Domestic Politics
Trade Unions in India have called a day-long strike as a part of a Bharat Bandh Call due to the ‘anti-people’ policies of the government. Ten Central Trade Unions, along with several independent associations and federations, will protest against central government policies. Indian Express
The Senate Functional Committee on the problems of less developed areas in Pakistan suggested that Afghan refugees should not be forced to return to Afghanistan. Around 2.8 million Afghans are currently living in Pakistan and 74% of them were born in Pakistan. Dawn
The police arrested the main accused in the vandalism of the Gurudwara Nankana Sahib in Pakistan’s Punjab province. The suspect is a government employee in the Fisheries Department and has been charged with blasphemy and a non-bailable section of the anti-terrorism act. The Hindu
Nepal has passed a bill replacing the existing Electronic Transactions Act. The Bill has provisions to impose a fine of up to Rs. 1.5 million or jail terms of five years for posting content on social media that poses a threat to the country’s sovereignty, security, unity, and harmony. The Himalayan Times
Society
Delhi Court issued a death warrant against four convicts in the 2012 Nirbhaya gang-rape and murder case. The hanging is scheduled for January 22. But, in between issuance and execution of the death warrant, the convicted can file a curative petition. Economic Times
Environment
In an attempt to combat pollution, the Bangladesh High Court ordered the government to ban single-use plastics in restaurants, hotel and coastal areas within a year. According to a study by the Environment and Social Development Organization, 87,000 tonnes of single-use plastics are thrown away in the country each year. Reuters
Bhutan has received international acclaim for its carbon-neutral status and maintenance of biological diversity. Its 'Vision 2020' decided to maintain at least 60% of its land under forest cover. Bhutan has a total forest area of 83.90%; roughly 51% of forested areas are designated as national parks, nature reserves, and protected areas. Daily Bhutan
Business
The Maldives government amended the Business Registration Act. Under the amendment, businesses are not required to possess a trade permit to conduct separate business activities once registered as a business venture in the Maldives. Additionally, trade permits will no longer be issued for the trade of imported goods. Avas
Image Source The New Indian Express