SENSEX
NIFTY
GOLD
USD/INR

Weather

image 28    C

South Asia / indiadailydigital

Pakistans Self-Imposed Trade Freeze with India Backfires

The current decision of Pakistan is a classic case of the Paradox of Punishment, where the punisher is inadvertently affected by negative consequences, writes Dr SaKariya Kareem The recent flare-up in India-Pakistan hostilitiesthankfully short of full-scale waroriginating from a Pakistan-backed terror attack in Indias Pahalgam, also carries critical economic implications that could severely impact Islamabad in the long run. Three days after the Pahalgam attack, Pakistan, in a move that, in retro

31 May 2025 10:11 am
Pakistans Shadow War in Balochistan

At least 50 killed by Pakistan-backed death squads in Balochistan in April, says HRCB toll expected to rise in May.reports Asian Lite News The Human Rights Council of Balochistan (HRCB) reported on Friday that at least 50 people were killed by Pakistan-backed death squads in the province during Aprila figure that is expected to rise significantly in May. In April alone, 43 people were killed across Balochistan by the Pakistani forces. In just the last 10 days, seven more people including a jou

30 May 2025 11:18 pm
Bollywood Fuels British Creative Sector

Housefull 5, the fifth instalment of the hit Bollywood comedy franchise, recently launched its trailer on 27 May 2025 to overwhelming response The UKs visual effects industry continues to gain global acclaimthis time with a starring role in two of Bollywoods most anticipated films. British studios Do It Creative Ltd and Pink VFX, the pioneering all-women-led division of Final Post Ltd, are behind the striking visuals of Housefull 5 and Sardaarji 3, marking a major milestone in UKIndia creative p

30 May 2025 10:57 pm
Celebrating Heritage Through Harmony

ShruthiUK Presents the Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival 2025: A Global Celebration of Indian Classical Music, Culture, and Youth Leadership ShruthiUK proudly hosted the 11th Annual Birmingham Thyagaraja Festival (BTF) 2025, a remarkable celebration that brought together the British Indian community and global audiences in honour of Indian classical music, dance, and heritage. The festival paid tribute to the revered Saint and composer Thyagaraja, showcasing the rich traditions of Carnatic music an

30 May 2025 10:21 pm
Russia, Ukraine Resume Talks

The upcoming talks follow a significant hiatus in diplomatic engagement between the two nations, which have been locked in a brutal conflict since Russias invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 Russia and Ukraine are set to resume direct peace negotiations in Istanbul, with both sides expected to review and exchange draft memorandums aimed at establishing a temporary truce and potentially restarting the stalled peace process, according to a Kremlin announcement on Friday. Kremlin spokesperson Dmit

30 May 2025 9:49 pm
UN Pays Tribute to Indian Soldiers

Thursday was observed as the 77th UN Peacekeepers Day, honouring the work of 61,353 peacekeepers, of whom 5,375 hailed from India.reports Asian Lite News Brigadier Amitabh Jha and Havildar Sanjay Singh, who lost their lives during UN peacekeeping missions, were posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjld Medal. Indias Permanent Representative P Harish received the medals on Thursday (US time) from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres at a ceremony honouring the peacekeepers who died in the service of

30 May 2025 3:21 pm
Modis New Warfare Playbook

Modi has upended the old playbook and India and Pakistan are entering dangerous new territory where nuclear deterrence is no longer a guarantee against conventional conflictwrites Collins Chong Yew Keat The India-Pakistan conflict almost caused the brink of nuclear brinkmanship, until President Trump again used his peace-loving agenda and his dovish art of the deal strategic mantra in getting both Delhi and Islamabad to agree to a ceasefire, and in avoiding the horror of Mutually Assured Destruc

30 May 2025 2:58 pm
Turkeys Jet Roars, West Watches

It is visible that Turkey is intentionally reducing reliance on U.S. and Western military imports, especially F-16s and the failed F-35 partnership, to achieve strategic independence.writes Ankit V In 2016, Ankara announced the launch of its Turkish Fighter (TF-X), a stealth, twin-engine, all-weather air superiority fighter plane, rechristened as the KAAN project, which is part of a wider initiative intended to reduce Turkeys dependence on foreign imports for its defense industry. At the start o

