Nepal in conflict: the war for justice continues

In 1996, a civil war broke out in Nepal between the national security forces and the Maoist political movement led by the Communist Party of Nepal – Maoists (CPN-M). The conflict came to an end a decade later in November 2006. In 2007 an interim government was established that incorporated the CPN-M. However, the conflict over justice still remains to be resolved

The Colombian conundrum: transitional injustice and beyond

The fall of the last major leftist insurgency in Latin America might finally give the Colombians some cause for happiness. It seems that the world’s longest running civil war will soon be brought to an end after a bilateral ceasefire was signed between President Juan Manuel Santos and the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) Timoleón Jiménez alias “Timochenko”. This deal was signed with the presence of the United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban-ki Moon, the Presidents of Cuba, Venezuela and Chile, and the Norwegian Foreign Minister. The accord has been hailed as a tremendous milestone in the history of Colombia and it is perceived by many Colombian citizens as the peaceful culmination of the era of strife and violence which they were born into. But a final peace deal is yet to be negotiated or put to a referendum. While pessimists have written-off the current peace deal, some sections believe that concrete steps beyond mere handshakes can and will be taken

Incretin System: Recent Advances in Glucagon Like Peptide-1 and Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors

The endogenous incretins, glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptideand Glucagon-like peptide, are peptide hormones secreted from endocrinecells in the small intestine. Glucagon-like peptide-1 stimulates insulinand suppresses glucagon secretion, delays gastric emptying, and reducesappetite and food intake, which explains the positive effect of incretinmimetics on weight. The incretins have also been shown to have a sustained improvement in glycemic control over three years. A wide range of cardiovascular benefits have also been claimed, such as lowering of blood pressure and postprandial lipids. Clinical trials with the incretin mimetic exenatide and liraglutide show reductions in fasting and postprandial glucose concentrations, and haemoglobin A1c (1–2%), associated with weight loss (2–5 kg). The most common adverse event associated with Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists is nausea, which lessens over time. Orally administered Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 inhibitors reduce hemoglobin A1c by 0·5–1·0%, with few adverse effects and no weight gain. These new classes of anti-diabetic agents also expand β-cell mass in preclinical studies. However, long-term clinical studies are still needed to determine the benefits of incretin for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.Keywords: dipeptidyl pedptidase-4 inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 RA,glucose-dependent insulino tropic polypeptide, increti

Taxing Emotional Distress Recoveries: Does Murphy Show the Way?

The taxability of recoveries of damages on account of emotional distress remains a complicated issue under the American federal income tax law. Recent developments due to a controversial decision by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals have further added fuel to this debate. Even if one were to argue the justifications of exempting such recoveries from income taxation, courts do not appear to be the very appropriate kind of forum. Congress can, and in fact does tax such recoveries and the constitutional basis of such power can hardly be doubted. As a result, appropriate changes in the statute only can bring the desirable result of exempting such recoveries from income taxation

The State of Prisons in India During Covid-19: The Impact on Incarcerated Persons

The state of prisons in India is poor, especially in relation to overcrowding, healthcare and sanitation. The issue of medical facilities and adequate treatment was brought to light by the Covid-19 pandemic, where overcrowding led to a failure of compliance with the prescribed social distancing norms. This paper deals with the state of prisons in India, highlighting the impact of the pandemic and examining associated changes in incarceration rates. It analyses relevant Supreme Court orders and the effects of alternative house arrest and other state measures. In conclusion, the paper discusses the measures recommended by the United Nations to alleviate the impact of the virus on prisons

The ICC and the probe in to the duterte,s war on drugs: Quotes from Dr Emma Palmer

In the previous newsletter, Vikas Nagal, research assistant at CSEAS, had written about the International Criminal Court (ICC) Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and that she has to decide whether to open an investigation into the alleged crime against humanity committed by the Duterte administration in the Philippines. It can potentially lead to the trial and conviction of President Rodrigo Duterte and other senior officials. To understand more on the issue, Harsh Mahaseth, research analyst at CSEAS, had a brief conversation with Dr. Emma Palmer, Lecturer at the Griffith Law School, who has published two books - ‘Adapting International Criminal Justice in Southeast Asia: Beyond the International Criminal Court’, and with Sarah Williams and Hannah Woolaver, ‘The Amicus Curiae in International Criminal Justice’

China’s inroads in SE Asia with vaccine diplomacy

Russia, India and the USA have also entered the race for vaccine diplomacy, but China has made considerable strides in Southeast Asia