India is in the midst of a catastrophic epidemic of smoking deaths, which is expected to cause about one million (10 lakh) deaths a year during the 2010s – including one in five of all male deaths and one in 20 of all female deaths at ages 30-69. On average, male bidi smokers lose about six years of life, female bidi smokers lose about eight years and male cigarette smokers lose about ten years.

Medical researchers have released a study that says one million people in India will die every year in the next decade from tobacco-related illnesses. Steve Herman in New Delhi reports the study's authors also made what they call a surprising discovery about the leading fatal illnesses among smokers in India.

India's northeastern states - geographically and culturally distant from the heart of the Hindu majority country - are referred to as "the seven sisters." Official attempts to improve the economy of the isolated region have largely been a disappointment and several of the states are beset by serious insurgencies. VOA Correspondent Steve Herman in New Delhi visited a trade fair intended to promote the region's products and improve its business prospects.

The U.S. envoy to India has broken a long silence regarding the stalemate in the proposed nuclear cooperation agreement between New Delhi and Washington. As Steve Herman reports from the Indian capital, the American ambassador's comment is being viewed as a blunt warning to New Delhi to move ahead with the pact.

Students from the King’s College London School of Law are one of only three UK teams taking part in the world renowned D M Harish International Moot Competition, joining 28 other teams, including ones from Yale and Georgetown as well as eminent universities from across India.

Asia's aviation industry is likely to be tested in 2008 by the slowing United States economy and high fuel costs. But as Ron Corben reports from Bangkok, industry leaders remain upbeat, because they expect strong demand in India and China to keep profits strong.

India is sticking its position that it cannot make any binding commitments on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Anjana Pasricha reports on an international conference on sustainable development being held in the Indian capital, New Delhi.

Mining, along with tourism, forms the economic backbone of India's seaside state of Goa. Environmental concerns recently halted much of the iron ore extraction, but the way has been now cleared for resumption of mining, in a way that is supposed to be environmentally friendly. VOA's Steve Herman reports from Goa.

Reliance Life became India's second life insurer after LIC to offer a health insurance policy, while seeking a distinctive edge by clubbing wealth accumulation along with medical insurance coverage in its new product.

A reclusive Indian mystic who became an influential figure in 20th century popular culture around the world has died. As VOA correspondent Steve Herman reports from New Delhi, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi was far more appreciated in the West than in his homeland.

The United Nations' point man on climate change policy is in New Delhi where he is hoping to get India to clarify what it will do to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Steve Herman reports from New Delhi.

India is set to buy six Hercules transport planes from U.S-based Lockheed Martin. As Anjana Pasricha reports from New Delhi, this will be India's biggest arms deal with the United States, and a major departure in New Delhi's military purchasing policies.