30 May 2025 11:53 am
Op Sindoor Team Wraps Up Saudi Visit

The visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of India and Saudi Arabia in the fight against terrorism.reports Asian Lite News Riyadh, May 30 (IANS) The Indian all-party delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda, on Friday concluded a productive visit to Saudi Arabia, reaffirming Indias zero tolerance and New Normal approach to terrorism. The delegation, a part of Indias Operation Sindoor outreach campaign, conveyed Indias firm stance against terrorism and its continued efforts to combat this g

30 May 2025 11:37 am
Visa Interview Pause Nearing End, Says US

India is the source country for the largest group of international students in the US and Bruces comments will be closely followed there.reports Asian Lite News The United States said the pause on student visa interviews will end sooner than later and urged applicants to continue applying and monitor updates for service resumption. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday ordered US missions around the world to pause student visa interviews to incorporate expanded scrutiny of the social media f

30 May 2025 10:01 am
UAE Advances AI Leadership

These leaders shared their personal experiences in the programme and reflected on how it helped deepen their expertise in AI and related leadership fields The UAE has launched the sixth cohort of its Artificial Intelligence Programme, welcoming 77 participants from both government and private sectors. The initiative, driven by the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence, aims to equip a new generation of national leaders with cutting-edge expertise in artificial intelligence and emerging

29 May 2025 8:48 pm
Emirati Artist Showcases Metamorphic Journey

This immersive exhibition features an arresting blend of paintings and sculptures that delve into the realms of folklore, mythology, psychology, and societal constructs Cultural Foundation, a leading cultural centre under the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), is spotlighting homegrown talent with Maitha Abdalla: Between Metamorphosis and Reality, a compelling solo exhibition by Emirati multidisciplinary artist Maitha Abdalla. Open to the public until August 30, 2025,

29 May 2025 8:27 pm
No Talks Till Terror Ends: India to Pakistan

The MEAs strong response came at a time when Pakistan, pushed on the backfoot by Indias decisive Operation Sindoor, has suddenly started talking about its intent on having peace talks with India.reports Asian Lite News India on Thursday made it clear once again that any engagement with Pakistan will only be bilateral; terror and talks cannot go together; and, the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably abjures its support for cross-border terrori

29 May 2025 7:00 pm
Accel Puts Indias AI Power in the Spotlight

Under the theme Engineering Indias AI Advantage, the exclusive, invite-only event will bring together leading AI founders, researchers, tech CXOs, policymakers, and global investors.reports Asian Lite News Global venture capital firm Accel on Thursday said it will host the second edition of its flagship AI Summit in Bengaluru on June 4, convening some of the sharpest minds in artificial intelligence from India and beyond. Under the theme Engineering Indias AI Advantage, the exclusive, invite-onl

29 May 2025 3:54 pm
Rain Rules Roads

People walk with umbrellas, and vehicles move slowly as rain lashes Mumbai, Wednesday, May 28, 2025. (Photos from IANS and ANI)

29 May 2025 3:47 pm
Big Gains for England Stars

Englands Joe Root retains the No.1 Test batter spot, but Harry Brook is just 15 rating points behind after a brisk 58 against Zimbabwe in Nottingham. A massive batting display against Zimbabwe helped three England top-order players make big gains in the ICC Mens Test Batters Rankings, moving within striking distance of the top position. England veteran Joe Root remains in the No.1 spot on the updated rankings for Test batters, but teammate Harry Brook has closed the gap on him to just 15 rating

29 May 2025 3:45 pm
Deshpande Set for England

IPL 2025 marked Deshpandes return, and despite modest returns (9 wickets in 10 games at 10.63 economy), Mumbai bowling consultant Kulkarni backs him to thrive in England with the Dukes ball. There were eyebrows raised when Tushar Deshpandes name was spotted in India A squad set to face England Lions in a red-ball series starting in Canterbury on May 30. At a time when Ranji Trophy performances have been considered in A team selection, Deshpandes name in the squad took everyone by surprise. The s

