India growth slips in wake of cash ban...Why is northern Afghanistan increasingly unstable?

India growth slips in wake of cash ban India's economic growth rate dropped only slightly at the end of 2016 despite a controversial ban on high-value banknotes in November. Analysts doubt the government's figure and fear the full impact has yet to be felt.

Saudi King Salman's Southeast Asia trip affirms Muslim friendship The Saudi monarch's rare month-long trip takes him to strategically important nations in the economically fast-growing region, with which Riyadh wants to deepen commercial engagement and socio-political ties. Why is northern Afghanistan increasingly unstable?

	Northern Afghanistan can no longer be considered a safe region as militant violence increases. Central Asian countries that share Afghanistan's northern border have also become concerned about security.