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Asia’s Covid Comeback: New Variants Spark Fresh Wave Amid Rising Covid Cases

June 9, 2025, 4:30 am

A few Asian nations, such as India, Thailand, and Indonesia, have seen a surge in Covid-19 cases since mid-May, triggering concerns about the spread of more infectious coronavirus variants.

India now has more than 5,700 active cases, with four fatalities reported over the last 24 hours. Hospitalisation is low, but the Indian health ministry advises citizens to exercise caution, get tested early if they develop symptoms, and keep wearing masks in public spaces.

In Thailand, Covid hospitalisations have increased since early June, with at least one recent fatality. The country recorded around 28,300 cases in just the first two days of June, mainly concentrated in Bangkok. So far in 2025, Thailand has reported 70 deaths, primarily in urban centers. The death rate remains low, indicating the virus has not grown more lethal.

Indonesia has warned healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and double down on Covid surveillance as infections rise, fueled by new, highly infectious but less lethal variants. Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin pointed out that although cases are increasing, the variants are less severe.

Health officials closely monitor Omicron subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.8.1, which are suspected to be the cause of the recent spike in Asia. The recombinant variant existing in nations such as Thailand, Australia, and the US, has been found with a high capability of binding to human cell receptors, possibly facilitating infection more easily.

They share common symptoms such as tiredness, sore throat, stuffy nose, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The World Health Organization verifies that the vaccines available today still offer protection against severe disease due to the variants.

In India, half of new cases are still caused by the older JN.1 strain. The majority are mild and clear up with simple over-the-counter medications. However, susceptible people, particularly elderly or those with underlying medical conditions, are recommended to get hospital treatment if they get severe symptoms like breathlessness or oxygen levels less than 95%.

Health experts stress prompt doctor consultation for individuals with severe fatigue or less than 95% oxygen saturation.

Hong Kong Sees New Covid Surge : What’s Happening?

May 16, 2025, 3:04 pm

Several countries in Southeast Asia are facing a new wave of Covid-19 infections. Hong Kong and Singapore have reported sharp increases in cases, while China and Thailand are also seeing a rise. According to Bloomberg, this may be part of a larger regional trend.

Hong Kong Sees New Covid Surge

Health officials in Hong Kong say Covid infections are climbing fast, marking the start of another wave. Data from the Centre for Health Protection shows the test positivity rate jumped from 1.7% in March to 11.4%—even higher than the August 2024 peak.

In the past month, there were 81 severe adult cases, leading to 30 deaths, as reported by the South China Morning Post.

Albert Au, who heads the Communicable Disease Branch at the Centre for Health Protection, said Covid levels are currently “quite high.” He also noted that the percentage of respiratory samples testing positive for the virus is now at a one-year high.

Most severe cases are in old people. The Centre found that 83% of the serious infections involved individuals aged 65 or older, and more than 90% had pre-existing health conditions.

While the number of cases is still lower than the worst periods in recent years, other signs—like high virus levels in sewage and more hospital visits—show that Covid is spreading in Hong Kong again, Bloomberg noted.

Popular singer Eason Chan had to cancel concerts in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, after testing positive. This was announced through the event’s official Weibo page.

Singapore Also Reports Rise in Cases

Singapore, another financial hub, is also dealing with a spike in infections. The health ministry issued its first update in nearly a year after the number of weekly cases rose by 28%, reaching 14,200 in the week ending May 3. Daily hospital admissions also rose by about 30%.

Officials from the health ministry and the Communicable Diseases Agency said they are monitoring the situation closely. However, the ministry stated, “there is no indication that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previously circulating variants.”

Singapore now provides case updates only when there is a noticeable rise. Authorities believe the main cause of the surge is waning immunity, not a more dangerous version of the virus.

The two dominant variants currently spreading in Singapore are LF.7 and NB.1.8, which are linked to the JN.1 strain. Together, these account for more than two-thirds of sequenced cases.

