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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.
Young Candidates Rattle the Old Guard in Nepal’s Elections
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
With young, energetic and independent candidates throwing their hats in the ring, the old and established politicians are having to work harder to impress voters.
Ahead of Nepal’s Election, Many Decry the Lack of Choice
By Pratistha Rijal
The nomination of veteran candidates and their patrons comes at the cost of historically underrepresented and marginalized groups – including women.
Why Are Some Pakistanis up in Arms Against the Film ‘Joyland’?
By Mariyam Suleman Anees
The critically acclaimed film depicts transgender people as normal – something unacceptable in Pakistani society, which has traditionally treated transgender people as outcasts.
Can India Make the G20 Relevant Again?
By Mohamed Zeeshan
In a world that is now defined by geopolitical fissures, New Delhi will need to get the grouping to focus on its economic agenda.
Amnesty International Urges Sri Lanka to Drop Terror Charges Against 2 Protest Leaders
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
It also called for the repeal of the harsh, civil war-era Prevention of Terrorism Act, under which the two protest leaders are being held.
Can India Push for Multipolarity in a Divided G-20?
By Niranjan Marjani
As the next president of the G-20, India has its work cut out.
India’s PM Is Perpetually in Campaign Mode
By Kavita Chowdhury
Preoccupied with inaugurating infrastructure projects and addressing election rallies, Narendra Modi is neglecting governance and the problems confronting the people.
General Qamar Javed Bajwa: Pakistan’s Democratic General
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff sought to ensure that the military confined itself to the role defined for it under the constitution.
Sri Lanka Aims to Hike Taxes in Budget to Soften Crisis
By Bharatha Mallawarachi
The Wickremesinghe government plans to more than double tax revenue to be able to meet expenditure without having to print currency.
Bangladesh’s ‘War on Drugs’ Shoots Up Narcotic Supplies From India
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
Myanmar-made yaba, heroin and brown sugar, and India-produced phensedyl are flowing into Bangladesh via India’s northeast.
India’s Opportunity in Post-Crisis Sri Lanka
By Avinandan Choudhury
India can follow up on its humanitarian and financial aid by building holistic maritime security and connectivity linkages with its neighbor.
Can India Rein In Putin’s Worst Impulses in Ukraine?
By Mohamed Zeeshan
It is hard to see how India can influence the Russian president, given its military and economic dependence on his country.