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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.
Sri Lanka Imposes Power Cuts as Cash Crisis Deepens
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
A currency crunch has hindered imports of fuel and other essentials from overseas, including milk powder, cooking gas, and petrol.
Pakistan’s Imran Khan Heads to Russia Amid Ukraine Invasion Fears
By Associated Press
The crisis in Ukraine threatens to overshadow the first trip to Russia by a Pakistani prime minister in 23 years.
India Sends Wheat to Afghanistan After Deal With Pakistan
By Associated Press
Afghan trucks are ferrying some 50,000 tons of wheat and medicines overland via Pakistan.
India’s Place in the New US Indo-Pacific Strategy
By Rajeswari Pillai Rajagopalan
New Delhi finds a prominent place in the strategy’s focus on Washington’s network of allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific.
Farmer Anger Will Test Modi as Punjab, India’s ‘Grain Bowl,’ Votes
By Sheikh Saaliq
Protesting farmers forced Modi to repeal controversial farm laws last year. Will they defeat him now in the state assembly election?
Largest Ever Consignment of Counterfeit Indian Currency Confiscated in Bangladesh
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Not only is Bangladesh an important conduit for fake Indian currency, but counterfeit notes are also being printed there, a recent investigation reveals.
India Appoints 1st National Maritime Security Coordinator
By Anil Jai Singh
India’s destiny is firmly anchored in the maritime domain.
The Chinese Threat to Lower Brahmaputra Riparians India and Bangladesh
By Jaideep Saikia
The plan to divert the waters of Brahmaputra would affect over 140 million people who are dependent on the river.
Nepal’s MCC Debate Reflects Flaws in Its Decision-Making
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
The debate over the aid project is not about its contents but about American intentions, the integrity of Nepali leaders, and domestic cost-benefit analysis.
Fear Runs Through Afghanistan’s ‘Hazardous’ Media Landscape
By Kathy Gannon
Dread and uncertainty mount with every new report of a fellow journalist having been detained, interrogated or beaten by Taliban fighters.
Rapid COVID-19 Home Tests Surge in India, Experts Flag Risks
By Aniruddha Ghosal and Shonali Ganguly
Although rules require people to share results with authorities, many aren’t doing so.
Parties Vie for Votes With Promises of Jobs in Punjab Assembly Elections
By Tarushi Aswani
This is an old promise that parties and politicians repeat every election. Will voters be impressed?