Afghanistan

UNSC Seeks ‘Equal, Meaningful’ Participation of Women in Afghanistan: Tolo News

The United Nations Security Council in a statement on Wednesday called for full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls in Afghanistan. The UNSC said that the suspension of women’s work in Afghanistan would have a significant and immediate impact on humanitarian operations in the country. “These restrictions contradict the commitments made by the Taliban to the Afghan people as well as the expectations of the international community,” the Security Council said. Click here to read…

Resurgence of Terror in Pakistan, Revising Afghan Policy: PTI Leader: The Khaama Press

Amid the deteriorating security situation in the country, Pakistan Teheek-i-Insaf (PTI) leader Fawad Chaudhry linked the resurgence of terrorism with the country’s wrong policy towards Afghanistan. While addressing a press conference in Islamabad on Wednesday, Pakistan’s former minister of information said Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari lacks a comprehensive understanding of Afghanistan. He further added if the situation deteriorates in Kabul, it will have negative implications for Islamabad as well. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

BNP allies form another alliance – New Age

A new political alliance comprising 11 parties that were earlier partners of the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party-led alliance was formally launched on Wednesday to strengthen the simultaneous anti-government movement. In a separate development, the BNP liaison committee for the simultaneous movement held its first meeting with the liaison committee formed by the seven-party coalition Ganatantra Mancha to finalise the decision to hold a mass procession in Dhaka simultaneously on December 30. Click here to read…

Assam: Police fires on miscreants trying to smuggle cattle heads, on Bangladesh border – The Print

An incident of firing on miscreants along the India-Bangladesh border by the police to prevent them from entering illegally was reported in Assam’s Karimganj district, officials said on Wednesday. Police said they resorted to firing on a group of Bangladeshi nationals planning to cross over into India, in the Nilambazar area of Karimganj district. They were trying to cross over for allegedly lifting cattle heads in the area, the police added. “The team spotted suspicious movement of miscreants in Baliabasti, which is located 1km away from the international border. On being asked to surrender, they fled from the area,” a police officer said. Click here to read…

India-Bangladesh border haats will reopen soon: Dhaka Commerce Minister – Business Standard

Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi said that among three border haats, which are trading posts on Bangladesh-India border and were closed due to the pandemic, one of them is operational and another one will open soon, according to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). Click here to read…

Bhutan

India-assisted Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Project handed over to Bhutan’s Druk Green Power Corp – The Print

The India-assisted 720 Megawatts Mangdechhu Hydroelectric Power Project has been handed to Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) in Bhutan. The handover was held in Thimphu on December 27 in a ceremony that was witnessed by Bhutan’s Minister of Economic Affairs Lyonpo Loknath Sharma and India’s Ambassador to Bhutan, Sudhakar Dalela. Click here to read…

BJP team visits Indo-Bhutan border | Peace prevails, no Chinese intrusion: ITBP – Arunachal Observer

There is neither any intrusion no encroachment from other side of the border and peace prevails, said Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel, guarding Gelling, last village along Indo-Tibetan border, while interacting with a visiting state BJP team led by vice president Tarh Tarak, spokesperson Techi Necha, library cell convener Porchu Tamin & media co-convener Nima Sange on Tuesday. The visit to take stock of the ground reality was a befitting reply to neighbouring nation China, which often clams Arunachal Pradesh as its territory.Click here to read…

Maldives

Ex-Maldives leader Yameen’s jail sentence could fan flames of his ‘India Out’ campaign – SCMP

Former Maldives president Abdulla Yameen, who is campaigning on an anti-India platform for the 2023 election, has vowed to appeal against an 11-year jail term for corruption and money laundering, raising concerns his “India Out” movement may gain momentum at a pivotal time. Click here to read…

BML to donate 33 motorised wheelchairs – Raajje

Bank of Maldives continues to support people with mobility impairments across the Maldives with a donation of additional 33 motorised wheelchairs. With this donation, the program which began in 2017 has now seen the successful delivery of over 200 motorised wheelchairs across the Maldives, enhancing the quality of life for people living with physical disabilities. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Manipur government, Assam Rifles clean rivulets in Moreh along Indo-Myanmar border – North East Now

The denizens of border town Moreh in Manipur – young and old alike – holding water drums and vessels came out in large numbers and undertook a campaign of cleaning up the Khujailok and Lailok rivulets, tributaries of the Chindwin river in Myanmar. Moreh is a border town located along the India-Myanmar border in the Tengnoupal district of Manipur. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s exports up 15.09% in over 8 months of FY 22-23: Govt data – Business Standard

Myanmar’s exports rose by 15.09 per cent year-on-year to $11,755.81 million in more than eight months of the 2022-23 fiscal year beginning in April, official data showed. From April 1 to December 16 this year, the country’s manufacturing goods exports, valued at more than $7,999.69 million, accounted for 68.04 per cent of total exports. It was the country’s largest exports group during the period, the Ministry of Commerce’s data showed on Wednesday. Click here to read…

New ASEAN chair Indonesia can change the game in Myanmar – Jakarta Post

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen symbolically handed over the gavel of the ASEAN chairmanship to Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo in Phnom Penh on Nov. 13, the last day of the ASEAN Summit. Jokowi’s term for the ASEAN chairmanship will be effective on Jan. 1, 2023. Click here to read…

Nepal

India Grants Permission To Nepal Electricity Authority To Export Additional 40 Megawatts Of Electricity From Two More Hydroelectric Projects – OrissaDiary Online

India has given permission to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to export additional 40 megawatts of electricity from two more hydroelectric projects. According to NEA, the Central Electricity Authority of India has approved the sale of surplus power from two more hydropower projects – 25 MW Kabeli B-1 and 20 MW Lower Modi – at competitive rates in the Indian energy market. With this, 452.6 MW surplus power can be exported to India from 10 hydropower projects. Click here to read…

Cross-border transmission line with China to use MCC-funded substation – The Kathmandu Post

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has shelved its plan to set up a substation at Trishuli Bazaar for the Nepal-China Cross-border Transmission Line as it plans to connect the power line with a Ratmate-based substation to be built with the assistance of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), a US aid agency. When the controversy over the MCC assistance was at its height before its eventual endorsement by the erstwhile House of Representatives early this year, the power monopoly had planned to set up a separate substation. Click here to read…

Key trade route between Nepal-China reopens after nearly 3 years – Indian Express

Two-way trade from one of the key border transit routes between Nepal and China resumed formally on Wednesday after being closed for almost three years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, officials said. The reopening of the border transit route comes days after Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist Centre chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda”, who is known to be close to China, took the oath of office as the new Prime Minister. A ceremony marking the official resumption of trade from the Kerung-Rasuwagadhi border port was held on Wednesday. Click here to read…

‘Government will follow balanced, trustworthy ties with India’, says former Nepal PM Oli’s party – First Post

The newly appointed Prime Minister vowed to strengthen Nepal’s relations with India. “We want good relations with India,” he said. “I am not against India, will forget the old disputes and move forward,” said Prachanda. “According to the mandate given, the government has been formed in the country. The public wanted everyone to work together, and that’s why they formed the government together. Our government will complete its term. Work will be done according to the constitution,” said PM Prachanda while talking to senior news anchor Dibang. Click here to read…

Asian Highway section to open on Jan 1 – The Kathmandu Post

The Nepal section of the Asian Highway, which was constructed two years ago but was not operated fully, will come into operation from January 1, 2023. The six-lane highway and a ‘friendship bridge’ constructed over the Mechi river are expected to start operation from the new year. A bilateral meeting of customs officers and security officers of Nepal and India held in Panitanki on December 21 agreed to operate the bridge. Ram Prasad Pathak, chief of Mechi Customs Office, and Lha Tshering Sherpa, deputy commissioner of Naxalbari Customs Division, signed the agreement. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Top military brass vows to fight terror amid TTP resurgence: The Express Tribune

The reiteration of the resolve was made in a huddle of the corps commanders at the GHQ which was presided over by army chief General Syed Asim Munir. It was the second corpse commanders’ conference Gen Munir chaired since taking over the baton of command from Gen (retd) Qamar Javed Bajwa who doff his uniform after the completion of his extended tenure last month. However, no statement was issued by the military after the first huddle. “[The] 254th Corps Commanders’ Conference was held at [the] GHQ from 27-28 December 2022. General Syed Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), presided [over the conference],” says a statement issued by the military’s media wing.
Click here to read…

Gwadar shut amid continued clashes: The Express Tribune

Police arrested eight people following clashes with the protesters. Those taken into custody belong to the GRM. According to reports, Gwadar is witnessing a complete shutter down. Cellular networks and internet services remained suspended for the third day in Gwadar, Pasni and Ormara. The protesters staged a sit-in in front of Pasni Press Club and blocked the main highway for traffic. A heavy contingent of police was deployed till Zero Point – 6km from Ormara city.On Tuesday, a policeman was shot dead allegedly by the GRM protesters in Gwadar. There was no immediate response from the Movement in this regard. Click here to read…

Pakistan to repay around $8.3bn in next three months: The News

Amid the dwindling foreign exchange reserves, Pakistan will have to repay approximately $8.3 billion in shape of external debt servicing over the next three months (Jan-March) of the current fiscal year. Out of $8.3 billion outstanding debt servicing, Pakistan will have to get rollover of $2 billion from the UAE during the next three months of the current fiscal year. There is another outstanding commercial loan repayment of $700 million to Chinese banks which Pak authorities are expecting to be refinanced. The principal amount of debt servicing stands at $5.035 billion in the next three months, while the interest repayment is hovering around $426.88 million, so in totality, the outstanding amount has gone up to $5.462 billion. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Not the time to spend money on an election – Finance Ministry official – Daily News

A senior Finance Ministry official said that the country is facing the worst economic crisis in its history, and currently the government’s monthly revenue is ample only for government employee salaries, pensions and Samurdhi allowances. The official, pointing out that systematic measures have been taken to solve the current financial crisis, said that successful results are expected by next March. He pointed out that it is not possible to allocate funds for an election in such a backgroundClick here to read…

Sri Lankan Tamil Hindus seek India’s support as Sinhala government targets temples – Frontline

The Sri Lankan establishment is planting Buddhist symbols in Hindu sacred sites; The Kanniya hot springs and the Thiru Koneswaram temple are among their main targets; The Army is not returning occupied lands to its rightful owners. In 2011; India agreed to provide 32.6 crore Lankan rupees to restore the Thiruketheeswaram Siva temple; Representatives of Tamil political parties hope India will intervene to help re-establish places of worship. Click here to read…

Why Sri Lanka’s Suffering May Not End Soon – Washington Post

In May, Sri Lanka defaulted on its overseas debt. Amid political upheaval and human suffering, the Indian Ocean Island is still awaiting a $2.9 billion rescue by the International Monetary Fund. Lacking resources to buy even essentials like fuel, the economy is falling into an ever-deepening abyss. The poverty rate has doubled in one year; output has cratered and inflation soared. A decade of welfare gains has been eroded. All of this raises a question: When did sovereign debt restructuring become so hard? Click here to read…

Xi Jinping makes important speech at meeting of criticism and self-criticism of Political Bureau: Xinhuanet

December 28, 2022

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting of criticism and self-criticism from December 26 to 27. The meeting was themed on fully implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; developing a deep understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and establishing the guiding role of the thought; strengthening the consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership; staying confident in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics; upholding Comrade Xi Jinping’s core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and upholding the Party Central Committee’s authority and its centralized, unified leadership; and uniting and leading Party officials in implementing with great effort and determination the major decisions and plans made at the 20th CPC National Congress. Click here to read…

