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

COMMENTARY

Insurgency in Mozambique far from over

30th September 2021 marked a new day for Mozambique as US government, recognising the importance of Mozambique’s success for the region, inaugurated the new United States Embassy in Maputo, Mozambique. This raises hope in a country which is tormented byJihadist terrorism since 2017. In August 2021, Rwandan Military along with Mozambican troops retook the last stronghold of Islamists, Mocímboa da Praia, a key port city from Islamist militants in northern Mozambique. Further, the government of Rwanda announced that their military will remain in Mozambique as long as Mozambique wants. Earlier this month, South Africa also sent nearly 1,500 troops to Mozambique to help the country battle jihadist militants. However, despite these significant military victories, insurgency in Mozambique is far from over as the war against hunger is yet to be won.

NEWS

Cape Verde Chooses the Opposition as New Leader

Opposition candidate and former Prime Minister Jose Maria Neves won Cape Verde’s presidential election on Sunday, as his main rival, the ruling party’s flagbearer Carlos Veiga, conceded defeat. Click here to read…

Libyan PM, foreign powers back landmark election in December

Libya’s prime minister and several foreign powers have endorsed the holding of a national election on December 24, as envisaged in a United Nations-backed peace plan aimed at resolving years of turmoil and division. Click here to read…

Ethiopia preps for third filling as Nile dam diplomacy stalls

Hope for negotiations on the crisis with Egypt and Sudan is fading as Ethiopia works toward the third-stage filling of its mega dam on the Blue Nile. Click here to read…

Somalia leaders strike deal on long-delayed election process

Somalia’s president and prime minister say they have struck a deal to speed up the process for long-delayed elections, ending their simmering feud which threatened to plunge the country into a fresh crisis. Click here to read…

Erdogan pledges to double bilateral trade at Turkey-Africa summit

The Turkey-Africa Economic and Business Forum held in Istanbul from 21-22 October, aims to provide a platform for Turkish businesses to gain a foothold on the continent. Click here to read…

Huge crowds march in Sudan in support of civilian rule

Throngs of Sudanese protesters took to the streets on Thursday to voice their support for civilian rule within the country’s power-sharing government. >Click here to read…

Nigeria to Launch Digital Currency on October 25

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will launch a digital currency on Monday aimed at improving the payments system in the West African nation, according to the central bank. Click here to read…

575 Prisoners Escape After Gunmen Attack Prison

In another blow to the Nigerian authority, gunmen have attacked a prison and freed around 575 prisoners on Friday. This was the third such incident in 2021Click here to read…

Is Algeria Weaponizing Airspace and Natural Gas?

In a series of shocking and unintelligible decisions, the Algerian Government closed its airspace to Moroccan military and civilian aircraft. Click here to read…

Drone sale to Ethiopia could jeopardize Turkey-Egypt dialogue

Turkey risks derailing normalization talks with Egypt by selling armed drones to Ethiopia, in addition to coming under international fire should Ethiopia use the drones in the conflict in Tigray. Click here to read…

Namibia to suspend use of Russian COVID-19 vaccine

Namibia will suspend its rollout of Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine, its health ministry said on Saturday, days after the drugs regulator in neighbouring South Africa flagged concerns about its safety for people at risk of HIV. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

India, Africa Can Empower Youth Through Quality Edu & Skill Development

Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs Shri V. Muraleedharan said India has developed a program called “Study in India” to increase the number of foreign students coming to the country. Click here to read…

Indian Minister of State V Muraleedharan to complete Sudan and South Sudan trip

India’s Minister of State V Muraleedharan concludes his visit to Sudan and South Sudan today, his first visit to both countries. Click here to read…

Mauritius’ exit from FATF grey list may boost India’s FDI inflow

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), the global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, has removed Mauritius from its ‘grey list’ of countries which may indirectly lead to higher investment to India from the Island nation.’ Click here to read…

Over 800 Indian Army troops in Sudan get United Nations medal

A total of 836 troops from the Indian Army serving with the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan have been awarded the United Nations medal. India is the second largest troop contributor to the 18,300-strong peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, having provided nearly 2,400 soldiers. Click here to read…

China’s top legislature adopts multiple laws as standing committee session concludes: Xinhuanet
October 23, 2021

The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, adopted multiple laws including laws on family education promotion and land borders, and an amendment to the Audit Law, as it wrapped up a session on Saturday. President Xi Jinping signed presidential orders to promulgate the laws. Click here to read…

China maps path to carbon peak, neutrality under new development philosophy: Xinhuanet
October 25, 2021

Chinese authorities on Sunday unveiled a guiding document on the country’s work to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals under the new development philosophy, laying out key specific targets and measures for the coming decades. By 2030, China’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions will peak, stabilize and then decline, and by 2060, China will be carbon neutral and have fully established a green, low-carbon and circular economy, it says, reiterating the country’s previous pledge. Click here to read…

China issues position paper on cooperation with UN: Xinhuanet
October 23, 2021

The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Friday issued a position paper on its cooperation with the United Nations ahead of a commemorative meeting marking the 50th anniversary of the restoration of People’s Republic of China’s lawful seat in the UN. Click here to read…

China to pilot property tax reforms: Xinhuanet
October 23, 2021

The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, on Saturday adopted a decision to authorize the State Council to pilot property tax reforms in certain regions. The move aims to advance the property tax legislation and reform in an active and prudent way, guide the rational housing consumption and the economical and intensive use of land resources, and facilitate the steady and sound development of the country’s property market, according to the decision. Click here to read…

China adopts land borders law: China Military
October 23, 2021

China’s top legislature on Saturday voted to adopt a new law on the protection and exploitation of the country’s land border areas, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2022. Lawmakers approved the law at the closing meeting of a legislative session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress.The law stipulates that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the People’s Republic of China are sacred and inviolable. Click here to read…

China’s Fujian appoints acting governor: People’s Daily
October 22, 2021

Zhao Long was appointed deputy governor and acting governor of east China’s Fujian Province on Friday. The appointment was made at the 29th session of the Standing Committee of the 13th Fujian Provincial People’s Congress, the local legislature. Click here to read…

China calls for tightened response as new COVID-19 outbreak affects 11 regions: People’s Daily
October 25, 2021

A total of 11 provincial-level regions have been affected within a week as a fresh outbreak of COVID-19 emerged in China, a spokesperson with the National Health Commission (NHC) said Sunday. Sporadic cases reported in various regions have been increasing ever since Oct. 17, Mi Feng, spokesperson for the NHC, told a press conference. Click here to read…

Chinese legislators adjust national defense mobilization laws amid tense China-US ties: Global Times

October 25, 2021

Chinese legislators passed a decision to temporarily adjust the application of relevant statutory provisions during the reform of the national defense mobilization system, which expert said is not only an important part of China’s military reform, but a necessary move given the increasingly tense military environment China faces, especially the strained China-US ties. Click here to read…

Evergrande resumes work for over 10 projects to address debt issues: Global Times
October 24, 2021

Indebted property developer Evergrande has resumed work and construction on more than 10 projects in Shenzhen and five other cities in South China’s Guangdong Province to ensure the delivery of buildings, the company said on Sunday. The announcement came after Evergrande Group Chairman Xu Jiayin said at a meeting on Friday that only through resumption of work and construction can the company ensure building deliveries and address its current debt problems. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka intercepts ‘contaminated’ fertilizer from China: Taipei Times
October 25, 2021

Sri Lanka has barred a Chinese ship carrying desperately needed organic fertilizer that experts have found to be tainted with harmful bacteria, officials said yesterday. The ban comes as Sri Lanka battles food shortages caused by a currency crisis. Farmers have said that a ban on chemical fertilizer could ruin their crops this year. Click here to read…

China to accelerate US$224 billion of local bond issuance to support slowing economy: South China Morning Post

October 22, 2021

China intends to accelerate the pace of local government special bond issuance to bolster investment and economic growth, the finance ministry said on Friday, striving to complete the annual quota by the end of November. Policymakers are seeking to support a faltering recovery, as economic growth in the third quarter was the slowest this year, due partly to power shortages and wobbles in the property sector. Click here to read…

Chinese President Xi calls for global cooperation on terrorism, climate change: Reuters

October 25, 2021

China’s President Xi Jinping on Monday called for more global cooperation on problems including terrorism, climate change and cyber security, in a speech commemorating the 50th anniversary of China’s return to the United Nations. He said China opposes unilateralism, protectionism and zero-sum games. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Tehran to Host Regional Meeting on Afghanistan: Tolo News

