Welcome to the February 2023 archive of South Asian Regional News. If you’re wondering what mattered most across the subcontinent last month, you’re in the right spot. We’ve pulled together the biggest stories from politics, business, sports, entertainment, and culture so you can catch up in a few minutes.
February kicked off with a buzz around India’s state elections in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab. Voter turnout hit a record, and the results reshaped the power balance ahead of the national polls. In Pakistan, the government pushed a new tax reform package that sparked lively debates in the parliament and street protests in Karachi. Bangladesh saw the Prime Minister announce a major infrastructure push, promising new highways and rail lines to boost regional trade. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s parliament passed a controversial amendment on media freedom, prompting a wave of commentary online.
On the economic front, the Indian rupee steadied after a shaky start to the year, helped by higher foreign inflows into tech stocks. Nepal’s tourism board launched a digital campaign to revive visitor numbers after the pandemic lull, and early signs showed a modest rise in bookings for trekking routes. In Bhutan, a new hydro‑electric project with Nepal drew interest from investors looking for clean‑energy opportunities. The Maldives reported a boost in luxury resort bookings, signaling a rebound in high‑end tourism. Across the region, startup ecosystems kept humming, with notable funding rounds for fintech firms in Pakistan and health‑tech ventures in Bangladesh.
Sports fans had plenty to cheer about. The Indian Premier League wrapped up its season with a thrilling final, and the winning team celebrated a record‑breaking run chase. Cricket saw a historic Test match between India and England, where a debutant bowler grabbed a five‑wicket haul on debut. In football, the Indian Super League reached its knockout stage, while Nepal’s national team earned a surprising draw against a higher‑ranked side in the Asian qualifiers. Nepal’s marathon runners also set new personal bests in a cross‑border race held across the border with India.
Entertainment buzz was strong too. Bollywood released two blockbuster movies that topped box‑office charts within weeks, and a popular Pakistani drama series broke streaming records on regional platforms. Bangladesh’s music scene saw a new wave of indie artists gaining traction on social media, while Sri Lanka celebrated the release of a critically acclaimed Sinhala film at the international film festival. Cultural festivals like Holi in India and the Nepali New Year brought vibrant street celebrations, colorful processions, and a surge in local craft sales.
So, whether you’re catching up on political shifts, market trends, sports highlights, or cultural moments, this February archive covers the key happenings that shaped South Asia. Dive into the stories, relive the excitement, and stay informed about the region that never stops moving.
The average annual salary in India is $1,964. This is significantly lower than the average salary in the United States, which is around $44,564. Salaries in India vary greatly by industry and occupation, with those in the IT, engineering, and medical sectors earning higher salaries than those in the retail, hospitality, and agricultural industries. Additionally, salaries are higher in urban areas compared to rural areas. Overall, wages in India remain much lower than wages in the United States, due to India's large population and the limited number of high-paying jobs available.
This article looks at the common perception that Indian food is always spicy, and whether this is true. It examines the variety of Indian cuisine, and the regional differences in spice levels. It also examines the role of chilli peppers in Indian cooking, and how this contributes to the perception of spice. It concludes that Indian food is not always spicy, and that there are a variety of regional and cultural factors that can influence the flavors of Indian cuisine.