Party secretary of Jiangsu adjusted: Xinhuanet

December 28, 2022

Wu Zhenglong will no longer serve as secretary, standing committee member and member of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Jiangsu Provincial Committee and will be assigned to a new post, according to a decision of the CPC Central Committee. Click here to read…

CPC leadership meeting stresses implementing decisions, plans of key Party congress in unity: Xinhuanet

December 28, 2022

A meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has stressed striving in unity to implement the major decisions and plans made at the 20th CPC National Congress. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered an important speech when presiding over the meeting of criticism and self-criticism held from Monday to Tuesday. Click here to read…

China to facilitate green technology innovation with new implementation plan: Xinhuanet

December 28, 2022

China has released an implementation plan designed to further improve the market-oriented green technology innovation system, in order to unleash innovation vitality. The plan, jointly released by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Science and Technology, aims to strengthen companies’ leading role in innovation, improve the market mechanism for transformation and application of green technology, and create an environment where all types of innovators can thrive amid enhanced and more efficient cooperation between enterprises, universities and research institutes. Click here to read…

Survey shows China’s improvement in patent transfers: Xinhuanet

December 28, 2022

The industrialization transfer rate of China’s effective patents in 2022 reached a five-year high of 36.7 percent, indicating that its intellectual property protection keeps supporting the innovative development of the economy, an annual survey said Wednesday. Click here to read…

Tibet’s major PV power generation project goes into operation: Xinhuanet

December 28, 2022

A 120,000-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) power generation project has recently connected to the grid and started generating electricity in southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, according to China Huadian Corporation Ltd., a major state-owned power producer. Click here to read…

China releases details of COVID-19 management shift: Xinhuanet

December 28, 2022

China has announced that it will be downgrading its management of COVID-19 as of Jan. 8, treating it as a Class B infection, rather than a more serious Class A infection. Further details on this policy shift were revealed on Tuesday at a press conference of the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against COVID-19. Click here to read…

Belt and Road Studies Network holds 2022 Initiators Council meeting: Xinhuanet

December 28, 2022

The 2022 meeting of the Initiators Council of the Belt and Road Studies Network (BRSN) was convened on Tuesday, with participants attending both in person and online. The council reviewed its work over the past year, discussed work for the next stage, passed a decision on revising the council’s charter, and elected a new chairperson and a new vice chairperson. Click here to read…

9,203 suggestions by national lawmakers under review: China Daily

December 28, 2022

A total of 9,203 suggestions made by national lawmakers have been sent to 208 relevant departments for further review and handling, according to a report submitted to an ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress for review on Wednesday. Click here to read…

China steps up efforts increasing intl cooperation on IP protection: China Daily

December 28, 2022

China has stepped up efforts in increasing international cooperation on intellectual property protection, to improve its competitiveness with a rapid growth of patent applications from overseas, a senior IP regulator said. Click here to read…l

Former bank leader gets death sentence for bribery: China Daily

December 28, 2022

Wu Hua, former head of the Bank of Wenzhou, received a suspended death sentence on Wednesday for illegally accepting property worth hundreds of millions of yuan.

The Wenzhou Intermediate People’s Court in Zhejiang province issued the verdict against Wu Hua, who had been charged with taking bribes, embezzling public funds and illegally issuing loans and financial certificates. Click here to read…

Chinese military aircraft manufacturers complete annual production: Global Times

December 28, 2022

Multiple major Chinese military aircraft manufacturers have announced completion of their annually scheduled production plans by the end of December, which will lay a solid foundation for the aviation forces of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) next year. Click here to read…

China accelerates R&D in homegrown operating systems, with Huawei leading industrial player: Global Times

December 28, 2022

As China ramps up efforts to develop its homegrown operating systems (OS) for a wide range of digital gadgets, Huawei’s OpenEuler OS is becoming the first choice for digital transformation, creating a solid software base for the country’s digital infrastructure. Click here to read…

China strives to make digital economy stronger, better, larger: People’s Daily

December 28, 2022

In a mine 500 meters underground owned by Jinneng Holding Coal Industry Group in Datong, north China’s Shanxi province, the cutting head of a road header rotated at full speed, and blocks of coal dropped on a convey belt and were then loaded into containers after being washed and screened. Click here to read…

China’s consumption expected to further recover: People’s Daily

December 29, 2022

With China implementing optimized COVID-19 control measures, its capital Beijing has seen a rebound in contact-based consumption in recent days. “I planned to eat hotpot at the hotpot restaurant Haidilao with my friends, but we had to wait for about one to two hours, so we decided to come to this restaurant,” said Li Jin, who came to eat hotpot with his friends. Click here to read…

COVID rules for travellers from China rolled out around the world: Reuters

December 29, 2022

Several places around the world have imposed curbs on travellers from China amid a COVID-19 surge after Beijing relaxed strict “zero-COVID” measures. They cite a lack of information from China on variants and are concerned about a wave of infections. Click here to read…

China’s vast countryside in rush to bolster COVID defences: Reuters

December 29, 2022

China’s sprawling and thinly resourced countryside is racing to beef up medical facilities before hundreds of millions of factory workers return to their families for the Lunar New Year holiday next month from cities where COVID-19 is surging. Click here to read…

China to import 45 foreign video games, grants multiple licences to Tencent: Reuters

December 29, 2022

China’s video games regulator granted publishing licences to 45 foreign games for release in the country，including seven South Korean games, further lifting rigid curbs that have hammered the industry for 18 months. Click here to read…

Chinese lawmakers meet to review multiple reports: Xinhuanet

December 29, 2022

The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, held a plenary meeting on Wednesday to hear and deliberate multiple reports. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, attended the meeting. Click here to read…

China’s COVID measures to facilitate cross-border travel, int’l exchanges, says spokesperson: Xinhuanet

December 29, 2022

China’s continual refining of its COVID-19 policies and its shift to managing the virus based on measures aimed at Class-B infectious diseases will better facilitate the safe and orderly cross-border travel of Chinese and foreign nationals and international exchange and cooperation, as well as being a boon for the global economy, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Artificial intelligence charts course for educational reforms: Qiushi

December 29, 2022

The 2022 International Forum on AI (artificial intelligence) and Education was recently held online. Joined by government officials, scholars, teachers, and enterprise representatives from dozens of countries, the forum mapped out a blueprint for educational development in the era of AI. Click here to read…

Greater vigilance needed to catch those who enable espionage: China Daily

December 29, 2022

Those found to be providing cybersecurity loopholes or other information involving critical information infrastructure to espionage organizations will be identified as spies, according to a draft amendment. Click here to read…

Authorities declare war on cybercriminals: China Daily

December 29, 2022

Judicial bodies are determined to combat the growing threat posed by internet — and telecom-based swindlers. Yang Zekun reports. The three young men in Shanghai never thought they would be found by the police so quickly — just one day after they provided technical support for telecom and online swindlers who were based overseas. Click here to read…

Revised law boosts protection of women’s rights: China Daily

December 29, 2022

China has further improved the legal protection system for women and continued to crack down on crimes that infringe their lawful rights and interests. In October, the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, the nation’s top legislative body, approved the revised law on the protection of women’s legitimate rights and interests. Click here to read…

Many countries welcome Chinese tourists as immigration control relaxed: Global Times

December 29, 2022

As China announced to downgrade management of COVID-19 infection and orderly resume outbound tourism for Chinese citizens, the embassies and tourism aothorities of many countries welcomed Chinese tourists, saying they have been waiting for them for three years. Click here to read…

Chinese police vows to crack down on hostile forces, safeguard public security during upcoming festivals: Global Times

December 29, 2022

China’s Ministry of Public Security on Wednesday vowed to implement security measures to crack down on infiltration and sabotage activities by hostile forces, and ensure people have a safe and stable environment during the upcoming new year holidays. Click here to read…

Draft rules aim to conserve ecosystems: People’s Daily

December 29, 2022

China plans to introduce more measures for wildlife and ecosystem conservation on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau through national legislation, according to a draft law on environmental conservation on the plateau. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

UN Official Urges Islamic Emirate to Lift Ban on Female Staff at NGOs: Tolo News

The UN deputy humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan, Fran Equiza, in a meeting with Acting Minister of Public Health Qalandar Ibad called for “the Taliban ban on women working for NGOs and international NGOs to be lifted in its entirety.” “The ban will impact millions of the most vulnerable Afghans,” the UN official said. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in a phone call reaffirmed the importance of guaranteeing women’s rights and their full and equal participation in all aspects of life, a statement of the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said.
Click here to read…

Pakistan faces disappointment on bilateral deals with the new regime in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Recent events on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border make it clear that Pakistan’s decades old Afghanistan policy has failed. On 11 December 2022, Taliban forces in Afghanistan shelled a town just across the border in Pakistan, killing seven Pakistani civilians. Pakistan retaliated, killing one Taliban fighter and injuring ten Afghans. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the “unprovoked shelling” by Afghan forces. On 15 December, the two sides exchanged artillery fire across the border, killing at least one Pakistani civilian and wounding 15 others. Both countries are today on the verge of war! These developments signal a turn in ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan and signals Pakistan’s loss of control over the Afghan Taliban, which is today a government in power. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM Hasina: Metro rail a unique milestone for Dhaka – Dhaka Tribune

After completing the giant Padma Bridge and the Bangabandhu tunnel this year, the government will now inaugurate a part of Bangladesh’s first-ever elevated metro rail on Wednesday as another feather in its cap. The Awami League has taken detailed preparations to make this historic moment memorable with the presence of a vast crowd along the streets from Diabari to Agargaon.Click here to read…

Minister: Delhi has assured Dhaka of smooth supply of essentials – Dhaka Tribune

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Tuesday said that India has assured Bangladesh of uninterrupted supply of essential goods round the year as New Delhi is setting an annual quota of exports to its immediate neighbor. The quota will be set up after reviewing export data of India’s essential commodities to Bangladesh in recent years, he said in a press briefing on his recent India tour at his ministry. He said Bangladesh imports rice, wheat, onion, garlic, ginger, pulse and many other essential items from India. Sometimes India suspends export of those goods, but this time India has assured that the supply will remain uninterrupted, he said. Click here to read…

HCA signed, €609 million in loans approved by France’s AFP for Bangladesh – Dhaka Tribune

In 2022, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the government of Bangladesh signed a host country agreement for the establishment of AFD activities in Bangladesh, a successful outcome of years of negotiations between the French and Bangladesh governments. This was a crucial step which came after 10 years of operation and over 20 projects financed in the country, said a media release on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

NC elections in early 2023 – Kuensel online

The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) has notified that the National Council (NC) elections for the fourth Parliament will be conducted in early 2023. The tenure of the current National Council members end on May 9, next year. The ECB also said that the familiarisation tour of the political parties and candidates would be allowed only until January 31, 2023. All political parties and candidates who are on their familiarisation tour must comply with this announcement. Click here to read…

Credit growth improves by 9.2 percent – Kuensel Online

With the re-opening of the economy, the total credit growth of financial institutions (FIs) saw an increase by 9.2 percent as of September this year from the same month last year, the Royal Monetary Authority figures show. The total loan disbursement from FIs to customers amounted to Nu 191.96 billion (B) as of September this year. It saw an increase of Nu 16.17B from September last year. Click here to read…

Nu 108.7M forgone from duty-free entitlement tax – Kuensel Online

The government last year forswore Nu 108.7M from the taxes from the duty-free entitlement, according to the Ministry of Finance (MoF). From next year, the duty-free quota privilege will be given only to diplomats governed by the international laws, conventions and covenants ratified by the parliament of Bhutan and International employees governed by the Bilateral and multilateral agreement signed by the government of Bhutan. Click here to read…

