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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.
Imran Khan’s Political Career Far From Over
By Umair Jamal
Within a month of his ouster, the former Pakistani PM has been able to revive his support base substantially, prompting many to believe that he could win an election today.
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Resigns After Weeks of Protests
By Krishan Francis and Bharatha Mallawarachi
Mahinda Rajapaksa is the fourth member of the Rajapaksa clan to step down since the political crisis worsened in late March.
Taliban Divisions Deepen as Afghan Women Defy Veil Edict
By Kathy Gannon
Akhundzada’s hardline orders to impose the full burqa on women and keep them out of schools does not have the support of more pragmatic Taliban leaders.
Drastic Decline in Insurgency in India’s Once-Restive Northeast
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
New Delhi’s carrot and stick policy toward insurgent groups is bearing fruit.
Modi Government’s Plan to Make Hindi India’s National Language Stirs Conflict
By Kavita Chowdhury
This is an assault on India’s federalism and linguistic diversity, even its Constitution, say experts.
Sri Lanka Government Wins Parliament Vote Amid Protests
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
Ranjith Siyambalapitiya, backed by the ruling coalition led by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, was re-elected deputy speaker after having resigned in April.
Government Gives Assent to Coal Mining in Hasdeo Forests in Central India
By Tarushi Aswani
Local tribal women are determined to continue their decade-long resistance against destruction of their forests.
How Imran Khan Is Disrupting Pakistan’s Political Economy
By Uzair Younus
While Khan has lost the prime minister’s office, his core base of supporters has not abandoned him.
Sri Lanka Is on the Brink of Bankruptcy
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
The island's usable foreign reserves are now down to less than $50 million.
Sri Lanka Opposition Declares No Confidence in Government
By Krishan Francis
A majority vote in the 225-member Parliament would be needed to remove Rajapaksa and the Cabinet from power.
India Reels Under Brutal Heat Wave, Blackouts
By Krutika Pathi and Aniruddha Ghosal
Supplies of coal at thermal power plants are running perilously low, underscoring India’s need to diversify energy sources.
EU Hedges Its Bets by Turning to a Difficult India
By Mohamed Zeeshan
To be a viable economic alternative to China in the long run, India needs to achieve sustained growth, build an export base, and ensure social harmony and political stability.