Afghanistan

Deputy Minister Reiterates Commitment to Fight Drugs: Tolo News

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

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

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

Bangladesh

Senior ministers sound alarm over foreign interference – Dhaka Tribune

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

Hydropower revenue to drop by 4 percent – Kuensel online

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

Maldives

Cambodia eyes rice sales to Maldives – Phnompenh Post

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

Myanmar

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

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

Myanmar Junta’s Worst Massacres of 2022 – The Irrawaddy

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

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

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

Nepal

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

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

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

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

A parlous path ahead for Rabi Lamichhane – The Kathmandu Post

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

Finance minister inherits a troubled economy again – The Kathmandu Post

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

Pakistan

Shehbaz renews pledge to crush terrorism menace: Dawn

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

Distribution of dry rations at Abhayagiriya – Daily Mirror

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

Afghanistan

Uzbekistan NSA: It is Important Afghanistan Not Be Isolated: Tolo News

Uzbekistan National Security Advisor Victor Mohammadov said that it is “important” to not allow Afghanistan to be Isolated or to leave it on its own. He made the remarks at the first India-Central Asia Meeting of the National Security Advisers/Secretaries of Security Councils. “Afghanistan is one of the important factors of security and steady development of Central Asia and South Asia,” he said. “It is important that we do not allow Afghanistan to be isolated and leave it on its own to deal with the social, economic, and humanitarian crisis. It is important… because this will lead to increasing poverty in the region which we are already feeling ourselves. Click here to read…

Amiri Visits Indonesia for Intl Conference on Afghan Women’s Education: Tolo News

The US special envoy for Afghanistan women and human rights has begun a trip to Indonesia, Switzerland and Turkey from December 5-12, the US Department of State said in a statement. “Special Envoy Amiri will participate in the International Conference for Afghan Women’s Education co-hosted by the Governments of Indonesia and Qatar to support Afghan women and girls’ access to education,” the statement reads. This comes as students called on the caretaker government to provide educational opportunities for them. Click here to read…

Kazakhstan Inks Agreement to Manage Hairatan-Mazar-e-Sharif Railway: The Khaama Press

The Afghan officials signed management of the Hairatan-Mazar-e-Sharif railway with a Kazakhstani company named Mansour Fatih, after months of discussion on the topic. The company will manage technical issues for the railway, getting paid over $4.1 million annually, according to sources. According to Bakht Rahman Sharafat, the acting head of Afghanistan Railway Authority, the current leadership will pay only about 25% of what the previous Uzbekistan company would receive for the service. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Dhaka, Delhi agree on security, border management to strengthen cooperation – Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh and India on Tuesday reiterated their commitment to further deepen and strengthen mutual cooperation in the security and border-related issues. The outcome came as the 18th meeting of the Joint Working Group (JWG) on security and border management between Bangladesh and India was held on December 5-6, according to a media statement issued by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. The Indian delegation was led by Piyush Goyal, additional secretary, Indian Ministry of Home Affairs while Bangladesh delegation was led by AK Mukhlesur Rahman, additional secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs. Click here to read…

Awami League, BNP at odds over Dec 10 rally – Dhaka Tribune

Tension over the BNP’s December 10 rally in Dhaka mounted high on Tuesday as the opposition party once again failed to reach an agreement with the government and law enforcement agencies on the venue of its rally. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) sources said the BNP must hold the rally at Suhrawardy Udyan, as it has been given permission to use the venue. However, the BNP leaders are adamant that they will not hold the rally there, although mentioning that they are open to other options. Click here to read…

What Bangladesh must do now as a global climate leader? – Daily Star

In Bangladesh, we have an opportunity to lead the other LDCs by taking forward the proposal to set up a National Mechanism for Loss and Damage (NMLD) as a public-private partnership under the leadership of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as well as the ministries of disaster management, finance, and planning. Together with private sector actors such as insurance companies, civil society and researchers, Bangladesh is in a position to become a pioneer in developing a national-level mechanism to deal with the inevitable losses and damages caused by climate change. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Not a good season for orange exporters – Kuensel Online

Mandarin orange farmers and exporters in the country could likely face a difficult season this year if Bangladesh decides not to import. As a measure to save its dwindling foreign currency exchange reserves, Bangladesh has restricted many import categories. In the case of mandarin oranges, one of the most exported cash crops from Bhutan, Bangladesh importers have not yet been able to provide Letter of Credits (LC) without which exporters in Phuentsholing have not been able to export. Click here to read…