Maldives

Rail Vikas Nigam shares jump 5% on bagging Rs 1,545 crore contract in Maldives – Business Today

Shares of Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) surged 4.96 per cent in Wednesday’s trade after receiving an appointment letter as project implementation agency for the UTF Harbor project in Maldives. The order for this strategic project was placed by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The project cost stood at Rs 1,544.60 crore and it has to be completed within 24 months. Click here to read…

Team from India studies technical specifications for India-Maldives power transmission grid – Live Mint

The union power ministry on Tuesday said that a technical team from India has visited Maldives to study the technical specifications for interconnection of a power transmission grid between the two countries. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Political turmoil in Afghanistan, Myanmar impacting Indian projects – Business Standard

India-backed projects have suffered setbacks in Afghanistan and faced numerous challenges in Myanmar due to the current political and security situations in these countries, the Ministry of External Affairs has informed a parliamentary panel. Click here to read…

China-aided national theatre renovation project handed over to Myanmar – Xinhua

The China-aided renovation project of the National Theatre of Yangon was officially handed over to the Myanmar government here on Tuesday. The renovation project, which was carried out with the assistance from China, began in August 2019 and was completed in November 2022. The upgrading work has made the theatre a modernized one of higher standards. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai said that the National Theatre of Yangon is the largest of its kind in Myanmar, whose construction was completed with the assistance from the Chinese government in 1990. Click here to read…

Nepal

India’s policy hurts power export prospects of Nepal – The Kathmandu Post

In a move that will make hydroelectricity generated by Indian projects cheaper than that produced by Nepal, India’s power ministry starting earlier this month removed the inter-state transmission charges for new Indian hydropower projects. The ministry on December 2 issued the order to waive Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges on the transmission of electricity generated by new hydropower projects. The waiver is already available to solar and wind power projects. Click here to read…

President summons parliament session from January 9 – The Kathmandu Post

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has called for the session of the Federal Parliament on January 9. The session has been called at 1:00 pm according to Article 93 (1) of the constitution, informed Office of the President on Tuesday. The meeting of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly is going to be held for the first time after the November 20 polls. There are 12 lawmakers from different political parties while four are independent. Click here to read…

China nudges Nepal to expedite BRI projects as Prachanda becomes new PM – Business Standard

A day after Maoist party chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda was appointed as Nepals new prime minister, China on Monday said that it looks forward to working with the new government to push projects under the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Congratulating Prachanda on his appointment, Mao Ning, the official spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, has said that China wants to pursue projects under the Belt and Road cooperation. Click here to read…

Not Against India, Will Forget Old Disputes, Says Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ – ABP News Online

The newly appointed Prime Minister vowed to strengthen Nepal’s relations with India. “We want good relations with India,” he said. “I am not against India, will forget the old disputes and move forward,” said Prachanda. “According to the mandate given, the government has been formed in the country. The public wanted everyone to work together, and that’s why they formed the government together. Our government will complete its term. Work will be done according to the constitution,” said PM Prachanda while talking to senior news anchor Dibang. Click here to read…

Chinese arrive for rail feasibility study – The Kathmandu Post

A day after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s assumption of office, a six-member Chinese technical team landed in Kathmandu on Tuesday to carry out a feasibility study of the Nepal-China cross-border railway. Dahal, the CPN (Maoist Centre) chairman, heads a coalition of two biggest leftist parties and others. The China Railway First Survey and Design Institute Group will carry out the feasibility study via a Chinese government grant. Click here to read…

Pakistan

No other option but to implement IMF deal: PM: The Express Tribune

He said the coalition government never wanted to transfer the burden of price hikes. In the past, the PTI government blatantly breached the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Meanwhile, the prime minister said that they had devised a plan to immediately convert all the federal government entities’ buildings to solar power by April next year in order to slash a huge chunk out of the country’s costly fuel import bill hovering around $27 billion. Click here to read…

Road, railway connectivity with CARs discussed: The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said road and railway connectivity projects between Pakistan and Central Asian states will not only bring the trade communities together, but also usher in a new era of peace and prosperity in the region.The premier said this during a meeting with a high-level delegation from Uzbekistan led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Investment and Foreign Trade Khodjaev Jamshid Abdukhakimovich in Islamabad. Click here to read…

Gold outshines market, gives over 40pc return in 2022: report: The News

Gold was the top-performing asset class in 2022 with a return of more than 40 percent, followed by one-year dollar-denominated Naya Pakistan Certificate (NPC), and the US currency, a local brokerage report stated on Tuesday. The NPC remained on second with a return of up to 36 percent and the holders of the US dollar in cash were listed on third with 28 percent return. Topline Securities presented the report on asset classes that were widely followed by local investors and savers in 2022. “These asset classes provided better returns compared to estimated average consumer price index inflation of 20 percent in outgoing calendar year 2022,” the brokerage said in a client note. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Not the correct time for LG polls: PUNP – Daily News

Patriotic United National Party (PUNP) General Secretary Sugath Hewapathirana stated that it is inappropriate to hold a Local Government election now as the economic situation in the country is not stable yet. He said that it is inappropriate to spend Rs.10 billion for an election at this time. He said that it is not appropriate to spend such a large amount of money to hold an election, leaving aside the sufferings of the entire country, who have been greatly affected by the severe economic downturn that the country has faced. He also said that this will give the people an opportunity to recognize who are the political parties and leaders who are working for their own greedy goals by urging for an election setting aside the hardships faced by the people. Click here to read…

Can Sri Lanka drive itself from bankruptcy to prosperity in 2023? DailyFT

Converting the bankrupt nation to solvency will be a challenging task for Sri Lanka in 2023. If this is not done quickly, the goal of making Sri Lanka a rich country by 2048 will be an elusive one…Click here to read…

Increase in requests for dual citizenship in Sri Lanka – Adaderana

Requests have reportedly been made by 5,401 individuals to the Department of Immigration and Emigration for obtaining dual citizenship in the year 2021. The Department of Immigration and Emigration pointed out that the majority of them are residents of Australia, which is numerically 1,621 individuals. Meanwhile, dual citizenship requests have been made by 885 individuals from the United Kingdom, 795 from the United States, 371 from Canada and several others from countries such as Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, New Zealand, France and Denmark. Click here to read…

Draft law on financial stability submitted to China’s top legislature for 1st reading: Xinhuanet

December 27, 2022

A draft law on financial stability was on Tuesday submitted for its first reading to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature. Click here to read…

China mulls improving foreign-related litigation through law revision: Xinhuanet

December 27, 2022

Chinese lawmakers are deliberating a draft amendment to the Civil Procedure Law to help build an impartial, efficient and convenient litigation system of civil and commercial cases involving foreign elements. Click here to read…

China mulls revising law on marine environment protection: Xinhuanet

December 27, 2022

Chinese lawmakers are considering a draft revision to the Marine Environment Protection Law to keep improving the country’s marine environment. The revision was submitted Tuesday to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), the top legislature, for a first reading. Click here to read…

China, Russia conclude joint naval exercise: Xinhuanet

December 27, 2022

Chinese and Russian navies concluded a seven-day joint naval exercise Tuesday in the East China Sea. The drill, the 11th of its kind since 2012, was conducted in waters east of the area stretching from Zhoushan to Taizhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province.
Click here to read…

China to resume passport, visa issuance from Jan. 8, 2023: Xinhuanet

December 27, 2022

China will optimize immigration administration policies and measures starting from Jan. 8, 2023 in compliance with the country’s downgraded COVID-19 response measures. The National Immigration Administration issued a notice on Tuesday, saying that the optimized policies and measures include the resumption of accepting and approval of Chinese citizens’ applications for ordinary passports for the purposes of tourism and visiting friends abroad starting from the date. Click here to read…

China’s Baidu operates driverless taxi night service in Wuhan: Xinhuanet

December 27, 2022

Chinese tech giant Baidu announced on Monday that it has expanded the commercial operation area and times of its driverless taxi service in central China’s Wuhan.The company’s autonomous ride-hailing platform Apollo Go has launched robotaxis at night in Wuhan for the first time, marking a new stage of the commercial operation of autonomous driving in China. Click here to read…

China lifts COVID restrictions on int’l arrivals: Xinhuanet

December 27, 2022

China will cancel nucleic acid tests for international arrivals starting from Jan. 8, a statement on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday. Inbound travelers to China are advised to take a nucleic acid test within 48 hours before their departure. People with a positive test result are advised to postpone their travels until they test negative, it said. Click here to read…

China to restore 6.67 million hectares of desertified land: Qiushi

December 27, 2022

China will restore some 6.67 million hectares of desertified land during the 2021-2025 period in its long-term fight against desertification. By 2030, 12.4 million hectares of desertified land will be rehabilitated, according to the country’s anti-desertification plan for the 2021-2030 period.Click here to read…

Omicron variants dominate China’s outbreak: China Daily

December 27, 2022

The more virulent Delta strain of COVID-19 is not currently circulating in China according to epidemiological data, experts said. X-ray images of the whited-out lungs of recently infected patients have been circulating on Chinese social media lately, prompting speculation that more severe strains of COVID-19 are spreading in the country.
Click here to read…

Former CPPCC official charged with bribery: China Daily

December 27, 2022

Shen Deyong, a former member of the standing committee of China’s top political advisory body, has been charged with accepting bribes, the country’s top procuratorate said on Tuesday. Shen, former head of the Committee on Social and Legal Affairs of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, was placed under investigation for alleged severe violations of disciplines and laws in March. Click here to read…

Marine tech serves Belt and Road for common good: China Daily

December 27, 2022

The devices, which resemble a swimmer’s kickboard, have a conveyor belt at the front to carry items found in waters to a metal basket at the rear. In Hong Kong, a similar robot is working in the Kai Tak River, venturing into waters that are inaccessible to humans. This device is deployed under bridges being built across the waterway to link West Kowloon with East Kowloon. Click here to read…

China’s first ever Charity Law amendment sent for deliberation, filling in legal blanks for online giving: Global Times

December 27, 2022

Refining rules for online giving, and filling in legal blanks for individuals seeking donations through the internet, the draft amendment of China’s Charity Law was tabled in the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress(NPC), the country’s top legislature, for deliberation on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China-India-Nepal cooperation conducive to regional growth: Global Times

December 27, 2022

Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” was sworn in as the Prime Minister of Nepal at a ceremony on Monday in Kathmandu. Western media has reported on the inauguration, paying special attention to the new government’s future policy, especially toward its immediate neighbors – China and India. Citing officials from the ruling coalition, Reuters reported on Monday that the new government will try to balance ties with its neighbors China and India in pursuit of economic growth.
Click here to read…

China to step up financial support to COVID-hit catering, tourism sectors: Reuters

December 27, 2022

China will step up financial support to small and private businesses in the catering and tourism sectors that were hit hard by the COVID-19 epidemic, the country’s banking and insurance regulator said in a statement on Tuesday. Contact-intensive services sector suffered the most amid China’s anti-virus curbs which shut many restaurants down and restricted tourists’ travels.Click here to read…

Intelligent logistics gives a boost to China’s development: People’s Daily

December 27, 2022

Driven by the development of a new generation of information technology, intelligent logistics is speeding up in China, giving a leg up to the country’s development. According to statistics, the overall market size of China’s intelligent logistics stood at 35.67 billion yuan ($5.11 billion) in 2020, and the figure surged to 128.05 billion yuan as of October this year, with an average annual compound growth of over 70 percent. Click here to read…