Covid Rising in China and Thailand Too

Other Asian countries are also reporting more infections. China is seeing Covid levels rise to nearly what they were during last summer’s wave. According to China’s CDC, the number of positive test results in hospitals more than doubled between late March and early May.

In Thailand, the Disease Control Department reported two cluster outbreaks this year. Many new infections happened after April’s Songkran festival, which involves large gatherings and celebrations.

Why Are Cases Going Up? Should You Be Worried?

One reason for the rise in cases appears to be weakening immunity. Channel News Asia reports that many people are skipping booster shots, especially in Singapore.

Dr. Lim Kim Show, medical director at Life Family Clinic, told the outlet that most Covid patients visiting his clinic had not received a vaccine in the last one or two years.

Singapore’s health ministry confirmed that immunity may be dropping. However, it added there is “no sign that the current variants are spreading faster or causing more serious illness compared to those seen earlier during the pandemic.”

So, is there reason to worry? For now, doctors say the situation is manageable. According to CNA, most infected people are recovering quickly, and symptoms are mild—similar to the common flu.

Still, those at higher risk, such as the people with health issues, are advised to be cautious. Health officials in Singapore suggest getting a booster shot about one year after the previous dose.

Authorities also recommend simple safety measures like handwashing, staying home when feeling sick, and wearing masks in crowded areas—especially in places with rising cases.

Senior Russian General Killed in Moscow Car Bomb Attack

April 25, 2025, 8:41 pm

A car bomb attack in Moscow has murdered a top Russian general, officials confirmed.

Russia’s Investigative Committee (SK), the primary federal investigating agency in Russia, confirmed that an improvised explosive device packed with pellets detonated, killing Gen Yaroslav Moskalik when a Volkswagen Golf blew up.

Local news outlets reported that the vehicle was parked beside the general’s residence in the eastern suburb of Balashikha and exploded as he passed by.

Killing Labeled a “Terrorist Attack” by Russian Authorities

Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova described the killing as a “terrorist attack.” Without providing further details. According to Russian Telegram channel Smotri.

Moskalik was the Russian General Staff representative at negotiations with Ukraine in Paris during 2015. That yielded the Minsk agreements, established to stop the conflict between Russian-supported separatist groups and Ukraine, which began in 2014.

Ties to Russian Diplomatic Delegation

The Kremlin site indicates he traveled to join Russia’s delegation of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Kremlin advisor and ex-Russian ambassador to the US, Yuri Ushakov, for those cease-fire negotiations.

Videos and photographs doing the rounds on Telegram today reveal a burning car outside an apartment block. No group has yet taken responsibility for the car bomb.

Ukraine Maintains Silence on Targeted Assassinations in Moscow

It is a policy of Ukraine not to officially acknowledge or take responsibility for such targeted attacks as that which murdered Gen Moskalik.

But unidentified sources in Ukrainian security agencies have in the past informed the media, including the BBC, that they have been responsible for similar murders, including the assassination of Gen Igor Kirillov in December 2024. Identified officials, however, never spoke on the record.

Inside Russia itself, there seems no agency willing and capable of conducting such attacks.

Telegram Media Circulates Visuals of Attack in Moscow

Telegram screengrab from a telegram video giving a distant view of a burning car with a big plume of black smoke near a block of flats in Moscow. Images and videos appearing on Telegram show a car alight outside a block of flats.

US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, will hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in central Moscow later on Friday.

Overnight Drone Strikes Continue Across Ukraine

Drone strikes against Ukraine persisted overnight into Friday, Ukraine’s air force reported Russia fired 103 drones, killing three individuals, including a child and a 76-year-old woman, in the town of Pavlohrad, in the eastern Dnipropetrovsk region.

Lavrov previously announced Moscow was “prepared to come to an agreement” with the US to end the war in Ukraine, though certain elements required to be “tweaked.”.

At the same time, in Ukraine, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said his nation might need to cede land as part of any settlement.

Thailand Welcomes PM Modi For BIMSTEC: Big Moves In Regional Diplomacy | WATCH

April 3, 2025, 9:53 am

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his official visit to Thailand on Thursday to participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled for April 4. The visit comes at the invitation of Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.

