Everything you need to know about Recent Socio- Political and Economical developments in Afghanistan : news, reviews, in-depth analysis, opinion and more
Afghanistan has suffered decades of brutal civil wars that devastated its political, social and economic of this country. With the foreign aid and funds various development initiatives have been taken in Afghanistan. These political developments helped Afghanistan to become a democracy and people?s participation further improved its unstable condition. Developed countries invested huge amount of foreign aid in construction of industries and infrastructure that provided new look to Afghan economy. Various development initiatives are also being taken in the field of health, education, and many welfare programs have also been initiated with the help of foreign funds in order to enhance the human development index of Afghan?s citizens. These developmental initiatives have helped Afghanistan in stabilising the deep-rooted social, political and economical turmoil. The abundance of natural resources like precious stones, metals, petroleum and natural gas have attracted foreign investors to tap the hidden potential of this long troubled land.
New Delhi, May 21 (IANS) India will stand by the government and people of Afghanistan in the critical period of transition, development and nation-building, President Pranab Mukherjee said here Tuesday.
New Delhi, May 21 (ANI): Vice President Hamid Ansari today left on a four-day visit to Uzbekistan during which the two nations will discuss issues of cooperation in counter-terrorism, Afghanistan and development projects in the region will come up for discussion.
New Delhi, May 21 (IANS) Afghan president Hamid Karzai Tuesday called for Indian investment in critical sectors such as healthcare, telecom, agri-business and capacity building.
New Delhi, May 21 (ANI): In an exclusive interaction with a group of CII CEOs , President Karzai called for Indian Investment in prominent sectors including Healthcare, Agri business, Telecom and Capacity Building.
London, May 21 (ANI): Prince William has revealed that he cannot wait to be a father, after he was given another gift, a babygro with the words: "My daddy is a hero", for his unborn child.
London, May 21 (ANI): Russian counter-terrorism agents have foiled a terrorist attack on Moscow, killing two of the plotters and arrested another.
New Delhi, May 21 (ANI): Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai, who is in India on a three-day visit, will meet Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh here this evening.
Moscow, May 20 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Police killed two suspected militants and detained another in a special operation outside Moscow Monday, preventing a terror attack in the capital, the National Anti-terrorism Committee said.
Kabul, May 20 (IANS) A Taliban suicide bomber Monday blew himself up in front of a government office in Afghanistan's northern Baghlan province, killing at least 14 people and wounding 13 others, the interior ministry said.
Kabul, May 20 (IANS) Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai Monday left on a two-day visit to India, the president's office said in a statement.
New Delhi, May 20 (ANI): President Hamid Karzai will be in India for a two-day visit, discussing issues that are of importance to both countries. This would be his twelfth visit here, and this in itself, is testimony to the importance of this relationship that both need to nurture constantly.
Kabul, May 19 (IANS) A C-130 plane with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) made a hard landing Sunday in Afghanistan, but there were no casualties, a statement said.
Washington, May 17 (ANI): The Pentagon is planning to request the lowest-ever annual supplemental budget from the government, about 79.5 billion dollars, which is the lowest cost for anti-terror war ongoing since 2005.
London, May 19 (ANI): A debate held by Afghanistan MPs to back up law to eliminate violence against women came to a standstill amid angry protests by traditionalists.
New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) Vice President Hamid Ansari is heading to Uzbekistan, a key Central Asian country, from May 21-24 for talks with President Islam Karimov that are expected to focus on Afghanistan and counter-terrorism cooperation among other issues.
Pune (Maharashtra), May 18 (ANI): A three -day Afghan film festival was inaugurated here by the Afghan Ambassador to India Shaida Mohammand Abdali.
New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) Ahead of Afghan President Hamid Karzai's visit, India said Saturday it was ready to discuss and consider Afghanistan's reported request for arms supplies provided it is raised through the proper fora.
New Delhi, May 18 (IANS) Elections have become the biggest source of corruption in India, former chief election commissioner (CEC) S.Y. Quraishi has said, while stressing for the need for poll reforms.
Beijing, May 18 (Xinhua-ANI): At least nine people were killed and more than 55 others wounded Friday evening when two back-to-back explosions rocked Kandahar city, capital of the southern Afghan province of Kandahar, a provincial government spokesman said.
Washington, May 18 (ANI): A Microsoft security expert said that computer viruses are on a rise worldwide once again after years of being less popular amongst computer attackers.
Moscow, May 18 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Moscow is counting on the UN to develop proposals regarding the international presence in Afghanistan after 2014, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Friday.
Kabul, May 18 (IANS) At least nine people were killed and over 55 injured Friday evening when two blasts rocked Afghanistan's Kandahar city, a government official said.