Hospitals scramble to cope with elderly influx: China Daily

December 28, 2022

Fever clinics and emergency rooms in Beijing are racing to boost the number of critical care beds to cope with rising hospitalizations among older COVID-19 patients. The China-Japan Friendship Hospital’s fever clinic on Tuesday was packed with gray-haired patients, many in wheelchairs accompanied by children. New arrivals had to elbow through the crowd as they sought advice, to pay bills or to pick up drugs. Click here to read…

Nation to downgrade virus management: China Daily

December 28, 2022

China will downgrade its management of COVID-19 from Class A to Class B on Jan 8, a move made possible by the reduced virulence of Omicron, expanded vaccinations and increased treatment and emergency response tools, officials and experts said on Tuesday.Click here to read…

China to resume outbound tourism, scrap tests, quarantine for arrivals: Global Times

December 28, 2022

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday that starting from January 8, 2023, when the country begins to downgrade the management of COVID-19 from Class A to Class B, nucleic acid tests will no longer be carried out on people entering the country, and that those with normal health declarations will no longer undergo any special process. Click here to read…

Chinese experts arrive in Kathmandu for feasibility study of the China-Nepal cross-border railway: Global Times

December 28, 2022

Chinese experts arrived in the Nepalese capital Kathmandu on Tuesday for feasibility study of the China-Nepal cross-border railway, a move described by the Nepalese side as a new step for the project, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Click here to read…

Chinese hospitals ‘extremely busy’ as COVID spreads unchecked: Reuters

December 28, 2022

Chinese hospitals were under intense pressure on Wednesday as a surge of COVID-19 infections strained resources in the last major country to move towards treating the virus as endemic. Click here to read…

China works to vitalize market entities: People’s Daily

December 28, 2022

As China optimized its epidemic response measures and enhanced efforts to help enterprises tide over difficulties, the country has witnessed higher efficiency in the resumption of work and production, as well as a steady rise in the business volume in the logistics sector. Click here to read…

Covid-19 outbreaks put China’s supply chain in the spotlight again, as foreign firms demand ‘solutions’: South China Morning Post

December 28, 2022

China is racing against time to stabilise its workforce and domestic production, as widespread Covid-19 infections test the country’s capability to fulfil overseas orders and threaten its status as the world’s pre-eminent manufacturing hub. Fresh virus outbreaks have put China’s supply chain in the spotlight once again, sparking concern that disruptions could fray the nerves of foreign investors further, while weakening the country’s competitiveness and accelerating diversification plans among multinationals. Click here to read…

China’s wary private sector takes wait-and-see attitude after Beijing pledges ‘unwavering support’: South China Morning Post

December 28, 2022

Despite a flurry of recent promises from Beijing, entrepreneurs have been left guessing about how much support the private sector can actually count on – and whether the government will go so far as to address long-running concerns about unfair competition with state firms. Click here to read…

China’s top legislature starts standing committee session: Xinhuanet

December 28, 2022

The Standing Committee of the 13th National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, started its 38th session Tuesday in Beijing. Li Zhanshu, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, presided over the session’s first plenary meeting. Click here to read…

CPC leadership meeting stresses implementing decisions, plans of key Party congress in unity: Xinhuanet

December 28, 2022

A meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has stressed striving in unity to implement the major decisions and plans made at the 20th CPC National Congress. Click here to read…

China issues trial measures for supervisory rating of foreign banks’ branches: Xinhuanet

December 28, 2022

The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission on Tuesday released trial measures for the comprehensive regulatory rating of foreign bank branches. Under the measures, ratings will be made based on the core factors of a branch, such as risk management, operation control, compliance and asset quality, as well as the support of head offices, which involves evaluating the operating risks, financial conditions and management ability of head offices. Click here to read…

China releases details of COVID-19 management shift: Xinhuanet

December 28, 2022

China has announced that it will be downgrading its management of COVID-19 as of Jan. 8, treating it as a Class B infection, rather than a more serious Class A infection. Further details on this policy shift were revealed on Tuesday at a press conference of the State Council joint prevention and control mechanism against COVID-19. Click here to read…

Belt and Road Studies Network holds 2022 Initiators Council meeting: Xinhuanet

December 28, 2022

The 2022 meeting of the Initiators Council of the Belt and Road Studies Network (BRSN) was convened on Tuesday, with participants attending both in person and online. The council reviewed its work over the past year, discussed work for the next stage, passed a decision on revising the council’s charter, and elected a new chairperson and a new vice chairperson. Click here to read…

CPC leadership meeting stresses implementing decisions, plans of key Party congress in unity: Qiushi

December 28, 2022

A meeting of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has stressed striving in unity to implement the major decisions and plans made at the 20th CPC National Congress. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered an important speech when presiding over the meeting of criticism and self-criticism held from Monday to Tuesday. Click here to read…

Tibet sets economic goals for 2023: China Daily

December 28, 2022

The Tibet autonomous region expects to see GDP growth of 8 percent, as well as 8 percent per capita growth in disposable income for urban residents and 10 percent for rural residents in 2023, said Wang Junzheng, the region’s Party secretary. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Deputy Minister Reiterates Commitment to Fight Drugs: Tolo News

The deputy minister of counter-narcotics, Abdulhaq Akundzada, said the commitment to fight drugs and said alcoholic beverages, as well as a number of illicit drugs, are brought to Afghanistan from Iran, Pakistan and Central Asia. Akhundzada asked the countries to prevent the trafficking of drugs to Afghanistan. “If the narcotics are being trafficked to Iran, Pakistan and Central Asian countries or anywhere else, we will prevent it. We have arrested many of them. Click here to read…

Taliban (IEA) Bans Two Female Training Centers in Kabul & Hera: The Khaama Press

Authorities of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan closed two educational centers in Kabul and Herat accommodating more than 1200 female students.Roya Mahboob, the Founder of the Afghan Girls Robotic Team tweeted on Monday that the Taliban authorities forcibly shut the education centers in Herat and Kabul. More than a thousand female students were taking pieces training in business, Robotics, coding, and Information Communications Technology. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Senior ministers sound alarm over foreign interference – Dhaka Tribune

Momen said that other countries do not need to give prescriptions to Bangladesh on democracy and human rights, as both are deeply rooted in Bangladesh’s DNA. He said the current government is committed to holding free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections under the independent Election Commission. The foreign minister also said Bangladesh welcomes constructive suggestions from foreign friends. Click here to read…

Mongla port upgrade: Tk 6,014 crore deal inked with Indian firm – Daily Star

The Mongla Port Authority (MPA) and Egis India today signed the related agreement for the “Upgradation of Mongla port” project, at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden in the capital. Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, chairman of the MPA, and Laurent Germain, chief executive officer of Egis India, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective parties.
Of the estimated Tk 6,014 crore project, the government will finance Tk 1,555 crore from its own coffer while India will provide Tk 4,459 crore as assistance under its third line of credit. The project is scheduled to be complete by July 30, 2024. Click here to read…

Bangladesh, ADB ink deals worth $627mn for development, climate projects – Business Standard

The ADB said it will provide about $278 million in loan for the Third Public-Private Infrastructure Development Facility– Tranche 2, and $100 million for the Greater Dhaka Sustainable Urban Transport Project (BRT-Gazipur). Meanwhile, the bank will also give about $246 million in loan for the Coastal Towns Climate Resilience Project and a grant of $4 million for the Coastal Towns Climate Resilience ProjectClick here to read…

Bhutan

Hydropower revenue to drop by 4 percent – Kuensel online

The overall hydropower generation of Druk Green Power Corporation’s (DGPC) power plants for the year was forecast to be around 6,914 Gigawatt hours (GWh) with expected revenue of Nu 11.51 billion (B). This, according to the DGPC, would be a decrease of about 4 percent or Nu 497.54 million (M) from last year. In 2021, the country generated Nu 12B from electricity. As of November this year, the DGPC’s power plants generated 6,919.12GWh of electricity, less by 34.68GWh compared to the same month last year. The country generated 6,953.8GWh of electricity as of the same month last year. Click here to read…

Maldives

Cambodia eyes rice sales to Maldives – Phnompenh Post

Cambodia plans to begin the formal export of milled rice to the archipelago nation of Maldives, a month after its Phka Rumduol jasmine variety was crowned as the “World’s Best Rice” for a fifth time, as part of a campaign to raise the profile of the local grain on the regional and international stages. At a ceremony marking the beginning of work to revamp the 95.27km National Road 41 on the morning of December 26, Prime Minister Hun Sen revealed that he would visit the Maldives next month to discuss milled-rice sales as well as stepping up tourism ties. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar court to deliver final verdicts this week in Suu Kyi trials – Reuters

A court in military-ruled Myanmar will deliver its final verdicts in cases against deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday, said a source familiar her trials, wrapping up marathon proceedings that have been condemned in the West as a sham. Suu Kyi, 77, was arrested when the military seized power on Feb. 1 last year in a coup that ended a decade of tentative democracy and plunged the country into chaos. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta’s Worst Massacres of 2022 – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s regime has stepped up atrocities during 2022, including arbitrary killings and the torturing of civilians, burning people alive and using civilians as human shields. Arson attacks, the looting of homes, shelling and airstrikes on residential areas and sexual violence have also increased this year. Click here to read…

Manipur to beef up security along Myanmar border: CM Biren Singh – Dajji World

The Manipur government would strengthen the security in the state’s border areas along with Myanmar by setting up more outposts to curb illegal peddling of drugs, exotic wildlife, various contraband besides cross-border crimes, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said on Monday. Click here to read…

Nepal

Prime minister settled, all eyes on President and Speaker race – The Kathmandu Post

With the CPN (Maoist Centre) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal becoming prime minister with the backing of the second largest party, the CPN-UML, the latter is set to get two other major positions—the President and the Speaker. After Dahal decided to join the UML camp following Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s refusal to allow him to lead the government for the first half of the next five-year term, the new coalition of seven parties will now distribute among themselves 35 constitutional positions including the President, Vice-President, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly chair and vice-chair, chief ministers, speakers, deputy speakers and provincial chiefs of seven provinces. Click here to read…

Explained: How Prachanda Outsmarted Sher Bahadur Deuba To Be Nepal’s PM, What It Means For India? – Outlook

The surprise development of Prachanda becoming the Nepal’s Prime Minister may not bode well for India-Nepal ties as he and Oli have had some run-ins with New Delhi previously over territorial issues. Prachanda is seen as pro-China. He has in the past said a new understanding with India needed to be developed on the basis of a “changed scenario” in Nepal and after addressing all outstanding issues, like revision of the 1950 Friendship Treaty and resolving Kalapani and Susta border disputes. Click here to read…

A parlous path ahead for Rabi Lamichhane – The Kathmandu Post

Rastriya Swatantra Party president Rabi Lamichhane took the oath of office and secrecy as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister at the Sheetal Niwas on Monday—a remarkable turn of events for a person who was running a TV show until six months ago. The Rastriya Swatantra Party—which Lamichhane formed after resigning from his TV job in June just five months prior to the November 20 elections—emerged as the fourth-largest force in the House of Representatives (HoR) in its first-ever elections. The party won 20 federal seats. Its head has now bagged a coveted ministry, becoming one of the country’s most influential leaders. Click here to read…

Finance minister inherits a troubled economy again – The Kathmandu Post

Amid rumours that Bishnu Poudel is becoming the new finance minister, the share market began to make upward moves from Monday morning. As the market closed, the Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index rose by 56.88 points, appearing to welcome Poudel’s appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister in the new Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Shehbaz renews pledge to crush terrorism menace: Dawn

As the country reels from multiple incidents of terrorism, claimed by the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) over the past few days, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday vowed to eradicate militants across the country amid criticism by his predecessor Imran Khan, who grilled the government over a steep rise in militancy during its eight-month stint.
Addressing a gathering in Dera Ismail Khan, PM Shehbaz said that with the help of provincial governments and security forces, the government will eliminate terrorism in all its forms. Click here to read…