In his departure statement, PM Modi highlighted the crucial role of India’s North Eastern region in the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). “Over the past decade, BIMSTEC has emerged as a significant forum for promoting regional development, connectivity, and economic progress in the Bay of Bengal region. With its geographical location, India’s North Eastern region lies at the heart of BIMSTEC. I look forward to meeting the leaders of the BIMSTEC countries and engaging productively to further strengthen our collaboration with the interest of our people in mind,” he stated.

During the visit, PM Modi is also expected to engage with the Thai leadership. “During my official visit, I will have the opportunity to engage with Prime Minister Shinawatra and the Thai leadership, with a common desire to elevate our age-old historical ties, which are based on the strong foundations of shared culture, philosophy, and spiritual thought,” he added.

Over the next three days, I will be visiting Thailand and Sri Lanka to take part in various programmes aimed at boosting India’s cooperation with these nations and the BIMSTEC countries.

In Bangkok later today, I will be meeting Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra and…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 3, 2025

Sri Lanka Visit and Possible Bangladesh Meeting

Following his participation in the BIMSTEC Summit, the Prime Minister will travel to Sri Lanka from April 4 to 6. This visit comes months after Sri Lankan President Disanayaka’s trip to India last December. Speaking about the agenda, PM Modi remarked, “We will have the opportunity to review progress made on the joint vision of ‘Fostering Partnerships for a Shared Future’ and provide further guidance to realise our shared objectives.”

WATCH THE VIRAL VIDEO:

#WATCH | Delhi | Prime Minister Narendra Modi emplanes for Bangkok, Thailand.

PM Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to Thailand at the invitation of Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister of Thailand. PM Modi will participate in the 6th BIMSTEC Summit to be held on 4 April… pic.twitter.com/8USisO0PNH

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2025

Additionally, there is speculation about a possible meeting between PM Modi and Bangladesh’s Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. If confirmed, this would be the first face-to-face interaction between the two leaders since the overthrow of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. A Dhaka-based official told United News of Bangladesh (UNB), “I can tell you that the meeting will take place.” However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs has not yet confirmed the meeting.

Expressing optimism about the diplomatic visits, PM Modi concluded, “I am confident that these visits will build on the foundations of the past and contribute to strengthening our close relationships for the benefit of our people and the wider region.”

Innovation Unleashed: Vietnam Summit Sets The Stage For AI And Semiconductor Game-Changers

March 10, 2025, 2:36 pm

About 1,000 experts and executives from leading technology firms will converge in Vietnam next week for the International AI-Semiconductor Conference 2025 (AISC 2025). Scheduled for March 12-16 in Hanoi and Da Nang, the five-day event aims to showcase Vietnam’s emerging role in the global AI and semiconductor industries.

A Global Gathering of Tech Giants

Representatives from industry heavyweights such as Google, DeepMind, IBM, Intel, TSMC, Samsung, MediaTek, Tokyo Electron, Panasonic, Qorvo, and Marvell are expected to attend. Organized by the Vietnam National Innovation Center (NIC) in partnership with US-based Aitomatic, the conference will serve as a platform for exploring investment opportunities, forging new partnerships, and discussing Vietnam’s potential in these rapidly evolving sectors.

Diverse Program: Workshops, Forums, and Networking

The conference program features a series of workshops, forums, and networking sessions designed to facilitate deep dives into cutting-edge topics:

Workshops (March 12-13): These sessions will focus on how artificial intelligence is transforming semiconductor chip design, production, and utilization.
High-Profile Forum (March 14): Government officials and private sector leaders will explore global trends and assess Vietnam’s potential within the AI-semiconductor value chain.
Cooperation and Innovation Initiatives: The event will include the signing of cooperation agreements and the launch of the 2025 innovation challenge. A notable announcement will be a national project to develop a Vietnamese language database for open-source code, in collaboration with NIC, NVIDIA, Meta, AI for Vietnam, and Aitomatic.
Networking and Roundtables (March 15): Senior executives will participate in roundtable discussions and site visits in Da Nang, fostering direct engagement and collaboration.

