South Asia Weekly | XIV; 2

Bhutan: Regional grouping a should for financial revival

Sohini Nayak 

The financial system of the small and landlocked Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan is predominantly based mostly on agriculture, accounting for 60 % of employment, together with cottage industries, tourism, hydroelectricity and native manufacturing. Nevertheless, following the Covid-19 pandemic, the financial system has kind of crumbled with a 3.5 % contraction in actual GDP (2020). Whereas the World Financial institution suggests an annual GDP progress price of 1.eight % in 2021, the varied methods of reaching the determine nonetheless stays unclea, with the structural framework for execution too remaining rudimentary.

The structural weaknesses within the nation’s financial establishments at the moment are part of this developmental emergency, requiring some severe rebooting of the monetary system. Although financial stimulus package deal and restoration plans from the present pandemic-induced financial disaster have been rolled out by the United Nations Growth Program (UNDP), the creation of a global neighborhood that may come ahead for assist has develop into the necessity of the hour.

Three essential pointers put forth by the UNDP particularly for the growing international locations embody sources to assist cease the unfold of the virus, help to reply in the course of the outbreak itself and sources to stop the financial collapse of growing international locations. The pandemic would require the creation of companion networks that may construct a system and work throughout the system. That is all of the extra related to the marginalised and weak teams, minimizing the long-term influence, responding to the challenges.

Can India assist?

India is undoubtedly Bhutan’s largest buying and selling companion, accounting for round 80 per cent of exports and 84 % of imports. Whereas India too goes by means of a strenuous financial restoration, the current statements by Indian Ambassador to Bhutan, Ruchira Kamboj, are reassuring. It was clearly talked about that the lockdown has opened one more alternative to strengthen the connection between the 2 international locations with the seamless motion of important in addition to non-essential commodities. Moreover, re-prioritisation of schemes below the 12^th 5 Yr Plan for Bhutan to intensify the financial targets too has occurred with an Financial Stimulus Plan of Nu 30 billion.

Allocation of sources for well being is part of this plan and requires particular point out. Points like hygiene, sanitation to the provision of correct well being administration methods and waste administration methods have been talked about as essential pillars of the third standards specified within the official doc. India, on this state of affairs, is usually a main assist companion.

One of many foremost requirements of Bhutan is the procurement of the Covid-19 vaccine from India. Bhutan’s Ambassador to India Vetsop Namgyel has acknowledged that “Vaccines in India are those which might be best to manage and transport. Most international locations will profit from it. India is understood to supply in bulk portions, as soon as permitted it may be rolled out shortly.”

Nevertheless, this concept has its personal set of challenges as a very powerful border-points between India and Bhutan at Jaigaon and Phuensholing respectively are but once more below a severe risk of the virus. A brand new lockdown for 2 weeks has been imposed as studies of individuals not going by means of the seven days of quarantine are coming by means of.

Such circumstances have supposedly given rise to new Covid circumstances within the capital of Thimpu and Paro, with the nation’s first-ever Covid-19 loss of life reported now. The federal government couldn’t maintain on to the closed borders for a really very long time as India can also be an important vacation spot for Bhutanese labour market as nicely. It’s shut and simply accessible by means of various methods of connectivity like roadways, railways and airways.

Dependable relationships

Bhutan should create dependable relationships with different international locations that may provide the framework of a global neighborhood. One such neighborhood may be the South Asian community. The whole area has had a complete regional financial output contraction of 6.7 %. Nonetheless, the World Financial institution has predicted the area to develop by 3.Three % in 2021 and three.eight % in 2022, thereby giving a possibility for landlocked international locations like Bhutan to maneuver ahead together with the remainder.

The nation can put money into its major highlights like tourism and hydroelectricity to bolster financial power as soon as once more as part of the joint cooperation mechanism, to get not solely the area again on monitor but additionally serving to itself out of the state of affairs.

---

India: Understanding the structural drivers for political defections

Ambar Kumar Ghosh

Political defections are one of the crucial ubiquitous phenomena of democratic politics in India. There have been current cases of defections within the poll-bound State of West Bengal from the State’s ruling social gathering Trinamool Congress (TMC) to the Bharatiya Janata Get together (BJP) which has made regular political inroads in West Bengal, and in addition defections by JD (U) legislators to BJP in Arunachal Pradesh.