Rs2.2 trillion spent on interest and defence: The Express Tribune

Sources in the Ministry of Finance told The ExpressTribune that during July-November period of the current fiscal year, there was an alarming increase of 83% in the interest cost on the Rs50 trillion federal government debt stock. The Ministry of Finance paid nearly Rs1.7 trillion in the interest cost, up by Rs763 billion or 83%, according to the sources. Similarly, excluding military pensions and expenses on the armed forces development programme, Rs517 billion was spent on defence in five months. It was Rs112 billion or nearly 28% more than the previous fiscal year, according to the sources. Click here to read…

Security advisory: Saudi Arabia, Australia ask citizens in Pakistan to limit movement: The News

In the wake of recent terror incidents in the country, the Saudi embassy has issued a security alert for its citizens in Pakistan, advising them to remain careful and limit their movement. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka PM urges new envoys to promote foreign investment, exports, tourism – Colombo Page

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena meeting with a group of new envoys on Monday noted that the economic diplomacy rather than traditional diplomacy has gained priority in the world and emphasized the importance of innovative diplomacy that promotes investment attraction, exports and tourism. Newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners to 16 countries participated in a special discussion held with the Prime Minister at Temple Trees. Click here to read…

We face the repercussion of handing over the country to politicians: Prelate – Daily Mirror

What we are experiencing now is the consequence of handing over everything in the country to politicians, the Chairman of the National Movement for the Protection of the Nation Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera said. “We have never heard of an era where the people of our country are suffering as much as they do these days,” he lamented. “Now I am hearing several opinions being discussed about the issues in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of the country. “The Government should not do that. It will be creating more national problems at a time when people are worried over their next meals,” he said. Click here to read…

Distribution of dry rations at Abhayagiriya – Daily Mirror

Arrangements have been made to distribute 50,000 parcels of dry rations among needy families by the China Buddhist Association and Fa-Xien Charity Trust with the participation of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Acting Chinese Ambassador Hu Wei in the presence of Atamasthanadhipathi Ven Pallegama Hemaratana, Chief Incumbent Abhayagiriya Temple Ven Dr Kallanchiye Ratanasiri on Tuesday (27) at 1.30 pm at the Abhayagiriya premises in Anuradhapura. The event is organized by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the China Sri Lanka Buddhist Friendship Association. Click here to read…

Xi stresses protection of people’s safety, health: Xinhuanet

December 26, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, demanded more targeted efforts to carry out patriotic health campaigns and concrete actions to protect people’s safety and health. Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the instruction concerning the 70th anniversary of the patriotic health campaigns. Click here to read…

China issues guideline on supporting veterans in starting businesses: Xinhuanet

December 26, 2022

Chinese authorities have unveiled a guideline to support demobilized military personnel in starting businesses and engaging in innovation. Financial support, such as increased guaranteed loans, will be tilted toward business startups run by ex-service members, according to the document issued by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with 20 other departments. Click here to read…

China urges smooth transition of COVID-19 response in holiday preparations: Xinhuanet

December 26, 2022

Chinese authorities have stressed the need to ensure a smooth transition of COVID-19 response phases in a circular on the work related to the upcoming New Year and Spring Festival holidays. The circular from the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council underscored putting the people and human life above all else and adopting a science-based approach and targeted measures. Click here to read…

China goes all out to increase output of medical supplies: Xinhuanet

December 26, 2022

China is moving to ensure production of key medical supplies in urgent need as the country optimized its COVID-19 response. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and relevant departments have established emergency collaboration mechanisms with local authorities, to help pharmaceutical enterprises expand capacity and ensure supply of key medicines for COVID-19 control. Click here to read…

Faster railway links Chengdu with Kunming: China Daily

December 26, 2022

A new railway line in China’s southwestern region will open on Monday, slashing travel time between the region’s two major cities Chengdu and Kunming, capitals of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, the national railway operator China State Railway Group said on Saturday. Click here to read…

China National Knowledge Infrastructure fined for monopolistic behavior: China Daily

December 26, 2022

The State Administration for Market Regulation, China’s top market regulator, imposed a fine of 87.6 million yuan ($12.58 million) on China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the country’s largest online academic database, for monopolistic behaviors on Monday. Click here to read…

China congratulates Prachanda on becoming Nepal’s new PM, hopes to deepen bilateral ties: Global Times

December 26, 2022

China has congratulated Pushpa Kamal Dahal, chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center), also known as Prachanda, on his appointment as the new prime minister of Nepal, and is willing to continue working with the Nepalese government to deepen bilateral ties, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Monday. Click here to read…

Health officials call for appropriate precautions to deal with possible risks in early stage of COVID-19 downgrading adjustment: Global Times

December 27, 2022

Health officials called for taking precautions to deal with possible risks posed in early stage of the adjustment of downgrading COVID-19 from Class A to Class B, including surging COVID-19 infections and patients seeking medical treatment. Click here to read…

Chinese localities make bold moves to stabilize economy: People’s Daily

December 26, 2022

As China further optimizes its COVID-19 response, multiple localities across the country have recently made bold and sweeping moves to stabilize the economy and promote development, boosting the resumption of work, production, and business activities. Click here to read…

China’s economy brims with vitality thanks to reform and opening-up: People’s Daily

December 26, 2022

No matter how the world changes, China’s faith in and its commitment to reform and opening-up will not waver. This is the solemn commitment President Xi Jinping made at the opening ceremony of this year’s Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference. Click here to read…

China to reopen borders on Jan. 8, exit from “zero-COVID” policy: Kyodo

December 27, 2022

China said Monday it will reopen borders and abandon quarantine measures that have been in place to stem the spread of coronavirus infections on Jan. 8, in a full departure from its strict “zero-COVID” policy that involved lockdowns and isolation measures at designated facilities. Click here to read…

Taiwan detects 78 Chinese craft in a day: Taipei Times

December 27, 2022

A total of 71 Chinese military aircraft and seven naval vessels were detected around Taiwan from 6am on Sunday to 6am yesterday, the Ministry of National Defense said.
It was the most Chinese military craft detected within a 24-hour period so far this year. Click here to read…

China’s industrial profits slump on COVID fallout, next year seen improving: Reuters

December 27, 2022

Profits at China’s industrial firms contracted further in the January-November period as strict COVID 19-related curbs disrupted factory activity and supply chains, but analysts foresaw brighter long-term economic prospects after a U-turn in COVID policy. Click here to read…

Chinese make travel plans as COVID rules ease further: Reuters

December 27, 2022

Chinese people, cut off from the rest of the world for three years by COVID-19 curbs, flocked to travel sites on Tuesday ahead of borders reopening, even as rising infections further strained the health system and roiled the economy. Zero-tolerance measures – from shuttered borders to frequent lockdowns – have battered China’s economy since early 2020, fuelling last month the mainland’s biggest show of public discontent since President Xi Jinping took power in 2012. Click here to read…

China revises 2021 GDP growth: Xinhuanet

December 27, 2022

China’s statistics authority on Tuesday revised the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth for 2021 to 8.4 percent in its final verification. The figure was up 0.3 percentage points from the preliminary calculation, the National Bureau of Statistics said. Click here to read…

China to manage COVID-19 with measures against Class B infectious diseases: Xinhuanet

December 27, 2022

China will manage COVID-19 with measures against Class B infectious diseases, instead of Class A infectious diseases, in a major shift of its epidemic response policies. China has renamed the Chinese term for COVID-19 from “novel coronavirus pneumonia” to “novel coronavirus infection,” said a statement released by the National Health Commission on Monday. Click here to read…

Top legislature releases work plan for 2023: China Daily

December 27, 2022

A set of 37 legislative proposals has been planned for review and discussion next year, an official from the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, said on Monday. Click here to read…

Quarantine to end for inbound overseas travelers: China Daily

December 27, 2022

International travelers will no longer need to quarantine upon arrival in China starting Jan 8, according to the country’s latest policy on epidemic control. Inbound passengers will only be required to present a negative nucleic acid test result for COVID-19 obtained within 48 hours of boarding, according to the policy change, which was announced by the State Council’s Joint Prevention and Control Mechanism on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Shanghai clinics dealing with surge in infections: China Daily

December 27, 2022

Ruan Sheng, an ambulance driver at the South Branch Center of Shanghai Medical Emergency Center, has run an average of 20 trips each day for the last week with his teammates, Doctor Li Zhu and Wang Xiaodong, a paramedic. Click here to read…

Health officials call for appropriate precautions to deal with possible risks in early stage of COVID-19 downgrading adjustment: Global Times

December 27, 2022

Health officials called for taking precautions to deal with possible risks posed in early stage of the adjustment of downgrading COVID-19 from Class A to Class B, including surging COVID-19 infections and patients seeking medical treatment. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate’s Ban on Women’s Jobs Faces Widespread Reactions: Tolo News

The Ministry of Economy in a statement on Saturday ordered all national and international non-government organizations to suspend their female staff members until the next announcement. The announcement of the Islamic Emirate faced widespread reactions at national and international levels. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a tweet expressed deep concerns about the Islamic Emirate decision’s ban on women’s jobs and said “this decision could be devastating for the Afghan people, women are central to humanitarian operations around the world.” Click here to read…

TTP Threat, Rings Alarm for Pakistan: The Khaama Presss

With the return of the Taliban to Afghanistan in August 2021, the dynamic of TTP operations has changed in Pakistani tribal areas and other major cities to a great extent. Afghan Taliban, TTP’s ideological twin brother’s success in neighboring Afghanistan gave them extra momentum and energy to expand their operations across Pakistan. Since the beginning of the year, the TTP has conducted hundreds of attacks mostly targeting police and army headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, and Quetta Balochistan in Particular. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina re-elected as AL president, Quader as general secretary – Dhaka Tribune

The ruling Awami League announced its new central committee with minor changes at its 22nd National Council on Saturday afternoon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was re-elected as party president for the 10th time, while Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader was elected general secretary for a hattrick of terms. Click here to read…

AL rank and file confused who’s top joint GS – Daily Star

Among the ruling Awami League rank and file, confusion reigned about who actually tops the list of joint general secretaries. The official website of AL uploaded the names of leaders of the full-fledged committee around 10:30pm on Saturday, putting Hasan as the number one joint general secretary. However, an hour later, the list was pulled down from the website. Only the names of Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader remained there. This created a confusion among the party rank and file. Click here to read…

More exchanges between Bangladesh, China media emphasized – New Age

Bangladesh’s relations with China, one of the major development and trading partners of the country, are growing with each passing day, speakers said at a function. Enhanced contacts and exchange between the media of the two countries are needed as the media can play an important role in strengthening cultural and economic ties, they said. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Growing import a growing concern – Kuensel online

It took less than a month for the unemployed guide to switch his career. Within three months he has become a licensed importer and his trial business of importing instant noodles and coffee, seaweed, and ready-to-eat meals is doing well. The guide is among the many in the import business, also called as “container business,” making quick money – bringing in goods ranging from instant noodles to furniture and furnishings from as far as China, South Korea, and Indonesia. There is money in the import business. However, it is leaving a huge impact on the country. Click here to read…

Former Bhutan king warned India about China: R&AW ex-chief A.S. Dulat -The Hindu

Bhutan’s then king Jigme Singye Wangchuck warned India of pressures from China in 1999, writes former R&AW chief A.S. Dulat in his latest book. Mr. Dulat says the former King’s words were “prophetic” about India-China tensions in Doklam in 2017 and the build-up of infrastructure by China that has followed. He also says that New Delhi’s “muscular policy” on a range of issues, including the situation in Kashmir, and tough foreign policy in the neighbourhood led to “failures”. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives former president Yameen gets 11-year jail term – Business Recorder

