South Asia
From the dizzying heights of the Himalayas to the coastal communities of Bangladesh, our stories highlight the lives of those living in South Asia.
We shine a spotlight on South Asian artists and speak to climate activists calling for loss and damages payments to support environmental action. Our journalism also focuses on contentious water conflicts and sacred rivers, such as the Mekong and the Ganges, that are intrinsic to life in South Asia.
Will cows and temples still deliver a mandate for Modi?
Nilanjana Bhowmick weighs up Modi's chances in the coming elections in India.
Ours not to reason why?
When the body bags reach the relatives, the biggest question remains, ‘Why?’ Mari Marcel Thekaekara writes about the senselessness of war.
India: men and #MeToo
Why are Indian men feeling unsafe? Nilanjana Bhowmick reacts to the 'unease' expressed by Indian men in today's #MeToo era.
The Interview: Soni Sori
Soni Sori, an award-winning human rights defender, speaks to Dilnaz Boga about fighting for justice for sexually abused Adivasi women.
India: The crackdown on Dalit activism
A prominent Indian intellectual and scholar is the latest activist being targeted by BJP statecraft, writes Tamsin Day.
Dhaka's flowers and flames
A pocket of the city, vibrant with blossoms, is the site where destiny is always taking shape, observes Parsa Sanjana Sajid.
Indigenous India: written in stone
An indigenous movement in Jharkhand is reminding the Indian authorities of their constitutional duty to protect tribal lands. But the government is persecuting tribespeople for standing up. Rohini Mohan reports.
In Modi's India, dissent is dangerous
In Modi’s India, dissent is dangerous, writes Nilanjana Bhowmick.
India: Adivasis march for an end to violence
Caught in the crossfire of state repression and guerilla fighters, Adivasi inhabitants of India’s ‘red corridor’ are exploring ways to stop the violence in their continuing struggle for land rights. Hannah Kirmes-Daly and Heera Bai report.
Pakistan: censorship by stealth
Media independence in Pakistan is suffering, with the authorities using creative ways to silence journalists. Suddaf Chaudry explains.
Victory then defeat for Pakistan’s persecuted
Aasia Bibi has just been acquitted for blasphemy charges. But Imran Khan’s government has now curtailed her human rights. Jahanzeb Hussain asks, ‘Where is the outrage?’
Who is Imran Khan?
For our rising new world leader segment, Richard Swift profiles the Oxford-educated former playboy cricketer, and now, Prime Minister of Pakistan
The trouble with Modicare
Privatization now comes cloaked in the language of social movements, warns campaigner Jo Land.
View from India: When viral hashtags promote religious extremism
Nilanjana Bhowmick takes apart the latest viral hashtag campaign for the religious takeover of secular India.
The success and struggle for indigenous rights in India
NGO worker Mari Marcel Thekaekara reflects on the progression of indigenous Adivasi rights in India.
Kerala rises above the floods
This Indian state's current struggle sets a good example for the rest of the country, writes Mari Marcel Thekaekara.
Shahidul Alam imprisoned another month
A court will hear his bail petition in September. Rumana Hashem reports.
Challenging exploitation in the gig economy
Global South workers in the digital platform-enabled gig economy are beginning to organize. Alex J. Wood and Mark Graham report.
Free Shahidul!
Bangladeshi police have abducted renowned photographer Shahidul Alam. Chris Brazier explains what Alam's detention means and why he should be released.
The interveners
In India, Sophie Cousins spends time with women activists who are slowly shifting the stigma around mental health and getting patients the help they need – but it’s no easy feat.
Making waves – meet Divyanshu Ganatra
Blind outdoors enthusiast, Divyanshu Ganatra, on the importance of inclusion through adventure sports in India. Profile by Priti Salian.
Secular values vs 'Love Jihad'
Alessio Perrone writes how Islamophobia is driving a wedge between love and secular values.
Rape as communal violence in India
Violence against women is being used as a weapon of communal hatred, suggesting India should enact the Communal Violence bill, Nilanjana Bhowmick argues.
What drives young men to embrace religious extremism in Pakistan?
Pervez Hoodbhoy, one of South Asia’s leading nuclear physicists, talks to Andy Heintz about why the word ‘liberal’ is so unpopular in Pakistan.
And Finally: Meena Kandasamy
The writer and activist discusses domestic abuse, social media and politics in India with Graeme Green.
Surreal scenes outside Modi visit
Rahila Gupta reports on this week’s pro and anti-Modi protests in London.
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Pad Man to the rescue! India’s menstrual hygeine hero
From school dropout, to welder, to sanitary towel entrepreneur: Arunachalam Muruganantham has led a unique life, discovers Tom Lawson
Raising voices to stop rape in Bangladesh
The Bangladeshi state is intimidating indigenous human rights defenders. Amy Hall reports.
Antonythasan Jesuthasan: from Tamil Tiger to leading man
Cindy Sasha interviews former Tamil Tiger-turned-actor, Antonythasan Jesuthasan.
Kids at work: a Dalit activist
Ravali Medari was moved to take up political activism alongside her academic work. Meena Kandasamy looks at how caste and class intersect in her busy life.
Arvind Gupta: making toys from trash
Making learning fun for young minds. Priti Salian reports from a classroom in Bangalore.
The forgotten children of Sonagachi
Will Brown reports on the women, and children, brutally trapped in Kolkata’s sex trade.
‘Life is about how we can enhance society’
Mahatma Gandhi’s grandson, Arun Gandhi, speaks to Danielle Batist about technology, Trump, and anger as a gift.
Nepalese women defying patriarchy
Is the country on the brink of a cultural shift? Lucy EJ Woods asks.
