Afghanistan

Statement concerning crisis in Ukraine- Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Islamic Emirate calls for restraint by both parties. All sides need to desist from taking positions that could intensify violence. Click here to read…

IEA is concerned for the safety of Afghan citizens and students in Ukraine- Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The IEA is utilizing all available facilities and communication channels to safeguard its citizens and evacuate them to safety. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is in close contact with several regional governments and international organizations in this regard. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate’s Mujahid Comments on House-to-House Searches- Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate called the recent house-to-house searches “constructive,” saying that many weapons and ammunition were captured. According to Mujahid, women were among the Islamic Emirate forces searching homes, and only “suspected areas” were searched. Click here to read…

Former Mayor Zarifa Ghafari Returns to Afghanistan- Tolo News

Zarifa Ghafari, the former mayor of Maidan Shahr in Maidan Wardak province, has returned to the country. Ghafari told TOLOnews that considering the deteriorating humanitarian situation of Afghanistan, she could not stop herself from coming back. Click here to read…

Public Works Employees Hold Protest Over Unpaid Salaries- Tolo News

Dozens of employees of the Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) held a demonstration in Kabul on Sunday to protest unpaid salaries, saying that they have not received their salaries for the past six months. Click here to read…

White House: Recent License Intended to Improve Afghan Economy- Tolo News

The United States is seeking to help the Afghan economy to function through the resumption of regular commercial activities inside Afghanistan and with the injection of liquidity into the Afghan economy, senior US officials said. Click here to read…

ICRC to donors: Shore up Afghanistan’s economy- Pajhwok

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) director-general on Sunday urged donors to take urgent action to prevent the collapse of Afghanistan’s economy and its public sector. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Statement of Bangladesh on the situation in Ukraine- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh

Bangladesh therefore urges for restraint by all parties and to immediately resume diplomatic efforts and dialogue in order to settle all disputes by peaceful means, and refrain from taking any action that may endanger international peace and security. Click here to read…

Bangladesh: Dhaka calls on missions to help Bangladeshis stranded in Ukraine Bangladesh order to keep ready mission for help people stuck in India- Irshadgul

The government instructed the Bangladesh missions in the three countries to be ready for their cooperation. The missions in Poland, Romania and Austria have been instructed. Click here to read…

Bangladeshi ship with 29 sailors stranded in Ukraine seaport- The Business Standard

A Bangladesh Shipping Corporation ship – Banglar Samriddhi – with 29 sailors on board has been stranded in the Olvia port of Ukraine since Russia invaded the Eastern European country. Click here to read…

Romania will host Bangladeshis stranded in Ukraine: Shahriar- Daily Star

The Romanian government has declared that it will host the Bangladeshis now stranded in Ukraine for two days. Click here to read…

Standard 4G internet speed still elusive- Daily Star

Customers don’t get what they pay for, says consumer rights body. Click here to read…

‘Facilitate youths in learning about national heroes’- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday emphasized on informing youths about the struggles and sacrifices behind the achievements of the country. Click here to read…

Bhutan

No Bhutanese in Ukraine: Foreign Minister- Bhutan Broadcasting Service

The Foreign Minister, Dr Tandi Dorji, said the ministry is studying and assessing the impacts the war will have on Bhutan. The minister said there are no Bhutanese in Ukraine. Click here to read…

SOEs struggle financially, fufill social mandate- Bhutan Broadcasting Service

A majority of the State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are struggling financially amid the Covid-19 pandemic hurting the government and shareholders, but have fulfilled their social mandates. Click here to read…

Vaccination for children aged 5-11 to begin from the first week of March- Kuensel

Covid-19 vaccinations for children aged five to 11 will start by the first week of March, according to Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering. Click here to read…

BHSEC examination 2021 finally kicks off- Bhutan Times

After months of prolonged wait and deferment, the practical tests for Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate (BHSEC) examination 2021 finally kicked-off yesterday. However, the main exams are scheduled to take place only on 28 February. Click here to read…

India

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has established a dedicated Twitter- New Indian Express

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has established a dedicated Twitter handle to assist the evacuation of Indians from Ukraine: @opgangaClick here to read…

India’s EAM Dr. S Jaishankar called up Hungarian FM Peter Szijjarto- ANI

India’s EAM Dr. S Jaishankar called up Hungarian FM Peter Szijjarto and Moldavian FM Nicu Popescu to discuss evacuation of Indian students. Click here to read…

India abstained from on the vote on the resolution to refer the matter to an emergency session of UN General Assembly- Amb T S Tirumurti, Ambassador of India to United Nations

In the UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine on 27th February, India abstained from on the vote on the resolution to refer the matter to an emergency session of UN General Assembly. Click here to read…

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with His Excellency President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine: MEA

On 26th February, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with His Excellency President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine. PM Modi reiterated his call for an immediate cessation of violence and conveyed India’s deep concern for the safety and security of Indian students stranded in Ukraine. Click here to read…

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation- MEA

On 24th February, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation. PM Modi reiterated to resolve that Russia and NATO group should resolve their differences through honest and sincere dialogue. Click here to read…

Maldives

Tourism Minister: Russia-Ukraine war will significantly impact Maldivian tourism

Tourism Minister Dr. Abdulla Mausoom has stated that war between Russia and Ukraine will significantly impact the Maldivian tourism sector. Click here to read…

12 Maldivians remain stranded in Ukraine

Foreign Ministry states there are currently 12 Maldivians stranded in Ukraine due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, and it is unclear when they can be evacuated. Click here to read…

Nasheed warns against dismissals ahead of MDP internal elections- SUN

Parliament Speaker and leader of MDP, former President Mohamed Nasheed has warned against dismissal of the party’s members serving political posts in connection to the upcoming MDP internal elections. Click here to read…

Aneel appointed Minister of State for Islamic Affairs- SUN

Mohamed Aneel has been appointed to the post of State Minister at the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. He was presented with his letter of appointment on Sunday. Click here to read…

Ministry of Health publicizes “Maldives health statistics 2020”- Raajje

Ministry of Health has publicized “Maldives Health Statistics 2020”. The book was released at a special function held at the Health Ministry this Sunday. Special Advisor on Social Policy, Dr. Mustafa Luthfy was the chief guest of the function. Click here to read…

BML opens housing grant to support vulnerable families- Avas

National Bank, the Bank of Maldives (BML) has opened a Housing Grant as part of the series of 12 high-impact monthly community initiatives to celebrate the Bank’s 40th anniversary in November. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Views of the Russian invasion of Ukraine mirror divide in strife-torn Myanmar: RFA

The military junta supports key arms supplier Moscow, while the shadow government decries authoritarian bullying. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s junta says Russia good for ‘world peace,’ supports Ukraine invasion: The Star

Myanmar’s military rulers have thrown their support behind Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, saying it was important for Russia “to consolidate its sovereignty.” Click here to read…

The National Unity Government of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar condemns the unprovoked acts of war: Burma Library

Myanmar calls on to respect the territorial integrity, independence, and sovereignty of Ukraine. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Military Council Supports Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: VOA

Myanmar’s military junta expressed Thursday its support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, placing itself at odds with most of the world community. Click here to read…

Cases lower as Myanmar reports 2,402 new Covid-19 infections on Saturday night: The Star

Myanmar reported 2,402 new coronavirus cases on Saturday, bringing the number of confirmed cases in the country to 584,239, according to a release from the Ministry of Health. Click here to read…

Myanmar agent requests ICJ to adjudge and declare that The Gambia’s application is inadmissible: Eleven Myanmar

U Ko Ko Hlaing, the agent of Myanmar and Union Minister for International Cooperation, requested the court to adjudge and declare that The Gambia’s application is inadmissible. Click here to read…

Nepal

Statement on the Recent Developments in Ukraine- Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal

Recognition of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions as independent entities goes contrary to the provisions of the UN Charter. Nepal opposes any use of force against a sovereign country in any circumstance and believes in peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomacy and dialogue. Click here to read…

Nepalis in Ukraine fear for their lives after Russian invasion- Kathmandu Post

Around 200 Nepali nationals are said to be in the eastern European country which is facing the biggest attack since World War II. Click here to read…

Nepal urges Russia to ‘stop further bloodshed’ in Ukraine- Wion

Ruling Nepali Congress spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat on Saturday called on Russia to hold peaceful and diplomatic means and stop further bloodshed and loss of lives in Ukraine. Click here to read…

Nepali nationals in Ukraine being evacuated with the help of NRNA- Republica

The government in coordination with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has started evacuating Nepali nationals stranded in Ukraine, which is fighting against Russian invasion. Click here to read…

