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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.
Greta Truths: Delhi Police Files Complaint Against ‘Toolkit’ Shared by Teenage Icon
By Abhijnan Rej
The FIR followed a day of intense social media campaigning by pro-government voices in India, while a February 3 MEA statement continues to raise questions.
Rainbow Trout Aquaculture in Nepal: Promise Amid Shocks
By Harsh Mahaseth and Chitij Karki
The cultivation of the fish after a major earthquake five years ago in Nepal’s Nuwakot district is a story of perseverance against odds.
China Gifts Pakistan 1.2 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses
By Eleanor Albert
Pakistan was the first country to receive donations of a Chinese COVID-19 vaccine, reflecting the countries' warm bilateral relationship.
Why Afghanistan Is Caught in a Budget Crisis – Again
By Mohammad Qadam Shah
Every year, parliament rejects the government budget. That's because there are serious flaws in the planning and budgeting process.
Rude Girl? Rihanna’s Tweet Draws Indian Foreign Ministry Response
By Abhijnan Rej
Other celebrities also spoke out against the Modi government’s handling of the farmers’ agitation, unleashing a social media war – and a government overreaction.
Sri Lanka Cancels Port Deal With India Amid Creeping Signs of Deterioration in Relations
By Abhijnan Rej
The Rajapaksa government’s decision to renege on a 2019 agreement that also involved Japan comes at a time when New Delhi seeks to up its neighborhood game.
West Bengal Heats Up Ahead of Spring State Polls
By Sudha Ramachandran
While the incumbent Trinamool Congress is expected to hold on to power, the elections will also likely see the BJP continue to make significant inroads in the state.
Bomb Attack Near Israeli Embassy in New Delhi Raises Many Questions
By Abhijnan Rej
While fingers point to an Iranian involvement, Indian security services will find it difficult to cut through the fog of plausible deniability.
US Watchdog: Taliban Attacks Increased in Afghan Capital
By Associated Press
The report came as the Biden administration announced plans to reassess the peace agreement between the U.S. and the Taliban.
AIADMK and BJP Team Up to Fight Polls in Indian State of Tamil Nadu
By Sudha Ramachandran
The marriage of convenience comes amid visible signs of rift between the two.
Indian External Affairs Minister Speaks on US and China – With Varying Effect
By Abhijnan Rej
In two different recent speeches, S. Jaishankar, perhaps inadvertently, outlined how the Modi government views great powers.
Daniel Pearl’s Alleged Murderer Acquitted by Pakistan’s Supreme Court
By Umair Jamal
The Biden administration’s statement on the Omar Saeed Sheikh order suggests a more nuanced public approach to Pakistan.