Tehran will host a ministerial meeting with Afghanistan’s neighboring countries on Wednesday and hold talks on inclusivity within the Afghan government and stability inside the country. Click here to read…

US Was Losing War So It Negotiated: Khalilzad: Tolo News

The former US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said the US was losing the war to the Taliban so it chose peace negotiations as an alternative. Click here to read…

US Nearing Deal with Pakistan for Use of Airspace: Tolo News

The United States is nearing a formalized agreement with Pakistan for use of its airspace to conduct over-the-horizon military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

We are holding Taliban accountable on counterterrorism: NATO: The Khaama Press

NATO chief Gens Stoltenberg said that NATO allies and partners are trying to hold the Taliban accountable for all the pledges they made on terrorism. Click here to read…

Biden administration to resettle over 55 thousand Afghan refugees: The Khaama Press

The US administration in an unprecedented decision wants to permanently resettle 55,600 Afghan evacuees from the military bases of the US to permanent houses. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

South Korea to provide $700m soft loan to Bangladesh- Daily Observer

South Korea will provide Bangladesh with $700 million soft loan support to help the latter’s economy recover from Covid-19 shocks. Click here to read…

Joining election depends on atmosphere: BNP- The Asian Age

BNP will go to polls if an environment conducive to election is created, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday. Click here to read…

PM greets Modi as India administers 1bn Covid jabs- The Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today congratulated her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on achieving the historic milestone of administering “One Billion” Covid-19 vaccine doses on October 21, 2021 by his government. Click here to read…

Comilla carnage: Quran desecration case against Iqbal, 3 others transferred to CID- Dhaka Tribune

Police have handed over the Holy Quran desecration case against Iqbal Hossain and three others to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Click here to read…

Rumours spread after clash breaks out near Buddhist temple in Teknaf- Dhaka Tribune

Buddhists and Muslims of Katakhali in Howaikhyong under Teknaf clashed over a trivial issue resulting in injuries to at least eight people on Sunday afternoon. Click here to read…

Form panels to maintain harmony: LGRD minister asks mayors, local representatives- The Daily Star

Local representatives have been directed to form committees at the ward level across the country to identify anyone involved in spreading rumours and creating anarchy. Click here to read…

Op-Ed: What is eclipsing our communal harmony? – Daily Star

The government should also not give the radical groups of other religious communities the chance to exploit this situation to their advantageClick here to read…

Rohingya Camps: It’s all sinister after sundown- Daily Star

According to officials of different law enforcement agencies, at least 10 Rohingya groups are involved in at least 12 types of crimes, including killing, abduction, rape, drug trafficking and robbery. Click here to read…

AL Rebels in Local Body Polls: They will stop at nothing- Daily Star

Repeated show-cause notices, warnings of punitive actions and even expulsions from the organisation have failed to deter Awami League leaders from participating in the local government polls without the party tickets. Click here to read…

Vested quarters at it again: PM- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said vested quarters are out there to stage various types of incidents in the country to tarnish its image before the world. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Funds sanctioned for town near Bhutan border- The Telegraph

The state municipal affairs and urban development department has sanctioned a sum of Rs 12 crore for infrastructure development of Jaigaon, the town in Alipurduar district on the India-Bhutan border. Click here to read…

Action plan needed to beef up economy: PSDC- Kuensel

Committe recommends doing away with driver switching system, reducing quarantine period,and importing workers. Click here to read…

TCB gearing to receive tourists- Kuensel

The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) will not accept tourist visa applications until the Council is ready with its preparations for a safe, healthy and enjoyable experience for the tourists. Click here to read…

Bhutan and Japan signs document to digitally map various parts of the country- Kuensel

Ambassador of Bhutan to Japan V Namgyel and Ambassador of Japan to Bhutan Satoshi Suzuki signed the exchange of notes for the Project for the Development of Digital Topographic Map yesterday in New Delhi, India. Click here to read…

Winter could trigger new Covid-19 cases: Experts- Kuensel

Around this time last year, experts warned of a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases as the cold weather is best for the virus to thrive and transmit itself. Click here to read…

Top three business ideas win university’s business idea competition- Kuensel

Three business ideas pitched by the college students from nine colleges under the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) were declared winners at the university business idea competition held in Thimphu on October 21. Click here to read…

Second dose for children aged 12-17 to begin from 26th October- BBS

The health ministry will roll out the vaccination drive for children who are yet to receive the second dose of COVID vaccines from Tuesday. It constitutes about 45,000 children between the ages of 12-17 years in 15 districts. Click here to read…

Maldives

Border miles ambassador arrives in the Maldives – Avas

The first ambassador of the Maldives’ border miles program arrived in the Maldives on Friday. Former Liverpool FC and Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique was appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the world’s first destination loyalty program, the Maldives Border Miles, in September this year. Click here to read…

Maldives might end in 2100, government urges rich nations to meet emissions target | WION Climate – Youtube

Experts have warned that the Maldives might disappear in the next 100 years, its existence is threatened by rising sea levels. Click here to read…

Is Maldives’ troubled history with terrorist elements & radicalisation rearing its ugly head again? – Youtube

Most people understand the island country of Maldives as a top tourist spot in South Asia. However, the return of former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed after surviving a bomb blast in Male five months ago, underscores the island country’s troubled history with terrorist elements and radicalisation. Click here to read…

Myanmar

UN Envoy Calls for Myanmar Junta Chief to Step Down – VOA News

The U.N. special envoy for Myanmar called Friday for that country’s military leader to step down and return power seized in a February 1 coup to the democratically elected government. Click here to read…

Time for ASEAN to Give Myanmar’s Opposition a Seat at the Table – The Irrawaddy

Nearly nine months after its forceful takeover of the country from a legitimately elected civilian government, Myanmar’s military has shown that it is one thing to seize power but an entirely different reality to consolidate and impose control. Click here to read…

Thousands flee Myanmar for India amid fears of a growing refugee crisis – Who News

Terrified farmers and families with children in Myanmar are fleeing into India as the military junta that seized power in a February coup continues to seek out and eliminate resistance along the country’s border. Click here to read…

Nepal

100,620 doses of Pfizer arriving Nepal today- Khabarhub

As many as 162,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine coming to Nepal from America today. US Embassy in Kathmandu informed about it via its official Twitter. Click here to read…

‘China has put up fences, wires in Nepal’s territory in Humla distt’- The Hitavada

The Chinese side was also trying to build a permanent canal 145 metres inside the Nepali territory. Click here to read…

Nepal’s Chief Justice says will stop allocating cases to benches at his discretion- The Indian Express

Cholendra Shumsher Rana is likely to face an impeachment motion in parliament amid controversy regarding his interactions with politicians and allegations that he pushed for a family member to be on Nepal’s council of ministers. Click here to read…

US to donate 100,620 more COVID-19 doses to Nepal- ANI

The United States is set to donate 100,620 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal, the Embassy of the United States in Nepal announced on Sunday. Click here to read…

Experts Warn of Breakout of Diseases In Rain Disaster Areas- The Rising Nepal

As the torrential post-monsoon rains that occurred recently across the country had adversely affected normal life in different parts of the country, including eastern Nepal, health experts have warned of the spread of various infectious diseases there. Click here to read…

Personalities split Nepal’s communist parties- East Asia Forum

The alliance between the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist and Leninist) (CPN-UML) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) (CPN-MC), which won a landslide victory in the elections three years ago, has now fractured into three different political parties. Click here to read…

Apex court justices to boycott full court meeting- Himalaya

Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana, who has been embroiled in a controversy for allegedly lobbying to get his brother-in-law appointed to the Cabinet, now faces challenge from within the judiciary. Click here to read…

Paddy damage by freak rains estimated at Rs8.26 billion- TKP

According to preliminary estimates by the agriculture ministry, 325,258 tonnes of ready-to-harvest paddy on 85,580 hectares have either submerged or swept away in seven provinces. Click here to read…

Congress may appoint deputy Speaker, leaving state minister seat for Janata Samajbadi- TKP

A senior Janata Samajbadi Party leader, who is in the Deuba Cabinet, said the scenario has changed after Hamal’s resignation. Click here to read…

Supreme Court justices to boycott full court meeting called by Rana- TKP

Pressure is mounting on chief justice, who has run into controversies, to step down from his post. Click here to read…