House ratifies $500-million MCC compact- Himalayan Times

The House of Representatives today ratified the Millennium Challenge Corporation compact with interpretative declaration. Click here to read…

Need for effective justice delivery stressed- Himalayan Times

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has stressed that all the bodies concerned should ensure effective delivery of justice by assimilating the basic principles of justice. Click here to read…

Five commodities hit by Ukraine war- Kathmandu Post

The economic consequences of a war that threatens the lives and livelihoods of many Ukrainians. Click here to read…

(Opinion) Can Nepal elections change its male-stream politics?- Nepali Times

This May, vote for women leaders and minority groups and make our local governments more inclusive and less tokenistic. Click here to read…

Nepal opposes Russian invasion of Ukraine- Kathmandu Post

Principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected: Foreign Ministry. Click here to read…

Activists in Nepal call on Russia not to invade Ukraine, demonstrate in front of Russian embassy- The Print

Activists from Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES) Nepal on Wednesday staged a demonstration in front of Russian Embassy urging Russia to give up the plan to invade Ukraine. Click here to read…

Nepal embassy in Berlin issues travel advisory to Nepali nationals in Ukraine- Embassy of Nepal in Berlin

The Embassy of Nepal in Germany has issued a travel advisory for all Nepali nationals residing in Ukraine after civilian flights were temporarily restricted over Ukraine’s airspace following the escalating situation between Ukraine and Russia. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan rules out joining camp politics; urges diplomatic solution of Russia-Ukraine conflict: Associated Press of Pakistan

Pakistan on Friday categorically ruled out to be part of any camp politics and urged the international community to make joint efforts for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict through diplomatic means. Click here to read…

Hundreds of Pakistani students stuck in Ukraine since the attack: ABC News

The families of hundreds of Pakistani students stuck in Ukraine following the Russian invasion are urging their government to help bring them homeClick here to read…

Pakistan urges de-escalation in Russia-Ukraine conflict: The Express Tribune

It was also the first high-level contact between Pakistan and Ukraine since Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit to Moscow that had raised many eyebrows on the timing of his trip. Click here to read…

CORONAVIRUS TEST POSITIVITY RATIO IN PAKISTAN DROPS TO 2.5 PCT: ARY News

Pakistan has reported a drop in the national test positivity ratio of Covid-19 to 2.25 percent in the last 24 hours, ARY News reported on Saturday. Click here to read…

Amid lack of business-friendly policies, Pak-Afghan trade volume shrinks to USD 1 billion: ANI

Amid lack of business-friendly policies, Pak-Afghan trade volume shrinks to USD 1 billionClick here to read…

Sri Lanka

Statement on Developments in Ukraine: Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka

The Government of Sri Lanka is deeply concerned about the recent escalation of violence in Ukraine. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka detects 977 new cases of Covid-19: News First

The Health Ministry says that another 977 persons have tested positive for Covid-19 within today (27). Click here to read…

Eight fishermen held by Sri Lankan Navy near Katchatheevu: The Hindu

Eight fishermen from Thangachimadam near Rameswaram were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy near Katchatheevu island in the early hours of Sunday. Click here to read…

UN Human Rights Chief flags ‘setback’ to post-war accountability in Sri Lanka: The Hindu

The latest report on Sri Lanka comes ahead of the 49th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva beginning on Monday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka ‘won’t take sides’ on Russia and Ukraine, as conflict intensifies: Tamil Guardian

Sri Lanka’s foreign secretary declared his government would not “take sides” on Russia’s military action in Ukraine and instead claimed that “each can have their own reasons”. Click here to read…

All parties must exercise maximum restraint: Sri Lanka on Russia-Ukraine crisis: The Hindu

The Government of Sri Lanka said it is “deeply concerned” about the recent escalation of violence in Ukraine. Click here to read…

Advisory to Sri Lankan Nationals in Ukraine: Foreign Ministry of Sri Lanka

the Foreign Ministry has instructed the Sri Lanka Embassy in Ankara, which is concurrently accredited to Kyiv, to take appropriate measures to coordinate the safe passage of the remaining Sri Lankan nationals in Ukraine. Click here to read…

COMMENTARY

EU-Africa: We need a values-based and pragmatic approach to EU-Africa relations, one designed to benefit people

Europe and Africa are continents united by their history, diversity, proximity and the value of multilateralism, says Chair of EP’s Delegation to the ACP-EU Joint Parliamentary Assembly. Click here to read…

How Pernod Ricard Sub-Saharan Africa is bridging the gaps in the region

Grégory Leymarie, CEO of Pernod Ricard South Africa & Sub Saharan Africa, speaks to The Parliament Magazine about the company’s latest initiatives on sustainability and its commitments to the regionClick here to read…

NEWS

Europe Commits $170 Billion to Africa, Continent Wants More

The European Union has pledged 150 billion euros ($170 billion) for investment in Africa as it seeks to gain influence on the continent and become its partner of choice. Click here to read…

Algeria, Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa form G4 nations

Algeria, Ethiopia, Nigeria and South Africa last week announced the formation of Group of Four Nations (G4) aiming to deal with various issues confronting Africa. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso: towards a 30-month military transition?

A commission set up in early February by the military junta that took power a month ago in Burkina Faso has proposed a 30-month transition before a return to constitutional order. Click here to read…

Somalia extends election deadline to mid-March

Somalia on Friday extended its deadline to finish voting for the lower house of parliament, the latest in a series of election delays that risk starving the country of budget funds. Click here to read…

Ivory Coast hosts US-led military training amid Sahel uncertainty

The annual United States-led counterterrorism training programme for African forces has kicked off in Ivory Coast as West Africa faces the growing threat of armed groups’ attacks amid French forces’ withdrawal. Click here to read…

Seven-nation summit in DR Congo to mull 2013 peace accord

Seven African heads of state gathered in Kinshasa on Thursday to assess a 2013 agreement aimed at cementing peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s violence-torn east and the Great Lakes region. Click here to read…

Ethiopia turns on the turbines at giant Nile hydropower plant

Ethiopia began producing electricity on Sunday from its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a multi-billion-dollar hydropower plant on the River Nile that neighbours Sudan and Egypt have worried will cause water shortages downstream. Click here to read…

Thousands rally in Sudan against military coup

Thousands of Sudanese protesters have taken to the streets across the country to rally against the October military coup and to demand the release of prisoners. Click here to read…

Libya rival PM says cabinet line-up ready

Libya’s prospective prime minister, appointed by the war-torn country’s parliament as it seeks to oust interim premier Abdulhamid Dbeibah, said Thursday his cabinet line-up was ready. Click here to read…

U.S. Carries Out First Airstrike in Somalia Since August

The United States conducted a drone strike against Al Shabab militants in Somalia this week, the first such military action against the Qaeda affiliate in East Africa since August. Click here to read…

Egypt says no worries over Suez Canal amid Russian-Ukrainian standoff

The head of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), Lt. Gen. Osama Rabie, recently said that the authority is ready for all possible scenarios resulting from the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine and their impact on global navigation. Click here to read…

ECOWAS envoy arrives in Mali for talks

An envoy from West Africa’s regional bloc arrived in Mali on Thursday, an AFP journalist saw, for talks with the military junta over restoring civilian rule in the volatile country. Click here to read…

Tunisia’s Saied will bar foreign funding for civil society

Tunisia’s President Kais Saied said on Thursday he will outlaw foreign funding for civil society organisations as he tries to remake the country’s politics after establishing one-man rule. Click here to read…

Erdogan cuts short Africa visit amid Ukraine crisis

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Tuesday cut short his trip to Africa, his office said, as the Turkish leader stepped up diplomacy over the crisis between Russia and Ukraine. Click here to read…

Barkhane commander visits Chad military base to deploy new equipment

France is looking for other alternatives for its Barkhane forces that are leaving Mali following the fallout with the current regime. Click here to read…

New Uganda law to impose fines on those who refuse COVID vaccine

Uganda plans to impose fines on people who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19 and those who fail to pay could be sent to prison under an amendment of a public health law currently being reviewed in Parliament. Click here to read…

Tanzania, Mozambique launch deradicalization programs to combat terrorism
Authorities in 2 eastern African nations team up to launch awareness programs to prevent youth from falling into trap of terror groups. Click here to read…

Ignore ‘politics’, says the Russian company that wants to build nuclear in SA about Ukraine

In 2014, South Africa agreed that Russia’s state-owned Rosatom would build up to eight nuclear reactors in SA, to supply up to 9.6GW of power. Click here to read…

