After facing harsh criticism for ending her hunger strike, Irom Sharmila seeks support as she plans to run for office.

After facing harsh criticism for ending her hunger strike, Irom Sharmila seeks support as she plans to run for office.

West Bengal long suffered cancerous effects of arsenic-laced water, but projects to provide clean water show promise.
![Arsenic Crisis [Shaikh Azizur Rahman/Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/c3d14e462f874fc3a0366da7a07a1fb7_18.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Confectioners in Indian city of Kolkata make a killing by selling uniquely-designed nirbachoni mishti or poll sweets.

Initiative in Chennai aims to cut out middlemen and get women who carry and deliver children for others a better deal.
![In 2011, some 2,000 childless couples from abroad used the services of Indian surrogate mothers [Ravi Chandran/Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/201432785737200360_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
A cross-section of Muslims share their views, as BJP’s prime ministerial candidate woos them for their votes.
![Muslim voters play a decisive role in more than 100 of India's 543 parliamentary seats [File: EPA]](/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/20143374356390734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Kangaroo courts run by village elders come under scanner following gang rape of woman as “punishment” in West Bengal.
![Maoists are known to hold people's courts where police informers are severely punished [Samir Mondal]](/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/2014131752462734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Thailand’s navy has accused journalists of defamation after a report alleged it helped human traffickers.
![Thousands of Rohingya board boats operated by human traffickers each year aiming to reach Malaysia [Asiapix]](/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/201411122950867734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Launch of Indian TV serial scripted by controversial Bengali author deferred overs fears of unrest.
![Seveal Muslim groups are demanding that Taslima Nasreen be not given shelter in India [Shaikh Azizur Rahman/Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/201312197245354734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Facing religious discrimination in the Hindu-dominated job market, many are forced to assume fake identities.
![A Muslim street vendor in Kolkata dresses up as a Hindu to attact buyers [Shaikh Azizur Rahman /Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/2013129135337826734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)
Islamic seminaries with modern curriculum in eastern Indian state of West Bengal are helping to bridge religious divide.
![More than 60% of the students in Orgram Chatuspalli High Madrassa are non-Muslims [Shaikh Azizur Rahman/Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/2013111815455945734_20.jpeg?resize=270%2C180&quality=80)