Afghanistan

Mujahid: Kabul Investigating Biden’s Claims on Killing Zawahiri: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate said that it was not aware of the al-Qaeda leader’s presence in Kabul or his trip to the city, responding to US President Joe Biden’s claims of killing Zawahiri. Click here to read…

U.S. Proved Afghanistan Not Safe-Haven for Al-Qaeda: Kirby: The Khaama Press

John Kirby, the NSC coordinator for strategic communications at the White House, said at a press conference Wednesday that Afghanistan is not a safe-haven for Al-Qaeda members, addressing the recent drone strike that killed the group’s leader Ayman al-Zawahri in Kabul. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Trade, Connectivity, Tourism: Bangladesh, Nepal seek greater collaboration: Dhaka Tribune

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam has laid emphasis on greater collaboration with Nepal in sectors like hydroelectricity, tourism, connectivity, trade and people to people contacts. Click here to read…

Out-of-box’ solution will bring economy back on course Says new BB governor: Daily Star

In a time of elevated inflation, the interest rate is the handiest tool in the box to restore order. And yet, the new Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder, in his maiden press conference yesterday, remained defiant that it would not be used. Click here to read…

Bhutan

“Special concession” on export of wheat and sugar to Bhutan – KuenselOnline

The Government of India (GoI) has given a special concession on the export of wheat and sugar to Bhutan. The Embassy of India in Thimphu has written a letter to the foreign affairs ministry on July 25, stating that “in view of friendly relations with Bhutan, the concerned authorities in India have made a special exception for Bhutan by permitting the export of 5,000 metric tonnes (MT) of wheat from India to Bhutan on the government to government request basis.” Click here to read…

Arunachal: Governor emphasises strengthening relations with Bhutan – AP Direct

“Both Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan have strong traditional and cultural links. There are great similarities in their social and cultural heritage,” Mishra said while interacting with Jigme Thinyle Namgyal, the Consul General of Bhutan in Guwahati, who called on the governor at Raj Bhavan here on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Maldives

India’s challenges in Maldives – Deccan Herald

Maldives President Ibrahim Solih visited India earlier this week, with a high-level official and business delegation and met India’s top political leadership as well as business leaders in Delhi and Mumbai. Click here to read…

MMPRC promotes Maldives in Germany – Raajje

MMPRC shared that the corporation is collaborating with Dotcom Arabia to promote the Maldives in Germany. As such the promotion campaign will be held in August 2022. Click here to read…

USAID grants USD 300,000 to Maldives – Raajjje

The grant was awarded to Maldives under the USAID Maldives’, Climate Adaptation activity.

USAID works in partnership with the people of Maldives to increase prosperity, promote inclusive economic growth, and enhance the resilience of the country’s resources to shocks and stresses using a variety of approaches, projects, and partners. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Long-awaited Rohingya report provides new evidence of genocide in Myanmar – Jurist

The Commission for International Justice and Accountability (CIJA) released its long-awaited report Thursday on the Rohingya genocide in Myanmar. CIJA began its investigation in 2018, looking for evidence to clear a path toward international criminal prosecutions. CIJA has previously worked in Syria, gathering evidence on Bashar Al-Assad and ISClick here to read…

Myanmar charges Japanese journalist with dissent against army – Al Jazeera

A Japanese journalist detained in Myanmar has been charged with breaching immigration law and encouraging dissent against the army, the ruling military administration said. Click here to read…

Arakan Army detains ALP executive committee member and Grade 8 student – BNI Online

Lieutenant Colonel Khaing Paw Lin, an executive committee member of Arakan Liberation Party (ALP), and a Grade 8 student were taken from their home by members of the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) in the Arakan State capital Sittwe on August 2, an ALP official said. Click here to read…

More of the same – The Statesman

UN experts and rights groups are more critical of government repression, which is marked by arbitrary arrests and killings, torture and military “sweeps” that include air attacks and burning down of entire villages. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal to go to polls in Nov as economic alarms ring – The News

The Nepali government on Thursday set a general election date for November, as the landlocked Himalayan country faces growing economic pressure from falling tourism income and lower overseas remittances. Click here to read…

NC leader Nidhi meets Indian Ministers Nitin Gadkari, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat – My Republica

Former Vice President of Nepali Congress (NC) Bimalendra Nidhi has held a meeting with Indian Minister for Road Transport and Highways of India Nitin Gadkari in New DelhiClick here to read…

Pakistan

NAB bill passed amid PTI uproar: Dawn

The opposition resorted to protests after Minister of State for Law and Justice Shahadat Awan moved a motion seeking suspension of rules to introduce the NAB amendment bill. Mr Awan’s request was opposed by the opposition on the grounds that the coalition government wanted to save its leadership by clipping NAB’s wings. The government, however, said the bill was being moved in the public interest. Click here to read…

‘Secret powers’ want to rig elections through ECP to control public: Imran: The Express Tribune

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan has said that the ruling alliance after failing in its all attempts to control the “people of Pakistan” is now trying to steal the public mandate through the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), terming the electoral body a major hurdle in achieving “real freedom” through strong democracy. Click here to read…

Govt agrees to deregulate oil prices: The Express Tribune

The government has agreed to give a free hand to the oil industry to set petroleum product prices by implementing a deregulation mechanism under the new proposed oil policy effective November 1, 2022. Click here to read…

PKR to Dollar: Rupee appreciates further: The News

The Pakistani currency gained further ground Friday against the US dollar in the interbank market as the country slowly recovers from the currency crisis amid hopes of the revival of the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) loan programme. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Protesters move court against bid to remove them: The Island

Several anti-government protesters at Gota Go Gama have filed four writ petitions at the Court of Appeal requesting the court to prevent the police from removing them from the Galle Face protest site. Earlier, the OIC at the Colombo Fort Police station issued written and oral orders. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka’s crisis an opportunity for more democratic, inclusive govt: Blinken: Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka is in a moment of challenge and crisis but has an opportunity to create a more democratic and inclusive government, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said yesterday.Blinken made the remarks in Cambodia at the start of a meeting with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ali Sabry, who said his country appreciates the U.S. role in securing support from the International Monetary Fund. Click here to read…

Countries must refrain from provocations – Ranil tells Chinese envoy: Daily Mirror

While claiming that countries must refrain from provocations which further escalate the current global tension, President Ranil Wickremesinghe informed the Chinese Ambassador in Colombo that Sri Lanka is committed to one-China policy. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Over 200 Afghan Media Outlets Shut Down in Past Year: Journalist Federation: Tolo News

The Afghanistan Federation of Journalists and Media expressed concerns over the situation of media in Afghanistan and said that over 200 media outlets have ceased operations and 7,000 media workers have lost their jobs in the past year. Officials of the group noted that they had made suggestions to the international community and the Islamic Emirate about the protection of media workers, but the problem has not been solved. Click here to read…

Hanafi Calls U.S. Drone Strike Violation of Doha Agreement: The Khaama Press

Abdul Salam Hanafi, the second Deputy Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate, said the United States drone strike in Kabul violates both national sovereignty and the Doha Agreement, according to sources. On Monday night, President Biden administration announced an American drone strike killed Al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri at an urban safe house in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Taliban Settles Multi-Million Dollar Unpaid Debt to Uzbekistan for Electricity: The Khaama Press

The Energy Ministry of Uzbekistan announced on Monday that Afghanistan has paid off its debt to Uzbekistan for the supply of electricity for the year 2021. Afghanistan has fully paid for the supply of energy in 2021 and is now making payments for the supply of electricity in 2022, according to the Uzbek Energy Ministry. Click here to read…

Drowning in Debt; Afghanistan Owes $28 Million to Tajikistan: The Khaama Press

Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) of Afghanistan owes Tajikistan $28 million for electricity, said Mohammad Omar Asuzada, the head of the national electricity company of Tajikistan, Barqi Tojik. In a press conference on August 1, the Tajik energy official stated that transferring money from the DABS company to Barqi Tojik became challenging after the banks responsible for purchasing electricity came under sanctions. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Mishra emphasizes on strengthening relationship between Arunachal and Bhutan – Arunachal Times

Governor B D Mishra has emphasized on strengthening the age-old relationships between Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan. “Both Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan have strong traditional cultural links and there are great similarities in their social and cultural heritage,” Governor said when Consul General of Bhutan, Royal Bhutanese Consulate General, Guwahati, Jigme Thinyle Namgyal called on him at Raj Bhavan here Wednesday. Click here to read…

Plan to secure tigers of the rivers – Kuensel Online

Golden Mahseer (Tor putitora), also known as Tigers of the Rivers, is an endangered fish species found in rivers of Southern and Eastern Bhutan. The fish is locally called sernya. Today, the fish faces threats from developmental activities, climate change and illegal fishing, among others. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Foreign secretary: No discussion on new loan during Chinese FM’s visit: Dhaka Tribune

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has said taking a new loan from China will not be a part of their agenda during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s upcoming Bangladesh visit. “This time, the issue of taking loan afresh isn’t there at least,” he said on Wednesday when a reporter wanted to know whether Bangladesh is going to take a loan from China again. Click here to read…

Businesses for using multiple currencies: The Daily Star

Bangladesh should cut its over-reliance on the US dollar and increase the use of other currencies such as the Chinese renminbi (RMB) in international trade to ease pressure in the foreign currency market, businesses saidClick here to read…

Editorial: Petrobangla’s dangerous dependency on gas imports: The Daily Star

Who gave Petrobangla the permission to spend Tk 2,000 crore from the Gas Development Fund (GDF) to import liquefied natural gas (LNG)? Certainly not the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC), even though Petrobangla is legally bound to ask the commission before spending from the fund, which was set up in 2009 for gas exploration. While officials are fully aware that this fund is not for gas import, the money, apparently, was taken as a loan for emergency circumstances with the approval of the Finance Division. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives President Concludes India Visit – Foreign Brief

The President of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih concludes a visit to India today. During the four-day official trip, Solih met with an Indian business delegation and held diplomatic talks with the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The two leaders discussed a number of issues around security and political cooperation. Click here to read…

President attends the India-Maldives Business Forum in Mumbai – Raajje

The India-Maldives Business Forum hosted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), brought together prominent business leaders from the Maldives and India to discuss promoting economic links between the two countries. Click here to read…

India to supply Landing Assault Craft, 24 Utility Vehicles to bolster Maldives’ maritime security – News On Air

Taking the time-tested India-Maldives defence & security partnership to a notch higher, India has announced the supply of a second Landing Assault Craft (LCA) and a replacement ship for earlier provided CGS Huravee to bolster the maritime apparatus of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). Click here to read…

Myanmar

Scandinavian governments condemn executions in Myanmar – ScandAsia

Scandinavia stands united in its condemnation of the recent executions in Myanmar. On July 26, the embassies of Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden in Myanmar all published strong language opposing the recent executions of four pro-democracy and opposition leaders in that country. This stands in line with the broader opposition to the use of the death penalty by the European Union. Click here to read…

Asean Five-Point Consensus achieves little in Myanmar: Hun Sen – Asia News Network

Prime Minister Hun Sen said the current situation in Myanmar is seemingly worse than it was before the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC) was reached in April last year, with the ongoing crisis exacerbated by the recent execution of four opposition activists. Click here to read…

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov visits Myanmar, backs junta’s efforts to ‘stabilise’ country – NE Now

Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov arrived in Myanmar on Wednesday for meetings with the country’s junta leaders. Russia backs the Myanmar junta’s efforts to ‘stabilise’ the crisis-wracked country, foreign minister Lavrov said during talks with Myanmar junta leadersClick here to read…