Ramifications of the Tax Bill of Bhutan 2022 – Friedrich Naumann Foundation

The current parliament of Bhutan, the third in line, has in its eighth session introduced and endorsed the Tax Bill of Bhutan 2022 in a bid to address the shortage of foreign currency reserves, prioritize the local sector (whilst substituting potential imports with local products) and encompass amendments to laws pertaining to Custom Duty (CD), Sales Tax (ST) and Green Tax (GT). The proposal from the Finance Ministry is to increase taxes on goods that are harmful to health and the environment while reducing taxes on essential commodities. Click here to read…

Assam: Task force to deal with man-elephant conflict at Indo-Bhutan border formed – Northeast Now

The Dhansiri Forest Division Udalguri have taken up several measures to combat the acute man-elephant conflicts in the Indo-Bhutan border areas in the Udalguri district. According to reports, the department has formed special task forces to deal with the menace and drive away the herd of elephants descending into human habitation areas and paddy fields from the hills. Click here to read…

Maldives

Cabinet approves MoU with Maldives on immigration – Colombo Gazette

In the course of bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Maldives it has been proposed to establish a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in immigration matters between the two countries. Accordingly the Cabinet of Ministers approved the proposal presented by the Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles to enter in to a Memorandum of Understanding to improve and strengthen cooperation in immigration matters between the two countries. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka plans deal with Maldives to tighten border controls – EconomyNext

Sri Lanka’s cabinet of ministers had cleared a plan to enter into a deal with Maldives to counter illegal migration and tighten border controls. The Minister of Public Security had proposed to enter into memorandum of understanding agreement with Maldives immigration authorities to prevent “informal migration, human trafficking” and also tackle “blacklisted travelers”, a government statement said. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Online passport applications temporarily suspended – Mizzima

The Myanmar Passport Issuance Board announced on 4 December that the Online Booking System for obtaining a QR Code to apply for a passport will be temporarily suspended beginning 5 December. It said that the current system is being suspended so that it can be improved with the introduction of new technology that will allow people to make appointments easily and quickly 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta and Pakistan Boost Military Ties – The Irrawaddy

Senior Pakistan defense official Colonel Imran Khan visited the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw last week to discuss military cooperation with the junta, according to sources familiar with his visit. Colonel Khan’s two-day visit from November 29 to December 1 is the latest sign of the growing defense ties between Islamabad and Naypyitaw. The military regime did not comment on the attaché’s visit and no details of what was discussed have emerged. Click here to read…

New narrative: NUG claims it controls 60% of Myanmar – Khmertimeskh

He condemned the Junta Government for its unwillingness to end the violence and rocking the country. Duwa Lashi La also called for Asean and other international communities to give them the same support they have been providing to Ukraine. The military, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlain, on February 1, last year launched a coup against the civilian government led by State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi, bringing the country into unrest and turmoil. Click here to read…

Russian Trade Delegation Signs Seven Agreements With Myanmar Junta – The Irrawaddy

A second Russian trade delegation in a month is visiting Naypyitaw to boost bilateral economic ties. After talks with Myanmar junta boss Min Aung Hlaing and his ministers, Russian economic development minister Maxim Reshetnikov met business owners and signed seven agreements. No details were provided by the junta but Russian state news agency Tass reported that a joint protocol on trade, disease control, education and science was signed. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Nawaz greenlights poll prep as ‘N’ pushes back plans to ‘save assembly’: Dawn

In an apparent effort to dispel the impression that the PML-N is ‘running away’ from elections in Punjab, and seemingly out of legal options to forestall a possible dissolution of the provincial assembly, the party’s supreme leader, Nawaz Sharif, has directed the PML-N’s provincial chief to begin homework for shortlisting suitable candidates for polls. However, party leaders insist they’re only preparing for the eventuality where the province goes to polls; they believe the ruling coalition in Punjab would not dissolve the legislature. Click here to read…

Editorial: Disquiet on the western front: Dawn

It is very difficult for Pakistan to be delinked from Afghanistan, because of reasons of geography and history. Yet a strategically mature and realistic policy is needed to manage relations cordially with Pakistan’s western neighbour. At a recent consultative dialogue in Islamabad, former generals, diplomats and other experts put their heads together to discuss the situation, made all the more critical following the banned TTP’s rescinding of the ceasefire with the state. There was wide consensus that a reorientation or reformulation of Pakistan’s Afghan policy was required. But the million-dollar question remains: how? Click here to read…