29 May 2025 3:44 pm
BNP ramps up poll demand

Chief Adviser Yunus had earlier promised elections in December 2025, but the timeline has since been pushed back first to February 2026 and then to June 2026, fuelling suspicion and dissatisfaction among opposition parties and citizens alike. The political landscape in Bangladesh is heating up as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) called for early national elections on Wednesday, ramping up pressure on the interim government led by Mohammed Yunus. This marks the first time in nearly a year t

29 May 2025 3:40 pm
Saudi backs Indias strategic outreach

In a series of engagements, the Indian delegation met Saudi Arabias Minister of State Adel Al-Jubeir and other senior officials. A high-profile Indian all-party parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda, has reinforced Indias unwavering stance against terrorism during key meetings with Saudi Arabias political and security leadership. Arriving in Riyadh after concluding engagements in Kuwait, the delegation is part of a broader diplomatic campaign following Indias Operation Sind

29 May 2025 3:36 pm
India clears stealth fighter project

New execution model paves way for private sector involvement in Indias ambitious stealth aircraft programme; Army showcases next-gen drone warfare systems. In a landmark decision bolstering Indias defence self-reliance, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the Execution Model for the countrys fifth-generation stealth fighter jet programmethe Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). The project will be spearheaded by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA), a specialised arm of the Defenc

29 May 2025 3:33 pm
ASEAN lauds Indias firm stance on terrorism

The ASEAN Secretary-General reaffirmed the blocs resolve to deepen collaboration with Indiaa comprehensive strategic partnerin security and counter-terrorism efforts. The Indian all-party Parliamentary delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha, held significant discussions with top ASEAN officials on Wednesday in Jakarta, underlining Indias unwavering commitment to combating terrorism and strengthening regional security cooperation. During a key meeting at the ASEAN Secretariat, the d

29 May 2025 11:20 am
NDA claims mandate in Manipur

Ten NDA MLAs urge Manipur Governor to restore popular government, claiming support of 44 legislators amid political vacuum and ongoing ethnic unrest under Presidents Rule. Amid continued uncertainty in Manipur under Presidents Rule, ten MLAs of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Wednesday met Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla and urged him to facilitate the formation of a new popular government in the violence-stricken state. The delegation, which included eight BJP MLAs and two from the Nationa

29 May 2025 11:20 am
Ex-SEBI chief cleared by Lokpal

The anti-corruption ombudsman ruled that the complaints lacked credible evidence and were based largely on assumptions, speculation, and unverifiable claims. The Lokpal of India has dismissed all complaints against former Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, giving her a clean chit in a case arising from allegations made in the second Hindenburg Research report. The anti-corruption ombudsman ruled that the complaints lacked credible evidence and were based

29 May 2025 11:13 am
Iran pressed over 3 missing Indians

The embassy stated that it is maintaining close contact with the families and keeping them regularly updated about the steps being taken.reports Asian Lite News The Indian government has urged Iranian authorities to urgently locate and ensure the safety of three Indian citizens from Punjab who have been missing in Iran since early May, under what appears to be a case of human trafficking and kidnapping for ransom. The Indian Embassy in Tehran confirmed on Wednesday that the missing individuals

29 May 2025 11:08 am
India-US eye June trade deal

The trade discussions come at a crucial time, with the United States 26 per cent reciprocal tariff on Indian goodsimposed on April 2currently suspended until July 9.reports Asian Lite News India and the United States may soon finalise a bilateral trade agreement, with a deal potentially being sealed by June 25, according reports. A team of US officials is set to visit India next month to iron out the remaining details, aiming for an interim arrangement ahead of a comprehensive trade pact. The tr

29 May 2025 11:07 am
Kamal heads to Rajya Sabha

DMK nominates Kamal Haasan to Rajya Sabha, fulfilling alliance promise, even as the actor faces backlash over remarks on Kannadas linguistic roots and cultural sensitivities. Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan is set to enter the Rajya Sabha, with the ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu allocating one of its four seats to his party, Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), ahead of the Upper House elections on 19 June. The announcement marks a significant political milestone for Haasan, whose party had chosen not to c

