US has underscored that contrary to false media reports, no part of this referenced contract modification is for deliveries of new AMRAAMs to Pakistanreports Asian Lite News On Friday, the US Embassy and Consulates in India clarified that a recent amendment to an American Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract with Pakistan does not involve deliveries of new Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs). The change is restricted to sustainment and spare parts support. In its statement, the

The explosions, reportedly originating from District 8 in eastern Kabul, a zone home to key government facilities and residential areas, triggered widespread panic. reports Asian Lite News Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan escalated sharply after multiple explosions in Kabul, which residents and analysts believe were caused by unprovoked crossborder airstrikes. The Afghan capital was shaken as powerful blasts echoed through several neighbourhoods, with witnesses reporting the distinct so

The meeting underscored mutual intent to scale up cooperation in key sectors such as defence production, exchange of training programmesreports Asian Lite News Underlining the growing strategic defence partnership, the 7th India-Czechia Joint Defence Committee Meeting concluded successfully in Prague from October 7 to 9. Leading the Indian delegation, Additional Secretary and Director General (Acquisition) A. Anbarasu, and on the Czech side, Radka Konderlova, Director General of the Industrial C

The two Prime Ministers also agreed to expand bilateral exchanges between the armed forces of India and UK through joint exercisesreports Asian Lite News During their meeting in Mumbai on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer strongly and unequivocally condemned terrorism and violent extremism in all its forms and manifestations. They called for zero tolerance for terrorism and concerted international efforts to combat terrorism in a comprehensive

Sudharsan, soon to turn 24, faces mounting pressure to justify his place at number three, considering the stakes are forever high in Indian crickets unforgiving selection landscape, as seen from cases of Sarfaraz Khan and Karun Nair.reports Asian Lite News Indias team management remains optimistic about B. Sai Sudharsan performing to his high potential very soon, said assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate ahead of the second Test against the West Indies, starting at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here on

Though the opening pair of Smriti Mandhana and Pratika Rawal have a run-rate of 6.05, it sharply goes down to only 4.32 when the latter and Harleen Deol are batting together, which in turn adds pressure on the rest of the batting order to come good.reports Asian Lite News Despite Indias top-order batters struggling for fluency in the ongoing 2025 Womens ODI World Cup, veteran wicketkeeper-batter Sushma Verma has thrown her weight behind the Harmanpreet Kaur-led side, saying form fluctuations are

A Stockholm study warns Tibets rapid ecological collapse threatens global water security, urging its inclusion in climate diplomacy and calling Chinas model an extractive and militarised threat.reports Asian Lite News A new study by the Stockholm Center for South Asian and Indo-Pacific Affairs (SCSA-IPA) at the Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP) has sounded an urgent alarm over Tibets escalating ecological breakdown. The Stockholm Paper, titled Wither Tibet in the Climate Crisi

Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif reignites tensions with India, warning of a real risk of war amid a sharp exchange with Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.reports Asian Lite News Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has once again raised tensions with India, declaring that the chances of war with India are real while asserting that he was not denying that possibility. The comments, made during an interview with Samaa TV, mark the latest in a series of provocative statements fro

US senators and experts warn of Chinas gray-zone warfare strategy to expand control across the Indo-Pacific, as Taiwan reports escalating military and economic pressure from Beijing.reports Asian Lite News The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has come under renewed scrutiny for allegedly pursuing a long-term, calculated campaign to expand its territorial and maritime control across the Indo-Pacific a strategy that experts say is designed to achieve dominance without provoking open conflict. Accord

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin joins CPI(M) protest, condemns Israels Gaza strikes, and announces a state Assembly resolution urging an immediate ceasefire and Indian intervention for peace.reports Asian Lite News Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called the humanitarian crisis in Gaza a matter of global concern, joining a protest organised by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in Chennai on Wednesday. He also announced that the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly will move a reso

Rajnath Singhs Australia visit seals major defence agreements, marking a milestone in India-Australia strategic cooperation and reinforcing shared commitment to a stable, open Indo-Pacific. India and Australia have taken another decisive step in strengthening their defence partnership, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh holding high-level talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Defence Minister Richard Marles in Canberra on Thursday. The meetings which marked the first visit

Indias newest aviation marvel takes flight as Modi inaugurates Navi Mumbai International Airport, a lotus-inspired symbol of growth, connectivity and national pride.reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Navi Mumbai International Airport (NMIA), hailing it as one of Indias most ambitious infrastructure achievements and a defining moment in the nations aviation journey. The new airport, located across the harbour from Mumbai, marks the citys long-awaited step toward

