The beauty pageant scene in Asia has become a battleground for ancient rivalries, as tensions flared during the Miss Grand International competition. The Myanmar team accused the organizers of unfair practices, leading to a heated exchange with Nawat, the founder of the pageant. The incident is part of a broader pattern of cultural and historical tensions between Thailand, Myanmar, and Cambodia, with past conflicts and territorial disputes adding fuel to the fire. Despite the pageant's theme of promoting love and peace, the event has highlighted deep-seated animosities and the potential for further conflict in the region.

Lawrence Bishnoi, a criminal mastermind from Punjab, is accused of running a global hitman ring from prison, with alleged connections to the Indian government and organized crime activities in Canada. His network is implicated in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader in Canada, leading to diplomatic tensions between Canada and India. Bishnoi's operations, reportedly managed from prison, involve extortion, drug smuggling, and targeted killings, with notable figures like Salman Khan and Munawar Faruqui as potential targets. Despite his incarceration, Bishnoi's influence persists, raising questions about his powerful connections and the sustainability of his criminal empire.

The article discusses the release of a Bangladeshi activist from a secret prison following the fall of Hasina's regime, which was marked by enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. The new interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, is committed to investigating these abuses and has signed the UN Convention against Enforced Disappearances. Despite the release of a few political prisoners, many families continue to suffer from the uncertainty of their loved ones' fates. The article highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing past human rights violations and the influence of Hasina's appointees within the security forces.

The article details the recent political upheaval in Bangladesh, where a student-led movement toppled the long-standing regime of Sheikh Hasina. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is composed of students, technocrats, and civil society activists, aiming to reform the country's institutions. Despite challenges such as corruption, human rights abuses, and economic instability, there is optimism for a new era. The article highlights the personal stories of those affected, including the martyrdom of a young protester, Alif, symbolizing the sacrifices made for change.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Asia's youngest prime minister, was elected by Thailand's parliament following intense political maneuvering. Her appointment aims to regain support among disillusioned voters after Pheu Thai's controversial alliance with pro-military parties. Paetongtarn, deeply rooted in Thai politics through her father Thaksin Shinawatra, faces significant challenges in a politically turbulent environment. Despite her youth and relative inexperience, she has shown promise and determination, with her father's influence expected to play a crucial role in her administration.

Thailand's prime minister Srettha was dismissed by the Constitutional Court for violating ethical standards, a ruling that cannot be appealed. The court's decision follows a petition by former military-installed senate members. Srettha's dismissal comes amid political turmoil, with the Move Forward Party recently banned and its leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, barred from politics. Potential candidates for the new prime minister include Thaksin's daughter Paetongtarn, deputy prime minister Anutin Charnvirakul, and former army chief Prawit Wongsuwan. Phumtham Wechayachai is expected to serve as caretaker leader until a new prime minister is elected.

In 1999, the Philippine Navy grounded the Sierra Madre on a shoal in the South China Sea to counter Beijing's maritime claims. The rusting ship now risks igniting a conflict between the US and China, as the Philippines is a US treaty ally. Security experts in Washington and Manila view the South China Sea as a more immediate flashpoint than Taiwan, highlighted by a recent serious clash between Chinese forces and Philippine sailors.

In Delhi's summer heatwave, affluent residents enjoy Scotch whisky, with brands like Ardbeg and Glenfiddich being popular choices. Despite being an expensive indulgence, Scottish distillers hope a new trade deal with India will make their products more accessible in the world's largest whisky market.

Arvind Kejriwal, a prominent opposition leader and Delhi's chief minister, criticizes Narendra Modi's government, accusing it of dictatorship and politically motivated actions. Kejriwal's temporary release by the Supreme Court has allowed him to campaign, energizing the final stages of India's election. The article questions whether Modi's actions are genuine anti-corruption efforts or targeted persecution of political rivals.

The article examines the surge in criminal investigations of opposition leaders during Narendra Modi's decade-long rule, focusing on the role of the Enforcement Directorate (ED). It highlights the arrests of key opposition figures like Arvind Kejriwal and Rahul Gandhi, suggesting that the ED is being used as a tool for political persecution by the BJP. The article also discusses the impact of these actions on the upcoming elections, noting that the opposition is rallying against what they perceive as a dictatorial regime. The sentiment towards Modi and the BJP is largely negative, with accusations of weaponizing the ED to target political foes.