Sidhu Moose Wala, regarded as one of the greatest Punjabi artists of his generation, was assassinated last year at 28 years old. From rapper to politician, he used music to shed light on corruption and crime. Or did he use music to cover up his own crimes? Moose Wala released 3 albums and 60 singles within his 4-year career and has the most #1 singles on the Billboard India Songs chart. He became a household name in Punjab and among the diaspora Sikh communities, tackling identity, politics, and freedom. But the Indian government wasn’t a fan of Moose Wala, criticizing him for brandishing guns in his music videos. In fact, the day before he was killed, police reduced his security and Moose Wala was traveling in a non-bulletproof vehicle when he was attacked. Since his murder, police have charged almost thirty people including the largest criminal masterminds in India. This points to a long and complicated trial ahead, filled with conspiracies. So, who was Sidhu Moose Wala really? An artist? A gangster? Or both?

From India to Japan, religions are experimenting with the use of AI and robotics for spiritual customs. Though it’s still a relatively new area, it’s become controversial because of the differing perspectives on its potential benefits and drawbacks. While AI will likely last longer than a regular human lifespan, will it be able to conjure the type of consciousness or spirituality required to lead religion? From Japan to India, there are people who think so. Some Buddhist temples in Japan have used robots to give sermons and interact with visitors, and in India, robotic arms perform aarti–a ritual of offering an oil lamp to a deity. From reciting chants to worship services, we will likely see many more experiments in the years to come. Do you think AI and robotics can provide new opportunities for spiritual growth or are you concerned about the ethical implications?

Oscar-winning RRR is rooted deeply in nationalism and the Hindu idea of revolution. In fact, films like this coming out of India are the only ones making the big screen. As the country becomes more autocratic and surveillant, cinema is where people are pushing back. RRR, which has been watched 45 million times on Netflix and recently won an Oscar, is only one of the many films that have reflected the social issues and societal values in India. In fact, since Modi came into power in 2014, supported by a militant Hindu supremacist group, Indian cinema and Bollywood has changed. University students, film festivals and cultural centers are digging deep into truly revolutionary cinema coming out of India and finding one common thread: they’re all being banned. As the rest of the world consumes Indian films, it’s key to pay attention to how nationalism and Islamophobia are not only normalized but glorified.

In February, 800,000 liters of industrial fuel was dropped into the Mindoro Provinces, Southwest of Manila, home to the highest concentration of marine biodiversity on the planet. The Philippines is now in crisis mode as the oil spill threatens marine life and the local jobs that depend on it. Cleanup costs will be high, with people's health and livelihoods on the line. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. believes the government will be able to contain and clean the spill in the next 4 months, while scientists are concerned that the damage will have long-lasting impacts on the delicate ecosystem. Voiceover Jeremy Kruis Producer Joy Jihyun Jeong Manal Ahmed Head of Production Stephanie Tangkilisan Editor in Chief Keshia Hannam Editor Emily Ma Additional Archival Material Al Jazeera Reuters Krypto Trekker/YouTube Tour Philippines/YouTube ANC Digital Additional Music Waiting for the Answer by Ballian De Moulle

The US Supreme Court is currently debating whether affirmative action discriminates against Asian Americans by giving their spots to less qualified Black candidates. For instance, Calvin Yang - now a student at UC Berkeley - claims that his admission to Harvard was denied because of his race. Many have called this an incredibly disempowering tactic to divide two historically oppressed communities who have benefited from working together. What is true is that the greatest beneficiary of affirmative action is white women–and because they have so rarely been placed at the center of the conversation, they don’t even know it. Affirmative action was implemented off the backs of Black and Asian activists. Meanwhile, 70% white women, whose university enrollments more than doubled after these policies were implemented, oppose it.

Can we get Michelle Yeoh more flowers please? Not only is she the first Malaysian to win the Golden Globes for Best Actress, she’s also 60-years-old and does her own stunts. Yeoh has set the bar in acting, martial arts, stunts, for women, and Asians. How did she get like this? Michelle grew up in a small town in Ipoh, Malaysia, where she dreamed of becoming a ballerina. When those dreams were cut short because of an injury, Michelle discovered martial arts. Since then, she’s set the bar for what women could do on screen: anything. She has performed in death-defying experiences, from riding a motorbike onto a moving train to being thrown off a car, that have even left co-stars like Jackie Chan in a panic. Her father was a tycoon, and even with the narrative of being a silver-spoon fed child, Michelle has moved through Hollywood with grace and grit. She may be a Crazy Rich Asian in her own right, but she’s also worked harder than ever to get where she is today. And her role in “Everything Everywhere All At Once” is just the beginning of Michelle’s journey to represent what she’s capable of.