South Asia
100 articles from 5 countries
Political and public health concerns ripple across South Asia as Pakistan's Lahore High Court rules national ID cards are not seizeable property, while Sri Lanka faces a no-confidence vote against its energy minister and Karachi reports a suspected mpox case amid a dengue surge. Meanwhile, India's electoral rolls see millions of voters deleted ahead of upcoming polls, and a tragic rescue operation unfolds for a child fallen into a borewell.
🇮🇳 IndiaJeff Bezos's Wife, Who Couldn't Afford a Prom Dress, and the Amazon Founder Pledge $34 Million for Sustainable Textiles
- Lauren Sanchez and Jeff Bezos pledged $34 million to sustainable textile research. - The funding will advance biodegradable fibers and plastic-free synthetic silk. - Sanchez highlighted the personal…
More than 60 artisans have spent over two decades building a castle like it's 1230; it's still not finished
- Over 60 artisans have been building a medieval castle in France since 1997, using only 13th-century techniques. - The project, Guedelon Castle, is a historical experiment in traditional craftsmanshi…
A 67-million-year-old T. rex discovered on a South Dakota ranch has sold for $50.1 million, becoming the most expensive dinosaur fossil ever auctioned
- A Tyrannosaurus rex fossil, nicknamed "Gus," sold for $50.1 million at auction in New York, setting a new world record. - The exceptionally preserved specimen, discovered in South Dakota, is over 60…
211 patients undergoing chemo evacuated: US strikes near Iran cancer hospital for children - video
- US airstrikes near a children's cancer hospital in Ahvaz, Iran, forced the evacuation of 211 patients, including children undergoing chemotherapy. - The hospital, Shahid Baghaei, was temporarily tak…
Will OnePlus Exit India Soon? Company Shares Plan Amid Speculation | Hindustan Times IN
- Speculation is mounting that OnePlus may be preparing to exit the Indian market. - The company has sought to quell rumors by reaffirming its commitment to India. - OnePlus is transitioning to a unif…
Meet Julia Butterfly Hill: The 23-year-old woman who climbed a 1,000-year-old tree and stayed there for 738 days to save it from being cut down
- Julia Butterfly Hill lived in a 1,000-year-old redwood tree for 738 days to prevent it from being logged. - The 23-year-old activist endured storms, isolation, and pressure from loggers while living…
'Don't deploy Indian sailors…': India's big warning to shipowners over Hormuz amid renewed US-Iran tensions
- India has warned shipowners not to deploy Indian seafarers on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz due to rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran. - The directive follows the deaths of two Indi…
'Swastika connects India and Azerbaijan': Indian diplomat invokes ancient symbol amid strained ties
- India's ambassador-designate to Azerbaijan invoked the ancient Swastika symbol to highlight shared civilizational links amid strained bilateral ties. - The ambassador noted archaeological discoverie…
Supreme Court orders states, UTs to frame policy for early release of terminally ill prisoners
- The Supreme Court has ordered states and Union Territories to create policies for the early release of terminally ill prisoners. - These policies must be developed in coordination with State Legal S…
Over 500 Rohingya Feared Dead After Bay of Bengal Boat Disasters
- Two boats carrying Rohingya refugees capsized in the Bay of Bengal, with at least 500 people feared dead. - The boats departed from Myanmar's Rakhine state and Bangladesh refugee camps, undertaking …
Indian diaspora group in US asks PM Modi to talk to Sonam Wangchuk: 'Must answer failures'
- Hindus for Human Rights, a US-based diaspora group, urged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address concerns raised by protesters. - The group specifically mentioned examination irregularities …
Dipke's 4-year-old post on Rahul Gandhi's ‘Bharat Jodo Yatra’ goes viral: 'Nothing more than a travel vlog'
- A four-year-old social media post criticizing Rahul Gandhi's 'Bharat Jodo Yatra' as a 'travel vlog' has resurfaced and gone viral. - The post by Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party …
'They better behave': Trump warns Iran on settlement amid fresh strikes
- US President Donald Trump warned Iran to "behave" if it wants to resume negotiations, stating the country was interested in a settlement. - US military forces conducted a new wave of strikes on Iran…
Surge at voter facilitation centres across state increases wait time
- Voter Facilitation Centres in Karnataka, India, are overwhelmed with crowds during the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. - Applicants face long waits and complaints of inadequate assist…