New Delhi hosts Taliban foreign minister in cautious step towards pragmatic engagementreports Asian Lite News Afghanistans acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on Wednesday in what is being viewed as a carefully calibrated shift in Indias approach to the Taliban regime. The week-long visit, which will include meetings with External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and possibly National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, marks the highest-level public engagement betwee

The much-anticipated Kantara: Chapter 1has finally hit theatres, marking the return of Rishab Shettys ambitious cinematic universe. While the film has generated mixed reactions from the audience some citing issues with its lengthy runtime and underwhelming VFX one clear standout has emerged: actress Rukmini Vasanth. Her portrayal of Princess Kanakavathihas not only caught the audiences attention but also earned praise for its depth, elegance, and emotional resonance. In multiple interactions,

Indias grand festive season is in full swing, bringing with it joy, colour, family gatheringsand a lot of tempting food. From Diwali and Chhath Puja to Bhai Dooj and Karwa Chauth, the celebrations come with rich traditional dishes and a variety of sweets. While its natural to indulge during such occasions, its equally important to maintain a healthy balance. Overeating or consuming excess sugar can lead to unwanted weight gain, energy crashes, and spikes in blood sugar levels. Here are simple, p

Threads of Eternityexplored the unique interplay between hard and soft materials through the use of threads embroidered with quilted foam During the October 2025 edition of Bombay Times Fashion Week, House of Aanchal unveiled its latest collection, Threads of Eternity, in a breathtaking fashion showcase. The collection mesmerized attendees with its innovative use of color, texture, and style, highlighted by actress and singer Elnaaz Norouzis dramatic blue ensemble, complete with an extravagant t

Muttaqi will be in India till October 16reports Asian Lite News Afghanistans Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for an official visit to India, focused on discussing the bilateral ties and regional matters. Welcoming the Afghan Foreign Minister on his arrival, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) took to X, stating, We look forward to engaging discussions with him on bilateral relations and regional issues. Muttaqi will be in India till October 16. During his v

New innovations such as LiteX (offline payments), tap-and-pay, credit card integration, UPI Autopay, and UPI for IPO subscriptionsare pushing the platform from a payment tool to a full-fledged embedded finance ecosystem Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has crossed a major milestone with over 500 million usersand 65 million merchants, establishing itself as more than just a digital payment toolit has become a daily habit for millions of Indians, according to a new report by the National Payments

Instead of concentrating on rural development to reduce poverty, the Pakistan government has been focused more on increasing defence expenditure.reports Asian Lite News The World Bank has voiced deep concern over Pakistans economic situation, noting that poverty levels remain high despite substantial IMF loans and financial support. The current model of growth has failed to ameliorate the conditions of the poor, and the headcount ratio (HCR) has surged to its highest level of 25.3 per cent in th

Radhika Shah Grouven is an expert in the field of yoga psychology and superconscious meditation. For decades, Radhika has observed a common misconception about yogathat its merely about the body. Nothing could be further from the truth. She remains one of the few adepts of superconscious meditation, who hasstayed away from the crass commercialization of traditional wisdom in a world of large organizations selling a range of lifestyle products and coaches who are certified in 5 days. An adept in

The findings, based on data from the ICMR-INDIAB study, were published in the journal Nature Medicine. Researchers analysed eating patterns from a nationally representative sample of 1,21,077 adultsacross urban and rural areas in 36 states and union territories A major dietary study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found that Indians excessive intake of carbohydrates and saturated fats combined with insufficient protein consumption is a major contributor to the countrys ris

The Indian delegation at the meeting was led by Ambassador to Russia Vinay Kumar who expressed support for independent, peaceful and stable Afghanistan.reports Asian Lite News On Tuesday, India reaffirmed that a secure, peaceful, and stable Afghanistan is vital not only for the well-being of its people but also for regional stability and global security. New Delhis message was conveyed at the 7th meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan held in Moscow on Tuesday at the level of

Pastor Zafar Bhattis death is not an isolated tragedy it is a mirror of Pakistans institutionalised persecution of its minorities.reports Asian Lite News A leading minority rights group on Tuesday highlighted the tragic death of a Christian spiritual leader in Pakistan who spent 13 painful years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, before being acquitted of false blasphemy charges that had stolen his freedom, health, and peace. According to the Voice of Pakistan Minority (VOPM), Pastor Za

