Stories about South Asia
Pakistan's intelligence agencies gain legal cover for surveillance
Despite Supreme Court rulings against illegal surveillance, Pakistan's decision allowing it's spy agency, ISI, to monitor nearly all digital conversations has sparked outrage among political leaders, activists, and legal experts.
Faith turns fatal as blasphemy laws ignite unchecked extremism in Pakistan
The rise in lynching incidents, fuelled by political support for blasphemy laws, reveals a disturbing trend of unchecked extremism threatening lives and justice in Pakistan.
In Nepal, when yaks go, so does culture
Yaks, once central to the culture of Himalayan communities in Nepal, are declining because of lifestyle changes, outmigration, inbreeding, and the impacts of the climate crisis.
Pouring concrete on rice fields in Nepal
Delayed rains, a prolonged heatwave, rapid urbanization, and climate change have hampered Nepal's rice plantation industry, transforming the country from a rice exporter to an importer.
Love, marriage and rebellion: Exploring feminist themes in India's Angika folk songs
Songs and tales are used by practitioners as a medium to express discontent with the status quo and to assert their individuality.
A highly invasive South American catfish has slipped into Nepal’s waters
A highly invasive vermiculated sailfin catfish, originally from Madeira River Basin in South America, is poised to be a major threat to native fish in the rivers of Eastern Nepal.
Unearthing Nepal's Past: An Interview with Journalist and Author Mohan Mainali
Global Voices interviewed journalist and writer Mohan Mainali to explore the importance of historical context in shaping Nepal’s future and inspire a deeper appreciation for the nation’s rich heritage.
How data shapes political narratives amid the 2024 super-elections
"The age of data might seem like a modern concept, but the notion of using information for political advantage has a long history."
‘Demodification’ of India: A Nepalese perspective
Indian voters rejected BJP’s religious extremism, favouring inclusion, tolerance, and equality — an important lesson for Nepal’s political landscape.
Minority journalists are under threat in South Asia
Journalists in South Asia face threats, censorship, legal obstacles, and physical and mental challenges. Minority journalists, however, encounter extra barriers and are especially vulnerable to increased risks and difficulties.
One in five Nepalese youths in Hong Kong are returned to Nepal against their will
Family problems and financial difficulties are the main reasons Nepali parents to send their children back to Nepal.
Quetta Tea? Yes please!
In the past few years, Quetta tea stalls have sprouted across urban centers in Pakistan, attracting people of all ages to enjoy a cuppa at any time of the day.
The latest defamation bill further tightens restrictions on free speech in Pakistan
The Punjab Assembly recently passed the Defamation Bill 2024, which aims at curbing the spread of fake news across print, electronic, and social media platforms against government officials and institutions.
Riots against foreign students in Kyrgystan undermine its people-to-people ties with South Asia
The Kyrgyz government reacted strongly to the incident, condemning violence, apologizing to the students, and promising that such incidents would not happen again.
Fossil fuels dependency exacerbates Pakistan’s power crisis
Pakistan is currently facing a severe energy crisis characterised by electricity shortages and frequent electricity cuts, which has a detrimental impact on household activities, industries, and the overall economy.
Southerly winds: How Nepalis are perceiving the ongoing Indian elections
Nepal has traditionally enjoyed a syncretic blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. However, if Modi's BJP wins in Indian elections, some fear that Nepal will slide back to Hindu nationalism.
Chai? Tea? How do Indians take their tea?
India is one of the largest producers of tea in the world, and we consume most of what we produce.
Pakistan administered Kashmir faces internet shutdown amidst protests
In May 2024, Pakistan-administered Azad Kashmir witnessed significant unrest, with daily life profoundly impacted by internet shutdowns and the violent suppression of protests by Pakistani security forces.
Tea is a daily delight for Bangladeshis, yet plantation workers face immense hardships
For most Bangladeshis, tea signifies a fulfilling life, but for the tea garden workers, their meagre wages mean tea leaves with rice is all they can afford in a meal.
The Global Coalition for Language Rights: A space for language justice
Half of the world's languages are endangered. One new prize champions language justice by awarding language activists from across the world the Language Rights Defenders Award.
‘D voters’ remain a key issue in Assam during India's general elections
In Assam, some voters who lack proper documents to prove their Indian citizenship are labeled as 'D Voters', disenfranchised and barred from voting in the ongoing general elections.
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