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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.
Official: Almost 80 Schoolgirls Poisoned, Hospitalized in Northern Afghanistan
By Associated Press
Neighboring Iran has seen around 100 similar poison attacks targeting schoolgirls, but this is the first time one has been reported in Afghanistan.
Nepali PM Dahal’s Delhi Visit Produces Key Deals
By Santosh Sharma Poudel
However, he did not discuss issues of importance to Nepal with PM Modi, such as Gurkha recruitment.
3 Trains Crash, Killing 275 People in India
By Krutika Pathi, Sheikh Saaliq, and Ashok Sharma
An error in the signaling system is said to have caused the crash, and a probe will establish whether it was due to human or technical error.
Implications of Pakistan’s Terror Tagging of Political Opponents
By Abdul Basit
Charging political protestors under counterterrorism laws, even as extremist outfits are allowed to march in support of the military, will undermine Pakistan’s democracy.
Why India Must Shape the New BRICS Moment
By Armaan Mathur
India must prevent China from using BRICS expansion to grow its strategic influence in the developing world.
Cash Incentives and Coercion: The Controversial Strategy for Rohingya Repatriation
By Shafiur Rahman
Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh report being offered $2,000 to return to Myanmar – and threatened with beatings if they do not.
Afghanistan-Iran Complete First Trial Run of Khaf-Herat Railway
By Sophia Nina Burna-Asefi
The two countries, faced with sanctions and political isolation, are not completely isolated from global networks.
The Short Life of India’s 2,000-Rupee Note
By Snigdhendu Bhattacharya
Introduced when the 500- and 1,000-rupee notes were demonetized in 2016, the 2,000-rupee note has now been pulled out of circulation.
India Puts 5-Year Pause on New Coal Plants, Bets on Renewables, Batteries
By Sibi Arasu
India’s new national electricity plan is hailed by energy experts as a positive step for a country that is currently reliant on coal for around 75 percent of its electricity.
New Parliament Building is Modi’s ‘Personal Vanity Project,’ Says Opposition
By Kavita Chowdhury
The inaugural ceremony violated constitutional norms and undermined India’s secular principles.
Myanmar’s Sittwe Port Receives First Shipment From India
By Sudha Ramachandran
But will India be able to link its landlocked Northeast to the strategic port?
Afghan Opposition Struggles Against Taliban Rule
By Ali Ahmad Safi
A more inclusive opposition front would reflect the aspirations and values of the Afghan people.