Consult Delhi for census in Kalapani, census bureau asks Foreign Ministry- TKP

The Central Bureau of Statistics has yet to decide on sending enumerators to the region, which Nepal has brought within its borders but India claims as its own. Click here to read…

Non-government of Nepal- Nepali Times

A distracted government’s apathy magnifies the impact of disasters and injustice on citizens. Click here to read…

From slave to entrepreneur- Nepali Times

Freed from indentured servitude, a former kamaiya builds back her life to support family and community. Click here to read…

Floods damage ready-to-harvest paddy worth Rs 7.22 billion in three provinces- Republica<.h5>

Farmers faced a loss of paddy worth an estimated Rs 7.22 billion due to massive floods triggered by the torrential rain last week. Click here to read…

Plastic briquettes in Nepal: Addressing pollution and sustainable energy need with one technique- Online Khabar

The negative impacts of plastics and their use have been advertised and talked about a lot in Nepal in recent years. Click here to read…

Province 1 confidence vote put off till Oct 31- Himalaya

The meeting of the Province 1 Assembly, which was slated to be held today, was put off till October 31. Click here to read…

Pakistan

This time, won’t go home till demands met: TLP leaders: Dawn

The government has gone back on its word thrice. This time we will sit and wait said, a statement issued by the proscribed group’s leadership council on Sunday. Click here to read…

US colluding with India to sabotage CPEC: PM’s aide Khalid Mansoor: Dawn

Addressing the CPEC Summit at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), the special assistant to the prime minister (SAPM) on CPEC affairs accused the United States of conniving in cahoots with India against the economic lifeline of Pakistan. Click here to read…

Balochistan CM steps down amid political turmoil: The Express Tribune

According to PRO to Balochistan governor, Kamal had submitted his resignation to Governor Syed Zahoor Ahmad Agha, which he accepted. Click here to read…

IMF seeks closure of public entities’ accounts in banks: The Express Tribune

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has placed a condition on Pakistan to close all the bank accounts maintained by public sector entities and the defence ministry in commercial banks. Click here to read…

Work on Dasu project to resume in stages starting Oct 25: Chinese firm: The News

The Chinese firm working on the Dasu hydropower project has announced it is resuming construction work that had been halted due to “security concerns”, Geo News reported on Sunday. Click here to read…

No pact with US on airspace: FO: The News

The Foreign Office (FO) Saturday rejected western media reports that Pakistan had formalised an agreement with the United States (US) that Pakistan’s airspace could be used to conduct operations inside Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Agriculture Department DG says: Indian Nano Nitrogen Is Neither Synthetic Nor Organic – Ceylon Today

Amid this crisis, the Chinese bulk organic fertiliser cargo dispute is sending mixed signals between China and Sri Lanka. Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Ajantha de Silva says the decision of the Government to go organic is based on the mandate the President received from his voters, hence it was not rushed. He also explains that fertiliser would reach the farmers on time and there is no need to panic. Click here to read…

Renewable energy projects in Northern Province: Adani to enter northern power sector? – The Morning

Adani among Indian businesses interested in SL renewable energy sector
Chinese bid for northern renewable energy projects take a backseat
Govt. considering extending deadline for renewable energy generation projects Click here to read…

Sri Lanka blocks payment to China Qingdao Seawin Biotech over fertilizer with bugs – Economynext

Sri Lanka-based Ceylon Fertilizer Company Limited had got a court order to block payment to Qingdao Seawin Biotech over shipment of organic fertilizer which was contaminated with bugs.

“The enjoining order has prevented the People’s Bank from making any payment under a Letter of Credit opened in favour of the Chinese company, Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd,” a statement from the President’s office said. Click here to read…

China vows closer ties with Pacific Island countries says, FM: Xinhuanet
October 22, 2021

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that China is willing to work with Pacific Island countries for a closer comprehensive strategic partnership. Wang made the remarks while chairing the first China-Pacific Island Countries Foreign Ministers’ Meeting via video link. Click here to read…

Oaths by 16 HKSAR district council members announced invalid: People’s Daily
October 21, 2021

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Thursday announced that oaths taken by 16 District Council (DC) members on Oct. 8 were invalid. The HKSAR government held the oath-taking ceremony for DC members from the Tsuen Wan District Council, the Tuen Mun District Council, the Yuen Long District Council, the Kwai Tsing District Council and the Islands District Council at North Point Community Hall on Oct. 8. Click here to read…

Ex-vice minister of culture stands trial for bribery charges: People’s Daily
October 22, 2021

Li Jinzao, former vice culture and tourism minister of China, on Thursday appeared in court for charges of accepting bribes while holding various positions from 1996 to 2020. The first trial of Li’s case was held at the Intermediate People’s Court of Shenyang City, northeast China’s Liaoning Province. Click here to read…

China issues guideline on green development in urban, rural areas: China Daily
October 22, 2021

The general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council have issued a guideline underpinning green development in urban and rural areas. The guideline sets a target that by 2025 the institutional mechanisms and policy systems for green development in urban and rural areas will be basically established. Click here to read…

Over 9,000 candidates compete for position in Xizang border town postal dept: Global Times
October 22, 2021

More than 9,000 candidates have signed up for a position in the postal department in Ali prefecture, Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region in the upcoming national civil servant examination, making it the current hottest ticket in the governmental official selection process. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland, HK deepen cooperation in fintech regulation, yuan market: Global Times
October 22, 2021

The People’s Bank of China (PBC), the central bank, and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on regulatory cooperation in fintech innovation, under which fintech supervision tools of the PBC and HKMA will be connected, according to a statement issued by the PBC on Thursday. Also on Thursday, Paul Chan, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), vowed that the city will further boost the offshore yuan market and promote the internationalization of the yuan. Click here to read…

Chinese scientists build anti-satellite weapon that can cause explosion inside exhaust: South China Morning Post
October 22, 2021

A team of Chinese military researchers say they have built and tested an anti-satellite robotic device that can place a small pack of explosives into a probe’s exhaust nozzle.

Rather than blowing the satellite into pieces, the melt-cast explosive can produce a “time-controlled, steady explosion”, Professor Sun Yunzhong and colleagues from the Hunan Defence Industry Polytechnic in Xiangtan wrote in a paper published in the domestic journal Electronic Technology & Software Engineering last month. The device could stay inside the satellite for an extended period by using a locking mechanism driven by an electric motor. If needed, the process can be reversed to separate it from the target. Click here to read…

China to pursue digital trade expansion under new five-year plan as cross-border data flow restrictions remain in place: South China Morning Post
October 21, 2021

China is seeking to step up development of digital trade, a segment that is shaping into an integral part of the economy, amid questions that this effort might be impeded by the country’s restrictions on cross-border data flows. That plan was set out by the Ministry of Commerce (Mofcom) under its 14th five-year plan for trade in services, which was published on Tuesday. The agency pledged to support the trade of digital products, to foster a good environment for digital products to go overseas, and to explore the trading of data. It will also push for traditional trade in services to digitalise. Click here to read…

Huawei, SMIC suppliers received billions worth of licenses for U.S. goods: Reuters
October 22, 2021

Suppliers to Chinese telecoms giant Huawei and China’s top chipmaker SMIC got billions of dollars worth of licenses from November through April to sell them goods and technology despite their being on a U.S. trade blacklist, documents released by Congress showed on Thursday. According to the documents, first obtained by Reuters, 113 export licenses worth $61 billion were approved for suppliers to ship products to Huawei while another 188 licenses valued at nearly $42 billion were greenlighted for Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (SMIC). Click here to read…

China’s Ping An Bank says its overdue loans rise on Baoneng liquidity crunch: Reuters
October 22, 2021

China’s Ping An Bank Co Ltd said its “special-mention” and overdue loans increased in the third quarter mainly due to a liquidity crunch at Shenzhen Baoneng, a property and financial services conglomerate. Ping An Bank’s outstanding special-mention loans – debts that could potentially turn sour – rose by 37.3% in the third quarter from the end of 2020, while outstanding loans and interests overdue within 90 days increased 32.5%, according to the bank’s earnings report released on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Qureshi’s Visit on Afghan-Pakistani Trade: Officials: Tolo News

The Pakistani foreign minister paid an unexpected visit to Kabul on Thursday, where he held talks with the head of the Islamic Emirate cabinet and other top officials. Click here to read…