The Maldives criminal court on Sunday sentenced former president Abdulla Yameen to 11 years in prison and fined him $5 million after finding him guilty of corruption and money laundering charges related to receiving kickbacks from a private company. Yameen has denied any wrongdoing. He lost power in 2018 but has been declared presidential candidate for the Progressive Party of the Maldives for an election due in 2023. Click here to read…

Maldives leader held for threatening attack on Indian Mission – Tribune India

Abbas Adil Riza who, in a tweet, had encouraged an arson attack on the Indian High Commission in Male. The arrest came on a day when his party colleague and former Maldives President Abdulla Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison by a court for corruption. The developments come ahead of the presidential elections in Maldives next year. Pro- China Yameen has in the past few days made several anti-India remarks. Click here to read…

Myanmar

China-funded mobile clinic provides healthcare services in Kyaukphyu of Myanmar – Xinhua

The China-funded Kyaukphyu Anargat (Future) Mobile Clinic project in western Myanmar’s Rakhine state entered its final stage in late December, already providing free healthcare service to over 1,500 villagers. U Kyaw Win, 54, from Kyaukphyu Township’s Shauk Chaung Village, is one of the hundreds of villagers who benefited from free healthcare and medicines from the mobile clinic. Click here to read…

New Sittwe port for Indo-Myanmar direct trade will open for Indo-Myanmar trade – Mizzima

The Military Council-appointed Rakhine State government Chief Minister Dr Aung Kyaw Min said in his opening address on the 48th Rakhine State Day that one of the Indo-Myanmar friendship projects, the Sittwe port, would be opened soon for direct trade between India and Myanmar. This Kaladan multi-modal transit transport (KMTT) project would be beneficial not only for Myanmar but also for Rakhine State development, he said. Click here to read…

Myanmar junta says UN resolution aimed at destabilizing country – LaPrensalatina

Myanmar’s military junta has rejected the resolution passed by the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday demanding an immediate end to violence and release of all political prisoners, accusing the global body of trying to “destabilize” the country. Myanmar’s foreign ministry said in a statement late on Friday that the resolution – approved on Wednesday with 12 votes in favor and three abstentions (China, Russia and India) – includes “several intrusive elements on Myanmar’s internal affairs that contravene the principles and purposesof the United Nations.” Click here to read…

Nepal

Dahal becomes prime minister again, Oli the new kingmaker – The Kathmandu Post

Sher Bahadur Deuba, a veteran of manoeuvring hung parliaments to his advantage, got outfoxed on Sunday afternoon by his bete noire, KP Sharma Oli. Not only did Oli succeed in getting Pushpa Kamal Dahal anointed as the prime minister, a move which weaned Dahal away from the Congress-led alliance, he also now gets to have his own candidate for the head of the state and the Speaker of the House of Representatives along with plum ministries and a majority of the provincial chief ministers. Until Sunday afternoon, a Nepali Congress-led coalition led by Deuba was the favourite to form the next federal government. The Oli masterstroke means that he will now get to pull the strings of power. Click here to read…

Indian Workers Attacked Along Nepal Border In Uttarakhand; Defence Minister Intervenes – Republic World

In Dharchula, a safety wall is being created along the Kali river that flows between India and Nepal. It has been learned that some elements are against the construction of the wall and are furiously throwing stones in order to stop the work at the location. Calling Nepal a friend, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for negotiations with the neighbouring country saying, “Nepal is our friend, if there is any dispute, we will solve it together.” Also, Indian officials will be taking up the matter with their Nepalese counterparts if such incidents occur in the future. Click here to read…

Modi congratulates Prachanda on being elected Nepal’s PM – Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” on Sunday on being elected as the new leader of Nepal and said he looks forward to working with him to further strengthen the friendship between the two countries. Click here to read…

No respite for national economy with more instability in store – The Kathmandu Post

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has launched a ‘Save the Economy’ campaign in the face of worsening economic indicators. Although the indicators of the external sector have improved due to the strict import control measures, industrialists complain of a sharp decline in demand for goods and services, which has forced them to cut down on the operations of their businesses and factories.https://kathmandupost.com/money/2022/12/26/no-respite-for-national-economy-with-more-instability-in-store” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Pakistan

Editorial: Troubles lurking around every corner: Dawn

In the outgoing year, the people came around to an unprecedented price growth amid the country’s consistently deteriorating balance of payments crisis exacerbated by devastating summer floods and ongoing political uncertainty.Next year we could see inflation entrenched further and the economy trek toward a deeper recession as the politically embattled coalition led by the PML-N struggles to revive its sour relationship with the International Monetary Fund for the resumption of its loan programme to overcome its dollar liquidity crisis. Click here to read…

US embassy restricts staff movement in Islamabad: The Express Tribune

A statement issued by the US Embassy in Islamabad said the US government staff prohibited from visiting the private hotel in the federal capital due to possible attack.The US government is aware of information that unidentified individuals are possibly plotting to attack Americans at the private hotel in Islamabad “sometime during the holidays”, the statement added. Click here to read…

Govt again advises Imran to return to NA: The Express Tribune

As PTI chief Imran Khan remains adamant about playing hardball to force early polls, the government has again advised the former prime minister to return to the National Assembly to put forth his demands and lead a “healthy opposition” against the ruling coalition for negotiations. Click here to read…

News analysis: Country needs vision to break through economic trap: The News

As finance minister Ishaq Dar publicly defied the IMF earlier this month and overlooked tough economic conditions across Pakistan, a wider crisis continued with no signs of abating any time soon. The minister is presiding over Pakistan’s fast worsening economic turmoil driven by stagnation, far above target inflation, a balance of payments crisis and widespread uncertainty to name matters proverbially at the tip of the iceberg. And his recent promise of returning the Rupee versus US Dollar exchange rate to below Rs200 to a Dollar is already lost. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Manic weather across the country – Daily Mirror

Heavy rain was experienced yesterday all over the country disrupting civilian life. The worst affected were the central hills that had been hit by floods and earth slips due to the torrential rains experienced from Saturday midnight (24) that continued unabated yesterday. The Police said the central hills had been shrouded with a thick mist and warned the drivers to be cautious of fog that prevented visibility. Click here to read…

President Ranil’s initiative to resolve Tamil national question – Daily Mirror

Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) leader and Colombo District MP, Mano Ganesan received a telephone call from Ranil Wickremesinghe on 19 July 2022. Recalling the telephone conversation, Mano Ganesan told me “Ranil spoke as if he had already been elected President. He told me of his intention to resolve the Tamil National Question. He also told me of his plans to address the socio -economic issues of the North-Eastern and Up Country Tamils. He also spoke about the economic upliftment of their areas. Ranil seemed very convincing then” Click here to read…

Chinese infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka may have contributed to the country’s crisis: Report – The Print

According to the report, “A port city that dominates Colombo’s seafront was built on a 269-hectare patch of land reclaimed from the sea. It was to become a thriving business and financial hub, but it is virtually deserted.” An international airport commissioned at Sri Lanka’s Mattala city almost a decade ago is called the “emptiest airport in the world.” Both these projects funded by China are seen as “white elephants” that have significantly contributed to Sri Lanka’s debt. Click here to read…

Xi meets with HKSAR chief executive: Xinhuanet

December 23, 2022

President Xi Jinping on Friday met with Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee, who is on a duty visit to Beijing. During the meeting, Xi heard a report from Lee on Hong Kong’s current situation and the HKSAR government’s work. Click here to read…

Chinese FM holds phone talks with U.S. secretary of state on bilateral ties: Xinhuanet

December 23, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a phone conversation Friday with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken at the latter’s request. Wang said that last month, President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden met successfully in Bali, which provided strategic guidance for steering bilateral relations out of grave difficulties and back to a healthy and stable track, sending a positive signal to the outside world. Click here to read…

China vows further judicial protection for traditional medicine intellectual property: Xinhuanet

December 23, 2022

China’s apex court has introduced guidelines on strengthening the judicial protection for intellectual property in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in all respects. The 16-article guidelines issued recently by the Supreme People’s Court put forth targeted measures regarding major areas and key issues of TCM, providing clear guidance for the adjudicatory work related to TCM intellectual property. Click here to read…

China to rectify medical insurance constraints: Xinhuanet

December 23, 2022

China’s National Healthcare Security Administration has launched a campaign to identify and remove inappropriate constraints concerning medical insurance to protect the interests of the insured, according to a circular recently issued by the administration. Click here to read…

Resilient China injects certainty into global economic recovery: Qiushi

December 23, 2022

The Chinese economy demonstrated remarkable resilience in a tough year, bringing much-needed certainty and vitality to a world facing unprecedented challenges amid COVID-19-induced disruptions and geopolitical tensions. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland opposes Taiwan-related provisions in US defense act: China Military

December 24, 2022

A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Saturday voiced firm opposition to Taiwan-related provisions in a new US defense act. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, as a domestic law of the United States, blatantly makes irresponsible remarks on the Taiwan question, and includes provisions of providing “military financing” and selling arms to the Taiwan region, said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Click here to read…

Former mayor receives suspended death sentence for corruption: China Daily

December 23, 2022

A former mayor of Hegang, a city in Northeast China’s Heilongjiang province, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve on Friday for multiple crimes involving corruption, according to a local court. Click here to read…

Large fever clinic opens in Foshan convention center: China Daily

December 23, 2022

A large clinic was launched inside a convention and exhibition center in Foshan, Guangdong province, on Thursday to facilitate treatment of people with fever.

Medical workers are being sent by a number of hospitals to the new clinic in the Tanzhou Convention and Exhibition Center, which initially allocated 10 rooms for both adult and minor patients and offers 24-hour services. Click here to read…

China develops first home-grown DPU chip: China Daily

December 23, 2022

Yusur, a leading Chinese startup on data processing units, or DPUs. Chinese researchers have developed the country’s first Data Processing Unit (DPU) chip, marking a milestone in the domestic chip industry. Click here to read…

Chinese experts say second booster still necessary for people who have been infected: Global Times

December 23, 2022

Is the second booster shot still necessary for people who have been infected with COVID-19? China’s State Council joint epidemic prevention team said yes, calling on the public to choose a different vaccine from the previous three doses as their second booster shot. Click here to read…

E-commerce platform links China’s cryptocurrency: Global Times

December 23, 2022

With China’s digital yuan becoming more widely used across a growing number of scenarios and platforms, it will serve the real economy and people’s lives by being better, faster and more inclusive in usage, experts told the Global Times. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland opposes Taiwan-related provisions in US defense act: China Military

December 24, 2022

A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Saturday voiced firm opposition to Taiwan-related provisions in a new US defense act. The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023, as a domestic law of the United States, blatantly makes irresponsible remarks on the Taiwan question, and includes provisions of providing “military financing” and selling arms to the Taiwan region, said Zhu Fenglian, a spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council. Click here to read…

China central banker calls for strengthening property sector policies: Reuters

December 24, 2022

A top advisor to the People’s Bank of China on Saturday called for strengthening of real estate policy in light of sluggish economic growth over the past several years as China has pursued its zero-COVID policy. Click here to read…

China turns to online help as Covid outbreaks swamp health facilities: South China Morning Post

December 24, 2022

Earlier this week, Amy Luo, who lives in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou, tested positive for Covid-19. While she struggled with a fever, she managed to obtain hard-to-find medicines at a pharmacy, but as her symptoms began to change, she was not sure how often, or how much of the medicine to take. “I didn’t go to a nearby hospital to see the doctor,” Luo said. “Too many people were there. I was afraid to get cross-infected.” Instead, she turned to Ask Doctor, a mini-programme offered on the Baidu Health platform, which is operated by China’s biggest search engine. Click here to read…

