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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 Reopens 600 Apparel Factories Despite Virus Risk
By Associated Press
The critical economic sector is slowly returning to normal amid concerns of renewed outbreaks.
Afghanistan Sees Drop in Civilian Casualties, But Threat Remains Serious
By Catherine Putz
The UN says more than 500 civilians were killed in the first three months of 2020 and urged a ceasefire so the country can focus on fighting COVID-19.
Greening the Nepali Financial Sector: Strike While the Iron Is Hot
By Prajwal Baral
Nepal's economic policy makers must seize the moment to prepare for a green revolution.
Which Indian Opposition Politician Has the Best Chance of Defeating Narendra Modi?
By Krzysztof Iwanek
India’s main opposition party today lacks a leader who could challenge Narendra Modi. Who would stand a better chance?
India’s COVID–19 Gender Blind Spot
By Bansari Kamdar
India’s women stand to lose from the country‘s COVID–19 policies in many ways.
How Can Indians Secure ‘Direct’ Welfare in a Pandemic?
By Mohammad Hamza Farooqui and Avantika Shrivastava
It might be too early to treat direct benefit transfers as a one-size-fits-all policy solution given the difficulties some Indians have in accessing cash.
Does COVID-19 Portend Dark Days in Nepal’s Future?
By David Johnson
With a global economic slow-down and potentially millions of foreign workers returning home, Nepal could be on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.
Pakistan Gets Unexpected Economic Relief in a Time of Global Crisis
By Umair Jamal
Will Pakistan find some respite from the effects of COVID–19 outside its borders?
India Plans Wristband Patient Surveillance as Lockdown Eases
By Associated Press
With wristbands and an app, Indian authorities hope to contain COVID-19.
India’s Indian Ocean Diplomacy in the COVID-19 Crisis
By Niranjan Marjani
India's assistance in the coronavirus crisis could help cement its leadership in the Indian Ocean Region.
Are Imran Khan’s Days as Pakistan’s Prime Minister Numbered?
By Daud Khattak
The PTI government's poor performance has apparently alienated even Pakistan's kingmakers: the military.
Amid COVID–19, Pakistan Launches an ‘Islam Friendly’ Action Plan to Keep Mosques Open
By Umair Jamal
The plan should be a cause of concern for the international community.