Jalandhar, May 17 (IANS) President Pranab Mukherjee will confer the first honoris causa degree of the Lovely Professional University (LPU) to Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai at the varsity's convocation to be held in this Punjab city Monday (May 20), a varsity official said.
New Delhi, May 17 (ANI): Afghanistan's Ambassador to India Shaida M. Abdali has said his copuntry is keen on creating a tripartite mechanism with India and Pakistan that would enhance cooperation between the three nations in the short and long term.
Islamabad, May 17 (ANI): Former Pakistan military chief and president, Pervez Musharraf, has decided to launch a 'peoples' movement in order to clear his name and stay politically relevant as the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz comes to power next week.
London, May 17 (ANI): Boston marathon bombings suspect wrote a message in a boat where he hid after the blasts, describing victims of the attack as 'collateral damage'.
Washington, May 17 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev wrote a message on the wall of the boat in which he was captured, claiming responsibility for the April 15 bomb attack, CBS News reported.
Moscow, May 17 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russia will deliver 12 Mil Mi-17V5 military transport helicopters to the Afghanistan Armed Forces by the end of 2013, Russian state arms exporter Rosoboronexport said.
Dubai, May 17 (IANS/WAM) The 12th edition of the Arab Journalism Award (AJA) was held on the closing day of the two-day Arab Media Forum here.
Canberra, May 16 (IANS) Australia and Sweden have achieved a "significant milestone agreement" relating to Intellectual Property rights for submarine design and technology, Defence Minister Stephen Smith said Thursday.
Moscow, May 16 (IANS/RIA Novosti) The detention of an alleged CIA agent in Moscow by Russian counter-intelligence will not threaten relations between Russia and the US, "the world's two largest nuclear superpowers", a Russian senator said.
Tehran, May 15 (IANS) Iranian police seized 7.5 tons of narcotics in Saravan city in the past two months, Fars news agency reported Wednesday.
Kabul, May 15 (IANS) A total of 35 Taliban militants have been killed and 30 wounded during security operations launched across Afghanistan since Tuesday, the Afghan interior ministry said Wednesday.
Kabul, May 15 (IANS) At least six suspected pro-Taliban rebels were killed and five others detained in military operations by NATO-led forces in eastern Afghanistan, military officials said Wednesday.
Melbourne, May 15 (ANI): Employees who spend half of an eight-hour working day standing use 13 percent more energy than colleagues who are seated, a new study has found.
Moscow, May 15 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Damascus's participation in an international conference between representatives of both sides in the Syrian conflict depends on "details and developments" and it will not be a party to any act that would harm national sovereignty, Syria's state news agency SANA reported.
New Delhi, May 14 (ANI): Essentially, or broadly, the vote in Pakistan's recent elections has been democratic despite the usual complaints of rigging and booth capturing.
New Delhi, May 14 (ANI): Essentially, or broadly, the vote in Pakistan's recent elections has been democratic despite the usual complaints of rigging and booth capturing.
Washington, May 14 (ANI): Researchers have identified the dose of dengue virus in human blood that is required to infect mosquitoes when they bite.
New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) India has made progress in institutions for disaster prevention and mitigation but there is still a long way to go, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Monday and called for the involvement of communities in the effort.
The fledgling democratic process in Pakistan has churned out a leader, who now has the rare opportunity to chart a new positive and peaceful course, not only for his own country but for the whole South Asia region, and leave a legacy that, so far, no other Pakistani leader has.
New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) India has made encouraging progress in recent years to put in place mechanisms for disaster prevention and mitigation, but there is still a long way to go and local communities must be involved in the effort, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Monday.
Kabul, May 12 (IANS) A district prosecutor in Afghanistan was killed in a bomb blast Sunday in the southern province of Helmand, a government spokesman said.
Hyderabad, May 11 (IANS) Iran is looking for more business with India in non-oil sectors to boost the bilateral trade, said its Consul General Hassan Noorian who sees great potential for cooperation in various non-oil fields like pharma, IT, electronics, automobile spare parts and food processing.
Washington, May 11 (ANI): Indian-origin Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal delivered a keynote address on Friday at a Republican fundraiser in New Hampshire, an appearance that has renewed speculation that he is eyeing to contest presidential elections in 2016.
After completing 12th class in Arts stream, students usually get confused when it comes to choosing the right course for higher studies. No doubt a good percentage in class 12th exams plays a key role in molding their career, but options are always there. At present, a wide range of undergraduate courses are available in India that opens various career options after 12th for students and enable them to elect best courses for them.
India is keenly watching the evolving political situation in Pakistan as it readies to vote Saturday in pivotal national and provincial elections whose outcome has serious implications for its national security, economy, national integration and regional peace.
London, May 10 (ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said that the government could allow the US to keep nine bases in the country after most NATO forces withdraw next year, but added that he had demanded security and economic guarantees from the US in return.
