Asia Compact | 17.10.2012, 18:00 UTC

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Asia Compact 17.10.2012 | 18:00 UTC Asia International Relations 'Best days' ahead for Indo-Australian relations On her maiden visit to India, Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard has paved the way for a civilian nuclear deal, as well as strengthened economic and strategic cooperation with the South Asian nation on the rise. Indian military makes strategic stride with the Agni-V Australia will sell uranium to India but not to Pakistan Australia moves to lift uranium ban to India Afghanistan Afghan farmers weigh up saffron against opium The Afghan government sees saffron as a good alternative to opium. Some farmers have successfully made the transition, whereas others are sticking to poppy. Afghan farmers desperate after bad opium harvest Afghan war on drugs trudges on Growing Afghan intravenous heroin use spurs HIV epidemic World India India's age-old chit funds keep edge on banking Around 700 million Indians lack access to formal banking. Despite years of sustained economic growth and government initiatives, they rely on informal credit sources, such as 'chit funds,' to make their dreams come true. Governed by graft - Indian politics stuck in deadlock India cracks down on Twitter Critics say small loans hurt the poor News Terrorism Bomb rips through NATO-Afghan army base A suicide bomber has struck at a NATO-Afghan army base in Afghanistan's eastern region. It is the latest in a spate of terrorist attacks directly targeting Afghan troops and NATO military presence. More DW More DW PopXport brings you the best music and the chance to win an iPod touch The new contest from PopXport takes a look at the German songs that were ranked highest around the world. Send us your favorite and you will have a chance at winning an iPod touch. More DW Kick off! Bundesliga action on Facebook The passion and the action of the Bundesliga – every game, every goal, every week. Get involved and discuss German soccer with real fans around the world. Once the last whistle has blown, we get you up to speed. More DW Kultur.21 – The culture magazin on Facebook Discover culture. Germany has become a hub of creativity for the 21st century. The world is watching what trends are emerging from Berlin and beyond. Find out more on our Facebook page. More DW Discover more with the DW Media Center! An all-access pass to DW's audio, video and multimedia content that you can use anytime and anywhere. The DW Media Center ensures that you will never miss any of your favorite DW shows.   Unsubscribe   Personal Data   Feedback   Imprint © Deutsche Welle 2012