Afghanistan

UN Aid Chief Pushes for Restart of Afghanistan Development Aid: Tolo News

Countries should restart some development aid for impoverished Afghanistan that was halted a year ago when the Islamic Emirate seized power, the UN aid chief said on Monday, as the US told Russia and China to “put your money where your mouth is.” Click here to read…

Taliban’s Door-to-Door Searches in Northern Afghanistan Extends to Faryab, Takhar, and Jawzjan: The Khaama Press

Local sources in Taloqan, Sheberghan, and Maimana, the provincial capitals of the northern Afghan provinces of Takhar, Jawzjan, and Faryab respectively, said that Taliban forces have started conducting extensive house-to-house searches. The sources say that since early on Monday, the 29th of August, about a thousand Taliban forces have dispersed across Maimana city, the central district of Faryab province, and have begun searching homes. Click here to read…

Important Documents at Bamyan Education Directorate Destroyed by Floods in Province: The Khaama Press

Local sources in the central Afghan province of Bamyan say that important documents, including results and records from the Bamyan Education Directorate’s 1398–1400 years, were destroyed by floods in the province. A source said yesterday, on Sunday, August 28, the Bamyan Education Directorate’s Results and Certificate division, together with at least seven computer workstations and 30 volumes of record booklets, were all destroyed. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

UN human rights expert on climate change to visit Bangladesh in September: Dhaka Tribune

UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, Ian Fry, will visit Bangladesh from September 4 to 15. This is the first official visit by the UN official, an international environmental law and policy expert, since he took office on May 1 this year. Click here to read…

Padma Bridge: Upto 30 launch services from Sadarghat forced to fold: Dhaka Tribune

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday told the Parliament that Bangladesh’s southern region-bound passengers on almost all waterways declined significantly due to the advent of the Padma Bridge. Click here to read…

Khulna-Mongla rail line: Not opening this year: The Daily Star

When Bangladesh Railway in December 2010 took up the project for constructing Khulna-Mongla new rail line without any feasibility study, its deadline was December 2013. But its physical work began around six years after approval, driving the project cost up to Tk 4,260.88 crore from Tk 1,721.39 crore. The deadline was extended up to December this year after several revisions. Click here to read…

Bhutan

BCCI to launch micro-finance loan scheme for SMEs – Kuensel Online

To help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) self-sustain, the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is working on a micro-finance loan scheme to be launched early next year. BCCI’s President, Tandy Wangchuk said that the private sector members had strongly raised their voices on the need for micro-finance loans since the SMEs were badly affected by the pandemic for the past two years. Click here to read…

Bhutan Bans Import Of Most Vehicles As Foreign Exchange Reserves Plummet – Kuensel Online

Bhutan will ban the import of all vehicles except utility vehicles, heavy earthmoving machines and agriculture machinery to save dwindling foreign exchange reserves, the government said in a notice seen by Reuters on Friday. Click here to read…

Export prices rise by 16 percent in first quarter – Kuensel Online

Export prices of goods rose by 16.1 percent in the first quarter (January to March) of the year compared to the figure in the same quarter of last year, according to a report National Statistics Bureau released recently. The export price index was recorded at -0.98 percent in the first quarter of last year. Click here to read…

Maldives

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar meets Maldives Speaker, minister –

Indian Express

President of the United Nations General Assembly Abdulla Shahid from Maldives Monday stressed the role played by India at the UN and acknowledged the pivotal role the country played during the Covid-19 recovery phase. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, after meeting him, said India’s “Neighbourhood First” and the Maldives’ “India First” policies complement each other. Click here to read…

Discussions held on agreements being negotiated between Maldives, Indonesia – Raajje

Discussions have been held on the agreements being negotiated between the governments of Maldives and Indonesia. This was done during a courtesy call paid by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Maldives, Dewi Gustina Tobing on Vice President Faisal Naseem on Monday morning. Click here to read…

Maldives confirms 68 new Covid-19 cases, additional death – Raajje

Maldives has confirmed 68 new Covid-19 cases and an additional death from the virus. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) in its latest figures publicized on Monday, revealed that 68 new infections were detected between August 21 – 27. Within this period, eight new hospital admissions were also recorded. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Over 28,000 Homes Torched by Myanmar Junta Forces Since Coup – The Irrawaddy Myanmar junta forces have burned down 28,434 houses in 645 locations since last year’s coup, with Sagaing Region suffering the heaviest damage, according to the independent research group Data For Myanmar. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Military Regime Cannot Withstand the Revolution – The Irrawaddy

Our resistance forces were established overnight out of the necessity of the revolution. They are made up of civilians who joined the PDFs after a few months of military training. The chain of command is not systematic and there is still room for improvement. There must be a systematic and swift chain of command from the most basic unit of a squad to platoon, company and battalion level right up to the NUG’s defense ministry. Click here to read…

From The Field: Restoring Myanmar’s Mangroves – UN News

Myanmar is believed to be experiencing one of the highest rates of mangrove loss in the world. When a company bought land containing a mangrove forest in the country’s Tanintharyi region, with plans to convert it into prawn farms, the local community fought back. Click here to read…

Myanmar Military Invited to Weapons Expo in Bangkok – The Irrawaddy

The Myanmar military has been invited to an arms fair, defense and security related seminars and technical presentations officially supported by neighboring Thailand’s Ministry of Defense. Click here to read…

India running out of options in Myanmar as a civil war rages and China backs the junta – National Herald

India was caught unawares by events in Myanmar within a month of its election for the seventh time as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. India shares with Myanmar a land border of over 1600 km and a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal. But New Delhi was also grappling to regain a toehold in Kabul, leaving it too preoccupied to take events in Myanmar seriously, until refugees from Myanmar came streaming into North-eastern states. Click here to read…

Nepal

President consults parties as Parliament ignores her concerns on Citizenship bill – Kathmandu Post

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed concern over the lower house’s endorsement of the amendment bill on Citizenship Act without discussions on her suggestions. On Monday, Bhandari invited office bearers of the ruling Nepali Congress and the main opposition CPN-UML separately and expressed her concerns about the bill which she had returned to the House of Representatives for a review. Click here to read…

India to grant Nepal access to two key ports in Gujarat & Odisha under trade, transit treaties – The Print

Despite several challenges plaguing the bilateral relationship of late, India and Nepal are all set to upgrade their bilateral trade and transit ties under which Kathmandu will be given access to some of the key Indian ports along with enhanced reach for its agriculture produce, ThePrint has learnt. Click here to read…

31 member Indian Army team arrives in Nepal on five-day visit – The Print

A 31-member delegation of the Indian Army’s “Defence Course” arrived in Nepal on Sunday. The visiting team includes students participating in the ‘National Defence Course-62’ that was held at the National Defence College in New Delhi, according to a press release issued by Nepali Army. Click here to read…

3 Arrested With Heroin Worth Rs 60 Lakh From Uttar Pradesh Town On India-Nepal Border – Outlook India

Three people were arrested with heroin on Sunday in two separate incidents from Sonauli town on the Indo-Nepal border here, by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Police, a senior officer said. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Govt to form response centre to manage flood crisis: Dawn

The ruling alliance on Monday held threadbare discussions to devise comprehensive plans for the relief and rehabilitation of millions of flood victims, as well as chalking out a strategy to meet natural catastrophes of this magnitude in future as the flooding caused by unprecedented monsoon rains swept nearly a third of the country. Click here to read…

IMF approves much-needed $1.1bn payout: Dawn

The Exe¬cu¬tive Board of the Interna¬tional Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday completed the combined 7th and 8th revi¬ews of a loan facility for Pak¬is¬tan, allowing immediate disbursement of $1.1 billion to the country, said an official IMF announcement. Click here to read…

‘Betrayal of country’: Bilawal slams Imran for trying to ‘sabotage’ IMF deal: The Express Tribune

PPP Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused former prime minister Imran Khan of exploiting PTI-led governments in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to “sabotage” the IMF bailout programme amid devastation caused by floods. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Govt. agrees to submit documents in Parliament over Ranjan’s release: Daily Mirror

The government today agreed to submit in Parliament the documents pertaining to the presidential pardon to former MP Ranjan Ramanayake. Responding to a request made by Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe told Parliament that he would submit in Parliament the relevant documents. Click here to read…

Jet fuel shortage worsens SLA’s woes: Daily Mirror

SLA posted a loss of US $ 1.5 million in July, as the airline was forced to make fuel stops outside the country, due to the jet fuel shortage in the country. After 16 years, SLA reported a US $ 10.66 million profit in December 2021 and a profit of US $ 1.7 million in the March 2022 quarter. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka president to present first budget with hopes for IMF loan: The Indian Express

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will on Tuesday slash defence and other expenditures in a bid to win International Monetary Fund (IMF) support as he presents his first budget since taking over as leader of his crisis-hit country. Click here to read…

Over 8,100 officials punished for violating China’s frugality rules: Xinhuanet

August 29, 2022

A total of 8,185 Chinese officials were punished in July for violating the country’s eight-point code on improving Party and government conduct, China’s top anti-graft body said in a statement on Sunday. Click here to read…

China to provide more humanitarian supplies to Pakistan: Xinhuanet

August 29, 2022

China will provide additional humanitarian aid including 25,000 tents to flood-devastated Pakistan, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Monday. The Red Cross Society of China will also provide 300,000 U.S. dollars in emergency cash assistance to the Pakistan Red Crescent Society, Zhao said. Click here to read…

Xi sends condolences to Alvi over severe floods in Pakistan: Xinhuanet

August 29, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday sent a message of condolence to his Pakistani counterpart, Arif Alvi, over the severe floods hitting the country. The Chinese president noted that severe floods have occurred recently in Pakistan, causing heavy casualties and serious property losses. Click here to read…

China’s AG600M firefighting aircraft makes maiden amphibious flight: Xinhuanet

August 29, 2022

China’s AG600M, a full-state, new-configuration amphibious firefighting aircraft, had a successful maiden amphibious flight on Monday, according to the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC). Click here to read…

China’s Y-20 transport aircraft to be showcased at int’l airshow in Europe: China Military

August 29, 2022

China’s independently-developed Y-20 transport aircraft will be showcased at an international airshow in Europe for the first time, said a Chinese air force spokesperson Monday. The Y-20 transport aircraft have flown to various destinations in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania over recent years, delivering COVID-19 vaccines overseas to combat the pandemic, and bringing humanitarian aid to countries such as Tonga and Afghanistan, said Shen Jinke, a spokesperson for the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force, at an air force open day event in Changchun, northeast China’s Jilin Province. Click here to read…

