How AI, Media, and Visual Shape Our Sense of Threat

Whither Commitment to Truth? How AI, Media, and Visuals Shape Our Sense of Threat

The social media takes advantage of the reward systems in the brain, especially the dopamine circuits within the basal ganglia and the prefrontal cortex. Using signals of micro-engagement, including the duration of time a user hovers over a video or the number of times a user rewatches a clip, algorithms develop a feedback loop that over time redirects the feed of a user to more intense or provocative content.

Mental Health in Schools and Colleges: An Ignored Chapter in Bangladesh's Education System

The loss of 403 young lives is a stark wake-up call for Bangladesh. Schools and colleges are meant to nurture dreams, not silently witness the suffering of students. A collaborative effort involving the government, educational institutions, and families is urgently needed. With empathy, awareness, and institutional support, many of these young lives can still be saved.

The Hormuz Lifeline: Why India’s Energy Security Still Runs Through A 33-Km Strait

India’s diversification strategy, often cited as a mitigating factor, provides only partial relief. The country now sources crude from over 40 countries, and in recent years has increased imports from Russia, the United States, and West Africa. In fact, about 70% of crude imports are now routed outside Hormuz, reflecting a conscious shift in sourcing strategy.

South Asia’s Cities Are Growing - But May Not Remain Livable

What is unfolding across South Asia’s cities is not just an urban crisis, it is a reflection of deeper tensions within development itself. Growth is happening, but it is not translating into stability. Opportunities exist, but they are unevenly distributed. Systems are expanding, but not fast enough to keep up with demand. Cities, which have long been seen as places where people come to improve their lives, are increasingly becoming spaces where people struggle to sustain them. 

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US sanctions on Bangladesh security officials are biased and motivated

Extrajudicial killings are taking place in many countries such as Pakistan but the US is directing its ire at Bangladesh

Rajaji: His support for free enterprise and opposition to state capitalism was proved right

It would be appropriate to celebrate the birthday of Rajaji - not just an independence activist, but a lawyer, writer and statesman - at least next year as a day of free enterprise

What causes the Eureka moment in the brain?

During relaxation of the brain or when one is not thinking about a problem, some other neural pathways are made and these may create the trigger resulting in the Eureka moment, writes Anil K. Rajvanshi for South Asia Monitor

Nagaland killings: CHRI urges speedy investigation and bringing the accused to trial

Welcoming the National Human Rights Commission’s (NHRC) notice to authorities seeking a detailed report on the recent killing of 14 civilians and one security personnel by the Indian Army, the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) has also urged the apex rights body and the State government to set up the long-pending state human rights commission in Nagaland

India may have to do balancing act at Summit for Democracy

The summit could change South Asian dynamics considering how it draws a line between China, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka on one side and India, Pakistan and Nepal on another, writes Divyanshu Jindal for South Asia Monitor

Stifling legitimate protests in Balochistan may spark violence

In a shocking move, Balochistan Governor Syed Zahoor Agha issued a Criminal Law Balochistan Amendment Ordinance which bans meetings, rallies and sit-ins on national highways to ensure free movement of people

World needs spirituality now more than ever

All over the world we are witnessing the rise of dictators, strong-arm rulers and corrupt leaders

Bangladesh can gain by taking part in Chinese trade fairs

Like Bangladesh, South Asian countries can use Chinese expos to promote their brands and build a new trade image

The spirit of South Asia: Remembering Kamla Bhasin

Sapan is a coalition of individuals and organisations that places India-Pakistan relations in a regional context and calls for a visa-free South Asia

How people 'fought' the 1971 war: A reminiscence

The Prime Minister said that shortly after 5.30 p.m., Pakistan “launched a full-scale war against us”, its Air Force striking eight Indian Air Force stations and its artillery opening up on several fronts

World must pressurize Myanmar on Rohingya repatriation

The world backs Bangladesh and wants Myanmar to take back the Rohingyas but repatriation is not taking place

In repeal of farm laws, Modi showed statesmanship

With Pakistan and China wanting to fish in troubled waters in India, the Modi government has attempted to douse the fire by withdrawing the farm laws

Border killings of Bangladeshis by India’s BSF must stop

Indian security agencies should respect the sovereignty of Bangladesh and the Bangladeshi people, writes Hafizur Talukdar for South Asia Monitor 

Mica art: By Indians, of Indians - for the English

Mica paintings were attractive to many Englishmen because they documented life in 19th century India

Remembering the Indian soldiers of Flanders Fields: And their unsung Belgian commemorator

A truly unsung hero of the Indian diaspora, Hans Vermeersch deserves some recognition for his lifelong dedication to India.