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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.
Major Security Breach in India’s Parliament
By Sudha Ramachandran
The intrusion by two men happened on the 22nd anniversary of the 2001 terror attack on Parliament.
US Sanctions 2 Former Afghan Republic Officials For Transnational Corruption
By Catherine Putz
According to U.S. officials, the final speaker of the Afghan Republic's parliament and his son were merrily robbing the country blind with various schemes tied particularly to fuel contracts.
India’s Supreme Court Endorses Government’s Abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir’s Autonomy
By Sudha Ramachandran
The apex court ruled that both the substance and the procedure adopted by the Narendra Modi government to revoke Article 370 are constitutionally valid.
India and the US Can’t be Partners Without Shared Values
By Mohamed Zeeshan
With India under Modi taking an illiberal turn, analysts in Washington are calling for a transactional, security-focused partnership with India, bereft of shared values.
Rift Between Muizzu and Yameen Injects Fresh Tensions Into Maldives’ Politics
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
The animosity between the two former allies resembles the tensions that arose between former Presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Solih during the latter’s presidency.
Will Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu Tilt Towards China?
By Nalinie Sharma
He can be expected to adopt a more independent, balanced and diversified foreign policy rather than a pro-China one.
Nepal Registers First Same-Sex Marriage
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
The order by the Supreme Court is interim, and the registration is temporary. Nepal has still a long way to go.
Multiple Climate Reports Warn of Water Conflict in South Asia
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
The region is expected to suffer the most significant impacts of changing water availability this century. Yet tight-fisted governments are quibbling at COP28 over climate financing.
Anti-War Advocate Accused of Terrorism in Pakistan, Inspiring Global Protests
By Freshta Jalalzai
Manzoor Ahmad Pashteen, the leader of the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, has been arrested under mysterious circumstances.
Bangladesh’s Blueprint for Engineering an Election
By Ali Riaz
The ruling Awami League has taken lessons from the previous engineered polls in 2014 and 2018 to hone its strategy for 2024.
State Election Victories Give Modi a Head Start for 2024
By Bharat Bhushan
The ruling BJP's success in three of five state elections has put Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in prime position for national elections in 2024.
What’s the Buzz at the India-Bangladesh Border Fence?
By Rajeev Bhattacharyya
India has decided to install beehives along its eastern frontier to curb infiltration and deter smugglers and traffickers.