Expanding Oil and Gas Exploration and Production in Niger

The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts the global demand for oil and gas to increase and oil demand alone to expand by 3.3 million barrels (mb/d) per day in 2022 and return to pre-COVID levels of 99.7 mb/d, a development that will provide an opportunity for African producers such as Niger to expand its oil and gas industry and help meet demand. Click here to read…

Sudan delegation heads to Russia amid Ukraine crisis

A delegation of senior Sudanese officials, including the deputy leader of the country’s military-led ruling council, is headed to Russia for talks on cooperation, authorities said. Click here to read…

The Kenyan UN ambassador’s Ukraine speech does not deserve praise

While Martin Kimani was right to condemn Russia, he seemed to embrace the colonial legacy in Africa. Click here to read…

Exit from Mali ushers in new era of risks for France and Europe in Africa

The question for France is whether it can afford to lose its traditional markets and political areas of influence in French-speaking parts of the continent, whether in West Africa or the Maghreb, where it already faces stiff competition from China, Turkey but also the US. Click here to read…

Defence Minister Akar signs Turkey-Senegal military deal

Defence Minister Hulusi Akar signed a joint military agreement with his Senegalese counterpart Sidiki Kaba on Wednesday, the ministry said. Click here to read…

Total Energies makes large oil discovery off Namibia

Operator Total Energies has made a significant discovery of light oil and associated gas off the coast of Namibia, the company said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Letter from Africa: Nigeria’s electioneering and the role of stomachs

Nigeria’s T-shirt printers, jingle writers and advertisers are in for a bumper season with the country gearing up for the polls – 12 months away. Click here to read…

Benin holds a highly political exhibition centred around restituted artworks

The works that France returned are – finally – on display in Cotonou. The exhibition, which is being held at the presidential palace, is both historic and symbolic. Click here to read…

Nigeria’s Green Africa Airways Sees New Investment

Nigerian airline Green Africa Airways has received new investment, which it will use to scale up operations and increase its fleet size. The startup carrier secured investment from Leadway Assurance Company Limited, one of Nigeria’s largest insurance providers. Click here to read…

Malawi polio immunisation starts next month after outbreak

Malawi said Thursday it will launch a nationwide polio vaccination campaign next month following the detection of its first case in 30 years and Africa’s first in five years. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

The future of India-Africa relations: Opportunities abound

India and Africa’s historical links have experienced a revival in recent years, and there are strong reasons for optimism that the partnership could be mutually beneficial.
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/africa-in-focus/2022/02/25/the-future-of-india-africa-relations-opportunities-abound/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Inside India’s plan to grow trade, investment with Kenya

India is keen to tap more trade and investment opportunities with Kenya, its High Commission in Nairobi now says. Click here to read…

Sharda University of India Offers 50 Percent Off Scholarships to Malawian Students

Sharda University of India has announced a 50 per cent cut on the 2022 scholarships to Malawians who want to study at the institution. Click here to read…

UAE treaty could give a fillip to Indian exports to the Gulf and Africa, benefit pharma and MSME sector

With the UAE an important transit point for goods and people, this is not an unreasonable expectation, provided Indian industry, especially the ailing MSME sector, can live up to the potential offered by the FTA, and exports match imports. Click here to read…

Balwant Thakur launches ‘Aprajita’ in Mauritius

Balwant Thakur the cultural Diplomat of India to Mauritius who is currently heading world’s biggest Cultural Centre today launched Hindi short story collection by Kalpana Lalaji at the Indira Gandhi Centre for Indian Culture, Phoenix in Mauritius. Click here to read…

Kili Paul, Africa’s most viral Bollywood sensation, felicitated by Indian High Commission in Tanzania

Kili Paul, the Tanzanian social media star known for his lip-syncing videos on Bollywood songs, has been honoured by the High Commission of India in Tanzania. Click here to read…

Gujarati OCI kidnapped at gunpoint in Mozambique

The Indian diaspora in Mozambique have warned the authorities of a mass exodus from the African nation after a 58-year-old Gujarati businessman was kidnapped at gunpoint on February 12. Click here to read…

South African Tourism accelerates India travel recovery efforts with a 4-city roadshow

Building on its extensive recovery efforts in India, South African Tourism is all set to host their biggest, independent travel trade initiative in India – their annual roadshow. This in-person roadshow will be the first mega-event post-pandemic and will travel to the 4 Indian cities of Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai from 07th to 11th March 2022. Click here to read…

Rohingya Genocide case legitimate, The Gambia tells UN top court

Lawyers for The Gambia have urged the United Nations’s top court to throw out Myanmar’s legal bid to end a case accusing the Southeast Asian nation of genocide against Rohingya Muslims, after the Buddhist nation tried to get the case dismissed. Click here to read…

China appoints new minister of civil affairs: Xinhuanet

February 26, 2022

Tang Dengjie was appointed minister of civil affairs by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, on Monday. Click here to read…

Xi stresses firm adherence to China’s path of human rights development: Xinhuanet

February 26, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has stressed unswerving adherence to China’s path of human rights development. Xi made the remarks while presiding over a group study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Friday. Click here to read…

CPC leadership meets to discuss draft gov’t work report: Xinhuanet

February 25, 2022

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee met on Friday to discuss the draft government work report, which will be submitted by the State Council to the upcoming annual session of the national legislature for deliberation. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting. Click here to read…

Chinese FM elaborates on China’s basic position on Ukraine issue: Xinhuanet

February 26, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday elaborated on China’s basic position on the Ukraine issue. Wang also had an in-depth exchange of views on the situation in Ukraine during his phone talks with British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell as well as Emmanuel Bonne, diplomatic counselor to French President Emmanuel Macron, respectively. Click here to read…

Chinese FM holds phone talks with EU’s top diplomat: Xinhuanet

February 26, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Friday held a telephone conversation with Josep Borrell, the European Union (EU)’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. Click here to read…

China’s lithium-ion battery output surges in 2021: Xinhuanet

February 27, 2022

China’s lithium-ion batteries reported solid growth last year amid nationwide endeavors to peak carbon dioxide emissions and achieve carbon neutrality, official data shows. The output of lithium-ion batteries reached 324 GWh in 2021, soaring 106 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland’s sci-tech cooperation with Hong Kong and Macao makes advances: Xinhuanet

February 25, 2022

Efforts to promote the integration of science and technology innovation in Hong Kong and Macao into the national innovation system have made advances, an official with the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) said Friday. Click here to read…

Former senior municipal legislator under probe: Xinhuanet

February 25, 2022

Chen Jiadong, a former senior legislator in the city of Xiamen in east China’s Fujian Province, is under probe for suspected severe violations of discipline and law. Click here to read…

China’s robotics industry catches up, eyes on higher development: Quishi

February 28, 2022

According to statistics released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), the country’s robot industry reported revenue of over 100 billion yuan (about $15.7 billion) for the first time in 2020. From 2015 to 2020, the output of industrial robots surged from 72,000 sets to 212,000 sets, with an average annual growth of 31 percent. Click here to read…

CPC leadership meets to discuss draft gov’t work report: Quishi

February 28, 2022

The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee met on Friday to discuss the draft government work report, which will be submitted by the State Council to the upcoming annual session of the national legislature for deliberation. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting. Click here to read…

Chinese lawmakers deliberate draft decision on ranks for active-duty soldiers: China Military

February 27, 2022

Chinese lawmakers on Sunday began discussing a draft decision on the ranks for active-duty soldiers of the People’s Liberation Army. The draft was submitted to an ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, for review. Click here to read…

SPP pledges to deepen supervisor system: China Daily

February 26, 2022

The Supreme People’s Procuratorate pledged to deepen the work of the people’s supervisor system and public hearings to promote democracy in the judicial sector. The people’s supervisor system－an external mechanism to oversee the case-handling activities of procuratorates－guarantees orderly public participation in judicial activities and the practicing of democracy, Li Xuehui, spokesman of the top procuratorate, said at a news conference on Thursday. Click here to read…

Stabilizing economy to be major government task: China Daily

February 26, 2022

A Party leadership meeting has underlined the priority of stabilizing the country’s economy for this year’s government work, urging stronger measures to implement macroeconomic-control policies. The meeting on Friday of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, chaired by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, also emphasized the need to prevent and mitigate financial risks and ensure financial stability. Click here to read…

Third pension system to help aging population: China Daily

February 25, 2022

Pensions are projected to rise this year, as the government explores a flexible policy to push back the retirement age and establish an additional pension system. The moves are designed to cope with the increasing percentage of seniors in the population. Click here to read…