Xi stresses building up China’s strength in agriculture at key rural work conference: Xinhuanet

December 24, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for enhanced efforts to build up China’s strength in agriculture and do a good job in work on agriculture and rural areas. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing the annual central rural work conference held from Friday to Saturday in Beijing. Click here to read…

Eight major achievements of China’s major-country diplomacy in 2022: Xinhuanet

December 25, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday that over the year 2022, China has conducted major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics in an all-round way, making new contribution to upholding world peace and promoting common development. Click here to read…

China’s National Health Commission stops publishing daily COVID information: Xinhuanet

December 25, 2022

China’s National Health Commission (NHC) has stopped publishing daily epidemic information starting from Sunday, and relevant epidemic information will be released by the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention for reference and research, according to a notice on the NHC website. Click here to read…

China prioritizes people’s health in COVID-19 fight: Xinhuanet

December 25, 2022

Unlike the ordeal at the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic three years ago, Wuhan resident Huang Jianmei was not in a state of panic after getting infected with the Omicron variant this time. Huang caught a cough, but the symptom was mild. She took some medicine and recovered, without going to the hospital. She has completed a full course of vaccination against COVID-19 including a booster shot. Click here to read…

Daily new COVID infections in Zhejiang reach over 1 mln, peak expected with 2 mln daily around New Year’s Day: Global Times

December 25, 2022

With daily new infections surpassing 1 million, the COVID-19 epidemic in East China’s Zhejiang Province is expected to peak earlier around the New Year’s Day and enter a high-level stage with the highest daily tallies reaching 2 million, local authorities said on Sunday. Click here to read…

China navigates complex international issues, striking balance in major-country diplomacy in 2023: Global Times

December 25, 2022

China has greatly advanced its diplomatic agenda in 2022 with head-of-state diplomacy setting the pace for the country’s overall diplomatic work, which was highlighted by one home-ground event, two major initiatives and three important visits, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Sunday in reviewing the country’s diplomatic work for 2022. Chinese experts believe that the overall successful diplomatic work helped China navigate complex global and regional issues, consolidate consensus and strike a balance in maintaining strategic stability in relations with other major countries such as the US and Russia. Click here to read…

New improvements expected for China’s J-20 stealth fighter jet: Global Times

December 25, 2022

Chinese military analysts said constant upgrades are expected for China’s J-20 fighter jet, after foreign media reported recently that a new and more powerful variant of the stealth aircraft has appeared. Click here to read…

Railway transportation in Xinjiang region completes annual target ahead of schedule: Global Times

December 25, 2022

Railway transportation in Northwest China’s Xinjiang region has completed its annual work load target at 201.3 million tons set for the year eight days ahead of schedule on Friday, domestic news portal chinanews.com.cn reported over the weekend. Click here to read…

Xizang’s largest photovoltaic supply project begins grid-connected power generation : Global Times

December 25, 2022

A 120,000-kilowatt photovoltaic plant, the largest photovoltaic supply project in Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region constructed by China Huadian Corporation connected with the grid and began power generation on Sunday, the company said via its official Wechat account. Click here to read…

China stages ‘strike drills’ around Taiwan, citing provocation: Reuters

December 25, 2022

China’s military said it had conducted “strike drills” in the sea and airspace around Taiwan on Sunday in response to what it said was provocation from the democratically-governed island and the United States. Click here to read…

China must raise self-reliance in agricultural technology, Xi says: Reuters

December 25, 2022

President Xi Jinping wants China to accelerate efforts to achieve self-reliance in agricultural technology, identifying seed development and core equipment among areas to focus on, state media reported. Click here to read…

Estimated several million daily COVID cases in China amid virus surge: Kyodo

December 25, 2022

Daily new COVID-19 infections in China are believed to have reached several hundred million based on figures released by regional authorities, amid the rapid spread of the coronavirus since the government significantly relaxed its strict antivirus measures earlier this month. Zhejiang Province in eastern China said Sunday the number of new daily COVID-19 cases in the area has topped 1 million and that the figure is expected to double around the turn of the year. Click here to read…

Hong Kong to reopen China border in mid-January: Taipei Times

December 26, 2022

Hong Kong intends to start reopening its borders with mainland China before mid-January, aiming to return to pre-2020 cross-border travel arrangements, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee said. Click here to read…

China stops reporting daily cases: Taipei Times

December 26, 2022

Authorities are making nearly no effort to slow the spread of COVID-19 ahead of Lunar New Year travel, analysts said in a report The Chinese National Health Commission (NHC) yesterday ceased publishing daily COVID-19 data amid doubts about the reliability of numbers, as infections explode in the wake of an abrupt easing of tough restrictions. Click here to read…

Why has China had such a struggle vaccinating the elderly against Covid-19? : South China Morning Post

December 26, 2022

Chinese cancer patient Xiao Cuiru, 75, has been unsure about whether to have a Covid-19 jab. He has had several operations to remove malignant bladder tumours since July last year and this summer, after finishing the first phase of chemotherapy, received conflicting advice about vaccination. Two doctors from Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, who first detected his cancer, advised him to wait and prepare instead for a second round of chemotherapy three months later. But two other doctors, from his hometown in Hunan province, said his condition was stable enough for him to get jabbed. Click here to read…

Opening-up in major sectors seen next year: Qiushi

December 26, 2022

Advanced manufacturing, smart power, modern services to attract foreign funds. China will continue to widen opening-up and guide foreign companies to invest in key areas such as advanced manufacturing, modern services and energy conservation in its market in 2023, the Ministry of Commerce said on Friday. Click here to read…

New high-speed railway line linking Chengdu and Kunming opens to traffic: China Daily

December 26, 2022

A new railway line in China’s southwestern region opened on Monday, rediucing travel time between the region’s two major cities Chengdu and Kunming, capitals of Sichuan and Yunnan provinces, respectively. Click here to read…

Grassroots fever clinics open across China as COVID-19 cases surge: Global Times

December 26, 2022

Grassroots clinics for fever patients are being opened in many places across China, especially in small towns and cities, to enhance the capacity of the local medical system to deal with the epidemic. These changes are among the latest efforts by Chinese cities to cope with rising numbers of COVID-19 cases. Click here to read…

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

India-Africa friendship in the emerging new world order

The disastrous effects of the Russia-Ukraine war extended well beyond the borders of the European continent. Click here to read…

Africa emerges as new theatre for China-Russia rivalry to play out

African countries are becoming the new theatre for the rivalry between China and Russia to play itself out, said a report. Click here to read…

How Africa Can Avoid Getting Scrambled

At the conclusion of the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, which notoriously carved up the African continent and apportioned its territories to Europe’s imperial powers of the day. Click here to read…

NEWS

South Africa’s Ramaphosa eyes 2024 election with call to revamp ANC

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged his ruling African National Congress (ANC) on Tuesday to improve on the poor delivery of basic services that led to its worst election result in living memory, a day after it re-elected him as its leader. Click here to read…

South Africa’s Ramaphosa clears way for second term

By reelecting Cyril Ramaphosa as party leader, the ANC has shown it trusts him to win the 2024 presidential election. But Ramaphosa faces an uphill struggle to convince voters the ruling party is still their best bet. Click here to read…

Gambia Foils Attempt to Overthrow President, Arrests Soldiers

Gambia has foiled an attempt to overthrow President Adama Barrow, according to the government. Click here to read…

Gambia navy officer behind failed coup bid – government

A navy officer has been named by The Gambia’s government as the alleged ringleader of a failed coup plot. Click here to read…

Comoros to chair African Union in 2023

Comoros will assume the chairmanship of the African Union in 2023, the first time the island nation is being entrusted with the assignment. Click here to read…

Sudanese security forces tear-gas pro-democracy protesters

Sudanese security forces have fired stun grenades and tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters in Khartoum as they mark the fourth anniversary of the uprising that eventually toppled President Omar al-Bashir. Click here to read…

Tunisia: President intensifies crackdown after low turnout

Despite President Kais Saied pursuing an increasingly undemocratic roadmap, the majority of Tunisians continue to be too occupied to protest. That could mean a low turnout for the second round of the election. Click here to read…

Sudan: The Trilateral Mechanism Meets the Signatories to the Political Framework Agreement

The Trilateral Mechanism and the joint delegation of signatories to the Political Framework Agreement held two productive meetings today and yesterday to discuss next steps on the second phase of the political process. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso government expels senior U.N. official

Burkina Faso’s military government in a statement on Friday ordered senior United Nations official Barbara Manzi to leave the country immediately, without giving a reason. Click here to read…

Togo presidency to oversee armed forces amid security woes

Togo’s President Faure Gnassingbé will oversee the armed forces as part of a reshuffle amid growing security concerns in the northern regions, according to a decree which has been announced. Click here to read…

Somali Military Takes Al-Shabab’s Last Stronghold in Middle Shabelle

Somalia’s military says it has liberated the last town held by al-Shabab militants in the Middle Shabelle region, killing more than 150 fighters, including five foreigners. Click here to read…

Al Shabaab militants kill two policemen, one civilian in eastern Kenya

Al Shabaab fighters have attacked a police vehicle in eastern Kenya, killing two officers and one civilian, police and the armed group said. Click here to read…

Al-Shabab: 14 Iranian fishermen freed years after abduction

Fourteen Iranian fishermen have returned home after years in captivity by al-Shabab militants in Somalia. Click here to read…

Egypt gov’t HQ to relocate to new capital in January

The Egyptian government will be transferring its headquarters next month to the New Administrative Capital, located 45 kilometres east of the country’s current capital Cairo. Click here to read…

Afreximbank and US EXIM sign $500m MoU

The Afreximbank and the US EXIM have signed and MoU for $500 million to support trade between Africa and the US. Click here to read…

After World Cup run, Morocco shoots at diplomatic gains

Morocco is hoping its unprecedented World Cup exploits can help it win friends and influence people, especially among an Arab public opposed to its 2020 rapprochement with Israel. Click here to read…

Anti-Israel protests held across Morocco against normalization with Tel Aviv regime

Moroccans have staged demonstrations across the North African country to reiterate their unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and voice outrage at the US-sponsored normalization of diplomatic relations with Israel on its second anniversary. Click here to read…

Shell to pay $16m to Nigerian farmers over oil damage

Shell has agreed to pay $16m (£13m) to four Nigerian farmers and their communities to compensate for damage allegedly caused by pollution coming from leaks in its oil pipelines. Click here to read…

Ethiopia, Tigray Rebel Officials Meet to Review Implementation of Peace Deal

Officials from Ethiopia’s federal government and the Tigray region are meeting in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, to discuss the next steps for a peace deal to end two years of war. Click here to read…

DRC: fighting between the M23 and a Congolese self-defense militia renewed

A renewed battle between M23 rebels and members of a community self-defense militia in the troubled Rutshuru region of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has begun, after a few days of calm. Click here to read…

Armed groups in northern Mali pull out of Algiers peace talks

A coalition of armed groups in northern Mali has pulled out of long-running peace talks based on a 2015 Algiers accord because of what they call a lack of political will on the part of the country’s military government. Click here to read…

How Uganda got tangled with Russian arms dealer

Until his arrest in a US sting operation in 2008 in Thailand, Mr Bout was famed for being the McDonald’s of arms trafficking. Click here to read…

Ghana mends fences with Burkina Faso over Wagner claims

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has smoothed over a rift with Burkina Faso after allegations that its northern neighbor is the latest African nation to enlist Wagner Group mercenaries to maintain security and counter its terrorism threats. Click here to read…

