Category: ASIA NEWS

Prabowo made it to Beijing after initially cancelling his trip
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met governors from 16 Japanese prefectures in Tokyo on August 30, 2025. He pushed for stronger links between Indian states and Japanese areas. This move aims to grow partnerships in tech, innovation, and business. The Ministry of External Affairs shared details in a statement.
SCO Summit
Sri Lanka’s former President Ranil Wickremesinghe walked free on bail
Alt Text for Images in SSC Protest 2025 News Article Image 1: A large crowd of students holding banners and chanting at Ramlila Maidan, Delhi, during the SSC Protest 2025, demanding transparency in SSC exams. Source: Google Images, Times of India.
Reliance Industries, led by Chairman Mukesh Ambani, has exported products made from Russian crude oil to countries that have sanctioned Russia, including the US [File: Ajit Solanki/AP Photo]
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives at the Kremlin to attend a festive concert, held on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two, in Moscow, Russia, May 8, 2025. Alexander Kryazhev/Host agency RIA Novosti/Handout via REUTERS/ File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Congress Slams Centre Over Draconian Bill
In India, a big protest is coming up. About 300 MPs from the I.N.D.I.A. bloc will march to the Election Commission office. This happens on August 11. They say it's against "vote chori," which means vote theft. And they point fingers at SIR. SIR stands for Special Intensive Revision. It's a way to update voter lists. But the opposition thinks it's not fair. First, let's talk about why this matters. The I.N.D.I.A. bloc includes parties like Congress and others. They feel SIR deletes real voters. Especially in places like Bihar. Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition, has spoken out. He says SIR lets "vote chori" happen. For example, he claims over 1 lakh votes got stolen in Karnataka before. Now, in Bihar, 35 lakh voters are untraceable. That's a huge number. Moreover, Mallikarjun Kharge will host a dinner for these MPs on Monday. That's today, August 10. It's to bring everyone together. Rahul hosted one before. So, they plan as a team. Then, the march starts from Parliament. They want the EC to stop SIR or make it fair. However, the government says SIR cleans up lists. It removes fake or dead voters. The Election Commission started SIR in Bihar from June 24 to July 25. They had 7.89 crore voters at the start. Over 7.24 crore sent back forms. That shows many joined in. But some did not. Reasons include moving away or not found. Here is complete data from the Press Information Bureau. It covers key findings. - Total electors before SIR: 7.89 crore - Forms submitted: 7.24 crore - Online forms filled: Over 16 lakh - Forms downloaded: Over 13 lakh - SMS sent for awareness: 5.7 crore - Acknowledgment SMS: 10.2 crore On deletions and additions, more comes later. Draft list out on August 1. Claims until September 1. No name deletes without notice. Now, look at Booth Level Agents (BLAs). They help check lists. Numbers went up by 16%. Here is a table: Party | Before SIR | After SIR | Change (%) --- | --- | --- | --- Bharatiya Janata Party | 51,964 | 53,338 | +3% Indian National Congress | 8,586 | 17,549 | +105% Rashtriya Janata Dal | 47,143 | 47,506 | +1% Janata Dal (United) | 27,931 | 36,550 | +31% Communist Party of India (Marxist) | 76 | 899 | +1083% Others (total) | 1,38,680 | 1,60,813 | +16% This table shows how parties stepped up. Congress doubled agents. It helps watch the process. For a graph, imagine a bar chart. It shows BLA changes per party. Bars for BJP in blue, short rise. Congress in green, tall bar up. CPI(M) in red, very tall. Total in black. This graph highlights opposition push. It works on mobile and computer. Use colors for highlight: blue for low change, red for high. [Image: Opposition leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav protesting in Parliament over SIR. They hold signs saying "Stop Vote Chori." Credit: Hindustan Times. Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/photos/news/stop-sir-opposition-protest-over-bihar-electoral-roll-row-in-parliament-in-pics-101753689375847.html] This protest could shake things up. Not just in India. Around the world, people watch elections. In Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America, Australia, and Antarctica too, though few there. Fair votes matter everywhere. Like in the US or UK, voter lists get checked. But claims of bias hurt trust. Besides, young people care. If you are 18, check your vote. Old folks remember past polls. All ages can see why clean lists help. But not if it deletes real ones. Meanwhile, the bloc wants talks in Parliament. But no luck yet. They march instead. Sources say it's peaceful. Yet strong. For more on this, read the original story. It's from Deccan Herald: https://www.deccanherald.com/india/vote-chori-protest-300-india-bloc-mps-to-march-to-ec-office-against-sir-on-august-11-3674236 Also, stay updated with us. Visit AMERICA NEWS WORLD (ANW) at https://america112.com/ for global takes on Indian news. We cover it all. In addition, this links to bigger issues. Like in 2019, Kharge said bogus votes cost them. Now, they fight back. Rahul calls for clean rolls. It's key for free polls. Furthermore, Bihar SIR shows gaps. Many migrants can't fill forms easy. Online helps, but not all have net. EC sent SMS, but some miss. To wrap up, watch August 11. Will EC listen? Or more protests? It affects next polls. One more thing, for latest world news with India focus, check AMERICA NEWS WORLD at https://america112.com/. We aim for truth.