Several Chinese cities tighten epidemic prevention measures amid new flare-ups: Global Times

August 29, 2022

As the new semester approaches, many places in China, including Chengdu in Southwest China’s Sichuan Province and Tianjin Municipality, have begun to tighten epidemic prevention measures amid COVID-19 flare-ups, including carrying out large-scale nucleic acid tests and delaying the return of students. Click here to read…

Henan police arrested 234 suspects involved in a rural bank scandal, achieved major development in money recovery: Global Times

August 29, 2022

Central China’s Henan police arrested 234 suspects involved in a rural bank scandal& achieved major devt in money and losses recovery, after depositors found they couldn’t withdraw their money from local village banks in Henan and E. China’s Anhui since July. Click here to read…

India urged to be fair, reasonable toward Chinese companies, investment: Global Times

August 29, 2022

Chinese companies and businessmen are deeply concerned about the recent harsh treatment they received from Indian authorities, including week-long custody and unexpected scrutiny of their businesses, in what could be an unprecedented move targeting Chinese firms and individuals. Click here to read…

China’s largest CCUS project set to cut annual CO2 emissions by 1m tons: Global Times

August 29, 2022

China’s largest carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) project was put into operation on Monday, marking a key step to facilitate China’s goal of carbon peaking and becoming carbon neutral, according to Sinopec, which is operating the project. Click here to read…

China policy steps this year exceed those of 2020: Reuters

August 29, 2022

The strength of China’s policy measures to support the economy so far this year has exceeded those of 2020, state media quoted Premier Li Keqiang as saying on Monday. The government has unveiled a series of policies this year to support the COVID-ravaged economy. Click here to read…

China to set up firewall between bankers, analysts in IPO deals: Reuters

August 30, 2022

China’s securities association has drafted rules to set up a firewall between investment bankers and analysts in deals to ensure unbiased pricing of initial public offerings (IPOs), the official Shanghai Securities News reported on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Russia, China cut back war games: Taipei Times

August 30, 2022

Russian military exercises in the Far East this week are to take place on a far smaller scale than when they were last held in 2018, reflecting the strain on Moscow’s forces as they struggle to make headway on the battlefields of eastern Ukraine. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 349 new local confirmed COVID cases: Xinhuanet

August 30, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Monday reported 349 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 167 were in Sichuan Province, the National Health Commission said Tuesday. Altogether 1,368 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified on Monday, including 645 in Tibet and 109 in Sichuan, said the commission in its report. Click here to read…

Country eager to share its high-speed rail experience: China Daily

August 30, 2022

China has accumulated vast experience in developing high-speed railways at home and is willing to share its know-how with the rest of the world, according to experts. The nation started to research building high-speed railways in the 1990s, when Japan had been operating its Shinkansen bullet trains for more than 20 years. Click here to read…

PLA garrison in Hong Kong completes 25th routine rotation: China Daily

August 30, 2022

The Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army on Monday completed the 25th rotation since it began garrisoning Hong Kong in 1997. Approved by the Central Military Commission (CMC), the move is a routine annual rotation in line with the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Garrisoning the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). Click here to read…

China sees huge potential in application of robots: People’s Daily

August 30, 2022

On Aug. 18, 130 robot dogs danced to the music on a 1,000-square-meter stage at the Beijing Etrong International Exhibition and Convention Center, to celebrate the opening of the 2022 World Robot Conference (WRC). The WRC is the largest and highest-level robot event with the widest foreign participation in China. It has become an important bridge of technology and industry linking China and other countries. Click here to read…

China conducts central bank bills swap: People’s Daily

August 30, 2022

The People’s Bank of China, or the central bank, conducted this year’s eighth central bank bills swap (CBS) operation on Tuesday to improve the liquidity of perpetual bonds issued by commercial banks. The CBS, valued at 5 billion yuan (about 726.72 million U.S. dollars), is open to primary dealers for bidding at a fixed rate of 0.1 percent, the central bank said in a statement. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

MoD Says US Drones Entering Afghan Airspace From Pakistan: Tolo News

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said that American drones are entering Afghanistan’s airspace from Pakistan. At a press conference, acting Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid asked Pakistan to not allow its airspace to be used against Afghanistan. Click here to read…

China Supports Travel Ban Exemptions for Islamic Emirate Leaders: Tolo News

China hopes that the UN Security Council will extend travel ban exemption for the leaders of the Islamic Emirate in a bid for the international community to remain engaged in Afghanistan. Talking to reporters at the Security Council Media Stakeout, the Chinese Ambassador at the UNSC, Zhang Jun, said that the humanitarian situation is critical in AfghanistanClick here to read…

Court ‘Terminates’ Executive Order to Split Afghans Frozen Asset: The Khaama Press

A New York court has denied the request to compensate 9/11 victim families from Afghanistan’s frozen foreign reserves, terminating President Joe Biden’s executive order to split the $7 billion in Afghan asset between poverty-stricken Afghanistan and families of 9/11 victim. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

‘By far, Bangladesh has become one of the countries with most cooperation and fruitful results under the BRI framework’: Dhaka Tribune

Ambassador of China to Bangladesh HE Li Jiming has been gracious enough to grant this extraordinarily open and forthright interview to Probir Kumar Sarker, exclusively for Dhaka Tribune, which we shall be running in five parts this week. This is the second part. In Monday’s section, Ambassador Li discusses the alignment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Bangladesh’s Vision 2041 and the role China plays in Bangladesh’s developmentClick here to read…

Rice production growth slows despite rising demand: The Daily Star

The rice production growth in Bangladesh is slowing as the room for a further expansion of modern high-yielding varieties (HYVs) has squeezed amid reducing cropped area and growing use of agricultural land for non-farm purposes. Click here to read…

Project to buy carriages: After 6 years, it now needs a fresh start: The Daily Star

Another railway project involving a Chinese contractor has plunged into deep uncertainty after a government committee directed the authorities not to take the hard loan arranged by the company. Click here to read…

Bhutan

We must rejuvenate SAARC, says former Bhutan PM Tsering Tobgay Business Standard – Business Standard

Speaking at the fifth “India and the World” lecture, former Prime Minister of Bhutan Tsering Tobgay expressed concerns about the current status of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and, citing the recent political and economic crises in Sri Lanka, called for greater efforts to rejuvenate the regional intergovernmental organisation. Click here to read…

For Bhutan, India remains a major source market – Economic Times

With Bhutan set to open up, ET HospitalityWorld spoke with Arun Kumar – market vice-president – North India, Nepal, Bhutan, Marriott International about his company’s new properties in Thimphu and Paro, which were set to welcome visitors from September 23, 2022. Click here to read…

Rising imports from China draining Bhutan’s forex reserves – Economic Times

According the data provided by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan in July 2022, foreign exchange reserves in the country shrunk to $970 million at the end of December 2021 from $1.46 billion in April 2021, while external debt increased to $3.2 billion. Click here to read…

Maldives

‘MVR 1.9 bln lost to corruption must be recovered’: Finance Minister – Avas

Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has said MVR 1.9 billion owed to the state between 2009 and 2020 has still not been recovered. The minister made the statement on Sunday while speaking at a ceremony held to kick off a workshop conducted by the Anti-Corruption on establishing an asset recovery system. Click here to read…

Bill on increasing GST submitted to the Parliament – Avas

The Attorney General’s Office said three bills were sent to the Parliament Office on Sunday. They are bills seeking to amend the Tourism Act, the Goods and Service Tax Act, and the Judiciary Act. The government had earlier announced that it would propose amendments to the GST Act to increase the percentage charged as GST. Click here to read…

Foreign Minister Shahid travels to India – Avas

Foreign Minister and 76th UN General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid has arrived in India on an official visit. Shahid’s visit to India coincides with Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed’s unofficial visit to the neighboring country. Click here to read…

Myanmar

In Myanmar, Vietnamese firms learn the political risks of backing the junta – RFA

Vietnamese firms are confronting political risk from overseas investments as the price of doing business with Myanmar’s brutal military regime, a less predictable partner than the authoritarians they are accustomed to. Vietnam’s largest venture in Myanmar is by VietTel, Vietnam’s largest cellular provider. The military-owned company has a major stake in Myanmar’s MyTel, which is also military-owned and has been hemorrhaging customers since the Feb. 1, 2021, coup d’etat that ousted Myanmar’s elected government. Click here to read…

Dhaka to lodge protest against Myanmar shelling into Bangladesh: FS – New AgeBD

Bangladesh will lodge its strong protest with Myanmar so that nothing such happens inside Bangladesh as the country witnessed two mortar shells from Myanmar inside Bangladesh territory on Sunday afternoon. Click here to read…

Myanmar Kyat exchange rate reaches record low – Thai World

On August 27th, the value of the Myanmar Kyat (MMK) to the US Dollar (USD) hit a record low at 3,400 MMK/US$1. Similarly, the price of the Baht strengthened against the MMK to a never before seen rate of 100 MMK/฿1. The price of gold bullion has also spiked, reaching a record high of over 29 Lakhs MMK (around 2,900 Baht) per Kyattha(16.3293g). Click here to read…

Myanmar strongly condemns and rejects statements issued on the anniversary of August 2017 incidents of Rakhine State: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Eleven Myanmar

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar issued a statement rejecting the statements issued on the anniversary of August 2017 incidents of Rakhine State on August 25, 2022. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar has learnt the issuance of statements by certain countries and organizations including the spokesperson of the United Nations Secretary General on the anniversary of the incident that took place in Rakhine State on 25 August 2017. Click here to read…

Nepal

31 member Indian Army team arrives in Nepal on five-day visit – AwazHind Times

A 31-member delegation of the Indian Army’s “Defence Course” arrived in Nepal on Sunday. The visiting team includes students participating in the ‘National Defence Course-62’ that was held at the National Defence College in New Delhi, according to a press release issued by Nepali Army. Click here to read…

What does it mean for China that Nepal has now awarded two joint storage projects totaling 1200MW to India? – Inventive

The West-Seti Hydropower Project and Seti River Project (SR6), combined storage projects totalling 1200MW that China had twice abandoned, were officially granted by Nepal on August 18 to India’s National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC). The undertaking will be a year-round energy storage system. India will receive power through its national grid, either for internal consumption or export. Click here to read…

