South Asia and Beyond

Surya Gangadharan

Thirty eight years in journalism, widely travelled, history buff with a preference for Old Monk Rum. Current interest/focus spans China, Technology and Trade. Recent reads: Steven Colls Directorate S and Alexander Frater's Chasing the Monsoon. Netflix/Prime video junkie. Loves animal videos on Facebook. Reluctant tweeter.

First Saudi Contestant In History Of Miss Universe Pageant

For the first time in the 70-plus year history of the Miss Universe pageant, a contestant from Saudi Arabia will be making an appearance. Rumy Alqahtani, 27, announced her selection as the Saudi representative on her Instagram page and shared images of herself in a strapless sequined gown. Rumy is a dentist by training, a […]Read More

Keeping India’s Connect With The Afghan People

For India, says Sushant Sareen, many of the Taliban's practices are abhorrent, notably their treatment of women, lack of respect for education, and their attitude towards minorities. But these are not deal breakers. "It underscores the point that India will deal with whichever government is in power in Kabul," he says.Read More

Imported Vs Indigenous Small Modular Nuclear Reactors

Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned atomic energy company, says it is in talks with its Indian counterpart to sell 200MW small modular reactors (SMR). An article in Businessline said Evgeny Pakermanov, chief of Rosatom Overseas, did not give details, only affirming Russia’s expertise in building SMRs, that these offered small building timelines (4 years) and consumed less […]Read More

Anil Kakodkar: Nuclear Power Should be Scaled Up

The loading of fuel into the 500MW Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam recently is a signal moment, says Dr Anil Kakodkar, former chairman of India’s Atomic Energy Commission. Speaking on The Gist show, he said it came on the back of over 20 years of effort by Indian atomic scientists. It will generate more […]Read More

Hong Kong Passes Tough National Security Law

A special session of Hong Kong’s legislature has passed the Safeguarding National Security Bill that is widely expected to help the government suppress dissent and crush any opposition voices. Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, packed with China loyalists, took just about a week to pass the bill. It prescribes life imprisonment for threats to national security, […]Read More

Myanmar Army Not Yet Defeated Says Journalist Soe Myint

The Myanmar army has suffered enormous reverses in recent months with rebel groups gaining ground. But the army still controls bulk of the country and it remains to be seen if it can reverse the tide and regain the initiative. One point is clear: junta chief Gen Ming Aung Hlaing miscalculated when he thought the […]Read More

Israel Will Not Win War In Gaza, Vows Hezbollah Leader Nasrallah

“The Israeli army today is tired and exhausted on all fronts,” claims Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Lebanon’s Shia Hezbollah movement, “the enemy’s senior experts acknowledge the strategic losses.” In a televised address on Wednesday on the occasion of Ramadan and reported by Press TV, Nasrallah said last year’s October 7 Hamas attack on Israel was […]Read More

Netanyahu’s Leadership In Jeopardy Warns US Intel Report

CNN quoting a US intelligence report, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s viability as a leader is “in jeopardy”. “Distrust of Netanyahu’s ability to rule has deepened and broadened across the public from its already high levels before the war, and we expect large protests demanding his resignation and new elections,” the report said. “A […]Read More