Friends of Japanese journalist demand his release in Myanmar – ABC News

Friends of Toru Kubota, a Japanese journalist detained in military-ruled Myanmar while covering a protest, called for his immediate release Wednesday and an online petition has collected more than 41,000 signatures. Click here to read…

Two students killed, three others injured as the carrying boat was shot at in Paletwa – Narinjara

A boat carrying a number of students was shot at in Nama Da creek of upper Kaladan river at around 2 pm on Tuesday, killing two students and injuring three others. The wounded, including two students and one school employee, were sent to Paletwa hospital in the evening hours. Click here to read…

Nepal

India set for Agnipath, worry in Nepal over Gorkha recruits – Indian Express

On his first visit to Nepal as Prime Minister in 2014, Narendra Modi told Nepal Parliament that there was no war India had fought in which Nepali blood had not been sacrificed. Praising the contribution and bravery of Gorkha soldiers in Indian Army, Modi said, “I salute the bravehearts who laid their lives for India.” Click here to read…

China using lending scam to destabilise India: Nepal police – Mid Day

A Chinese national, who has emerged as the brain behind the loan app racket and is wanted by the Mumbai and Odisha police, was in Nepal on July 25. Liu Yi escaped from the country after the police busted an illegal call centre in Rupandehi district for extorting money from Indian borrowers. Sources in Nepal police said they are worried about the recent trend of illegal activities targeting Indians being run from their soil. Click here to read…

116 Villages along Nepal border are now ‘Muslim majority’, madrasas and mosques mushrooming everywhere: Report – OpIndia

Intelligence agencies have recommended increasing the range of Border Security Forces (BSF) to 100 KM, owning to the unexpected demographic change in the border areas. As per reports, the Muslim population in border areas has increased by approx 32 per cent, significantly above the national average. Click here to read…

China says it appreciates Nepal’s longstanding commitment to ‘one China’ policy – In.Investing

Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi said on Wednesday that his country highly appreciates Nepal’s longstanding commitment to the “one China” principle and resolute opposition to “Taiwan’s Independence”. Click here to read…

Pakistan

NAB won’t be able to probe graft cases below Rs500m: Dawn

The National Assembly passed a bill on Wednesday that aims to further clip the wings of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) by proposing that all corruption cases involving an amount below Rs500 million would not come in its purview. Click here to read…

PTI files reference with Supreme Judicial Council, seeks removal of CEC: Dawn

A day after the announcement of the verdict by the Election Commission of Pakistan in the prohibited funding case, the Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaf moved a reference before the Supreme Judicial Council against Chief Election Commissioner Sikandar Sultan Raja on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Pakistan spends $1b for rebuilding of war-hit Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

Pakistan has contributed $1 billion to support the reconstruction of war-ravaged Afghanistan by building hospitals, schools and roads to manifest its commitment for a prosperous Afghanistan and falsify the impression of using the country as its proxy state. Click here to read…

Rupee gains significant ground against USD, trades at Rs228.50 in interbank: The Express Tribune

The Pakistani rupee made its first major recovery of around Rs10 to reach a one-week high of Rs228.50 against the US dollar in the inter-bank market on Wednesday. Click here to read…

China rolls over $2bn loan for a year: The News

China has rolled over $2 billion loan in safe deposits for cash-strapped Pakistan’s economy amid dwindling foreign exchange reserves, The News has learnt. Click here to read…

Downpour in July shatters 61-year record in Pakistan: PMD: The News

With 181% above average rainfall, July 2022 happened to be an excessive-rain month with 177.6mm of rain against its normal of 63.1mm making it the wettest July since 1961, said the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

BASL calls IGP to immediately probe recent shooting incidents and dead bodies found on Galle Face beach: Daily Mirror

The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has requested Inspector General of Police C.D. Wickramaratne to immediately conduct a fully-fledged investigation into the spate of shooting incidents and the dead bodies found on the Galle Face beach, the sources said yesterday. The BASL reportedly drew the attention of the IGP regarding the recent shooting incidents which have been reported from various parts of the country over several days, resulting in the deaths of several individuals. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka president thanks India for timely assistance: Times of India

As he called for an all party government to deal with the economic crisis Sri Lanka is facing, President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Wednesday thanked PM Modi for providing the island nation “a breath of life” by lending timely economic assistance. “I wish to specially mention the assistance provided by India, our closest neighbour, in our efforts of economic revitalisation,” he said. Click here to read…

Govt. formed by Ranil-Rajapaksa camp not an all-party arrangement – JVP: The Island

Declaring that President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his maiden policy statement delivered in Parliament yesterday, hadn’t said anything new or offered any hope for the country, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that an administration formed by Ranil-Rajapaksa camp couldn’t be considered an All-Party Government under any circumstances. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Biden: Zawahiri ‘Mastermind Behind Attacks Against Americans’: Tolo News

US President Joe Biden in a live address on Tuesday morning, Afghanistan time, announced the death of Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. In his speech, Biden said that Ayman al-Zawahiri was killed in an American drone strike in Kabul. Click here to read…

Afghan Refugees in Iran, Pakistan Call for UNHCR to Act: Tolo News

Afghan refugees in Iran and Pakistan have once more voiced their concerns about the lack of progress being made in their applications for asylum. They said that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and Western nations’ agencies in Pakistan have not paid attention to their requests. Click here to read…

Student Enrollment Plummets at Private Universities in Kunduz: Officials: Tolo News

The Union of Private Universities in Kunduz Province said that the number of students attending private universities has dropped by 65 percent in recent months. Officials at these universities added that in seven private universities of Kunduz the total number of students was around 5,000, whereas under the previous government the number exceeded 11,000. Click here to read…

Amount of Cash Aid to Afghanistan Surpasses $1 Billion 33 Million: The Khaama Press

According to the Taliban-run Central Bank of Afghanistan, a cash package containing $40 million arrived in Kabul on Tuesday, August 2, as part of continuous humanitarian assistance from the international community. The aid shipment, which arrived in Kabul today, was placed at one of the commercial banks, while a shipment totaling $40 million was handed to a commercial bank in Kabul two days ago. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Khalid welcomes US support for inland waterways management: Dhaka Tribune

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, has expressed hope that the US investment and technology will improve the waterways management of Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Minister: Madhukhali-Magura rail project to miss deadline: Dhaka Tribune

The railway project from Madhukhali to Magura via the Kamarkhali Broad Gauge will not be completed within deadline, says Railway Minister Nurul Islam Sujan. Even though the deadline will be extended, the project cost will remain unchanged, he said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Wheat prices may cool off in local market: The Daily Star

The price of wheat in Bangladesh may come down as its export from Ukraine has resumed following an agreement with Russia. Prior to the Russia-Ukraine war, 40 per cent of Bangladesh’s wheat import was made from the two countries. Click here to read…

Trade with neighbours to soar come 2029: The Daily Star

Bangladesh’s regional trade can increase by a staggering 93 percent thanks to the $1.4 billion project the World Bank has set in motion to accelerate trade and transport connectivity in Eastern South Asia — a development that can cushion the country from the anticipated export losses from LDC graduation. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Saving the majestic big cats – Bhutan Times

The Bhutan Center for Tigers and Department of Forests and Parks Services (DoFPS) had proposed for community-based tiger conservation fund to mitigate human-wildlife conflict which is the biggest threat in protection and conservation of tigers in Bhutan. Click here to read…

Concerns regarding loan repayment in the agricultural sector – Bhutan Times

Loan recipients from the agriculture sectors are concerned about their loan repayments after the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMA) released the terms of the fourth phase of monetary measures. A low-risk area, according to the RMA’s most recent risk assessment, is the agriculture sector. Click here to read…

Maldives

During Visit, Maldives President Reaffirms ‘India-First’ Policy – The Wire

Maldives President Ibrahim Solih on Tuesday reaffirmed the island nation’s “India-first” policy during his visit to New Delhi, with both countries reassuring each other that they continued to remain mindful of the other’s security concerns. Click here to read…

President Solih pays courtesy call on the President of India – Raajje

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has paid a courtesy call on the President of India Droupadi Murmu. The call took place at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi, India on Tuesday evening. During the meeting President Solih congratulated President Murmu on her inauguration to office. Click here to read…

President assures of conducive environment for foreign investments – Raajje

The President made this remark while addressing the India-Maldives Business Forum in New Delhi, India, on Tuesday. Inviting Indian entrepreneurs to the Maldives to explore business prospects, the President assured them of his commitment to facilitate a conducive environment for foreign investments. Click here to read…

India is highest priority, says Maldives President Solih after signing six agreements – the Hindu

The Maldives on August 2 signed a cyber security agreement with India as both sides affirmed bilateral will to strengthen ties to take on “transnational crimes and terrorism” in the Indian Ocean region. Addressing the media after the signing of six agreements, President Ibrahim ‘Ibu’ Solih expressed gratitude to India for the help extended to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and for providing a landing craft and utility vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar: Detainees tortured to crush opposition to coup – Amnesty.org

Authorities in Myanmar’s prisons and interrogation centres routinely subject people detained for resisting the 2021 military coup to torture and other cruel or degrading treatment, Amnesty International said today in a new briefing, more than a year and a half after the power grab shattered the country’s halting transition to civilian rule. Click here to read…

Myanmar Military’s Proxy Party Involved in Pro-Execution Rallies – The Irrawaddy

The Myanmar junta’s proxy Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) was involved in organizing pro-execution rallies held last week in Yangon and Mandalay. The rallies came as the executions of four pro-democracy activists in late July sparked condemnation around the world. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Unfulfilled Irenic Dream – The Irrawaddy

Now, “Peace in our time” as in 1938, is more than unlikely: a slogan rather than a plan. A need for hope sustains a beleaguered population, but a constant call for hope defies reality. Would that it were possible to offer it, but illusions destroy policyClick here to read…

Drugs smuggled from Myanmar seized in Assam, 3 held – Mangalorean

Smuggling of drugs from Myanmar continues unabated in northeast India with drugs, valued at Rs 15 crore, being seized by Assam Police and three persons were arrested in this connection on Tuesday, officials said. Click here to read…

Myanmar-China border town hit by bomb blast and shootings, killing 2 – SCMP

A bomb blast and a spate of shootings in a Myanmar-China border town have killed two people and wounded at least nine, rescuers and locals said.
No group has so far claimed the attacks in Muse – Myanmar’s main gateway to China – which is home to several militia groups jockeying for control over lucrative casinos and the drug trade. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s junta using Chinese face recognition tech to eliminate opponents – Business Standard

In order to expand its public surveillance capabilities, Myanmar’s military regime is using facial recognition technology, raising fresh concerns about the safety of democracy activists and resistance groups in Myanmar. Click here to read…

Russia’s Lavrov to meet military leader on visit to Myanmar -TASS – Reuters

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Myanmar on Wednesday, TASS news agency reported, marking one of the most high-profile visits to the Southeast Asian country since the military seized power in a coup last year. Click here to read…

Nepal

India-Nepal Ties Finally Easing Down, But Will the Momentum Last? – The Quint

As a result of the recent political engagements between the prime ministers of Nepal and India, some gains are visible in the relations between the two countries, which, not very long ago, witnessed a strain in the combined aftermath of the map row, COVID-19 related problems and domestic politics in Nepal. Click here to read…

A safer journey for vaccines – Relief Web

Across Nepal, cold chain support provided by the Government of Japan through UNICEF is helping to ensure that vaccines – both for routine immunization of children and COVID-19 protection – reach communities safelyClick here to read…