These notable defections have as soon as once more introduced the problem of political defections to the forefront. Political defections, which denotes a change of political loyalty of a celebration legislator or group of legislators who switches over to a different social gathering within the inter-election years, have formidable bearing on the character of social gathering system and electoral illustration in a democracy.

Setting the context

The anathema of defections has been a distinguished characteristic of Indian political discourse, like in lots of different democracies, for the reason that graduation of Indian democratic politics. Rampant cases of defections throughout events turned a modus operandi of Indian politics leading to incessant dislodging of democratically elected governments by rival events by means of orchestrated defection, particularly on the state degree in India.

The proliferation of such practices resulted within the enactment of the anti-defection legislation in India in 1985. Thereafter, the following unfolding of political developments revealed that the anti-defection laws has largely did not stall the menace of defections and it continues to happen unabated even right this moment. With the rise of Bharatiya Janata Get together because the dominant political power in Indian politics since 2014,a plethora of defections from the politically weaker Congress social gathering and different regional events who joined the BJP at numerous factors of occasions within the final six years, have continued the pattern.

Moral paradox

The thought of political defections has all the time concerned a paradoxical moral query within the follow of democratic politics. The act of sudden abandonment of the social gathering to which the defector belonged and switching to a different social gathering (typically rival events) after successful the election below the banner of the sooner social gathering, is basically perceived as an act of political impropriety and opportunism.

Nevertheless, it’s troublesome and empirically untenable to make a transparent distinction between defections which might be accomplished solely for speedy political features and ones that takes locations attributable to ideational or ideological grounds as many a occasions each the elements may be inextricably enmeshed with one another. Nevertheless, the very act of defection cannot solely be a product of unethical politics.

Slightly, defections may also be perceived as devices for upholding democratic rules of equality, lodging and justice. As identified by political scientist Gopal Guru, “It’s typically claimed that the choice to defect is pushed by the urgency to defend one’s political autonomy and stand by the rules of democracy and justice. Thus, in defection, such defectors might select to discover a “noble” trigger.

From the defector’s viewpoint, defection could also be handled as an ethical protest is geared toward restoring democracy, each inside the social gathering in query and in selling democratic spirit within the polity. Such defectors, of their feat of self-righteousness, can also find the worth of justice within the act of crossing over to different events. Put otherwise, such strikes of defection are seen as fascinating as if they had been pushed by bigger issues for justice; justice that anticipates the social gathering bosses to deal with their leaders with equity and dignity.” This creates an intractable moral dilemma in electoral democracies with regard to the act of defection.

Anti-defection legislation 

Nevertheless, as the method of defection has continued to foment political instability regardless of the anti-defection legislation, the main focus of debate has largely been on makes an attempt to revamp the anti-defection laws for making it simpler and stringent. As mentioned by political analysist Chakshu Roy, ‘a legalistic strategy’ has been taken “to handle the issue of defection, however political points require political options”.

Roy additional defined that the strategy of bringing within the legislation to resolve the issue of shifting political loyalties of the legislators is replete with challenges. Roy notably factors out that the authorized framework focuses solely on imposing punitive measures on the defectors for altering events, however leaves apart the political events who ought to be made liable for defection as they’re the principle drivers of engineering defections and destabilising elected governments dominated by their opponents.

Other than this, the character of social gathering organisation and the extent of internal social gathering democracy additionally performs a pivotal function in impacting the character of defections in political events in India. Students Pradeep Chhibber, Francesca Refsum Jensenius and Pavithra Suryanarayan of their essential paper, “Get together organisation and social gathering proliferation in India” argues that events with stronger organisational self-discipline the place there are clearly established and clear guidelines of political mobility, decision-making, election ticket distribution, witnesses lesser cases of political defection.

It is because, in such organised and extra democratic events, the members really feel extra assured of getting a certain profession development inside the social gathering if they will diligently serve the social gathering. Quite the opposite, the events which have weaker organisation and are largely personality-centric are extra vulnerable to defections as choice are largely taken based mostly on the supreme chief’s whims with nepotistic concerns.