Afghan Women Protest Lack of Representatives in Moscow: Tolo News

A number of women activists expressed criticism over the lack of women within the Afghan delegation of the Moscow conference. Click here to read…

NATO to convene meeting on Afghanistan in Brussels: The Khaama Press

NATO chief Gens Stoltenberg said that the organization plans to convene a summit of defense ministers of the state members in which Afghanistan will be concentrated upon. Click here to read…

We will respectfully interact with Taliban as new Afghan authorities: Moscow Format: The Khaama Press

Third Moscow Format on Afghanistan released a joint statement after concluding the meeting saying that the Taliban are now new authorities in Afghanistan and acknowledged that the member states will interact with them respectfully. Click here to read…

Taliban pledge strengthening diplomatic, economic ties with India, Iran: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s delegation led by Deputy PM Abul Salaam Hanafi met with special representatives of Iran and India to Afghanistan in the sideline of Moscow Format. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Comilla attacks: Prime suspect Iqbal arrested from Cox’s Bazar- Dhaka Tribune

Police have arrested Iqbal Hossain, the person responsible for keeping the Quran at a Durga Puja venue in Comilla, from Cox’s Bazar. Click here to read…

Covid-19: Bangladesh records lowest single-day caseload in 1.5 years- Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh recorded 243 new Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8am on Thursday, which is the lowest in 18 months. Click here to read…

Temple vandalized in Bogra- Dhaka Tribune

Locals on Thursday found the idols vandalized at the Durga Mandir at Sadar upazila’s Shabgram union’s Nathpara area, said police. Click here to read…

OP-ED: Assert leadership, restore 1972 constitution- Dhaka Tribune

Let us be under no illusion. The reality before us, before the multitudes who constitute this republic, is that Bangladesh is under threat from within. Click here to read…

Hajiganj communal attack: Jamaat leader confesses involvement- The Daily Star

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Md Kamal Uddin Abbasi has given a confessional statement before a court over his involvement in the vandalism at puja mandaps and clash with police in Chandpur’s Hajiganj. Click here to read…

‘Defaming’ Bangabandhu: Complaint filed against Prof Serajul Islam Choudhury- The Daily Star

A complaint has been filed with a Chattogram court accusing Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury of Dhaka University and two others of defaming Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in an article. Click here to read…

Attack on JM Sen Hall puja mandap: 3 Chhatra Jubo Odhikar Parishad leaders arrested- The Daily Star

In a drive last night, police arrested three leaders of Chhatra Jubo Odhikar Parishad’s Chattogram unit in a case filed over attacking the JM Sen Hall puja mandap on October 15 in the port city’s Andarkillah area. Click here to read…

PM: Focus on fostering communal harmony- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on Awami League leaders and activists to organise peace rallies and conferences across the country aimed at fostering communal harmony, while remaining alert to the threat of disruptive elements. Click here to read…

India’s guarded reaction over attacks on Hindus in BD- Asian Age

Reactions from the Indian government over the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have been guarded and cautious. Click here to read…

Khaleda Zia’s appearance in 11 cases on Nov 22- Observer

A Dhaka court set November 22 for the appearance of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia before it in 11 cases lodged against her. Click here to read…

172 Bangladeshi workers held in Malaysia- Observer

Some 172 Bangladeshi nationals among the 213 undocumented migrant workers have been detained in a joint operation in Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Click here to read…

‘Communal violence in Noakhali could be avoided if those in power took steps’- Prothom Alo

As a sequel to the Cumilla incident, miscreants carried out attacks on members of the Hindu community and vandalised 12 temples, and looted and damaged a few shops and homes for three hours in Chowmuhani of Begumganj, Noakhali on Friday. Click here to read…

Dhaka-Beijing political trust continues to deepen: Li Jiming- Prothom Alo

Terming China the largest trading partner of Bangladesh, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming on Wednesday said the Bangladesh-China relations have achieved a rapid development, reports UNB. Click here to read…

Macron writes to Hasina over French photographer Riboud’s exhibition in Dhaka- The Independent

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his happiness over the exhibition of photographs taken in December 1971 by French photographer Marc Riboud that is taking place at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan PM congratulates India for crossing 1 billion COVID vaccine doses- ANI News

Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for achieving one billion COVID-19 vaccination doses on Thursday morning. Click here to read…

Bhutan’s attitude toward China is changing, while India still a great challenge: Global Times

Whether Bhutan and China could yield any results on the border negotiations, there needs to be a full-scale improvement in China-India relations, Zhang Jiadong, professor at the Center for American Studies of Fudan University, told the Global Times. Click here to read…

China may push Bhutan for ‘definitive response’ on border dispute: Ex-envoy Nambiar on MoU- The Print

Former Indian envoy to China Vijay K. Nambiar was speaking at a webinar hosted by Institute of Chinese Studies on linkages between Tawang region in Arunachal Pradesh, and Bhutan. Click here to read…

Wishes pour in from WHO, Bhutan, Sri Lanka as India achieves 100 crore Covid vaccine dose landmark- Times of India

Wishes poured in for India from the World Health Organisation and the leadership of Bhutan and Sri Lanka after it scripted history on Thursday with the cumulative Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country surpassing the 100-crore milestone. Click here to read…

South Asia Diary | Bhutan opens first Judo dojo- Wion

Bhutan inaugurated its first judo school, months after making an Olympic debut in the same sport. The project, funded by Japan, could make martial art more popular in Bhutan. Maiam Wardak gets you a report. Click here to read…

MoE reviewing policy to enhance tertiary education- Kuensel

To bring changes in line with the 21st Century higher education system, the Ministry of Education has begun reviewing the decade-old Tertiary Education Policy 2010. Click here to read…

Rains damage about 1,945MT of rice in Paro- Kuensel

The continuous rainfall in the past three days damaged about 793 acres of paddy fields damaging an estimated 1,945 metric tonnes of rice production in Paro. Click here to read…

His Majesty’s Kidu mobile medical camp for highlanders- Kuensel

Covering one of the remotest parts of the country, His Majesty’s Kidu mobile medical unit completed a 13-day medical camp in Soe and Lingzhi gewogs of Thimphu dzongkhag. Click here to read…

Truckers struggle living on the road- Namling block- BBS

More than 30 truckers transporting goods from Sorchen in Chhukha to eastern districts are stranded at Namling block along the Bumthang-Monggar highway for over a week now. Click here to read…

His Majesty to grant kidu to paddy growers affected by the continuous rainfall- BBS

Under the Royal Kidu, His Majesty the King will compensate the families whose paddies were damaged by continuous rain in the last few days. Click here to read…

Incumbent SJ Thrompon to not contest in the upcoming election- BBS

As the tenure of the current Thrompon of Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde completes at the end of this month, the constituents will get to choose a new representative. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives Defence Minister Says Country’s Relationship With India Today Is Stronger Than Ever – Republic World

The relationship between the Maldives and India today is “stronger than ever” and New Delhi has been the first and best responder to Malé in all times of need, the island nation’s Defence Minister Mariya Didi has said. Click here to read…

Experts of Committee on Elimination of Discrimination against Women Ask Maldives about how Radicalised Religious Groups – Mirage News

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its review of the sixth periodic report of Maldives on measures taken to implement the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women with Committee Experts inquiring about how radicalised religious groups and discriminatory practices affected women. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Situation – Inter-Agency Operational Update – October 2021 – Relief Web

The volatile situation in Myanmar following the 01 February 2021 coup has resulted in increased displacement both within the country and across borders, including into Thailand. Click here to read…

Bhasan Char: The Need For Rohingya Relocation In The Current Context – OpEd – Eurasia Review

Of the nearly 80 million displaced people in different parts of the world, 1.1 million Rohingyas are living in 34 Rohingya camps in the more densely populated Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh. Click here to read…

UN Envoy: Myanmar Is Now in Conflict, Could Be Failed State – US News

The U.N. special envoy for Myanmar warned Thursday that the country already faces “an internal armed conflict” and if power isn’t returned to the people in a democratic way “we will go in the direction of a failed state.” Click here to read…

Pakistan

Tarin leaves US without concluding IMF negotiations: Dawn

The minister, however, leaves behind Finance Secretary Yousaf Khan to further pursue the talks for the resumption of a $6 billion loan facility that would bring an immediate relief to the cash-starved government by delivering a suspended tranche of $1bn. Click here to read…

Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list: Dawn

Pakistan has been on the grey list for deficiencies in its counter-terror financing and anti-money laundering regimes since June 2018. Click here to read…

Pakistan desires durable peace, stability in Afghanistan: Qureshi: The Express Tribune

The foreign minister, who reached Kabul today on a one-day visit, held a meeting with Afghanistan’s interim Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund. Click here to read…

Economist reports Pakistan inflation fourth highest out of 42 country index: The News

In its latest edition, the Economist magazine tracked inflation in 42 countries plus the Euro region and found that Argentina was on the top with inflation, standing at 51.4 percent, Turkey on the second with 19.6 percent, Brazil at third position with 10.2 percent and then on the fourth position was Pakistan with inflation standing at 9 percent. Click here to read…

Govt may increase gas tariff by 10-22pc on November 1

The government is set to increase the local gas tariff by 10-22 percent by November 1, 2021 as per the undertaking extended to the IMF. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Namal meets Modi, gifts him Bhagwad Gita Sinhala version – Ceylon Today

Minister Namal Rajapaksa today (20) met with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and gifted him a Sinhala version of Bhagwad Gita. Click here to read…

555 persons test positive for COVID-19 – Daily FT

Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 detections rose to 533,860 with the detection of 555 COVID-19 patients yesterday. Click here to read…

E-sport driver and athlete training programme by Mandarin Reid – The Sunday Times

Globally, eGaming is considered a whopping $2.4 billion USD industry. In Sri Lanka, eSports are now taking centre stage, with the country being estimated to have approximately 3.2 million gamers; true numbers, however, extend far beyond that. Meanwhile, enriching and uplifting the gaming community has only just begun. Click here to read…

China to further intensify relief policy support for smaller businesses: Xinhuanet
October 20, 2021

China will take a multi-pronged and targeted approach to step up relief to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the State Council’s executive meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang decided on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Workshop of Beijing Xiangshan Forum to open soon: China Military
October 20, 2021

The workshop of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, gathering experts and scholars from nearly 20 countries and international organizations, is slated to be held from Oct. 25 to 26. With the theme of upholding win-win cooperation and promoting global security governance, the event will be attended by experts and scholars from countries including the United States, Russia, France, Britain, and India, as well as international organizations. Click here to read…

China’s Liaoning appoints acting governor: China Daily
October 20, 2021

Li Lecheng was appointed deputy governor and acting governor of Northeast China’s Liaoning province on Wednesday. The appointment was made at the 29th session of the Standing Committee of the 13th Liaoning Provincial People’s Congress, the local legislature. Click here to read…

Tibet to further expand opening-up, foreign cooperation: China Daily
October 21, 2021

The central authorities will continue to support the Tibet autonomous region in expanding opening-up and foreign cooperation, and will assist the region in deepening Belt and Road cooperation with neighboring countries, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Wednesday. In an event held in Beijing by the Foreign Ministry to promote Tibet,Wang said the region has become an important window for China’s opening-up and cooperation with the outside world. Click here to read…

‘Moscow format’ talks highlight China-Russia coordination on Afghan issue, conspicuous US absence: Global Times
October 20, 2021

The “Moscow format” talks on Wednesday highlighted the prominent role of China-Russia coordination on the Afghan crisis when the US and some Western countries chose to evade responsibility, experts said, as Moscow gathered 10 countries and the Taliban to focus on the developing political and military situation in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Trains and flights canceled in northern Chinese cities amid strengthened COVID-19 prevention and control measures: Global Times
October 21, 2021

Over 50 percent of flights and a dozen rail routes were canceled in northern Chinese provinces that have reported COVID-19 infections. China upgraded prevention and control measures after several areas in the country have reported domestically transmitted confirmed cases and asymptomatic patients since Sunday. Click here to read…

China’s tech crackdown will see ‘more substantial progress’ by year’s end, Beijing vows: South China Morning Post
October 20, 2021

Chinese authorities say progress is being made in their efforts to clean up the financial irregularities created by privately run tech giants and other industrial capitalists, while doubling down on vows to ensure that funding is available to struggling private businesses amid rising costs and a broad economic slowdown. Guo Shuqing, party chief of the People’s Bank of China, pointed to promising “initial results” in the ongoing clampdown on tech giants, in an interview that Communist Party mouthpiece Xinhua published on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China’s power crisis: Zhejiang the latest province to float electricity prices after Beijing eases restrictions: South China Morning Post
October 21, 2021

Zhejiang province is the latest regional government to raise electricity prices and change peak-demand hours following Beijing’s announcement it would liberalise electricity pricing in response to China’s power crisis. The move follows in the footsteps of the southern manufacturing hub of Guangdong province, which hiked prices last month by as much as 25 per cent during peak-demand for industrial users. Click here to read…

China’s ‘unfair trade practices’ draw heavy fire at WTO trade review: South China Morning Post
October 21, 2021

China was accused of a laundry list of trade felonies and economic bullying during a series of attacks by other nations at the World Trade Organization (WTO) in Geneva on Wednesday, laying bare growing geopolitical rifts and widening schisms in the multilateral trading system. The United States, European Union, Japan, Britain, Australia and Canada took part in the pile-on at China’s first WTO trade policy review since 2018, according to a well-placed source. Click here to read…

U.S. China ambassador nominee Burns takes tough line on dealings with Beijing: Reuters
October 20, 2021

President Joe Biden’s nominee to be U.S. ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns, took a tough line on dealings with China at his Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday, saying “genocide in Xinjiang,” abuses in Tibet, and bullying of Taiwan must stop. Burns, calling China the United States’ “most dangerous competitor”, said Beijing is “blasting past” its pledge to maintain only a minimum nuclear deterrent, and added that Washington should work with allies in Europe and elsewhere to build economic leverage. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Lavrov Calls for Inclusive Afghan Govt: Tolo News

The Russian Federation’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov called for the formation of an inclusive government that “truly reflect the interests of all ethnic and political forces” in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

‘250’ Daesh Members Arrested in 1 Month: Officials: Tolo News

More than 250 fighters affiliated with Daesh were arrested within the past month, officials said, adding that many of them are the prisoners who had fled from the prisons across the country. Click here to read…

Afghanistan’s current situation is not stable: Russia: The Khaama Press

Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said that lack of recognition of the Taliban, socio-economic and finance sphere, and humanitarian challenges that the de-facto authorities in Kabul are confronted with, is not a stable situation. Click here to read…

War is over in Afghanistan but this is not final chapter: Zalmay Khalilzad: The Khaama Press

US’s outgoing special representative for Afghan peace Zalmay Khalilzad said that war in Afghanistan ended but warned that this is not the final chapter as the people of Afghanistan will confront economic and security challenges. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Man placing Holy Quran at Cumilla puja mandap identified as Iqbal Hossain- Daily Star

From CCTV footage, police have identified the person who placed the Holy Quran at Nanua Dighir Par puja mandap in Cumilla city. Click here to read…

Bangladeshi travellers to India will need post-arrival Covid-19 tests- Daily Star

India today came out with revised guidelines for international arrivals into the country with effect from October 25 under which mandatory RT-PCR report showing samples tested as negative is required for passengers to board an international flight to India. Click here to read…

Police: Comilla resident Iqbal placed the Quran on a Puja idol- Dhaka Tribune

Police have identified the man behind the Comilla incident that sparked nationwide communal violence for the past week. Click here to read…

Fake photos, videos flood social media amid communal tension- Dhaka Tribune

There has been a steep rise in the spread of fake news, photos and videos on social media following the recent incidents of alleged desecration of the Holy Quran and the subsequent attacks on Durga Puja venues across the country. Click here to read…

Death toll passes 100 in Nepal-India floods- Asian Age

More than 100 people have died after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand and parts of Nepal. Click here to read…

PM to open newly built exhibition center at Purbachal tomorrow- Asian Age

Newly built ‘Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center’ at Purbachal will be inaugurated tomorrow. Click here to read…

PM for stern action over attack on Hindu community- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday asked Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to take immediate action against the perpetrators involved in the recent vandalism at puja mandaps and arson attack on the houses of the Hindu community. Click here to read…

B’desh learning a lot from China in poverty alleviation: Minister- The Observer

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Wednesday said Bangladesh has been learning a lot from its biggest development partner, China, in poverty alleviation. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Incessant rain damages paddy crops across the country- Kuensel

Heavy rain since October 17 has damaged harvested paddies and ripe standing paddy crops in many parts of the country. Click here to read…

