Police in Pakistan have launched a murder inquiry after a young woman was reportedly beaten to death by a Muslim holy man who was trying to “exorcise demons” from her.

Nepal has risked sparking fresh controversy after it said it was acknowledging a Chinese climber’s ascent of Everest despite the use of a helicopter during her expedition.

His chauffeur says he was poisoned. His son wants him cremated. But many of his followers say he isn’t even dead. Andrew Buncombe reports on the unholy battle for the estate of a very rich holy man

Official says the boat was not fit for a sea journey and that it contained a large number of women and children

India's new PM made a surpise visit to Bhutan this week

One of the world’s largest mobile telecommunications firms has issued an unusual apology to Thailand’s junta after an executive claimed the company had been ordered by the military authorities to block access to social media.

Pakistan fighter jets have carried out a fresh attack on militant targets in the tribal area of North Waziristan – a day after the military said it was launching what may be its most significant operation for many years. Meanwhile, five soldiers were killed in what appeared to be a retaliatory bomb attack.

Committee keeps six-year-old clause blocking anyone who has been married to a foreigner or has children of foreign citizenship

Police said one had been raped and tests were being conducted on the other

Environmental campaigners have hit back at a leaked intelligence agency report that claimed their activities were undermining India’s economic development and holding back growth by up to three per cent a year. The report highlighted the role of Greenpeace and called it “a threat to national economic security”.