The Pettah market is in a state of neglect. Opened in 2014 with 70 shops, the tourist spot now has dilapidated stalls, sunken boats, a flood of garbage in Beira Lake, and marginalised people. "We are disappointed,” tourists told AsiaNews. Former retailers lament the authorities' negligence.

Following the conviction of the leader of the Baloch Yakjehti Committee, police dispersed new protests in Quetta and arrested several demonstrators. Nadia Baloch, the activist's sister, announced that she will appeal to the High Court, while observers warn that targeting nonviolent dissent risks fuelling an insurgency against the Pakistani government.

The girl, who was abducted on 12 June and found by the police, is at the centre of a legal battle over the validity of a marriage contract. Her family and lawyers are contesting the documents presented by the alleged abductor. After granting protective custody, the court ordered an age assessment. Voice for Justice call for a transparent trial and prosecution of those responsible.

In West Bengal, the new BJP government wants to hand over school meals to ISKCON, an organisation that plans to eliminate eggs from school meals and impose a vegetarian diet. But data show a different India with most Indians eating meat or fish. Meanwhile, malnutrition and childhood anaemia remain widespread, even in Kolkata.

A move linked to the aim of reducing transaction costs and easing the pressure on foreign exchange reserves. New provisions have also been introduced to allow Indian companies to invest in Sri Lanka using their own currency. However, practical issues remain to be resolved.

Nadeem Masih, 51, was taken to the police on 21 August 2025. He was targeted and repeatedly harassed in Model Town Park where he worked checking weights. He is now free. For his mother, this is an answer to her prayers. For his legal team, “These cases are extremely sensitive and have life-altering consequences.”