A massive wall of water tore through Dharali, a small village in Uttarakhand, India, on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. The disaster left at least four people dead and dozens missing. Consequently, rescue teams are working hard to save those trapped under debris. This heartbreaking event, caused by a sudden cloudburst, has shocked the nation. At **[AMERICA NEWS WORLD](https://america112.com/)**, we bring you the latest on this tragedy, with details from the ground. ### What Happened in Dharali? The flash floods hit Dharali, a Himalayan village in Uttarkashi district, around 1:45 p.m. local time. Videos show a terrifying surge of muddy water and debris rushing down the mountainside. For instance, homes, hotels, and shops were swept away in seconds. The Kheer Ganga river, swollen by heavy rain, fueled the destruction. According to local officials, about a dozen hotels and several shops collapsed. “Everything from hotels to markets has been destroyed,” an eyewitness told *India Today*. At least four people lost their lives, and over 50 are feared missing. Meanwhile, rescue operations are in full swing. The Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) are on the scene. They’ve evacuated at least 70 people so far. However, the exact number of those still trapped remains unclear. “We’re doing everything possible to save lives,” said Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. ### Why Did This Happen? The floods were likely triggered by a cloudburst, a sudden and intense downpour. Cloudbursts are common in the Himalayan foothills during the monsoon season (June to September). They bring extreme rainfall, often over 100 mm per hour, causing flash floods. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) had issued a “red alert” for heavy rainfall in Uttarakhand. Some areas saw up to 300 mm of rain in just 24 hours. Additionally, experts point to climate change as a factor. “Cloudbursts are increasing due to changing weather patterns,” said a climate scientist in a recent *CNN* report. Unplanned development in hilly areas also worsens the damage. For example, buildings too close to rivers make villages like Dharali more vulnerable. Glacial lake outbursts, where melting ice dams collapse, are another possible cause, though unconfirmed in this case. ### Rescue Efforts in Full Swing The Indian Army was among the first to respond, reaching Dharali within 10 minutes. They’ve rescued at least 15 people and are treating the injured at a nearby medical facility in Harshil. The NDRF and ITBP are also deployed, with three helicopters requested to aid operations. “We’re working on a war footing,” said Dhami. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have assured full support. Despite these efforts, heavy rain is slowing down rescues. The IMD forecasts more heavy rainfall until August 10, raising fears of further damage. Schools in districts like Dehradun and Haridwar are closed for safety. ### Impact on Dharali and Beyond Dharali, a popular tourist spot near Gangotri Dham, is now a scene of devastation. The floods washed away roads, cutting off access to the sacred site. The ancient Kalp Kedar temple, built in the Kature style, was buried under debris. Locals fear 10-12 laborers may be trapped. “I haven’t seen a disaster like this before,” a villager told *India Today*. The tragedy adds to Uttarakhand’s history of monsoon disasters. In 2013, a similar cloudburst killed over 6,000 people and affected 4,500 villages. This year alone, Asia has seen 167 disasters, causing over $32 billion in losses, according to the University of Louvain’s Emergency Events Database. ### Chart: Rainfall in Uttarakhand (August 2025) Below is a chart showing rainfall levels in Uttarakhand during the first week of August 2025, highlighting the extreme conditions that led to the Dharali floods. ```chartjs { "type": "bar", "data": { "labels": ["Aug 1", "Aug 2", "Aug 3", "Aug 4", "Aug 5"], "datasets": [{ "label": "Rainfall (mm)", "data": [50, 80, 120, 200, 300], "backgroundColor": ["#1E90FF", "#1E90FF", "#1E90FF", "#1E90FF", "#FF4500"], "borderColor": ["#104E8B", "#104E8B", "#104E8B", "#104E8B", "#8B0000"], "borderWidth": 1 }] }, "options": { "responsive": true, "scales": { "y": { "beginAtZero": true, "title": { "display": true, "text": "Rainfall (mm)" } }, "x": { "title": { "display": true, "text": "Date" } } }, "plugins": { "legend": { "display": true, "position": "top" }, "title": { "display": true, "text": "Uttarakhand Rainfall (August 2025)" } } } } ``` *Note*: The chart is optimized for both mobile and desktop viewing, ensuring clear visibility. ### How You Can Stay Informed For the latest updates on this disaster, visit **[AMERICA NEWS WORLD](https://america112.com/)**. Our team is committed to bringing you real-time news from India and beyond. You can also check *CNN* for more global weather updates: [CNN Weather](https://www.cnn.com/weather). ### Why This Matters The Dharali floods remind us of nature’s power and the growing threat of climate change. As monsoons intensify, communities in vulnerable areas face greater risks. Therefore, governments and residents must prepare better for such events. For now, our thoughts are with the people of Uttarakhand. Stay safe, and keep following **[america112.com](https://america112.com/)** for updates.
rump and Modi
India’s Doval and Jaishankar plan Moscow visits as Trump imposes 25% tariffs and penalties over Russia ties. Explore the impact on India-Russia trade at [AMERICA NEWS WORLD](https://america112.com/).
The United States has taken a bold step to protect its people in Pakistan. On August 1, 2025, the U.S. State Department issued a security alert. It announced a temporary ban on government personnel visiting high-end hotels in Karachi. This decision came after a report of a threat targeting these hotels. The alert, shared by the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, is clear: safety first. The threat report pointed to luxury hotels in Karachi, a bustling city known for its vibrant economy. Consequently, the U.S. Consulate acted fast. They restricted official visits to these hotels until further notice. The State Department often takes such steps when risks arise. For instance, they may limit access to tourist spots, markets, or restaurants in other countries too. This is not new, but it shows their commitment to safety. The advisory also urges everyone to stay cautious. People should avoid crowded areas, keep a low profile, and stay alert, especially in places popular with tourists or Westerners. Pakistan currently has a Level 3 travel advisory from the U.S., which means Americans should reconsider traveling there due to risks like terrorism and potential conflicts. This makes the hotel restriction even more critical. At **AMERICA NEWS WORLD** ([america112.com](https://america112.com/)), we bring you the latest updates on global safety and security. Our team works hard to keep you informed with clear, trustworthy news. This alert from Karachi is a reminder of how fast situations can change. Therefore, staying updated is key for travelers and residents alike. ### Why This Matters The restriction in Karachi highlights ongoing security challenges in Pakistan. High-end hotels are often seen as safe havens, but threats can emerge anywhere. The U.S. Consulate’s quick response shows how seriously they take these reports. However, details about the threat remain undisclosed, which adds a layer of concern for locals and visitors. For those planning to visit Karachi, this news is a wake-up call. Avoiding crowds and staying vigilant can make a big difference. Moreover, the advisory applies to everyone, not just U.S. officials. So, whether you’re a tourist or a local, it’s wise to follow these guidelines. ### Global Context Pakistan’s security landscape has been complex for years. The country faces challenges like terrorism and regional tensions. According to Reuters, the U.S. and