Standoff between Nepal’s President & govt over citizenship to ‘foreign women’ – WioNews

Nepal is in the grip of another political crisis as the country’s rulers are clashing. There is an apparent tussle between the executive and the president over citizenship Bill and it appears that the lawmakers are stuck between the government and president. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Death toll breaches 1,030 mark as floods wreak havoc: The Express Tribune

Floods continued to devastate the country on Sunday, particularly the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan leaving at least 119 people dead and more than 70 injured in the past 24 hours. Click here to read…

Several airlifted, many still stranded in KP: Dawn

With many still marooned in flood-affected regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a significant number of people airlifted to safety on Sunday, the prime minister and the army chief made an attempt to bring a healing touch for a nation in grief. Click here to read…

Crucial IMF meeting for renewal of loan plan today: Dawn

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) meets on Monday (today) to consider a bailout package for Pakistan as Islamabad claims tying up at least $37 billion in loans and investments. If the board approves the deal, the IMF will immediately disburse about $1.2 billion to Pakistan and may provide up to $4 billion over the remainder of the current fiscal year, which began on July 1. Click here to read…

Flood inflicts $10bn loss on Pakistan economy: Miftah Ismail: The News

The flash floods have inflicted a loss of at least $10 billion on different sectors of the country’s struggling economy, says Minister for Finance Miftah Ismail. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sharp exchange between Delhi, Beijing over ship in Sri Lanka: The Indian Express

The docking of the Chinese military vessel in Sri Lanka has touched off a fresh war of words between New Delhi and Beijing — this time over Colombo. A day after the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, in a thinly veiled reference to India, alleged “thorough interference” into Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and invoked what he called the history of aggression by “the northern neighbour”, New Delhi hit back sharply Saturday. Click here to read…

Chinese company refuses to budge: Daily Mirror

A Chinese fertilizer company involved in a dispute with Sri Lanka, has refused to budge and had demanded that Sri Lanka respect the spirit of the agreement reached between both parties. Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group reminded the Sri Lankan authorities of a supplementary agreement reached between both parties in February 2022. Click here to read…

SL envoy woos Chinese investment in solar, wind energy: Daily Mirror

Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Dr. Palitha Kohona said Sri Lanka is an ideal spot for solar energy development and also wind energy development and China can be a big help as we transition to clean energy. “We would be able to address a huge part of our energy crisis by relying on renewable energy,” he said, according to the Chinese media. Click here to read…

China mulls imposing credit punishment on telecom, internet fraudsters: Xinhuanet

August 26, 2022

People who engage in telecom and internet fraud can face credit punishment in China, as lawmakers are considering more stringent punitive measures against the crime. A draft law on anti-telecom and internet fraud will be submitted for third reading to the upcoming legislative session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. Click here to read…

China’s top legislature to establish ten more outreach offices: Xinhuanet

August 26, 2022

The Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) will establish ten more local legislative outreach offices to improve platforms and vehicles through which the general public can express opinions, according to a legislative spokesperson on Friday. The new offices will be located in 10 provincial-level regions, including Shanxi, Inner Mongolia, Liaoning, Jilin, Heilongjiang, Yunnan, and Tibet, said Yang Heqing, a spokesperson for the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee, at a press conference. Click here to read…

China, U.S. enter into audit oversight cooperation agreement: Xinhuanet

August 26, 2022

China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and the Ministry of Finance signed an audit oversight cooperation agreement with the U.S. Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) on Friday. Click here to read…

Former senior provincial political advisor punished over law, discipline violations: Xinhuanet

August 26, 2022

Li Jia, former chairman of the Shanxi Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, has been stripped of his posts within the Communist Party of China (CPC) and in the public office. Li was punished due to severe violations of CPC discipline and law, according to a statement issued by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision on Friday. . Click here to read…

China regulators tell banks to ramp up lending: Reuters

August 26, 2022

China’s central bank has stepped up pressure on lenders with new instructions to grow loans, six bankers with knowledge of the matter said, as the world’s second-biggest economy faces an economic downturn and a plunge in borrowers’ confidence. The informal message, issued via phone calls over recent months to commercial, rural and even foreign banks, was to lend more money to productive businesses and put less of it in financial investments, the banking sources said. Click here to read…

China’s Bank of Communications warns of property market risks: Reuters

August 26, 2022

China’s Bank of Communications (BoCom) (601328.SS), on Friday warned of liquidity risks in the property sector after it posted an almost 5% rise in first half net profit. “Asset quality control in the second half of the year still faces fairly large challenges and pressures, such as the liquidity problems seen in the real estate industry,” said Chief Risk Officer Lin Hua in a press conference, adding that risk could spread to other industries. . Click here to read…

China’s bid to join digital economy pact hinges on clarification of data laws, experts say: South China Morning Post

August 27, 2022

China will be able to negotiate carve-outs in the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) that allow it to maintain digital sovereignty, analysts say, but it will have to clarify its data security regime to reduce barriers for businesses. DEPA, which currently covers Chile, New Zealand and Singapore, builds upon the digital or e-commerce chapters of existing free-trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, adding commitments to help digital trade and cooperation on advanced technologies. Click here to read…

China allocates 10 bln yuan for drought relief, autumn grain production: China Daily

August 27, 2022

China’s Ministry of Finance on Friday earmarked 10 billion yuan (about $1.46 billion) central reserve funds to support drought relief and the production of autumn grain. Some 6.5 billion yuan of the funds will be used for water conservancy and drought relief to ensure the supply of drinking water for the people and water for agricultural irrigation. Click here to read…

AVIC unveils two new target drones for sale: China Daily

August 27, 2022

Aviation Industry Corp of China, the country’s leading aircraft maker, has unveiled two new types of target drones for the market. The CS-550T and CS-300T, developed and built by AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group－an AVIC subsidiary in Sichuan province have completed test flights and are ready to take orders, said Yang Zhu, an engineer with the company. Click here to read…

China’s south-to-north water diversion project passes verification test: Global Times

August 27, 2022

Although East China’s Jiangsu Province and Central China’s Hubei Province, two main water sources for China’s south-to-north water diversion project, have seen extreme heat waves recently, experts said it will not affect the overall operation of the water project, which will play a key role in transferring water from China’s water-rich south to the arid north. Click here to read…

China’s bid to join digital economy pact hinges on clarification of data laws, experts say: South China Morning Post

August 27, 2022

China will be able to negotiate carve-outs in the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement (DEPA) that allow it to maintain digital sovereignty, analysts say, but it will have to clarify its data security regime to reduce barriers for businesses. DEPA, which currently covers Chile, New Zealand and Singapore, builds upon the digital or e-commerce chapters of existing free-trade agreements, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, adding commitments to help digital trade and cooperation on advanced technologies. Click here to read…

Xi encourages foreign experts to contribute more to promoting exchanges between China, other countries: People’s Daily

August 27, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping has encouraged foreign experts with the Foreign Languages Press to contribute more to promoting exchanges and communication between China and other countries in the world and building a community with a shared future for humanity. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks on Thursday in a letter replying to these foreign experts. Click here to read…

Geneva envoys from Asian, African developing countries visit Xinjiang: Xinhuanet

August 28, 2022

At the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, a delegation of diplomatic envoys of developing countries from Asia and Africa to the UN Office in Geneva visited northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region from Aug. 24 to 27. Click here to read…

China renews orange alert for drought: Xinhuanet

August 28, 2022

China’s national observatory reissued an orange alert for drought on Sunday as heatwaves persist in multiple regions. Parts of Jiangsu, Anhui, Henan, Hubei, Zhejiang, Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guizhou, Chongqing, Sichuan and Tibet have experienced moderate to severe droughts, according to the National Meteorological Center. Click here to read…

PLA Eastern Theater Command spokesperson remarks on US warships’ transit through Taiwan Strait: China Military

August 28, 2022

The USS Antietam and the USS Chancellorsville, two US guided-missile cruisers, sailed through the Taiwan Strait on August 28 and hyped it up publicly. The Eastern Theater Command of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) conducted security tracking and monitoring of the US warships’ passage in the whole course, and had all movements of the two US warships under control, said Senior Colonel Shi Yi, spokesperson for the PLA Eastern Theater Command, in a written statement released on Sunday. The troops of the PLA Eastern Theatre Command always stay on high alert and get ready to thwart any provocation, stressed the spokesperson in the end of the statement. Click here to read…

Talks underway on resumption of Afghanistan’s Aynak Copper Mine: Global Times

August 28, 2022

Talks are underway on the resumption of the Aynak Copper Mine in Afghanistan, the world’s second-largest copper ore body, which had been put on hold due to multiple factors, including regional instability and the COVID-19 pandemic, according to an employee of the Chinese firm contracted to develop the mine on Sunday. Click here to read…

Coronavirus in China: Tibet punishes more than 100 officials over zero-Covid failures: South China Morning Post

August 28, 2022

More than 100 officials in Tibet have been dismissed or reprimanded this month for failing to contain the spread of Covid-19. The remote Himalayan region had seen only one imported case from central Hubei province since January 2020, the early days of the global pandemic, until an outbreak first reported on August 8 spread to several Tibetan cities.
Tibet accounted for nearly 500 new Covid-19 infections out of close to 1,300 reported countrywide on Saturday, with neighbouring Xinjiang and the southern island of Hainan the other major hotspots. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 301 new local confirmed COVID cases: Xinhuanet

August 29, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Sunday reported 301 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 161 were in Sichuan Province, the National Health Commission said Monday. Click here to read…

China plans demo zones for trade in services: Qiushi

August 29, 2022

China will accelerate the design of a construction plan for national demonstration zones for innovative development of trade in services, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.
Shu Jueting, a spokeswoman with the ministry, said at a news conference the ministry will make joint efforts with other government departments concerned to implement the plan. Click here to read…

Official calls for advancing cyber civilization progress: China Daily

August 29, 2022

A senior official has called for strengthening cyber governance to ensure that cyberspace better reflects the trends of advanced culture and the spirit of the times. Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, made the remark in a video address during the 2022 China Internet Civilization Conference in Tianjin. Click here to read…

China’s State Council assigns task forces to major economic provinces to oversee local pro-stabilization policy implementation: Global Times