New Delhi, May 10 (IANS) Governments and businesses cannot build a sound future without co-opting the $2.7 trillion creative and culture industry that accounts for 6.1 percent of the world's output and eight million direct jobs, says a leading think tank that seeks to promote cultural diversity.
Today, we're going to answer the much-asked question: How can adults communicate with young people? The answer is: They can't. So we'll move right along to another question of global importance, received from a reader named Suchin: "My dad said he once ate a curry so hot it burned through his body and set his chair on fire. Could this really happen?"
Kabul, May 9 (IANS) The US can establish military bases in Afghanistan after inking a security agreement but Kabul's "precondition" for the deal is to ensure durable peace in the war-torn country, Afghan President Hamid Karzai said Thursday.
Beijing, May 9 (Xinhua-ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai on Thursday put pre-conditions for inking the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA) with the United States, saying one of conditions is to ensure durable peace in the militancy-plagued country.
London, May 9 (ANI): Nawaz Sharif, who is tipped to be Pakistan's next prime minister, has said he would end the country's involvement in the US-led war on terror if elected.
Washington, May 9 (ANI): A new English-language magazine published online apparently by Islamist militants, has represented US President Barack Obama with a bull's-eye on his head.
New Delhi, May 9 (IANS) Jamia Millia Islamia, one of the country's oldest universities, has embarked upon a series of country-specific programmes to prepare a cadre of experts to fulfil the research needs of the government and think tanks, something which foreign service officials are perhaps not adept at doing, the university says.
Washington, May 9 (ANI): Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have found that the greater wax moth is capable of sensing sound frequencies of up to 300kHz - the highest recorded frequency sensitivity of any animal in the world.
Kabul, May 9 (IANS) Eight suspected Taliban militants were killed and 10 injured as protesters and police clashed in Afghanistan's Kandahar province, an official said.
Kabul, May 9 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Afghanistan have held discussions over bilateral relations, issues of mutual interest and explored ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries.
New Delhi, May 9 (IANS) Days after his meeting with External Affairs Minister SalmanKhurshid in the Kazakh capital Almaty, US Deputy Secretary of State William J. Burns arrives in New Delhi this week to hold talks on a host of issues, including Afghanistan and expanding civil nuclear cooperation with India.
Kabul, May 8 (IANS) Afghan authorities should investigate the arrests and possible torture of peaceful protesters by security forces in Kabul, Human Rights Watch said.
Bangalore, May 7 (ANI): Counting of votes for the Karnataka Assembly elections, which witnessed a 70.23 per cent voter turnout on May 5, began this morning at 8 a.m. amidst tight security.
Damascus, May 7 (IANS) Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi arrived in Syria Tuesday to discuss the recent developments in the region with top Syrian officials including President Bashar al-Assad, reported Xinhua citing well-informed sources.
Washington, May 7 (ANI): Madonna has decided to auction a painting by French cubist artist Fernand Leger for charity and is expecting to raise at least 5 million dollars.
Islamabad, May 7 (ANI): Pakistan has said Durand-line was a settled issue and opening discussions on it was a distraction from Afghanistan.
New Delhi, May 7 (ANI): Pakistan is standing on the threshold of a historic transition. The process started with the Pakistan People's Party (PPP)-led government completing its full term and paving the way for a smooth general election by handing over power to a caretaker government, and then, entering the electoral fray like any other party.
Berlin, May 7 (IANS) Goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller extended his contract with Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund until 2016, the club said on its official homepage.
Islamabad, May 7 (ANI): A new magazine set up by militants in Afghanistan and Pakistan has appealed to Muslims around the world to come up with a new technology to hack or manipulate drones.
Islamabad, May 6 (IANS) At least 15 people were killed and around 50 others injured on Monday afternoon in a bomb blast that targeted a political gathering in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region of Kurram Agency, reported Xinhua citing local officials.
Kabul, May 6 (Xinhua-ANI): The recent issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan over the border could be solved via regular meetings of tripartite commission of Afghanistan, Pakistan and ISAF, an ISAF spokesman said on Monday.
Islamabad, May 6 (Xinhua-ANI): Pakistan on Monday defended construction of security posts along its border with Afghanistan after Afghan officials reported fresh clashes between the border troops of the two countries.
Kabul, May 5 (IANS) The Taliban-linked militancy and violent incidents claimed lives of nine soldeisr of NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) Saturday, turning the day the bloodiest one since this January for the alliance in the conflict-ridden country, ISAF confirmed in a statement.
London, May 5 (ANI): At least eight professional footballers in Britain have revealed that they come out as gay in front of their colleagues, but are refusing to go public with their sexuality as they fear a backlash from their fans.
Washington, May 5 (ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai has said he has received assurances from the US Central Intelligence Agency's station chief in Kabul that it will continue delivering cash to his offices.