Russia-Ukraine jokes hit social media wall: China Daily

February 28, 2022

Chinese social media platforms are moving to crack down on inappropriate remarks in regard to the Russia-Ukraine crisis, such as denigrating jokes made by some netizens. Sina Weibo, the Chinese equivalent of Twitter, along with Douyin, a short-video platform known as TikTok overseas, and the WeChat social media app all reiterated management rules over the weekend, calling for objective and serious discussions on such a weighty topic. Click here to read…

COVID outbreaks affect more regions on Chinese mainland: China Daily

February 28, 2022

The novel coronavirus is spreading in multiple regions on the Chinese mainland, with the coastal province of Guangdong facing a complicated situation, the National Health Commission said over the weekend. The Chinese mainland registered 112 locally transmitted confirmed infections on Saturday, up from 93 on Friday, the commission said. Click here to read…

Chinese embassy in Ukraine mulls alternative plans apart from charter flights to evacuate Chinese nationals amid rising tensions: Global Times

February 27, 2022

The Chinese Embassy in Ukraine is mulling alternative plans to evacuate local Chinese apart from charter flights amid the deteriorating situation in the country, and as long as safety premises are met, they will immediately take action and launch the evacuation plan, the embassy told Global Times in an exclusive interview on Sunday. Click here to read…

PLA airborne troops take delivery of new Y-12 transport aircraft with better power, handle ability: Global Times

February 27, 2022

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) airborne troops recently took delivery of new Y-12 transport aircraft that boasts significantly enhanced power, avionics and handle ability, with experts saying on Sunday that the aircraft is expected to host training missions for paratroopers and potentially carry out special forces tasks. Click here to read…

Russia-Ukraine conflict starts to affect China-Europe trade: Global Times

February 27, 2022

Chinese traders and logistics service providers have been ramping up efforts to cope with the rapidly evolving situation in Europe, as the Russia-Ukraine conflict raised concerns over potential impact on certain aspects of the China-Europe freight train and shipping routes by sea and air. While the actual impact remains unclear given the fast changing developments, some Chinese and international traders have canceled or diverted certain trading channels and routes to fend off possible disruptions, the Global Times has learned. Click here to read…

Disinformation on China in full bloom in US: People’s Daily

February 25, 2022

As if the supply of anti-China disinformation has exceeded the demand in the US, the American government decided to blow federal money to export it. On February 4, the US House of Representatives greenlighted the America COMPETES Act, in which a sum of 500 million dollars was allotted to “produce journalism for overseas audiences that is critical of China,” according to American Prospect, a US-based magazine. Click here to read…

China not coming to Russia’s aid, US official says: Taipei Times

February 28, 2022

China so far does not appear to be helping Russia evade Western financial sanctions on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine, but doing so would “do profound damage” to China’s reputation, a senior official from the administration of US President Joe Biden said on Saturday. Click here to read…

China willing to work with U.S. on Build Back Better World initiative: Reuters

February 28, 2022

China is willing to work with the United States on a G7-led global infrastructure plan and welcomes Washington to join its Belt and Road Initiative, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday. The Group of Seven (G7) richest democracies, consisting of United States and its allies, proposed the Build Back Better World (B3W) initiative in June to help developing countries meet infrastructure needs, as they sought to counter China’s growing influence. Click here to read…

Backlash in China over vulgar social media mocking of Ukraine conflict: South China Morning Post

February 28, 2022

Chinese authorities have called for caution over online comments about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine amid concerns that public internet sentiment stoked anger towards citizens abroad. The conflict is hotly debated on Chinese social media, with some internet users sympathetic towards the plight of Ukrainians and others mocking the conflict and cheering on Russia’s aggression. A number of users appeared to endorse sexual violence against fleeing Ukrainian women, saying they would “gladly take care of them”, prompting widespread criticism of their behaviour. Click here to read…

Why is China being blamed for the stalled G20 debt relief plan for distressed countries? : South China Morning Post

February 27, 2022

More than a year has passed since the G20 launched a debt restructure plan to help potential defaulters but developing countries have yet to see the benefits – something the US and multilateral groups are blaming on China. The Group of 20 wealthy nations set up the Common Framework in late 2020 to help 70 countries in danger of default. Click here to read…

State councilor stresses modern market regulation for high-quality development: Xinhuanet

February 25, 2022

State Councilor Wang Yong has underscored improving the effectiveness of market regulation to further boost market vitality and shore up China’s high-quality development. Wang made the remarks in south China’s Hainan Province, where he conducted inspections on the development and supervision of market entities. Click here to read…

China urges U.S. not to harass Chinese students: Xinhuanet

February 25, 2022

China urges the United States to immediately correct its mistakes and stop harassing Chinese students studying in the country, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said here Thursday. Click here to read…

China urges U.S. to immediately cease malicious cyber activities: Xinhuanet

February 25, 2022

China on Thursday urged the United States to offer an explanation for and put an immediate end to its malicious cyber activities, vowing to take necessary measures to safeguard its cybersecurity and its own interests. Click here to read…

China urges all parties involved in Ukraine issue to exercise restraint: Xinhuanet

February 24, 2022

A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on all parties involved in Ukraine issue to exercise restraint. “In the current context, all parties concerned should exercise restraint, and avoid taking any action that may aggravate tensions,” Zhang Jun, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, told the plenary meeting of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly on Ukraine. Click here to read…

China to increase affordable rental housing supply, says ministry: Xinhuanet

February 24, 2022

China will work to expand the supply of affordable rental housing as part of efforts to resolve housing difficulties, said the country’s housing authorities at a Thursday press conference. Click here to read…

China to host int’l military medicine forum in March: Xinhuanet

February 24, 2022

The Chinese military will host the Seventh Great Wall International Military Medicine Forum in Beijing from March 24 to 27, a military spokesperson announced on Thursday. Military medical experts from more than 10 countries, including Russia, Serbia and Pakistan, as well as from the International Committee of the Red Cross, have been invited to attend the forum, to be held both online and offline, said Tan Kefei, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense. Click here to read…

25 financial institutions receive disciplinary inspection feedback: Xinhuanet

February 25, 2022

A total of 25 financial institutions have received feedback as the result of the eighth-round disciplinary inspection launched by the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Click here to read…

Asia Pacific not arena for zero-sum game, says Defense Spokesperson: China Military

February 24, 2022

“What the US report says about China’s Taiwan region is a gross interference in China’s internal affairs and violation of the one-China principle and the basic norms governing international relations. We are firmly opposed to that,” said a Chinese defense spokesperson on Thursday. Click here to read…

Digital yuan injects fresh dynamism into Chinese economy: People’s Daily

February 25, 2022

China has rolled out a broad range of payment products to help both Chinese citizens and foreigners experience the convenience of mobile payment with China’s digital fiat currency, or the e-CNY, for small-value payments during the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Click here to read…

China to help enterprises better hedge exchange rate risks amid rising yuan: People’s Daily

February 25, 2022

The Chinese government will work to help enterprises better hedge exchange rate risks as the yuan rises, Gao Feng, spokesperson for the Ministry of Commerce, said on Thursday. Gao made the remarks after the Chinese currency, the renminbi, or the yuan, had appreciated sharply in recent days. Click here to read…

1,273 fugitives returned to China last year to face justice: Global Times

February 25, 2022

The “Skynet operation 2021” brought back 1,273 fugitives, including 22 with Interpol Red Notice and 318 suspects under investigation, with 16.74 billion yuan ($2.64 billion) in illicit assets recovered, China’s anti-graft agencies announced on Thursday. Click here to read…

China urges US to end poisonous legacy left by Trump after ‘China Initiative’ is dropped: Global Times

February 24, 2022

The US Department of Justice announced on Wednesday it has ended the “China Initiative,” a program launched during the Trump administration to target so-called “Chinese espionage and intellectual property theft,” which the Chinese Foreign Ministry said should have been abolished along with the former administration’s policies toward China a long time ago. Click here to read…

Senior CPC official meets Panchen Lama: Global Times

February 24, 2022

Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official You Quan met with the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu in Beijing Wednesday. You, a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, extended Tibetan new year greetings to the Panchen Lama and all Tibetan Buddhism believers. Click here to read…

UAE to buy Chinese L-15 supersonic jets despite US pressure: Global Times

February 24, 2022

The Defense Ministry of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on Wednesday that it is planning to purchase a dozen Chinese L-15 advanced trainer and light combat jets with more being considered in the future. Click here to read…