UN watchdog asks Nepal to split Civil Aviation Authority- Kathmandu Post

United Nations aviation watchdog International Civil Aviation Organisation has formally asked Nepal to split the civil aviation body into two entities—service provider and regulator. The separation is a crucial organisational reform agenda which has been a work in progress for the last one and a half decades. Click here to read…

Nepal Nearly Triples Its Wild Tiger Population in 13 Years – Yahoo

According to a report recently released by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), there are almost three times as many tigers in Nepal today as there were in 2009. This good news follows the upward trend of other tiger populations — 2016 marked the first time in 100 years that the world population of tigers increased. Click here to read…

Nepal doesn’t produce its 2 biggest export items – Nepal Times

How is that possible when the country does not even produce these commodities? The reason is that Nepal’s private traders import soyabean and palm oil in bulk and re-export them to India exploiting tariff differentials. Click here to read…

Pakistan

After 22 months, exports tumble 24pc in July: Dawn

The export proceeds fell 5.17 per cent to $2.21 billion in the first month of the current fiscal year from $2.34bn in the corresponding month last year, data from the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics showed on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Govt leaders want Imran banned, disqualified over ECP ‘charge sheet’: Dawn

Terming the Election Commission of Pakistan’s (ECP) verdict in the prohibited funding case of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) a “charge sheet” against the party, members of the ruling coalition claim it has proved ‘anti-Pakistan forces’ were behind establishment of the party, and labelled party chief Imran Khan everything from a liar, corrupt, foreign agent to a money launderer. Click here to read…

IMF toughens stance on loan tranche release: The Express Tribune

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday conditioned the approval of the $1.2 billion loan tranche in late August with Pakistan’s ability to timely secure ‘adequate assurances’ from friendly countries for more loans to bridge financing gap, exposing Islamabad to demands by its bilateral creditors. Click here to read…

Govt weighs knock-out punch: The Express Tribune

The ECP’s ruling that the PTI did receive prohibited funding after an eight-year delay has come as a shot in the arm of the beleaguered ruling coalition that swung into action on Tuesday to find ways to knock out the Imran Khan-led party. Click here to read…

Imran approves Punjab cabinet; no PMLQ member included: The News

According to sources, the cabinet consists of PTI MPAs only, while the party chief also withdrew two ministries given to the PMLQ in former Chief Minister Usman Buzdar’s cabinet. Mian Mehmood-ur-Rashid is likely to get the Ministry of Local Government, Yasmin Rashid the Ministry of Health, Mian Muhammad Aslam Iqbal the Ministry of Housing and Works and Dr Murad Raas the Ministry of Federal Education. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed makes phone call to Sri Lankan President: Daily Mirror

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has made a phone call to the President of Sri Lanka, Ranil Wickremesinghe, congratulating him on his election as the country’s new president. Sheikh Mohamed also wished him success in leading Sri Lanka towards stability and peace and overcoming the circumstances it is going through. Click here to read…

Immediate government assistance sought to avoid paralysis of tea exports: Daily Mirror

The Sri Lanka Tea Board (SLTB) along with industry stakeholders seeks a well-coordinated and synergised mechanism from the government to resolve the fuel and agrochemical shortages threatening Sri Lanka’s tea production and industry sustainability. Click here to read…

Bankrupt Sri Lanka seeks urgent help to feed children: Deccan Herald

The Ministry for Women and Child Affairs said they were seeking private donations to feed possibly several hundred thousand children wasting due to insufficient food. The bankrupt state, grappling with Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis. Click here to read…

Foreign Minister to attend 29th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Cambodia: News.Ik

Minister of Foreign Affairs, M.U.M. Ali Sabry will travel to Phnom Penh, Cambodia to take part in the forthcoming 29th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Ministerial Meeting from 4 to 5 August, 2022. The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) is composed of 27 members, Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Biden: Al Qaeda Chief Zawahiri Killed in US Drone Strike in Kabul: Tolo News

US President Joe Biden in a live address said: “Justice has been delivered” in US strike killing al-Qaida leader al-Zawahri; “this terrorist leader is no more.” He confirmed reports that began hours earlier about the attack. Click here to read…

Tashkent Mtg Participants Show Readiness to Engage With Kabul: Tolo News

Attending a session held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, the acting foreign minister said the Tashkent International conference was a good opportunity for engagement between the international community and Afghanistan. Minister Amir Khan Mutaqqi urged countries to accredit Islamic Emirate diplomats in order to create official engagement. Click here to read…

Joint Committee for Preventing Border Skirmishes to be Formed by Iran & Taliban: The Khaama Press

Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Iran’s special representative for Afghanistan, stated that a meeting was held with Iranian representatives and the Ministry of Defense of the Taliban government, announcing the formation of a joint committee to prevent border clashes. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Rise in remittance, dip in imports: Some breathing space for now: The Daily Star

The country’s economy has got a welcome respite from the ongoing volatility, thanks to a rise in remittance inflow and decrease in imports last month.Imports in July fell by 31 percent to $5.50 billion from $7.96 billion a month ago while remittance went up by 14 percent to $2.09 billion from $1.83 billion, shows Bangladesh Bank data.

Bangabandhu Mobile Railway Museum starts nationwide displaying: Dhaka Tribune

The “Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Mobile Rail Museum”’ has started its journey on the tracks on Monday, to convey the ideals and struggles of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to the people of Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Bangladesh receives ‘International Peace Award’: Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh has received “International Peace Award ” as one of the founding member of the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation. The foundation on Monday handed over the award over the award comprising of a crest and a letter to Mosud Mannan, ambassador of Bangladesh to Turkey accredited to Georgia. Click here to read…

PM Modi, Sheikh Hasina to inaugurate Maitree Power Project in Bangladesh: Hindustan Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina are expected to jointly inaugurate the 1320 MegaWatt Maitree Super Thermal Power Station when the latter visits India for a three-day visit in the first week of September. Touted to be Bangladesh’s largest power plant, the coal-fired station is being set up by Bangladesh India Friendship Power Company Limited, a 50:50 joint venture between India’s NTPC and Bangladesh Power Development Board. The project is worth USD 1.5 billion. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Is Bhutan’s economy headed for a similar economic crisis like Sri Lanka? – The Statesman

After the economic crisis of Sri Lanka, Pakistan’s name has been doing the rounds in the list f troubled economies. However, the latest entry in the list of economies facing acute crisis, is that of Bhutan. The import of non-essential goods could be discouraged and even restricted to control the widening trade deficit and protect the depleting foreign currency reserve. Click here to read…

Army Chief meets Bhutan King in Thimphu; focus on further boosting enduring strategic ties – The Hindu

Chief of Army Staff Gen Manoj Pande has met Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and other top civil and military leaders of Bhutan with a focus on further boosting enduring strategic ties. Click here to read…

ADB approves $10m loan to help Bhutan buy COVID-19 vaccines – Devidiscourse

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $10 million loan to help the Government of Bhutan purchase safe and effective vaccines against COVID-19. The project is part of ADB’s $9 billion Asia Pacific Vaccine Access Facility (APVAX) launched in December 2020 to offer vaccine-related support to ADB developing member countries. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives President Ibrahim Solih meets EAM Jaishankar in Delhi – Times of India

Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on August 01 met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in Delhi. President Solih is on a 4-day official visit to India. Click here to read…

Maldives confirms 183 new Covid-19 cases – Raajje

This was revealed by the Health Protection Agency ((HPA) in its latest figures publicized on Monday. As such, statistics revealed that between July 24 – 30, a total of 183 new Covid-19 infections were confirmed nationwide, including 33 from the Greater Malé Region, 85 from residential islands outside of the capital and 65 reported from others including industrial islands, liveaboard vessels and resorts. Click here to read…

Male Connectivity Project: India-Maldives mega infrastructure push – WIONews

In a major boost to ties between India and Maldives, the ground-breaking ceremony of the Maldives biggest infrastructure project will be held today in New Delhi. Maldives President is in New Delhi on a four-day visit. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Junta Extends State of Emergency – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military government has extended a state of emergency by six months, state media said Monday, with the junta chief saying elections could only take place when the conflict-wracked country was “stable and peaceful”. Click here to read…

Role Of External Powers In Keeping The Myanmar Military In Power – Analysis – Eurasia Review

The Myanmar junta is losing on the military and economic fronts. And yet, it stays in power because the major regional and global powers either pussyfoot on it or support it in one way or another, experts on the country say. Click here to read…

Myanmar military charges eight Mrauk-U men with incitement – BNI Online

The Myanmar military has filed an incitement lawsuit against eight residents in Arakan State’s Mrauk-U Township under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code at the Mrauk-U District Court, according to family members of the accused. Click here to read…

Three Brotherhood Alliance Condemns Regime Executions – BNI Online

The Three Brotherhood Alliance has criticised the execution of four political prisoners by the military regime, which threatens to further isolate them. “It is also totally against the ASEAN 5-point proposal…It is also against the path of national reconciliation proposed by the (ruling) State Administration Council (SAC),” said a 27 July joint statement by member groups, Palaung State Liberation Army/Ta’ang National Liberation Army (PSLF/TNLA), United League of Arakan/Arakan Army and Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal cenbank governor sees no need for IMF loan as tourism earnings rise – Reuters

Nepal sees no need to approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a fresh loan as pressure on foreign exchange reserves is easing after a pick up in tourism, its central bank governor said on Monday. Click here to read…

Human trafficking in India and Nepal – NewsUS

With economic opportunities further dwindling after the pandemic, millions more are at risk of Human trafficking across the world. Up to 800,000 people are estimated to be trafficked within Asia each year. In South Asia, India and Nepal are two of the most affected countries. Click here to read…

Nepal’s tea sector sees trouble brewing as India mulls restrictions on imports – The Kathmandu Post

Nepali tea producers and traders have been concerned ever since India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Commerce in June asked the Indian government to apply stringent requirements for the certificate of origin on tea imported from Nepal. Click here to read…

China wary of Indian influence in Nepal – Tribune India

Reports suggest that the Chinese are unhappy that Ambassador Hou Yanqui was unable to prevent Nepal PM Deuba from proposing the Millennium Challenge Corporation, though the Chinese did scuttle America’s State Partnership Programme. They claim the latter is also a military alliance that allows US troops to enter Nepal at will and use its facilities and infringes Nepal’s sovereignty.Click here to read…

Nepal becoming Dialogue Partner of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) – SangriToday

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) has given the status of Dialogue Partner to Nepal. It is being considered a sign of Nepal’s growing international identity. But many Nepalese diplomats believe that while strengthening ties with the new group, now Nepal will have to proceed more carefully in the diplomatic realm. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Imran issues fresh call for protest outside ECP office in Islamabad on August 4: Dawn

PTI chairman Imran Khan on Monday issued a call for a fresh protest outside the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) office in Islamabad on Thursday (August 4) to demand Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Sikandar Sultan Raja’s resignation. Click here to read…

Inflation jumps to 14-year high of 24.9pc: The News

Consumer price index (CPI) inflation rose to 24.93 per cent in July, whereas in July 2021, it was recorded at 8.4 per cent, according to data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistic. That compares with a 21.3 per cent jump in June. This level was last seen in August 2008. Click here to read…

IK’s negligence led to foreign funding case: The News

Now that the PTI foreign funding verdict will be announced today (Tuesday), one needs to know what led Akbar S Babar, the founding member of the party, to file the foreign funding case in the Election Commission of Pakistan. Click here to read…