August 29, 2022

The State Council, China’s cabinet, has assigned task forces to some major economic provinces to oversee local implementation of wide-ranging policies to stabilize the economy, as the country is tuning up regional economic powerhouses to fuel growth momentum through a flurry of targeted measures. Click here to read…

China’s jobless youth left in the lurch: Taipei Times

August 29, 2022

China’s slowing economy has left millions of young people fiercely competing for an ever-slimming raft of jobs and facing an increasingly uncertain future. Official data released this month showed that one in five young people in Chinese cities was out of work last month — more than three times the national average and the highest recorded since January 2018. Click here to read…

keywords- COVID, Tibet, PLA Eastern Theater, Taiwan, Afghanistan, Xinjiang, AVIC

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

COMMENTARY

Nelson Mandela’s Missed Opportunity

South Africa’s former president had the chance to launch a massive program of regional economic integration but failed to seize it. Click here to read…

France, Egypt, and India Can Help to Spread Security from Mediterranean to the Indo-Pacific

In March 2021, the container ship Ever Given got stuck in the Suez Canal for six days, triggering a worldwide supply-chain crisis with extensive economic consequences. Click here to read…

Veto Powers’ Foreign Policy Calculations in Africa: The New US Strategy of Divide and Rule

The veto-wielding powers are the Five Permanent Members (P-5) of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC): China, France, Russia, United Kingdom and United States. Click here to read…

NEWS

Tunisia hosts Japanese-African economic cooperation meeting

While 30 African heads of state and government attended the event in Tunis, Tunisia’s capital, many key talks are being held remotely, including those involving Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. Click here to read…

Japan pledges $30 billion in African aid at Tunis summit

Addressing a Japan-Africa summit in Tunisia, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said Tokyo would work to ensure grain shipments to Africa amid a global shortage. Japan also pledged $30 billion in aid for development in Africa on Saturday. Click here to read…

Angola’s ruling party claims victory, opposition leader rejects results

Fewer than half of Angola’s registered voters turned out for Wednesday’s election, which now looks certain to give President Joao Lourenco a second five-year term and extend the rule of the MPLA, which has governed the southern African oil producer since independence from Portugal in 1975. Click here to read…

Guinea junta makes interim prime minister’s appointment permanent

Guinea’s ruling military junta on Saturday appointed acting Prime Minister Bernard Gomou to fill the position on a permanent basis, replacing Mohamed Beavogui, who has been absent since last month. Click here to read…

Guinea opposition cancels planned protests

A political opposition coalition in Guinea has said it was calling off planned protests against the country’s ruling junta, at the request of a West African regional group. Click here to read…

France’s Macron concludes Algeria visit with new pact

French President Emmanuel Macron and his Algerian counterpart Abdelmadjid Tebboune have declared a “new, irreversible dynamic of progress” in their nations’ ties, concluding a visit by Macron aimed at ending months of tensions. Click here to read…

Egypt hosts five-state Arab summit

Amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, a rise in global inflation rates, tension between China and Taiwan, as well the repercussions of the coronavirus pandemic, Egypt organized a five-state summit in the New Alamein city on Aug. 22 at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Click here to read…

Supreme Court ruling signals new order for Kenyan politics

The political uncertainty over Kenya’s fourth consecutive disputed presidential election outcome has shattered outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta’s hopes of breaking the cycle of divisive polls. Click here to read…

Morocco recalls Tunisia ambassador over Western Sahara

Morocco said Tunisia’s decision to invite Brahim Ghali to a Japanese development summit for Africa that Tunis is hosting this weekend was “a grave and unprecedented act that deeply hurts the feelings of the Moroccan people”.Click here to read…

Guinea-Bissau President Leaves Tunis Conference Over Polisario Invite

Guinea-Bissau’s President Umaro Sissoco Embalo has left the ongoing TICAD8 development conference in Tunisia over the inclusion of Polisario representatives. Click here to read…

DR Congo seeks to ‘reclaim history’ with economic reforms

The finance minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo longs for the days when his country was pushing forward as an African industrial hub. Click here to read…

Anti-Jihadist fight: Burkina Faso and Niger invite Mali to “return” to Military cooperation

Burkina Faso and Niger, two countries affected by the jihadist violence that started in northern Mali in 2013, on Monday called on Bamako to “come back and assume its responsibilities” as part of sub-regional cooperation in the fight against jihadism. Click here to read…

Somali Forces End Hotel Attack That Left 21 Dead, 117 Hurt

Somali authorities on Sunday ended an attack by Islamic extremists that left 21 people dead and over 110 wounded when gunmen stormed a hotel in the capital. Click here to read…

Clashes between Rival Militias in Libya Kill at Least 32

The worst fighting in two years rocked Tripoli on Saturday, as residents feared a return to war. Click here to read…

Nigeria pays part of airline dues amid flight suspension threats

Nigeria released some funds owed to international air carriers to try and avert a crisis in the aviation sector amid warnings of flight suspensions from operators including Dubai’s Emirates Airline. Click here to read…

ECOWAS Parliament Calls for Implementation of 30% Affirmation for Women in West Africa

The Chairperson, Committee on Social Affairs, Gender and Women Empowerment of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Parliament, Ayamba Laadi Ayii, has appealed to West African presidents to ensure the 30 per cent affirmative action in governance. Click here to read…

UAE sends 30 tonnes of relief to flood victims in Sudan, more to follow

The UAE has begun operating an air bridge to Khartoum to transport large quantities of relief aid and shelter materials for those affected by the torrential rains and floods in Sudan. Click here to read…

Modise’s trip to Russia highlights ANC’s ‘blind spot

South Africa’s ambiguous foreign policy won’t hurt the country in polite diplomatic circles but the ruling ANC’s “blind spot” on Russia could cost the party at the polls and dent the country’s pocket. Click here to read…

China to waive some Africa loans, offer $14 billion in IMF funds

China, the largest government creditor to emerging economies, said it will forgive 23 interest-free loans to 17 African countries and redirect US$10 billion (S$14 billion) of its International Monetary Fund reserves to nations on the continent. Click here to read…

China cancels around CFA1.5 billion of Togo’s debt

China recently cancelled part of a debt Togo owes it. The news was confirmed on August 18, by the Chinese minister of foreign affairs, Wang Yi. Click here to read…

Tanzania, Kenya to miss out on China debt relief plan

Tanzania could join Kenya on a list of countries that will be left out of the Chinese debt relief deal at the end of this year by virtue of their lower-middle-income status even as the East African nations grapple with a growing debt burden. Click here to read…

Tanzania ambitious to benefit from Chinese debt relief plan

Tanzania has applauded an initiative by the Chinese government to write off a series of interest-free loans to African countries, saying if Tanzania is among the beneficiaries, then money freed by debt relief, will be routed to the country’s development. Click here to read…

Iran FM departs for Africa

The foreign minister departed for Bamako, the capital city of Mali, at the first leg of his African tour which will later take him to Tanzania and Zanzibar. Click here to read…

Sudan is Türkiye’s strategic partner in Africa

Sudan is Türkiye’s strategic partner in Africa, the Turkish ambassador to the country said Tuesday, expressing hope that security, stability and sustainable development in the country will be achieved. Click here to read…

Ethiopia-Djibouti railway starts vehicle shipment

The Chinese-built Ethiopia-Djibouti railway on Thursday started vehicle shipment from ports in Djibouti to Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital. Click here to read…

Kenya’s new highway signals shift in China’s lending blitz in Africa

For many Nairobi denizens, a newly built 27-kilometer expressway connecting the Kenyan capital to its main airport has been a life changer. Click here to read…

Togo successful in eradicating four neglected tropical diseases

The world health organization (WHO) commended the efforts made by the small nation of West Africa, Togo, for wiping out four major tropical diseases from the country. Togo is also the first nation in west Africa to achieve this feat. Click here to read…

For clean energy, financial growth, Africa looks to UN talks

In Kenya’s semi-arid Makueni County, 50-year-old Purity Kinyili used to spend most of her time traveling for water and firewood to sustain her family and farmland. Click here to read…

Can Namibia turn oil into prosperity?

The recent discovery of large reserves of crude oil off the coast of Namibia has fueled speculation about the fate of the sparsely populated country, whose economy has been largely dominated by mining, agriculture, fishing and tourism. Click here to read…

Egypt, US, Spain hold joint naval drills in Mediterranean

The Egyptian, US and Spanish navies held a joint maritime exercise within the range of Egypt’s Northern Fleet in the Mediterranean Sea, said the Egyptian military. Click here to read…

Militants kill six in attack on convoy from Burkina Faso gold mine

Unidentified gunmen killed six people and wounded two others in an attack on a convoy from the Boungou gold mine in eastern Burkina Faso. Click here to read…

Chad Rebels Say Killed 10 Soldiers, Government Denies Claim

A leading Chad rebel group said Saturday it had killed 10 soldiers in the north of the country, a claim the government rejected as “fake news.” Click here to read…

Mozambique’s jihadi rebels launch new offensive in north

A new offensive by Mozambique’s Islamic extremist rebels in the embattled northern province of Cabo Delgado has increased the number of displaced by 80,000 and undermines the government’s claims of containing the insurgency. Click here to read…

Ethiopia: airstrike hits playground in Tigray, killing at least seven

An airstrike on a children’s playground has killed at least seven people in the capital of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, medical officials there said, in the first such attack after a four-month-old ceasefire collapsed this week. Click here to read…

Al-Shabab Militants Issue New Threats against Kenya

Somali-based, al-Qaida-affiliated Islamist militant group al-Shabab has issued a new threat against neighboring Kenya. The group said it will continue its attacks in that country as long as Kenyan troops are in Somalia. Click here to read…

Somalia’s new government focused on Al-Shabab threa

The attack on a key hotel in Mogadishu by terror group Al-Shabab last week illustrated the tit for tat that is starting in Somalia under new President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. Click here to read…

Coup d’état in Madagascar: conviction confirmed for 2 Frenchmen

The two Frenchmen were convicted of trying to assassinate Madagascar’s president, Andry Rajoelina: their request to have their sentences of 10 and 20 years of hard labour overturned on Friday by Madagascar’s Court of Cassation. Click here to read…

The Democratic Republic of the Congo declares Ebola resurgence in North Kivu

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a resurgence of Ebola late last night, following confirmation of one case in the country’s eastern province of North Kivu. Click here to read…