Senior CPC official meets Panchen Lama: Xinhuanet

Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official You Quan met with the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu in Beijing Wednesday. You, a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, extended Tibetan new year greetings to the Panchen Lama and all Tibetan Buddhism believers. Click here to read…

China launches digital working platform for lawmakers: Xinhuanet

February 24, 2022

A digital working platform designed to assist China’s lawmakers in better performing their duties was officially launched on Wednesday. The platform enables the full cycle of online processing of the proposals and suggestions put forward by deputies to the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, making available information on their receipt, handling and feedback. Click here to read…

National political advisors urged to conduct in-depth study of public issues: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

China’s top political advisor Wang Yang on Wednesday urged national political advisors to conduct in-depth study of issues concerning the fundamental interests of the country and the people, and to launch discussions and offer high-quality suggestions in that regard. Click here to read…

China urges all parties involved in Ukraine issue to exercise restraint: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on all parties involved in Ukraine issue to exercise restraint. “In the current context, all parties concerned should exercise restraint, and avoid taking any action that may aggravate tensions,” Zhang Jun, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, told the plenary meeting of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly on Ukraine. Click here to read…

China urges Japan to strictly discipline its diplomatic personnel in China: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

China has lodged solemn representations with Japan over the conduct of a Japanese diplomat in China, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. Spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks in response to a query on China’s temporary detention of a Japanese diplomat in Beijing this week. Click here to read…

China boosts support for export credit insurance: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

China is moving to step up support for export credit insurance as part of its efforts to spur the stable growth of foreign trade. Regulators should guide enterprises to make full use of export credit insurance policy tools and give full play to the role of export credit insurance in risk protection, according to a circular jointly released by the Ministry of Commerce and the China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation. Click here to read…

Airbus delivers 142 commercial aircraft to China in 2021: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

Airbus delivered a total of 142 commercial aircraft to the Chinese market in 2021, Airbus China said Wednesday. China remained Airbus’ largest single-country market globally. Commercial aircraft deliveries in the country accounted for more than 23 percent of Airbus’ global deliveries in 2021, according to Airbus China. Click here to read…

China’s major shale gas field adds 19 new wells: Xinhuanet

February 24, 2022

The Fuling shale gas field in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality has put 19 new wells into operation this year, increasing the daily gas output by 1.06 million cubic meters, said its developer Sinopec, China’s largest oil refiner. Click here to read…

Document promotes rights protection: China Daily

February 24, 2022

It is essential to provide more care and stronger protection for women and children in rural areas while promoting village vitalization, as their spiritual demands are as important as their material needs, legal professionals said. Click here to read…

Russian, Ukrainian, French, UK embassies turn to Chinese Twitter-like Weibo for statements on Ukraine situation: Global Times

February 22, 2022

With the sudden announcement of Russia recognizing “the Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR)” and “the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR)” as independent and sovereign states, the Ukraine Embassy to China released a statement concerning the issue in Chinese on Tuesday, bringing the issue to a top trending topic on China’s Twitter-like Sina Weibo. Click here to read…

How can US ‘gift’ to Nepal be delivered by ultimatum, asks Chinese FM: Global Times

February 23, 2022

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said China opposes “coercive diplomacy” and will support the Nepalese people to choose their own development path as always, during a press conference on Wednesday. Hua made the remarks responding to the controversy that the US urged Nepal to endorse the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) by February 28, a move that some experts believe will hurt Nepal’s national security and sovereignty if the pact is accepted. Click here to read…

China vows to keep property market stable, meet demand this year: Reuters

February 24, 2022

China’s housing minister pledged on Thursday to keep the real estate market stable this year and ensure genuine demand for homes is met, after a series of regulations aimed at reining in debt in the sector unsettled buyers and prompted a marked slowdown in the key property sector. Click here to read…

China calls for restraint in Ukraine, rejects the term ‘invasion’: Reuters

February 24, 2022

China reiterated on Thursday a call for all parties involved in the situation in Ukraine to exercise restraint and rejected a foreign journalist’s description of Russia’s actions as an invasion. Click here to read…

China temporarily detains Japanese diplomat while on duty: Kyodo

February 23, 2022

A Japanese diplomat in Beijing was detained temporarily earlier this week while on duty, with China arguing Wednesday that its action was justified because the official was engaging in inappropriate activity. Click here to read…

China’s yuan ‘trading like a safe haven currency’ as Ukraine crisis roils markets: Reuters

February 24, 2022

The yuan is standing out for its resilience as global markets reel from Russia’s attack on targets across Ukraine. While major stock markets tumbled, and currencies from the euro to the Korean won declined, the yuan is still hovering near a four-year high after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an operation to demilitarise Ukraine. Click here to read…

Party officials sacked in Inner Mongolia as local Covid-19 outbreak continues: South China Morning Post

February 24, 2022

A number of Communist Party officials in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region have been sacked for failing to contain their local Covid-19 outbreak. The ongoing outbreak prompted the dismissal of Wang Zhiqiang as secretary of the party committee of the disease control and prevention centre in Hohhot. He Lingling and Wen Yan, respectively deputy heads of the Hohhot districts of Tumut Zuoqi and Saihan, were also removed from their posts.
The northern region accounted for nearly half of the 85 local symptomatic cases that were announced nationally on Thursday. The authorities also announced 24 local asymptomatic cases and 189 imported cases, of which 101 were symptomatic. Click here to read…

China seeks action to end rising Ukraine crisis as Putin gives order for military operation: South China Morning Post

February 24, 2022

China urged action to stop tensions escalating over Ukraine and has called for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis as Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a military operation in eastern Ukraine on Thursday. China’s envoy to the United Nations Zhang Jun did not mention Russia by name and he neither endorsed nor condemned Russia’s declaration of independence for Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions or Putin’s decision to send troops. Click here to read…

Ant Group NFT platform punishes 56 accounts for reselling digital collectibles, exercising caution: South China Morning Post

February 24, 2022

Fintech giant Ant Group’s non-fungible token (NFT) platform punished 56 accounts for participating in the resale of digital collectibles for profit, highlighting a fundamental difference between the blockchain-based products in mainland China compared with the rest of the world, where they have become speculative investment assets. The platform called Topnod, which was spun off from the digital wallet Alipay, said it firmly opposes the resale in any form of digital collectibles, the term often used instead of NFTs in China to dissociate them from cryptocurrencies, which Beijing has banned. Reselling these collectibles “often carries a risk of fraud and is prone to unhealthy speculation, which is contrary to the positioning of digital collectibles”, Topnod said in a statement on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

US bans import of arts, antiquities from Afghanistan- Pajhwok

The US has imposed a four-year ban on imports of art and antiquities from Afghanistan, the US Department of State said. Click here to read…

Muttaqi, Lyons discuss humanitarian situation- Pajhwok

UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) head Deborah Lyons and Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi have discussed the security, economic and humanitarian situation.

EU, Central Asian Envoys Call for Inclusive Govt in Afghanistan- Tolo News

A joint statement was issued by the EU special representative for Afghanistan, Central Asia Special Envoys for Afghanistan and the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, following a meeting in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Click here to read…

Op-Ed: India looking forward to a long-lasting cooperation with Afghanistan- Khaama Press

India has earmarked USD 26.7 million to Afghanistan, keeping a continuing focus on its people, without recognizing, like the rest of the world community, the Taliban regime. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bancassurance set to give much-needed fillip to insurance sector- Daily Star

The government has taken an initiative to roll out bancassurance for the first time in the country with a view to bringing ordinary citizens under insurance coverage through banks. Click here to read…

Bangladesh to get jab technology support from WHO- Dhaka Tribune

The WHO it is prioritising countries that do not have mRNA technology but have manufacturing infrastructure and capacity. Click here to read…

Bangabandhu Tunnel nearly 80% complete- Dhaka Tribune

Police fear heavy traffic congestion on the approach to the tunnel. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Sri Lankan, Bhutanese Ministers extend thanks to India for assistance during COVID-19 pandemic- The Print

The Health Minister of Sri Lanka and the Finance Minister of Bhutan on Wednesday extended their thanks to India for the assistance given during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

Indian Army dedicates gymnasium hall along Indo-Bhutan border- The Sentinel

The Indian Army reiterating its commitment in contributing towards a sporting nation and to make the countrymen. Click here to read…

Wangdue Phodrang implements community-based isolation facility- BBS

Owing to the overwhelming COVID-19 cases from the community, Wangdue Phodrang has started implementing a community-based isolation facility to manage COVID patients. Currently, the district has over 700 COVID patients. More than 260 of them are kept in community-based isolation facilities. Click here to read…