Govt snubs talk of economic emergency: The Express Tribune

The government ruled out on Tuesday the possibility of imposing an economic emergency in the country to deal with one of the worst crises in its history but said it was contemplating energy conservation measures to reduce the import bill. In a statement, the finance ministry said that the government remained committed to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme and the talks for starting the review under the programme are at an advanced stage.
Click here to read…

Environmental emergency imposed in Punjab: The News

Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi on Tuesday imposed an environmental emergency in Lahore and other cities to reduce the smog, which has been declared a calamity. “There is a ban on burning crop residues across Punjab,” the CM said and ordered implementation of a plan designed to reduce smog. He said action should be taken to control the factors causing smog. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

President meets donor agencies for lengthy round table discussion – Daily News

The World Bank (WB), Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) representatives decided that a coordinated assistance programme supported by the multilateral financial institutions is required for Sri Lanka to recover from the economic crisis the country is currently facing. Click here to read…

Bilateral discussions – Daily News

President Ranil Wickremesinghe met with the British High Commissioner, Japanese Ambassador, US Ambassador, Indian High Commissioner and Australian High Commissioner in Colombo and exchanged views on bilateral development cooperation. Click here to read…

Sri Lankan HC in Pakistan visits Karachi to further business ties – Daily News

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in Pakistan Vice Admiral Mohan Wijewickrama who visited Karachi to engage with the business communities and in promotional activities formally handed over the Commission of Appointment to Barrister-at-Law and Senior Partner Mandviwalla and Zafar Mehmood Mandviwalla appointing him as Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka for Hyderabad in Sindh Province. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Zardari Expects to Talk With Kabul Over Threats Facing Pakistan: Tolo News

Pakistan’s foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said they are expecting to work with an “interim authority” in Afghanistan to “address the challenges posed by the terrorist organizations.” He made the remarks in an interview with Al-Jazeera in response to a question asked about Tahrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
Click here to read…

Mawlawi Yaqoob Meets with UAE President: Tolo News

Acting Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob, leading a delegation of the Islamic Emirate to the UAE, met with the President of the UAE, Sheikh Mohammad bin Zayed Al Nahyan, local news agencies reported.

Click here to read…

Iranian Envoy: US Seeks to Show Afghanistan in Shambles without Its Presence: The Khaama Press

Hassan Kazemi Qomi, the Iranian Special Envoy for Afghanistan, on Monday, December 5, said that the US has muddied the situation in Afghanistan by inflaming ethnic and religious conflict during the past year.
He further stated that the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) is still operational in Afghanistan, despite the military pullout, and that the US still has control over Afghanistan’s airspace.

Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Signs of the economy turning around in November –Dhaka Tribune

Latest data from Bangladesh Bank, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) and Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) shows that export earnings turned out to be a record $5.092 billion in November. The previous record was $4.9 billion in December last year.
Click here to read…

Dec 10 rally venue not fixed yet – The Daily Star

With only four days left for BNP’s December 10 rally in the capital, the complications over the venue are yet to be resolved. The party has sought the National Eidgah field for the rally after police denied the permission to hold it in the Arambagh intersection as an alternative to Nayapaltan and Suhrawardy Udyan. Police said they will not allow rallies or public gatherings on the streets of the capitals and such events can only be held on open grounds.
Click here to read…

Bad debts going worse – The Daily Star

Misgovernance, corruption, nepotism and subsequent bad debts keep plaguing the banking landscape of Bangladesh. Central bank data reveals that non-performing loans (NPL) have swelled to a whopping Tk 134,396 crore as of September this year, accounting for 9.36 percent of the total loans disbursed. Nearly 29 percent of the loans disbursed by the six state-owned banks have been defaulted on as of September. This is despite the relaxed loan classification rules to allow banks to window-dress their accounts and make their financial health look sound.
Click here to read…

Bhutan

Fighting corruption – Kuensel Online

A small country like Bhutan is finding it difficult to address corruption. For international visitors, this is something that they cannot comprehend. Why, they ask. We do not have adequate answers. In Bhutan, corruption cases are on the rise and are difficult to treat. This is from Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) annual report 2021-2022.
Click here to read…