India installs 100,000 rooftop solar systems weekly under PM Surya Ghar scheme
- India is installing rooftop solar systems on approximately 100,000 households weekly under the PM Surya Ghar scheme. - The program aims to cover 10 million homes by March 2027, with 4.65 million alr…
Supreme Court clears road for country’s first night safari in Lucknow’s Kukrail Reserve Forest
- The Supreme Court has approved the establishment of India's first night safari in Lucknow's Kukrail Reserve Forest. - The Uttar Pradesh government received conditional approval from the Central Empo…
679,000 Indian children missed first vaccine dose in 2025: WHO report
- In 2025, 13.5 million infants globally missed their first vaccine dose, with 679,000 in India, according to a WHO-UNICEF report. - While global vaccination coverage has rebounded post-pandemic, it r…
Kerala HC seeks experts’ opinions on affordable breast cancer drugs
- The Kerala High Court is investigating whether cheaper, off-patent breast cancer drugs can substitute for expensive patented alternatives. - The court is examining if patients are being denied life-…
Telangana launches ₹60,000 crore Amazon data center, eyes $1 trillion economy
- Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy inaugurated a ₹60,000 crore Amazon data center in Hyderabad, aiming to attract global investments. - The project is expected to boost investor confidence an…
Former TN minister EV Velu appears before DVAC
- Former Tamil Nadu minister E.V. Velu appeared before the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) regarding alleged road project irregularities. - Velu stated he cooperated fully with the…
Not aware of any quid pro quo offer: Adani
- Billionaire Gautam Adani submitted a sworn affidavit denying knowledge of any quid pro quo offer related to the U.S. dropping bribery and fraud charges against him. - Adani stated he was unaware of …
Supreme Court grants more time for pharmacy college approvals
- The Supreme Court extended the deadline for the Pharmacy Council of India to approve pharmacy colleges for the 2026-27 academic session to September 15. - The PCI requested the extension due to dela…
Modi's Punjab visit to set tone for assembly polls, BJP leaders say
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Punjab is expected to set the political tone for the 2027 assembly elections. - The BJP plans to focus on development and infrastructure projects, in…
NCP (SP) will back delimitation bill if all states get 50% seat increase: Supriya Sule
- Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) leader Supriya Sule stated her party would back a delimitation bill if it ensures a 50% increase in Lok Sabha seats for all states. - This condition …
'Like my lover': Chinese users bid farewell to AI companions
- Chinese users are bidding emotional farewells to AI companions as new regulations curb emotional dependency on virtual bots. - Major AI providers have suspended custom AI agent and companion feature…
Oil prices extend gain for fourth day, stay beyond $85 amid Middle East chaos
- Crude oil prices rose for the fourth consecutive day, with Brent crude exceeding $85 per barrel. - The increase is driven by escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran, raising concerns about maj…
TMC's Madan Mitra joins rebel camp, Mamata says people entering 'BJP's washing machine' for safety
- Madan Mitra, a prominent Trinamool Congress (TMC) legislator, has joined a rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee. - Mitra's move follows his wife and sons being summoned by the Enforcement Directo…
India Cabinet Approves $62.5 Billion Scheme to Boost Phone Manufacturing
- The Indian cabinet approved a $62.5 billion scheme to boost mobile phone manufacturing over five years. - The Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) aims to create 60,000 jobs and increase cumulat…
India-UK Free Trade Pact and Social Security Agreement Come Into Force
- India and the UK have operationalized their Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and a social security pact. - The agreements aim to deepen bilateral trade, investment, and cooperation …
Sule's seat increase demand could revive delimitation bill debate
- Nationalist parties are pushing for a delimitation bill that would redraw electoral constituencies. - Supriya Sule, an opposition leader, stated she would support the bill if all states received a 5…
Cabinet approves urea investment policy to boost local production
- India's cabinet has approved a new urea investment policy aimed at increasing domestic production. - The policy encourages the establishment of gas-based urea manufacturing plants. - This initiative…