Maldives

Foreign Ministry: 35 students in Kharkiv, Ukraine; 25 departed today – SUN

Foreign Ministry has stated that 25 students from the 35 local students residing at Kharkiv, Ukraine will be departing to Maldives today amidst fears of war breaking out between Ukraine and Russia. Click here to read…

Immigration raises concern over issues arising from transnational marriages in Maldives – SUN

Maldives Immigration has stressed that cases of locals marrying foreigners deported from Maldives at their respective countries, and trying to bring them back to Maldives, have significantly increased. Click here to read…

Myanmar

The Gambia urges World Court to reject Myanmar challenge to genocide case: Reuters

The Gambia on Wednesday urged judges at the World Court to reject a challenge by Myanmar to a case brought to halt alleged acts of genocide against its Rohingya Muslim minority, saying the West African state was “no one’s proxy”Click here to read…

Myanmar reports 3,381 new COVID-19 infections, 5 more deaths: ANI

Myanmar reported 3,381 new COVID-19 cases on Wednesday, bringing the tally in the country to 575,508, according to a release from the Ministry of Health. Click here to read…

Resistance forces rescue dozens of civilians under junta-occupied village in Sagaing: Myanmar Now

Villagers who escaped the Pale Township community say they were threatened at gunpoint to join the Pyu Saw Htee pro-military force. Click here to read…

Nepal

Parliament to debate MCC compact today- Himalaya

The House of Representatives will start a debate on the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Nepal Compact tomorrow. Click here to read…

MoFA urges Nepalis in Ukraine to return home- Himalaya

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday issued an advisory, requesting the Nepali nationals living in Ukraine to return home on commercial flights in view of worsening security situation there. Click here to read…

Call to make foreign employment safe- Himalaya

Government authorities need to develop a standard framework for bilateral agreements on foreign employment to make foreign employment safe and orderly. Click here to read…

Janata Samajbadi holding long overdue meeting amid power tussle in the party- Kathmandu Post

Party chair Upendra Yadav calls the meeting after leaders from the Bhattarai faction threatened to launch a signature campaign to demand a meeting. Click here to read…

Why a deadline if it’s a ‘gift’? China taunts at US over MCC- Kathmandu Post

Beijing’s remarks just a day before a plan to put the American grant to vote makes it clearer that Nepal has fallen into a big geopolitical quagmire. Click here to read…

UML Chair Oli vows to devote his remaining life to country, people- Republica

Chairperson of CPN UML and former prime minister KP Sharma Oli has vowed to devote his life to the country and people. He said it during a program organized to mark his 71st birthday on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

India, Lanka close to sealing 3 defence-related pacts to boost maritime security: Hindustan Times

India and Sri Lanka had close to firming up three defence-related pacts and arrangements to boost maritime security ahead of Sri Lanka finance minister Basil Rajapaksa’s visit this week. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka pays for fuel imports as crisis leaves pumps dry, causes power cuts: Reuters

Sri Lanka paid $35 million for a diesel shipment on Wednesday and has another large payment due this week. Click here to read…

Sri Lankan, Bhutanese Ministers extend thanks to India for assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic: ANI

The Health Minister of Sri Lanka and the Finance Minister of Bhutan on Wednesday extended their thanks to India for the assistance given during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

Pakistan

RED ZONE FILES: Numbers never lie?- The Dawn

Faux confidence before the vote of confidence is not a rarity. But this time it’s hard to tell which side is exuding more of it. Click here to read…

Imran Khan arrives in Moscow, red carpet reception at airport, guard of honor Presented (عمران خان ماسکو پہنچ گئے، ایئر پورٹ پر ریڈ کارپٹ استقبال، گارڈ آف آنر پیش کیا گیا)- Daily Pakistan Urdu

Prime Minister Imran Khan accompanied by a delegation reached the Russian capital Moscow where he was received by the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister. The Prime Minister was received on the red carpet at the airport. He was also presented a guard of honor on the occasion. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Haqqani: ‘Silent’ Intl Recognition of Govt Underway: Tolo News

Anas Haqqani, a senior member of the Islamic Emirate, said that a process of “silent” or tacit recognition of the Islamic Emirate by the international community is underway, and there have been positive improvements in the political sector. Click here to read…

Ghani Removed From UN Heads of State List: Tolo News

The United Nations has removed former president Ashraf Ghani’s name from its list of Heads of State. The list was released on the UN website on February 15. The name of Mohammad Hanif Atmar, the former foreign minister, also has been removed from the list of Ministers for Foreign Affairs. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

(Opinion) Search Committee for EC: Transparency can counter confidence crisis- Daily Star

In a recent press briefing, Justice Obaidul Hassan, chair of the Search Committee for the Election Commission (EC), confirmed their decision not to disclose the names of the 10 individuals they will recommend to the president to constitute the new EC. Click here to read…

Bangladesh considers fighting sanctions on RAB in US courts- Dhaka Tribune

Decision likely to be taken this week. Click here to read…

Subsidy on gas, electricity should end in phases- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday stressed the need for gradual withdrawal of subsidies, particularly from electricity and gas. “The subsidy is a serious matter. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Why Bhutan is India’s Achilles’ heel- The Tribune

One reason for the PLA aggression in East Ladakh in 2020 was the Indian rebuff to China at Doklam. Disengagement from Doklam did not stop the aggression. Click here to read…

Movement restriction in Thimphu and Paro Thromde beginning tomorrow- BBS

Movements in the four Mega Zones of Thimphu Thromde and Paro Thromde will be restricted to zones starting at 5 AM tomorrow. The decision came following the emergence of more COVID-19 cases from the community. Click here to read…

Maldives

President Solih orders to facilitate return of Maldivians in Ukraine – SUN

According to the Spokesperson for the President’s Office Mabrook Azeez, upon the President’s orders, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commenced efforts to repatriate Maldivians residing in Ukraine amidst fears of a war breaking out between Ukraine and Russia. Click here to read…

National digital identification system to be established in Maldives – SUN

President Solih, upon the recommendation of his cabinet, decided to establish a national digital identification system at a cabinet meeting held this afternoon at the President’s Office. Establishing and adopting a National Digital Identification System is carried out under the current administration’s National Resilience and Recovery PlanClick here to read…

Chinese government to provide equipment assistance to Maldives Police Service – SUN

The Chinese government and Maldives Police Service have signed an Exchange of Notes regarding the provision of equipment assistance by the Chinese government to Maldives Police Service. The Exchange of Notes was signed at a special ceremony held today, by the Chinese Ambassador to Maldives Wang Lixin and Commissioner of Police Mohamed Hameed. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar logs 2,897 new Covid-19 cases, 7 more deaths: The Star

Myanmar reported 2,897 new coronavirus cases on Monday (Feb 21), bringing the tally in the country to 568,564, according to a release from the Ministry of Health. Click here to read…

China, Russia arming Myanmar junta: U.N. rights expert: The Hindu

Tom Andrews urged the Security Council to convene an emergency session “to debate and vote on a resolution to, at a minimum, ban those arms transfers” Click here to read…

Myanmar opposition protests mark general strike anniversary: Hindustan Times

The protests on Tuesday marked the anniversary of last year’s “Five-Twos Revolution,” a massive nationwide general strike against army rule just weeks after the military seized power. Click here to read…

Nepal

Garbage piles up on Kathmandu’s footpaths- Himalaya

Piles of waste materials accumulated around the roadsides inside the core urban areas of Kathmandu valley have again become a common sight as the authorised government bodies have failed to transport waste to the Sisdole landfill site in Nuwakot. Click here to read…

‘Voting against govt proposal unethical’- Himalaya

General-Secretary of Nepali Congress Gagan Kumar Thapa has said that ruling partners are not expected to vote against the proposal brought by the government. Click here to read…

JSP leader Dr Baburam Bhattarai floats points two options for ratification of MCC agreement- Republica

The Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Federal Council Chairman Dr Baburam Bhattarai has put forward two options as disagreements surfaced in the ruling coalition over the ratification of US-funded Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). Click here to read…

Oli meets Deuba after talks with US ambassador as MCC deadline approaches- Kathmandu Post

Nepali Congress, CPN-UML expedite dialogue on a new deal just as coalition partners drift apart over the American grant. Efforts are on to save the ruling alliance. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Editorial: Improving ties with Moscow: Dawn

PRIME MINISTER Imran Khan is visiting Moscow on the latter’s invitation amidst rising tensions in a region on the brink of a full-scale military conflict that can have massive global implications. Click here to read…