Taliban-brokered TTP talks end in deadlock: The Express Tribune

The talks between Pakistan and the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have reached a deadlock as the militant group refused to budge from its demand for the reversal of the merger of erstwhile Fata with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Closely monitoring ‘fast-moving situation’ in SL – UK: Daily Mirror

The UK government said that it is ‘closely monitoring the fast-moving situation, including the recent appointment of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as President’ in Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa ‘not accorded any privileges’ in S’pore: MFA: Daily Mirror

Singapore’s foreign minister said yesterday that former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was not being accorded any privileges or immunity in Singapore. Rajapaksa landed in Singapore on July 14, a day after fleeing his crisis-ridden country via Maldives and following a popular uprising that forced him to resign as president. Click here to read…

Sampanthan, Wimal, Champika ready to join all-party govt.: The Island

TNA leader R Sampanthan, NFF leader Wimal Weerawansa and Patali Champika Ranawaka have expressed their willingness to join an all-party government. Weerawansa and Ranawaka, in response to a letter by President Ranil Wickremesinghe, have written that they are willing to join an all-party government to save the country. Click here to read…

Agriculture Ministry urges govt. to halt rice imports: The Island

The Agriculture Ministry yesterday informed the Cabinet that there were enough rice stocks in the country, and rice imports had to be suspended. Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said that he requested the Cabinet to suspend the import of rice until December. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Interior Ministry Denies ‘Drone Attack’ in Kabul: Tolo News

The Interior Ministry denies allegations of a drone attack in Kabul.
Abdul Nafi Takoor, a spokesman of the Interior Ministry, said that a rocket hit an empty residence in the Sherpor area of Kabul city, adding there were “no casualties.” Click here to read…

Tashkent Meeting Analysis: Central Asia Wants Path to South Asia: Tolo News

Some of the participants at the Tashkent conference said that the Central Asian nations, particularly Uzbekistan, are seeking to connect to South Asia via Afghanistan. Analysts said that the formation of trade centers on the two sides of the Amu River will benefit Afghanistan and Central Asian countries. Click here to read…

Former NDS Director Says American Drones Struck Different Locations of Afghan Capital: The Khaama Press

Rahmatullah Nabil, former director of the Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS), claims that American drones were spotted in Kabul’s airspace and attacked various Kabul locations. Following reports of at least two explosions in the capital’s Wazir Akbar Khan and Sherpur areas, Nabil posted his statement on his Twitter handle. Click here to read…

Sunday Explosions in Afghan Capital Inflict No Immediate Casualties: Taliban Officials: The Khaama Press

Locals in the Kabul areas of Sherpur and Wazir Akbar Khan have reported two explosions, and there have also been reports of explosions in the Dehmazang area of the Afghan capital. According to Taliban security authorities, no immediate casualties were caused by the explosions on Sunday morningClick here to read…

Bangladesh

EC talks with parties: Supervisory govt sought for polls- The Daily Star

Nearly half of the 39 registered political parties are in favour of a polls-time government under interim, caretaker or all-party system for ensuring a participatory and credible parliamentary election. Click here to read…

“Chinese foreign minister’s upcoming Dhaka visit part of regular contacts”- The Daily Star

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen yesterday (July 31, 2022) said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s planned visit to Bangladesh next week is part of their “regular contacts. Click here to read…

AL’s income more than doubles- The Daily Star

The ruling Awami League last year earned Tk 21.23 crore, more than double what it earned in 2020. Click here to read…

Hasina, Modi to inaugurate Rampal plant from India- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi are expected to jointly inaugurate the Rampal power station during the former’s visit to India in September, reported The Hindustan Times yesterday. Click here to read…

‘Importing’ goods ‘Made in Bangladesh’- The Daily Star

A Chinese company housed in the Chattogram Export Processing Zone imported finished goods with “Made in Bangladesh” labels by declaring those as raw materials, in an incident that violated both local and international rulesClick here to read…

Bhutan

Visiting Bhutan To Get Expensive; Indian Tourists On Target As Country Imposes – Times Now News

Bhutan is set to open its border to tourists from September 23 after being shut since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. But with the latest announcement regarding sustainable development fees, touring Bhutan will not be the same as it was before the pandemic. Click here to read…

Army Chief calls on Bhutan King – Tribune India

Army Chief General Manoj Pande on Sunday called on Bhutanese King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, with discussions focused on enhancing ties between the two nations. The Chief received a Guard of Honour at ThimphuClick here to read…

Maldives

Maldives President to visit India from August 1 to 4 – Awaz The Voice

Announcing the viist, MEA Official Spokesperson, Arindam Bagchi said that Maldives is India’s key neighbour in the Indian Ocean region and occupies a special place in India’s Neighbourhood First policy. In recent years, the partnership has witnessed rapid growth in all areas of cooperation and President Solih’s upcoming official visit will provide an opportunity for the two leaders to review the progress made in this wide ranging partnership. Click here to read…

Prince Faisal bin Salman receives Maldives president in Madinah – Arab News

President of the Republic of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih arrived in Madinah on Monday to visit the Prophet’s Mosque.
The president was received by Madinah Gov. Prince Faisal bin Salman and a number of officials at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport. Click here to read…

Myanmar

As Myanmar suffers, the military junta is desperate, isolated and running out of options – The Conversation

The military junta’s execution of four pro-democracy activists earlier this week has again shone a spotlight on the appalling judgement and brutality of the junta leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, and his top generals. Click here to read…

Defiance in Myanmar even as executions prompt fears for detained – Aljazeera

More than 70 people are on death row (others were sentenced in abstentia) for opposing the coup, including nine women, according to the Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (AAPP), which has been tracking the military’s crackdown. AAPP says more than 2,100 civilians have been killed by the military since the coup, including dozens who have died in military custody. Click here to read…

Political situations have arisen due to improper use of political outlets: SAC’s chairman – Eleven Myanmar

Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Chairman of State Administration Council (SAC) said at the Union Government Meeting held in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday that Political situations have arisen due to improper use of political outlets. Click here to read…

Japanese video journalist detained at Myanmar protest march – ABC News

A Japanese video journalist has been detained by security forces in Myanmar while covering a protest against military rule in the country’s largest city, pro-democracy activists said Sunday. Click here to read…

Nepal

Government plans to hold elections on November 20: The Kathmandu Post

The elections for the federal and provincial elections will be held on November 20, two days later than the date proposed by the Election Commission, if there is no change in the government’s plan.Click here to read…

Protest to amend Transitional Justice Bill: The Himalayan

Victim groups protested at Maitighar Mandala in Kathmandu today against the flawed provisions in the bill to amend the Transitional Justice Law.
The protest was organised by Victims’ Society for Justice, Conflict Victim Women National Network, Conflict Victims’ Common Platform. The victims have objected to some of the provisions of the ‘Bill to amend the Commission for Investigation, Truth and Reconciliation Act, 2071’. Click here to read…

Janardan Sharma reinstated as finance minister: The Himalayan

CPN-Maoist Centre leader Janardan Sharma was today reinstated as finance minister two days after a parliamentary panel probe found no evidence to prove he was involved in making illegal changes to the budget. He took the oath of office and secrecy from President Bidhya Devi Bhandari today itself. Click here to read…

Nepal’s economic alarm bells: Himal

Every year, as the monsoon kicks in, there’s a feverish spurt of road-building and infrastructural development across Nepal. It has nothing to do with preparing Nepal’s notoriously accident-prone roads for the rains, but with a term that is peculiar to the country: asaare bikas. The Nepali fiscal year ends in the Hindu calendar month of Asaar (around mid-July), and since budgetary allocations under capital expenditures lapse at the end of the fiscal year, government departments rush to spend whatever they can before the fiscal year runs out. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Imran foresees general elections in ‘6-8 weeks’: The Express Tribune

Imran met with Punjab Chief Minister Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, former federal minister Moonis Elahi and other lawmakers from Punjab in Lahore. He asked the Punjab government to expedite the implementation of the PTI’s flagship social welfare project, the Ehsaas Programme. Click here to read…

Rs30bn taxes to be imposed to save PSO from default: Dawn

The government has decided to impose additional taxes to the tune of Rs30 billion as it struggles to arrange Rs100bn emergency funding to avoid international default on oil and gas payments and keep the staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) intact. Click here to read…

IMF likely to begin tranche release process this week: Dawn

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is likely to start the process for releasing the seventh and eighth tranches of a $6 billion loan programme for Pakistan later this week, IMF and diplomatic sources told Dawn. Click here to read…

Taliban-brokered TTP talks end in deadlock: The Express Tribune

The talks between Pakistan and the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have reached a deadlock as the militant group refused to budge from its demand for the reversal of the merger of erstwhile Fata with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Lankan Batiks Promotion in Antalya, Turkey- The Island

The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Turkey organized the second leg of the Sri Lankan Batiks promotional event with the assistance of the Honorary Consul of Sri Lanka to Antalya Ali Kamburoglu recently (20), a statement issued by the Lankan Embassy in Ankara said. Click here to read…

UNICEF launches programme to help pre-school children- The Island

UNICEF Sri Lanka has launched a special relief package for pre-school children and mothers hardest hit by the current economic crisis., UNICEF said.The initiative, conducted in collaboration with the Colombo Municipal Council and Public Health midwives, will provide much-needed relief to the urban poor and most disadvantaged families, facing severe hardship and struggling to put food on their table. Click here to read…

Fueling a way forward for small and medium enterprises- The Island

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Sri Lanka together with the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority (SLSEA) has commenced an initiative to strengthen rural economies, increase forest cover, improve the living standards of rural women, and sustainable industries and small and medium enterprises in the country, by increasing the growth of suppliers for clean and modern biomass technology in line with the energy policy. Click here to read…

Maiden Policy Statement from President RW on Aug. 3- The Island

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is to deliver his maiden Policy Statement in Parliament at 11 am on Wednesday (03), Parliament sources said.The President is scheduled to commence the Third Session of the Ninth Parliament at 10 am with his Presidential Policy Statement (previously Throne Speech). Click here to read…

Lanka can’t afford fossil fuels but can’t afford to get off them either- The Island

Sri Lanka is in turmoil, with fuel and food shortages provoking citizens to storm the presidential palace and send Gotobaya Rajapaksa packing.Reliance on fossil fuel imports is a big factor in the economic crisis. Click here to read…

Japan hands over life-saving medicines procured through UNICEF to Lanka- The Island

In response to the ongoing economic crisis in Sri Lanka, the Government of Japan on Thursday handed over the first consignment of a total donation of USD 1.5 million value of medicines being procured through UNICEF to address the severe shortage of medicines in hospitals and clinics in the country. Click here to read…

World Bank plans to offer new financing to Lanka put off till macroeconomic policy framework in place- The Island

The World Bank Group expressing deep concern about the dire economic situation and its impact on the people of Sri Lanka yesterday said it does not plan to offer new financing to Sri Lanka until an adequate macroeconomic policy framework is in place. Click here to read…

WB halts new funding to Sri Lanka till viable programme is put in place- The Island

Until an adequate macroeconomic policy framework is in place, the World Bank does not plan to offer new financing to Sri Lanka, it was announced yesterday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Historical Heritage Neglected in Badakhshan: Tolo News

Cultural activists are concerned about the lack of attention to the historic heritage in Badakhshan province. Pul-e-Khishte is one of the historical heritage sites in Badakhshan province and it is 25 meters long and 5 meters wide. The history of this historical heritage site reportedly reaches back more than 100 years. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate’s Leader Calls for Implementation of Sharia: Tolo News

Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said in a statement that the leader of the Islamic Emirate, Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, held a gathering with the provincial governors in Kandahar. Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada stressed the need to preserve Islamic values, according to the statement. Click here to read…

U.S. Senators Urge UN to Take ‘Meaningful Actions’ in Defense of Afghans Rights: The Khaama Press

At least four American senators voiced their concerns over human rights violations in Afghanistan in a letter to the Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, saying “we must not stand by as the Taliban seeks to erase the human rights of Afghan women and girls.” Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Concerted effort is the key- The Daily Star

Planning Minister MA Mannan yesterday said many areas regarding child development require concerted efforts. Click here to read…

Chinese foreign minister likely to visit Dhaka next month- The Daily Star

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is expected to visit Dhaka early next month as the country wants to strengthen the strategic partnership with Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Bhutan

TCB to assess readiness of hoteliers and operators- Kuensel

The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) is validating and assessing tourism service providers – tour operators and hoteliers – on their readiness to welcome tourists under the new tariff regime beginning September 23 this year. Click here to read…

Youths draw attention to tiger conservation- Kuensel

Addressing the youth ambassadors, Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, said: “Where tigers have vanished, the lands are barren and devoid of life forms. Put simply, the tiger is a barometer of life in our forests and, by extension, the health of our living planet.” Click here to read…

Bhutan needs to gear towards improving tourism infrastructure- Bhutan Times

3,500 licensed tour operators in the country will have to compete through the quality of services, programmes and facilities while providing itineraries to the tourists. This would mean the tour operators should start working to improve the facilities. Click here to read…

Maldives

President of Maldives on 4-day visit to India from August 1 – Indian Express

MALDIVES PRESIDENT Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will be coming on a four-day visit to India from August 1, which will provide an opportunity to review the progress made in the wide-ranging partnership. Click here to read…

Maldives CDF Maj Gen Abdulla Shamaal receives Guard of Honour in Delhi – ANI News

The Chief of Defence Force (CDF) of the Maldives, Major General Abdulla Shamaal, received a Guard of Honour at the South Block in Delhi on July 28. Indian Army Chief General Manoj Pandey accorded him a warm welcome to India. Click here to read…

Maldives industry fights higher tourism tax – TTG Asia

Raising the Tourism Goods and Services Tax (T-GST) to 16 per cent from 12 per cent effective next year would significantly impact Maldives’ tourism performance, particularly at a time when destination competition is intensifying post-lockdown, said industry stakeholders. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Engagement with Tatmadaw is key to peace in Assam and Northeast – NENow

Myanmar’s domestic political situation is extremely critical for India’s national interest. India shares a border of 1643 kilometers with Myanmar. Thus, a stable and friendly Myanmar is key to India’s security, especially in India’s Northeast. Click here to read…

India raises ‘deep concern’ over execution of 4 pro-democracy activists in Myanmar – The Print

India on Thursday expressed deep concern over the execution of four pro-democracy activists by Myanmar’s military government and asserted that the rule of law and democratic process must be upheld in the country. Click here to read…

Shan Armed Group Poised for Myanmar Junta Attack – The Irrawaddy

Military tensions are escalating between the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) and Myanmar’s regime in Mong Hsu Township, southern Shan Township, as junta reinforcements arrive in the town, according to residents. Click here to read…

Nepal

Upper House passes Citizenship Bill- Himalayan Times

The National Assembly today passed the Citizenship Bill, which will become a law when President Bidhya Devi Bhandari certifies it. The bill was sent to the Upper House after the House of Representatives passed it on July 23 through a fast-track process. Click here to read…

How probe turns into a farce: House panel says it found nothing against Sharma- Kathmandu Post

Committee is divided with ruling party members pressing for absolving ex-finance minister, as the four representatives from the CPN-UML write their dissent. Click here to read…

House endorses bill to amend Citizenship Act- Kathmandu Post

Once the bill gets through upper house, children of parents who got citizenship by birth will get citizenship by descent. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Import-ban-on-luxury-items-lifted: Dawn

The government has increased dealers’ commission on the sale of petroleum products by up to an unprecedented 70 per cent and lifted a ban imposed in May on the import of “non-essential and luxury items”, excluding automobiles, cell phones and electronics. Click here to read…

Editorial: false-equivalence: Dawn

CELEBRATING his party’s triumph in dislodging the PML-N government in Punjab, former prime minister and PTI chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday made what sounded unmistakably like a speech delivered on the hustings, by a man confident of the ultimate prize. Click here to read…

Elections to be held on time, govt to complete its tenure: PDM: The Express Tribune

Amid calls by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) for snap polls in the country, the Pakistan Democratic Alliance (PDM) has reiterated its stance that the general elections will be held on time and the coalition government will complete its tenure. Click here to read…

Rupee’s downward spiral continues, inter-bank rate at Rs242: The Express Tribune

The Pakistani rupee hit a new all-time low of over Rs242 against the US dollar in the inter-bank market around midday on Thursday. The domestic currency slumped a fresh 2.64% (or Rs6.24) to Rs242.26 at around 12:08 pm compared to Wednesday’s close of Rs236.02. Click here to read…

Govt may increase petrol, diesel prices by Rs10-17per litre: The News

From August 01, 2022, there may be an increase in petrol and diesel prices by Rs10-17 per litre despite the fact that prices of petroleum products and crude oil remained just a little lower. However, the increase has been estimated upwards just because of the fact that the exchange rate has gone crazy. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Govt. initiates talks for all-party govt- The Daily Mirror

The government initiated negotiations with the parties in the opposition yesterday in a bid to form what is called ‘an all-party’ government. Click here to read…

CB issues guidelines to non-bank borrowers on loan concessions- The Daily Mirror

The Central Bank has issued fresh guidelines to the non-bank lenders stipulating how they must go about providing concessions to borrowers affected by the current economic crisis which is sending shockwaves across almost every sectorClick here to read…

Popular South Indian Actor Kamal Haasan discusses Sri Lanka- The Daily Mirror

On the invitation extended by Dr. D. Venkateshwaran, the Deputy High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Chennai, famous South Indian Cinema actor Kamal Haasan and director, visited the Sri Lanka Deputy High Commission of Chennai for the first time in the Mission’s History on July 24. Click here to read…

Rs. 17.85 Million cash recovered inside President’s House: Police yet to keep recovered money in judicial custody- The Daily Mirror

It was transpired before Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court that even after the lapse of three weeks, the Fort Police is yet to keep Rs. 17.85 Million in cash recovered from the President’s House, under judicial custody. Click here to read…

Extension of state of emergency to hit tourism industry hard- The Daily Mirror

The decision to extend the state of emergency for a month by Parliament yesterday will further hit the tourism industry that is expected to bring in the necessary foreign exchange to Sri Lanka, as more countries could slap travel bans on Sri LankaClick here to read…

Afghanistan

Afghan Exports Surge in Past Three Months: Tolo News

Afghanistan’s exports doubled over the past three months compared to the same period in previous years, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said. According to the ACCI, during the first three months of the solar year of 1401, exports exceeded $400 millionClick here to read…

Second Phase of Kajaki Power Dam Completed: Tolo News

The second phase of the Kajaki power dam, now providing 100 megawatts of power, was inaugurated on Wednesday with senior officials of the Islamic Emirate and a top Turkish diplomat attending. Click here to read…

Afghanistan Economic Stabilization World Interest: U.S. Envoy: The Khaama Press

The United States Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West said that the United States is ready to support dialogue among Afghans, exclaiming such is the “world’s interest to stay focused on Afghanistan economic stabilizationClick here to read…

German FM Says ‘Every Human Right Has Been Taken From Women and Girls in Afghanistan’: The Khaama Press

Under Taliban rule, Afghanistan is experiencing the “biggest women’s rights violations on Earth,” according to German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. German media reported on Tuesday, July 26, that Annalena Baerbock, the foreign minister of Germany, had said that the Taliban’s rule over Afghanistan was a unique instance of egregious human rights abuses. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Solar irrigation pumps prove a boon for farmers- The Daily Star

Farmers who depend on rainwaters to grow Aman paddy in Dinajpur have been left distraught from early July owing to a drought-like situation in the absence of rains. Click here to read…

Land crisis key barrier- The Daily Star

Scarcity of land is the main obstacle to establishing playgrounds and parks in the capital, said Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh yesterday. Click here to read…

Govt may not remove interest rate caps- The Daily Star

Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal yesterday indicated that the government would be unwilling to remove the interest rate cap on loans and deposits, which is expected to be a condition tagged by the International Monetary Fund with its support package. Click here to read…

Barapukuria mine: Coal production resumes after three month- The Daily Star

Production at Barapukuria Coal Mining Company Limited (BCMCL) resumed yesterday after three months. Click here to read…

Forex reserves enough for 6-9 months’ food import: PM- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said Bangladesh would be able to meet six to nine months’ food import expenditures with its current forex reserves. Click here to read…

“No shortage in fuel stock, don’t pay heed to rumours”- The Daily Star

State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources, Nasrul Hamid has called upon the public to not pay heed to any rumours regarding shortage in fuel stock in the country. Click here to read…

Preferential Trade Agreement among D-8 to be operational by October- The Daily Star

Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) among the D-8 countries is going to be operational by October this year, which could significantly boost trade in the bloc. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Supreme Court orders 7 workshop operators to vacate in 6 months- Kuensel

After nearly three years of litigations at various courts, the Supreme Court on July 20 finally decided that seven automobile workshop operators at Olakaha, Thimphu, have to vacate the properties. Click here to read…

Health ministry vigilant against monkeypox- Kuensel

With international borders opening for visitors from September 23, Bhutan strengthened its surveillance against monkeypox spread, according to officials of the health ministry. Click here to read…

Fuel price increases- Kuensel

Petrol price increased by Nu 1.57 per litre and diesel by chhetrum 59 per litre from midnight after the independent fuel pricing committee reviewed the appeal on the domestic fuel price model. Click here to read…

More than 3,500 holders of tourism licenses must compete- Bhutan Times

In order to compete, more than 3,500 licensed operators will need to offer high-quality services, programs, and facilities while providing tourists autonomy over their itineraries. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives government’s economic measures are good: IMF – Avas

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised the Maldives government’s efforts to improve the country’s reserves. A delegation from IMF visited the Maldives in late June to assess the country’s economic situation. Click here to read…

Maldives added to Indonesia’s on-arrival visa list – Raajje

The government of Indonesia has added Maldives to the list of countries granted visa-on-arrival. This was revealed by the Immigration department of Indonesia. The authority revealed that with the addition of Maldives to the list of countries granted on-arrival visa by the country, the list currently includes 75 countries. Click here to read…

A Single Use Plastics Free Maldives: Turning the Tide of Waste into Wealth – YouTube

Poorly managed plastic waste is threatening the marine ecosystem and economy of the Maldives, with over 860 metric tons of waste—the majority plastic—generated daily. In response, the government has adopted a waste to wealth approach, shifting from a linear “use and dispose” system of waste management to a circular economy. Two World Bank-financed projects, also supported by PROBLUE, have been helping the country develop a sustainable waste management system, build capacity, and teach youth to lay the groundwork for a cleaner and safer Maldives. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Regime’s Brutality Began Long Before The Coup – Analysis – Eurasia Review

For over a year, members of the Tatmadaw, the Myanmar military, have been fighting a civil war against the country’s people. After the overthrow in 2021 of the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, remnants of her party, the National League for Democracy, and armed groups it is linked to under the umbrella People’s Defense Force, have been leading a tenacious resistance against the junta. Click here to read…

