What's happened
India's lack of recent census data complicates governance, especially in Bihar, amid political tensions. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, the deaths of TikTok influencers highlight systemic violence against women, with authorities arresting suspects but failing to address underlying issues.
What's behind the headline?
India's Census and Political Stability
The absence of recent census data in India hampers effective governance, especially in populous states like Bihar, which is crucial for national politics. The lack of registration and demographic clarity fuels political uncertainty and weakens state capacity.
Pakistan's Civil Registration and Women's Safety
Pakistan's high rate of unregistered children, driven by poverty and remote living conditions, complicates governance and social services. The recent violent deaths of TikTok influencers expose systemic failures in protecting women and ensuring justice. Authorities' arrests suggest reactive measures, but deeper societal issues remain unaddressed.
Broader Implications
Both stories underscore the importance of civil registration and accurate data for effective governance. The political instability in India and systemic violence in Pakistan reflect broader regional challenges, including governance gaps, social inequality, and gender-based violence. These issues will likely persist unless structural reforms are prioritized, with potential impacts on regional stability and development.
What the papers say
Bloomberg highlights India's demographic ambiguity, emphasizing the political implications of outdated census data, especially in Bihar, which is pivotal for national stability. The article notes that India hasn't conducted a census since 2011, complicating governance.
Gulf News reports on Pakistan's high number of unregistered children, with UNICEF estimating 60% of Pakistani children lack birth certificates. This civil registration gap is rooted in poverty and remote living conditions.
Further, Gulf News details recent violence against women social media influencers in Pakistan, including TikToker Sumeera Rajput, who died from poisoning. Authorities have arrested suspects but have yet to address systemic issues of violence and justice for women.
Contrasting perspectives reveal that while India struggles with demographic data affecting governance, Pakistan faces immediate social crises—unregistered children and violence—highlighting systemic failures in civil registration and women's safety. Both stories underscore the importance of structural reforms to improve governance and social stability.
How we got here
India hasn't conducted a nationwide census since 2011, leading to unreliable population data. This affects governance and political stability, especially in states like Bihar, where development scores are low. In Pakistan, unregistered children and violence against women, especially social media influencers, reveal systemic failures in civil registration and women's protection, with recent deaths sparking outrage.
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Common question
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What’s Behind the Rising Social and Security Issues in Asia and the US?
Recent headlines reveal a complex web of social unrest, regional tensions, and governance challenges across Asia and the US. From protests linked to foreign influence to rising violence and political instability, these issues are shaping the future of these regions. Curious about what’s driving these developments and how they impact everyday life? Below, we explore the key questions and answers to help you understand the latest trends and concerns.
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Pakistan, officially the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, is a country in South Asia. It is the world's fifth-most populous country with a population exceeding 212.2 million. It is the 33rd-largest country by area, spanning 881,913 square kilometres.