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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.
G-20 Finance Chiefs to Address Global Challenges Like Climate Change and Rising Debt
By Krutika Pathi
Amid rising indebtedness of low and middle-income countries, India, which is hosting the meeting, is keen to strengthen global development banks.
If India Has a Natural Ally, It’s Probably France
By Mohamed Zeeshan
As a middle power with a presence in the Indian Ocean, France has the right mix of strengths and weaknesses to be India's priority defense partner.
Mining Projects Face Security Threats in Pakistan’s Balochistan Province
By Patrick Yeager
Baloch militant groups have increasingly targeted commerce, including mining trucks, traveling on local highways.
India Launches a Lander and Rover to Explore the Moon’s South Pole
By Aijaz Rahi and Ashok Sharma
A successful landing would make India the fourth country – after the United States, the Soviet Union, and China – to achieve the feat.
Pakistan Showcases Its Ancient Gandhara Civilization
By Umair Jamal
An image makeover that projects a diverse and inclusive identity will facilitate Pakistan’s engagement with the world and draw tourists too.
Growing India-US Technology Collaboration: Implications for Pakistan
By Shayan Hassan Jamy and Ahmad Ali
The transfer of cutting-edge technologies to India is aimed at countering China, but it will also threaten the national security of Pakistan.
Bangladeshi Diaspora Journalists Push Back Against Democratic Backsliding at Home
By Mubashar Hasan
Back home, ruling party activists threaten and assault journalists' relatives to silence their criticism of the government.
IMF Approves Much-awaited $3 Billion Bailout for Pakistan
By Munir Ahmed
It will save Pakistan from defaulting on debt, but analysts say the country needs $20 billion in the next two years to return foreign loans with interest.
India-Pakistan Cricket Politics Heat up Ahead of 2023 ODI World Cup
By Asfandiyar
India is hosting the event, but Pakistan is demanding that its games be played at a neutral site.
With Ban on Beauty Salons, Taliban Continue to Shrink Women’s Rights in Afghanistan
By Amina Zurmati and Qudratullah Zurmati
"I am the only supporter of my three daughters and a jobless husband and this beauty salon is the only source of income for my family," one salon owner said, highlighting the impact of the new decree.
Saudis Deposit $2 Billion in Pakistan’s Central Bank Ahead of Key IMF Meeting
By Munir Ahmed
The deposit is not a loan but will shore up Pakistan’s reserves and remain in the bank for at least a year.
Israel’s Role in Sri Lanka’s Dirty War
By Rathindra Kuruwita
The West slams Pakistan and China for supplying arms used by Sri Lanka in alleged war crimes against Tamils during the civil war but is silent on Israel’s complicity.