67 days without a new Covid-19 community case; Phuentsholing is hopeful- Kuensel

It may take a long time for Phuentsholing to return to pre-pandemic times, but without a single community case for the last 67 days since August 12, the journey has already begun. Click here to read…

Elephants rampaging paddy fields in Pelrithang every night- Kuensel

Farmers in Pelrithang Khatoed in Gelephu have to spend sleepless nights guarding their paddy fields from elephants. Click here to read…

DHI BizAP digital skill-up freelancing for de-suups- Kuensel

The Druk Holding and Investments Limited’s (DHI) second round of the Business Acceleration Programme (BizAP) on digital skill-up freelancing, exclusively for the de-suups, kicked off on October 18 in Thimphu. Click here to read…

Observing and documenting climate change- Kuensel

A team of officials from the tourism, environment, and forest sectors are at Jumolhari, observing and documenting the impact of climate change on communities and their resilience to it. Click here to read…

There is a yeti preserve in Bhutan that is bigger than the size of Singapore- Daily Bhutan

The yeti is a mythical ape-like creature that is believed to roam the Himalayas, known in western pop culture as the Abominable Snowman. Click here to read…

Visitors can look forward to a brand new experience at Paro International Airport- Daily Bhutan

Paro Airport now boasts a new look. Visitors flying into Bhutan can look forward to a fresh experience at its national aviation facility. Click here to read…

Swollen Amochhu washes away 26 cattle- BBS

The swollen Amochhu due to the incessant rainfall washed away 26 cattle in Bangaley village under Denchukha Gewog in Samtse, yesterday. However, the Drungkhag disaster team rescued three cattle as of today. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives Tourism Report 2021: Emerging as a Dream Vacation Destination for the International Tourists – Businesswire

Maldives will attract more than 2.5 million international tourists and generated more than US$ 5 billion in revenues by 2027. Click here to read…

Maldives minister: Failure to limit warming a death sentence – ABC News

A failure to limit global warming could mean a “death sentence” for small island nations like the Maldives, including the end of their livelihoods and cultures, the country’s environment minister said Wednesday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

ASEAN summit without Myanmar leader significant, but not enough – U.S.- Reuters

The United States sees the decision by Southeast Asian nations to exclude Myanmar’s leader from a regional summit as very significant but more needs to be done to address the challenges the country is facing after the military coup there, a senior U.S. official said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Thousands flee Myanmar for India amid fears of a growing refugee crisis: The Economic Times

Terrified farmers and families with children in Myanmar are fleeing into India as the military junta that seized power in a February coup continues to seek out and eliminate resistance along the country’s border. Click here to read…

Pagodas Damaged in Myanmar’s Temple City: The Irrawaddy

Fourteen pagodas in Bagan, Myanmar’s temple city, have been damaged by heavy rain, according to the Bagan branch of the Department of Archaeology and the National Museum. Click here to read…

Ethnic Minority Student Killed in Myanmar Junta Custody: The Irrawaddy

A final-year engineering student who led anti-regime protests in Naypyitaw and Mandalay has died in military custody, his friends told The Irrawaddy. Click here to read…

Nepal

Sixty killed, 27 missing in floods, landslides- Himalayan

Sixty people were killed and 27 were missing in landslides and floods triggered by rainfall across the country in the last 24 hours. Click here to read…

Dahal for setting up agriculture aid fund- Himalayan

CPN-Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged the government to set up an agriculture assistance fund to provide relief to flood and landslide-hit farmers. Click here to read…

NA engaged in rescue, relief efforts- Himalayan

The Nepali Army has been involved in rescue and relief distribution efforts for flood and landslide survivors. Click here to read…

PM Deuba directs immediate rescue, relief and rehabilitation- Himalayan

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has directed the authorities concerned to work for rescue, relief distribution, and rehabilitation of those displaced by the recent series of landslides, floods, and inundation. Click here to read…

Centre mulls mechanism to ‘help’ its ministers

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), which is a major partner in the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led coalition, is preparing to form a mechanism purportedly to help its ministers perform better. Click here to read…

Climate change is a disaster in the Nepal Himalaya- Nepali Times

October is buckwheat harvest time in the distant highlands of Dolpo. In the village of Tso, Namdak Sangmo watches other women from her village fling their sickles, stoop over to sling the sheaves on their shoulders, and bring the crop in. Click here to read…

Rains inflict 30 percent loss to paddy crops output in Chitwan- Republica

Incessant rains have inflicted 30 percent loss to the expected paddy crops output in Chitwan. The rainfall with wind storm caused damages to harvest-ready paddy plantation. Click here to read…

Finding a ray of hope in Nepal’s gloomy politics- Nepal Live Today

In many respects, what is tarnishing Nepali democracy at the national level is a generational problem with leaders too old to really imagine a different way of doing politics. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Govt plans subsidy on petrol for bikes, rickshaws: Dawn

Days after raising the petrol prices to a record level, the federal government has decided in principle to provide subsidised petrol to motorcycle and rickshaw owners. Click here to read…

15-day PDM protest against inflation begins: Dawn

Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on Wednesday kicked off its 15-day nationwide protest from Rawalpindi against continuous rise in prices of petroleum products and edibles. Click here to read…

Issues stymying CPEC projects remain unresolved: The Express Tribune

Third meeting of the Pak-China Relations Steering Committee reviewed the status of CPEC projects and found that a majority of its directives given in the first week of August had remained unimplemented. Click here to read…

Gen Qamar urges global efforts to avert humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

The meeting took place at GHQ, Rawalpindi, said a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Click here to read…

FATF’s plenary meeting scrutinises Pak compliance report: The News

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has been scrutinising Pakistan’s compliance report on two action plans and a total of eight points in its ongoing plenary meeting held in Paris. Click here to read…

No-confidence motion: 33 out of 65 vote against Balochistan CM: The News

A no-confidence motion against Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan was tabled in the Balochistan Assembly, Geo News reported on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

18,790 persons vaccinated against COVID-19 on Tuesday – Daily FT

Sri Lanka has thus far administered the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to 14,788,141 persons and the second dose to 12,839,638 persons. Click here to read…

Trade deficit tops $ 5.5 b by August – Daily FT

The country’s trade deficit topped the $ 5.5 billion mark by end-August as imports remained high despite many curtailing efforts. Click here to read…

India lays emphasis on culture diplomacy with Sri Lanka – Daily Mirror

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to inaugurate the Kushinagar International Airport with the landing of an aircraft from Sri Lanka with a high profile delegation on board. Click here to read…

Xi stresses sound development of digital economy: Xinhuanet
October 19, 2021

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has called for grasping the trend and law of digital economic development and pushing forward the sound development of the digital economy in the country. Xi made the remarks on Monday when presiding over a study session of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. Click here to read…

China deliberates draft amendment to Anti-monopoly Law: Xinhuanet
October 19, 2021

A draft amendment to the Anti-monopoly Law was submitted on Tuesday to the ongoing session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature, for the first reading. The draft amendment clarifies the basic position of competition policy and the legal status of the fair-competition review system. Click here to read…

China launches campaign against internet-user account malpractice: Xinhuanet
October 19, 2021

Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has launched a campaign with aims to effectively solve prominent problems in the operation of internet user accounts. User accounts for instant messaging, news and information, live streaming, online gaming, e-commerce and other types of online platforms will be the focus of the campaign, said the CAC on Tuesday. Click here to read…

IPR regulator steps up building think tanks: China Daily
October 18, 2021

China’s top regulator of intellectual property rights said it is advancing the building of IPR think tanks to meet goals in a central plan and help the country effectively solve IPR-related problems in the new era. Click here to read…

CPC appoints seven to key Party posts: China Daily
October 20, 2021

The Communist Party of China Central Committee announced the appointment of new Party secretaries for two autonomous regions and five provinces on Tuesday. Wang Junzheng, former Party chief of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, has been appointed Party secretary of the Tibet autonomous region, the CPC Central Committee said.
Click here to read…

Five CUHK students get up to 59 months’ jail over riots: China Daily

The District Court on Tuesday sentenced five Chinese University of Hong Kong students to up to four years and 11 months in prison for their roles in the rioting that took place at the university’s campus in 2019. The five defendants, aged between 20 and 23, were arrested for participating in the violent clashes with the police force on a bridge at the CUHK on Nov 11, when the city was rocked by months-long social unrest. Click here to read…

