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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.
Cheap Russian Oil Fuels India’s Response to Ukraine War
By Biswajit Dhar
The West expected India to turn its back on Russia, but a look at the numbers shows that expectation was never realistic.
What a Tamil Language School in Sri Lanka Tells Us About the Reconciliation Process
By Niru Perera
Language is a critical part of the country's moves toward post-war reconciliation, especially when it comes to grassroots efforts.
How India’s COVID-19 Lockdowns Impacted Menstrual Health
By Karan Babbar
Limited access to period products during India’s COVID lockdowns highlighted how far public health initiatives have to go when it comes to menstruation.
India’s Assam State to Introduce Uniform Civil Code
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
It is the third state after Uttarakhand and Gujarat – all ruled by the Hindu nationalist BJP – to take steps toward a common civil law for all religious groups.
UN Doha Conference on Afghanistan Fails to Achieve Key Goals
By Freshta Jalalzai
The Taliban’s refusal to participate – and those invited to represent Afghanistan from other groups – sparked much debate among Afghans.
Indian Farmers to Press Ahead With March to New Delhi
By Associated Press
They have rejected the Modi government’s offer of a five-year contract for a guaranteed minimum price for five crops.
How PM Modi Has Weakened the Rights-Based Laws of the Previous Decade
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
The BJP government has weakened a suite of progressive laws that were enacted by the previous Congress-led administration.
In Gaza and the Middle East, India’s Risk Appetite Has Increased
By Mohamed Zeeshan
It has been reported that the Israeli army is set to induct Indian-made drones into its surveillance and aerial bombing fleet.
Public Trust in Ballot Box Politics Could Weaken Further in Balochistan
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The poor performance of Baloch nationalist parties in the recent elections is surprising, as is the victory of candidates who were barely known in their constituencies.
Indian Supreme Court Scraps PM Modi’s Controversial Party Funding Scheme
By Kavita Chowdhury
The apex court declared the opaque electoral bonds scheme, which benefited the BJP the most, to be unconstitutional.
The Nepali Army’s Growing Business Interests
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
There are concerns that civilian control over the military could diminish as its commercial clout grows.
PM Modi Internationalizes BJP’s Reelection Campaign
By Jon Gambrell
He inaugurated the first open Hindu temple in the Middle East during his recent visit to the UAE.