As, clear decision-making and political mobility guidelines are absent, the members really feel insecure about their political profession inside the social gathering and therefore resort to defections to different events or float new political outfits. Therefore, the paper emphasises that the upper diploma of internal social gathering democracy and organisational coherence disincentives the social gathering members from defecting as they really feel secured about their political profession in a extra democratic and organised social gathering construction. Alternatively, events that are run on the only real arbitrary diktats of the very best chief, factionalism and character clashes inside the decrease rungs of management would possibly extra possible set off defection for concerns of higher political profession of the disgruntled leaders. 

In direction of a cohesive strategy

So, it’s undeniably true that the method of defection has posed challenges of political instability and electoral volatility in established democracies like India. However, sole emphasis of electoral and anti-defections legislation is much less more likely to deal with the issue.

A deeper evaluation of the working of the social gathering constructions and management fashion is critical to unravel the basic elements that create the breeding grounds for defection aside from the speedy palpable issues. Solely a coherent strategy in direction of ushering in constructive reforms for enhancing the functioning of events, can guarantee long-term options to such inevitable challenges in a democracy.

---

Nation Studies

Afghanistan

Peace talks resume in Doha

The negotiating staff of the Afghanistan authorities started the second spherical of the Intra-Afghan talks with the Taliban on January 5 at Doha, after discussing the newest developments and pointers with the management committee of the Excessive Council for Nationwide Reconciliation. US Particular envoy Zalmay Khalilzad has stated that he was returning to Doha with the expectations that each events who’re working in the perfect curiosity of the Afghan individuals will make ‘tangible progress’ within the second rounds of the talks. The UNAMA additionally welcomed the return of the negotiators. The rising violence on floor and the Afghan structure might be among the key factors within the agenda. Taliban’s spokesperson, Mohammad Naeem talked about that they’re firmly dedicated to the peace settlement and anticipate the Authorities facet to reveal the identical as working teams from each side commenced additional negotiations on 9 January.

Taliban denies involvement

The Taliban has denied any form of involvement within the collection of focused killings that has taken the lives of many journalists, authorities officers, safety forces and civil society activists in the previous few months. In a press release, the Taliban condemned the killings and referred to as it ‘detrimental’ to the nation. The Afghan authorities however blamed the Taliban for the killings. Mohammad Sarwar Danish, Afghanistan’s second vp talked about that the enemies of Afghanistan are attacking the nation’s acquire to create ‘concern and chaos’, to ‘provoke’ individuals, to realize benefit within the peace talks and create a state of affairs of a ‘stalemate’.

Pak condemns assault

Pakistan has referred to as upon the Afghanistan Authorities act towards terrorist teams, after a Pakistani soldier was killed in a cross-border assault that focused a navy publish within the Northwest Frontier. The spokesperson for Pakistan’s overseas ministry, Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri condemned the assault within the Mohmand district and the usage of Afghanistan’s soil to hold out such assaults. He referred to as upon the Afghan authorities to take actions towards the terrorists and terrorist teams concentrating on Pakistani forces. Nobody has owned up accountability for the assault however such assaults have been carried out by the Pakistan Taliban previously.

Police official killed

Naqibullah Sultanzai, the police chief of the Ghorian district, with three different safety power members had been killed in an assault by a dozen Taliban fighters within the Herat Province. The assault occurred on the district governor’s constructing and the police headquarters of the Ghorian district. The Herat safety officers haven’t commented something on the assault.

Bangladesh

Govt ‘short-sighted’

The opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Get together (BNP) has charged that the Awami League (AL) Authorities of Prime Minister Hasina was ‘short-sighted’ because it was in search of to acquire Covid vaccine by means of a 3rd social gathering with out doing so instantly from the producers. This can price the nation extra, the BNP stated including that there was additionally the added uncertainty of the nation having the ability to procure the vaccine within the first place.

Movie on ‘Bangabandhu’

Indian film-maker Shyam Benegal might be directing a characteristic movie on ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, a three way partnership between the 2 international locations, as a part of his start centenary celebrations. Arifin Shuvoo is enjoying the function of the ‘Father of the Nation’ and first Prime Minister of Bangladesh. A workshop on the movie’s making is being held in Mumbai, India, to be adopted by capturing for the movie. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina hosted the movie’s forged at her residence, and Shuvoo stated that it was because the ‘daughter of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and never because the incumbent PM’.

Bhutan

First Covid loss of life

The brand new Covid-19 circumstances in Thimpu and Paro have led to the primary associated loss of life within the nation. The sufferer had acute liver associated illnesses previous to being affected by the virus. The nation has additionally procured particular physique baggage from Copenhagen to wrap the useless physique, in an effort to keep away from any additional complication.