29 May 2025 11:05 am
Tharoor sparks another Cong-BJP slugfest

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor sparks internal backlash over comments praising Indias security posture abroad, exposing fresh factional fault lines within the partys top leadership. Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has again found himself at the centre of a political firestorm, not from opposition benches, but from within his own party. A seemingly innocuous remark made during a diplomatic outreach visit to Panama has triggered a fierce backlash, exposing deeper ideological and strategic divisi

29 May 2025 11:02 am
India Charts Bold Nuclear Path with Private Sector Push

The workshop opened with a welcome address from CRF President Shishir Priyadarshi, who underlined the importance of nuclear power in balancing energy security with climate goals In a significant move to strengthen Indias clean energy transition, the Chintan Research Foundation (CRF), in collaboration with Grant Thornton Bharat, hosted a high-level national workshop titled Private Sector Participation in the Nuclear Power Sector in India: Opportunities, Challenges, and the Path Ahead in the natio

29 May 2025 8:39 am
Hasinas Defiant Words Before Ouster

Reportedly before leaving Hasina wanted to record a farewell speech to be aired on television, but military officials declined.reports Asian Lite News Following a violent student uprising last year, the Bangladeshi military forced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign. In a dramatic confrontation, she lashed out at officials, demanding they shoot her and bury her at her official residence, Ganabhaban Then you shoot me and bury me here, in Ganabhaban, said Hasina. This was disclosed durin

28 May 2025 4:02 pm
FS Misri in US to Boost Tech, Trade Ties

The meeting, held in Washington, focused on strengthening existing frameworks and building momentum on key tech and trade initiativesreports Asian Lite News Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Wednesday (India time) met with US Under Secretary Jeffrey Kessler to discuss the early convening of the India-US Strategic Trade Dialogue and explore ways to deepen bilateral cooperation in critical and emerging technologies. The engagement marked a significant step toward advancing high-level collaboration

28 May 2025 11:26 am
Heritage Meets Innovation in Moscow

Bridging Emirati heritage with global design innovation, the Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council (IRTHI) stood out as a beacon of cultural dialogue and artisanal brilliance at the Moscow Interior and Design Week (MIDW) 2025. Held from May 22 to 25 at the iconic Manezh Central Exhibition Hall, the event marked a powerful platform for IRTHI to highlight the UAEs craft legacy while promoting sustainability and empowering women on a global stage.Guided by the vision of H.H. Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohamm

27 May 2025 9:41 pm
Activists Targeted Again in Balochistan

The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) on Tuesday condemned the enforced disappearance of Baloch leader Ghani Baloch, blaming Pakistans Law Enforcement Agencies and Frontier Corps.reports Asian Lite News The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC), a Balochistan-based human rights organisation, on Tuesday strongly condemned the enforced disappearance of Baloch political leader Ghani Baloch, allegedly carried out by Pakistans Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and the Frontier Corps. The BYC stated that Ghani,

27 May 2025 5:59 pm
5 Benefits of Digital Detox You Should Know

Another significant benefit is relief from eye strain and headaches. Prolonged screen time is a leading cause of digital eye strain, a condition marked by dry eyes, irritation, blurred vision, and persistent headaches In todays fast-paced digital age, people are spending more time than ever glued to their smartphones, laptops, tablets, and televisions. While technology has undoubtedly made life more convenient, it has also brought along a host of health and wellness challenges. From eye strain a

27 May 2025 4:48 pm
Summer Outing Essentials

As temperatures soar and the sun shines brighter, stepping out in the summer calls for more than just lightweight clothes and flip-flops. To stay cool, comfortable, and protected, you need to be armed with the right summer essentials. Here are five must-haves that should always be part of your warm-weather routine:

27 May 2025 4:20 pm
China Culture Tourism Boost

Hak reported that Cambodia received 2.4 million international tourists in the first four months of 2025a 14 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, over 380,000 of these visitors were Chinese tourists, representing a 49 percent year-on-year increase China, home to 59 UNESCO World Heritage sites, has launched a major international campaign aimed at boosting the global visibility of its 40 cultural heritage sites. The initiative, titled Nihao! China 2025 World Cultural Herit

27 May 2025 4:16 pm
Islamabad-Ankara-Baku Axis Sharpens Against India

Both Turkey and Azerbaijan have openly expressed solidarity with Pakistan and backed Islamabad in its military standoff with India, this month.reports Asian Lite News The evolving alliance between Islamabad, Ankara, and Baku is expected to strengthen and expand further during Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharifs upcoming visit to Azerbaijan, following the conclusion of his current trip to Iran. According to reports, a trilateral summit of Pakistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan is expected to be hel

27 May 2025 3:50 pm
India Targets Pak Terror Ties in Guyana

The delegation met the Guyanese President, Mohamed Irfaan Ali, who had hosted a dinner to celebrate friendship and shared aspirations between the two nationsreports Asian Lite News Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, currently heading a delegation to Guyana as part of Indias global outreach initiative under Operation Sindoor and its campaign against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism, revealed on Tuesday that he had highlighted the claims made by The Resistance Front (TRF) and the presence of

27 May 2025 1:09 pm
EU Vows US Trade Deal

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen phoned Trump on Sunday, after which he agreed to postpone the planned tariff increase until July 9.reports Asian Lite News The European Commission remains fully committed to reaching a trade deal with the United States amid tariff twists, according to a senior European Union (EU) official. In a Monday post on social media platform X, European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maros Sefcovic wrote: The European Commission remains fully

27 May 2025 10:23 am
ASEAN Unveils 2045 Vision

ASEAN leaders formally adopted the ACV 2045 and its strategic plans across four pillars: political-security, economic, socio-cultural, and connectivityreports Asian Lite News The Kuala Lumpur Declaration on ASEAN 2045 a strategic blueprint for the next two decades of the regional bloc was unveiled on Monday, following formal endorsement by ASEAN leaders at the 46th ASEAN Summit. In his remarks following the signing ceremony of the declaration, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the do

26 May 2025 5:43 pm
Gilgit-Baltistan Facing Twin Crises

Dr Mirza warned of a potential civil disobedience movement if the demands of the people are not met.reports Asian Lite News Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a political activist from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), has sounded the alarm over worsening environmental degradation and troubling political developments in Gilgit-Baltistan, during his latest broadcast on Radio Himalaya News, Kashmir News Exclusive. Speaking on the urgent issue of melting glaciers in Gilgit-Baltistan, Dr Mirza stated th

26 May 2025 5:13 pm
India Rejects Paks Proxy War Play

The delegation is in Qatar to share the details about Indias Operation Sindoor and also to make startling disclosures about Pakistan-sponsored terrorismreports Asian Lite News Congress MP Manish Tiwari, a member of all-party delegation led by NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, on Monday said that the parliamentarians had a productive and constructive talks with Qatars Shura Council and conveyed Indias right to defend its sovereignty. The delegation is in Qatar to share the details about Indias Operation

26 May 2025 11:08 am
Top Indian Officials Head to Washington

The visit, likely next week, follows US President Trumps claims that his administration helped broker the recent India-Pakistan ceasefire.reports Asian Lite News Top sources revealed on Sunday that Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Deputy NSA Pawan Kapoor will soon visit Washington, following directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit, which could take place next week, comes in the backdrop of US President Donald Trumps repeated claims that his administration brokered the ceasefire

26 May 2025 8:09 am
India, Canada Discuss Enhancing Diplomatic Relations

Canadas new Prime Minister Mark Carney is pushing for deepening economic cooperation with India.reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held his first phone call with Canadian counterpart Anita Anand, discussing ways to strengthen bilateral ties. Anand made the announcement on Sunday on her social media account on X, thanking EAM Jaishankar for the productive discussion on Indo-Canadian ties. Thank you Minister @DrSJaishankar for the productive discussion today on strengt

26 May 2025 8:06 am