Over two millennia ago, a profound spiritual journey began amid the calm Himalayan scenery and throughout the wide plains of the Indian subcontinent. In addition to influencing India's spiritual environment, India's historical ties to Buddhism have also helped modern policymakers strengthen India's soft power by developing cultural ties that are felt throughout South, Southeast, and East Asia, The Bhutan Live reported. India, the place of origin of Buddhism, has a close spiritual connection to the faith. Scholars and priests travelled throughout far-off nations on pilgrimages while carrying the Buddha's teachings during the height of India's supremacy. Buddhism was spread throughout Tibet, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia as a result of this mystical journey, frequently via Sri Lanka's dynamic centre. While the Theravada school of Buddhism thrived in South Asia and spread throughout Southeast Asia, Tibetan Buddhism developed in the North and had an impact on Tibet and China. Indian art, culture, and architecture still reflect the country's ancient past, and the iconic three lions of the Ashoka pillar are featured on the flag of the nation. The fact that approximately 10 million people in India still practise Buddhism in 2023 is evidence of the religion's lasting influence, according to The Bhutan Live. The Bhutan Live covers Bhutan news, politics, Bhutan culture, Bhutanese Buddhism and more, for a unique understanding of the Himalayan region. The large Tibetan community in India, which first migrated there in 1959 after China occupied Tibet in 1950, is also connected to Buddhism. Since then, India has offered sanctuary to prominent Tibetan religious figures, Tibetan nobles, and common Tibetans who have fled into exile. Notably, the head of each of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism—Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma, and Sakya—as well as many other respected Tibetan lamas reside in India, including the fourteenth Dalai Lama, a revered spiritual figure. Although these sects' primary monasteries are still in Tibet, India acts as a haven for the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist traditions. India has actively pushed Buddhist philosophy and culture in recent years. The International Buddhist Confederation was founded in 2011 with the help of the Indian government by the Global Buddhist Congregation (GBC), which brought together representatives from different Buddhist traditions around the world. This important organisation worked to protect various Buddhist traditions, support academic inquiry, and spread awareness of Buddhism. Since the mid-2000s, China has also organised worldwide Buddhist conferences known as the World Buddhist Forums (WBF) in an effort to promote its appointed Panchen Lama and win the respect of the Buddhist world. Although China's efforts were overshadowed by the GBC meeting in India in 2011, the succeeding WBF in 2012 was noticeably subdued, as reported by The Bhutan Live. In March 2017, India held a Buddhist conference in Nalanda that brought Buddhist lamas together under one umbrella further solidifying India's standing in the Buddhist community. The Indian government has incorporated Buddhism into its bilateral diplomatic efforts since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, especially with Japan and Mongolia. Private organisations have also contributed to the growth of these ties, as evidenced by the joint Buddhist and Hindu conclave in September 2015 that concentrated on conflict resolution and environmental awareness, The Bhutan Live reported.

