All Asia: South & Central
Almost no one recognizes the Taliban. But Russia appears set to start.Much of the world regards the Taliban as outlaw rulers of Afghanistan. But Russia appears set to recognize them, in the interest of domestic security.
Pakistan’s army buried Imran Khan with legal cases. The courts are digging him out.With one of the three major cases against former Prime Minister Imran Khan overturned, Pakistanis are now reckoning with what the popular but divisive leader’s release would mean for the country.
Even before his latest victory, Modi was reshaping India. These numbers show how.With India’s weekslong election over, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s last two terms can offer insight into the incoming government’s economic, infrastructure, and welfare agenda – and the future of press freedom in India.
Why some Indian journalists are trading newsrooms for YouTubeNew curbs on press freedom have forced journalists in India to migrate from traditional outlets to YouTube.
First LookIn overheated Bangladesh, social media influencers urge followers to plant more treesBangladesh has been experiencing deadly heatwaves the past few months as a result of climate change, scientists say. Social media influencers are urging their followers to plant more trees as a way to make life in capital city Dhaka more livable.
Disempowered but not discouraged, Kashmiris vote in record numbersIn the first election since Delhi revoked their regional autonomy, Kashmiris are hoping to reclaim some sense of agency.
First LookDance, dance, revolution. K-pop stans use their clout for a green future.K-pop enthusiasts are mobilizing the massive fan base to advocate for environmental protections in Indonesia and elsewhere. Their group, Kpop4Planet, was able to successfully lobby Hyundai to pull out of a deal with a coal plant.
We tried to get these people out of Afghanistan. They’re still there.Media scrambled to get Afghan colleagues out after the Taliban takeover. The Monitor had some success, but some remain. This is their story.
Can deepfakes be good for democracy? India tries to balance risks and rewards of AI.Indian society is scrambling to respond to an uptick of political deepfakes during critical elections. Its efforts could help build a roadmap on how democracies balance the good and the bad of artificial intelligence.
Kidnapping relatives and spying? Judges accuse Pakistan army of coercing the courts.At a pivotal moment for Pakistan, top justices are speaking out against military interference. Is it a sign that the military's grip is weakening?
Despite dip in election trust, Indians trek miles to cast their ballotsConcerns about the integrity of India’s elections are bubbling up to the surface. But as the world’s largest election gets underway, faith in the power of each vote is still driving people to the polls.
In pivotal India elections, a once-radical ideology could propel Modi to a third termPrime Minister Narendra Modi’s popularity is driven by a long-standing ideology that seeks to transform India from a secular nation into a Hindu one.
Large, long, and expensive: What to know about India’s big electionIndians head to the polls this week for a 44-day general election that is set to break records.
Why Bollywood is cranking out pro-government films ahead of India’s electionAn uptick in brazenly pro-government movies highlights the close relationship between India’s ruling party and Bollywood.
Suspending trade with India has cost Pakistan. Can the new government shift gears?Comments from Pakistan hint at a softening stance on trade with India, underscoring the consequences of closing their shared border to commerce.
India’s sacred groves are home to forest god shrines – and endangered speciesSacred groves have become bastions of biodiversity in India, but relying on spiritual belief as a driver for conservation presents risks.
Modi’s approach to welfare earns him votes, but does it help India?The expansion of welfare programs has become a hallmark of the Modi government, but some question the programs’ long-term value.
As world’s biggest election nears, defections hurt India’s anti-Modi allianceAs India’s opposition alliance launches its election campaign, some members have abandoned ship, underscoring the challenges of political cooperation.
In Pakistan, arrest of popular journalist poses fresh threat to vibrant media landscapeMany in Pakistan expected press freedom to improve once Imran Khan was out of power, yet journalists continue to face harassment.
First LookIndia’s Modi enacts faith-based citizenship law in run-up to electionIndia’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi implemented a new immigration law that would fast-track naturalization for members of religious minorities from neighboring countries unless they are Muslim. It’s drawn nationwide protests.