South Sudan Diplomat Recalled After Alleged “Rape Incident” In US: Report

South Sudan’s foreign ministry said it has recalled a US-based diplomat after “an alleged rape incident” in New York City, suspending the official until an ongoing investigation is completed. Click here to read…

First Smartphone Made In Ivory Coast Caters To Local Users

The phone can understand commands and respond in 16 of Ivory Coast’s approximately 60 spoken languages, including Dioula, Senoufo and Bete. Click here to read…

Nigeria becomes first country ever to ban foreign models in TV commercials

Nigeria has become the first country ever to announce a complete ban on foreign models when it comes to its television advertisements. The decision was taken by the Nigerian government in an attempt to “develop local talent” and will officially be implemented from October this year. Click here to read…

Niger Makes Artificial Rain To Curb Drought

The Nigerian government has decided to use chemicals to induce rain in response to the drought that has caused a severe food crisis in the country this year, the meteorological department said. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Nigerian President hails India-Nigeria long-standing friendship

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has said that the relationship with India is a long-standing friendship both politically and economically and it will continue to grow stronger. Click here to read…

Nigeria, India Need to Improve On Existing Security, Political, Economic Relationship – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has stressed the urgent need for Nigeria and India to improve on the existing security, political, as well as economic relationship between the two nations. Click here to read…

Eye on Indian Ocean: India & Tanzania to set up task force

In an important development from the India’s strategic perspective, India and Tanzania have agreed to set up a task force in defence. Click here to read…

India, Tanzania decide to set up task force to prepare 5-year roadmap for defence cooperation

India and Tanzania decided on Friday to set up a task force to prepare a five-year roadmap to boost bilateral defence cooperation. Click here to read…

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh & his Tanzanian counterpart Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax hold bilateral talks in New Delhi

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral talks with Tanzanian Minister of Defence and National Service Dr Stergomena Lawrence Tax in New Delhi on August 26, 2022. A wide range of issues concerning bilateral, regional and defence industrial cooperation were discussed during the meeting. Click here to read…

Rajnath Singh likely to focus on strengthening defence cooperation between Indian and Egypt

Next month, defence minister Rajnath Singh is heading to Egypt for a bilateral meeting with his counterpart which is expected to focus on strengthening defence cooperation between the two countries and the possibility of exports of military platforms. Click here to read…

India, UAE join hands to launch projects in Africa

Last week, a joint India-UAE healthcare delegation visited Tanzania, recipient of India’s biggest line of credit in Africa, to explore investment opportunities and meet senior government officials. The objective of the visit was to identify specific projects for collaboration with government and private healthcare providers in Tanzania. Click here to read…

Africa: India-Africa Partnership Gets a Boost with Investment Conclave

A number of African leaders was in New Delhi for a key investment meeting this summer that brought together 40 ministers from 17 countries including Burkina Faso, Congo, Cameroon, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon and Malawi among others. Click here to read…

Nigeria, India’s largest trading partner in Africa

The Minister of State for External Affairs of India, Vellamvelly Muraleedharan, has said Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in Africa. Click here to read…

Nigeria, India bilateral trade has potential to hit $40bln – report

Bilateral trade between Nigeria and India is expected to reach $40 billion from the current $14-$15 billion, offering a “big opportunity”, The Guardian reported, citing Nigeria-India Business Council (NIBC) President V. Sharma. Click here to read…

African countries offer India lithium access to repay loans

In a massive boost to its efforts to secure critical mineral supplies, India has been approached by several African countries with offers to service part of their development loans by giving access to Indian companies in their mining operations and allowing exports of highly prized lithium and cobalt. Click here to read…

India, Mauritius sign MoUs for cooperation to boost MSME sector; discuss B2B meets, training programmes, more

The MSME Ministry on Thursday announced two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) signed between India and Mauritius on cooperation in promoting the MSME sector of the two countries. Click here to read…

India–Namibia Relations Get a Boost

The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Namibia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, visited India to attend the 17th CII EXIM Bank Conclave on India–Africa Growth Partnership, which was held on 19–20 July 2022. Click here to read…

TCS arm wins deal from South African capital markets firm

The TCS BaNCS solution will be deployed as an integrated front-to-mid-office platform to support trade management, clearing and settlement, and hosted on the AWS cloud. Click here to read…

CELEBRATING 75 – THE 18th Asia-Africa Business and Social Forum: Awards and Business Summit

‘Celebrating 75 Years of India’s Independence’ was the theme of the 18th Edition of Asia-Africa Business & Social Forum 2022 Awards & Business Summit, which concluded successfully on the August 25, 2022 at the majestic Taj Palace Hotel, Diplomatic Enclave, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Click here to read…

Mumbai police receive message about avoiding ‘Somalia-type’ attack

A WEEK after the Mumbai Traffic Police WhatsApp number received threats about another “26/11-like” attack in the city, the same WhatsApp number on Friday received a message from an unidentified person advising India to avoid a “Somalia-type attack”. Click here to read…

South African Army Chief lays wreath at National War Memorial

Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha on Tuesday visited the National War Memorial and paid his respects to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath. Click here to read…

Why India should support greater African representation under its G20 presidency

As India is all set to take over the G20 presidency from Indonesia on 1 December 2022 till 30 November 2023, it should step up its game and distinguish itself as Africa’s partner with a difference. Click here to read…

Kenya Safaris- the New Frontier for India’s MICE Tourism

The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has initiated several MICE-related projects and has, in the process, garnered some insights into the Kenyan travel industry. Click here to read…

Balwant Thakur showcases India Festival in Mauritius

India Festival entitled ‘Mairti Parv’ organised by Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture, High Commission of India, Mauritius came out to be a big success. Devised and designed by the eminent theatre director of India, Blawant Thakur who is also the Director of Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian culture which is world’s biggest centre, this festival created a history by featuring nine iconic events in seven days. Click here to read…

Nigeria Celebrates the Art of Living with Grand Culture Festival – Vibrant Africa

Keeping with its philosophy of Vasudhaiv Kutumbakam or One World Family, The Art of Living’s Africa chapter put together the grand Cultural Festival 2022 titled Vibrant Africa – The Rising Rhythm. Click here to read…

Indian Manipuri Dance Troupe To Perform In South Africa

After a gap of 3 years Indian Council of Cultural Relations has sent a Manipuri dance troupe to Johannesburg on the request of the Consulate General of India. Click here to read…

Ujjain: City artiste plays Sarangi in East Africa

In the schools and colleges of Kampala City, Sarangi workshops and introduction of Indian classical music to African students along with promoting culture of Malwa are underway. Click here to read…

African kids show insane dancing skills as they groove to ‘Kala Chashma’. Watch

Social media seems to have rekindled its love for the song ‘Kala Chasma’ as many videos featuring the track have been going viral after a Norwegian dance group performed to the song. Click here to read…

Book Review

Career diplomat Gurjit Singh traces the growing partnership between India and Africa in The Harambee Factor

The Harambee Factor: India–Africa Economic and Development Partnership is part of a refreshing trend of diplomats documenting their experiences and insights for wider public consumption, thereby also demonstrating the demand among readers to understand the inherent complexities of esoteric disciplines such as diplomacy. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Kabul Facilitating Return of Political Opponents: Spokesman: Tolo News

Islamic Emirate’s Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said that they are using all paths to facilitate the return of “political opponents.” Mujahid made the remarks in reaction to the Indian Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, who told the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tashkent on Wednesday that member states should encourage Afghanistan’s authorities to achieve national reconciliation through dialogue and negotiation and establish an inclusive political structure. Click here to read…

Afghan Soil Should Not Be Used to Attack Other Country: Indian Defense Minister at SCO: The Khaama Press

Rajnath Singh, the Defense Minister of India, said in Tashkent on Wednesday at the gathering of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)’s defense ministers that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used to “intimidate or attack” any other country. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

BRT project: Lack of safety measures poses risk of accidents: Dhaka Tribune

Even after several mishaps and recent deaths surrounding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Dhaka, the Gazipur portion of the project continues to operate with no safety measures in place for the public. Click here to read…

Kushiyara River: Dhaka, Delhi finalize text of MoU to share water: Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh and India on Thursday finalized the text of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on interim water sharing of Kushiyara river.

Both sides welcomed finalization of the design and location of water intake point on the Feni river to meet the drinking water needs of Sabroom town in Tripura as per the October 2019 Bangladesh-India MoU on this subject. Click here to read…

Pakistan declares emergency in the face of calamitous floods: Dawn

Calling the incessant monsoon rains a “climate-inducted humanitarian crisis of epic proportions”, the Pakistan government on Thursday officially declared a ‘national emergency’ in light of the rain-induced floods which have so far killed 937 people, including 343 children, and left at least 30 million without shelter. Click here to read…

Bhutan

ADB-Backed Bhutanese Solar Project Seeks Bidders For Solar PV Plant – SaurEnergy.com

Through its Department of Renewable Energy, Bhutan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a 17.38 MW solar power plant that will be financed by an Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan and is open to bidders from all eligible source countries of the bank. Click here to read…

Foreign Secretary Kwatra meets Bhutan counterpart, discusses bilateral issues – Devidiscource

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Tuesday met his counterpart from Bhutan Ambassador Pema Choden and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. “Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra held a meeting today with his counterpart from Bhutan Ambassador Pema Choden. Click here to read…

Maldives

MPS warns public of legal action, if attacks on those suspected of criminal offences, continue – Raajje

Maldives Police Service (MPS) has warned the public of legal action, if they continue to take matters into their own hands in connection with criminal cases. Stressing that the issue of members of the general public taking matters into their own hands and attacking persons suspected of carrying out criminal offences, in the name of “seeking justice”, against the legal mandate is concerning, the police institution revealed that henceforth, legal action will be taken against individuals who obstruct law enforcement and carry out such acts. Click here to read…

Oxford University to support deep-sea expedition to Maldives – Mirage News

Oxford University researchers are playing a key role in the first systematic survey of ocean life in the Maldives, from the surface to 1000 metres deep. This will enable the Maldivian Government to develop conservation and sustainable development policies, so that the oceans continue to protect and provide for the Maldivian people. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Mizoram: 2 held for smuggling exotic animals from Myanmar – Times Now News

The Mizoram Police have detained two persons and rescued nine exotic wildlife animals which are suspected to have been smuggled from Myanmar. The accused were nabbed in the state’s Kolasib district. A vehicle was intercepted at the check gate in the Kolasib district late on Wednesday night and two capybaras and seven grey monkeys were seized. Click here to read…

