South Asia

A vendor in Old Delhi mixes a pink beverage of Rooh Afza diluted with milk.

World News

Across South Asia, this sweet drink is synonymous with summertime refreshment

5:02am August 05, 2023

by Sushmita Pathak

Invented in 1907 to beat the effects of extreme heat, Rooh Afza — a ruby-red, plant-based concentrate — is diluted with water, milk or ice and is a summertime favorite in India, Pakistan and beyond.

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The Koh-i-noor diamond, set in the Maltese Cross at the front of the crown made for Britain's late Queen Mother Elizabeth, is seen on her coffin at London's Westminster Hall. Camilla, the queen consort, will not use the Koh-i-noor diamond in her coronation crown, but will modify Queen Mary's crown, using diamonds from Queen Elizabeth II's personal collection.

World News

Why the Koh-i-noor diamond won't make an appearance at King Charles III's coronation

3:13pm May 04, 2023

by Lauren Frayer

The royal family has decided to leave the 105-carat gem out of this weekend's coronation ceremony. The Koh-i-noor has become a focus of anti-colonial anger. India wants it back.

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A gravedigger prepares to bury the coffin of a baby who died of COVID-19, at a cemetery in Bandung, Indonesia. Rates of childhood mortality are notably high in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, but it is a worldwide concern.

A child or youth died every 4.4 seconds in 2021. That number could get worse

2:46pm January 10, 2023

by Susan Brink

A new U.N. report shows that child mortality rates are declining, but the yearly improvements have slowed. And the drop-off in childhood vaccinations during the pandemic causes concern for the future.

COMIC: Looking For A 'Helper' In The Age Of Coronavirus

7:01am April 18, 2020

by Malaka Gharib

Mister Rogers said "look for the helpers" in times of crisis. Here's the story of Shah Dedar. He's 32, he's a Tom Hanks fan — and he works to protect the most vulnerable in crowded refugee camps.

President Trump speaks at the "Namaste Trump" event at Sardar Patel Gujarat Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, on Monday as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi looks on. Trump said the two leaders were discussing a possible trade deal and called Modi "a very to

World News

'Namaste Trump!' India's Modi Welcomes U.S. Leader With An Epic Party

11:03am February 24, 2020

by Colin Dwyer

"America loves India, America respects India, and America will always be faithful and loyal friends to the Indian people," President Trump told a cheering crowd in a huge cricket stadium.

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An illustration of the landing craft stands behind members of the media at an Indian Space Research Organisation facility this year in Bangalore, India. Authorities initially chalked up the failed landing in September to a loss of communication with the c

World News

2 Months After Failed Moon Landing, India Acknowledges Its Craft Crashed

3:34pm November 26, 2019

by Colin Dwyer

The robotic Vikram craft would have made India the fourth country to successfully land on the moon. Instead, contact was lost — and now, authorities have formally acknowledged it crashed.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, seen behind the lectern, speaks to his supporters at the prime minister's official residence Sunday in Colombo. His reinstatement as prime minister concludes weeks of political chaos prompted by his firing.

World News

Sri Lankan Prime Minister Celebrates His Reinstatement As 'Triumph Of Democracy'

4:21pm December 17, 2018

by Colin Dwyer

Seven weeks after President Maithripala Sirisena sacked Ranil Wickremesinghe, the ousted premier got his job back. The move caps what has been a surprising showdown in the island nation.

Supporters of ousted Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe shout in joy Tuesday outside the Supreme Court building in the capital, Colombo.

World News

Sri Lankan Supreme Court Blocks President's Bid To Dissolve Parliament

11:40am November 13, 2018

by Colin Dwyer

Controversy has roiled Sri Lanka since Maithripala Sirisena fired his prime minister and suspended Parliament. He also aims to replace lawmakers entirely — but Tuesday's ruling has stayed that plan.

Sri Lanka's newly appointed prime minister, Mahinda Rajapaksa, waves to supporters Monday in the capital, Colombo. The man he intends replace, Ranil Wickremesinghe, demanded that lawmakers be allowed to end his standoff with the country's president.

World News

'One Of The Darkest Hours': Sri Lanka Roiled By Prime Minister's Abrupt Dismissal

4:30pm October 29, 2018

by Colin Dwyer

President Maithripala Sirisena fired and replaced his former ally with a controversial former leader, Mahinda Rajapaksa. But lawmakers have rejected what they call a subversion of the constitution.

Former cricket star Imran Khan was sworn in as Pakistan's new prime minister on Saturday. One of his first challenges will be shoring up the country's economy.

World News

Imran Khan Is Sworn Into Office As Pakistan's New Prime Minister

5:51pm August 18, 2018

by Shannon Van Sant

Khan inherits several big challenges, including Pakistan's faltering economy, and managing relations with China and the U.S.