Over two millennia ago, a profound spiritual journey began amid the calm Himalayan scenery and throughout the wide plains of the Indian subcontinent. In addition to influencing India's spiritual environment, India's historical ties to Buddhism have also helped modern policymakers strengthen India's soft power by developing cultural ties that are felt throughout South, Southeast, and East Asia, The Bhutan Live reported. India, the place of origin of Buddhism, has a close spiritual connection to the faith. Scholars and priests travelled throughout far-off nations on pilgrimages while carrying the Buddha's teachings during the height of India's supremacy. Buddhism was spread throughout Tibet, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia as a result of this mystical journey, frequently via Sri Lanka's dynamic centre. While the Theravada school of Buddhism thrived in South Asia and spread throughout Southeast Asia, Tibetan Buddhism developed in the North and had an impact on Tibet and China. Indian art, culture, and architecture still reflect the country's ancient past, and the iconic three lions of the Ashoka pillar are featured on the flag of the nation. The fact that approximately 10 million people in India still practise Buddhism in 2023 is evidence of the religion's lasting influence, according to The Bhutan Live. The Bhutan Live covers Bhutan news, politics, Bhutan culture, Bhutanese Buddhism and more, for a unique understanding of the Himalayan region. The large Tibetan community in India, which first migrated there in 1959 after China occupied Tibet in 1950, is also connected to Buddhism. Since then, India has offered sanctuary to prominent Tibetan religious figures, Tibetan nobles, and common Tibetans who have fled into exile. Notably, the head of each of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism—Gelug, Kagyu, Nyingma, and Sakya—as well as many other respected Tibetan lamas reside in India, including the fourteenth Dalai Lama, a revered spiritual figure. Although these sects' primary monasteries are still in Tibet, India acts as a haven for the preservation of Tibetan Buddhist traditions. India has actively pushed Buddhist philosophy and culture in recent years. The International Buddhist Confederation was founded in 2011 with the help of the Indian government by the Global Buddhist Congregation (GBC), which brought together representatives from different Buddhist traditions around the world. This important organisation worked to protect various Buddhist traditions, support academic inquiry, and spread awareness of Buddhism. Since the mid-2000s, China has also organised worldwide Buddhist conferences known as the World Buddhist Forums (WBF) in an effort to promote its appointed Panchen Lama and win the respect of the Buddhist world. Although China's efforts were overshadowed by the GBC meeting in India in 2011, the succeeding WBF in 2012 was noticeably subdued, as reported by The Bhutan Live. In March 2017, India held a Buddhist conference in Nalanda that brought Buddhist lamas together under one umbrella further solidifying India's standing in the Buddhist community. The Indian government has incorporated Buddhism into its bilateral diplomatic efforts since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office in 2014, especially with Japan and Mongolia. Private organisations have also contributed to the growth of these ties, as evidenced by the joint Buddhist and Hindu conclave in September 2015 that concentrated on conflict resolution and environmental awareness, The Bhutan Live reported.

Rishi Sunak is the UK's first prime minister with South Asian origins. Leaders in India are holding him up as a Hindu success story for the Indian diaspora. With the downfall of British Prime Minister Liz Truss after less than six weeks in office, the ruling Conservative party quickly tipped Rishi Sunak, a former finance minister, to take her place. The 42-year-old Sunak is both the UK's wealthiest prime minister and its youngest in over 200 years. He is also the UK's first Hindu and British Asian prime minister, which has made him immensely popular in India. Coincidentally, Sunak was chosen as the Tory leader in the British Parliament on the occasion of Diwali, the most important festival of the year for Hindus. India's ruling Hindu nationalist BJP party has especially sought to highlight how Sunak has embraced and displayed his Hindu culture.  "He may be British, but I am happy that he believes in such traditions and that makes us Hindus proud and happy," Parmajeet Singh, a BJP leader, told DW. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Sunak and said he looked forward to boosting ties between the UK and India. "Special Diwali wishes to the 'living bridge' of UK Indians, as we transform our historic ties into a modern partnership," Modi said. Opposition Congress party politician Palaniappan Chidambaram praised the UK for embracing "non-majority citizens" and "electing them to high office." As prime minister, Sunak will likely enjoy the backing of the Indian diaspora, one of the largest ethnic minorities in the UK, numbering close to 1.5 million people. "His elevation to PM signals the coming of age of the Indian diaspora. Unlike the US, where young professionals form the bulk of the diaspora, in the UK, for generations they were part of the underbelly of the country. He is part of this success story that is commanding attention now," international