Opposition huddle takes no-trust plans forward: The Express Tribune

According to a joint statement issued by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) after the meeting, the leadership of the PPP and the PML-N would hold another meeting on Wednesday, which would be attended by Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

‘We need IMF-mediated debt restructuring’: The Times Of India

Sri Lanka is today facing dire economic circumstances. Ranga Jayasuriya, researcher and former senior fellow at Institute of National Security Studies, Sri Lanka, spoke with Rudroneel Ghosh about what led to the mess: Click here to read…

Sri Lanka Imposes Power Cuts as Cash Crisis Deepens: VOA

Authorities in Sri Lanka are imposing rolling power cuts across the island nation as its deepening financial crisis leads to shortages of fuel and handicaps in its power grid. Click here to read…

Masks still mandatory vs Covid in Sri Lanka: The Manila Times

Sri Lanka’s health authorities on Tuesday said face masks will remain compulsory for outdoor events considering that the South Asian country still records over 1,000 new cases of Covid-19 on a daily basis. Click here to read…

China outlines tasks to advance rural vitalization in 2022: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

China unveiled its “No. 1 central document” for 2022 on Tuesday, outlining key tasks to comprehensively push forward rural vitalization this year. As the first policy statement released by China’s central authorities each year, the document is seen as an indicator of policy priorities. Work on agriculture and rural areas has been high on the agenda for 19 consecutive years since 2004. Click here to read…

Senior official urges efforts to advance whole-process people’s democracy, rule of law: Xinhuanet

February 22, 2022

A senior Chinese official on Tuesday urged persistent efforts to develop whole-process people’s democracy and advance the rule of law in China. Wang Chen, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chief of the China Law Society, made the remarks while delivering a keynote speech at a legal science forum. Click here to read…

China appoints special envoy for Horn of Africa affairs: Xinhuanet

February 22, 2022

China has appointed Xue Bing, former ambassador to Papua New Guinea, as the special envoy for the Horn of Africa affairs, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin announced on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Chinese FM holds phone conversation with U.S. secretary of state: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday had a telephone conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken congratulated China on the successful Beijing Winter Olympics and the Chinese athletes on their great achievements. Click here to read…

China to roll out supportive measures for SMEs: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

China will roll out targeted measures to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tide over difficulties, a senior official with the Ministry of Finance said Tuesday. As a major impetus for economic and social development, SMEs play an irreplaceable role in increasing employment, improving people’s livelihood and promoting entrepreneurship and innovation, Yu Weiping, vice finance minister, told a press conference. Click here to read…

Chinese authorities say commercial banks must offer cash services: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

Any commercial bank that has physical outlets must provide cash deposit and withdrawal services, two authorities said on Monday. Despite the generally good quality of cash services nationwide, cash refusal occurs occasionally in the society and some banking institutions have shown a decline in willingness to handle cash transactions, according to a meeting held by the People’s Bank of China and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Click here to read…

China improves supervision of social insurance funds: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

China’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security has rolled out measures for administrative supervision of social insurance funds and to crack down on insurance frauds. Click here to read…

Chinese authorities act to protect minors from e-cigarette: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

Chinese authorities including the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) and the national market regulator have jointly launched a campaign to crack down on selling electronic cigarettes to minors as well as related crimes. Click here to read…

Online functioning of people’s courts in China to be streamlined: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

The online functioning of people’s courts in China is expected to see improvements, as a new set of relevant regulations will come into effect on March 1. The regulations were released by the Supreme People’s Court on Tuesday to support the people’s courts to handle lawsuits and conduct mediation and other judicial activities online, so as to improve the efficiency and quality of their services. Click here to read…

China vows more fiscal support for firms, local govts to cope with downward pressure: Global Times

February 23, 2022

China will scale up cuts in taxes and fees in 2022 on top of the newly added cuts worth 1.1 trillion yuan ($174 billion) last year and increase allocation of fiscal revenue to local governments to help offset their slowing revenues, officials from the Ministry of Finance (MOF) said on Tuesday, as the country firmly implements proactive fiscal policies for precision and sustainability in stabilizing economic growth. Click here to read…

HK to test all residents three times for coronavirus in March: China Daily

February 23, 2022

Hong Kong will launch a massive program in March to test every resident three times for COVID-19 in an effort to ferret out any infections in the community after the special administrative region reported 6,211 confirmed infections and 39 deaths on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Nation to boost forest and grass industry: China Daily

February 23, 2022

China aims to boost the annual output of its forest and grass industry to 9 trillion yuan ($1.42 trillion) by 2025, according to a five-year plan released recently by the National Forestry and Grassland Administration. Click here to read…

Chinese vice premier stresses importance of national soil survey: China Daily

February 23, 2022

Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua on Tuesday called for the successful completion of the third national soil survey to ensure food security. Hu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks at a meeting in Beijing specifying the tasks of the survey. Click here to read…

Robochefs whip up dishes in an instant: China Daily

February 23, 2022

At the canteen in the Main Media Center for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic Games, hamburgers are made in 20 seconds, and Cantonese clay pot rice is ready as soon as customers scan a QR code.

About 10 different intelligent cooking machines developed by the Qianxi Robotics Group from Guangdong province stand ready to serve hungry visitors from around the world. “The use of catering robots has helped diversify the variety of foods we can prepare and has greatly increased efficiency,” said Zhong Zhanpeng, manager of the intelligent canteen. Click here to read…

China vows multiple measures to increase soybean, oilseeds production in 2022: Global Times

February 23, 2022

China will mull over multiple measures this year to increase production capacity of soybean and other oilseeds, including improving subsidy mechanism for soybean farmers, actively guiding farmers in Northeast China – a main production base – to expand soybean cultivation area and promoting advanced soybean-corn intercropping agricultural technology, Chinese agricultural officials said on Wednesday, after the release of the No.1 central document that focuses on food security. Click here to read…

Online collaboration systems win increasing popularity in China’s workplace: People’s Daily

February 23, 2022

Online collaboration, which costs less and is more efficient than the traditional way of working, becomes a new trend in China with the progress of digitalization in various sectors. Click here to read…

China’s child-rearing costs far outstrip U.S., Japan –research: Reuters

February 23, 2022

The cost of raising a child in China stands at nearly seven times its per capita GDP, far more than the United States and Japan, highlighting the challenges facing Chinese policymakers as they try to tackle rapidly declining birth rates, new research showed. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Groups Seek to Destabilize Bamiyan, Says Commander: Tolo News

A senior army official in the central province of Bamiyan spoke of efforts by some groups to destabilize the province. Mulla Mohammad Shireen, the commander of the 5th Brigade of the 203rd Mansouri Corps, did not provide names of these groups, but stressed that the security forces would not allow anyone to disrupt security. Click here to read…

Tensions over UN seat, former Afghan FM’s letter rejected: The Khaama Press

The incumbent charge d’affaires of Afghanistan at the United Nations Naseer Faiq on Wednesday, February 16 said that the letter sent by the former Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Hanif Atmar was rejected by the UN. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Nagad-linked investors desperate for multipurpose NBFI licence- Daily Star

A group of investors linked with mobile financial service operator Nagad Ltd have turned desperate to obtain a multipurpose licence that does not exist in Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Indigenous languages on the verge of extinction- Dhaka Tribune

Textbooks in five major indigenous languages are now available in the country, but there are few who can teach them. Click here to read…

Dhaka, Delhi eye more engagement ahead of PM Hasina’s Delhi visit- Dhaka Tribune

Indian premier has invited Sheikh Hasina to commemorate the golden jubilee of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Click here to read…

Glowing tributes to language martyrs- Asian Age

With paying glowing tributes, people across the country remembered the great heroes who laid down their lives during the Language Movement in 1952 to protect their beloved mother tongue. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Thank you, His Majesty- Kuensel

Wangdue Phodrang was experiencing a massive wave of Covid-19 cases the country has not seen to date. An 84-year-old woman from Pangsho in Gasetshogom gewog is among the positive cases. But her spirits have never been higher. … His Majesty steers Bhutan out of danger as world reels in Covid-19 . Click here to read…

All covid deaths with underlying health conditions- Kuensel

The novel coronavirus, (SARS-CoV-2), is said to be fatal for those with underlying health conditions or comorbidities. Going by records, all the six people who succumbed to the virus in the country had underlying conditions, some severe. Click here to read…

Lyonchhen shares advice he received from His Majesty- Daily Bhutan

“While serving and traveling with His Majesty I have heard some advice which I would like to share with the people today,” said Lyonchhen Dasho Dr Lotay Tshering.
Click here to read…

