Topic
Society
An Alarming New Bill Takes Aim at Pakistan’s Shias
By Asad Gokal and Jaffer A. Mirza
Pakistan is strengthening its controversial anti-blasphemy laws – with potentially deadly results for religious minority groups.
Japan Downgrades COVID-19 Threat Despite Spike in Deaths
By Thisanka Siripala
The government lowered the legal status of COVID-19 even as it grapples with a deadly outbreak.
In Afghanistan, Women Give Up Freedom to Stay Alive
By Samina Ansari and Elliott Memmi
Far from seeing their rights as bargaining chips for aid, Afghan women live in a reality where the mounting restrictions also affect their ability to survive.
China Is Far From Alone in Experiencing Population Decline
By Michele Bruni
Beijing can glean valuable lessons from other countries’ struggles with low birthrates – first and foremost the need to embrace immigration.
Thailand Tightens Laws on Meth Possession Amid Regional Drug Boom
By Sebastian Strangio
In recent years, Myanmar-based drug syndicates have driven a regional boom in the production of amphetamine-style stimulants.
Kyrgyzstan’s Media Under Pressure
By Catherine Putz
From well-known independent outlets to bloggers, the country's vibrant media are under increasing threat.
What If China Isn’t Really That Unique?
By Evan Freidin
Trends relating to birth rates and tech industry layoffs are not unique to China, but a part of a broader story of global change.
Pakistan Blocks Wikipedia, Says It Hurt Muslim Sentiments
By Munir Ahmed
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority says it blocked Wikipedia because a 48-hour deadline to remove content it said was blasphemous was ignored.
Indian Couples Begin Legal Battle for Same-Sex Marraige
By Sheikh Saaliq
Four gay couples have filed petitions to India's Supreme Court seeking the legalization of same-sex marriage amid growing tolerance toward the LGBTQ community.
Singapore Strives to Protect Consumer Data
By Xue Zhang
Like many governments, Singapore has enacted data privacy laws. But can consumers solely rely on the government or businesses for protection?
Hong Kong’s Democratic Primary Trials Show a Dark Truth
By Eric Lai
Hong Kong’s legal prosecution of opposition figures puts it in the company of authoritarian regimes worldwide.
A Gender Perspective on HIV Prevalence in Uzbekistan
By Niginakhon Saida and Sara Scardavilli
Gender inequality and stereotypes, especially in health, education, and command over economic resources, make women more vulnerable to HIV and to other related conditions.