relations expert Amitabh Mattoo told DW. A practicing Hindu Sunak embraces his Hindu religion and took his oath of office as finance minister in 2020 by placing his hands on the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text. He said lighting Diwali oil lamps outside 11 Downing Street in November 2020 as Britain's first Indian-origin finance minister was one of the "proudest moments" of his life. "I am now a citizen of Britain. But my religion is Hindu. My religious and cultural heritage is Indian. I proudly say that I am a Hindu and my identity is also a Hindu," Sunak said in 2017, when former prime minister, Theresa May, made him a minister in her cabinet. In August 2022, when Sunak was considered a likely candidate to succeed Boris Johnson as prime minister, he was spotted performing a "gau pooja" (cow worship) in London. Videos went viral of Sunak holding a brass tumbler in hand offering holy water to the cow, and then performing a ritual seeking blessing from the cow. Who is Rishi Sunak? Sunak, who in 2015 was first elected as an MP in Yorkshire, was born in Southampton to parents of Indian descent. His father, Yashvir, was a general practitioner for the National Health Service (NHS) and his mother, Usha, ran a local pharmacy. He has spoken frequently of the sacrifices they made to ensure his success. "From working in my mum's tiny chemist shop to my experience building large businesses, I have seen firsthand how politicians should support free enterprise and innovation to ensure our future prosperity," Sunak writes on his website. Sunak attended Oxford University and then Stanford University in the US, where he received his MBA and won a prestigious Fulbright scholarship. He has worked as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs and various hedge funds. In 2009, Sunak married Stanford classmate Akshata Murty, a fashion designer and daughter of billionaire Indian tech entrepreneur, Narayan Murthy, who is the co-founder of Infosys. Sunak and Murty have an estimated net worth of £730 million (€838 million, $825 million).  The couple had a traditional Indian wedding spread over two days in southern Bengalaru and took their vows on a traditional temple porch.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia is in jail after being convicted. But there is no connection to humanitarian attitude with it. Even there is no scope to do inhuman attitude with her. She is a former prime minister. We do not support any matter of negligence regarding her treatment. There is no reason to think that the government of Sheikh Hasina would do any negligence.  He said these in response to the newsmen while visiting four lane road construction activities at Chandra in Gazipur’s Kaliakoir on Sunday. Quader said, BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia did not suffer mild stroke, her sugar level fall down. She will be examined in BSMMU hospital if she wants. Meanwhile, Law Minister Anisul Huq at a program in the secretariat said, the government is aware about health condition of Khaleda Zia. It will be known after going investigations in BSMMU whether she suffered mild stroke or not. She will be taken to the BSMMU hospital. Obaidul Quader said, no traffic congestion will be created on highways due to the condition of roads. There is nothing to do if traffic jam is created due to unplanned and unlawful ply of vehicles. The minister said, four lane highway from Gazipur’s Chandra to Tangail’s Alenga will be opened from June 12 on the occasion of Eid. Besides, 23 bridges will also be opened of the 26 bridges. Highway range DIG Md. Atiqul Islam, Supervising Engineer of Dhaka region Roads and Highways division Sabuj Uddin Khan, Gazipur police super Mohammad Harun ur Rashid, Gazipur road division Executive Engineer DKN Nahin Reza and other officials were present on the occasion. AH      

Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) has said that they are investigating the matter whether the attacker Foyzur, who knifed Dr. Muhammed Zafar Iqbal on Saturday, is associated with militancy or not. A briefing was arranged at RAB-9 headquarters on Sunday afternoon over the attack on Dr. Zafar Iqbal. In the briefing Senior ASP and Assistant Director of RAB Main Uddin Chowdhury said, after the incident of attack in Shahjalal University of Science and Technology the student held the attacker. After mass beating he was handed over to police. Foyzur was given treatment at Combined Minlitary Hospital in Sylhet. He also said, his identification was confirmed after primary interrogation. Foyzur’s maternal and paternal uncles were also detained. Foyzur attacked with a knife on the head of Dr. Zafar Iqbal at a program in Shahjalal University campus on Saturday. Dr. Zafar Iqbal was rushed to the Osmani Medical College Hospital in Sylhet at first. Then he was brought to Dhaka on a helicopter in the night. He is undergoing treatment at Dhaka Combined Military Hospital (CMH). The CMH medical board has said that though Dr. Zafar Iqbal was stabbed on the head, back and hand but those are not heavy injury, most of the wounds were created on the skin. The five member medical board chief Major Munshi Mohammad Mujibur Rahman Said, there are four minor wounds on his head, single wound on the upper portion of the back and single wound on the left hand. Dr. Zafar Iqbal was given proper treatment, dressing and other medical facilities. He is conscious and out of danger at the moment. ­AH