Supreme Court approves India's first night safari in Lucknow
- The Supreme Court has approved India's first night safari project in Lucknow's Kukrail Reserve Forest. - The court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to comply with all conditions and prior clear…
Indian illegal immigration to US drops 69% from peak in 2023
- Illegal immigration from India to the U.S. has significantly decreased, with a 69% drop from its peak in FY2023. - Encounters with Indian migrants at the U.S. southwestern border fell by 99%, and by…
2 killed in Noida apartment fire; e-scooter charging suspected as trigger, illegal building owner arrested
- A fire in a Noida apartment building killed two young residents. - Investigators suspect an e-scooter charging inside the apartment triggered the blaze. - The owner of the illegally constructed buil…
Quote on legacy misattributed to Roman Emperor Augustus actually from Neil Gaiman comic
- A quote often attributed to Roman Emperor Augustus, about leaving a mark on the world, actually originates from Neil Gaiman's comic book series The Sandman. - The fictional Augustus in Gaiman's work…
Quote of the day by Cyrus the Great: 'All men have their frailties; and whoever looks for a friend...'
- The article reflects on the ancient Persian king Cyrus the Great's observation about human imperfection in seeking friendship. - It contrasts this ancient wisdom with modern loneliness, exacerbated …
Billionaire engineer lived six months a year on superyacht to avoid land taxes
- Microsoft engineer Charles Simonyi used a superyacht for six months a year to avoid land taxes. - This strategy allowed him to circumvent property tax liabilities and construction regulations. - Sim…
South Air launches inaugural flights from Karachi to Quetta and Islamabad
- South Air launched its first flights from Karachi to Quetta and Islamabad on Thursday. - The new airline's operations aim to strengthen Pakistan's domestic air connectivity. - Initially, South Air w…
Indian court orders intervention if fasting activist's health worsens
- An Indian court ordered authorities to monitor an activist on a 19-day hunger strike and intervene if his condition worsens. - The activist, Sonam Wangchuk, is protesting alleged exam paper leaks an…
US Defence Secretary Hegseth announces mandatory testosterone screening for troops 30 years old or above
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced mandatory annual testosterone screening for troops aged 30 and above. - The initiative aims to combat testosterone deficiency, which can undermine troop…
Late sex offender Epstein clearly had connections to American, Israeli intelligence: Vance
- U.S. Vice President JD Vance suggested Jeffrey Epstein had ties to both American and Israeli intelligence. - Vance stated on a podcast that Epstein was connected to the
PSX continues recovery as KSE-100 index gains 2,600 points in early trade
- Pakistan's KSE-100 index saw a significant recovery, gaining approximately 2,600 points in early trading on Thursday. - The rebound follows remarks by US President Donald Trump indicating Iran's wil…
US strikes Iran's coastal defences in fresh salvo; Tehran again targets American assets in Gulf states
- The US launched a second wave of attacks on Iran's coastal defenses and missile sites, days after a fragile truce collapsed. - Iran responded by targeting US military sites in neighboring Gulf count…
US House defeats bid to cut off Israel aid in vote dividing Democrats
- The U.S. House of Representatives rejected an amendment to halt aid to Israel, with 314 votes against and 104 in favor. - The vote highlighted a growing division within the Democratic party, as near…
Pakistan to join China-led AI body as founding member
- Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is visiting Shanghai to sign an agreement for the country's founding membership in the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organ…
Sindh govt body seeks legal action against SBCA officials over Gul Plaza fire
- A Sindh government committee recommended legal and disciplinary action against Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) officials for failures leading to the Gul Plaza fire. - Officials who served be…
AJK violence
- Azad Kashmir has experienced severe disruptions and violence since early June due to protests by the Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). - The protests, focused on governance and economic issues, h…
Higher motorway toll on low M-Tag balance: Court issues notices
- The Islamabad High Court issued notices regarding a petition challenging a 50% increase in motorway tolls for vehicles with insufficient M-Tag balance. - The petitioner argues the higher toll is arb…
