Stories about South Asia from August, 2014
Indian Security Forces Open Fire on Peaceful Protestors in Manipur
The Nagas in Ukhrul are protesting the ban on rallies and the militarisation of their home, which defies decade-long ceasefire between Naga separatists and the Indian Government.
A Home-Grown Campaign in Bhutan Is Giving Refurbished Shoes to Thousands Who Need Them
Bhutanese entrepreneur Dawa Drakpa cleans and recycles old footwear and distributes them to those who can't afford a decent pair. Nearly 1 percent of the country's population have received shoes.
Stop Complaining About the Government! Instead, India Wants Citizens to Help
India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has launched the “MyGov” website, which invites Indian citizens to participate actively in the country's governance and development.
A Private Hospital in Bangaldesh Held a Patient's Body Ransom Because the Family Couldn't Pay Up Immediately
The deficiencies in Bangladesh's government hospitals and the uncertainties regarding service prompts people to chose private hospitals -- at a huge expense.
How To Find Happiness In Democracy
From Bhutan, the land of Gross National Happiness, blogger Passang Tshering shares how people can achieve happiness in democracy. He compares democracy to love marriage and says that there are three groups of people, the lovers, the haters and the concern citizens. The Lovers are the ones who swear by...
India’s LGBT Community Dares to Hope After Health Minister’s Comment on Gay Rights
Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan said that everybody has human rights and it is the job of the government to protect them.
‘Revolutionary’ Band Laal Speaks Out Against Pakistan's Facebook and YouTube Bans
As Pakistan continues to restrict access to YouTube and Facebook, activist band Laal discusses the silencing effect that these bans have on artists, and discusses the future of free expression.
Critics Fear Bangladesh's New Media Monitoring Policy Will Stifle Free Expression
Questions have been raised by many about the new draft broadcasting policy of Bangladesh. Such a policy was much due, but analysts say its regressive and will control the media.
A “Liter of Light” to Brighten the Poorest Homes
After downing a bottle of water, most people are probably inclined to toss it. Those people, however, don't realize that they're throwing away an ingenious means of lighting a home.
Indian News Portal Says Thomson Reuters Has ‘Unethical’ Understanding of Copyright
Thomson Reuters sent an email to MediaNama saying it would use and redistribute the portal's content if MediaNama didn't refuse consent within 14 days.
Massive Leak Opens New Investigation of FinFisher Surveillance Tools in Pakistan
Unknown hackers released 40 gigabytes of data uncovered about the use of FinFisher, the malicious digital spyware kit, in Pakistan. The Digital Rights Foundation reports on first findings.
Indian Broadcaster NDTV's Report on Gaza Rocket Launch Becomes Fodder for Propaganda
NDTV journalists caught militants assembling a rocket in Gaza on camera, but the story has been "distorted by the twin forces of internet virality and the Israel-Palestinian spin machine."
Tens of Thousands of Pakistanis Breach Security Barrier Around Prime Minister's House Asking Him to Step Down
Popular cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan and Pakistani-Canadian Sufi scholar-turned-politician Tahirul Qadri allege that the May 2013 general election was rigged.
Watch How Conversations Between Strangers Help Bridge the Divide Between Indians and Pakistanis
The bad blood between India and Pakistan dates back to 1947, and the two countries' relationship remains strained today.
SMS Death Threats Stoke Fears on Fate of Abducted Journalist in Maldives
The messages came just days before the unexplained disappearance of journalist and democracy advocate Ahmed Rizwan Abdulla.
Journalist and Democracy Advocate Ahmed Rizwan Abdulla Missing in the Maldives
The prolific social media user is vocal against hatred in the name of religion and has not been shy about criticizing the Maldives Islamist Adhaalath Party and other political parties.
Islamabad on Lockdown as Politicians Launch Massive Anti-Government Marches on Pakistan's Independence Day
The Pakistani government is taking extraordinary measures to prevent two opposition parties led by populist politicians from launching massive anti-government marches to the capital on August 14.
Human Rights Experts: Pakistan Could Become a “Police State” Under Protection Ordinance
If implemented in its current form, the consequences of Pakistan's "Protection Ordinance" on citizens’ rights will be far reaching, both on and offline.
Ancient Epic ‘Mahabharat’ Comes to Life on Indian TV and Social Media
The world's longest epic has made it to TV. But as befits this day and age, social media is a major aspect of its marketing strategy.
Killers Roam Free After Brutally Murdering a Defender of India’s Untouchables
"Burn him! Erase all his traces" - shouted the killers of Sanjay Khobragade, a Dalit rights activist from Maharashtra, India. Sanjay is one of many Dalits who face such cruelty.
Religion and Spirituality Get Tech Savvy in India
Indian tech entrepreneurs and start-ups have taken on ventures trying to tap on Indians' passion on religion and spirituality. This raises issues like whether marketing “God’s” products are ethical.
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