Israeli anti-war activists, known as conscientious objectors, are risking jail time by refusing mandatory military service amid the ongoing Gaza war. Despite being a minority, these objectors, supported by the volunteer group Mesarvot, oppose the war and Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. The article highlights the personal stories of activists like Nave Shabtay Levin and Sofia Orr, who face societal backlash and legal consequences for their stance. The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, has led to significant casualties on both sides, with Israel's military actions drawing global criticism.

In Kolhapur, India, Kisabai Biranje, a woman in her sixties, underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF) to fulfill her dream of motherhood, despite societal stigma and health risks. The burgeoning fertility industry in India, valued at $2.3 billion in 2012, attracts both domestic and international clients due to its affordability and less stringent regulations. However, the rapid growth of fertility clinics has led to numerous ethical and medical concerns, including the exploitation of surrogate mothers and the health risks associated with advanced-age pregnancies. The Indian government is preparing to introduce new regulations to address these issues, but the debate over the ethical implications of such treatments continues. Key figures in the discussion include Dr. Anurag Bishnoi, who has facilitated several high-profile advanced-age pregnancies, and Dr. Pushpa Bhargava, who advocates for the right to procreation while emphasizing the need for informed counseling.

India faces deep-rooted corruption that permeates all levels of society, despite being a democracy. Activist Anna Hazare's hunger strike pressured the government to consider the Lokpal bill, aimed at establishing an independent ombudsman to tackle corruption. However, the bill is seen as a limited solution, as corruption is ingrained in both public and private sectors. Recent scandals and the public's acceptance of electoral bribes highlight the pervasive nature of the issue. Innovative solutions, including technology and public awareness campaigns, are proposed, but a cultural shift is essential for meaningful change.

The article discusses the controversy surrounding Arundhati Roy's comments on Kashmir, which sparked national outrage and calls for sedition charges. It critiques the Indian government's heavy-handed approach in Kashmir, highlighting the region's militarization and the suppression of political dissent. The piece underscores the growing anti-India sentiment in Kashmir and the inadequacy of the government's peace measures, while acknowledging the complex geopolitical context.

The article examines the Indian government's counterinsurgency campaign, Operation Green Hunt, against Maoist insurgents in central India. It highlights the deep-rooted social and economic issues that fuel the insurgency and criticizes the government's focus on military solutions over development. The Maoists' strong relationship with the local tribal population is identified as a key factor in their resilience. The article suggests that without addressing the underlying social problems and improving the lives of the tribals, the government's efforts are unlikely to succeed.

The article explores the complex cultural relationship between Pakistan and Bollywood, highlighting the popularity of the film 'My Name Is Khan' in Pakistan despite political tensions. It delves into the historical context of cultural exchanges and bans, the impact of political actions by groups like Shiv Sena and Maharashtra Navnirman Sena, and the eventual lifting of the Bollywood ban by Pervez Musharraf. The narrative underscores the enduring love for Bollywood in Pakistan amidst political and cultural barriers.

The article discusses the phenomenon of criminality in Indian politics, focusing on Mukhtar Ansari, a politician with a criminal background who has managed to maintain significant influence in Uttar Pradesh. Despite facing numerous criminal charges, Ansari has garnered support from local communities, who view him as a protector and benefactor. The article also highlights efforts by organizations like the Public Interest Foundation and the Association for Democratic Reforms to combat the influence of criminals in politics. The narrative underscores the challenges of electoral reform in India, where criminal candidates continue to win seats in parliament.

In the Brahmapuri Forest Division of Chandrapur district in central India, a conflict between humans and tigers is intensifying, with 40 people killed by tigers since 2006. Conservationists attribute the attacks to the depletion of the tigers' natural prey and habitat reduction due to human activities such as farming, logging, and poaching. The Satpuda Foundation's study highlights the decline in traditional prey and the shrinking habitat as key factors. The human population around the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve is increasing, leading to more forest land being cleared. Kishor Rithe of the Satpuda Foundation and B. Majumdar, the region's chief conservator, suggest that human interference and pressure on forests are causing tigers to attack humans, often in self-defense. Villagers, like Nandaji Chalak, rely on forest resources to supplement their income due to inadequate agricultural earnings. The government is urged to create non-forest-based employment to reduce human intrusion into tiger habitats. The rising animosity towards tigers in affected villages contrasts with the coexistence observed in villages within the reserve, where strict enforcement of logging and poaching bans has been effective.

Sampat Pal leads the Gulabi Gang, an all-female vigilante group in Uttar Pradesh, India, fighting against social injustices such as domestic abuse, corruption, and bureaucratic apathy. The group, known for their pink attire, has grown to thousands of members and has taken significant actions, including exposing corruption in the public food distribution system and pressuring officials to improve local infrastructure. Despite facing legal charges and criticism for their methods, the Gulabi Gang is celebrated by locals for their efforts to bring justice and empower women in a patriarchal society.

