1. Millions celebrate Hindu Holi festival, approach of spring

Since Holi is one of India's biggest festivals, millions of people make nostalgic journeys to their hometowns to celebrate with loved ones by lighting bonfires on festival eve ...

2. Military says death toll in Pakistan's train hijacking rises to 31

Islamabad blames Afghanistan and India for attack; both countries deny the charge...

3. Author says ban on her book reflects Taliban's repression of women

More than 400 titles are banned after being deemed against 'Islamic principles and national interest'...

4. VOA Uzbek: Human rights group urges Uzbekistan to uphold reforms

Uzbekistan "has made significant progress in eliminating widespread state-imposed forced labor," according to the Uzbek Forum for Human Rights. The group is urging the Uzbek government to implement it...

5. Afghanistan denies link to train attack in Pakistan

Pakistani military had said Tuesday's attack was planned and orchestrated from Afghan soil...

6. UN chief in Bangladesh to visit Rohingya camps as he pushes for aid

Fears mount of serious aid cuts across the world following Washington's decision to shut down USAID operations ...

7. Eyewitnesses give harrowing account of Pakistan train attack

Jaffar Express, a cross-country train with roughly 450 people on board, came under a bomb and gun attack on Tuesday while passing through a tunnel near Sibi, Balochistan, on its way north to Peshawar ...

8. VOA Uzbek: EU boosts its Central Asia strategy

As the U.S. seeks to strengthen ties with resource-rich Central Asia, the European Union is also reaching out to the region. Having adopted a new strategy for Central Asia in 2019, the bloc appears to...

9. India, Mauritius upgrade strategic ties with eye on China

Modi’s visit comes amid efforts to step up engagement with an Indian Ocean country of strategic importance where Beijing’s presence is growing...

10. Pakistani military rescues nearly 200 passengers after train attack

The Baloch Liberation Army has claimed responsibility for the attack...

11. Militants attack train, take hostages in Pakistan's Balochistan province

The train was carrying roughly 450 passengers, when it came under attack while passing through a tunnel ...

12. Only seven countries met WHO air quality standards in 2024, data shows

Australia, New Zealand, the Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Estonia and Iceland made the grade,...

13. VOA Uzbek: Empowering Central Asian craft makers and artists

The Central Asia Program at George Washington University recently had a special exhibition for Central Asian women and art during the International Women's Day celebrations. Carpets and other items ...

14. British plan to cede Chagos Islands sovereignty prompts concerns over China threat

LONDON — Britain is seeking to finalize a deal on handing sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after U.S. President Donald Trump said last month that he was “inclined” to support the ...

15. British plan to cede Chagos Islands to Mauritius, raising security concerns

The Chagos Islands are one of the last vestiges of the British Empire. They are currently home to a key U.S. military base. But under pressure from the United Nations, Britain looks set to hand sovere...

16. Tibetans scuffle with police outside the Chinese Embassy in India as they mark uprising anniversary

Hundreds also march in the seat of the exiled Tibetan government and home of the Dalai Lama ...

17. Indian slums get 'cool roofs' to combat extreme heat

The effort is part of a global scientific trial to study how indoor heat impacts health and economic outcomes in developing countries...

18. India allows exports of broken rice to cut stockpiles

India had banned exports of 100% broken rice in September 2022 and then imposed curbs on exports of all other rice grades in 2023...

19. In tense relations with India, Pakistani TV dramas build bridges

Shows break down barriers that diplomacy often cannot ...

20. Thousands in Nepal want monarchy back as public frustration with politics grows

Many Nepalis have grown frustrated with republic, saying it has failed to bring about political stability and blaming it for struggling economy and widespread corruption...