Most of the recent writings on Taiwan have focussed on President Tsai Ing-wen of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DDP) and her defiance on China’s pressure to toe Beijing’s line on Taiwan’s status. The frequent threats from Beijing to use force against Taiwan which is viewed as a renegade province and thus needs to be annexed by force if necessary is the most dreaded topic of the region emerging as a potential flashpoint. The US is most likely to respond militarily if Beijing becomes adventurous.

तावद्भयेषु भेतव्यं यावद्भयमनागतम् । आगतं तु भयं वीक्ष्य प्रहर्तव्यमशङ्कया ॥ “A thing may be dreaded as long as it has not overtaken you, but once it has come upon you, try to get rid of it without hesitation.”– Chanakya Neeti 5.3[1]

The tiny African nation Gambia has recently been in the news due to the unfortunate deaths of 70 children from July to September, reportedly connected to four paediatric cough syrups made in India.[1]In September, Gambia's Government opened an investigation into the deaths of children.