INDIA

Asian markets fell this week as investor sentiment turned negative with concerns of economic slowdown in China, Japan and South Korea.

China's slowing economy could drag down some of its Asian neighbors, but other countries would be less affected, according to a report released Friday by Capital Economics.

The practice of arranged marriage remains widespread in India, across all religions, ethnic groups and social classes.

Assam has witnessed other public assaults on women that sparked outrage.

China's growth rate slowed for a sixth successive quarter to its slackest pace in more than three years, highlighting the need for more policy vigilance from Beijing even as signs emerge that action taken so far is beginning to stabilise the economy.

India's trade deficit narrowed as imports dipped 13 percent in June. Exports fell 5.45 percent to $25.1 billion in the month while imports declined 13.46 percent to $35.3 billion, a senior official said Friday.

Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), India's top IT exporter, exceeded the market expectations in the First quarter of the Financial year 2012, by posting strong earnings and affirmed its position as the bellwether of India's IT industry.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) cut its growth forecasts for developing Asia on Thursday, saying financial and economic problems in Europe and the United States had cut demand for exports, although Southeast Asia remained a bright spot. China's economy was expected to grow 8.2 percent this year and India's 6.5 percent, Kuroda said.

India's industrial output picked up more than expected in May, bolstering the case for the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to keep interest rates high at its next policy meeting as a slow start to the monsoon puts pressure on inflation, especially food prices.

Spelling more trouble for India's second largest IT exporter Infosys, Barclays Capital cut its ratings for the company's shares to equal weight from overweight, citing disappointing first quarter earnings.

Asian markets were mixed Friday as investor remained watchful as China’s economy continued to slowdown indicating that the global economic condition is worsening.

Alimuddin was reportedly the youngest person ever to have participated in first-class cricket when he played for Rajasthan in the Ranji Trophy at the age of 12 .

The swastika is considered a harbinger of good luck and well being in India.

Nepali women, especially those of the Tamang ethnic group, have long been prized for their fair complexions and delicate features.

India's industrial output growth rose in May to 2.4 percent, exceeding analysts' expectation of 1.8 percent and as compared to a dismal growth of 0.1 percent registered in April.

Infosys Technologies Ltd, India's second largest software services firm, Thursday reported 33 percent rise in net profit for the first fiscal quarter ending June 31, 2012, supported by the appreciation and depreciation of the rupee, and met analysts' expectations.

Most Asian markets fell Thursday as investor worries about worsening global economic downturn strengthened following unanticipated interest rate cut in South Korea.

More than 100 Indian laborers are trapped in Bahrain over a wage dispute with Nass Corporation. Some have no money to support their families in India and no hope of escape.

According to United Nations figures, about 220 million women in the developing world who do not want to get pregnant, cannot get reliable access to contraception.

Economic slowdown in the U.S., China and emerging markets, a rise in political tensions in the Middle East and Europe's debt crisis means oil consumption will not be rebounding anytime soon, according to the world's largest oil cartel.

MCX Stock Exchange (MCX-SX) is all set to become India's third full-fledged stock exchange as it got license from the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to trade in new asset classes, including equities, futures and options and other products.