The removal of Sheikh Hasinas government amid mass protests and upheaval produced a chaotic vacuum that organised Islamist groups, vigilante mobs and an emboldened political religious right have been all too ready to fill.The result is a country where secular norms, minority safety and civic pluralism face renewed and accelerating pressure writes Dr Sakariya Kareem Bangladeshs political earthquake of 2024 did more than topple an entrenched ruler it unloosed forces that are now reshaping the co

The two sides also focused on challenges posed by radicalisation and extremism, especially onlinereports Asian Lite News India and France reiterated their strong commitment to fighting terrorism in all its forms during the 17th meeting of the India-France Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism in Paris, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. The Indian delegation, led by K.D. Dewal, Joint Secretary (Counter Terrorism), MEA, and the French side, headed by Olivier Caron, French Count

Reaffirming its support for an end to the conflict in Ukraine, India expressed hope that all parties would move ahead constructively towards establishing lasting peacereports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone conversation with his Polish counterpart Radosaw Sikorski, reiterating Indias call for an early end to hostilities and a lasting resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. Spoke to Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski of Poland today. He shared his concern about

Adding a touch of glamour, several well-known celebrities have been spotted in See Designs signature kurtas In India, ethnic wear is more than just attireit embodies tradition, culture, and identity. Yet, for years, stylish and authentic mens ethnic fashion often came with steep price tags, leaving many buyers underserved. Changing this landscape is See Designs Lifestyle Private Limited, the company behind the brand See Designs, which is redefining mens and boys ethnic wear by making it affordab

Onam 2025 has wrapped up, but the festive spirit still lingers in Kerala. The ten-day-long celebration was filled with colourful pookalams, grand Onasadhyas, temple visits, and family gatherings. Alongside the cultural traditions, cinema halls across the state also played a starring role in the festivities. Every year, theatres become a second home for Malayali families during Onam, and this time was no different. Several new releases across South Indian cinema drew packed houses, offering a mix

What makes Lokah Chapter 1: Chandraeven more significant is that it marks the franchises first time placing a woman at the centre of its universewrites Shelja Pallath Kalyani Priyadarshan is no longer just a cuteness-overloaded actress in the industry. Through Lokah Chapter 1, she has proved that a woman-led cinema is not just a dream for Malayalam audience. As one of the frames in the movie suggests, this film truly feels like a SHE COMES moment for audience and genuine lovers of cinema. Yes, C

Africa has also dramatically widened digital access, with Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Morocco enabling 30- to 90-day stays Electronic visas (e-visas) accounted for 82 per cent of all visa applications in India in 2025, up from 79 per cent in 2024, according to a report released on Wednesday. The report by Atlys, a visa processing platform, highlighted the growing global shift towards simplified digital entry systems, with the UAE, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Egypt emerging as the

Though it may look like an overnight shift, Vijays political journey has been years in the making.writes Ashok Parameswar How long does it take for a man to turn into a politician a night, a year, or decades? The answer is never predictable. Consider Vijay one of Tamil Nadus biggest cinema icons and among the most popular figures in southern India who has now made a splashy entry into electoral politics by announcing his own party. To some critics, Vijays political plunge may seem sudden or r

Lauding ties between India and Mauritius, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that the two nations are not just partners but family.reports Asian Lite News Reaffirming their shared vision for peace and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and the Global South, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Mauritian counterpart Navinchandra Ramgoolam held delegation-level talks in Varanasi on Thursday. The two leaders comprehensively reviewed the Enhanced Strategic Partnership between the

Kuldeep came in and took three wickets in his second over to lead the charge for a sensational UAE batting meltdown, as the side lost their next eight wickets for just 10 runs.reports Asian Lite News On his return to the T20I team after playing 2024 Mens T20 World Cup final, Kuldeep Yadav became the wrecker-in-chief with extraordinary figures of 4-7, as India thrashed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by nine wickets to open their 2025 Mens Asia Cup campaign in a commanding fashion. On a cool eveni

This years theme, Healthy Ageing Role of Physiotherapy in Falls and Frailty, draws attention to the significance of physiotherapy in preventing falls, managing frailty, and supporting dignified ageing among the elderly Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday stressed the need to promote physiotherapy as an integral component of healthy ageing initiatives, highlighting its role in improving quality of life across all age groups. Marking World Physiotherapy Day, observed annually on September 8,