Balochistan High Court Admits Dr. Mahrang Baloch's Plea Against Life Sentence
- Dr. Mahrang Baloch, chief organizer of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, is challenging her life sentence from an anti-terrorism court in the Balochistan High Court. - The court admitted her petition f…
PMA issues red alert over 651,000 zero-dose children
- Pakistan's Medical Association has declared a national public health emergency due to 651,000 "zero-dose" children lacking basic vaccinations. - The association blames systemic failures, corruption,…
PTI to launch nationwide movement from Aug 5
- PTI plans to launch a nationwide movement on August 5 to secure the release of its chief, Imran Khan, and meet other demands. - The movement will involve public meetings, demonstrations, and a long …
JAAC defers march for a week after back-channel talks
- The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) postponed its planned march on Muzaffarabad by one week following back-channel negotiations. - Thousands gathered in Rawalakot in anticipation of the march, b…
Generative AI's power sparks fears of humans becoming dumber
- Generative AI tools like ChatGPT may be weakening users' long-term learning abilities, particularly in critical thinking and memory, according to recent studies. - Experts warn that AI's ability to …
Frontline communities face longer wait for climate funds
- The Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) board deferred funding decisions until December 2026 due to a large number of proposals and limited resources. - The fund received 176 requests from…
Pakistan crypto czar asks Islamic seminary to distinguish between speculative crypto, asset-backed tokens
- Pakistan's crypto regulator has asked a prominent Islamic seminary to differentiate between speculative cryptocurrencies and asset-backed tokens. - The request follows a recent religious decree (fat…
Holders of invalid, expired NICOPs barred from boarding flights to Pakistan: official
- Pakistan has barred travelers with invalid or expired National Identity Cards for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP) from boarding flights. - The Federal Investigation Agency has directed airlines to verif…
Pakistan deputy PM to attend China-led AI body signing in Shanghai
- Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will attend the signing ceremony for the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) in Shanghai. - Dar will sign t…
FCC terms SC, IHC decisions on demolition of restaurants in Margalla Hills ‘grave miscarriage of justice’
- Pakistan's Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) overturned earlier Supreme Court and Islamabad High Court decisions regarding the demolition of restaurants in Margalla Hills National Park. - The FCC r…
Drones, AI, and white paint: Europe races to protect infrastructure from heat
- Europe is implementing various measures, including drones, AI sensors, and white paint, to protect aging infrastructure from extreme heat. - Record temperatures are causing railways to buckle, roads…
Over 500 Rohingya refugees feared dead after boats capsize off Myanmar coast
- Two boats carrying over 500 Rohingya refugees may have capsized off Myanmar's coast, according to UN agencies. - The vessels departed from Myanmar's Rakhine State in late June, with passengers repor…
Awami League to face trial if charges filed, Bangladesh minister says
- Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that the Awami League will face trial if investigators file charges, and that the government is expediting the investigation. - Ahmed ruled out banning any poli…
Two BNP Leaders Killed in Separate Attacks in Bangladesh
- Two local BNP leaders were killed in separate incidents in Kishoreganj and Noakhali, Bangladesh. - Police have arrested suspects in both cases and launched investigations into the killings. - In Kis…
UN chief appoints Bangladesh's Rabab Fatima as special representative for Afghanistan
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Rabab Fatima of Bangladesh as his new special representative for Afghanistan. - Fatima will also head the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)…
Bangladesh embankment breach linked to illegal sand extraction
- Residents and activists blame illegal sand extraction for a recent breach of the Khowai River embankment in Habiganj, Bangladesh. - The breach flooded at least 30 villages and marooned around 31,000…
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- The Bangladesh Open University (BOU) has postponed its Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) examinations scheduled for July 17 and 18. - The postponements are due to adverse weather conditions affecti…