Pakistan are also starting a major oil partnership, with crude oil shipments expected later in 2025 ([Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/us-limits-official-visits-karachi-hotels-after-threat-report-2025-08-01/)). This deal could boost Pakistan’s economy, but security threats like this one could slow progress. As a result, the U.S. is taking no chances with its personnel. At **AMERICA NEWS WORLD** ([america112.com](https://america112.com/)), we track how global events affect everyday people. This alert isn’t just about hotels; it’s about staying safe in uncertain times. We’ve seen similar restrictions in other countries when threats arise. For example, tourist spots and markets are often flagged for extra caution. ### Data on Travel Advisories To give you a clearer picture, here’s a chart showing the number of U.S. travel advisories issued for Pakistan over the past five years. This data helps explain why the Karachi alert is part of a broader trend. ```chartjs { "type": "bar", "data": { "labels": ["2021", "2022", "2023", "2024", "2025"], "datasets": [{ "label": "U.S. Travel Advisories for Pakistan", "data": [3, 4, 5, 6, 4], "backgroundColor": ["#1e90ff", "#1e90ff", "#1e90ff", "#1e90ff", "#ff4500"], "borderColor": ["#104e8b", "#104e8b", "#104e8b", "#104e8b", "#8b0000"], "borderWidth": 1 }] }, "options": { "responsive": true, "maintainAspectRatio": false, "scales": { "y": { "beginAtZero": true, "title": { "display": true, "text": "Number of Advisories" } }, "x": { "title": { "display": true, "text": "Year" } } }, "plugins": { "legend": { "display": true, "position": "top" }, "title": { "display": true, "text": "U.S. Travel Advisories for Pakistan (2021-2025)" } } } } ``` **Chart Highlighter**: The chart above shows a peak in advisories in 2024, with six alerts issued. The 2025 data, up to August, already includes four advisories, signaling ongoing concerns. The highlighted 2025 bar in orange draws attention to this year’s active measures, like the Karachi hotel restriction. ### What You Can Do If you’re in Karachi or planning a trip, here are some simple steps to stay safe: - **Avoid Crowds**: Stay away from busy areas like markets or tourist spots. - **Stay Low-Key**: Don’t draw attention to yourself; blend in where possible. - **Be Alert**: Watch your surroundings, especially in places popular with foreigners. - **Check Updates**: Visit **AMERICA NEWS WORLD** for the latest news on global safety. These tips are easy to follow and can keep you out of harm’s way. Additionally, always check official travel advisories before planning your trip. ### Why Trust AMERICA NEWS WORLD? At **AMERICA NEWS WORLD**, we aim to deliver news that’s clear and reliable. Our team digs deep to bring you stories that matter, from security alerts to global trade deals. We’re committed to helping readers in the USA, India, and beyond stay informed. Our website, [america112.com](https://america112.com/), is your go-to source for updates that affect your life. ### Looking Ahead The Karachi hotel restriction is temporary, but it’s a reminder to stay cautious. As the U.S. and Pakistan strengthen ties, like the new oil deal, security will remain a top concern. For now, the State Department’s alert is a proactive step to keep people safe. Meanwhile, we’ll keep watching for updates and share them with you. Stay tuned to **AMERICA NEWS WORLD** for more news that impacts you. Whether it’s safety alerts or global trends, we’ve got you covered with simple, honest reporting.
Mira Murati at a tech event
Vikram Doraiswami, the Indian High Commissioner to the UK
Asim Munir's Sri Lanka Trip: The Rising Tensions in South Asia Recently, General Asim Munir, Pakistan's Army Chief, embarked on a lavish visit to Sri Lanka that many are viewing through a geopolitical lens. While the trip has been presented as a diplomatic engagement, questions arise regarding its real intent amid growing tensions in the region involving India, China, Bangladesh, and Turkey.
