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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.
Does the Indian Constitution Need to be Amended?
By Ashutosh
While the intent of some of those calling for a new constitution is questionable, India needs to brainstorm why institutions like Parliament and the judiciary have failed to stem the rapid erosion of democracy.
Religious Intolerance is Burning Pakistan
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The recent mob violence against Christian minorities in Punjab province is just the latest reminder of how deep and wide the roots of religious intolerance have grown.
Analyzing the State of Afghan Journalism
By Hasmat Vejdani and Amit Kumar
The Federation of Afghan Journalists in Exile reports that the return of the Taliban has led to a substantial reduction in activity among Afghanistan’s once-vibrant media.
India Makes History; First Country to Touch Down Near Moon’s South Pole Region
By Ashok Sharma
The region’s permanently shadowed craters may hold frozen water that could help future astronaut missions.
India-China Contest Looms Over Maldives’ Presidential Elections
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
While Muizzu's victory could see a tilt toward China in the archipelago’s foreign policy, India and its Quad partners will cheer President Solih’s re-election.
Imran Khan’s Many Missed Opportunities
By Raja Qaiser Ahmed and Muhammad Shoaib
Khan missed the chance to make his support base democratic and republican – and thereby transform himself into a true political force to reckon with.
India’s Supreme Court Takes Step Toward Gender-sensitive Rulings
By Kavita Chowdhury
It has issued a handbook that lists misogynistic language to be avoided in court rulings and draws attention to the impact of gender stereotypes on verdicts.
Bangladesh Government Scraps Controversial Digital Security Act
By Mubashar Hasan
But will the proposed Cyber Security Act, which will replace the DSA, restore meaningful freedom of expression to Bangladeshis?
Power Struggle Unveiled: Delhi Services Act Challenges Autonomy and Democracy
By Shruti Rathore
The question of who has authority over the appointment and transfer of civil servants in the capital region pits the central government’s appointees against Delhi’s elected government.
How the US-Taliban Deal Failed Afghanistan
By Natiq Malikzada and Trevor Filseth
None of Washington’s errors in Afghanistan was greater in scope than the peace agreement signed with the Taliban in February 2020.
What Lies Ahead for Pakistan’s Caretaker Government?
By Umair Jamal
Since elections are unlikely to be held as constitutionally mandated within 90 days, the interim administration is here to stay for some time.
Muslim Mobs Attack Churches in Pakistan After Accusing Christians of Desecrating the Quran
By Asim Tanveer and Munir Ahmed
A death sentence for blasphemy has never been carried out. But often, an accusation alone can trigger riots and incite mobs to violence.