According to data from the Air Quality Index (IQAir) released on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 9:18 a.m., Lahore, Pakistan, recorded the highest level of air pollution in the world. The city’s air quality score reached 390, placing it in the hazardous category. Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, ranked second with a score of 250, indicating very unhealthy air conditions. Kolkata, India, followed in third place with a score of 218, also classified as very unhealthy.

The IQAir index categorizes air quality based on numerical scores: 0–50 is considered good, 51–100 moderate, 101–150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151–200 unhealthy, 201–300 very unhealthy, and above 301 hazardous. The latest readings highlight severe air pollution across major South Asian cities, with Lahore’s air quality reaching a dangerous level and Dhaka’s remaining critically poor.

The report underscores persistent air quality challenges in the region, signaling ongoing health and environmental risks for urban populations if pollution levels remain high.

India and Pakistan’s cricket relations have sharply deteriorated since their four-day cross-border conflict in May 2025. The tension resurfaced during the T20 World Cup and Asia Cup, where political overtones overshadowed the matches. The controversy began when India’s Suryakumar Yadav refused the customary handshake with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha, citing the April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. The Indian team later avoided post-match handshakes, and Pakistan protested against match referee Andy Pycroft, delaying their next game.

Subsequent encounters saw heated exchanges, symbolic gestures referencing the May conflict, and mutual complaints to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The Asia Cup final escalated tensions further when India refused to accept the trophy from Pakistan’s Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the Asian Cricket Council president and Pakistan’s interior minister. The ICC later fined several players, including Yadav and Haris Rauf, for breaching its code of conduct.

The political strain extended to the T20 World Cup, with Pakistan initially announcing a boycott of its February 15 match against India in solidarity with Bangladesh, before reversing the decision after appeals from other cricket boards.

The upcoming 2026 T20 World Cup, once expected to be a global cricket celebration, has been clouded by political tensions in South Asia. Disputes among India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh have disrupted the festive atmosphere before the tournament begins. India refused to play in Pakistan during the Champions Trophy, prompting Pakistan to decline matches in India. Bangladesh protested the removal of Mustafizur Rahman from the IPL and requested to move its World Cup matches to Sri Lanka, citing safety concerns. The ICC, reportedly influenced by India, rejected the request and replaced Bangladesh with Scotland.

Amid the turmoil, Pakistan announced it would not play India even at a neutral venue, intensifying the crisis. The political storm has cast uncertainty over the entire tournament, which had been fully prepared with venues, schedules, and broadcast plans. Cricket fans across the region now fear that politics may overshadow the sport’s spirit.

The article concludes that despite the tension, there remains hope that once the games begin, attention will return to cricket’s beauty and unity, rather than division.

Columnist Mahmudur Rahman argues that India has become increasingly isolated in global and regional politics following its military and diplomatic setbacks. He describes how India’s dominance in South Asia, once symbolized by its size and economic power, has eroded after Pakistan’s technological and strategic advances, particularly in the 2025 air conflict. The article claims that Pakistan, with Chinese support, achieved notable success using advanced digital warfare tactics, while India suffered significant losses and international embarrassment.

Rahman writes that the United States, China, and Russia have reassessed their positions toward South Asia, with Washington reportedly recognizing Pakistan’s victory in the brief conflict. He contends that India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist policies and strained foreign relations have further isolated the country. The author also criticizes Bangladeshi political parties for maintaining fear-driven policies toward India despite shifting geopolitical realities.

The piece concludes by praising Bangladesh’s interim government under Muhammad Yunus for taking a firm stance against Indian influence and urges younger political leaders to maintain independence in foreign policy.

Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar publicly shook hands with Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq in Dhaka on the last day of 2025. The two met during the funeral of former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, attended by several South Asian leaders. The gesture, made in the presence of diplomats, contrasted sharply with recent refusals by Indian cricket teams to shake hands with Pakistani players.

Analysts in Pakistan described the handshake as a rare sign of warmth in long-frozen relations, while some Indian commentators downplayed its significance. The meeting followed months of heightened hostility, including a deadly attack in Kashmir, India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, and a brief air conflict in May 2025. Former Pakistani ambassador Sardar Masood Khan called the handshake a diplomatic signal that likely had high-level approval, though he cautioned that major obstacles remain.

Experts suggested that limited dialogue and confidence-building measures could help stabilize ties. However, persistent mistrust and India’s tougher stance since 2019 make any near-term reconciliation uncertain.

A recent editorial cartoon published in Pakistan’s influential English-language daily *Dawn* has stirred new diplomatic discussions across South Asia. The cartoon, released on December 21, 2025, depicts Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi standing before a large tiger labeled “Bangladesh.” Analysts interpret the image, drawn by artist Rohait Bhagwant, as symbolizing Bangladesh’s growing confidence and shifting dynamics in its relationship with India. The artwork quickly went viral on social media, prompting debates about regional power balances.

In response, a youth leader from Pakistan’s ruling Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML–N) issued a strong warning to India. Kamran Saeed Usmani stated in a video message that Pakistan’s military and missiles are ready to defend Bangladesh’s sovereignty if threatened. He further accused India of pursuing an “Akhand Bharat” agenda and proposed a military alliance between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Analysts caution that any such alignment could significantly alter South Asia’s strategic equilibrium, signaling renewed regional tension.

A World Bank report released on November 24 warns that by 2030, around 90% of South Asia’s population will be exposed to extreme heat, while one in four people will face flood risks. The report highlights that rising salinity in water and soil will make life increasingly difficult in coastal areas. It criticizes current climate adaptation measures as low-cost and largely symbolic, noting the lack of substantial government initiatives. Jean Pem, World Bank Division Director, emphasized that Bangladesh is facing severe environmental challenges, which could worsen unless early disaster warning systems, smart agriculture, and adaptation budgets are expanded. Siddhartha Sharma, the Bank’s Chief Economist for South Asia, added that Bangladesh’s climate response remains slow, urging stronger collaboration between public and private sectors to accelerate action against the growing climate crisis.

As winter returns to South Asia, markets fill with fresh water chestnuts, a seasonal fruit celebrated for its crisp texture and remarkable nutritional value. Rich in potassium, manganese, copper, vitamin B6, and antioxidants, water chestnuts support heart health, brain function, and immunity—especially vital during the cold season. The fruit’s complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy without spiking blood sugar, making it ideal for students, athletes, and professionals. High fiber content aids digestion and prevents constipation, while its hydrating nature helps maintain electrolyte balance. Low in calories and high in fiber, it also supports weight management. Antioxidants and vitamin E contribute to healthier skin and hair, and its low glycemic index makes it safe for diabetics when consumed in moderation. Whether eaten raw, boiled, or as flour, water chestnuts remain a versatile, gluten-free, and nutrient-dense food choice for winter wellness.