Dam-for-a-Dam: Tensions Escalate Between India and China Over Himalayan Water Disputes
![Protests erupt in Arunachal Pradesh as locals resist India's largest dam project over Siang River amid China-India water disputes. [Image via Reuters]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2020-03-31T102009Z_26885688_RC2YUF94P7HP_RTRMADP_3_CHINA-DERIVATIVES-LPG-1737689367.webp)
Protests erupt in Arunachal Pradesh as locals resist India’s largest dam project over Siang River amid China-India water disputes.
Pakistan’s Sesame Seed Exports to China See Major Growth
![Pakistan’s sesame seed exports to China reached $226M in 2024, driven by rising demand and strong trade growth. [Image via Economy]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/seesame-exports-w-1024x720.webp)
Pakistan’s sesame seed exports to China reached $226M in 2024, driven by rising demand and strong trade growth.
China Rejects Lab Leak Claim, Assert Natural Origins of COVID-19
![China denies Covid-19 lab leak claims, urging the US to stop politicizing the virus's origin amid CIA's new assessment. [File photo via AFP]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/27132349875f6ec.webp)
China denies Covid-19 lab leak claims, urging the US to stop politicizing the virus’s origin amid CIA’s new assessment.
India Boosts Domestic Arms, Reduces Russian Weapon Dependency
![India reduces reliance on Russia for arms, strengthens ties with the West, and boosts domestic defense production. [Image via AFP]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2713320797018e5.webp)
India reduces reliance on Russia for arms, strengthens ties with the West, and boosts domestic defense production.
Direct Flights Between Bangladesh and Pakistan Restored After a Decade
![High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan announces direct flights to strengthen bilateral ties, boost trade, and tourism. [Image via The Express Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pak-bangladesh-ties1737833614-0.webp)
High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Pakistan announces direct flights to strengthen bilateral ties, boost trade, and tourism.
Iranian FM Visits Kabul for First Time After Taliban Takeover
![Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi visits Kabul to discuss border security, economic ties, and tensions over water rights. [Image via Pakistan Today]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Iranian-FM-Baul-visit.webp)
Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi visits Kabul to discuss border security, economic ties, and tensions over water rights.
Trump Confirms Ongoing Talks Over TikTok Purchase, Decision Expected Within 30 Days
![Trump discusses future of TikTok as Oracle and investors negotiate. Decision on app's operations expected within 30 days. [Image via The Express Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/featured-image-trump-tiktok1737354219-2-1024x720.webp)
Trump discusses future of TikTok as Oracle and investors negotiate. Decision on app’s operations expected within 30 days.
UN Warns 1 Million Children in Gaza Are Facing Mental Health Crisis
![UN urges aid for Gaza: 1M children need mental health support, $4B appeal launched for urgent humanitarian needs. [Image via The Nation]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/1-million-children-in-gaza-need-mental-health-support-for-depression-anxiety-un-1737786549-7516.webp)
UN urges aid for Gaza: 1M children need mental health support, $4B appeal launched for urgent humanitarian needs.
China Sets 17-Minute Record in Artificial Sun Nuclear Fusion Test
![The EAST reactor of China sets a new record, sustaining plasma for 1,000 seconds, advancing nuclear fusion energy. [Courtesy: EAST]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/artificial-sun1737819823-0.webp)
The EAST reactor of China sets a new record, sustaining plasma for 1,000 seconds, advancing nuclear fusion energy.
Bangladesh Navy Ship Heads to Pakistan for AMAN Exercise
![Bangladesh Navy Ship Samudra Joy departs for Exercise Aman-2025 in Pakistan, fostering regional cooperation and maritime security. [Image via Dhaka Tribune]](https://southasiatimes.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Rel-01-1-8703c8a5855fe6730a4f7afa02337c60-1024x618.webp)
Bangladesh Navy Ship Samudra Joy departs for Exercise Aman-2025 in Pakistan, fostering regional cooperation and maritime security.