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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 Highs in Narcotics From Myanmar Flooding Assam
By Rajeev Bhattacharya
Brown sugar, Heroin no 4 and Yaba top the narcotics flowing into India from Myanmar
Prime Minister Modi Extends Kashmir an Olive Branch
By Sudha Ramachandran
Modi's invitation for Jammu and Kashmir's political parties to attend a meeting in New Delhi is aimed at kick-starting the election process there.
India’s BJP and Congress Both Battling Political Infighting
By Asim Ali
While the BJP’s problems stem from excessive micromanaging by its leaders, the Congress’ woes arise from its weak leadership
Will Pakistan Get Off FATF’s Grey List?
By Umair Jamal
Pakistan may not get U.S. support at the upcoming FATF review meeting.
Attacks Target Polio Teams in East Afghanistan, 5 Killed
By Kathy Gannon and Tameem Akhgar
Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan are the only two remaining countries in the world where polio is endemic.
Why Are Indians So Angry at Bill Gates?
By Akshay Tarfe
The latest backlash against the Gates Foundation in India is the result of years' worth of concerns raised by human rights activists and civil society.
Poor Access to Safe Abortions Is Killing South Asian Women
By Bansari Kamdar
Even in countries where abortion is legal, access to safe abortions remains challenging
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.”