South Asia’s media is at a crossroads, where its democratic function as a watchdog is at odds with its struggle for financial viability. While the ever-expanding digiverse continues to offer immense opportunities for journalism and its potential to expose corruption and human rights violations as well as challenge mainstream and official narratives, the big question remains – how does the media sustain itself?
Reportedly, the Kirana Hills—near the fortified underground nuclear storage site at Mushaf-Sargodha—were struck by a BrahMos missile. According to idrw.org, the strike on Rawalpindi’s Noor Khan base sent shockwaves through the Pakistan Army leadership, especially its chief, General Asif Munir. The operation exposed critical vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s nuclear deterrence.
Kashmir is no longer a remote valley; it is the litmus test of global resolve against state-sponsored terror for reasons other than the wellbeing of its people. Pakistan’s duplicity is an open dossier. FATF grey-listing (2018-22) barely dented its war-chest because petrodollars kept the financial arteries open. Arun Shourie labelled this “strategic mendicancy milking Western fears of a failing nuclear state while fertilising jihad". The Pahalgam attack proves the scam endures.
Perhaps, the truth lies elsewhere, in the gaping holes of a failing system, the persistent lapses in security, intelligence and governance. And this, despite allocating billions in public funds, our money, our labour, to national security year after year. And yet, it is ordinary citizens who remain vulnerable, targeted again and again.
Bangladeshi authorities have noted that Matarbari Port will also support feeder vessel services from India’s Kolkata and Haldia ports. This transshipment framework could facilitate efficient trade not only for India but also for landlocked neighbors like Nepal and Bhutan. However, much of this potential remains unrealized, and may continue to do so, amid Bangladesh’s current domestic challenges and diplomatic tensions with India
While there is no debate that soldiers must be treated with dignity, civilians too are equally deserving of such respectful treatment. India is a democratic nation governed by the rule of law, which must apply uniformly—whether to a uniformed individual or a civilian. There should be no space for such high-handed behavior by the police or any other government agency that represents state authority.
An eclectic faith with no supreme authority, that accommodate diverse centres of belief and practice, can always be susceptible to manipulation and misinterpretation. A tendency to arrogate theological authority to a self-serving stream of thought and negation of other religio-cultural practices is alien to the spirit of Sanatan Dharma, which is inherently inclusive in character and sees no basis for excluding any belief.
Rana’s extradition is a legal victory for India, but it is symbolic considering that he was only one of the plotters of the Mumbai attacks. Headley, who was often described as a double agent working as an informant for the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) at one point, was the man on the ground. For reasons which have remained a mystery he managed to strike a deal with the U.S. law enforcement under which both his extradition to India and potential death sentence were taken off the table in return for lifelong cooperation.
South Asia faces mounting challenges in financing sustainable development due to global funding gaps, debt pressures, and shifting U.S. policies. Explore the latest trends, data, and implications.
During his recent visit to China, Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus urged Beijing to take a more proactive stance on Rohingya repatriation. In response, President Xi Jinping assured that China would raise the issue with Myanmar. Days later, Myanmar’s announcement signaled the potential influence of international stakeholders. The more pressure China exerts, the more likely Myanmar will cooperate
Most analysts believe that India changed Modi’s programme to appease the majority Buddhist community, which will be happy to see the Indian leader pay homage to Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura rather than visit the Tamil minority in Sampur in the east.
The biggest problem of SAARC was the political rivalry between India and Pakistan, which has become a huge obstacle to effective regional policy making. BIMSTEC does not have that problem. Here, the goal is not competition, but cooperation to achieve economic prosperity. As a result, member countries are able to reach consensus and take practical development initiatives.
The diplomacy of restraint, recently practiced by both nations, can be a powerful asset in achieving ambitious climate targets. By working as complementary partners rather than competitors, India and China can manage growth and societal well-being in a more inclusive and sustainable manner, thereby mitigating the planet-wide existential threat of climate change.
A bridge between India and Sri Lanka is more than just an infrastructure project; it is a symbol of the enduring historic bond between two nations. As you pointed out, both countries "do not have a land boundary." The bridge shall represent our shared histories, mutual aspirations, and a commitment to a future of prosperity and cooperation between two neighbours.
Currently, another organization called Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is gaining importance in which several countries including India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and Thailand are associated. It is creating a connection between South Asia and Southeast Asia, where Pakistan and Afghanistan are not included. India is currently focusing on BIMSTEC instead of SAARC
The poor performance of Pakistan’s currency is primarily driven by rapidly depleting foreign exchange reserves, which currently stand at $15.95 billion. This amount is well below the three-month import threshold and significantly lower than Bangladesh’s $25.31 billion. Low reserves restrict the central bank’s ability to intervene in currency markets, leading to increased exchange rate instability.
The Afghan refugee crisis in Pakistan is a complex issue. A situation that has evolved over four decades cannot be resolved in four years. Moreover, the refugees have integrated into Pakistani society not only due to religious and cultural similarities but also because their children, born in Pakistan, have never visited Afghanistan. They know Pakistan as their home.
Works by Ali Kazim from Pakistan and Tayeba Begum Lipi from Bangladesh, besides Sri Lankan talent contributors featured in The Arts Trail, six exhibitions highlighting upcoming and renowned South Asian artists. The series, organized by Sri Lankan-based ARTRA magazine, explored themes from war to nature’s beauty.
Adding another layer of complexity is the rising specter of radicalism. Reports suggest that extremist elements are gaining traction, with foreign actors allegedly playing a role in fueling Islamist movements. The Yunus government’s perceived leniency toward certain hardline factions has sparked concern, both domestically and internationally
