All Asia: South & Central
- Difference MakerFor Indian teen who launched village library, it’s about more than books
Sadiya Shaikh realized her family’s ancestral village in Bihar, India, had no library. So the 18-year-old set one up herself: Maulana Azad Library.
- First LookWhy India is banning the export of newly approved vaccines
India will not allow the export of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine for several months, the Serum Institute’s CEO said Sunday. That means poorer nations won't have access until March or April.
- First LookBig US spending bill includes gift for Tibetans, Dalai Lama
Tacked onto Congress’ end-of-year spending bill was legislation supporting Tibetans’ right to choose a successor to their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. The Chinese government denounced the measure, accusing the US of meddling in its internal affairs.
- Why India’s protesting farmers aren’t going home
Indian farmers have protested for weeks, demanding that Narendra Modi’s government repeal a trio of agriculture laws they worry will hurt earnings.
- As Biden waits in wings, Pakistan takes a preemptive swipe at India
A Pakistani diplomatic campaign that seeks to tarnish India’s image on the world stage is aimed at the incoming Biden administration.
- First LookIn Nepal, Kung Fu nuns climb Himalayas to aid needy
Traditionally, Buddhist nuns are expected to cook and clean. But a group known as the Kung Fu nuns has been delivering COVID-19 relief to isolated villages out of reach of traditional public health campaigns, on both sides of the India-Nepal border.
- Love and the law: Hindu-Muslim couple challenges India’s marriage rule
Interfaith marriages in India have faced harassment, amid concerns over growing discrimination against Muslims. Some couples are pushing back.
- First LookIn Pakistan, a 'Happy' solution to curb crop burning takes off
A new effort by the Punjab government to tackle air pollution caused by rice stubble burning is taking off as machines – called Happy Seeders – are given to farmers at a subsidized cost. The technology could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 78%.
- First Look‘Our land is our mother’: Farmer protests fill New Delhi streets
India’s farmers have packed the capital for a week protesting new agriculture laws, which they say will drive down their prices and aid corporations.
- First LookIndia prepares for Diwali festival, ignoring COVID concerns
India’s Diwali festival of lights begins on Saturday and many people are already filling shopping areas in key cities like New Delhi and Mumbai. India has more than 8.7 million cases of the coronavirus, the second-highest in the world.
- First LookEducation under fire: Islamic militants attack Kabul University
Islamic State militants attacked Kabul University, targeting the university’s eastern side, where law and journalism classes are taught, killing 22 and wounding others. Meanwhile, peace talks continue between the Taliban and the U.S.-backed government in Kabul.
- First LookConcerns over freedom grow as Kashmir nonprofits and media raided
The Indian National Investigation Agency raided 10 locations in Kashmir on Wednesday, saying they are investigating separatist activities. The move raises concerns over eroding press freedom in the disputed region.
- First LookIn India, urban planners anticipate climate change
India’s cities are expanding as the country's population continues to grow and urbanize. With that comes the challenge of building infrastructure for the future, taking into account the threats posed by climate change.
- First LookChina's economy bounces back as consumers resume spending
Retail spending has rebounded to above pre-virus levels after the ruling Communist Party declared the coronavirus under control in March and lifted restrictions on travel and businesses.
- Opportunity strikes: More women behind Bollywood’s cameras
Indian women filmmakers have often struggled to break into Bollywood. But streaming services, as elsewhere, have created new opportunity.
- First LookFor third time since 2005, protests oust Kyrgyzstan's president
Following disputed election results, Sooronbai Jeenbekov has resigned as president. Amid rising tensions and unrest, Mr. Jeenbekov said he didn’t want “to go down in history as a president who shed blood and shot at his own citizens.”
- For Tibetan refugees, the India-China border rift is personal
Tibetan refugees in India hope that renewed global attention to the India-China border could bring greater recognition for their community.
- First LookTackling gender inequality through soccer in India
In Rajasthan, India, early marriage persists despite having been outlawed more than a decade ago. But a girls’ soccer initiative has helped child brides gain the confidence to fight for their rights and overcome community pressure to pursue their own goals.
- The ExplainerHimalayan pullback: The tense history of India-China border
India and China have pledged to deescalate the tensest standoff along their contested border in decades. But deep mistrust and nationalism continue.
- First LookAfghan peace talks: Face-to-face negotiations launched
Taliban and Afghan negotiators met for the first time Saturday to start historic meetings aimed at ending decades of war in Afghanistan.