Democracy

On Monday, the latest round of protests, driven by Gen Z youth demanding an end to corruption and authoritarian rule, spiralled into tragedy. Security forces opened fire on demonstrators, resulting in at least 19 deaths.

Jagadananda, co-founder of the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD), has been conferred the prestigious Justice A.K. Patnaik National Award in recognition of his lifelong commitment to grassroots democracy and inclusive development.

The move comes amid growing criticism over delays in fulfilling the administration’s ambitious anti-corruption and economic promises made during last year’s presidential campaign.

A proper national study was required to assess whether the Maldives should pursue a self-regulatory or co-regulatory model.

Dhaka has for decades pressed Islamabad for three key steps: a formal apology for the atrocities committed by the Pakistani military during the 1971 war, repayment of an estimated USD 4.5 billion owed to Bangladesh since independence, and the repatriation of thousands of Pakistanis stranded in the country.

Ranil Wickremesinghe, 76, was arrested on August 22, ushering in the highest-profile detention amid President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s sweeping anti-corruption campaign.

UN-mandated independent investigators have uncovered “systematic torture” in Myanmar’s military-run detention facilities.

The council also criticized the government for excluding minorities from all reform commissions, which were set up to recommend measures aimed at combating discrimination and promoting social justice.