Myanmar arrests former UK ambassador – Telegraph India

Myanmar has detained the UK’s former ambassador to the country, where a military junta seized power last year, according to reports on Thursday. Sources said that both Vicky Bowman, who currently runs the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB), and her artist husband Htein Lin — a former political prisoner — were both detained. Click here to read…

Myanmar inflation crushing consumers since military takeover – Asia Nikkei

Inflation is rising in military-controlled Myanmar, pushing up prices for rice and other daily necessities by more than two digits as the kyat, the country’s currency, has been devalued due to a shortage of foreign exchange. The country finds itself in a vicious cycle, with people spending less amid runaway inflation and a worsening economy. Click here to read…

‘Comprehensive’ solution needed to end mass displacement of Rohingya – UN News

Some one million refugees remain in the vast camps of Cox’s Bazar, without any immediate prospect of being able to return home, which more than 150,000 mostly-Muslim Rohingya are still “confined in camps” in their native Rakhine state, said a statement issued on behalf of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Click here to read…

Myanmar Regime Violently Detains Activist, Photographer Involved in Umbrella Protest – The Irrawaddy

The Myanmar junta violently arrested a young anti-regime protester and a freelance photographer who were involved in a widely emulated umbrella strike in Yangon earlier this month marking the 34th anniversary of the 1988 pro-democracy uprising. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal is not ready for Agnipath, delays recruitment for Indian Army – Asia News Network

The recruitment process for the Indian Army under Agnipath was scheduled to start in Nepal on August 25. Two days ago, Nepalese Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava held a meeting to discuss the issues. In the meeting, the Nepalese side informed him to wait on the plan to recruit Nepali youths under the scheme, which provides for a four-year term with no post-retirement benefits. Click here to read…

Nepal sees a dramatic face-off between executive and the President over citizenship bill – Kathmandu Post

A day after President Bidya Devi Bhandari hosted dinner for former Army generals, including the incumbent Chief of Army Staff Prabhu Ram Sharma, Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand on Thursday attempted to make it clear the government has taken every step in line with the constitution, in insinuation of activism by Sheetal Niwas. Click here to read…

Nepal eager to expand trade relations with Pakistan: Ambassador Adhikari – Big News Network

On Monday, Ambassadors of Nepal Tapas Adhikari, Azerbaijan’s Khazar Farhadov, and Turkmenistan’s Atadjan Movlamov paid a visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI). They thoroughly discussed Pakistan’s trade and economic ties with their respective countries. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Army top brass hints at tougher approach against TTP: Dawn

Speaking at the 250th Corps Comm¬anders’ Conference, a monthly feature at General Headquarters, Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa, according to ISPR, “directed formations to maintain operational readiness and efforts to counter terrorism particularly in KP & Balochistan must continue (sic)” Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Japan seeks to organise Sri Lanka creditors’ meeting on debt crisis: Daily Mirror

Japan is seeking to organise a Sri Lanka creditors’ conference, hoping it could help solve the South Asia nation’s debt crisis, but uncertainties cloud the outlook for any talks, three people with knowledge of the planning said. Click here to read…

Rooftop solar sector demands substantial tariff hike: Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka’s Solar Industries Association (SIA) yesterday urged the government to immediately grant a substantial hike in feed-in tariffs (FIT) for rooftop solar producers in line with the recent increase in input costs in order to revitalise rooftop solar production and to ensure the country’s energy security without burdening electricity consumers further by increasing electricity tariffs. Click here to read…

Chinese premier stresses importance of agricultural science, technology: Xinhuanet

August 25, 2022

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday stressed the importance of agricultural science and technology, calling for efforts to promote the innovation and application of agricultural science and technology. Click here to read…

China urges U.S., Britain, Australia to reverse decisions on nuclear submarine cooperation: Xinhuanet

August 25, 2022

A Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday urged the United States, Britain and Australia to fulfill their obligations concerning nuclear non-proliferation and revoke their decisions on nuclear submarine cooperation. Click here to read…

Chinese armed police to host int’l counter-terrorism forum: Xinhuanet

August 25, 2022

The Chinese People’s Armed Police Force (PAP) will host the International Forum on Counter-terrorism “Great Wall-2022” in Beijing from August 30 to 31, a Chinese military spokesperson said Thursday. Click here to read…

China requires tighter internal control of wealth management companies: Xinhuanet

August 25, 2022

China’s top banking and insurance regulator Thursday released measures requiring wealth management companies to tighten internal control for sustainable and sound operation in compliance with laws and regulations. Click here to read…

Chinese court upholds death sentence of U.S. citizen convicted of murder: Xinhuanet

August 25, 2022

A Chinese court on Thursday rejected the appeal of Shadeed Abdulmateen, an American national, who was sentenced to death in April this year for intentional homicide. The Higher People’s Court of east China’s Zhejiang Province announced the verdict after holding the second instance trial of Abdulmateen’s case in July and will submit it to the Supreme People’s Court for approval, the court said in a statement. Click here to read…

Handbook helps litigants involved in software disputes: China Daily

August 25, 2022

A handbook outlining what evidence should be provided during a copyright dispute involving computer software was issued by a Beijing court on Thursday, in a bid to give parties easier access to litigation services while improving judicial efficiency. Click here to read…

Some Chinese localities encourage group home buying to prop up sluggish property market: Global Times

August 25, 2022

A number of Chinese localities have announced a range of measures to encourage home buying in a bid to prop up the sluggish real estate sector, which experts have stated will be useful for reducing inventory in some regions, but greater efforts needed to spur demand for overall macro-economic recovery. Click here to read…

UN rights chief ‘under tremendous pressure’ over report on China’s Uyghurs: Reuters

August 25, 2022

The UN human rights chief said on Thursday that she is still aiming to release a long-anticipated report on China’s treatment of its Uyghur minority in Xinjiang by the end of her four-year mandate next week amid “tremendous pressure” from all sides. Click here to read…

Some Chinese financiers cold shoulder Beijing’s property rescue call: Reuters

August 25, 2022

Some of China’s state-backed financial institutions are pushing back on Beijing’s calls to support the embattled property sector due to concerns about the impact of such exposure on their balance sheets, seven people with knowledge of the matter said. Click here to read…

Xi Jinping looks to take China beyond Deng Xiaoping’s ‘get rich’ era with historic third term: South China Morning Post

August 25, 2022

On a cold morning in mid-January, two dozen senior Communist Party officials, wrapped in black coats to protect them against the winter chill, stood solemnly in rows at the courtyard of Guohong Mansion, home to China’s top economic planning agency.
The group had gathered for the launch of the Xi Jinping Economic Thought Research Centre, the 18th research institution set up since the Chinese president’s philosophy was enshrined in the constitution in 2018. Click here to read…

China economy: 7 ‘Xiconomic’ policies that have guided growth over the past decade: South China Morning Post

August 25, 2022

Xi Jinping has reshaped China’s major economic decision-making institutions – most notably the Central Economic and Financial Affairs Commission – since becoming president. Helped by Vice-Premier and chief economic adviser Liu He, Xi’s first term between 2013-18 was devoted to addressing domestic problems. These included high debt, a dwindling demographic dividend, industrial overcapacity and poverty, with structural adjustments and de-risking campaigns high on the agenda. Xi hardened his economic thinking amid the trade war with the United States, growing tension with major Western economies and the coronavirus pandemic. Click here to read…

China completes test of reusable, sub-orbital vehicle: Xinhuanet

August 26, 2022

China successfully completed the test of a self-developed, reusable, sub-orbital vehicle on Friday. The vehicle was launched “vertically” from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the northwest of the country, according to the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, the developer of the vehicle. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 262 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

August 26, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Thursday reported 262 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 111 were in Hainan Province, the National Health Commission said Friday.

Altogether 1,239 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified on Thursday, including 444 in Tibet and 285 in Hainan, said the commission in its report. Click here to read…

China’s BRI new opportunity for deepening mutual cooperation with Africa: Qiushi

August 26, 2022

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) will provide African countries with new opportunities to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in line with the principle of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda Wang Xuekun said Wednesday. Click here to read…

Ministry: Nations’ military drills shouldn’t target 3rd party: China Daily

August 26, 2022

China is firmly opposed to any form of interference by a third party in the China-India boundary issue, Defense Ministry spokesman Senior Colonel Tan Kefei said on Thursday. He also stressed that military exercises between countries should not target any third party. Click here to read…

China builds world’s largest 5G network with 475 million users: People’s Daily

August 26, 2022

China has built nearly 1.97 million 5G base stations and reached 475 million 5G mobile users by the end of this July, said the country’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), constituting the world’s largest 5G network. The 5G base stations currently in operation in China account for over 60 percent of the world’s total three years after the issuance of 5G commercial licenses, and the country’s 5G users make up more than 70 percent of global 5G users. Click here to read…

China builds world’s largest 5G network with 475 million users: People’s Daily

August 26, 2022

China has entrusted a defense-focused state firm to ship millions of barrels of Venezuelan oil despite U.S. sanctions, part of a deal to offset Caracas’ billions of dollars of debt to Beijing, according to three sources and tanker tracking data. Click here to read…

Half of China hit by drought in record heat wave: Taipei Times

August 26, 2022

A crippling drought exacerbated by a record heat wave has spread across half of China and reached the normally frigid Tibetan Plateau, according to official data released ahead of more searing temperatures yesterday. The world’s second-largest economy has experienced more than 70 days of heat waves, flash floods and droughts — phenomena that scientists say are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change. Click here to read…

Another U.S. senator visits Taiwan amid tensions with China: Kyodo

August 26, 2022

A U.S. senator arrived in Taiwan on Thursday in what became the second visit by members of Congress since House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s trip to the self-ruled island infuriated China earlier this month. Republican lawmaker Marsha Blackburn, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said in a statement that her trip to meet with leaders in Taipei is intended to “advance and strengthen our partnerships” and that regular high-level visits to Taipei are “long-standing U.S. policy.” Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Afghanistan at Brink of Irreversible Ruin: Amnesty International: The Khaama Press

Islamic Emirate leadership in reaction to a petition by Amnesty International regarding the violation of human rights in Afghanistan said the organization’s report is far from the truth. Earlier, Amnesty International created a petition on what it considers to be human rights violations in Afghanistan and is requesting comments from people all around the world. Click here to read…