Goyal expressed optimism about the growing economic engagement between the two countries, stating, Glad to meet Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed.reports Asian Lite News Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal met Qatars Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs, Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Sayed, in Doha on Tuesday, reaffirming Indias commitment to enhancing bilateral trade and investment ties with the Gulf nation. The meeting follows up on discussions held in New Delhi in August, when Al-Sa

The visit, described by No.10 Downing Street as a two-day trade mission to Mumbai, is focused on strengthening trade tiesreports Asian Lite News United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer arrived in Mumbai early Wednesday at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport, embarking on his first official visit to India since taking office. Prime Minister Starmer was welcomed by Maharashtra and Gujarat Governor Acharya Devvrat and Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The visit, describ

Keshap spoke about the recent H-1B visa crackdown from the Trump administration, calling it a decision driven by domestic politics.reports Asian Lite News Prominent Indian American leaders have called for deeper India-US cooperation and a greater role for the diaspora in influencing policy discussions. During a panel discussion organised on Tuesday by India Abroad, a diaspora-focused publication in the United States, Atul Keshap, the President of the US-India Business Council and former Charge d

Trump had announced that Gor would also serve as a special envoy for South and Central Asian affairs.reports Asian Lite News Sergio Gor, nominated by former President Donald Trump as the next US Ambassador to India, was confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday (US time). Gor was part of the 107 nominees confirmed via a vote that passed along party lines. The 38-year-old Gor will be the youngest US ambassador to India. He is one of the closest aides of Trump and was the Director of the White House Pres

WUC delegation undertook a week-long advocacy tour in Germany, where it met with Turkish NGOs and community leaders.reports Asian Lite News The World Uyghur Congress (WUC) has published its monthly brief, strengthening its global campaign to highlight Chinas repression of Uyghurs and to build international support for accountability and justice. During the week of September 2, a WUC delegation undertook a week-long advocacy tour in Germany, where it met with Turkish NGOs and community leaders. T

While the outfit poses the biggest threat to the minorities and also the population of Bangladesh, Indian agencies are keeping a close watch as its activities could spill over into India.reports Asian Lite News Indian agencies are closely monitoring the activities of the Bangladesh-based radical group Hefazat-e-Islam (HeI). The outfit has been protesting against womens rights in the country. The HeI has been demanding the abolition of the Womens Affairs Reform Commission. This comes after the co

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal urged the Yunus government to probe extremist attacks on minorities.reports Asian Lite News India on Friday criticised recent comments by Bangladeshs Home Advisor Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, asserting that the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government has developed a pattern of deflecting blame and distracting from its own domestic shortcomings. Addressing a weekly media briefing in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the

blast happened at a distance of one kilometre from the Sultan Kot railway station.reports Asian Lite News At least seven injured as blast hits Quetta-bound Jaffar Express in Sindhs Shikarpur district. Shikarpur Deputy Commissioner Shakeel Abro said that a blast took place on the train tracks at 8:15 a.m. (local time), Pakistans leading daily Dawn reported. According to him, the blast happened at a distance of one kilometre from the Sultan Kot railway station. Abro said that seven people were inj

The meeting is being hosted under South Africas G20 Presidency in the countrys KwaZulu Natal provincereports Asian Lite News Union Power Minister Manohar Lal will represent India at the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting scheduled to take place in South Africa from October 7 to 10, an official statement said on Tuesday. The meeting is being hosted under South Africas G20 Presidency in the countrys KwaZulu Natal province. It will bring together energy leaders from the worlds major economi

Dubai, United Arab Emirates The Indian Business and Professional Council (IBPC) Dubai has launched a dynamic new initiative aimed at engaging and empowering the next generation of Indian-origin leaders: the Youth Conclave. This bold platform is designed to spark innovation, foster ethical entrepreneurship, and equip young changemakers with the tools, networks, and knowledge to lead in an increasingly complex global environment. Unveiled at a high-profile event in Dubai, the Youth Conclave marks

The evening was hosted by three multilingual young comperes Leon Steer, Rosalind Yang, and Qiaoyu Chen whose energy and poise brought a modern touch to a night rooted in tradition The clinking of glasses, the swirl of traditional costumes, and the buzz of conversation filled a Birmingham banquet hall on Sunday evening (Sept 28) as the city marked the 76th anniversary of the founding of the Peoples Republic of China. The celebration, organised by The China National Day Committee Midlands UK, br