Asean must recognise hard truths about Myanmar – NST

THE Asean Ministerial Meeting (AMM) next week will see more discussions on one of its most intractable conundrums — how the regional organisation manages its relationship with Myanmar’s military junta, which is murdering its own dissenting population. Click here to read…

Asean foreign ministers urged to keep Rohingya issue in sight – Malaysia Now
The special envoy of the United Nations secretary-general on Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer has urged Asean foreign ministers to keep the Rohingya issue high on their agendas, highlighting as well the community’s need for education to prevent a “lost generation”. Click here to read…

In Myanmar and abroad, anti-junta protests continue after executions of four pro-democracy activists – France 24

The executions of four pro-democracy activists in Myanmar by the military junta not only attracted international condemnation but also fuelled anti-junta demonstrations that have been taking place in the country since early 2021. The FRANCE 24 Observers spoke to demonstrators in Myanmar and abroad for whom the junta’s brutality only served as a catalyst for their determination to achieve democracy. Click here to read…

Nepal

Monetary Policy to uplift economy, but has its own challenges: CBFIN- Himalayan Times

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has taken into consideration the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, various world events, country’s economic indicators and aspirations of the general public. Click here to read…

President appoints ambassadors to various countries- Himalayan Times

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has appointed ambassadors of Nepal to various countries in accordance with Article 282 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal and on the recommendation Of the Council of Ministers. Click here to read…

Top American official arriving today amid row over US State Partnership Program- Kathmandu Post

Donald Lu, who played a crucial role in the passage of MCC compact, is visiting Kathmandu weeks after Nepal’s decision not to participate in the SPP. Click here to read…

Nepal’s import of agricultural products jumps more than double to around Rs 379 billion in the past seven years- Republica

Nepal imported agriculture products worth Rs 378.60 billion in 2021/22, which was Rs 55 billion more than the import expenses on the headings of the previous year. Click here to read…

Living with climate anxiety- Nepali Times

Coming to terms with climate inaction and hypocrisy, while working professionally to avert a global emergency. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan’s current account deficit swells to $17.4bn: Dawn

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) on Wednesday reported that the country recorded a CAD of $17.406bn in FY22 compared to a gap of just $2.82bn in FY21.
The massive CAD speaks a lot about the severe problem of the balance of payments. The PML-N-led coalition government posted a CAD of $4.323bn in the April-June period of 2021-22, which was the second highest quarterly deficit of the fiscal year that ended on June 30. Click here to read…

Petroleum levy set to rise on IMF demand: The Express Tribune

Pakistan was ready to meet the remaining one prior condition of a further increase in the levy on all petroleum products that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) had set for calling the board meeting to revive the programme, said Finance Minister Miftah Ismail on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Pakistani clerics, Afghan PM discuss bilateral ties in Kabul: The Express Tribune

A delegation of Pakistani religious scholars, headed by Mufti Mohammad Taqi Usmani, on Wednesday met acting Afghan prime minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund at the Arg Palace. Mufti Usmani conveyed to the Afghan premier that “Afghanistan and Pakistan are two Islamic countries and called for solidarity and good relations between the two neighbours. Click here to read…

Can talk with TTP and Baloch, Sindhi nationalists but not with thieves: Imran Khan: The News

PTI Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan Thursday said he could talk to the banned terrorist outfit TTP and Baloch and Sindhi nationalists but the day “you strike a deal with thieves, the entire society comes crashing down.” He expressed these views while addressing the main thanksgiving function on a video link at the F-9 Park here. Click here to read…

PDM will deliberate on Nawaz proposal for quitting govt forthwith: The News

The Pakistan Democratic Alliance (PDA) in its summit meeting today (Thursday) will deliberate the suggestion put up by Quaid of the PML-N Nawaz Sharif for quitting the government at the earliest and make movement for holding fresh poll in the country. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Foreign financial assistance sought to electrify Kelani Valley railway line- The Daily Mirror

Amid the growing demand for public transport, Transport, Highways and Mass Media Minister Bandula Gunawardane is planning to seek foreign funds to electrify the Kelani Valley (KV) railway line. Click here to read…

Demanding to dissolve parliament- The Daily Mirror

The Trade Union Coordination Centre (TUCC) today staged a protest opposite the Fort Railway station under the theme “Allow new public opinion’ and demanded to dissolve the parliament. Click here to read…

Parliament approves emergency regulations- The Daily Mirror

The emergency regulations declared by the then Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe were approved in Parliament today with 120 MPs voting for it and 63 against. Click here to read…

US Amb. meets President to discuss SL’s economic and political crisis- The Daily Mirror

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said that she met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe to discuss how Sri Lanka arrived to this point of economic and political crisis, and how they can work together to navigate towards a brighter future for all. Click here to read…

Dinouk Colombage appointed Director, Int’l Affairs at President’s Office- The Daily Mirror

Journalist Dinouk Colombage has been appointed as the Director, International Affairs at the President’s Office, the President’s Office said today. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

US Sanctions Hindering Govt Services: Muttaqi: Tolo News

The acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi said that the US-imposed sanctions on Afghanistan have hindered the activity of the current Afghan government. Speaking at the Tashkent conference held on the Afghan situation, Muttaqi called the decades-long war and US sanctions as the main reasons for the poverty in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Leader Bans ‘Unproven Allegations’ Against Members: Tolo News

A statement of the Islamic Emirate leader, Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada, said allegations against officials of the Islamic Emirate that lack proof are forbidden. The statement, issued by Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid, said several Islamic Hadiths suggest that unproven allegations are considered lies and are worthy of punishment. Click here to read…

With ‘Third Generation of Afghan Children Born in Exile’; Afghanistan Becomes the Third-Largest Displaced Population: The Khaama Press

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) report, Afghanistan has the third-largest refugee population and the region’s largest displaced population after the Taliban took control, with 2.7 million refugees scattered across 98 countries. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

External debt servicing: Payment to peak at $5.15b in 2030- The Daily Star

Bangladesh’s foreign loan servicing burden will peak in fiscal 2029-30 with repayment of $5.15 billion, which experts deem to be very much within the safe territory — quelling fears that the country might become the next emerging economy after Sri Lanka and Pakistan to run into external debt distress. Click here to read…

No fertiliser crisis despite 2 plants’ closure- The Daily Star

Agriculture Minister Muhammad Abdur Razzaque yesterday said there would be no fertiliser crisis in the country before the next boro season despite the closure of two plants amid gas shortage. Click here to read…

Govt formally seeks $4.5b from IMF- The Daily Star

Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal has sent in a formal request to the IMF for a $4.5 billion loan, putting to bed the speculations on whether the country would be seeking the support from the Washington-based multilateral lender at all. Click here to read…

Maldives

First Couple observes military parade held to commemorate Independence Day – Raajje

The First Couple of Maldives have observed the special parade and procession showcased by the Maldives National Defence Force to commemorate the Maldives’ 57th Anniversary of Independence. Click here to read…

RSF seeks revision of Maldives law forcing journalists to reveal sources – RSF

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has joined nine other human rights organisations in calling on the government of the Maldives to repeal or amend a provision forcing journalists to reveal their sources. Included in a reform of the Evidence Act, this measure was ratified by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on 18 July. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Ethnic Armed Organisations Condemn Myanmar junta executions – Mizzima

On Monday 25 July Ethnic armed organisations (EAOs) condemned the Myanmar junta’s execution of four men, including prominent democracy activists Phyo Zeya Thaw and Kyaw Min Yu (Ko Jimmy) over the weekend. Click here to read…

‘Deserved Many Death Sentences’: Myanmar’s Military on Execution of 4 Activists’ The Quint

A day after Myanmar’s military junta revealed that it had executed four pro-democracy activists accused of allegedly assisting in carrying out “terror acts,” a military spokesperson on Tuesday, 26 July, said that the four activists “deserved many death sentences,” AFP reported. Click here to read…

Myanmar Military’s Long History of Executing its Enemies – The Irrawaddy

The hangings of National League for Democracy (NLD) lawmaker Ko Phyo Zeya Thaw, pro-democracy veteran Kyaw Min Yu, widely known as ‘Ko Jimmy’, Ko Hla Myo Aung and Ko Aung Thura Zaw have caused outrage around the world, and clearly show that it is a folly to believe that any kind of dialogue with the thugs in power in Naypyitaw is possible or would be the way forward. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal-Bangladesh meeting on power cooperation likely next month- The Kathmandu Post

Two sides to discuss power trade and attracting Bangladeshi investment in energy sector. Click here to read…

International rights groups call for amendment to Nepal’s transitional justice bill- The Kathmandu Post

New draft falls short of promised reforms to protect victims’ rights, the rights organisations say. Click here to read…

Nepal Police submits report on Finance Ministry hard drive to probe panel- The Kathmandu Post

UML members in the panel want to study Janardan Sharma’s phone call details, but ruling party members say that would violate privacy rights. Click here to read…

Everything you need to know about new amendment to the Citizenship Act- The Kathmandu Post

Amendment opens the door for thousands of children of parents who got citizenship by birth to acquire citizenship by descent; non-resident Nepalis are also eligible for citizenship. Click here to read…

Editorial: An expected change in Punjab: Dawn

In its widely anticipated judgement on a petition filed by Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi, the three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Umar Bandial ordered the immediate notification of the success of the petitioner in the election for chief minister, paving the way for a change in the country’s most populous province and political heartland. Click here to read…

Nawaz Sharif wants early elections: The News

Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) supremo Nawaz Sharif wants early general elections and has discussed with the senior party leadership the option of quitting the government in the Centre, credible sources have confirmed. Click here to read…

Flood alert issued for Punjab: The Express Tribune

As the spell of “abnormal” monsoon rains continues to lash the country, the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) on Tuesday issued a low-medium flood alert for the Chenab river, asking all concerned districts to stay on high alert and take precautionary measures to protect the populations in the adjacent districts. Click here to read…

President Alvi swears in Pervaiz Elahi as new Punjab CM: The Express Tribune

Hours after the Supreme Court struck down Punjab Assembly deputy speaker’s ruling, President Dr Arif Alvi administered the oath of Punjab chief minister to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi at the President House in wee hours of Wednesday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Susil Premajayantha appointed Leader of the House- The Daily Mirror

Education Minister Susil Premajayantha has been appointed as the Leader of the House in Parliament. Click here to read…

SriLankan says paid interest on US$ 175mn bond after sovereign debt default- The Daily Mirror

National carrier SriLankan Airlines yesterday said it paid the interest in full on its US$ 175 million bond due in 2024 using company funds. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka asks China for help with trade, investment and tourism- The Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka has asked China to help with trade, investment and tourism to help it grow sustainably, Colombo’s envoy to Beijing said on Monday as it negotiates for an emergency US$ 4 billion package to help it emerge from an economic meltdown. Click here to read…

Gotabaya Rajapaksa to return- The Daily Mirror

Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will return to the country from Singapore, Cabinet spokesman Bandula Gunewardena said today. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

WHO Contract With Afghan-Japan Hospital Ends- Tolo News

The officials of Afghan-Japan Hospital said it has been over a week since the contract of some employees of this hospital with the World Health Organization (WHO) has ended, and these employees are working voluntarily in the hospital. Click here to read…

Intl Favors Not Welcome if ‘Against Islam’: Hanafi- Tolo News

Acting Minister of Vice and Virtue, Khalid Hanafi, while visiting Ghazni decried sanctions and said the Islamic Emirate is ready for engagement with the international community, but its offers, if they are against Islam, are not acceptable. Click here to read…

