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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.
Is Nepal Now Courting India and Ignoring China?
By Bindesh Dahal and Arun Budhathoki
As Oli steers his party to the right to woo India's ruling BJP, China is courting Nepal's left wing.
Amid Tensions With China, India Proceeding With AIIB-funded Projects
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Despite China’s major role in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the bank is a multilateral institution and thus New Delhi remains a deeply involved member.
Why India’s Democracy is Not Dying
By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
Reports of the collapse of India’s democracy are often alarmist and misinformed.
India Breathes Easy With a Maldivian Becoming UNGA President
By Sudha Ramachandran
India expects the coming year at the UNGA to be tension-free.
10 Killed in Attack on Demining Camp in Afghanistan
By Catherine Putz
“What took place last night was genuinely horrific: Ten men, murdered in their beds.”
Don’t Expect Pakistan to Host US Military Bases
By Syed Ali Zia Jaffery
As Washington looks for options post-Afghanistan withdrawal, Islamabad isn’t going to roll out the red carpet.
US Pullout From Afghanistan Half Done, But Questions Remain
By Lolita C. Baldor and Robert Burns
Officials acknowledge that the withdrawal so far has largely involved removing or otherwise disposing of mountains of equipment.
Maldives Foreign Minister Elected as UN Assembly President
By Edith M. Lederer
Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid of the Maldives pledged a focus on pandemic relief and climate change during his yearlong term as UNGA president.
‘Twitter Storm’ Demands Greater Focus on India’s Northeast
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
Indians took to Twitter to demand the Northeast be covered in a dedicated chapter in state-commissioned textbooks.
India to Provide Free Vaccines to All in Major Policy Shift
By Sheikh Saaliq
Under the earlier policy, the federal government gave free shots only to people above 45 years of age and front-line workers.
Glacial Lake Floods Are Costing Pakistan
By Shahid Afzal Khan
In addition to the direct damage done to locals, the flooding also spells disaster for Pakistan's long-term water security.
After Container Ship Fire, Sri Lanka Faces Environmental Catastrophe
By Sudha Ramachandran
Hazardous chemicals, plastic micro-pellets, and now an oil spill -- the sinking X-Press Pearl has done incalculable damage to Sri Lanka's coast and waters.