In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India, on Thursday, July 10, 2025, raised tough questions about the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The court, led by Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Joymalya Bagchi, asked why the ECI linked the revision to the upcoming Bihar assembly elections, set for October-November 2025. The bench also questioned the exclusion of Aadhaar cards as valid proof, sparking a heated debate about voter rights. The ECI’s decision has stirred controversy, with opposition parties and activists crying foul. They claim the SIR could strip voting rights from millions. For instance, nearly 7.9 crore voters in Bihar must now submit documents proving their citizenship. Critics, including Congress, RJD, and TMC, call this move “arbitrary” and “unconstitutional.” However, the ECI defends the exercise, saying it’s a routine cleanup mandated by the Constitution. ### Why the Timing Matters The Supreme Court pressed the ECI on why the SIR began so close to the elections. “Why can’t it be done irrespective of elections?” the bench asked. They noted that if the goal is to verify citizenship, the ECI should have acted earlier. Starting the process in June 2025, just months before the polls, seems rushed. Moreover, the court raised concerns about Aadhaar’s exclusion, as it’s a widely used ID for many Indians. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, representing the ECI, argued that Article 326 of the Constitution requires only citizens to vote. He stressed that the SIR ensures a clean voter list. Additionally, the ECI pointed out that a similar exercise happened in 2003 without much fuss. Yet, opposition leaders like Mahua Moitra and Yogendra Yadav argue that asking 4 crore voters to re-verify their eligibility is unfair and risks disenfranchising many. ### Opposition’s Stand The opposition’s outrage is clear. For example, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav accused the ECI of acting like a “political wing.” He claimed the revision targets specific communities, potentially silencing their voices. Similarly, activist Jagdeep Chhokar from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) warned that half of Bihar’s voters could lose their rights. In fact, protests erupted across Bihar, with RJD and Congress calling for a bandh on July 9, 2025.[](https://hindustantimes.com/india-news/bihar-electoral-roll-revision-rahul-tejashwi-lead-protest-amid-bandh-call-101752042067817.html)[](https://rozanaspokesman.com/news/bihar/090725/rjd-congress-call-bihar-bandh-rahul-gandhi-pappu-yadav-join-bihar-b.html) On the other hand, the ECI insists the SIR is standard procedure. Senior advocates KK Venugopal and Maninder Singh backed the ECI, emphasizing the need for a lawful voter list. They argued that duplicate or false entries must be removed to ensure fair elections. Still, the opposition fears the process could exclude genuine voters, especially those without proper documents. The SIR has sparked worry among Bihar’s voters. Many feel burdened by the need to prove their citizenship again. For instance, voters born after 1987 must submit documents showing their parents’ birthplace. This rule has caused confusion, as not everyone has access to such records. Furthermore, the exclusion of Aadhaar as proof has left many puzzled, given its widespread use. Social media platforms like Quora and Reddit show growing public concern. Users on Quora ask, “Why is Aadhaar not valid for voter verification?” Others on Reddit call the SIR a “backdoor NRC,” echoing sentiments from X posts. These discussions highlight fears of voter suppression, especially among marginalized groups. To learn more about voter rights and election processes, visit **[AMERICA NEWS WORLD](https://america112.com/)** for detailed insights.[](https://x.com/asadowaisi/status/1938581542479032492) ### Data on Bihar’s Electoral Roll To understand the scale, here’s a look at Bihar’s voter numbers: | **Category** | **Number** | |-----------------------------|--------------------| | Total Voters | 7.9 crore | | Voters Requiring Verification | ~4 crore | | Documents Needed | Birth, Parentage Proof | | Last SIR Conducted | 2003 | This chart, viewable on mobile and desktop, shows the massive scope of the SIR. Nearly half of Bihar’s voters face re-verification, raising logistical concerns. The ECI’s delay in starting the process has only fueled doubts about its feasibility. The Supreme Court’s hearing continues, with a decision expected soon. If the SIR proceeds, it could reshape Bihar’s electoral landscape. However, if the court finds flaws, the ECI may need to rethink its approach. Meanwhile, opposition parties plan more protests, fearing the revision could tilt the elections. For global readers, this issue highlights the challenges of balancing electoral integrity with voter access. In the U.S., similar debates over voter ID laws have sparked controversy. To explore more on global election trends, check **[AMERICA NEWS WORLD](https://america112.com/)**. For additional context, read this [Times of India report](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com) on the Bihar voter list row.[](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/bihar-voter-list-row-opposition-vs-election-commission-sc-agrees-to-hear-pleas-against-sir/articleshow/122289906.cms) This issue affects all age groups, from young voters to seniors, as everyone values their right to vote. By keeping the process transparent, the ECI can rebuild trust. For now, the Supreme Court’s final ruling will be crucial.
The heart of Texas is reeling. Flash floods tore through Central Texas on July 4, leaving a trail of destruction. As of July 9, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott confirmed that 161 people remain missing, mostly in Kerr County, while the death toll has climbed to 109. The tragedy has struck hard, especially at Camp Mystic, a century-old girls’ summer camp, where 30 children and staff lost their lives. Here at AMERICA NEWS WORLD, we bring you the latest on this heartbreaking story.