Beyond salt reduction, experts stressed that controlling hypertension requires a comprehensive approach. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight, reducing alcohol intake, quitting tobacco, and consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables are essential With cases of hypertension steadily rising in India, particularly among young adults, the American Heart Associations (AHA) revised guidelines on blood pressure could prove timely and impactful. The new recommendations define

Amnesty exposes global tech firms fuelling Pakistans vast surveillance network, where foreign-supplied tools enable censorship, spying, and repression, leaving citizens trapped in a digital panopticon with no escape.reports Asian Lite News Pakistans already fragile democratic space is under severe threat from a growing mass surveillance and censorship infrastructure, enabled not only by state agencies but also by foreign technology companies across China, Europe, North America, and the Gulf. A d

China urges calm as Nepal reels from violent protests, mass prison breaks, and PM Olis resignation, leaving the Himalayan nation battling political upheaval and security chaos.reports Asian Lite news Beijing on Wednesday urged all political actors in Nepal to properly handle domestic issues and restore peace, as violent protests and prison breaks deepened the Himalayan nations political crisis following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Ji

As protests rock Nepal and KP Oli exits, ex-Chief Justice Sushila Karki emerges as the peoples choice to lead a fragile transition government.reports Asian Lite News Nepal is once again at a political crossroads as former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has emerged as a possible leader of a transition government following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. With the Himalayan nation gripped by mass protests, deep political instability and growing public anger, Karkis name is gaining tra

Indian pilgrims on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra stranded amid Nepal unrest as Embassy issues advisory, urging caution in Tibet and safe return via flights amid escalating protests.reports Asian Lite News The Embassy of India in Beijing has issued an advisory urging caution for Indian citizens stranded in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China while undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, following widespread unrest in neighbouring Nepal. According to the advisory, the situation in Nepal has disrupte

Modi and Meloni reaffirmed IndiaItaly Strategic Partnership, backed EU trade talks, supported IMEEEC connectivity, and called for peaceful resolution of Ukraine war, highlighting growing diplomatic and personal rapport.reports Asian Lite News Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a wide-ranging conversation with his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni, reaffirming the commitment of both nations to deepen their strategic partnership while aligning on pressing international concerns, including the ongo

India must accelerate EV adoption by 22% in five years, or risk missing its 2030 green mobility target, warns NITI Aayog.reports Asian Lite News India will need to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption by more than 22 per cent in the next five years to stay on track for the governments target of 30 per cent EV penetration by 2030, according to a new report released by NITI Aayog. The report sounded a note of urgency, highlighting that despite years of policy support, subsidies and awareness

Brussels meeting sees both sides vow tougher cooperation on terror financing, online radicalisation and global securityreports Asian Lite News India and the European Union have pledged to deepen cooperation against terrorism following a high-level meeting in Brussels this week, with both sides vowing to tackle cross-border threats and emerging risks ranging from terror financing to online radicalisation. The 15th Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism (CT), held on Wednesday, was co-chaired by

Asserting that it is part of a surge in violence and division across the country, Suhas Subramanyam said that such attacks are not limited to temples but affect all places of worship.reports Asian Lite News Indian-American Congressman Suhas Subramanyam condemned recent attacks on Hindu temples in the US, calling them part of a troubling rise in violence against places of worship. Speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives early on Wednesday (Indian time), Subramanyam said, Hate has no

This measure was taken due to the ongoing risks of unrest in the country.reports Asian Lite News The Nepali Army has taken charge of maintaining law and order, imposing a nationwide curfew from Wednesday until Thursday morning. This measure was taken due to the ongoing risks of unrest in the country. As per the Local Administration Act 1971, the District Administration Office, a civilian authority under the Home Ministry, had been enforcing the curfew till now. With the civilian authorities comp

Trump described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a very good friend..reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump announced the resumption of trade talks with India, marking a key step toward easing tensions. I am pleased to announce that India, and the United States of America, are continuing negotiations to address the Trade Barriers between our two Nations, he posted on Truth Social. Trump, on Tuesday, also described Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a very good friend and said he looks for

The battle was part of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and marked a decisive turning point for the Indian Army in the Sialkot offensive, followed soon after by the larger Battle of Chawinda, writes Major General RPS Bhadauria (Retd) The Battle of Phillora, which took place between September 10 and 12, 1965, in the Sialkot area of Punjab, Pakistan, was one of the largest tank battles since World War II. The battle was part of the Indo-Pakistani War of 1965 and marked a decisive turning point for t

