As the year draws to an end, we observe around us a reflective mood that overwhelms all affairs. And it is in that same spirit that we bring this year-end edition of The News on Sunday’s Special Report. Throughout the year, we tried to focus on reporting, analysing and deconstructing events and issues, whether political, social or other, to generate a larger debate – to shape narratives that could facilitate dialogue and offer solutions. This has always been our prime motivation, and this we hope to continue.

While it is close to impossible to chronicle every major issue and newsworthy development, there have been certain themes we felt remained prevalent throughout the year. While politics, largely national, is seen to consume all forms of discourse and debate in the country, and perhaps, rightly so, there have been instances this year when issues having an impact on social freedoms and civil liberties have emerged as pressing topics. This week, we take a look at some of those topics from the year gone by which not only remained visibly significant but also held our attention. Some, perhaps, may even continue to prevail in the coming year. In our closing issue for this year, we hope to understand how these issues panned out and as the new year draws in, what meaning some of these issues will continue to hold for us.

Wishing you all a happy New Year.