The Asia Annual is the cross-disciplinary Journal of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, Kolkata. The Institute is a centre for research and learning with focus on social, cultural, economic and political/administrative developments in Asia, from the middle of the 19th century onwards with special emphasis on their links with India and on the life and works of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad. The current issue, which is third in succession, contains 17 well-researched articles on important aspects of on-going developments in the various Asian countries in the socio-political, economic and cultural themes, as well as issues related to regional co-operation and security, by eminent scholars. Besides, a summary of events for the year 2001 and the text of important documents are added for the ready reference of the reader.