Tehran, May 4 (IANS) India and Iran Friday discussed the developing situation in Afghanistan and agreed to remain in regular contact.
Kabul, May 4 (IANS) Five NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) soldiers were killed Saturday in Afghanistan's Kandahar province when a roadside bomb struck a military vehicle Saturday, a government official and the coalition force confirmed.
Tehran, May 4 (IANS) Iran Saturday proposed to India joint investments and a production sharing contract for oil exploration as the two countries agreed to expand cooperation in the transport - especially cargo transit from Chabahar port to Afghanistan and energy sectors and building the North-South corridor linking Russia.
Tehran, May 4 (ANI): India and Iran has expressed deep concern over the continuing and unabated violence in Syria and called upon all sides to abjure violence and resolve all issues peacefully through discussions taking into account the aspirations of people of Syria.
Islamabad, May 4 (IANS) Afghan cueist Saleh Muhammad lifted his first amateur Asian trophy as he won the 29th Asian Snooker Championship in Pakistan's port city of Karachi.
Islamabad, May 4 (ANI): US Secretary of State John Kerry has named veteran diplomat James Dobbins as the new special envoy to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Beijing, May 4 (Xinhua-ANI): Pakistan has welcomed the appointment of new U.S. Special Representative to Afghanistan and Pakistan and hoped that the appointment would help joint efforts to establish peace, stability and prosperity in the region, Pakistani Foreign Ministry said Saturday.
Beijing, May 4 (Xinhua-ANI): Days after a court in Pakistan banned former President Pervez Musharraf from contesting elections for the rest of his life for abrogating constitution during the emergency in 2007, his party Friday announced boycott of the May 11 elections.
Washington, May 3 (ANI): Two years after the killing of former al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, the terror network has become so decentralized that its affiliates in Yemen and elsewhere now pose a greater direct threat to the US.
Peshawar, May 3 (ANI): The border crossing with Afghanistan in Khyber tribal region will stay closed for three days before the May 11 general elections, an official communique has said.
Mumbai, May 3 (IANS) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Friday cut a key policy rate by 0.25 percent. This will make auto, housing and other loans cheaper and help accelerate economic growth.
United Nations, May 3 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Thursday met senior diplomats from the five permanent members of the Security Council, also known as the P5, to discuss the latest situation in Syria.
New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid is paying a three-day visit to Iran from Friday, during which development of the Chabahar port that would provide India a vital link to transport its goods to Afghanistan is to figure prominently.
New Delhi, May 2 (IANS) Political leaders cutting across party lines Thursday said they were deeply saddened by the death of Indian prisoner Sarabjit Singh, asserting that it was the responsibility of Pakistan to ensure his safety.
London, May 2 (IANS) Former England skipper Mike Gatting has been appointed the next president of the historic Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). He will take office Oct 1, 2013.
Stockholm, May 2 (IANS) Swaying, trancing, dervishing to the mantras beat on several score drums, thousands of demonstrators snaked through the wide arteries of the Swedish capital on May Day with one single demand: Let Stockholm be free of discrimination!
New Delhi, May 2 (ANI): Despite several amendments in criminal law, women in India continue to suffer, endure denial of constitutional rights and fall prey to the rampant sexual violence in the country, a United Nations rapporteur has said.
Rawalpindi, May. 2 (ANI): A five-member US Congressional delegation, led by Senator Joe Donnelly, has commended Pakistan's efforts, role and support in the war against terrorism.
Tehran, May 1 (IANS) The ties between Iran and Turkey are strategic and contribute to the regional security, an official said here Wednesday.
New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid is visiting Tehran on Friday for talks with his Iranian counterpart during which the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) gas pipeline project and development of the Chabahar port that would become a gateway to Central Asia are likely to figure.
Kabul, May 1 (IANS) Three NATO soldiers were killed Tuesday in a blast in restive southern Afghanistan, the military alliance said in a statement.
Kabul, Apr. 30 (ANI): Afghan President Hamid Karzai has acknowledged that the Central Intelligence Agency has been dropping off bags of cash at his office for a decade, and saying that the money was used for "various purposes".
Washington, April 30 (ANI): A woman, who became the first person to successfully receive a donor womb, is now six weeks into a "healthy" pregnancy.
Havana, April 30 (IANS) The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) rebels will be able to participate in the country's political life once they are disarmed, said the Colombian government delegation which is holding peace talks with them.
Kabul, Apr. 30 (Xinhua-ANI): A cargo plane crash which took place on Monday in Bagram district in eastern Afghanistan has claimed the lives of all seven people aboard, a provincial source said Tuesday.
Tehran, April 30 (IANS) Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has said that his country can replace its oil revenues with mineral incomes within a few months.
Tehran, April 30 (IANS) Iran has accused the US of having a "politicised and double-standard approach" over the issue of human rights.