Social media accounts of fake government organizations and zombie fans among main targets of China’s top cyberspace regulator campaign: Global Times
October 20, 2021

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), China’s top cyberspace regulator, held a working meeting on Monday on the “Clear and Bright” campaign and stressed certain accounts as major targets, including the accounts of banned users and “zombie followers” of celebrities. Owners of illegal accounts that were shut down according to the law and platform rules are not allowed to open new accounts with the same or similar names. The owner should be banned from registering for a new account for a period based on the severity of the violations, according to the meeting of the CAC. Click here to read…

China’s top economic planner vows ‘all necessary means’ to curb ‘irrational’ coal prices: Global Times
October 19, 2021

China’s top economic planner on Tuesday vowed to resort to all necessary means based on the country’s price law, mulling concrete measures to intervene in coal prices, as the official stance grows harsher on runaway coal prices that have put energy supplies at stake. The National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) said that coal prices have become completely divorced from the fundamentals of supply and demand and as the heating season approaches, prices are still showing a further trend of irrational rises. Click here to read…

China sends in 100 rocket launchers to fortify border with India: South China Morning Post
October 19, 2021

China has deployed more than 100 advanced long-range rocket launchers to its high-altitude borders with India, according to a source close to the Chinese military, as the two sides remain deadlocked over their protracted boundary disputes. The source said the People’s Liberation Army was ramping up defences in preparation for the Himalayan winter and in response to the Indian Army’s deployment of three regiments with M777 ultra-light howitzers along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. Click here to read…

China’s property, construction sectors contract as Evergrande crisis, tougher regulation hit home: South China Morning Post
October 19, 2021

China’s property and construction sectors contracted in the third quarter for the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, hurt by a slump in real estate as the China Evergrande Group debt crisis and the effects of Beijing’s tougher property market regulation spread to other parts of the economy. Output in the real estate and construction industries shrank 1.6 per cent and 1.8 per cent respectively in the third quarter of 2021, according to a supplemental report on China’s gross domestic product released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China’s Canton Fair wraps up, but exporters lament the lack of foreign buyers: South China Morning Post
October 20, 2021

Canton Fair participants said global inflation was the biggest risk for their businesses as they attended the biannual trade event in person for the first time in three exhibitions.

The five-day fair – the largest of its kind in China – kicked off last Friday in Guangzhou, but many Chinese exhibitors said they were disappointed at the lack of foreign buyers, with some packing up and leaving early on the last day of the fair on Tuesday. Many exporters taking part in the exhibition, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), said they had not signed up or approached new foreign buyers during the event, while domestic buyers showed little interest in placing orders. Click here to read…

China updates official news sources list to tighten information oversight: Reuters
October 20, 2021

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the country’s top internet regulator, published an updated list on Wednesday of 1,358 internet news services, stating that information service providers can only reprint news from these sources. The list arrives amid a regulatory crackdown on a range of industries from Chinese authorities, including the media sector. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Leaders, Citizens Say Khalilzad Involved in Afghan Collapse: Tolo News

Former US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad’s resignation on Monday drew sharp reactions from both Afghan politicians and citizens. Click here to read…

IMF predicting 30% shrink in Afghanistan’s economy after Taliban takeover: The Khaama Press

International Monetary Fund in its latest regional economic report said that the gross domestic products of Afghanistan could see a 30% contraction after the Taliban took over the country and foreign aids halted. Click here to read…

Russia to end its diplomatic presence in NATO: The Khaama Press

Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said that his country will terminate its diplomatic mission in NATO and will end its diplomatic status in the organization in November. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Delegates Prepare for Moscow Meeting: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate’s delegation led by Andul Salam Hanafi, second deputy PM, left Kabul on Tuesday to attend the Moscow meeting on Afghanistan scheduled for Wednesday. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Near 16 million people waiting for Covid-19 vaccine- Dhaka Tribune

Nearly 16 million people have completed registration on the Surokkha website and are still waiting for their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Click here to read…

NHRC to investigate Pirganj incident- Dhaka Tribune

The probe body will investigate human rights violations or negligence in duty. Click here to read…

Pakistan ISPR claims blocking Indian submarine from entering- Daily Star

The Pakistan Navy detected and blocked an Indian submarine from entering Pakistani waters on October 16, the military’s media wing revealed on Tuesday. Click here to read…

OP-ED: Are we a secular society?- Dhaka Tribune

Human rights treaties propagate three core obligations — respect, protect, and fulfill — to ensure human rights in different national jurisdictions. Click here to read…

PM for stern action over attack on Hindu community- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday asked Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to take immediate action against the perpetrators involved in the recent vandalism at puja mandaps and arson attack on the houses of the Hindu community. Click here to read…

10,000 families marooned as Teesta flows above danger level- The Observer

Over 10,000 families in char areas at three upazilas–Patgram, Hatibandha, and Kaliganj– became marooned after the water level started rising from 8:00pm on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

China hails MoU with Bhutan, blames India for souring ties with Thimphu- Hindustan Times

China on Friday said the signing of a Sino-Bhutan memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the bilateral boundary dispute will make “significant contributions”. Click here to read…

Incessant rain affects paddy growers- BBS

Paddy growers are facing a tough time as continuous rain lashed in most parts of the country’s western and central regions causing damage to the matured crop ready for harvest. The continuous rain in the last two days has dashed the hopes of farmers. Click here to read…

Will India’s looming power crisis affect the country’s power import during the lean season?- BBS

With the possibility of the 1020 MW Tala Hydropower Plant having to undergo major maintenance this winter, the limited power generation during the lean season will hit hard the country. Click here to read…

Tala Plant could be temporarily shut down in winter- BBS

The Tala Hydropower Plant (THP) in Chhukha could be shut down for three months in winter. A group of international experts is currently analysing an inspection report of the plant’s headrace tunnel. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives achieves 90 pct of tourism target for 2021 – Xinhuanet

The Maldives has achieved 90 percent of the projected tourism arrivals for 2021, state-owned PSM News citing data from the Ministry of Tourism reported here. Click here to read…

ITB China announces the Maldives as Official Island Travel Partner 2021 – Travel Daily

In 2021 they will be the Official Island Travel Partner for the upcoming ITB China, set to take place from 24 – 26 November as a physical event in Shanghai, with a virtual extension from early November until the end of December. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar military prepares an onslaught for the ages – Asia Times

Sooner or later Myanmar’s military was bound to wheel out the big guns. Since March, when peaceful protest against the February 1 coup turned to armed resistance, the generals in Naypyidaw have watched too much go too wrong in too many places for too long. Click here to read…

Myanmar leader says ASEAN blind to opposition’s violence – Daily Herald

The leader of Myanmar’s military-installed government said Monday that other Southeast Asian countries should share responsibility for failing to help quell the violence that has engulfed his nation since the army seized power in February. Click here to read…

Myanmar to send ‘non-political, high-level’ envoy to ASEAN Summit – Benar News

Myanmar will send a “non-political, high-level” envoy to next week’s summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an official said Tuesday, after the bloc barred junta chief Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing from attending, citing a lack of cooperation by the military regime. Click here to read…

ASEAN Downgrades Myanmar Presence in Summit in Major Rebuke – The OWP

In their most pointed dismissal of Myanmar’s military junta yet, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has agreed to exclude Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, from an upcoming summit. Click here to read…

Myanmar blames economic turmoil partly on foreign-backed sabotage – Business Live

Myanmar’s military-appointed authorities are doing their best to stabilise the kyat currency and support an economy in turmoil since a February coup, a minister said on Tuesday, blaming the crisis partly on foreign backers of its opponents. Click here to read…

Nepal

Three killed, 23 missing in Sudurpaschim- Himalaya

Three persons were killed and 23 went missing in landslides and floods triggered by incessant rainfall for the past three days in Sudurpaschim Province. Click here to read…

https://thehimalayantimes.com/environment/three-killed-23-missing-in-sudurpaschim

China to provide two million more doses of COVID vaccines- Himlaya

Minister of Foreign Affairs Narayan Khadka and Wang Yi, state councillor and minister of foreign affairs of the People’s Republic of China, held an hour-long telephone conversation this morning. Click here to read…

PM Deuba directs bodies concerned to gear up rescue, relief efforts- Himalaya

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has directed the authorities concerned to make arrangements for immediate rescue and relief of those affected by flood, landslide, and inundation following heavy rainfall in various regions of the country. Click here to read…