Maldives

BML celebrates International Day of Persons with Disabilities – Raajje

The country’s national bank revealed via a press release on Sunday, that they kicked off celebrations to commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, in partnership with the Maldives Deaf Association (MDA). As such, a children’s evening was held in Guraidhoo island of Kaafu atoll to celebrate the day. More than 200 individuals from the Home for People with Special Needs, joined the event to participate in the activities.
Click here to read…

MNDF seize 3 Sri Lankan vessels fishing sharks in Maldivian territory – Edition

The Maldives authorities apprehended three Sri Lankan vessels that were illegally fishing sharks within Maldivian territory. Maldives National Defence Force’s (MNDF) Coast Guard discovered the vessels while patrolling the country’s borders. The boats were inside Maldives territory and a large quantity of sharks and other varieties of fish were found onboard the vessels, MNDF reported. MNDF is currently attempting to bring the vessels to Malé; the authority stated they will be able to dock them near Kaafu atoll Dhoonidhoo sometime around 01:00 am on Tuesday. The Coast Guard confirmed that two of the three vessels were taken into custody earlier on 30 November. The vessels, “Banuzan” and “Rathu 01” had six Sri Lankans crew members.
Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Resistance Inflicts More Casualties on Junta Forces – The Irrawaddy

The Myanmar junta’s military suffered casualties as People’s Defense Force groups (PDFs) and an ethnic armed organization (EAO) attacked regime targets across the country. Incidents were reported in Kachin and Mon states and Sagaing, Magwe and Mandalay regions. The Irrawaddy has collected the following reports of significant attacks from PDFs and the EAO. Some military casualties could not be independently verified.
Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Takes Delivery of FTC-2000G Fighter Jets from China – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime has taken delivery of six FTC-2000G fighter jets purchased from China, according to Myanmar-based observers monitoring the regime’s air force. The six fighter jets arrived in November and are currently being checked over at Meiktila airbase in Mandalay Region before their deployment to Namhsan airbase in southern Shan State, according to regime air force sources. The jets are likely to be used in the regime’s ongoing airstrikes against civilians and resistance forces fighting alongside ethnic armed groups across the country.
Click here to read…

Myanmar remains on US religious freedom blacklist – UCA news

Military-ruled Myanmar has been named among 12 countries by the United States that are of “particular concern” for religious freedom violations. Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, joined China, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, Nicaragua and North Korea on Washington’s blacklist for having engaged in or tolerated particularly severe violations of religious freedom under the International Religious Freedom Act 1998, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Dec. 2.
Click here to read…

India and Myanmar Junta Using Rakhine Truce to Finalize Trade Corridor – The Irrawaddy

New Delhi is using the informal truce between Myanmar’s military regime and the Arakan Army (AA) in Rakhine State to finalize its mega transport project linking the two countries. Indian Consul Jay Krishna met junta-appointed Rakhine State chief minister Dr. Aung Kyaw Min for talks on the India-backed Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project on Friday, just days after the ceasefire began. The transport project, which is considered crucial for New Delhi’s ambitious Act East Policy, has been delayed partly by the fighting between junta forces and the AA, an ethnic armed organization that operates in Rakhine and parts of Chin State along the border with India and Bangladesh.
Click here to read…

Nepal

Four ruling parties agree to continue partnership – The Kathmandu Post
With the count of first-past-the-post votes completed and that of the Proportional Representation ballots nearing end, the ruling coalition partners held their first meeting at Baluwatar and decided to continue with the existing five-party alliance led by the Nepali Congress.
Click here to read…

Embankment row highlights urgency of settling border issues with India – The Kathmandu Post

Earlier in the day, Nepalis and those on the Indian side had chanted slogans against each other and pelted stones. At the root of the dispute is the ongoing construction of the embankment. Earlier, there had been an agreement between Nepali and Indian officials whereby both sides would refrain from constructing embankments along the disputed parts of the river.
Click here to read…

NC stands first in PA seat tally, clinches 110 out of 330 seats – Khabarhub

Out of 330 PA members elected from seven provinces, and the major ruling NC has won 111 seats. The party has emerged the largest party in three provinces: Bagmati, Gandaki and Sudurpaschim while the main opposition CPN-UML is the largest party in the Province 1, Madhes province and Lumbini province. UML has won a total 91 seats.
Click here to read…

