Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu expressed readiness on July 26 to help resume SAARC meetings, which have been stalled for 12 years, echoing a similar call from Bangladesh last month.
South Asia has experienced organic, leaderless youth protests driven by economic and political anger. Despite challenging ruling establishments from India to Bangladesh, these movements often struggle to convert street power into electoral success.
Bangladesh urged India to clarify its stance after ousted leader Sheikh Hasina announced a planned video address at a Delhi event, marking the anniversary of the uprising that toppled her government.
The number of megacities (urban areas with over 10 million people) is projected to increase from 33 in 2025 to 37 by 2050, with Africa and South Asia driving growth, and potentially seeing the emergence of 'gigacities' like Lagos with over 100 million residents.
Rescue teams in Kerala, India, are searching for five missing people after a deadly landslide caused by heavy monsoon rains. At least three people died and seven were injured near a tunnel construction site. Officials are investigating the cause, with the agriculture minister alleging unscientific dumping of earth.
India's Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rose 44% to $39 billion in 2025, solidifying its global investment appeal, according to UNCTAD's 2026 World Investment Report. Despite a global FDI increase, project indicators suggest a more cautious investment environment.
A new study suggests India could produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from crop residue and green hydrogen at costs up to 40% below global benchmarks, transforming an air pollution issue into a clean-fuel export industry.
US Congressman Ro Khanna publicly endorsed Democratic congressional candidate Aisha Farooqi in Michigan's 11th District. The endorsement, captured in a video, highlighted their shared South Asian heritage and included lighthearted conversation about Bollywood, food, and sports.
Nearly 60 Indian signatories, including former J&K CMs Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti, have urged India and Pakistan to resume dialogue for peace and cooperation. The BJP criticized them for echoing Pakistan's narrative and ignoring terrorism victims.
US Congressman Ro Khanna publicly endorsed Democratic candidate Aisha Farooqi for Michigan's 11th Congressional District, emphasizing their shared Indian-American and Pakistani-American heritage during a casual meet-and-greet in Farmington Hills.
Calgary police have charged 16 men, all non-Canadian citizens on visas, with 56 criminal charges related to an extortion racket targeting the South Asian community. Mugshots of 15 accused have been released to seek public information, as 49 incidents, including 19 shootings, have occurred since April 2025. Most accused are out on bail, raising police concern.
US and India are in final trade negotiations ahead of a July 24 deadline to set tariff rates and address market access for US agricultural products. The visit by US official Greer is expected to finalize a deal after a year of strained relations.
The 10th China-South Asia Expo opened in Kunming, featuring 68 countries, regions, and international organizations. This year marks the first full coverage of South Asia, Southeast Asia, and RCEP member states, with over 1500 professional buyers attending. The expo has evolved from a commodity fair to a comprehensive international platform, reflecting China's commitment to opening up and Yunnan's economic dynamism.
A cross-border e-commerce matchmaking event was held in Kunming, Yunnan, on June 13th, bringing together over 200 representatives from China and South/Southeast Asian countries. The event focused on regional e-commerce development, including policy promotion, country-specific recommendations, platform showcases, and the upgrade of the "South Asia Southeast Asia Cross-border E-commerce Alliance."
The World Bank has reduced its 2026 global growth forecast to 2.5%, citing Middle East conflict, rising energy prices, and market uncertainty. India remains the fastest-growing major economy, projected at 6.6% for FY26-27.
The 10th China-South Asia Expo opened in Kunming on June 11, featuring over 60 countries and regions, setting new records in scale and internationalization. Bangladesh is the theme country, with the expo focusing on cooperation and development.
In May, the US became India's top supplier of LPG and LNG, surpassing Gulf countries due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. This shift is driven by Middle East conflict and US efforts to boost energy trade with India.
A fire in Delhi, India, killed at least 21 people, many of whom were foreign nationals seeking medical treatment. Over 40 were rescued, and authorities are investigating the building's operational permits.
Chinese whiskey producer Huang Shaoming will showcase unique coffee and rose-flavored whiskeys at the 10th China-South Asia Expo in Kunming. This event highlights China's growing domestic whiskey industry, with Dali emerging as a key production region.
Jashimuddin Rahmani, an influential Islamist ideologue, has been released on bail in Bangladesh, raising concerns in India about regional security and counterterrorism. India seeks clarity on Rahmani's status to address shared security imperatives and border management issues.
Jashimuddin Rahmani, an influential ideologue of the banned Ansarullah Bangla Team, has been released on bail in Bangladesh, raising concerns in India about regional security and counterterrorism efforts. India seeks clarity on Rahmani's status to address shared security imperatives.
Hong Kong school principal Lee Cheuk-hing verbally abused two South Asian security guards in Singapore during a school trip, sparking debate over whether his behavior was due to lack of manners or racial bias.
Thousands of protesters in Chattogram, Bangladesh, clashed with police for six hours in an attempt to seize a suspect accused of raping a four-year-old girl. The suspect, Monir Hossain, was detained by locals and being handed over to authorities when the incident occurred.
Goldman Sachs strategist Tim Moe highlights North Asian markets' outperformance due to energy resilience and AI focus, contrasting with South Asia's vulnerability. South Korea and Taiwan lead, while China's A-shares show policy support.
