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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.
Bangladesh to Seal Deal with Musk’s Starlink
By Mubashar Hasan
While officials say the decision is driven by the need to improve internet connectivity to benefit Bangladeshis, it is likely also aimed at winning Musk’s favor.
India’s Energy Transition Needs Focus on Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility
By Aishwarya Ramachandran
Energy transition research addressing the range of equity concerns across India’s socio-economic groups and regions is rare. This needs to change.
New Report on Indian Muslims Recommends Nuanced Approach to Uplift Community
By Kavita Chowdhury
It calls for a “spatial approach” of targeted interventions in Muslim-concentrated spaces and “ghettos” and in sectors and occupations dominated by Muslims.
What Does the Future Hold for the Development of AI in India?
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
It could pioneer innovative secondary uses of AI as well as alternative legal and philosophical perspectives on the technology.
Bangladesh Women Rise up Against Increasing Incidents of Rape
By Samata Biswas
The Muhammad Yunus government has failed miserably in checking incidents of rape and sexual violence against women.
Poster of India’s Yogi Adityanath in Pro-Monarchy Rally Triggers War of Words in Nepal
By Birat Anupam
Adityanath, who is the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, which borders Nepal, is a prominent leader of the BJP.
Concept of ‘Greater Mizoram’ Gets a Shot in the Arm From Myanmar’s Spring Revolution
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
The coming together of areas inhabited by communities in India’s Mizoram and Myanmar’s Chin State has New Delhi’s tacit support. Myanmar’s junta is not amused.
Breaking Decades of Silence, Sri Lanka Revisits the Batalanda Legacy
By Rathindra Kuruwita
An interview with a former President that led to public calls for a probe into the Batalanda Commission Report has finally prompted the government to reopen a dark chapter.
Erasing Aurangzeb to Marginalize Muslims: India’s ‘Grave’ Concern
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
The tomb of the 17th-century Mughal Emperor is in the crosshairs of India’s Hindu nationalists.
Afghan Women, Erased From Public Life, Are Turning to Instagram
By Humaira Rabin
The content they share is varied, and often inspiring. It ranges from showcasing their daily lives to sharing inspirational posts and promoting local businesses.
Getting Out of Afghanistan’s Opium Quagmire
By Maha Siddiqui
The longevity of the Taliban’s opium ban hinges on a multifaceted approach.
Culture as Strategy: Why India Must Rethink Its Global Influence
By Vivek N.D.
India, despite one of the world’s most diverse cultural ecosystems, has been falling behind in cultural diplomacy.