Nepal opens nighttime business to boost its ailing economy, tourism income – The Kathmandu Post

After almost a decade and a half, the Nepali authorities have adopted a “liberal policy” to allow nighttime businesses across the country to flourish, thereby giving a boost to economic activities. Economists say it’s a landmark decision because the local economy benefits a great deal from a vibrant nightlife. But the policy is still restrictive.
Click here to read…

Pakistan

PDM amenable to ‘unconditional’ talks with Imran: Dawn

The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on Monday expressed its willingness to engage former prime minister Imran Khan in a dialogue to break the prevailing political impasse, but said it wanted the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) to let go of its conditions.

Click here to read…

Pakistan concedes to China’s demand: The Express Tribune

Pakistan on Monday caved in to China’s demand for opening a revolving bank account that would partially save Chinese power plants from circular debt but it may cause concern among officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Click here to read…

President’s caution to Imran Khan about ‘red barrier’: The News

PTI chairman Imran Khan was reportedly cautioned after the change of command in the army by President Arif Alvi to strictly direct his leaders and social media team not to attack the new army chief and the military. PTI chairman Imran Khan was reportedly cautioned after the change of command in the army by President Arif Alvi to strictly direct his leaders and social media team not to attack the new army chief and the military. A PTI source while sharing a screenshot of the Whatsapp message conveyed to the party leadership and the social media team, claimed that President Alvi conveyed to Khan that the new military establishment respect of the institution is like a ‘red-barrier,’ which should not be crossed.

Click here to read…

Stalemate on 9th review: IMF to stay engaged with govt on targets: The News

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will continue its dialogue and engagement with Pakistan on policies and reforms needed to keep bailout programme’s targets on track and to complete the pending ninth review, a Fund official said on Monday. An IMF review for the release of the next tranche under bailout funding has been pending since September, though Finance Minister Ishaq Dar’s last week said that Pakistan met all targets for the 9th review.

Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan leaders’ commitment to economic revival through reforms highly appreciable, ADB Vice President – Daily News

Asian Development Bank (ADB) Vice President Shixen Chen said international monetary agencies are highly impressed with the strength of the Sri Lankan leadership and its commitment to achieve speedy economic revival through reforms in monetary sectors. He stated this when he called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday (5) at the Prime Minister’s Office in Colombo. He said the current visit is aimed at finalizing proposed ADB projects for next year and assured ADB’s support for the country’s development and its efforts to overcome economic and fiscal challenges.
Click here to read…

President says no plans for reforms; stresses need for new economic model – Daily Mirror

“What is the plan for reform? Frankly, I have no plan for it. What reforms when we don’t have an economy,” Wickremesinghe told the inaugural session of Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2022, themed ‘Resetting from turmoil to opportunity’. The annual event, which was kicked off yesterday, is organise by the country’s premier business chamber, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. “The government will not have plans for reform. What we want to do is to build a new economy. But is the private sector ready for it? Can you handle the pain,” Wickremesinghe asked the business leaders present in the audience, who appeared shocked for a moment.
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Australian High Commissioner visits Hambantota Int’l Port – Daily News

As part of their visit to the Hambantota International Port (HIP) last week Australian High Commissioner Paul Stephens and his entourage learned about the activities and operations of the port. The High Commissioner who was visiting the South of Sri Lanka for the first time, showed special interest in the port’s ongoing business and the value addition HIP brings to the table, which would be a winning factor for possible collaboration in future. The entourage toured the port following the discussion.
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Afghanistan

Acting Min. Muttaqi Meets with Norwegian Charge d’Affaires: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, met with Norway’s chargé d’affaires in Afghanistan to discuss political and humanitarian cooperation. Amir Khan Muttaqi said during the meeting that attempting to leverage Afghanistan is useless and that the international community should instead choose the path of engagement. Click here to read…

Kabul Province Students Complain of Lack of Buildings, Teachers: Tolo News

Students complain of a lack of buildings and of teachers in the Khaki Jabbar District of Kabul. They said that the cold weather has made it difficult for them to continue their education and that they lack a proper space to study. “We ask them to build structures for us, because even when it rains we sit here,” said Hasib, a student. “The shop was cold, we came out and here the ground is wet, we ask them to build buildings for us, it’s cold here, we can’t study, we all get sick here,” said Mohammad, another student. Click here to read…