‘No quarantine’ nightmare

Regardless of repeated efforts by the federal government to stick to the seven days quarantine coverage, particularly from the Purple zones, it has been noticed that guidelines are being damaged. This has been most famous in Phuentsholing, sharing the border with India’s Jaigaon. This pattern can also be liable for the rising circumstances in Thimpu and Paro. Given the delicate financial system of the nation with individuals shedding on their jobs, this situation has develop into all of the extra rampant, as they wish to cross over to India, to their respective work locations or vice versa.

India

PM to satisfy CMs on vaccination drive

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ready to satisfy the chief ministers of the states this week in an effort to talk about the COVID19 state of affairs and the continued planning of rolling out of the COVID19 vaccines within the coming months. India’s drug regulators have just lately permitted Oxford Vaccine Covid Defend and Covaxin that are being manufactured by the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech for emergency use.

Farmers’ stir continues

The protracted protests by the farmers towards the three farm legal guidelines handed by the Centre continues in Delhi. The eighth spherical of talks between the federal government and the farmer teams have resulted in a impasse final week. The farmers have continued to uphold their demand of repealing the farm legal guidelines and the Central authorities continues to keep up its stand of negotiating the disputed points of the legal guidelines with the farmers to work out an answer. The following assembly is more likely to be held on 15 January.

Maldives

Native polls in April?

Nation-wide elections for the native councils and girls growth councils are more likely to be held on Three April, Elections Fee’s Chairman Ahmed Shareef has tweeted since. Due in April 2020, the polls had been postponed after nationwide well being emergency within the face of Covid-19 pandemic, and its repeated extensions. To facilitate the elections, Parliament is assembly in a particular session on 13 January, to cross amendments to the Particular Provisions Act on Native Council Elections, for holding the elections in the course of the forex of well being emergency, and in addition to empower the EC to repair a ballot date in the course of the emergency. Initially, ruling Maldivian Democratic Get together (MDP) of President Ibrahim Solih had toyed with the thought of extending the time period of the native councils to 5 years, pre-Covid, owing to apprehensions about doable losses.

Yameen case verdict quickly

The Excessive Court docket is anticipated to pronounce its verdict on jailed former President Abdulla Yameen’s enchantment, difficult his conviction and five-year jail time period in a money-laundering case whereas he was in workplace (2013-18). The decision will influence on the upcoming nation-wide native council polls, and in addition over the long run, main as much as the 2024 presidential elections. Either side have a proper to enchantment to the Supreme Court docket, which is the ultimate arbiter. The Excessive Court docket listening to had dragged on owing to Covid lockdown, and Yameen’s defence had additionally charged the upper judiciary with delay within the matter.

Myanmar

Trafficking victims detained

Almost 100 Rohingyas smuggled from Myanmar’s conflict-scarred Rakhine state had been arrested in a raid in Yangon on 7 January, with authorities saying they’d been headed to Malaysia as a part of a trafficking community. Myanmar reported a complete of 111 human-trafficking circumstances in its states and areas final yr. Throughout the entire of 2020, 167 individuals together with 39 younger ladies had been victimized whereas 339 traffickers had been charged in reference to the circumstances. Regionally, Shan state registered with 37 circumstances, adopted by Yangon area with 30 circumstances in addition to Mandalay area and Kachin state with 10 circumstances every, amongst others.

Polls earlier than February

Myanmar’s navy, backing a requirement of the Arakan Military (AA) amid a fragile ceasefire prolonged until the tip of 31 January has referred to as on 7 January for elections to be held by 1 February in components of Rakhine and Shan states. Voting had been cancelled in these respective areas earlier than the eight November basic elections for safety causes. The elections should be held earlier than newly elected lawmakers are sworn in for the second Union parliament managed to start with of February. It is going to be attention-grabbing to observe whether or not such an election is held and if held whether or not it makes any distinction within the earlier outcomes.

Nepal

Nation-wide protest

The primary opposition of the country- the Nepali Congress has demonstrated a widescale mass protest towards the dissolution of the Home of Representatives (HoR). This occasion was additionally according to the agenda for the midterm elections which were finalized for April 30 and Could 10. They’re decided to return again to energy as soon as once more.