USCIRF: ‘Severe’ Deterioration of Freedom of Religion since Taliban’s Takeover in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

In its most recent report, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) highlighted a “severe decline” in religious freedom since the Taliban’s takeover, which places religious minorities at risk of “extinction.”The Taliban’s enforcement of their strict conception of Sunni Islam adversely affects all Afghans who do not follow and adhere to that interpretation, according to the USCIRF report released on Tuesday, August 23. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Price hike: LDA’s strike underway: Dhaka Tribune

The 12-hour nationwide strike enforced by the Left Democratic Alliance (LDA), protesting the recent price hike of daily essentials, is being observed in Dhaka. Click here to read…

Five years of the Rohingya crisis: Dhaka Tribune

Five years have passed since the Myanmar military crackdown in Rakhine has sent nearly a million Rohingyas fleeing across the border to Bangladesh. With sharp decline in international funding and little prospect of repatriation anytime soon, Bangladesh continues to struggle to accommodate the million-strong refugees while fending off natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and food shortages. Click here to read…

Bhutan

WMO strengthens climate services delivery in Bhutan – WMO

WMO, with support from the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) Bhutan and the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in Asia and Africa (RIMES) has successfully completed the implementation of a project aimed at strengthening the capacity to provide climate services and support climate sensitive sectors in the remote, landlocked mountainous country. Click here to read…

Bhutan likely to save Nu 5.3B in a year from vehicle import moratorium – KuenselOnline

Bhutan could save Nu 5.3 billion (B) in a year from the moratorium on the import of vehicles. Bhutan imported 7,882 vehicles worth Nu 5.3B in 2021. The import includes buses, passenger cars, transport vehicles, special purpose vehicles, and motorcycles. In the first six months, the vehicle import figure was 3,248. In monetary terms, it was worth Nu 2.84B. Click here to read…

Maldives

Pres. urges top achievers to pursue fields essential for national development – Raajje

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged top achievement winners to pursue knowledge in fields essential for national development. He said this during the ‘Top Achievers’ Award 2020-2021’ ceremony held on Wednesday evening. Click here to read…

Maldives Minister Ali Solih stabbed in broad daylight, attacker seen reciting Quran verses – OpIndia

In a horrific incident, Maldivian Minister Ali Solih was attacked by a sharp weapon while he was riding on a bike in the Hulhumale region of the capital Male. The Maldivian Police immediately arrested the attacker who tried to slit his throat. Click here to read…

Myanmar

SAC Chairman holds Second Peace Talks with ethnic peace delegation in NPT – Eleven Myanmar

Chairman of State Administration Council (SAC), Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing held Second Peace Talks with the peace delegation led by Chairman of Pa-O National Liberation Organization(PNLO) Khun Thurein, Chairman of Lahu Democratic Union(LDU )Kyar Solomon and Vice-Chairperson of the Arakan Liberation Party(ALP) Saw Mra Razar Lin at Bayintnaung villa in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning. Click here to read…

Myanmar: No Justice, No Freedom for Rohingya 5 Years On – HRW

Rohingya Muslims are still awaiting justice and protection of their rights five years after the Myanmar military began a sweeping campaign of massacres, rape, and arson in northern Rakhine State on August 25, 2017, Human Rights Watch said today. Click here to read…

AA releases statement addressing rising military tensions in Arakan State – BNI Online

Military tensions are escalating day by day and the theatre of war is expanding in Arakan State, the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) said in a statement on Tuesday. The Myanmar military has been mobilising its troops and bringing in reinforcements and additional weapons in what appears to be preparations for further military operations, according to the AA statement. Click here to read…

Myanmar brings in $800 mln from April-July gas exports – Reuters

Military-ruled Myanmar earned $800 million from natural gas exports mainly to China and Thailand between April and July, the junta said in the state newspaper on Thursday. Click here to read…

Nepal

Action recommended against 1,690 govt officials – The Himalayan Times

The National Vigilance Centre has written to the ministries and offices concerned, directing them to initiate disciplinary action against 1,690 government employees for absenteeism and violation of dress code in the past three months. Click here to read…

Indian army chief arriving in Kathmandu on a four day visit to Nepal on October 5 – My Republic

Chief of Indian Army Manoj Pande is arriving in Kathmandu on October 5. He is set to come to Nepal for a four-day visit at the invitation of the Nepal Army Chief Prabhu Ram Sharma. Click here to read…

Agnipath scheme may impact ties with Nepal – Tribune India

The Nepal Army is mostly trained and equipped by India. The Indian Army helped it in containing Maoist insurgency. The bilateral group on security cooperation was set up in its aftermath. New Delhi must treat Kathmandu with respect and not repeat the old mistake of taking Nepal for granted. The most worrying consequence of the Agnipath scheme could be the weakening of the ‘diplomatic bridge’ between Nepal and India. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Editorial: Mexican stand-off: Dawn

A STRANGE madness appears to be afflicting our political leaders. Knives out, they are chasing after each other in the hopes of landing a killing blow, not realising the damage they are doing to their own future prospects with the harmful precedents they are setting that ‘others’ can easily exploit. Click here to read…

Imran due in court today: Dawn

Extra security has been deployed at the Federal Judicial Complex where former prime minister and PTI chief Imran Khan is likely to appear to get pre-arrest bail on Thursday (today) in a terrorism case registered against him for threatening additional district and sessions judge Zeba Chaudhry and the Islamabad police chief. Click here to read…

IMF sees inflation peaking at 20%: The Express Tribune

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) sees Pakistan’s economy slowing to around 3.5% due to weakening economic conditions and average inflation rate peaking to nearly 20% by the end of the current fiscal year on the back of currency depreciation and higher commodity prices. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

President urges China to change tune on debt: Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka is urging China to dramatically change its stance on debt relief, President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Nikkei Asia in an exclusive interview, conceding that reaching a deal will be no simple task. The appeal to China, the bankrupt Indian Ocean nation’s largest bilateral lender, has emerged as a formidable challenge to Wickremesinghe, who is leading the country’s financial team as it attempts to rebuild an economy starved of foreign reserves and mired in miseryClick here to read…

Gota to return during first week of September: Daily Mirror

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is to return to Sri Lanka during the first week of next month, Daily Mirror learns . An informed source said he is likely to return either on September 2 or 3. Earlier,The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe to make arrangements for the former president to return . Click here to read…

Amid soft-peg crisis, Sri Lanka suspends imports of over 300 items from Wed: Business Standard

Amidst soft-peg crisis, Sri Lanka has temporarily suspended the import of over 300 ‘non-essential’ items with effect from Wednesday. Signed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Finance Minister, the gazette was issued under the Import and Export Control Act. Click here to read…

Nationalistic blogger Sima Nan banned from Chinese social media: South China Morning Post

August 23, 2022

Sima Nan, a Chinese blogger who shot to fame on the back of rising nationalism by writing inflammatory articles about the United States, was suddenly banned from his social media accounts for unknown reasons. He has been blocked from posting on Weibo, WeChat, Bilibili and Douyin “for violation of relevant laws and regulations”, according to notices posted on the platforms, but his previous posts remained untouched. He last updated his accounts on Saturday. No further details were released, and the immediate cause of what appears to be a collective effort by Chinese social media to censor his accounts is not clear. It is not known when or if he will be able to resume posting on the platforms. Click here to read…

China’s offshore undersea detection system passes sea trial: Xinhuanet

August 24, 2022

China’s independently developed offshore undersea mobile detection system Haizhe, also called Jellyfish, has completed its 3,000-meter deep sea trial in a methane seep zone of the South China Sea and passed the acceptance, the China Science Daily reported on Wednesday. Click here to read…

China launches human resources website for older people: Xinhuanet

August 24, 2022

China on Wednesday launched a human resources website for older people, marking the first step of building a human resources information service platform for the country’s older citizens. The website, launched by the China National Committee on Ageing, offers content including human resources policies, human resources knowledge and employment information. Click here to read…

Chinese police solve over 1,500 cases in crackdown on production, sale of fake medicine: Xinhuanet

August 24, 2022

Chinese police have solved over 1,500 cases involving the production and sale of fake or substandard medicine in the first half of this year, with the value of money involved amounting to 4.78 billion yuan (about 696 million U.S. dollars), said the Ministry of Public Security on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Circular urges study of book on Xi Jinping’s thinking on armed forces: China Military

August 24, 2022

A circular has called on Party organizations at all levels and the armed forces to conduct thorough and in-depth study of a new book on Xi Jinping’s thinking on strengthening the armed forces. The circular was jointly released by the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission. Click here to read…

Chinese defense chief delivers video speech at SCO defense ministers meeting: China Military

August 24, 2022

The 19th meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on August 24, 2022. Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe attended and addressed the meeting via video link. Click here to read…

China expresses condolences to victims of floods in Pakistan, provides relief supplies, aid: Global Times

August 24, 2022

China is offering emergency aid, including needed supplies and $300,000 in cash to Pakistan, to support its disaster-hit areas where flood has caused casualties and property loss, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

YU-20 aerial tanker to star in PLA Air Force’s open day event: Global Times

August 24, 2022

The YU-20 aerial tanker, the force amplifier that recently entered service with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force and made frequent appearances in exercises around the island of Taiwan earlier this month, will be a star of the show at the upcoming PLA Air Force open day event with its first static display to the general public. Click here to read…

China, Iran Friendship Associations vow to strengthen bilateral Belt and Road cooperation: People’s Daily

August 24, 2022

The 13th annual conference of China Iran Friendship Associations and Dialogues between the sister provinces/cities of China and Iran was held online on Tuesday to bolster cooperation between the two countries. Under the theme of “Future-oriented China-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Win-win Cooperation for Common Development,” the conference was jointly organized by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, China-Iran Friendship Association, and Iran-China Friendship Association. Click here to read…

China halts more than 20 IPOs sponsored by China Merchants Securities amid probe: Reuters

August 24, 2022

Chinese bourses have halted processing more than 20 initial public offering (IPO) plans sponsored by China Merchants Securities (600999.SS), following an investigation into the broker, according to exchange disclosures. The Shenzhen Stock Exchange has suspended 15 IPO plans set for its ChiNext board, while the Shanghai exchange has paused five IPOs targeting its tech-focused STAR Market since last Friday, exchange filings showed. Click here to read…

