Over 70% of the world's internet shutdowns are in India, read about a new study that discusses the impact of internet shutdowns on journalists and lawyers, particularly in Kashmir and North East India. We have been trying to look at the on-going crisis in Sri Lanka through various lenses, read about how environmental policies played a role in building resistance towards the previous government.

Take a look back at the forest fires that destroyed wildlife and chilgoza trees in Balochistan, and on the subject of forest fires listen to a fascinating podcast about an indigenous practice of fighting forest fires with fire.Over 70% of the world's internet shutdowns are in India, read about a new study that discusses the impact of internet shutdowns on journalists and lawyers, particularly in Kashmir and North East India. We have been trying to look at the on-going crisis in Sri Lanka through various lenses, read about how environmental policies played a role in building resistance towards the previous government. Take a look back at the forest fires that destroyed wildlife and chilgoza trees in Balochistan, and on the subject of forest fires listen to a fascinating podcast about an indigenous practice of fighting forest fires with fire.

How does a former leftie fall for right-wing Trump propaganda? Read one man's dangerous journey towards right wing extremism. This week we have a lot for you to read and enjoy, excerpts from the Booker Prize longlist, poetry from Brazil, and a journalist's letters home from Ukraine. Don't miss the podcast that investigates how one Pakistani man was targeted by the FBI.

Sri Lanka has a new government in power that has immediately instructed the Sri Lankan forces to raid anti-government protest sites. Read and watch the situation in Sri Lanka, told by a reporter who was also beaten by the police at the protest site. A few months ago we had shared news of Lakshadweep, where a new administration has been implementing laws to change the lives of the local, largely Muslim population. In the latest slew of changes, ships connecting the islands to the mainland, required particularly for medical help, have been stopped. This long interview between Burmese soldiers and the BBC about the atrocities that they committed against civilians is difficult to read, but important to understand the seemingly never ending struggle for democracy of the Burmese community. Listen to a personal podcast, 'How Home Disappeared' a reflection on Gujarat 2002, working in relief camps and difficult experiences of Muslim identity.

Biometric data was collected by the US military while it was stationed in Afghanistan. This sensitive personal data of the Afghan people is now in the hands of the Taliban. Many fear that this data can be used to find Afghans who have stood up against the Taliban. Read more to understand this complicated, intensive and invasive data collection on-going in Afghanistan. For many communities in Bangladesh, going into the Sundarbans everyday is critical to their livelihood and survival. Now, a new law is banning their entry for a period of three months. For indigenous communities that don't know any other way of life, this approach to conservation has led to arrests. With the changing abortion policies in America, we took a look at India's law on abortion. And while the law in India is fairly open to abortion, read to understand just how difficult it can be to get access to birth control pills in a metro city like Chennai.

If you were a woman with opinions in the 1800's you may have found yourself strapped to a metal device and dunked in water. Read the bizarre history of early modern England where outspoken women were immersed in lakes and rivers. This illustrator drew out the meaning of her name, in a series of beautiful, fantastical sketches. For your long read this week, sit down with the story of abuse, silence, questionable residential schools and suicide in the Inuit communities of Canada. Pick up something lighter by tuning out a bit with a podcast about the power of reality TV.

We begin by focusing on the continuing political and economic crisis in Sri Lanka, read about how the Sri Lanka crisis is not just about the economy but has a long history of discrimniation against minorities. In Nepal, community based seed banks are transforming agriculture by preserving indigenous seeds. India's first trans pilot is struggling to find acceptance, read for yourself to understand the multiple confusing stands of the DGCA. This weekend, enjoy the rains with the voice of Abida Parveen singing a beautiful sufi song.

An odd group of activists- a priest, a digital marketing strategist and a playwright among others banded together to help start a popular uprising, pictures of which have been all over the internet. Read about how this group of activists came together and succeeded beyond their wildest dreams. Musicians in Afghanistan sold all their instruments when the Taliban came to power, and now as undocumented refugees they hope to be able to play and promote their music in Pakistan. In the latest spate of communal rumors spreading through India, read about 'flood jihad' a communal rumor excaberating the suffering in Silchar, where villages and towns have been completely submerged. If you're feeling brave and ready for a hard listen, hear the story of a Russian woman in an Iranian prison, the price of her freedom, a guard in love with her.

Japan's former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was killed last week, this in-depth read provides some understanding of the Unification Church and its relationship with Abe, the organisation that the shooter claimed he held a grudge against. The Uber Files are shedding light on a lot more than questionable lobbying, read an interview with the whistleblower. Is a Hot Dog a sandwich? Find out in this week's podcast.