All Asia: South & Central
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.
Free pads and frank discussion: Bangkok schools tackle 鈥榩eriod poverty鈥�In Thailand, improving access to period products requires breaking stigmas as well as material investment. Though national efforts have stalled, local programs have created space for young people and experts to openly address menstrual health.
Iran fired at Pakistan. Pakistan shot back. Can trust be rebuilt?It took only 48 hours and two rounds of missiles for trust to break down between Iran and Pakistan. Understanding why Iran struck its neighbor will help in working to restore lost trust.
How a Muslim tailor and Hindu priest fought hate in Ayodhya, IndiaAs the inauguration of a controversial temple puts this north Indian city鈥檚 history of communal violence on center stage, a competing history gets less attention 鈥� one of enduring friendships and peaceful coexistence.
First LookRepublicans skimp on Bush-era AIDS relief for KenyaRepublican lawmakers aim to scale back President鈥檚 Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief funds (PEPFAR) for Kenya,聽undercutting a successful Bush-era policy. Kenyans fear they will no longer be able to afford treatment, and progress will be lost.
Muslims helped Jews settle in Kolkata 200 years ago. The bond endures.The Israel-Hamas war has tested the bonds of Jewish and Muslim communities around the world. In the eastern Indian city of Kolkata, a tradition of respect and solidarity is overpowering panic.
First LookIn India, respect for shared forests transcends religious differencesIndia鈥檚 鈥渟acred forests鈥� are Indigenous hallowed ground as well as an important source of biodiversity. Now, environmentalists are working with communities in a majority-海角大神 state to help people of all faiths see the forests as worthy of protection.
Pakistan is gearing up for elections. Will the army let them happen?Ideally, campaign season is a time of rich debate, problem solving, and civic engagement. But in Pakistan, conversation has focused instead on the unlevel political playing field, which threatens to undermine upcoming elections.
First LookCould TikTok hoaxes tip upcoming South Asian elections?Social media feeds in Bangladesh,聽India, Indonesia, and Pakistan have been flooded with AI-generated fabrications ahead of elections this year. Experts say there aren鈥檛 enough safeguards in place to keep voters from getting misled.
First LookBangladesh: Boycott and strain on democracy amid Hasina reelectionBangladesh鈥檚 Jan. 7 election extends Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina鈥檚 15-year-long rule. But her victory came amid low voter turnout in an increasingly contentious climate that saw opposition members jailed, violent protests, and international criticism.
First LookUN has a plan to curb farm emissions. Are farmers willing to try it?Crop fertilizers, food storage, transportation, and waste create almost a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. The COP28 UN climate summit revealed a roadmap for greater efficiency in the food system rather than a shift toward sustainable聽farming.聽
First LookHow AI helps to bridge learning gaps in Indian schoolsIn 2022, less than half of India鈥檚 schools had a computer and just over a third had Internet access. AI systems, such as Amazon鈥檚 Echo Dot speaker, are helping to bridge this gap. AI helps teach English, lesson plan, and identify at-risk students.聽
First LookBangladesh election: Why young, digital-era voters want changePolitical battles in Bangladesh were historically fought on the streets by parties led by two women. But young Bangladeshis, who make up almost one-third of the country鈥檚 registered voters, are changing the narrative ahead of the Jan. 7 general election.聽
Letter from Kushtia: Getting a rock star鈥檚 view into BangladeshA day in Kushtia, Bangladesh 鈥撀燼 city that鈥檚 off the beaten path but brimming with history and culture 鈥� provided Monitor journalists a reprieve, as well as a deeper appreciation for one of the region鈥檚 youngest nations.
First LookIn war-torn Myanmar, illicit poppy production flowers once moreMyanmar has regained its lead in global opium production, surpassing Afghanistan. The nation鈥檚 farmers are turning to cultivating poppy flowers to make ends meet. In Afghanistan, the Taliban鈥檚 ban has led to a 95% drop in the cultivation of opium poppies.