‘Develop Batteries for Electric Vehicles Here’: Zimbabwe Bans Export of Raw Lithium

Zimbabwe earlier this week stopped the export of raw lithium from its mines and said that it wants cash in on the value addition and also stop losing billions to foreign companies via mineral proceeds, news agencies reported. Click here to read…

Ally of Wagner Group boss hurt in ‘assassination attempt’ in central Africa

A Russian businessman believed to be a close ally of Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group founder, has been taken to hospital in Central African Republic (CAR) after an “assassination attempt”. Click here to read…

Moscow protests to France over comments about attack on Russian official in Africa

Russia’s foreign ministry in a statement on Wednesday said it had summoned the French ambassador and lodged “a strong protest” over comments about an assassination attempt on a Russian official in the Central African Republic. Click here to read…

Some banks re-open in parts of Ethiopia’s war-torn Tigray

Several banks said they had resumed services in government-controlled areas of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region for the first time in over a year, following a November truce in a bloody two-year conflict. Click here to read…

Rwanda,the world’s most innovative low-income economy

Rwanda is the most innovative economy among low income countries. According to the latest Global innovation index, the eastern African nation ranks first of its income group before Madagascar and Ethiopia and sits on 9th spot of the sub-Saharan African group. Click here to read…

Libya aborted plan to hand over Gaddafi’s spy chief to US at last minute: Report

Libya aborted a plan to hand over Muammar Gaddafi’s spy chief to the US at the last minute, a report said. The extradition plan was reportedly halted abruptly this week amid fear of public anger.https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/libya-aborted-plan-to-hand-over-gaddafi-spy-chief-us-last-minute-2312648-2022-12-23″ target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Tanzania signs $2.2bln railway deal with China

Tanzania on Tuesday signed a $2.2-billion contract with a Chinese company to build the final section of a railway line aimed at linking the country’s main port with its neighbours. Click here to read…

Ivory Coast launches construction of metro project

Ivory Coast on Monday commissioned the construction of two major infrastructure projects in the Ivorian economic capital Abidjan- that of a metro and the extension of the international airport. Click here to read…

Egypt’s Suez Canal registers record revenue of $7.9 billion in 2022

Egypt’s Suez Canal registered a record-breaking revenue of $7.9 billion in 2022, authorities said. “The revenues of 2022 are the highest in the SCA’s history,” Osama Rabie, chairman of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), told parliament. The revenue for 2021 was $6.333 billion. Click here to read…

Zambia abolishes colonial-era death penalty law: ‘Huge milestone’

President Hakainde Hichilema, whose party was in opposition for over two decades, had promised that he would scrap the laws if elected to the top job. Click here to read…

Algeria names football stadium after Nelson Mandela

Algerian Sports Minister Abdel Razzak Sabkak announced on Tuesday that the new football stadium currently under construction near Algiers will be named after the late South African leader Nelson Mandela. Click here to read…

China emerges as lead funder for Egypt’s new administrative city

This month, President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to the project in a meeting with Egypt’s president on the sidelines of a Saudi summit. But that commitment may be tested in the coming months as Egypt’s loans come due. Click here to read…

Zambia yet to discuss debt restructuring proposals with bilateral creditors

Proposals to restructure Zambia’s debts are yet to be discussed with bilateral creditors under the multilateral Common Framework process, Zambia’s finance ministry said on ThursdayClick here to read…

Total investment of China-Africa Development Fund exceeds $5B

China-Africa Development Fund, an equity investment fund managed by China Development Bank, has invested more than 5 billion U.S. dollars in African countries, the fund said. Click here to read…

Germany planning new strategy in Africa to compete with China

With a new strategy for the African continent, Germany is preparing to compete against China in search of energy, raw materials, and new markets. Click here to read…

‘Türkiye, Senegal determined to deepen cooperation on win-win basis’

Türkiye and Senegal will continue to enhance bilateral cooperation in several areas based on a win-win basis, said President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday, underlining the close ties between the two countries. Click here to read…

Ukraine eyeing bigger diplomatic footprint in Africa: president Zelensky

Ukraine has been trying to rally African countries to its cause as it fights off Russia’s full-scale invasion, in part by promoting a humanitarian grain initiative to help alleviate hunger in highly vulnerable countries. Click here to read…

Algeria suggests to sell spare electricity capacity to Europe -president

Algeria is offering to Europe its spare electricity capacity, and it is planning a 270 km undersea pipe towards Italy, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune told reporters in an interview on Thursday. Click here to read…

Africa’s green hydrogen potential stands at 1-trillion-euros, says new study

The study said that one-trillion-euro green hydrogen investment can deliver the equivalent of more than one third of Africa’s current energy consumption, boost GDP, improve clean water supply and empower communities. Click here to read…

South Africa fuel tanker blast death toll rises to 15

The death toll from a fuel tanker explosion in a South African city east of Johannesburg has risen to 15, the health minister said Sunday. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India played crucial role in development of African continent: Ex-Ambassador

Former Indian Diplomat, Ambassador, A. R. Ghanshyam, Thursday said that since independence, India has always played a positive and crucial role in the overall development of the African continent, particularly in the important sectors of education and health. Click here to read…

Indian buyers warm up to Mozambique thermal coal on competitive pricing

Indian buyers are increasingly making space for thermal coal sourced from non-traditional destination Mozambique, as prices have been largely competitive compared with South African or Australian coal, market sources told S&P Global Commodity Insights. Click here to read…

Vikas Lifecare rallies 7% after subsidiary bags order from Africa

The trading and distribution firm’s subsidiary Genesis will also provide the test specialist and will also leverage their O&M experience for renewable power projects at Mali, Africa. Genesis develops service models for India’s upcoming power distribution grid applications to support renewable power projects including battery, solar, and wind power for sustainable rural towns in India. Click here to read…

Indian Millet Park planned in Zimbabwe; large market for Zimbabwean lithium: IETO

Next year has been declared as Year of Millets by the United Nations (UN) and as part of this Indian Millet Park has been proposed to be set up in Zimbabwe, Africa. Click here to read…

India, Germany launches joint projects in Africa to boost local economy

These projects are being implemented based on a Joint Declaration of Intent (JDI) on implementation of triangular development cooperation projects in third countries signed in May by foreign minister S Jaishankar and German minister for economic cooperation and development Svenja Schulze. Click here to read…

Asian-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation to open global secretariat office in Ahmedabad

The Asian-African Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI), Foundation, a non-profit organisation, will launch its first global secretariat office in Ahmedabad on Saturday that will guide Indian investors who wish to park investments in African or Asian countries. Click here to read…

India looks at expanding rupee trade to Africa, W Asia to make it stronger

India, which has already been in talks with Russia for a rupee-rouble payment system, is now looking at expanding the rupee trade with other nations as well, including several countries in Africa. Click here to read…

Political transition process in Sudan continues to “face obstacles on ground”: India at UNSC

The governmental modulation successful Sudan that began 4 years agone continues to look obstacles connected the ground, India’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ruchira Kamboj said. Click here to read…

The agony of endless wait for Indian sailors held in Nigeria

It isn’t unusual for seafarers to be away from their families for Christmas and other festivals. Click here to read…

INTERVIEW

Why Africa should look East

The former executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission on Africa, makes his case as to why Africa should take advice on development politics and knowledge from Asia. Click here to read…

The Major Takeaways from the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit

The Biden administration wanted to send a clear message of strong re-engagement in Africa. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Reactions Continue to Closure of Universities for Women: Tolo News

The closure of universities for women has faced continuous reactions within and outside the country. On Thursday morning, dozens of female students held a protest near the Kabul University in the west of Kabul, calling for women and girls’ access to education and work. The European Union in a statement called the decision another violation of international obligations and said it constitutes an institutionalized and systematic “discrimination against women and girls.” Click here to read…

Ukraine’s Zelensky Urges U.S. Congress for More Military Support: The Khaama Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky jetted to Washington, DC, for talks with his American counterpart President Joe Biden and top-ranking American authorities face-to-face for the first time since his country came under Russian invasion in February. President Volodymyr Zelensky told the U.S. Congress that aid to Ukraine was an investment in democracy and “not charity” as he invoked American battles against the Nazis in World War Two to press for more assistance for his country’s war effort. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Shahriar, Sherman talk polls, security of US embassy personnel: Dhaka Tribune

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke on the phone with State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Shahriar Alam on Thursday. The two discussed strengthening US-Bangladesh relations, the importance of holding free and fair elections, and the safety and security of US embassy personnel, according to US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday said there is nothing to worry about when it comes to the security of foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Export prices up by over 7 percent in the third quarter: Kuensel

The export prices of goods rose by 7.29 percent in the third quarter (July to September) this year compared to the figure in the same period last year, according to the National Statistics Bureau’s report released yesterday. This means, if the price of the exported goods was Nu 100 in the third quarter of last year, the exporters had sold it at Nu 107.29 in the same quarter this year. However, an increase in the export prices was outweighed by a higher increase in import prices. The import prices or inflation recorded an increase of 18.54 percent in the quarter. Click here to read…

Maldives

Tariff on fish exports will be eliminated within two months: Nasheed: Avas

Parliament Speaker and President of the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed, has said the duty imposed on Maldivian fish products exported to the UK will be eliminated within the next two months.

Nasheed, who is currently abroad, made the announcement via a tweet on Wednesday night.
In his tweet, Nasheed said his close acquaintances in the UK government had assured that the duty on fish imported from the Maldives to the UK would be cut within the next two months at the latest. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Thailand hosts Myanmar junta figures in talks, key ASEAN nations skip: Reuters

Thailand hosted regional talks on Thursday to discuss the crisis in army-run Myanmar including rare international appearances by junta ministers, but several key members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations did not attend despite invitations. Foreign ministers of Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia and Vietnam’s deputy foreign minister joined the talks hosted by Thailand’s foreign minister, according to Thai foreign ministry spokeswoman Kanchana Patarachoke. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Punjab governor de-notifies CM: The Express Tribune

A notification issued by the Governor House after midnight said that Chief Minister Elahi ceased to hold the office immediately while the provincial cabinet stood dissolved. However, it added that Elahi would continue under Article 133 of the Constitution until a new chief minister was elected by the provincial assembly. “I am satisfied that he [Chief Minister Elahi] does not command the confidence of the majority of the members of the Punjab Assembly and, therefore, ceases to hold his office with immediate effect,” the governor said in his order. “In consequence of the above, the provincial cabinet stands dissolved forthwith,” the order added. Click here to read…

Banned TTP is Pakistan’s red line, Bilawal tells Afghan Taliban: The News

Speaking to the media at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, Bilawal Bhutto said: “We will not ignore if we find out that Taliban are not stopping the TTP.” Expressing his concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the country due to rising TTP attacks from the Afghan soil, Bilawal said if the Taliban carry out operations against the extremists, Pakistan will provide help, if needed. He said that there was no new agreement on cooperation with the US for anti-terrorism. “We urge to release frozen funds for the Afghan people not for the Taliban. They [Taliban] promised with the US and the world to take action against the extremist groups,” said Bilawal. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Finance Minisry to hand over customs confiscated vehicles to police: Daily Mirror

Necessary arrangements have been made to hand over the vehicles confiscated by Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) to be used for raids by the Sri Lanka Police Department, including drug prevention, State Finance Minister Ranjith Siambalapitiya said. He said this while participating in an inspection visit on Monday (20) at the Hambantota port premises to monitor the relevant vehicles currently parked at the port. He mentioned that some vehicles confiscated due to illegal importation have been at the port for about seven years. Click here to read…