Indias traditional role as a stabilising anchor in the region is under scrutiny, with critics pointing to its inability to prevent spiralling unrest in its immediate backyard, writes Aravind Rajeev Former prime minister Sheikh Hasinas dramatic flight from Dhaka last August marked a turning point in South Asias fragile balance. Forced out by months of street protests and an uprising that tore through her Awami League stronghold, she sought refuge in India. Since then, Delhi has found itself hosti

Nepal stands at a critical crossroads following the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who stepped down under mounting pressure from the most violent protests the nation has witnessed in decades. The so-called Gen Z protests, leading to at least 19 deaths and over 200 injuries, were triggered by a controversial social media ban and widespread discontent over corruption and governance. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has tendered his resignation, accepted by President Ramchandra Paudel, in

Jaishankar called trade patterns and market access key global issues, urging cooperative approaches for sustainable trade.reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Monday called trade patterns and market access prominent issues in the global economic discourse while stressing that world requires constructive and cooperative approaches to promote trade that is sustainable. The world as a collective is seeking a stable and predictable environment for trade and investm

When the West was watching a possible Russia-India-China (RIC) axis take form in Tianjin, there were some murmurs that Japan not part of SCO could be the fourth corner of a new Quad.reports Asian Lite News En route to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin, China, Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid a two-day official visit to Japan in late August. In deliberations with the then Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba of Japan, the two premiers appreciated the partnership over the l

One major source of tension between New Delhi and Dhaka is Bangladeshs evolving foreign policy alignments, which appear to be increasingly friendly towards China. This shift is reflected in Yunuss visit to China and Dhakas subsequent hesitant participation in the Kunming meeting . This has led India to take up a stricter approach in the form of trade restrictions writes Dr Sakariya Kareem Since the political turmoil in Bangladesh began last year, the interim government has found itself facing b

The success or failure of this round will shape how the two sides proceed, especially on difficult issues that have long blocked progress.reports Asian Lite News India and the European Union on Monday launched negotiations on a free trade agreement (FTA), with both sides pushing to wrap up the deal before the year-end deadline, even as US tariff upheavals inject fresh uncertainty into global trade, official sources said. The outcome of this round of negotiations will be crucial in determining th

Pakistani authorities announced the suspension of 3G and 4G mobile internet services in Balochistan from 5 p.m. on September 5 until 9 p.m. on September 6reports Asian Lite News People of Balochistan, for the third time within a month, faced an internet blackout, a trend that has sparked criticism from rights groups, who say the ban is akin to denying basic human rights. Rights group Amnesty International has denounced the move, saying that blanket shutdowns significantly curtail the right to in

Ruthless England roar back with record demolition, even as Proteas claim series 2-1 England produced a record-breaking performance on Sunday, registering the biggest-ever victory margin in ODI history as they thrashed South Africa by a staggering 342 runs in the third ODI at The Rose Bowl stadium her. It was a day when everything clicked for the hosts, a batting masterclass followed by a ruthless display with the ball, leaving the Proteas completely dismantled. Though South Africa has taken the

Two of the most prominent organisations identified in the assessment are Babbar Khalsa International and the International Sikh Youth Federation Canada has formally acknowledged that Khalistani violent extremist groups are receiving financial support from sources within its own borders, raising concerns about national security and international trust. The admission appears in a newly released government report titled 2025 Assessment of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Risks in Canada, pu

The census shows that there are over 600,000 mosques and 36,000 religious seminaries, compared to just 269,000 schoolsreports Asian Lite News Pakistans first Economic Census since independence in 1947 has laid bare a stark reality: the country has more than twice as many mosques as schools, while factories and hospitals remain scarce for its 250 million citizens, the majority of whom live below the poverty line. The census shows that there are over 600,000 mosques and 36,000 religious seminaries

New Delhi has doubled down on its Connect Central Asia policy, leveraging Chabahar as a lynchpin for access to Afghanistan and beyond.reports Asian Lite News In recent times, global diplomacy has undergone a marked shift. Washingtons revised trade tariffs have triggered a reshaping of alliances, while Beijings more cautious approach to Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) financing underscores its worries over debt risks and security challenges in frontier regions. Beijings sudden withdrawal from a fl

Its been more than three weeks since Trump had his summit with Russias President Vladimir Putin for his peace diplomacy to end the Ukraine War.reports Asian Lite News US President Donald Trump has indicated he is prepared to step up sanctions on Russia over its continued defiance in the Ukraine war, though he stopped short of outlining specific measures as Moscow resists pressure to end the conflict. Asked by a reporter on Sunday in Washington if he was ready to move the second phase of sanction