China exerting growing pressure on foreign companies, study finds: Reuters

August 24, 2022

China is exerting increasing pressure on foreign companies doing business in its markets to bring them into line with its political agenda, broadening the “red lines” for issues to which it is allergic, a German study seen by Reuters shows. A survey of more than 100 companies by the Berlin-based Merics think tank for China studies and the BDI industry association showed that the threshhold for exerting pressure on companies is falling. The number of known cases rose significantly from 2018, it found. Click here to read…

China regulator warns banks against yuan selling: Reuters

August 24, 2022

China’s foreign exchange regulator phoned several banks on Wednesday to warn them against aggressively selling the Chinese currency, people with direct knowledge of the matter said, in a new sign of official discomfort with recent yuan weakness. Click here to read…

Japan to pledge human resources investment in Africa to counter China: Kyodo

August 24, 2022

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will announce investment in human resources in Africa at a gathering held in Tunisia later this week, in an effort to counter China’s influence on the continent, government sources said Wednesday. At the Tokyo International Conference on African Development, Kishida will pledge to invest in fostering the talents of 300,000 people for the next three years, primarily in the agriculture and health sectors, according to the sources. Click here to read…

Ideas shared to improve job market: China Daily

August 25, 2022

National political advisers have presented their ideas on helping the nation tackle its employment problems, which have been compounded by COVID-19 and an economic slowdown. Held from Monday to Wednesday, a session of the Standing Committee of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference focused on stabilizing the job market by implementing an employment-first policy. Click here to read…

Minister calls for more SCO security cooperation: China Daily

August 25, 2022

China’s defense minister on Wednesday called for global solidarity amid multiple crises and challenges rarely seen in history, encouraging member countries of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization to deepen security cooperation. Click here to read…

China to build on policy package for stabilizing economy to firm up foundation for recovery, growth: People’s Daily

August 25, 2022

China will adopt follow-up policies on top of the policy package for stabilizing the economy as part of intensified efforts to consolidate the foundation of economic recovery and growth, and send taskforces to localities to supervise and assist work on this front to promote policy implementation at a faster pace, according to the decision made at the State Council’s Executive Meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday. Click here to read…

China reopens to foreign students after two years: Taipei Times

August 25, 2022

China yesterday opened its borders for foreign students for the first time in more than two years, easing restrictions on their entry imposed in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Foreign nationals holding a Chinese residence permit for study or an APEC business travel card would be allowed to enter the country, the Chinese embassy in the US said in a statement on WeChat on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Xi Jinping looks to take China beyond Deng Xiaoping’s ‘get rich’ era with historic third term: South China Morning Post

August 25, 2022

On a cold morning in mid-January, two dozen senior Communist Party officials, wrapped in black coats to protect them against the winter chill, stood solemnly in rows at the courtyard of Guohong Mansion, home to China’s top economic planning agency. The group had gathered for the launch of the Xi Jinping Economic Thought Research Centre, the 18th research institution set up since the Chinese president’s philosophy was enshrined in the constitution in 2018. Click here to read…

Chinese prosecutors charge former senior official of Guangxi with bribery: Xinhuanet

August 25, 2022

A public prosecution has been instituted against Liu Hongwu, former vice chairman of the people’s government of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. He is suspected of bribery, an official statement said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 345 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

August 25, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Wednesday reported 345 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 217 were in Hainan Province, the National Health Commission said Thursday. Altogether 1,289 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified on Wednesday, including 521 in Tibet and 309 in Hainan, said the commission in its report. Click here to read…

China to implement negative list for cross-border trade in services: Qiushi

August 25, 2022

China will implement a negative list for cross-border trade in services, expand opening-up in the services sector and bolster digital trade to shore up economic growth, said government officials on Tuesday. A negative list refers to special administrative measures for access of foreign investors to specific fields. China introduced a negative list for cross-border trade in services at the Hainan Free Trade Port last year. Click here to read…

China achieves progress in building international consumption centers: Qiushi

August 25, 2022

Progress has been made by Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Tianjin and Chongqing, one year after the five leading cities were approved to develop international consumption centers cities. On Aug. 8, Aveda, a high-level manufacturer of hair care products owned by Estée Lauder Companies, opened its first store on the Chinese mainland at the Taikoo Li Qiantan, a mega shopping mall in Shanghai. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

UN’s Griffiths: Women, Girls Face ‘Alarming Rollback On Their Rights’: Tolo News

Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, while talking to CGTN TV said that the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan is regressing. “Women and girls are facing alarming rollback on their rights,” said Martin Griffiths. Click here to read…

Japan to Grant Refugee Status to 98 Afghan Nationals: The Khaama Press

Japan has reportedly granted refugee status to 98 Afghan nationals, including staff who worked at the Japanese embassy in Kabul and their families, who left Afghanistan last year, according to Japanese media citing government sources. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Dhaka, Delhi eye positive results during PM Hasina’s visit: Dhaka Tribune

Former Indian foreign secretary and G20 Chief Coordinator Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Tuesday said Bangladesh is a remarkable story in terms of growth and development. He highlighted the achievements and accomplishments made by the two countries over the last decade and shed light on future cooperation between the two countries as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to visit New Delhi September at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. Click here to read…

President Hamid alerts against plastic usage to protect environment: Dhaka Tribune

President M Abdul Hamid on Tuesday urged everyone, including political leaders, district administration and civil society to remain alert in using plastic waste and polythene to protect the balance of the environment. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Foreign Secretary Kwatra meets Bhutan counterpart, discusses bilateral issues – The Print

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Tuesday met his counterpart from Bhutan Ambassador Pema Choden and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. Click here to read…

WMO strengthens climate services delivery in Bhutan – Mirage News

WMO, with support from the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) Bhutan and the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in Asia and Africa (RIMES) has successfully completed the implementation of a project aimed at strengthening the capacity to provide climate services and support climate sensitive sectors in the remote, landlocked mountainous country. Click here to read…

Maldives

Ambassador Shaan presents credentials to President of Germany – Raajje

The Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to the Federal Republic of Germany, has presented her credentials. Ambassador Aishath Shaan Shakir presented her Letter of Credence to the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier during an official ceremony held on Monday. Click here to read…

Team of Maldivian journalists head to India for training – Raajje

The Maldives Media Council revealed that the skill-building and training programme comes under an opportunity paved by the Indian government’s ITEC Programme. The initiative comes under the council’s efforts to advance the skills and pave progress for media houses of the island nation. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar: No Justice, No Freedom for Rohingya 5 Years On – HRW

Rohingya Muslims are still awaiting justice and protection of their rights five years after the Myanmar military began a sweeping campaign of massacres, rape, and arson in northern Rakhine State on August 25, 2017, Human Rights Watch said today. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled to precarious, flood-prone camps in Bangladesh, while about 600,000 remain under oppressive rule in Myanmar. Click here to read…

UN faces heat over envoy’s trip to Myanmar – RFA

Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government (NUG) and more than 850 civil society groups called on the United Nations to remove its appointed envoy to the country after her visit last week and demonstrate a “serious commitment” to resolving the nation’s worsening humanitarian crisis. Click here to read…

Devalued Kyat currency stops trade at Myanmar-China border – RFA

Myanmar merchants who trade goods across the border with China say their country’s kyat has depreciated so much relative to the Chinese yuan that they are no longer able to stay in business. The traders typically export agricultural and fisheries products to China and import Chinese consumer and industrial goods and food products to Myanmar. Click here to read…

As Myanmar Coup Intensifies Regional Human Trafficking, How Will China Respond – The Diplomat

Since the 2021 Myanmar coup, over 2,200 people have been killed by the military. The military doubled down on political repression by executing well-known political activists and burning villages with members participating in armed resistance. Click here to read…

Myanmar national among two held in major drug bust: Mizoram Police – The Print

The Special Narcotics Cell of the Mizoram Police seized 2.7 kilograms of heroin in the Kolasib district on Monday night and arrested two persons including a Myanmar national, police said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Nepal

Country’s trade deficit narrows by 10.38pc – The Himalayan Times

The government’s decision to give continuity to the ban on import of non-essential items listed under 10 categories limited the country’s trade deficit to Rs 116.476 billion in the first month (mid-July to mid-August) of the current fiscal year 2022-23. Click here to read…

Nepal Government forms High-level Salary and Facilities Commission – Nepal 24 Hours

A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on August 22 has constituted the commission under the convenorship of former Chief Secretary Leelamani Paudyal for carrying out necessary study for revising the salary, allowance, remuneration and facilities of government employees and workers, and recommend to the government. The commission has been asked to make the study and recommendation on the basis of the country’s economic condition and its spending capacity. Click here to read…

China’s zero-Covid policy turns Nepal border towns into ‘dead’ zones as trade routes dry up – SCMP

China’s zero-Covid policy is proving a major obstacle to the resumption of two-way trade with Nepal, with border closures causing a sharp decline in Nepalese exports to the world’s No 2 economy and losses for merchants. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan’s political turmoil echoes in US, UN corridors: Dawn

The political turmoil in Pakistan echoed far away in the United States as well, where the UN chief urged Islamabad to keep the legal process impartial while the State Depart¬ment underlined the need to follow “democratic, constitutional and legal” principles. Click here to read…

Pakistan seeks world aid to cope with flood emergency: Dawn

As massive floods across Pakistan have so far claimed at least 830 lives since July, the government on Tuesday decided to launch an international appeal seeking funds for relief and rehabilitation of flood-hit people and restoration of damaged infrastructure. Click here to read…

Pakistan explores debt rescheduling option: The Express Tribune

The government has explored an option to seek rescheduling of its external debt, as Pakistan faces a mammoth challenge to service over two-third or $66 billion of the total external public and publicly-guaranteed repayments in five years. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s ousted president Rajapaksa may return home by early September:Sources: Economic Times

Sri Lanka’s former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa may return home in about two weeks after fleeing a popular uprising in July, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday, depending in part on arrangements to secure his safety.
Click here to read…

PTA, a must to tackle terrorism: Cabinet Spokesman: Daily Mirror

The government today said that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) sleuths are questioning several suspects including the convener of the IUSF Wasantha Mudalige detained under the provisions of Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to determine whether there was a conspiracy to topple the government.Click here to read…

Govt. slaps import ban on wide range of goods: Daily Mirror

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Minister, yesterday issued new regulations via an extraordinary gazette suspending the import of a plethora of items, with effect from August 23, 2022, until further notice. Click here to read…