By Dilip K Roy FRAS The word Om is recognised as the Universal sound from which all sounds emanate. The sacred syllable Om or AUM has an important role in a variety of Hindu rituals and practices and is represented by one of the most recognisable symbols in Hinduism. Om is elaborated upon in the UPANISHADS which has been composed around (2000-1800 BCE) It has been taken to symbolise the totality of the manifested world and Brahma itself it is the primordial sound. Om has been called ekaksara (th

Slamming Beijing, the StockholmPaper highlights that the ecological crisis in Tibet is inseparable from governance and development choices made by Chinareports Asian Lite News A report by the Stockholm Centre for South Asian and Indo-Pacific Affairs (SCSA-IPA) at the Institute for Security and Development Policy (ISDP) has called on governments, research institutions, and civil society to place the Tibetan Plateau at the centre of global climate policy. The study sharply criticises Chinas state-

So far, 142 people have been killed in Sindh in 2025 under the pretext of honour killing, with 105 victims being womenreports Asian Lite News Local media reported on Monday that civil society and rights activists have expressed deep concern over the poor enforcement of laws aimed at curbing honour killings, as such incidents have surged in Sindh in 2025, with women comprising the majority of victims. So far, 142 people have been killed in Sindh in 2025 under the pretext of honour killing, with 1

The proposed India-EU FTA covers 23 policy areas, or chapters, of which at least two market access and rules of origin have yet to be resolved.reports Asian Lite News India and the European Union are set to commence the 14th round of negotiations for the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) in Brussels on Monday, senior officials confirmed. The fresh round of talks between senior officials will extend over a period of five days. This will be followed up by another meeting between Commerce Minis

The Royal Government of Bhutan has expressed sincere gratitude to the Indian Armyreports Asian Lite News Amid unprecedented floods caused by a low-pressure system over the Bay of Bengal, relentless rainfall has swollen the Torsa River, submerging large areas in West Bengal and Bhutan. Responding swiftly to an emergency evacuation request on Sunday, the Indian Army launched two helicopters from Sevoke Road Aviation Base to undertake a critical rescue mission in the Phuentsholing area of Bhutan. B

Jaishankar explained that the ongoing trade tensions largely stem from the inability of both sides to reach a common ground on several issues.reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday said that India and the United States are actively working to resolve the ongoing tariff issues through dialogue, expressing confidence that these challenges will not affect the broader trade relationship between the two nations. Speaking at the Kautilya Economic Conclave (KEC 2025),

The visit comes at a historic moment when India and Australia commemorate five years of establishment of India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnershipreports Asian Lite News Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will visit Australia from October 9 to 10 for a two-day official trip, during which he will hold talks with his Australian counterpart and engage with the countrys business community, an official said on Sunday. Planned after an invitation from Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence

All active volunteers were honoured with certificates of appreciation, personally presented by MP Yasmin Qureshi, recognising their contributions to community wellbeing In a heartfelt tribute to Mahatma Gandhis 156th birth anniversary, the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) UK Kerala Chapter led a community park cleaning drive and launched an ambitious anti-drug initiative in Bolton, reaffirming Gandhis values of service, peace, and civic responsibility. Held at Bolton Childrens Park, the event saw

With US ties strained and China tense, New Delhi taps Europes harder edge for co-development, clean tech and strategic autonomy, writes Manoj Menon India is recalibrating its great-power hedging as frictions with Washington collide with an enduring rivalry with Beijing and a legacy partnership with Moscow. The trigger has been a sharper, more transactional posture from the US under Donald Trumptariff threats, disputes over Russia-related energy purchases and unwelcome commentary on IndiaPakistan

Chancellor under pressure as 40bn fiscal gap looms, with critics warning against a pasty tax budget of piecemeal revenue raisersreports Asian Lite News Rachel Reeves is facing growing unease inside Labours ranks over her determination to stick to the partys flagship tax promises, as Treasury officials warn of a yawning fiscal gap and critics fear a pasty tax budget made up of unpopular small measures. The chancellor received the Office for Budget Responsibilitys (OBR) first official fiscal forec

UK and India to cement strategic ties with new free trade agreement and deeper cooperation across defence, technology and climate Prime Minister Keir Starmer will make his first official visit to India on 89 October at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a trip set to reinforce Britains partnership with one of the worlds fastest-growing economies and to mark the implementation of a landmark trade agreement. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in New Delhi confirmed on Saturday