CPN-UML prepares new party statute- Himalaya

The new statute of the CPN-UML prepared after incorporating all the inputs received from the participants of the recently held first statute convention. Click here to read…

Himalayan floods a sign of worse to come- Nepali Times

Nepal’s trans-Himalayan district of Manang is located in the rain-shadow, and is a high altitude desert. Its average annual rainfall is barely 300mm, but it got nearly double that rain in just one week in June. Click here to read…

Early elections are in talks, but there are complications galore- The Kathmandu Post

A sizeable section of Nepali Congress leaders has been batting for “early” elections in April-May, proposing local and provincial elections in October-November 2022. Click here to read…

Govt Committed To Protect Democracy, Rule Of Law, Good Governance : Minister Karki- Rising Nepal

For three and a half years, Nepali Congress fulfilled the role of a responsible opposition and did not intend to form or join the government. But the situation necessitated it. Click here to read…

Three-Tier Elections Govt’s Top Priority: PM Deuba- Rising Nepal

Formed after prolonged political crisis, the government has the priority to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, provide relief to the victims of floods and landslides and hold elections of federal, provincial and local governments in time. Click here to read…

Flood sweeps away a vehicle in Dang- Republica

Chief District Officer of Dang Ram Bahadur Kurungwang said the swollen Khaura Khola in Gadhawa Rural Municipality-2 in the district swept away the vehicle. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Shaukat Tarin returns to Washington as IMF talks move forward: Dawn

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin returned to Washington to join the ongoing discussion with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), his office announced on Tuesday. Click here to read…

PM, President say Riyasat-e-Madina protected poor, minorities: The Express Tribune

The remarks were made in separate messages issued to mark the birth of the Prophet (PBUH) – a day being celebrated across Pakistan with religious zeal and fervour. Click here to read…

PM Imran to attend Green Initiative Summit in Riyadh: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran would attend the ‘Middle East Green Initiative Summit’ in Riyadh being held on Oct 25. Click here to read…

Military commanders promoted on basis of performance in state of Madina: PM: The Express Tribune

Addressing the Rahmatul lil Aalameen Conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, the premier vowed to turn the country into Madina-like welfare state to ensure merit and supremacy of law in the society. Click here to read…

Govt decides to reduce taxes on food items: The News

The government has decided to reduce taxes on the prices of food items amid rising inflation, sources told Geo News on Monday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

First batch of Nano Nitrogen liquid fertilizer arrives from India – Adaderana

Sri Lanka has received the first shipment of 100,000 litres of Nano Nitrogen liquid fertilizer, imported from India for cultivation in Maha Season. A special cargo flight chartered by Sri Lankan Airlines carrying the consignment left Hyderabad International Airport in India yesterday. Click here to read…

Flight from Sri Lanka to flag-off Kushinagar airport in India – Economynext

A flight from Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo carrying politicians and monks will be the first to land at Kushinagar International Airport in India, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narenda Modi. Kushinagar is the city where Buddhist believe Lord Buddha passed away known as Mahaparinirvana. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka imports top three year high by Sept 2021 amid money printing – Economynext

Sri Lanka’s imports hit 1.68 billion US dollars in September 2021, amid record money printing the highest since 2018 when money was also printed losing forex reserves, data show. The surge in imports came despite import controls. Up to August imports were 13.4 billion rupees, up from 10.25 billion rupees in 2020 and also up from 12.88 billion rupees in the pre-pandemic 2019. Click here to read…

‘SL faces substantial credit risk, default a real possibility’ – Ceylon Today

Sri Lanka’s economy faces substantial credit risk, with default ‘a real possibility’, Fitch Ratings said today (19). The Singapore-based ratings agency also revised Sri Lanka’s growth forecast for 2021 to 3.3 per cent from 3.8 pc, due to the surge in coronavirus cases in July-August. Click here to read…

CPC Central Committee plenary session to review key resolution: Xinhuanet
October 18, 2021

The 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee will hold its sixth plenary session in Beijing from Nov. 8 to 11, during which a key resolution on the major achievements and historical experience of the Party’s 100 years of endeavors will be reviewed. This was decided at a meeting of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau on Monday. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting. Click here to read…

China to promote national border and coastal defense infrastructure construction: China Military
October 18, 2021

A meeting aims to promote national border and coastal defense infrastructure construction was held in China’s Guangzhou from October 14 to 15. Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe, as well as heads of member units of the State Committee of Border and Coastal Defense, and leaders of military and civilian departments from China’s border and coastal provinces, attended the meeting. Click here to read…

CPC appoints new Party chiefs for 5 provincial-level regions: China Daily
October 19, 2021

The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee has announced a decision to appoint new Party chiefs for the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jiangsu, Jiangxi and Hunan and the Tibet autonomous region. Click here to read…

West-hyped ‘nuclear-capable hypersonic missile’ is a spacecraft in reusability test; peaceful use of space stressed, says Chinese Foreign Ministry: Global Times
October 18, 2021

It was a routine spacecraft experiment to test the technology of spacecraft reusability, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Monday, responding to the Western media hyping of what they claimed China’s launch of a “nuclear-capable hypersonic missile” in August. Zhao made the remarks on Monday during a regular press conference. He was commenting on a Financial Times report that said China launched such a missile which circled the globe before speeding toward its target. The report said the test demonstrated “an advanced space capability that caught US intelligence by surprise.” Click here to read…

Beijing gets go-ahead to enable foreign access to VPN services: Global Times
October 18, 2021

The State Council, China’s cabinet, on Monday gave the green light to Beijing’s plan to allow foreign shareholding of no more than 50 percent in domestic virtual private network (VPN) services as part of the capital city’s moves to open up its services sector. The opening-up move intends to attract foreign telecom operators to provide VPN services for foreign-invested firms in Beijing via the set-up of joint ventures, according to an announcement posted on the central government’s website on Monday. Click here to read…

China’s market regulator adds staff in antitrust bureau as crackdown continues: Global Times
October 18, 2021

China’s top market regulator is planning to hire more employees in its Beijing head office, with the anti-monopoly bureau getting the largest number of new hires, reflecting the agency’s priority to continue the crackdown campaign against monopolies. The State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) plans to hire 33 staff in its 2022 civil servant intake, with 18 designated for the anti-monopoly bureau, more than half of the total planned new hires. Click here to read…

China promotes its most sanctioned official to Tibetan party chief: South China Morning Post
October 19, 2021

A senior official sanctioned by the US, Britain, the European Union and Canada for his role in China’s far western Xinjiang region has been appointed to the top job in Tibet. Wang Junzheng’s promotion to party chief of the Tibet autonomous region was announced in Chinese state media on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Communist Party’s picks to join Xinjiang leadership point to focus on security: South China Morning Post
October 18, 2021

Beijing has appointed a Guangdong veteran and two Uygur cadres with significant security and development experience to the Xinjiang Communist Party committee, Xinjiang Daily reported. He Zhongyou, 55, worked for over three decades in the prosperous Guangdong province, and was a top official in Hainan. He has become one of five deputy party secretaries to Chen Quanguo, the Xinjiang party chief since 2016. Click here to read…

China’s semiconductor industry faces a growing talent shortage as Beijing aims for global dominance in chip manufacture: South China Morning Post
October 18, 2021

China faces a chronic shortage of scientific and engineering talent that may hamper its efforts to become a semiconductor superpower and reduce its reliance on imported chips, according to industry figures. The problem is becoming more acute as the fledgling industry evolves amid a dearth of qualified senior professionals, they said. Click here to read…

PRC mulls opening social media content to search: Taipei Times
October 19, 2021

China is considering asking media companies from Tencent Holdings Ltd to ByteDance Ltd to let rivals access and display their content in search results, a move that could further eradicate online barriers and shake up the Internet advertising arena. The Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is debating rules to make hundreds of millions of articles on Tencent’s WeChat messaging app available via search engines such as that run by Baidu Inc, people familiar with the matter said. Click here to read…

China drafts law to punish parents for children’s bad behavior: Reuters
October 18, 2021

China’s parliament will consider legislation to punish parents if their young children exhibit “very bad behaviour” or commit crimes. In the draft of the family education promotion law, guardians will be reprimanded and ordered to go through family education guidance programmes if prosecutors find very bad or criminal behaviour in children under their care. Click here to read…