FM to go to Delhi

Amidst a whole lot of hypothesis, Overseas Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali’s go to to New Delhi has been finalised for January 14. The event is the joint fee assembly – the very best bilateral framework between the 2 international locations. This would be the first official go to from Kathmandu after the political map and boundary fiasco, though a number of visits from the neighbor to the Himalayan nation has already been witnessed within the current previous.

Pakistan

Lakhvi imprisoned

The mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai assaults, Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, chief of proscribed organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was sentenced 5 years imprisonment by Lahore Anti-Terrorism (ATC) in terror financing case. Lakhvi was additionally fined 300,000 Pakistani rupees and the court docket additionally requested legislation enforcement companies to arrest the co-accused Abu Anas Mohsin. Within the assertion the ATC stated that Lakhvi was working a medical dispensary for assortment and disbursement of the phobia associated funds. It’s pertinent to say that these arrests are made to dodge the blacklisting by FATF in upcoming subsequent session. Pakistan is already below Gray Record and has handed many FATF associated legal guidelines to avoid wasting Islamabad from Blacklist.

Mourners name off Quetta sit-in

The Hazara mourners agreed to name off their protests and bury the slain after assurances from Prime Minister Imran Khan and armed forces chief. Each military chief and PM will go to the households of slain in Quetta right this moment in response to the demand of the Hazara protesters. The federal government negotiators managed to influence the protesters late Friday to name off their protest. In response to a member of Hazara Shuhada Committee, “All of our calls for have been accepted,” together with the compensation for the killed. The protests began on 03 January, when eleven colliers, from the Hazara neighborhood had been killed by Islamic State terrorists. It’s pertinent to say right here that Hazara neighborhood largely Shias face issues on behalf of state as nicely and even Imran Khan stated that these mourners try to blackmail him.

Sri Lanka

Jaishankar meets President, PM

In what is taken into account the primary full-fledged go to by India’s Exterior Affairs Minister S Jaishankar after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa took over in November 2019, the customer met with a number of political leaders, together with the highest two within the Authorities hierarchy. Jaishankar met with President Gotabaya, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, Overseas Minister Dinesh Gunawardena and Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda, from the Authorities facet, and in addition the SJB Chief of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa, former UNP Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe aside from leaders of the Tamil Nationwide Alliance (TNA) and a few Upcountry Tamil teams. The discussions with Authorities leaders centred on bilateral relations, additionally with explicit reference to Colombo resolving the long-standing ethnic situation by means of a political resolution below 13-A, which has additionally since been pressured by the Tamil events. The go to assumes added significance within the face of the UNHRC debate and vote on Excessive Commissioner Michele Bachelet’s report, due in March.

Row over demolition

Tense state of affairs prevailed within the Tamil-majority North following the in a single day elimination of a memorial for conflict victims erected by college students on the Jaffna College campus, and with out discover. Whereas college students protested the elimination, and all Tamil events within the Opposition have referred to as for a day-long protest, the College Grants Fee (UGC) in Colombo has distanced the Authorities management from the choice, inserting the only real accountability on Prof Sriskandarajah, the Vice-Chancellor. Coming because it does within the footsteps of the Colombo go to of India’s Exterior Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, questions are being requested concerning the sincerity of the nation’s political masters to work with India on a large number of points impacting Sri Lanka and in addition bilateral relations with India.

Bibliography

Afghanistan

Opinion Items

Mohammad Zahir Akbari, ’Why Repeated Controversies Over Nationwide Funds?’, The Day by day Outlook Afghanistan, 5 January 2021

Siddhant Kishore, ‘Rallying outdated pals: Adapting to an evolving Afghan theatre’, Observer Analysis Basis, 7 January 2021

Jyoti Malhotra, ‘Is ISI behind rising Afghan violence? Right here’s why Doha talks are key’, The Print, 5 January 2021

Editorials

The Day by day Outlook Afghanistan, ’Taliban’s Ambivalence about Declaration of Ceasefire’, 6 January 2021

Afghanistan Occasions, ‘Afghans scrambling with excessive chilly winter’, 6 January 2021

Bangladesh

Opinion Items

Brig-Gen Shahedul Anam Khan, “Bangladesh-India border relations, fifty years on”, Day by day Star, 7 January 2021

