All Asia: South & Central
After tumultuous India election, Modi softens toward KashmirIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears to be easing up on Kashmir 鈥� a shift that could restore a sense of political agency to millions in the beleaguered region, and buttress peace efforts.聽
More than a strongman? In India, coalition politics will be Modi鈥檚 third-term test.For India鈥檚 new coalition government to last, experts say Prime Minister Narendra Modi must find ways to temper his party鈥檚 Hindu nationalism and compromise on other key issues.
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鈥檚 army buried Imran Khan with legal cases. The courts are digging him out.With one of the three major cases聽against former Prime Minister Imran Khan overturned, Pakistanis are now reckoning with what the popular but divisive leader鈥檚 release would mean for the country.
Even before his latest victory, Modi was reshaping India. These numbers show how.With India鈥檚 weekslong election over, Prime Minister Narendra Modi鈥檚 last two terms can offer insight into the incoming government鈥檚 economic, infrastructure, and welfare agenda 鈥� 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鈥檙e 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.聽
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.
