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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.

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Bhutanese Refugee Scam Rocks Nepal
May 28, 2023

Bhutanese Refugee Scam Rocks Nepal

By Santosh Sharma Poudel
Part one of a two-part series examines how Nepal’s political leaders fraudulently certified Nepali citizens as Bhutanese refugees to send them to the United States.
What Is the Future of Hindu Nationalism in India?
May 27, 2023

What Is the Future of Hindu Nationalism in India?

By Akhilesh Pillalamarri
The question is not whether Hindu nationalism will be part of India’s political landscape, but whether and to what extent non-Hindus will be able to play a role.

The Battle for Supremacy in Pakistan: Asim Munir Vs Imran Khan
May 26, 2023

The Battle for Supremacy in Pakistan: Asim Munir Vs Imran Khan

By Aditya Kumar Singh and Rahul Rawat
The tussle between Asim Munir and Imran Khan will only provoke politics of revenge, furthering polarization and deepening Pakistan’s poly-crisis.

Pakistan’s Ex-PM Imran Khan Softens Demand for Snap Vote
May 25, 2023

Pakistan’s Ex-PM Imran Khan Softens Demand for Snap Vote

By Munir Ahmed
Amid a crackdown on his party, the former cricketer turned Islamist politician is on the back foot.

Will India’s Agnipath Scheme Spell the End of the Gorkha Rifles?
May 25, 2023

Will India’s Agnipath Scheme Spell the End of the Gorkha Rifles?

By Aniket Singh Chauhan
Nepal opposed the scheme last year and halted the recruitment of its Gorkhas into the Indian Army.
With India’s Electrical Grid Under Strain, Rural Hospitals and Clinics Find Reliable Power in Rooftop Solar
May 24, 2023

With India’s Electrical Grid Under Strain, Rural Hospitals and Clinics Find Reliable Power in Rooftop Solar

By Sibi Arasu
The reliability that solar has brought has been a revelation.

Taliban’s Ban on Afghan Women Working in UN Pushes Them Into Further Deprivation 
May 24, 2023

Taliban’s Ban on Afghan Women Working in UN Pushes Them Into Further Deprivation 

By Dawa Sherpa
The Taliban's ban on Afghan women working in the U.N. can be viewed as part of its broader strategic plan to reestablish gender norms and hierarchy within the country. 
India’s Modi Makes the Most of the Moment in Papua New Guinea
May 24, 2023

India’s Modi Makes the Most of the Moment in Papua New Guinea

By Mark S. Cogan
In the absence of U.S. President Joe Biden, the Indian leader used his trip to Port Moresby to position his country as a leader of the Global South.

Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Contribution to Securing an IMF Loan for Sri Lanka
May 24, 2023

Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Contribution to Securing an IMF Loan for Sri Lanka

By Rathindra Kuruwita
The Sri Lankan president finds himself in a unique situation that allows him to implement IMF recommendations in full, a fact that the IMF wouldn’t have missed.

A G20 Meeting in Disputed Kashmir
May 24, 2023

A G20 Meeting in Disputed Kashmir

By Suparna Banerjee
India is attempting to present the territory a bastion of peace, four years after the abrogation of Article 370. But that peace has come at a high cost.

Pakistan’s Chaos Is Not Good News for India
May 23, 2023

Pakistan’s Chaos Is Not Good News for India

By Mohamed Zeeshan
The longer Pakistan's political crisis runs, the more vigilant India ought to be on its border.
How Afghan Girls Are Overcoming Barriers Through Online Learning
May 23, 2023

How Afghan Girls Are Overcoming Barriers Through Online Learning

By Laiq Zirack
Deprived of education for more than 600 days, Afghan girls seek refuge in online education even though access is scarce and difficult. 

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