Jashore Fisheries Sector Suffers Tk 55 Crore Loss from Flooding
- Continuous heavy rainfall and waterlogging in Jashore, Bangladesh, have caused an estimated Tk 55.03 crore loss to the fisheries sector. - Over 2,600 ponds and numerous fish enclosures were affected…
Odesa Port Strike Kills Three as Ukraine Hits Russian Vessels; EU Extends Ukrainian Stay
- Russia killed three people in an attack on Odesa, while Ukrainian drones struck 20 Russian vessels in the Black Sea. - The attacks escalate the battle over Black Sea trade routes, impacting global g…
Israeli Airstrike Kills Family in Gaza Amid Stalled Ceasefire Talks
- An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed a man, his wife, and their six-year-old daughter, while their son was injured. - The Israeli military stated the strike targeted a Hamas militant; medics confirme…
Bangladesh Urged to Build National AI Ecosystem Centered on People and Skills
- Experts urge Bangladesh to build a national AI ecosystem focused on people, skills, and innovation, rather than just digitalization. - Success in the AI era depends on developing human capability, s…
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- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman announced the government is compiling a comprehensive list of Liberation War martyrs. - The initiative aims to provide due recognition and dignity to those who sacrific…
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- Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed stated that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will be arrested immediately upon her return and face legal proceedings. - He affirmed efforts to bring back former min…
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- A government committee proposed minimum salaries and allowances for entry-level physicians in private healthcare facilities. - Recommendations include a consolidated monthly salary based on location…
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- Five international human rights and press freedom organizations urged Bangladesh to drop an investigation into detained journalists Farzana Rupa and Mozammel Babu. - The groups argue that criminaliz…
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- Dhaka's canals have been significantly encroached upon and filled, worsening waterlogging in the capital, according to a government minister. - The minister emphasized the need to recover, clean, an…
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- An opposition figure in Bangladesh stated there is no legal avenue for a former prime minister to appeal her death sentence after the deadline expired. - The opposition chief whip urged the governme…
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- Bangladesh's Election Commission will publish the draft list of polling centers on August 10 and the final list on August 27. - Claims and objections to the draft list can be submitted until August …
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- The government plans strict action against illegal occupations of hills, streams, and rivers in Bandarban, Bangladesh. - State Minister Anindya Islam Amit announced plans to discuss rehabilitation f…
Predatory lending victims set three conditions for agreement
- Victims of predatory lending have set three non-negotiable demands ahead of a fourth round of negotiations with the government. - The Central Committee of the Farmers and Workers' Movement Against L…
Technical glitch disrupts Nepal's online land services
- A technical glitch has disrupted Nepal's Department of Land Management and Archive online services for two days, affecting thousands of users. - The issue stems from a fault in the Public Access Mod…
Cabinet restores personal secretaries for lawmakers
- Nepal's Cabinet approved reinstating personal secretaries for lawmakers. - The facility, previously scrapped, will allow members of both the House of Representatives and National Assembly to hire st…
How Bangladeshi jobseekers are trafficked into Cambodia’s scam compounds
- Hundreds of Bangladeshis have been rescued from scam compounds in Cambodia after being lured with false job offers. - Traffickers recruit victims with promises of well-paid work, then confiscate the…
Aggressive Elephant 'Dhrube,' Blamed for 25 Deaths, Fitted with Radio Collar in Nepal
- Chitwan National Park in Nepal has fitted a radio collar on a notoriously aggressive elephant named Dhrube. - Dhrube is believed to be responsible for the deaths of 25 people in the park and surroun…
Nepal Distributes Over 48,000 Murrah Buffalo Semen Doses to Boost Dairy Production
