Author: Sophie Landrin
Sri Lanka’s new president Anura Kumara Dissayanake in Colombo on September 23, 2024. PRÉSIDENCE SRI-LANKAISE VIA AP India’s relationship with Sri Lanka takes a new turn with the inauguration of President Anura Kumara Dissayanake. His presidency shines a spotlight on an unfavorable deal with Indian tycoon Gautam Adani, raising concerns about transparency and environmental impact. The $442 million project has faced backlash, leading to legal challenges due to questionable terms and high kilowatt-hour prices. The successor to the controversial project, Ranil Wickremesinghe, furthered agreements with Adani, but Dissayanake vows to cancel the deal, citing threats to the nation’s energy sovereignty.…
On a flooded Kathmandu street, September 29, 2024. NAVESH CHITRAKAR / REUTERS Severe flooding hit Kathmandu, Nepal, after three days of relentless rain, causing the Bagmati River to swell and wreak havoc on the city. With almost half of its annual rainfall received in just two days, the capital witnessed at least 73 fatalities, with the national death toll rising to over 200. The government faced criticism for slow rescue efforts, attributed to a lack of adequate resources. The historic city of Patan and surrounding areas also suffered significant damage, highlighting the impact of overdevelopment on natural disaster resilience. Unplanned…
LETTER FROM NEW DELHI The president of the Indian Supreme Court, Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, his wife, and the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, at the chief justice’s private residence, September 11, 2024. CAPTURE D’ECRAN X / @NARENDRAMODI In a surprising turn of events in New Delhi, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a private Hindu religious ceremony at the home of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, defying traditional boundaries between the executive and judiciary branches. Modi’s public display of religious devotion alongside the Chief Justice sparked debates on the intertwining of politics and religion…
A supporter of left-wing National People’s Power candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the final rally of the presidential campaign in Colombo on September 18, 2024. ERANGA JAYAWARDENA / AP Thousands gathered in Colombo to support Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the left-wing candidate in the presidential race. Priyantha Abeyratne, a 70-year-old retired lawyer, expressed hope for change amid the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka. Following a tumultuous period, Sri Lankans will vote for a new leader among 38 candidates, potentially heralding a new era in the country’s political landscape. The current economic stability, aided by an IMF rescue plan, contrasts with past…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet & Expo, Gandhinagar, Gujarat on September 16, 2024. AMIT DAVE / REUTERS Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, re-elected in June, faced poor results in the first 100 days of his third term. Despite extensive foreign trips, Modi’s domestic efforts have been lackluster, leading to political weakness and inertia. The parliamentary session highlighted the government’s limited authority due to the lack of a majority. Modi’s attempts at controversial legislation targeting marginalized groups were met with opposition from his allies, weakening his political standing. On the…
Demonstrators supporting the #MeToo movement in the Mollywood film industry wearing masks of targeted celebrities, in Kochi (India), August 30, 2024. ARUN CHANDRABOSE / AFP India’s film industry faces a #MeToo reckoning with Mollywood, a prolific Malayalam film industry producing around 200 films annually. A scandal, following the abduction and assault of actress Karthika Menon, revealed widespread abuse. The Hema Commission report, exposing a “mafia of powerful men,” highlighted rampant sexual harassment and coercion of actresses for roles. Working conditions were unsafe, with lack of basic facilities and instances of aggression on set, prompting the need for protection. ‘Mafia of…
Volodymyr Zelensky and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kyiv on August 23, 2024. HANDOUT / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SER / AFP Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Ukraine marks a significant shift from his controversial meeting with Vladimir Putin, showcasing a gesture of reparation. The Indian Prime Minister’s embrace of Zelensky signifies India’s stance on peace efforts amidst the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Despite India’s complexities in balancing relationships with Russia and the West, Modi’s visit emphasizes a plea for dialogue and diplomacy to support peace in the region. The two leaders honored the conflict’s young victims, demonstrating a commitment to peaceful…
Demonstration by doctors and paramedics after the rape and murder of an intern in Calcutta, India. India is in turmoil as protests continue following the tragic rape and murder of a doctor in a Calcutta public hospital. The 31-year-old intern, known as Abhaya, was found brutally murdered, sparking outrage and demand for justice. Suspicions point to a local police volunteer as the perpetrator, with investigations ongoing to uncover the truth. The Supreme Court has intervened to ensure a thorough investigation, exposing discrepancies in the handling of the case by hospital management and authorities. Criticism has been directed towards Chief Minister…
Supporters of Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party demonstrate for his release in Peshawar, Pakistan, on July 26, 2024.MOHAMMAD SAJJAD / AP Imran Khan, the ex-prime minister of Pakistan, is now aiming to become the next chancellor of Oxford University. Despite being incarcerated since 2023, Khan has put forth his candidacy for this prestigious role, currently held by Chris Patten. Speculations arise about Khan’s motive behind this move—is it a path to international visibility or a prelude to possible exile? Facing numerous legal challenges and threats, Khan’s popularity remains strong in Pakistan, posing a significant threat to the country’s ruling factions.…
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Presidential Palace, New Delhi, June 22, 2024. MANISH SWARUP / AP The post-Modi era may have begun after the Indian prime minister’s narrow victory in the June 4 general elections. Despite being reinstated with the help of two regional partners, Modi’s leadership now hangs in the balance due to his weakened state following a divisive campaign. The RSS, from which Modi hails, has also shown signs of dissent, suggesting internal turmoil within the Hindu nationalist movement. Read more Subscribers only Modi begins third term under pressure from his allies Leaders within the RSS…