Kabul Facing Water Shortages: AUWSSC- Tolo News

The Afghanistan Urban Water Supply and Sewage Corporation (AUWSSC) said that Kabul is facing an extreme decrease in groundwaterClick here to read…

Tashkent to Host Intl Conference on Afghanistan- Tolo News

A delegation of the Islamic Emirate led by the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, left Kabul for Tashkent to attend the international conference on Afghanistan held on July 25th and 26th. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Energy crisis: Govt strategy to blame, not war- The Daily Star

The current energy crisis in the country has more to do with the government’s reluctance to explore natural gas than the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, observes prominent energy expert Prof Badrul Imam. Click here to read…

PM rules out Sri Lanka-like crisis- The Daily Star

The prime minister yesterday lambasted those who are making wholesale criticism that Bangladesh will face the same situation like that of Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

US envoy visits RMP headquarters- The Daily Star

US Ambassador Peter Haas visited different US-supported activities at Rajshahi Metropolitan Police headquarters yesterday. Click here to read…

Turning Brahmaputra into a dumping zone- The Daily Star

The dumping of garbage by Mymensingh municipal authorities into the Old Brahmaputra River at Kalibari Puran Gudaraghat has become a menace for residents and a serious threat to the already dying river’s health. Click here to read…

‘Economic crisis’ not ending soon- The Daily Star

Bangladesh is now facing an “economic crisis” that will not be over soon as the global economy is also going through turmoil, economists said yesterday. Click here to read…

Maintain the diplomatic norms, protocols- The Daily Star

In view of certain “recent occurrences”, the foreign ministry recently wrote to all foreign diplomats, UN representatives and international organisations in Dhaka, urging them to maintain the diplomatic norm and protocol. Click here to read…

Kenya offers vast farmland to Bangladesh for agriculture- The Daily Star

Kenya has offered Bangladesh to take advantage of the African nation’s vast farmland for food production as Bangladesh has developed good expertise and demonstrated immense success in the field. Click here to read…

Extend support in Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar: PM urges Japan- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (July 24, 2022) sought Japanese support for the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar, their homeland, as the forcibly displaced people have become a burden on Bangladesh for the last several years. Click here to read…

Insulting journalist over published report: HC blasts Teknaf UNO- The Daily Star

The High Court today (July 24, 2022) slammed Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Kaisar Khasru for allegedly insulting a journalist with objectionable words over a story mentioning his (UNO) comments on damages to several houses gifted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to underprivileged people. Click here to read…

Momen objects to Pakistan High Commission using merged image of flags- The Daily Star

Foreign Ministry has objected to the way Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka used the national flags of Bangladesh and Pakistan on their Facebook page. Click here to read…

‘Centralisation of power ominous sign for democracy’- The Daily Star

Pointing to the present governance system, former finance secretary and adviser to the caretaker government Akbar Ali Khan yesterday said it is necessary to nurture democracy in the country. Click here to read…

Bhutan

GoI and RGoB agree to close Kholongchhu Joint Venture- BBS

The government says the Kholongchhu project is stopped for now with the Joint Venture company being initiated to close. According to the Economic Affairs Minister, this was decided during his meeting with Indian officials in New Delhi recently. LyonpoClick here to read…

Random tests for controlled drugs in schools- Kuensel

Schools in Thimphu are asking parents to sign consent letters to allow their children to attend random tests for controlled drugs. Click here to read…

Eastern and southern dzongkhags prepare to welcome tourists amid limited infrastructure- Kuensel

Amid limited infrastructures, eastern and southern dzongkhags are preparing to welcome tourists as the country is scheduled to reopen its borders to tourists on September 23. Click here to read…

More than 3,500 holders of tourism licenses must compete- Bhutan Times

In order to compete, more than 3,500 licensed operators will need to offer high-quality services, programs, and facilities while providing tourists autonomy over their itineraries. Click here to read…

Maldives

Floating City May Protect the Maldives From High Sea Levels – youTube

A floating city may mean hope for the Maldives. Rising sea levels caused by climate change are threatening the Maldives at an alarming rate. The sea level is rising three to four millimeters every year. At the current rate, the Maldives could be uninhabitable by 2050. The government has stepped in with an idea they hope will house residents and continue to attract tourists: a floating city. By staying on top of the water, the island can rise and fall with the sea level. Click here to read…

Operational tourist facilities across Maldives rise to 1,167 – Raajje

The latest weekly statistics publicized by the Ministry of Tourism revealed that a total of 1,167 tourist accommodation establishments are currently operational across Maldives, with a total of 57,487 tourist beds. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar executes NLD lawmaker, 3 other political detainees – ABC News

Myanmar has carried out its first executions in nearly 50 years with the hangings of a former National League for Democracy lawmaker, a democracy activist and two men accused of violence after the country’s military takeover last year. Click here to read…

Myanmar building projects worth $1.3bn frozen since army took power – Asia Neikkei

Seventeen months after the military seized power in Myanmar, many real estate development projects in the country, once viewed as having great growth potential by foreign investors, stand incomplete. Until the dark cloud over the economic future of the Southeast Asian nation clears, these projects are unlikely to be restarted. Click here to read…

Myanmar military prepares for election in bid for legitimacy – Asia Nekkei

A year from its promised August 2023 deadline, Myanmar’s military government is touting progress toward a general election whose fairness has been questioned and that many voters appear likely to boycott. Click here to read…

UN court rejects Myanmar claims, will hear Rohingya case – Miami Herald

Judges at the United Nations’ highest court on Friday dismissed preliminary objections by Myanmar to a case alleging the Southeast Asian nation is responsible for genocide against the Rohingya ethnic minority. Click here to read…

Burmese Army Force Ethnic Men to Enlist as Troop Casualties Rise – VOA News

Myanmar’s military regime is struggling to find new recruits after facing heavy casualties in the first year since the coup. Nationwide, young men are fleeing their homes, and country, rather than serve under a junta renowned for its “scorched earth” campaign against the civilian population. For VOA, Steve Sandford spoke to families affected by this push for “unofficial conscription” by the Burmese junta. Click here to read…

Nepal

HoR passes prison management bill- Himalayan Times

The House of Representatives (HoR) has passed the ‘prison management bill, 2076’. Click here to read…

NEPSE on bullish trend after issuance of monetary policy- Himalayan Times

Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index closed all green today, the opening day, of the week that marked the first transactions following the issuance of a new monetary policy. Click here to read…

Households feel the heat as kitchen gets expensive with rising food prices- Kathmandu Post

People are cutting down budget for meals, as plates have become more expensive in what is termed ‘lunchflation’. Click here to read…

Panel probing tax tweak charges seeks film footage from Singha Durbar gates- Kathamdnu Post

Committee yet to find anything substantial as police take time to look into the hard drive it gave on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Elahi suffers shock defeat as Hamza retains Punjab CM position after deputy speaker’s contentious ruling- Dawn

In a shock result, PML-Q’s PTI-backed candidate Parvez Elahi lost the Punjab chief minister’s election to PML-N’s Hamza Shehbaz on Friday, after Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Mohammad Mazari ruled that PML-Q members’ votes were not counted in light of party head Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain’s letter. Click here to read…

Opinion: Pakistan default- Dawn

WILL Pakistan actually default if the IMF, Saudi Arabia and other donors do not disburse a few billion dollars? Some are sounding the alarm bell, but others — including the government — insist that our economic ship is not about to sink anytime soon. They tell us we will not become Sri Lanka.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1700981/pakistan-default” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

PM Shehbaz reaffirms pledge to achieve SCO goals- Dawn

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that Pakistan was keen to work with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) member countries to promote cooperation in various fields and meet its goals. Click here to read…

37-member Punjab cabinet sworn in- Dawn

A 37-member cabinet of Punjab’s “trustee” Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz took oath of their offices here on Sunday evening, provoking the ire of the opposition PTI and PML-Q which termed it a violation of the court orders. Click here to read…

Completion of work on Rawal Dam Interchange flyover by July end ordered- Dawn

Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed on Sunday directed the engineering wing of the civic body to wrap up construction work on the Rawal Dam Interchange project by August 30, especially the flyover that he wanted to be up and running by the end of this month. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Open-Air theatre at Viharamahadevi Park available for peaceful protests: Prez- The Daily Mirror

President Ranil Wickremesinghe briefed the diplomatic community that facilitates within Colombo, such as the Open-Air theatre at Viharamahadevi Park, New Town Hall, Hyde Park and Campbell Park were all being made available for non-violent protests. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka faces risk of airlines pulling out as jet fuel issue worsens- The Daily Mirror

With no credible solution in sight to resolve the jet fuel shortage and the fund repatriation issues faced by the country’s aviation industry, several airlines are contemplating on suspending their operations to Sri Lanka threatening tourism industry’s recovery, which depends on air connectivity. Click here to read…

Rights group seeks arrest of former president Rajapaksa in Singapore- The Daily Mirror

A rights group documenting alleged abuses in Sri Lanka has filed a criminal complaint with Singapore’s attorney general, seeking the arrest of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for his role in the South Asian nation’s decades-long civil war, the Reuters reported. Click here to read…

UK minister Tariq Ahmad says will continue to support Sri Lanka- The Daily Mirror

The United Kingdom (UK) will continue to support Sri Lanka through these challenges, UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad said yesterday. Click here to read…

Not far from Sri Lanka moment, warns Imran- The Daily Mirror

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday warned that Pakistan is not far from a Sri Lanka moment when the public will fill the streets for the ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’. Click here to read…

EU condemns unwarranted use of force against peaceful demonstrators- The Daily Mirror

While condemning the unwarranted use of force against peaceful demonstrators, the European Union (EU) has stressed the importance of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Click here to read…

Tamil Nadu sends INR74 crore worth rice, medicines to Sri Lanka- The Daily Mirror

Essential goods, including rice, milk powder and medicines all valued at ₹74 crore, was dispatched to Sri Lanka from the VOC Port Madurei by Lok Sabha MP K. Kanimozhi on Saturday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

180 Men Arrested in Kunduz in Past 3 Months: Tolo News

Security officials in Kunduz province said that during the past three months they have ar-rested 180 men on different criminal charges in the city and various districts of the prov-ince. According to the Kunduz Police Command, these men have been arrested due to var-ious crimes such as armed robbery, drug trafficking, and murder. Click here to read…

Kabul, Islamabad Discuss Bilateral Trade: Tolo News

The acting Minister of Commerce and Industry, Nooruddin Azizi, said that Kabul is in talks with the Pakistani delegation that arrived in Kabul on Monday evening to sign an agree-ment to facilitate trade, transit and barter trade between Afghanistan and Pakistan. “The barter trade, which is a serious issue for Afghan traders, cross-staffing, the trade of mate-rials, and coal will be discussed,” he said. Click here to read…

Facebook Bans Taliban-controlled Media Pages, Bakhtar News Agency & Afghanistan National Television: The Khaama Press

Facebook had suspended the Pashto and Dari pages of this media organization, according to Ahmadullah Wasiq, head of Afghanistan National Television. When the Taliban took Kabul on August 15, 2021, they seized control of Afghanistan National Television’s media center. As a result, they conducted extensive media activities. However, the pages of this media center and Bakhtar News Agency are currently inaccessibleClick here to read…

Forecasted Heavy Rainfall and Flash Floods in 19 Provinces of Afghanistan Prompts Warning from National Meteorological Department: The Khaama Press

Meteorologists at the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan Meteorological Department (AMD) have issued a warning due to the possibility of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, wind gusts, and flash floods in 19 provinces across Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Narail communal attack: How it all went down- Dhaka Tribune

