All Asia: South & Central
- In Indian election trail, a new brand of 'rurban' voters
India's village population is declining as young people migrate to cities and rural areas are reclassified as towns, creating a new breed of 'rurban' voter for politicians to chase.
- Pakistan's Islamic seminaries pair science with the Quran
Pakistan has thousands of private madrassas that have been criticized for not teaching secular subjects to students who graduate with limited job prospects. Some later join militant groups.
- Deadly blast in Pakistan market casts shadow on Taliban peace talks
A bomb attack on a fruit market on the outskirts of Islamabad killed at least 21 people. Pakistan is currently holding peace talks with the Taliban, which has denied responsibility.
- A dab of primary colors in India's 'Americanized' election
The Congress Party held its first ever primaries to select candidates in 15 constituencies, while the opposition party is promoting its leader in a presidential-style campaign.
- India's election: Five questions on the world's largest democracy
Today is the first round of voting for India's next parliament, launching a five-week-long process that is the world's largest democratic exercise. A change at the top is predicted.
- Young Afghans look forward with optimism Conversations with young Afghans following the country's presidential election.
- FocusAs election looms, Afghanistan's history offers lessons – and hope
As foreign troops draw down and a new president takes office, the sort of dealmaking among Afghans that could promote stability might actually grow easier. A triumphant Taliban march on Kabul – or even their old stronghold of Kandahar – is unlikely.
- Are Afghan security forces ready to keep order as US draws down?
As Afghanistan votes, recent high-profile attacks – including the killing of a Western journalist today – have intensified questions about Afghan capabilities in a year of political and military transition.
- FocusAfghanistan's election: Who's next after Karzai?
Here are four men who are leading candidates for president. Afghans will vote on April 5.
- Progress WatchAfghan presidential ticket offers a twist: a female veep
Afghanistan goes to the polls on Saturday. Hundreds of women are running for provincial council posts, and former minister is making history as the first-ever female vice presidential candidate.
- Retail politics, Afghanistan-style: how two front-runners woo voters
Presidential candidates Abdullah Abdullah and Ashraf Ghani Ahmadzai energized thousands of their respective supporters at rallies in the Panjshir Valley and Kabul.
- Taliban strike Afghan election HQ in relentless bid to disrupt key vote
Taliban insurgents hit the election commission's compound in Kabul today, their fourth high-profile attack in 10 days. Afghans go to the polls April 5 to choose a new president.
- Taliban attacks intensify in bid to upend Afghan presidential vote
Their third attack this week – today, on a Kabul guesthouse – further rattled election observers and foreigners, who have been a particular target ahead of the Apr. 5 vote.
- Pakistan holds peace talks with Taliban: 5 things you need to know
The Pakistani government opened its first direct talks with the Pakistan Taliban today. Here's a rundown of who the Pakistan Taliban really are, and why these talks matter.
- Tackling Indian maternal deaths by smartphone
India leads the world in annual maternal deaths. Technology firms are pairing with the government's village health program to work with rural women.
- Are 'battling begums' keeping Bangladesh back?
Corruption charges threaten to worsen the animosity between the two women who have run the country for the past 20 years. Political instability is hurting economic growth.
- India's upstart party preaches anticorruption. What else does it stand for?
One of the founders of the Aam Aadmi Party resigned yesterday. The party's popularity has surged, but its candidates espouse an almost farcical range of policies.