Vietnam’s Rising Profile in Tech

Vietnam is actively positioning itself as a key player in the global semiconductor and AI landscape, striving to attract substantial investment from top technology firms worldwide. By hosting AISC 2025, officials hope to further solidify the country’s reputation as a hub for technological innovation and to encourage collaboration between domestic and international companies.

The conference is poised to be a landmark event, reflecting Vietnam’s ambitious drive toward integrating advanced technology with its economic growth strategy.

Who Was Aga Khan? The Life and Legacy of the Ismaili Muslim Leader

February 5, 2025, 12:49 pm

Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims and a well-known philanthropist, passed away peacefully in Lisbon on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88. His foundation confirmed the news, stating that he was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.

Survived by Family

He leaves behind his children—Princess Zahra, Prince Rahim, Prince Hussain, and Prince Aly Muhammad—along with four grandchildren.

The foundation released an official statement:
“His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4 February 2025, aged 88, surrounded by his family.”

A Legacy of Humanitarian Work

Aga Khan, a billionaire philanthropist, dedicated his life to development and humanitarian causes. He founded and led the Aga Khan Development Network, an organization with 96,000 employees that funds initiatives in Asia and Africa.

Global Leaders Pay Tribute

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres honored Aga Khan, calling him “a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world.”

Malala Yousafzai, Nobel Peace laureate and education activist, praised his efforts in education, health, and global development. She said, “His legacy will live on through the incredible work he led for education, health, and development around the world.”

Who Was Aga Khan?

Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Aga Khan spent his early years in Kenya. In 1957, at just 20 years old, he became the 49th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims after succeeding his grandfather in Tanzania.

His father was passed over in the line of succession due to his turbulent marriage with Hollywood actress Rita Hayworth.

A Billionaire With a Passion for Philanthropy

Aga Khan inherited vast wealth, which he used for humanitarian efforts. However, he also had a passion for horse racing and owned a fleet of yachts and private jets. His contributions to global development earned him honorary Canadian citizenship for promoting tolerance worldwide.

A Leader Rooted in India

Aga Khan held both British and Portuguese citizenship, with Ismaili leadership headquartered in Lisbon. Although born in Switzerland, his ancestry traced back to India. His family, the Nizari Ismaili Muslims, had strong ties to Gujarat and other parts of the Indian subcontinent.

His View on Islam and Global Conflicts

Unlike many religious leaders, Aga Khan rarely commented on Middle East conflicts or Sunni-Shia tensions. In a 2017 interview, he emphasized that Islam is “not a faith of conflict or social disorder; it’s a religion of peace.”

Aga Khan’s passing marks the end of an era, but his contributions to global humanitarian efforts will continue to inspire generations.

UN Predicts Africa Will Surpass Asia In Hunger By 2030

July 26, 2024, 5:21 pm

United Nations has predicted that Africa will overtake Asia as the continent with the highest number of people experiencing hunger by 2030. In its annual state of food security and nutrition report, five UN agencies highlighted a “clear trend” of rising undernourishment in Africa. Currently, Africa has the largest proportion of people lacking nutritious food (20.4%), but Asia still has more than half of the world’s hungry population. In 2023, 384.5 million people in Asia faced hunger, compared to 298.4 million in Africa.

Alarm Over Future Trends

Alvaro Lario, president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (Ifad), described the situation as “alarming” and warned that it would worsen unless action is taken. He projected that due to population growth and current dynamics, the problem will be harder to solve, with more people in Africa suffering from chronic hunger in a decade. Lario noted that Asia has focused more on local production, crop diversification, fertilizer use, and public investment than Africa.

Challenges for African Farmers

The report estimated that almost 600 million people will be chronically undernourished by 2030, with 53% living in Africa, marking a concerning stagnation in progress. Elizabeth Nsimalda, president of the Eastern Africa Farmers Federation (EAFF), which represents 25 million food producers, emphasized that the battle against hunger is being lost, especially in rural communities where many food producers are unable to feed themselves and their families. With 33 million smallholder farms in Africa providing up to 70% of the continent’s food supply, the climate crisis and conflicts are major drivers of food insecurity.