Yesterday’s Military Men, Today’s Coal Mining Workers; Mine Collapse Kills 2 Miners: The Khaama Press

Two military men of the fallen Afghan government, who worked at a coal mine in the northern province of Afghanistan after the Taliban’s takeover of the country, died after the mine collapsed, local sources said. Click here to read…

Events in motion to have new chief within the week: Dawn

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday sought a defence ministry summary for the appointment of the new army chief, along with the service dossiers of all prospective candidates, as the government seems set to name outgoing Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa’s successor by Friday. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

New Indian envoy calls on Momen – Dhaka Tribune

Newly appointed Indian high commissioner in Dhaka Praney K Verma yesterday made his maiden call on foreign minister Dr. AK Abdul Momen at the foreign ministry. Both considers India as the closest and the most important neighbor and termed the relations as “Solid and Unique one”. Momen stressed on Bangladesh as a “Regional Connectivity Hub” and India being the closest neighbor can reap the benefits of the connectivity outlook. He also referred to Indo-Pacific region, stressing upon the need for international rules and norms based free and fair connectivity amongst the countries of the region. Whereas the Indian envoy stressed upon the India’s Presidency of G20 and Bangladesh’s active participation to promote issues of mutual interest in the global discourseClick here to read…

21st century is Asia-Pacific century – New Age

THE US empire is going to face competition in the Asia-Pacific. Years ago, the empire could not have imagined it. The competition will be tougher. To the empire, the Asia-Pacific region was its own yard, a self-sphere for maneuvering, forward positioning to counter the then-Soviet Union and China, dominance, and resource and labor exploitation. All the economic potentialities of the region were within easy reach of the empire. That was the reality, and the empire imagined that this reality would perpetuate. Click here to read…

A red alert indeed – The Daily Star

We are shocked to learn that two militants escaped police custody from the Dhaka court premises on Sunday. Reportedly, four cops were escorting the two death-row convicts along with ten other militants to the prison cell when unidentified individuals attacked a constable, and snatched the two. Both were members of the banned militant outfit Ansar Al Islam, and convicted in the murder cases of slain publisher Faisal Arefin Dipan and blogger Avijit Roy. Such dangerous criminals being on the loose, amid suspicions of a resurgence in militant activities fueled by mysterious disappearances of young men in recent months, is indeed concerning. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Govt. recommends loan rescheduling to resolve NPLs – Kuensel Online

The government has recommended rescheduling the loan repayment period to the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) to resolve non-performing loans (NPL), Finance Minister Namgay Tshering said. Suppose the loan repayment period is extended from 10 to 20 years, it could benefit both the lenders and the borrowers, he said when quizzed by the Nanong-Shumar MP Lungten Namgyel on NPLs in the National Assembly on November 18. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives-Mauritius boundary dispute; the unspoken – Edition

For years Maldives has maintained its position regarding the boundary conflict it has with neighboring Mauritius, claiming the former’s decision to vote against the 2019 International Court of Justice (ICJ) advisory opinion has never been about supporting colonizers to maintain their colonial control – but rather it was always tied to the fears over Maldives possibly having to relinquish territorial control from part of its border, specifically by the disputed line. Click here to read…

Structural Issues Plague the Fight Against Terrorism in the Maldives – European Eye on Radicalisation

Known for being a popular tourist destination, the Maldives is facing a lesser-known challenge of extremism. It has more than 1,400 extremists residing within the country and is also holds the world’s highest record for foreign terrorist fighters per-capita. With the growing awareness of this challenge, the Maldives has undertaken various institutional, technical, and legal initiatives in recent years to tackle the problem. However, its reforms weigh thin against its broader domestic structural challenges that fuel extremism. Prevalent political, economic and social conditions, directly and indirectly, contribute to the country’s extremist challenges and even fuel them further. Click here to read…

Myanmar

India’s foreign secretary visits Myanmar, discusses border management – Business Standard

India’s Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Monday concluded a two-day visit to Myanmar during which he discussed issues relating to border management and security. Kwatra’s visit came amid escalating violence between ethnic armed organisations and the Myanmar army that could have some impact on the border regions in India’s northeastern states. Click here to read…

Russia, Myanmar Only States to Use Landmines in 2022, Report Says – VOA

Russia and Myanmar are the only two countries to have used antipersonnel mines this year, according to the latest annual report from the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL). Neither country is among the 164 states that are party to the 1997 Mine Ban Treaty. Click here to read…

