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The Pulse

South Asia is a story of promise and peril where Asia’s conflicting forces of modernity and reaction meet head on. Home to a multitude of different cultures, ethnicities, and religions, The Diplomat's regional correspondents and experts will provide the insight you need to navigate one of the world's most consequential regions.

The Corporate Takeover of India’s Media

The Corporate Takeover of India’s Media

By R Srinivasan
Press freedom in India has been badly hit by the gobbling up of media platforms by a few large companies.

As India Votes, Misinformation Surges on Social Media

As India Votes, Misinformation Surges on Social Media

By David Klepper and Krutika Pathi
Political advertisements and posts contain anti-Muslim hate speech, Hindu nationalist narratives, and misogynistic posts.
Millions of Afghans Made Pakistan Home to Escape War. Now Many are Hiding to Escape Deportation.

Millions of Afghans Made Pakistan Home to Escape War. Now Many are Hiding to Escape Deportation.

By Riazat Butt and Adil Jawad
Some 600,000 Afghans have returned home since last October, when the crackdown began, meaning at least a million remain in Pakistan in hiding.

Indian American Diaspora and Politics in India and the US

Indian American Diaspora and Politics in India and the US

By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Regardless of generation, Indian Americans are more likely to be liberal on issues in the U.S. and conservative on matters affecting India.

India’s Political Satirists Challenge Narendra Modi on Social Media

India’s Political Satirists Challenge Narendra Modi on Social Media

By Kavita Chowdhury
With the mainstream media doubling up as cheerleaders of the Modi government, YouTubers are speaking truth to power.

Balochistan as a Major Departure Point for Human Smuggling

Balochistan as a Major Departure Point for Human Smuggling

By Mariyam Suleman Anees
An estimated 80,000-100,000 Pakistanis – those smuggled as well as the trafficked – cross international borders illegally annually.

India Can Do More to Protect Workers in War Zones

India Can Do More to Protect Workers in War Zones

By Swetasree Ghosh Roy
Ironclad regulations for migrants in conflict zones are preferable to the current piecemeal approach.
Meeting the Climate Crisis in Afghanistan 

Meeting the Climate Crisis in Afghanistan 

By Shanthie Mariet D’Souza
As the dilemma on recognition and assistance remains unresolved, Afghanistan will be subjected to a vicious cycle of conflict with climate change acting as a threat multiplier. 

Why Bangladesh’s Kuki National Front is Cause for Concern

Why Bangladesh’s Kuki National Front is Cause for Concern

By Maruf Hasan Rumi
There are Kuki-Chin militant groups active in Bangladesh, India and Myanmar, and they pose a threat to regional security and stability.

Maldivian President Mohammad Muizzu Consolidates Control

Maldivian President Mohammad Muizzu Consolidates Control

By Umang Bhansali
With his People’s National Congress gaining a supermajority in parliament, the pro-China tilt in Muizzu's foreign policy will become more pronounced.

BNP Boycotts Elections in Bangladesh Again

BNP Boycotts Elections in Bangladesh Again

By Mubashar Hasan
The country will begin voting in elections to local bodies from May 8. Few expect the vote to be free or fair.
Inter-group Militant Cooperation and Rivalries in Pakistan’s Newly Merged Districts

Inter-group Militant Cooperation and Rivalries in Pakistan’s Newly Merged Districts

By Abdul Basit
ISKP has survived the hostile environment of the NMDs through alliances with like-minded groups like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi and Jandullah.

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