Diana Onyango, head of Farm Africa’s technical team, highlighted the severe impact of climate change on farmers and food security, particularly in East Africa, which has experienced extensive drought since 2020. Farmers lack the information and knowledge needed to diversify and adapt to climate change. Olivier De Schutter, UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, stressed the need for climate-resilient food systems and social protection to address hunger.

The report was published by the Food and Agriculture Organization, Ifad, Unicef, the World Food Programme, and the World Health Organization.

Pope Francis Warns Against Populism And Ideological Temptations

July 7, 2024, 4:11 pm

Pope Francis delivered a agonizing message criticizing the state of democracy and cautioning against the rise of populism. During his brief visit to Trieste in Italy’s northeast, his remarks, delivered ahead of a 12-day journey to Asia, the longest of his papacy, highlighted concerns over growing ideological divisions and populist movements.

Speaking without naming specific countries but on the day of France’s crucial parliamentary vote, where the far-right National Rally party was poised for significant gains, the Pope warned against the allure of ideologies. He likened them to the Pied Piper of Hamelin, cautioning that while seductive, they ultimately lead to self-denial.

Francis emphasized the global challenges to democracy, noting its precarious state in today’s world. His speech at Trieste’s convention center, closing a national Catholic event, urged people to resist polarizations that diminish societal unity and criticized forms of power that are inward-focused.

The half-day visit to Trieste marked the Pope’s third within Italy this year, following earlier trips to Venice and Verona. At 87 years old and amidst health challenges, Pope Francis has limited international travel since 2023 but plans an extensive visit to Asia in September, including stops in Indonesia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor.

During his time in Trieste, Pope Francis engaged with various groups including religious and academic communities, migrants, and the disabled, underscoring his commitment to social inclusion and dialogue. The visit concluded with a mass in the city’s main public square before his departure for the Vatican in the early afternoon.

Pope Francis continues to advocate for global solidarity and compassion amidst growing political and social divisions, emphasizing the need for unity and understanding in facing contemporary challenges.

Number of international students rises over years: Report

May 13, 2024, 3:58 am

The number of internationally mobile students globally has significantly increased over the last two decades, as highlighted by data collected by UNESCO.33 In 2001, this number was at just over 2.2 million. A decade later, the number of internationally mobile students had grown to more than 3.8 million. This number continued to increase in the following years, rising to over 6 million in 2021, nearly triple the figure 20 years prior. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic and related mobility restrictions, the number of internationally mobile students remained strong. Between 2020 and 2021 – at the height of the pandemic – the number of internationally mobile students increased slightly (from 6.38 million to 6.39 million), defying expectations.

Historically, the population of internationally mobile students has been gendered, with male students consistently outnumbering female students. In 2001, there were around 1 million internationally mobile female students (45% of the total) and 1.2 million male students (54%). While this gap has narrowed over the last 20 years, the number of internationally mobile female students remains lower than that of male students. In 2021, around 3 million internationally mobile students were female (47%) and males comprised around 3.4 million (52%).

Countries in Asia are the origins of the largest number of internationally mobile students in the world. In 2021, more than 1 million internationally mobile students were from China, by far the highest number globally and more than double the number of students from India, which ranks second (around 508,000). Other significant origin countries include Viet Nam, Germany and Uzbekistan (around 100,000 each), although their numbers are far fewer than the top two origin countries. The United States is the largest destination country for internationally mobile students in the world (more than 833,000). The United States is followed by the United Kingdom (nearly 601,000), Australia (around 378,000), Germany (over 376,000) and Canada (nearly 318,000).

The world’s two most populous nations, China and India, have the highest numbers of students studying overseas. According to data published by UNESCO, more than one million Chinese students were studying abroad in 2021.

