How high can K-beauty rise?
Korea’s cosmetics exports hit a record $10.2 billion in 2024. With the spread of K-beauty trends around the world, even countries with strong local beauty industries, such as…
The paradox of Bhutan’s water crisis
Despite an estimated 80 billion cubic meters of available water, some communities face chronic scarcity.
Influenza and pneumonia, a dangerous combination
Vaccination, hygiene, and early detection remain key to defence.
Making sense of impunity in Asia and beyond
Per the 2024 Atlas of Impunity report, impunity remains a worldwide problem despite global, regional averages remaining “relatively stable.”
The missing children of Karachi — how the state is failing its most vulnerable
In the last two months, 56 children, between the ages of zero and 18, were kidnapped across Karachi; 22 of them are still missing.
Nightmare from Malaysia to Myanmar
The Star interviewed a victim of a human trafficking syndicate, who was smuggled from Thailand to Myanmar. For the next 11 months, he was beaten up, tasered, and forced to work…
Breaking hearts and the bank: The cost of heart attack, stroke in the Philippines
Heart diseases remain the country’s leading causes of death.
In the Philippines, the curious case of the vanishing holiday—EDSA People Power no more?
This year, Filipinos were reminded (once again) of something missing: February 25, the anniversary of the EDSA People Power revolution, which was quietly struck off the…
16th anniversary of Bangladesh Rifles revolt: Memories, trials and tribulations
Children of three slain army officials speak to The Daily Star about their experience during the BDR carnage on February 25-26, 2009, the false narratives surrounding the…
Farmers in Nepal’s Rukum West suffer as climate change bites
Droughts, crop failures and rising pest infestations lead farmers in mid-western Nepal to an uncertain future.