Myanmar crisis: Rights expert urges Korea to play ‘enhanced leadership role’ – UN News

Concluding a six-day official visit to the Republic of Korea (ROK), a UN-appointed independent human rights expert urged the country to help reverse the international community’s failure to address the crisis in Myanmar by taking the regional lead in ending violence against civilians there. “The Republic of Korea can play a vital leadership role in denying the Myanmar junta the means to continue holding 54 million people hostage while becoming a leader in providing humanitarian support to those in desperate need’’, said Tom Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, in a statement on Monday. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal poll results signal upset – Nepali Times

While early results show that the rivalry between the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML that dates back 30 years is still as fierce as ever, Nepal’s politics may be seeing the dawn of a new era. The reason for this appears to be mainly that many supporters of the NC and Maoist-Centre voted for independents or rebel candidates, rejecting the alliance of convenience between the right and left-wing parties. Although the UML is also losing a lot of votes to new and independent candidates, the opposition UML appears to have been able to better ride out the storm. Click here to read…

Rastriya Swatantra Party emerges as third largest in initial PR votes count – My Republica

The newly-formed Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)-led by Ravi Lamichhane has stood third in the Proportional Representation (PR) electoral system in the initial vote counting. According to the EC data, the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) has secured 7,881 votes and the CPN-UML 6,486 votes under the PR electoral system. CPN (Maoist Center) is trailing behind the RSP with a total of 2464 votes followed by RPP with a total 1813 votes so far. Click here to read…

Could the rise of Rastriya Swatantra Party boost anti-federal forces? – The Kathmandu Post

The newly formed Rastriya Swatantra Party, which is doing rather well in the federal elections based on votes secured in the early stages of vote-counting, didn’t field candidates in provincial elections. Lamichhane is not the only next-generation leader with reservations over the current provincial setup. Balen Shah, mayor of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City, was also seen avoiding casting votes for provincial candidates. After Shah cast his vote in federal elections, the police personnel present at the polling booth appeared to have asked him to also vote for provincial assembly candidates. He ignored the call. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pak-Afghan border reopens after a week: Dawn

Pakistan on Monday reopened its border with Afghanistan at Chaman, which remained closed for a week hampering trade between the two neighbouring countries as well as the movement of people through the Friendship Gate. Click here to read…

Pakistan’s default risk worsens: The Express Tribune

The perception of Pakistan’s risk of default has worsened with the five-year credit default swap (CDS) surging by 30 percentage points in a week to 93% on Monday ahead of the repayment of $1 billion for a maturing international bond early next month. Click here to read…

Inquiry into Bajwa family tax record leak ordered: The Express Tribune

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has taken serious notice of the illegal and unwarranted leakage of tax information of the family members of General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance on Monday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Govt’s intention to resume negotiations on FTAs – Secretary to the President – Daily News

The Government’s intention was to resume negotiations on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), said Secretary to the President Saman Ekanayake. It is the vision of the President that Sri Lanka will integrate with the global value chains and with the largest economies in South Asia and East Asia and then expand to the eastern region linking to the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). Further, the Secretary to the President invited private sector stakeholders to creatively engage in this development initiative as they are the ultimate beneficiaries.He made these observations during an awareness session on the resumption of negotiations of Free Trade Agreements held for Trade Chambers and Industry Advisory Committees at the Finance Ministry in November (16). Click here to read…

ADB to help set up University on Climate Change – Daily News

The Commonwealth and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have come forward to help Sri Lanka to set up a University on Climate Change, Senior Advisor to the President and United National Party (UNP) Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said.He said that the above was agreed during the meetings held on the sidelines of the COP 27 in Egypt. He pointed out that a number of countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and Korea are willing to help Sri Lanka to face the impacts of climate change, adding that the Government intends to discuss with them in the near future. Click here to read…

President assures his support to expand Scout Movement – Daily News

President Ranil Wickremesinghe assured to provide the necessary assistance to expand the Scouting Movement by increasing its membership to 200,000 covering all nine provinces by 2024. The President also mentioned that he would seek the support of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Youth Affairs for this purpose. The Sri Lanka Scout Association officially conferred the title of Chief Scout and Patronus to President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday morning (21) at the President’s Office, where he made these comments. Click here to read…