India’s total was close to half of this, with around 508,000 students living in other countries. Following some way behind come Vietnam, Germany and Uzbekistan.
The United States was the largest destination country for students studying abroad with over 833,000 there in 2021. It was followed by the United Kingdom (nearly 601,000), Australia (around 378,000), Germany (over 376,000) and Canada (nearly 318,000).

This data was published as part of the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) 2024 World Migration Report, which provides an overview of the global state of migration using the latest available data, published Tuesday. This ranges from data on asylum seekers fleeing war to economic migrants seeking labor opportunities, and as this chart shows, to students living abroad.

According to the report, the total number of internationally mobile students has been on the rise over the last two decades. UNESCO data reveals that where 2.2 million students were studying abroad in 2001, that figure had climbed to 6.39 million students in 2021.

IIPS inaugurates ‘International Conference’ on labour and sustainable development in Asia

June 2, 2023, 10:55 am

The International Institute for Population Science (IIPS) in Mumbai is home to the South Asia Centre for Labour Mobility and Migrants (SALAM), which today inaugurated its inaugural international conference on “Labour and Sustainable Development in Asia: Opportunities, Challenges, and Way Forward.”The Centre was conceived by the three UN agencies along with one leading institution from each of the seven countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, the USA, and the Netherlands. The inauguration ceremony was attended by several dignitaries from the government of India, leading institutes, and organizations from India and abroad. Prof. K. C. Das, Convener, SALAM, and Head of the Department of Migration & Urban Studies, IIPS welcomed the dignitaries and briefed about the SALAM and the structure of the conference in terms of different plenary (three), poster(one), and technical (fourteen) sessions. Then the event was formally inaugurated with the welcome address of Prof. K.S. James, Director and Senior Professor, IIPS, Mumbai, and all the dignitaries lightened the lamp. He said scholars have studied migration through different perspectives like demography, sociology, history, and economics. However, he emphasized the need to study labour migration through a multi-disciplinary approach. Prof. James also elaborated that such a conference is relevant and timely when rapid changes is happening not only in demography but also in the field of labour migration. Dino Corell, Labour Migration Specialist, ILO, delivered the keynote address and appreciated the SALAM Centre for bringing together experts, researchers, and academicians to present and disseminate knowledge and promote evidence-based migration governance in the South Asian region. Corell pointed out that labour migration leads to risks and challenges regarding displacement, forced migration, trafficking, health hazards, and other decent work deficits. However, it can be dealt with through the proper framework of governance, and the SALAM Centre is working in this direction. Sri J. K. Banthia (IAS), former Chief Secretary, Govt. of Maharashtra, chief guest, emphasized that South Asia always needed a Centre like SALAM, which can enhance capacity building to formulate evidence-based policy to protect migrants’ rights in South Asia. He mentioned how Mumbai city has evolved with the considerable contribution of migrants. He also emphasised to see the historical background of the country to understand the migration trajectories. Banthia went on to say that different initiatives have been made by the centre and state governments in the wake of COVID-19, with eShram serving as the greatest illustration. He claims that since migrants lack identification credentials, the identity problem is always a major concern for them. The government has made a few moves in this area and found some alleviation. Nevertheless, it can take some time to find a solution to the complete immigration documentation issue. Prof. C.R. Abrar (RMMRU), Prof. S. Irudaya Rajan (IIMAD), Nansiri Iamsuks (UN Women), Prof. Sayeed Unisa (IIPS), Dr. Bhaswati Das (JNU), Prof. D.P. Singh (TISS), among many others, were among the dignitaries who attended the opening session. During these three days, more than 120 researchers from various states in India and other nations will present their papers on diverse topics.

ASI arrested for taking bribe

December 16, 2022, 8:02 am

An assistant sub-inspector (ASI), Lakhwinder Singh, has been arrested by the Punjab vigilance bureau on Thursday for taking a Rs 5000 bribe. Singh was posted at Bholath police station in Kapurthala district. At the chief minister’s anti-corruption helpline complaint was filed after which action was taken against the ASI. Meanwhile, the complaint was filed by Avtar Singh of Akala village. However, for filing an FIR ASI demanded a Rs 5000 bribe.