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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.
New Parliament Building is Modi’s ‘Personal Vanity Project,’ Says Opposition
By Kavita Chowdhury
The inaugural ceremony violated constitutional norms and undermined India’s secular principles.
Myanmar’s Sittwe Port Receives First Shipment From India
By Sudha Ramachandran
But will India be able to link its landlocked Northeast to the strategic port?
Afghan Opposition Struggles Against Taliban Rule
By Ali Ahmad Safi
A more inclusive opposition front would reflect the aspirations and values of the Afghan people.
India’s Northeast Remains on Edge After Ethnic Clashes
By Associated Press
The Manipur government claims that those killed in firing by troops were Kuki insurgents, not civilians.
Bhutanese Refugee Scam Rocks Nepal – Part 2
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
The conclusion of a two-part series on the fraudulent certification of Nepali citizens as Bhutanese refugees examines the domestic and foreign implications of the scandal.
Bollywood Returns to Big Screens in Bangladesh
By Mubashar Hasan
The recent release of the movie “Pathaan” in Bangladesh’s cinema theaters is the outcome of the lobbying of Bangladeshi film exhibitors.
PM Modi Inaugurates New Parliament Building Amid Opposition Boycott
By Sheikh Saaliq
The unveiling of the new building comes amid claims that the Indian leader is destroying the country’s parliamentary democracy.
Bhutanese Refugee Scam Rocks Nepal
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Part one of a two-part series examines how Nepal’s political leaders fraudulently certified Nepali citizens as Bhutanese refugees to send them to the United States.
What Is the Future of Hindu Nationalism in India?
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
The question is not whether Hindu nationalism will be part of India’s political landscape, but whether and to what extent non-Hindus will be able to play a role.
The Battle for Supremacy in Pakistan: Asim Munir Vs Imran Khan
By Aditya Kumar Singh and Rahul Rawat
The tussle between Asim Munir and Imran Khan will only provoke politics of revenge, furthering polarization and deepening Pakistan’s poly-crisis.
Pakistan’s Ex-PM Imran Khan Softens Demand for Snap Vote
By Munir Ahmed
Amid a crackdown on his party, the former cricketer turned Islamist politician is on the back foot.
Will India’s Agnipath Scheme Spell the End of the Gorkha Rifles?
By Aniket Singh Chauhan
Nepal opposed the scheme last year and halted the recruitment of its Gorkhas into the Indian Army.