All Asia: South & Central
- First LookMyanmar releases thousands of political prisoners in grand pardon
The military government of Myanmar announced that it will release 5,774 prisoners, four of them from other countries. The release marks a step toward justice, but there are still thousands of people imprisoned in Myanmar on political charges.
- The ExplainerMental health or labor crisis? India’s suicide data points to both.
Data shows India’s suicide rates rose in 2021. Experts say these deaths point to an urgent need for a more holistic suicide prevention strategy.
- In Philippines, a push to preserve accounts of life under martial law
After the victory of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the Philippines, many are rushing to safeguard archives and promote public history.
- Delhi dispatch: Through haze of smog and blame, signs of cooperation
The Monitor’s correspondent lands in Delhi just as a wave of severe air pollution envelopes the city. During limited trips out of his air-purified hotel room, he watches an annual blame game unfold – and an earnest search for solutions.
- First LookIn Pakistan, Hindu culture perseveres despite discrimination
Pakistan’s Sindh province has a rich Hindu history and tradition – an outlier in the Muslim-majority country. Discrimination, however, is on the rise though the landscape of Pakistan, and Sindh in particular, retains a Hindu imprint.
- Imran Khan is stable after march shooting. Is Pakistan?
Imran Khan survives attack but inspires little faith in electorate disillusioned by politicians and their ties to the military.
- In Pictures: The brothers saving India’s unappreciated scavenger birds
Completely self-taught, the brothers learned to care for the birds by watching videos, reading books, and seeking advice from a local veterinarian.
- First LookIndia launches sustainable lifestyle program to boost green energy
The Indian government has launched a climate action program called Mission Life. “Life” is an acronym for “lifestyle for environment,” and is designed to cutdown wasteful behaviors, boost India’s green energy, and lessen dependence on Chinese imports.
- Difference MakerIndia’s street kids rarely make headlines – so they write their own
In India, a newspaper by and about street children offers a rare look into a community often described as “invisible.” Its success shows change is possible when groups can tell their own stories.
- When it comes to climate justice, one small island is thinking big
Small island communities on the front lines of climate change are testing a novel tactic: challenging the multinational corporations that rank among the world’s top polluters with a first-of-its-kind lawsuit.
- Make them laugh: India’s Dalit comics challenge caste, one joke at a time
Comedy can be a tool to talk about the taboo. In India, a growing number of Dalit stand-ups are opening up about caste and demanding equality – onstage and off.
- A street lit by rotten onions? An Indian market embraces biogas.
A biogas plant at a vegetable market in India's Telangana state is showing that a little resourcefulness can go a long way in caring for the planet and its people.
- Meet the amateur art sleuths helping bring back Asia’s stolen heritage
Behind the return of stolen artifacts to Asia is a network of volunteer art sleuths working together to preserve their cultural heritage. They’re driven by a sense of national responsibility and a desire for justice.
- First LookLooking beyond the Ghandis, Indian party rebukes dynastic politics
The Indian National Congress, India’s main opposition party, is set to choose a non-family member as its next president. Historically led by the Nehru-Gandhi family, the party’s move could transform India’s dynastic politics.
- India’s bridge to Kashmir: Path to prosperity or tool of control?
A record-breaking bridge is set to connect Kashmir to mainland India. The ambitious project has sparked hope and worry, and shows how development can be a double-edged sword.
- Meet the women fighting air pollution in Delhi’s slums
In India, female construction workers are especially vulnerable to air pollution. An initiative to equip these workers with tools to monitor and report air quality has offered agency, as well as meaningful change.
- Responsible or reckless? India brings back the long-lost cheetah.
Advocates of India’s cheetah reintroduction project say they’re driven by a sense of national responsibility. But others argue the single-minded push to bring back the big cat is reckless.
- First LookDisplaced by floods, two Indian children find hope in a new language
After floods destroyed the home of Jerifa and Raju, their family moved to the Indian city of Bengaluru, where schools are taught in Kannada, a new language for the children. The move was spurred on by dreams of a better life and education.
- First LookReceding waters relieve flood-stricken southern Pakistan
After a deadly summer of torrential monsoon rains, floodwaters are finally beginning to recede in southern Pakistan’s Singh province. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has promised to financially support those who lost crops and homes in the deluge.
- The ExplainerBack in business: Why China is willing to cooperate on US stock audits
Despite rising geopolitical tensions, the United States and China moved to cooperate on a key financial issue – but to build trust, action must follow words.