All Asia: South & Central
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鈥檚 elections are bubbling up to the surface. But as the world鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 big electionIndians head to the polls this week for a聽44-day聽general election that is聽set to break records.
Why Bollywood is cranking out pro-government films ahead of India鈥檚 electionAn uptick in brazenly pro-government movies highlights the close relationship between India鈥檚 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鈥檚 sacred groves are home to forest god shrines 鈥� and endangered speciesSacred groves have become bastions of biodiversity in India, but relying on spiritual belief as a driver for conservation presents risks.
Modi鈥檚 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鈥� long-term value.
As world鈥檚 biggest election nears, defections hurt India鈥檚 anti-Modi allianceAs India鈥檚 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鈥檚 Modi enacts faith-based citizenship law in run-up to electionIndia鈥檚 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鈥檚 drawn nationwide protests.
Meet the young rebels fighting against Myanmar鈥檚 juntaThe 2021 coup in Myanmar brought new blood into resistance groups. Their fresh ideas have been embraced, building momentum against the junta.
Amid post-election chaos, new government takes shape in PakistanA new government is preparing to take the reins in Pakistan, but not the one its people elected.聽
In India, what wreaks more havoc than floods and heat? Lightning.India is often at the front lines of climate change, but one of the largest natural threats to public safety gets the least attention. Why is progress on lightning safety so slow?
First LookIndian farmers demand guaranteed crop prices. Why Modi may listen.Tens of thousands of Indian farmers are marching toward New Delhi to demand guaranteed minimum crop prices, a development reminiscent of 2021 protests that succeeded in changing agriculture laws. Police have responded with arrests and tear gas.聽聽
First LookNepal鈥檚 sacred deities, long hidden overseas, make their way homeHistoric statues of Hindu deities carry deep religious significance in Nepal 鈥� but they鈥檝e been repeatedly smuggled abroad. Now the nation is stepping up its efforts to track stolen artifacts and bring them back.
First LookThailand legalized weed two years ago. Now officials want a rollback.Thailand was the first country in Asia to legalize cannabis. But, citing a spike in treatment for mental health issues and unlawful consumption by young people, health officials now want to limit recreational use.
The ExplainerMyanmar鈥檚 civil war: Is the stalemate breaking?With support for Myanmar鈥檚 military junta declining and rebels gaining ground through unprecedented cooperation, 2024 could prove a pivotal year in the country鈥檚 civil war.
First LookIndonesia鈥檚 election is about Joko Widodo. But he鈥檚 not on the ballot.Indonesia鈥檚 popular President Joko Widodo hasn鈥檛 endorsed anyone to succeed him. But he鈥檚 widely seen as backing a former rival over his own party鈥檚 nominee because of family ties to the ticket, part of what experts call a rise in pork-barrel politics.
In Pakistan, a delay in poll results could undercut election integrityPakistan鈥檚 election was marred by allegations of rigging before polls even opened on Thursday. Now, as a disruption in results draws additional scrutiny, this could become one of the most controversial votes in the country鈥檚 history.
