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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.
Jaranwala Church Attacks Another Example of the Misuse of Blasphemy Laws in Pakistan
By Bilal Ahmad Tantray
As in so many cases in the past, the blasphemy accusations at the heart of the violence apparently stemmed from a personal grudge.
Indian Government Responses to Reports on Journalism in Conflict Zones Reflect Dark Times
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
The BBC and the Editors’ Guild of India are facing the government’s wrath for criticizing the state of media affairs.
Modi Uses G20 Summit to Burnish His Image
By Sheikh Saaliq
New Delhi, which will host the global summit this weekend, is awash with pictures of the Indian prime minister smiling benignly.
Ibrahim Solih Optimistic on Re-election Chances
By Mimrah Abdul Ghafoor
While the ruling MDP expects him to win an outright victory in the first round, the possibility of a run-off vote cannot be ruled out.
Pakistan Watches Closely as India Hosts G20 Summit This Weekend
By Umair Jamal
Islamabad could ask its friends in the G-20 to ensure that the final statement is not hostile to Pakistan in any way.
Towards a Robust Philippines-India Maritime Security Partnership
By Don McLain Gill
Since both countries have experienced the impacts of China’s gray zone activities, the sharing of intelligence, information, and best practices will be vital.
China’s Xi Will Skip G20 Summit in India
By Associated Press
The Chinese foreign ministry has not given a reason for Xi’s absence at the upcoming event. Relations along the India-China border have been tense.
India’s Moon Rover Completes its Lunar Walk
By Ashok Sharma
Scientists are analyzing data looking for signs of frozen water.
Has Afghanistan Turned into a Sanctuary for Jihadist Groups?
By Abdul Basit
Unlike the mid-1990s, Afghanistan under the Taliban has not become a hub of jihadists. However, the threat level has risen.
India’s Strengthening Energy Diplomacy With Southeast Asia
By Shruti Sharma
India is discussing cross-border power sharing in Southeast Asia, part of an attempt to become a major electricity exporter.
What Will India’s Changing Approach To Bangladesh’s National Elections Mean for the Hasina Government?
By Arkoprabho Hazra
India is taking a much more inclusive approach toward the 2024 Bangladesh national elections, rather than putting all its bets on the Awami League.
Is Communal Violence Inevitable? Nuh in Northern India Said ‘No’ Earlier This Week
By Sudha Ramachandran
Unlike a month ago, on August 28, the BJP government prevented communal violence by not permitting a provocative religious procession and taking preventive measures.