Mushfique Wadud, “What does it imply to like your nation”, Dhaka Tribune, 7 January 2021

Bhutan

Opinion Items

Sonam Tshering, “Consistency and adherence to the rule of legislation,” Kuensel, 9 January 2021

Editorials

Kuensel, “Sharing the burden,” 6 January 2021

India

Opinion Items

Vikas Dilawari, “Make a case for heritage conservation in India”, The Telegraph, eight January 2021

Kunal Sharma, “ASHA employees: Forgotten Covid invisibles”, Deccan Herald, eight January 2021

Vijay Inder Singla and Aadil Singh Boparai, “Understanding the rationale of farm protests”, hindustantimes, 6 January 2021

Gautam Bhatia, “Eradicate State and social interference in issues of conscience”, hindustantimes, 5 January 2021

Editorials

The Hindu, “Constructing by accord: On Central Vista”, 7 January 2021

The Hindu, “Most Governor: On Governor’s function”, 5 January 2021

The Indian Specific, “Ranging from backside”, four January 2021

Myanmar

Opinion Items

Jayanta Kalita, “India-Myanmar Army Ties Pay Dividends as Naga Rebels Return to Mainstream”, The Irrawaddy, 7 January 2021

Editorials

The Irrawaddy, “Professional-Myanmar Insurance policies Should Information Govt’s Dealing with of China’s BRI Initiatives”, 7 January 2021

Nepal

Opinion Items

Jiva Nath Lamsal, “Dictators, beware,” Republica, 9 January 2020

Amish Raj Mulmi, “No everlasting pals, solely everlasting pursuits,” The Kathmandu Submit, 7 January 2020

Mahesh Ok. Maskey, “Sorrows of democracy,” Republica, 6 January 2020

Editorials

The Kathmandu Submit, “Winter of despair,” 5 January 2020

Pakistan

Opinion Items

A.G. Noorani, “Proper to protest”, Daybreak, 9 January 2021

Fahd Hussian, “Who dare blackmail?”, Daybreak, 9 January 2021

Dr. Rana Muhammad Safdar, “In direction of a polio-free Pakistan in 2021”, The Specific Tribune, 9 January 2021

Ok S Venkatachalam, “India’s China conundrum”, The Specific Tribune, 7 January 2021

Umer Khan, “Extending CPEC”, Daybreak, 06 January 2021

Editorials

Daybreak, “Actually heartless’: PM Imran attracts ire for suggesting ‘blackmail’ by Hazaras”, 9 January 2021

Sri Lanka

Opinion Items

Dr Sarala Fernando, “Promoting the household silver and India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations”, The Island, 10 January 2021

D B S Jeyaraj, “Military’s LRRP ambush of LTTE’s navy intelligence chief”, Day by day Mirror On-line, 9 January 2021

Kelum Bandara, “SJBers panic over Champika’s 43^rd brigade”, Day by day Mirror On-line, eight January 2021

Sumanasiri Liyanage, “The ECT deal”, Ceylon At present, eight January 2021

Malinda Seneviiratne, “Subramanyam Jaishankar and kilos of flesh”, Day by day Mirror On-line, 7 January 2021

Luxman Siriwardena, “Choices for overseas debt administration for Sri Lanka”, The Island, 6 January 2021

Justice Chandradasa Nanayakara, “In a democracy, presidential immunity ought to be clearly outlined and restricted”, Day by day Mirror On-line, 5 January 2021

N Sathiya Moorthy, “Wished: A reputable ally for the West”, Ceylon At present, 5 January 2021

Jehan Perera, “Want for extra accommodationist insurance policies within the New Yr”, The Island, 5 January 2021

N Sathiya Moorthy, “Why Provincial Councils”, Colombo Gazette, four January 2021

Editorials

Day by day Mirror On-line, “Burial, cremation dilemma wants a re-think”, eight January 2021

Day by day Mirror On-line, “Covid-19: Cease including insult to damage”, 7 January 2021

---

Contributors

Afghanistan: Ratnadeep Chakraborty

Bangladesh: Joyeeta Bhattacharjee

Bhutan & Nepal: Sohini Nayak

India: Ambar Kumar Ghosh

Maldives & Sri Lanka: N Sathiya Moorthy

Myanmar: Sreeparna Banerjee

Pakistan: Ayjaz Wani