As many as 17 victims lost their valuables worth hundreds of thousands of taka due to the barbaric attack on Friday. Click here to read…

BD sets export target of $67 billion for FY23- Asian Age

This target, announced by Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Wednesday, shows an over 10% growth estate, despite the volatility in the global economy owing to the Russia-Ukraine war, UNB reports. Click here to read…

Largest loan from IMF on the cards- The Daily Star

The International Monetary Fund is expecting a formal request for a loan from Bangla-desh soon to provide a buffer to the delicate foreign currency reserves amid global eco-nomic volatility even though the government remains in two minds about it. Click here to read…

IOM deputy DG in city- The Daily Star

IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels is coming to Bangladesh on a five-day visit today. Click here to read…

Media employees bill: Make it journo friendly- The Daily Star

Leaders of different journalist organisations yesterday demanded the government bring several changes to the Mass Media Employees (Services Conditions) Bill-2022, including dropping the provision of setting up mass media court, to make the proposed law journal-ist friendly. Click here to read…

2 ministries ask officials to cut energy expenses- The Daily Star

The finance ministry yesterday directed government officials to lower fuel and lubricant expenditures for their vehicles by 20 percent while the public administration ministry asked officials not to waste power. Click here to read…

Let us know of any homeless person- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said her government would ensure home for every countryman. Click here to read…

Yet-to-start mega projects: Consider putting them on hold- The Daily Star

Given the current economic situation, the government should consider suspending mega projects the physical work of which has yet to begin, economist Debapriya Bhattacharya said yesterday. Click here to read…

Narco trade rose alarmingly since Rohingya influx- The Daily Star

Trafficking of illegal drugs, notably methamphetamine or ‘yaba’, from Myanmar to all its neighbouring countries has risen alarmingly since the 2017 Rohingya influx in Bangla-desh. Click here to read…

Fight against Trafficking: US recognises Tariqul Islam- The Daily Star

The US government has recognised Bangladesh’s Tariqul Islam, an advocate for victims of human trafficking whose work has helped increase tBangladesh government’s capacity to investigate and prosecute traffickers. Click here to read…

“Padma Bridge to strengthen Bangladesh-West Bengal ties”: PM invites Mama-ta- The Daily Star

“Padma Bridge is expected to strengthen bilateral ties between Bangladesh and West Bengal, or rather entire India, and open up new avenues for bilateral trade between the two countries,” PM Sheikh Hasina said in a letter to Mamata. Click here to read…

Bhutan

No vaccination for children under five for now- Kuensel

Children between the ages of six months and four years will not be given Covid-19 vac-cines for now. The National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group (NITAG) recom-mended this during the meeting held on July 22. Click here to read…

Coming to consensus: MMIV- Kuensel

The government’s discussion with the banks and the private sector on the monetary measures Phase IV is yet to arrive at a consensus. Click here to read…

Chinese villages in Bhutan’s Doklam now fully occupied- Deccan Chronical

In a worrying sign for India, new satellite images show that a village constructed by China in Bhutanese territory near Doklam is now fully occupied with “cars parked at the door-step of virtually every home”, as part of its salami slicing tactics. Click here to read…

At least four people come in conflict with law everyday in core Thimphu- BBS

The Central Thimphu Police Station alone arrest at least four people in a day for various crimes and offences. As per the RBP’s statistical report for 2020, the highest number of arrests made in the year was for battery cases. Today, the police have brought down crime in the city, including battery cases, through intense patrolling. Click here to read…

Maldives

India and Maldives to sign MoU on judicial cooperation – The Hindu

The MoU will provide a platform to tap benefits of Information Technology for court digit-ization, and can be a potential growth area for the IT companies and start-ups in both the countries, a statement from the Law Ministry said. Click here to read…

FM Shahid hopeful that Maldives-Colombia close bonds will continue to solid-ify – Raajje

Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has expressed hope that the close bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between Maldives and Colombia, will continue to so-lidify in the future. Click here to read…

Pres. ratifies International Trade Controls on Endangered Species Act – Raajje

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the bill (No. 13/2022) on Wednesday, following which it has been publicized in the government gazette. The bill will come into effect three months from the date of ratification. The People’s Majlis passed the bill at the 22nd sitting of the second session of 2022, on June 30. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Coup, Covid, climate: the triple threat chasing citizens from Myanmar’s rice bowl – The Guardian

Climate changes in the baking heartlands, Covid-19 and the military’s violent attacks on villages since its coup in 2021 have prompted an exodus of young people from the region. Click here to read…

Regime’s Foreign Currency Restrictions Push Myanmar Towards Bankruptcy – The Irrawaddy

The new restrictions on US dollars introduced last week by the Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) have come as a crippling blow to businesses already struggling in an economic re-cession resulting from post-coup political turmoil and the COVID-19 pandemicClick here to read…

ASEAN special envoy plans third trip to Myanmar; hopes to use Aung San Suu Kyi’s influence to end violence – Channel News Asia

The Southeast Asian bloc’s special envoy for the crisis in Myanmar said on Wednesday (Jul 20) that he is planning a third official trip to the crisis-hit country and that if he meets Aung San Suu Kyi, wants to use her influence to end the violence there. Click here to read…

Military-Ruled Myanmar Facing Second Year of Negative Growth – The Diplo-mat

Myanmar is due for a second successive year of economic contraction, as global financial turbulence converges with the political and economic turmoil triggered by the February 2021 coup d’état, according to a prominent risk assessment agency. Click here to read…

The rapid rise of the Arakan Army – Mizzima

The Arakan Army (AA), despite being one of the more recently formed ethnic armed or-ganisations (EAOs) has rapidly risen to become one of the most powerful. The AA was formed in December 2009 in Kachin State by Tun Myat Naing, an ethnic Rakhine. It is the military wing of the United League of Arakan (ULA). The AA’s ideology is based on what they call The Rakhita Way. Click here to read…

Australian embassy spends $750,000 at luxury hotel linked to Myanmar’s military junta – ABC Net

Since last year’s military coup in Myanmar, an Australian embassy has spent more than $750,000 at a hotel in Yangon with links to the country’s junta, FOI documents show. Ac-tivists say Australian taxpayer dollars should not be spent at the hotel, which is built on land owned and leased by the country’s military. Click here to read…

Nepal

Aimless Nepali tourism awaits post-pandemic recovery- Kathmandu Post

Government fails to promote country after it reopened to foreign tourists following virus closures, travel traders say. Click here to read…

Bhim Rawal holds House to ransom- The Himalayan

On June 20, the government had decided to withdraw from the SPP after communist par-ties created a ruckus over the programme. Click here to read…

HoR endorses NEC (First Amendment) Bill- Himalayan

A meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today unanimously endorsed the Nepal Engineering Council (First Amendment) Bill, 2019. Click here to read…

Nepalis on foreign trips allowed to swap $200 thru money changers- Himala-yan

Nepali citizens travelling abroad can now exchange a maximum of $200 from the coun-try’s licensed money changers. Click here to read…

Victims object to proposed changes in laws that aim to absolve perpetrators- Kathmandu Post

There’s demand for withdrawal of the bill registered in parliament secretariat to amend the transitional justice Act so as to make it in line with the 2015 Supreme Court order. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Miftah sees economy stabilising with inflows ‘on cards’: Dawn

Blaming political factors for the latest downturn in currency and share markets, Pakistan’s economic managers tried on Wednesday to reassure that macroeconomic fundamentals were stabilising and $8.5-10 billion inflows have been lined up from friendly countries against a financing gap of $4bn estimated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Click here to read…

IMF not adding new conditions to pact: Ahsan Iqbal: Dawn

Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said on Wednesday that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has not added new conditions to the staff-level agreement it concluded with Pakistan last week. Click here to read…

Rupee slides to record low of Rs226 against USD: The Express Tribune

The rupee’s downward spiral continued on Wednesday for the third consecutive day as it plunged by Rs4 against the greenback and was being traded at Rs226.51 in the inter-bank market. Click here to read…

PML-N in no mood to give PTI walkover in CM vote: The Express Tribune

The PTI has slogged it out in the heat and dust of legal cases to win back the country’s po-litical capital after being ousted from Islamabad and now, the long-anticipated nail-biting test match in Punjab is finally set to play out on Friday. Click here to read…

Horse-trading charges fly in Punjab: The News

Barbs and allegations kept flying on Wednesday between Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) leaders about horse-trading, with demands from the former to send Asif Zardari, Rana Sanaullah and Atta Tarar to jail for indulging in illegal and unconstitutional act of buying loyalties of the Punjab MPAs. Click here to read…

Bound to increase electricity prices: Miftah: The News

Ruling out the possibility of breaching the IMF agreement, Minister for Finance Miftah Is-mail on Wednesday shared an ambitious plan to generate $11 billion, including sale of two RLNG-based power plants to a friendly country. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka made ‘dumb bets’ on China: CIA chief on crises-hit country: Hindu-stan Times

The chief of the US spy agency on Wednesday blamed “dumb bets” on high-debt Chinese investment as a factor in Sri Lanka’s economic collapse that triggered a political crisis in the island nation. Speaking at the Aspen Security Forum, CIA chief Bill Burns said the mis-take should serve as a warning to other nations. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka’s economic collapse needs immediate global attention: UN experts: National Herlad

Sri Lanka’s economic collapse needs immediate global attention, not just from humanitari-an agencies, but also from international financial institutions and other countries who must come to the bankrupt country’s aid, according to UN human rights experts. Click here to read…

Ray of hope for Sri Lanka as India likely to begin trading with crisis-hit island nation in rupee: The News Indian Express

India sees a ray of hope in Sri Lanka with the election of Ranil Wickremesinghe as the President of the island nation caught in economic bankruptcy and subsequent social un-rest. Click here to read…

Dinesh to be sworn in today- The Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Parliamentarian Dinesh Gunawardena will take oaths as the Prime Minister today morning along with the previous cabinet of ministers, a senior SLPP source told Daily Mirror last night. Click here to read…

US concerned about actions taken against protesters- The Daily Mirror

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung today said that they are deeply concerned about actions taken against protesters at Galle Face in the middle of the night. Click here to read…

Tense situation at Galle Face protest site as security forces move in- The Daily Mirror

A tense situation is reported at the Galle Face protest site near the Presidential Secretariat as Police and troops moved in and remove protesters from the area. Click here to read…

National Fuel Pass QR code successfully experimented: Minister- The Daily Mirror

Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijeskera today said that the QR code system un-der the National Fuel Pass portal was successfully experimented after the initial technical flaws.
https://www.dailymirror.lk/latest_news/National-Fuel-Pass-QR-code-successfully-experimented-Minister/342-241532″ target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

President visits Defence Ministry- The Daily Mirror

General Kamal Gunaratne, the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence received the President upon his arrival at the Ministry. Click here to read…

UN acknowledges constitutional transfer of power in SL- The Daily Mirror

The United Nations has acknowledged the constitutional transfer of power to a new Pres-ident in Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

CIA chief says SL made ’dumb bets’ on China, and all the latest news- The Dai-ly Mirror

China’s debt trap diplomacy is believed to have become a major cause of Sri Lanka’s un-precedented economic crisis as it failed to take better steps to restructure its debts in dia-logue with the IMF. Click here to read…

20-25 member Cabinet to be appointed- The Daily Mirror

A Cabinet of 20-25 members will be appointed within the next few days to serve under President Ranil Wickremesinghe who will be sworn in tomorrow, Daily Mirror learns. Click here to read…