Country records lowest new daily COVID cases at 34- BBS

The country reported 34 new COVID cases in the last 24 hours; the lowest new daily cases in over a month. This is because the number of tests conducted in the last 24 hours is very less compared to the last few days. Click here to read…

Maldives

HPA: Can fully overcome Omicron wave within two months – SUN

Speaking regarding the decreased numbers of COVID-19 testing in the Maldives, an official from HPA said that the Omicron wave in Male’ area has now been fully overcome. The official said that the impact of the Omicron wave is mainly being experienced across islands in atolls at present. Click here to read…

UNGA President Shahid discusses vaccine equity with WHO Director-General – SUN

President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has held discussions with the Director-General of World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus regarding vaccine equity. Click here to read…

Reliance Jio signs submarine cable agreement with Maldives – Avas

The ‘Maldives-IAX subsea cable’ agreement was signed between Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC)’s subsidiary company Ocean Connect Maldives and Reliance Jio in a ceremony held on Monday. The agreement was signed on behalf of Ocean Connect Maldives by its Chairperson Riyaz Mansoor and Reliance Jio’s President and Board member Mathew Oommen. Click here to read…

Myanmar

3,303 new Covid-19 cases, four deaths reported in Myanmar: Eleven Myanmar

According to the information given by the Ministry of Health on February 20 a total of 3m303 new confirmed cases of Covid-19 were reported after testing of 37,436 COVID-19 lab samples on February 20. Click here to read…

Myanmar attacks Rohingya genocide case: The News International

Myanmar hit out on Monday at a genocide case brought against it by The Gambia for alleged persecution of Rohingya Muslims, urging the UN’s highest court to drop the claim on legal groundsClick here to read…

Nepal

MCC compact tabled in House amid protests- Himalaya

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki today tabled the Millennium Challenge Corporation’s Nepal Compact in the House of Representatives amidst main opposition CPN-UML’s continued obstruction of House proceedings. Click here to read…

(Opinion) Anatomy of MCC complexities: A lesson for political parties- Himalaya

In recent weeks, “Yes to MCC” and “No to MCC” have echoed in Nepali politics, media and among intellectual groups, leading to violent opposition to it in the streets. Click here to read…

Nepal’s external debt down due to dollar slide- Kathmandu Post

Fluctuations in exchange rates resulted in an exchange gain of Rs16.47 billion in the second quarter of the fiscal year. Click here to read…

With US compact in House, Deuba weighing up options to get it ratified- Kathmandu Post

While the prime minister wants his two alliance partners, opposers of the compact, to come on board, he is in talks with the CPN-UML as well. Click here to read…

Taking Nepali literature to the world- Nepali Times

English translations of Nepali books open international avenues, but there are miles to go still. Click here to read…

(Opinion) Local Election, National Importance- Republica

Democracy seems to delight people only as long as they feel they are getting fast, fair and free services from the local bodiesClick here to read…

Pakistan

PM Imran looking to reinvigorate ties during Russia trip: Dawn

The Foreign Office on Monday announced the prime minister’s trip, saying Mr Khan will visit Russia on Feb 23-24 on the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including members of the cabinet, on the “official visit”, the FO said. Click here to read…

Corruption, money-laundering among Pakistan’s ‘most important’ issues: The Express Tribune

Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhry Fawad Hussain on Monday described corruption and money-laundering as one of the “most important” issues countries like Pakistan are facing today. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka running low on fuel as forex reserves dry up: The Times Of India

Sri Lanka is trying to arrange a payment of $35 million for a shipment of 40,000 tonnes of diesel with just a few days of stocks left, the energy minister said on Monday. Click here to read…

Huawei launches new technologies to accelerate Sri Lanka’s Digitalization: Colombo Page

Huawei recently introduced the latest technologies to cater to Sri Lanka including Luna2000 from Huawei Digital Power, Digital Solutions for Enterprise Business. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka surpasses 16,000 COVID-19 deaths: Colombo Page

Sri Lanka’s coronavirus death toll topped 16,000 as the Director-General of Health Services confirmed another 30 Covid-19 related deaths for February 20. Click here to read…

Xi Jinping on law-based governance: Xinhuanet

February 21, 2022

Comprehensively advancing law-based governance represents a key point of the essence of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era. “The overall goal of comprehensively advancing law-based governance is to establish a system of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics and to build a socialist rule of law country,” says the latest resolution of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on the Party’s history, adopted at the Sixth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the CPC on November 11, 2021. Click here to read…

China takes countermeasures against U.S. military firms: Xinhuanet

February 21, 2022

China has decided to take countermeasures against Raytheon Company and Lockheed Martin, U.S. military firms long engaged in arms sales to the Taiwan region of China, for seriously undermining China’s sovereignty and security interests. Click here to read…

China steps up personality rights protection on internet: Xinhuanet

February 21, 2022

China’s crackdown of online crimes related to personality rights continues, with documents to better guide the handling of cases forthcoming, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) said Monday. Click here to read…

Chinese researchers develop highly efficient perovskite solar cells: Xinhuanet

February 21, 2022

Chinese researchers have developed a type of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with high power conversion efficiency. PSCs can be generally classified into two categories, n-i-p devices and inverted p-i-n devices. The p-i-n PSCs can be produced at low temperature with good stability, and are compatible with crystal silicon cell to achieve the development of laminated cell, said Fang Junfeng, professor at the East China Normal University (ECNU). Click here to read…

China releases 5-year plan for elderly care services: Xinhuanet

February 21, 2022

China’s State Council has released a plan for the development of the country’s elderly care services system during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), in its latest step to implement a national strategy to address population aging. Click here to read…

Scholars reach out to youth through popular video platform: China Daily

February 22, 2022

On Bilibili, a video platform favored by younger generations, you can engage in all kinds of leisure activities: watch cartoons, see someone play video games or learn to bake. Now you can also do some serious learning from scholars and professors on the site, according to a report from China Discipline Inspection and Supervision News. Click here to read…

Australian military urged to stop provocative acts: China Daily

February 22, 2022

China urged the Australian military to stop spreading false information and making dangerous, provocative acts following an encounter between a Chinese warship and an Australian aircraft, a military spokesman said on Monday. Click here to read…

Cost of raising a child until age 18 in China 6.9 times China’s GDP per capita, higher than US, France and Germany, says report: Global Times

February 22, 2022

The average cost of raising a child until the age of 18 was 485,000 yuan ($76,556) in China in 2019, which was 6.9 times China’s GDP per capita, much higher than many countries including the US, France, Germany and Japan, according to a new report released on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Top anti-corruption body calls for officials to draw lesson from Zhou Jiangyong’s case: Global Times

February 22, 2022

China’s disciplinary agency on Tuesday released an article on how the Hangzhou local government in Zhejiang Province called on local officials to draw lesson from the case of Zhou Jiangyong. Click here to read…

China’s Type 055 large destroyer Lhasa conducts live-fire drills, enhances combat capabilities: Global Times

February 22, 2022

The Lhasa, the second Type 055 10,000 ton-class large destroyer of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, recently conducted live-fire drills against sea, air and land targets, effectively enhancing the warship’s comprehensive combat capabilities. Click here to read…

China’s central bank postpones regulation on cash withdrawals, deposits for ‘technical reasons’: Global Times

February 21, 2022

China’s central bank said on Monday that it will postpone for technical reasons the implementation of a recent regulation that mandate financial institutions to verify clients’ identity and manage transaction records. Click here to read…

China’s embassy in Ukraine warns Chinese nationals to avoid ‘unstable’ areas: Reuters

February 22, 2022

China’s embassy in Ukraine on Tuesday warned Chinese nationals and businesses in Ukraine against venturing to “unstable” areas, but stopped short of telling them to consider leaving the country as many other nations have advised their own citizens. Click here to read…

China plans bigger tax cuts in 2022 to prop up slowing growth: Reuters

February 22, 2022

China will unveil bigger tax and fee cuts this year and step up payments to local governments to offset their hit to revenues, Finance Minister Liu Kun said on Tuesday, amid efforts to support a slowing economy. Click here to read…

Chinese firms caught using spyware to track employee job-hunting and identify staff who may be about to resign: South China Morning Post

February 22, 2022

Ma, 27, recently resigned from her editor position at a private internet company in Beijing for an “iron bowl” job — a Chinese term used to describe a secure position — at a state-owned media company. Ma’s decision to resign, which surprised her direct supervisor and coworkers, was already known to her manager, who told her he had been aware she was seeking another role since last year when she updated her resume on job search websites.
“How is that possible?” Ma wonderedClick here to read…