Bhutan convenes its first democratic elections
The first democratic elections in Bhutan began in 2007, and all levels of government had been democratically elected by 2011.
South Asia
Bangladesh becomes world’s first country to ban thin plastic bags
The South Asian nation took unprecedented action when it found that plastic bags played a key role in clogging drainage systems during disastrous flooding.
Bangaldesh implements world’s first plastic bag ban
In 2002, Bangladesh became the first country in the world to ban lightweight plastic bags, a groundbreaking move inspired by devastating floods caused by clogged drains. The ban set a global precedent and sparked international attention to plastic pollution. While challenges with enforcement and alternatives have slowed progress, the policy has raised public awareness and inspired innovations in eco-friendly materials like jute, cassava, and cloth bags. Bangladesh’s pioneering step continues to influence environmental policy worldwide, and ongoing efforts to strengthen enforcement and expand sustainable alternatives keep the country positioned as a trailblazer in the fight against plastic waste.
The Republic of Sri Lanka is officially formed
Dominion status within the British Commonwealth was retained until 22 May 1972 when the country became the Republic of Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh achieves independence from Pakistan
Modern Bangladesh emerged as an independent nation in 1971 after breaking away and achieving independence from Pakistan in the Bangladesh Liberation War. The country’s borders corresponded with the major portion of the ancient and historic region of Bengal
Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay from Nepal become first humans to summit Mt. Everest
Mount Everest had long been considered unclimbable by some and the ultimate climbing challenge by others.
India concludes its first-ever general election
A total of 1,949 candidates competed for 489 seats in the Lok Sabha. More than 173 million people out of an overall population of about 360 million were eligible to vote, making it the largest election ever conducted at the time.
The Constitution of India becomes the supreme law of India
The document lays down the framework demarcating fundamental political code, structure, procedures, powers, rights, principles, and duties.
Ceylon gains independence from Great Britain
Following the Second World War, public pressure for independence increased in the British-ruled Colony of Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka. Independence was formally granted under the Ceylon Independence Act 1947 and full independence was finally achieved independence on 4 February 1948, with an amended constitution taking effect on the same date.
India and Pakistan win independence
The long-awaited agreement ended 200 years of British rule and was hailed by Indian independence leader Mohandas Gandhi as “the noblest act of the British nation.”