- Nepal's Department of Livestock Services distributed over 48,000 doses of Murrah buffalo semen to farmers. - The initiative aims to improve buffalo breeds and boost milk production, leveraging semen…
Blowing the whistle to control corruption
- Whistle-blowing, the act of reporting unethical activities by insiders, is often misunderstood in Nepal and equated with media stunts. - The government has established mechanisms like the Right to I…
Nepal predatory lending talks end without agreement
- Talks between victims of predatory lending and a government negotiation team in Nepal failed to reach an agreement. - Victims rejected the government's conditions, citing past unfulfilled assurances…
Scooter rider found dead four days after being swept away by flood
- A 30-year-old man, Mahesh Karki, was found dead four days after being swept away with his scooter by the swollen Sim river in Makawanpur, Nepal. - Authorities recovered Karki's body buried under san…
Government tightens procurement law with penalties, faster bidding and pricing reforms
- Nepal amended its Public Procurement Act 2007 to include criminal liability for contractors misusing advance payments. - The new law shortens bidding timelines and reforms pricing mechanisms to impr…
Notorious killer elephant tracked again after fatal attacks in Chitwan
- Wildlife authorities in Nepal have fitted a satellite tracking collar on a notorious elephant known as 'Dhurbe' after it killed a woman and her son. - The elephant, responsible for at least 25 human…
US strikes Iran again as Tehran warns of ‘existential war’ with America
- The US struck Iran's coastal defenses and missile sites, reimposing a naval blockade and escalating hostilities after a fragile truce collapsed. - Military operations are targeting Iranian capabilit…
Argentina stages late comeback to sink England and reach World Cup final
- Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the World Cup semi-final with late goals from Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez. - The victory sends Argentina to the final against Spain, dashing England's hopes…
Theatre review: A world beyond the obvious in ‘Guliyo Shyau’
- A children's play titled 'Guliyo Shyau' challenges young audiences to question assumptions about color and ripeness. - The play features a character who paints objects unconventionally, prompting de…
Breaking the myths around PMOS and fitness
- Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) presents challenges for women, particularly regarding fitness and weight loss due to hormonal imbalances and insulin resistance. - Fitness instructor …
They came, they saw, they left: The coaches Nepal couldn’t keep
- Guglielmo Arena, the national football team's coach, left Nepal abruptly after FIFA suspended the All Nepal Football Association, freezing his ambitious plans to implement a high-tempo, possession-b…
Lone woman earning a livelihood offering horse rides to highland visitors
- Asha BK is the sole woman among over 50 registered horse ride operators in Dhorpatan, Nepal, offering rides to tourists visiting high-altitude meadows. - She continues her family's traditional occup…
No party is free of blame for weakening federalism
- Nepal's major political parties are accused of weakening federalism, with a proposal to scrap provincial assemblies sparking controversy and leading to boycotts of constitutional amendment discussio…
Why Indo-Pacific needs to be central to India’s foreign policy
- India is strengthening its foreign policy focus on the Indo-Pacific region, enhancing defense and maritime cooperation with key nations like Indonesia, Australia, and New Zealand. - Prime Minister M…
Europe emerges as major destination for Nepali workers as Gulf uncertainties grow
- Europe is rapidly becoming a preferred destination for Nepali workers, with 53,951 receiving labor approvals in the first 11 months of the fiscal year 2025-26. - This shift diversifies Nepal's labor…
Government’s big moves hit judicial wall
- The Balendra Shah-led government in Nepal has faced repeated judicial checks on its key decisions within its first 100 days in office. - The Supreme Court has suspended or overturned executive actio…
Banks sit on Rs1.56 trillion in excess liquidity as weak credit demand persists
- Banks in Nepal hold Rs1.56 trillion in excess liquidity as of July 10, a persistent surplus driven by strong remittance inflows and weak loan demand. - Factors contributing to sluggish credit expans…
France's Parliament Approves Bill Allowing Assisted Death
- France's parliament has approved a bill allowing citizens to end their lives under certain conditions. - The controversial bill passed after years of debate, with 291 votes in favor and 241 against.…