Lawyers in Mumbai are refusing to defend terrorism suspect Kasab, facing 12 legal counts, due to the gravity of his alleged crimes. The Bombay Metropolitan Magistrate Court's Bar Association and the Legal Aid Panel have both passed resolutions against providing him legal aid. This stance has sparked a national debate on whether lawyers should defend reviled criminals. Some lawyers who showed interest in representing Kasab faced harassment and threats from Shiv Sena activists. Despite the public outcry, lawyer K.B.N. Lam argues for Kasab's right to a fair trial, emphasizing the importance of upholding legal principles even in cases with strong public emotions.

Mumbai's Muslim community, fearing backlash after the November 26 attacks, has so far avoided retribution. Community leaders like Mr Tai and Maulana Burhanuddin Qasmi highlight the inconsistency of terrorism with Islamic tenets and note a shift in public understanding that terrorism transcends religious lines. Despite historical ethnic tensions and socio-economic marginalization, the community remains vigilant against potential discrimination. The article underscores the importance of avoiding religious polarization and channeling public anger into constructive reforms.

Traveling from Colombo to the Jaffna peninsula in Sri Lanka is a grueling experience due to numerous checkpoints and security measures, primarily affecting ethnic Tamils. The region has been isolated for two years due to ongoing conflict with the separatist Tamil Tigers in the Wanni region, disrupting overland access and leaving the local population in a state of repressive isolation.

Colonel Karuna, a former LTTE commander, defected in 2004 to form the Tamil Makkal Viduthalai Pulikkal (TMVP) and now collaborates with the Sri Lankan government against the Tigers. Despite his controversial appointment to parliament and allegations of human rights violations, Karuna remains unperturbed, advocating for Tamil self-determination through parliamentary democracy. He denies external support for his defection and dismisses accusations of past atrocities, attributing them to LTTE attempts to discredit him. His defection significantly weakened the Tigers, contributing to recent government military successes.

Iranian students and political activists face severe repression, including arrests, torture, and deaths in custody, as they protest against the government. The Intelligence Ministry is blamed for the harsh treatment of detainees, while student movements continue to gather momentum despite the crackdown. Human rights organizations express concern over the situation, and the upcoming presidential election is seen as a catalyst for increased government repression.

Iranian rappers are challenging the country's hard-line Islamic mores by producing and distributing underground music, despite facing strict censorship and potential legal repercussions. The rap scene, which includes both male and female artists, appeals to Iran's youthful population and often addresses taboo subjects, leading to clashes with authorities. The government has cracked down on these artists, with some being arrested and their music being filtered online. However, the popularity of rap among the young continues to grow, and some artists remain hopeful for a future where their music is legally accepted.

Afghanistan faces a severe housing crisis, with Kabul's population swelling from 800,000 to over 4 million since 2001, leading to half the city living in squatter settlements. Despite US$4.5 billion invested in rebuilding, little has gone to housing. The Ministry of Urban Development, aided by the World Bank, is upgrading settlements, but housing remains unaffordable for many. A two-bedroom apartment in Kabul can cost US$200 to US$400 a month, a steep increase from 1978. The government plans to build a new town with 100,000 housing units, but the private sector's role is also deemed crucial.

The Chinese and Indian armies are set to conduct their first joint military exercise near Kunming, Yunnan province, involving about 100 troops from each side, as a sign of improving relations despite unresolved border disputes. The exercise, which is an anti-terrorism drill, follows a defence co-operation agreement signed last year and may lead to further military and naval engagements. Trade between the two nations is growing rapidly, and recent strategic moves, such as India's closer ties with the US and China's reiteration of border claims, have not hindered the progress in bilateral confidence building.

Jehangir Raina, an Indian businessman based in Britain, defied conventional wisdom by establishing his IT company, I-Locus, in Kashmir, a region known for its conflict. Despite initial reluctance from clients, the company has attracted over 200 global clients, including Microsoft and Wipro. Raina believes that the perception of threat, rather than the threat itself, deters investment in Kashmir. The region's economy, growing at nearly 5 percent, challenges the notion that conflict hinders economic progress.

Since 2005, Myanmar's military junta has been constructing Naypyidaw, a new capital in a remote jungle, reflecting their grandiose ambitions. The move, shrouded in secrecy and strategic considerations, has led to significant economic strain and public resentment. The construction, managed by business conglomerates like Asia World Company, has faced financial difficulties, with the government defaulting on payments. The junta's decision to invest heavily in the new capital amidst widespread poverty and economic hardship has intensified public anger, with critics labeling it an epic waste of resources. The article highlights the strategic and political motivations behind the relocation, the economic impact on businesses and citizens, and the ongoing political tensions in Myanmar.

HDFC Bank's decision to open a branch in conflict-ridden Kashmir has proven successful, with plans to expand further. Despite the region's insurgency, the local economy shows resilience, and other businesses like I-Locus are also finding opportunities. The region's educated workforce and lower costs are attractive to investors, suggesting significant untapped potential.