Afghanistan

Contract for Extraction of Amu Darya Oil Signed with CPEIC: Tolo News

The contract for the extraction of oil from the Amu Darya basin was signed with a Chinese company, the CPEIC, on Thursday. The contract was signed at a ceremony in which senior members of the Islamic Emirate and the Chinese ambassador in Kabul Wang Yi participated. Speaking to the ceremony, the acting minister of mines and petroleum, Shahabuddin Delawar, said the first three years will be exploratory and that in this period more than $540 million will be invested. Click here to read…

Talking to Terrorist, Militant Groups, not an Option: Pakistani Interior Minister: The Khaama Press

Pakistan has witnessed an unprecedented rise in terror activities throughout the country in the recent past, believe to have been planned and operated by the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) based in Afghanistan.The common belief is that TTP has an ideological connection with the Afghan Taliban, the group currently ruling Afghanistan. Pakistani Taliban have conducted more than 100 terror attacks across Pakistan after their months-long ceasefire with the Pakistani government ended on November 28. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Hydropower imports from Nepal, Bhutan: Bangladesh for ‘visible’ Indian cooperation – The Daily Star

State Minister for Power, Energy, and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid has sought “visible Indian cooperation” for importing hydropower from Nepal and Bhutan.He joined a bilateral meeting on electricity cooperation between Bangladesh and India in New Delhi on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Envoy: Indian companies to help manufacture agro machinery in Bangladesh – Dhaka Tribune

Indian High Commissioner Pranay Kumar Verma yesterday said steps will be taken so that Indian companies can set up factories and produce agricultural machinery in Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Kashi to Dibrugarh via Bangladesh: Everything you need to know about world’s longest river cruise – Times of India

The river cruise from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh to Dibrugarh in Assam via Bangladesh, billed as the world’s longest, will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 13. The luxury cruise with foreign tourists will cover around 3,200 km of 27 river systems including Ganga-Bhagirathi-Hooghly, Brahmaputra and West Coast Canal in India in a span of 50 daysClick here to read…

Bhutan

Concerned but not shocked! – Kuensel Online

In the latest barrier to access to information, public servants could face disciplinary or even criminal sanctions if they share official information, even if the information is non-confidential in nature without authorisation from superiors. This was the new year’s gift from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in the form of its model public service code of conduct launched on December 30. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives welcomes Chinese decision to ease travel restrictions

The Government of the Republic of Maldives has welcomed the announcement made by the Government of the People’s Republic of China to end the Covid-19 restrictions for travelers. The Government of China announced that the Covid-19 restrictions for travelers announced in the country will be dissolved starting from 8 January 2023. The Government of China will re-open the country to those with work and study visas, or seeking to visit family, and will no longer implement quarantine measures. However, travelers going to China will require a negative test result within 48 hours of departure. Click here to read…

Myanmar

‘No guarantee’ that 7,012 prisoners released by Myanmar junta are truly free – jurist.org

Myanmar state broadcaster MRTV reported Wednesday that 7,012 prisoners, including political detainees, will be released by the military-controlled government of Myanmar in commemoration of the nation’s independence day. But a JURIST correspondent in Myanmar doubts that the announcement signals a positive trend for the junta. “We can’t expect much improvement because they do that [release prisoners] for show,” she told JURIST Thursday. Click here to read…

Min Aung Hlaing’s Mania for the Presidency Is Alive and Well—and May Soon Bear Fruit – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar military regime chief Min Aung Hlaing’s mania for the presidency is increasingly unchecked and, infuriatingly for the Myanmar people, grows more visible with each passing day. In recent days, they have cringed at the sight of the coup leader dressed in presidential attire handing out decorations to those who have earned his favor, at commemorations of New Year and the country’s 75th Independence Day. Then, he attended a grand military review, putting on airs and posing as the country’s legitimate president. Click here to read…

Myanmar junta sentences teacher to death on murder, terror charges – Myanmar Now

A junta-controlled court sentenced a primary school teacher to death last Friday for his alleged role in the killing of a suspected military informant in Ayeyarwady Region’s Myan Aung Township more than a year ago, according to sources. Kaung Khant Kyaw, 25, was sentenced after being found guilty of murder and terrorism in connection with the shooting death of Win Myint Aung, also known as Gyat Gyi, in the Myan Aung village of Thapyay Kone in October 2021. Click here to read…

Nepal

Controversy in Nepal over China’s BRI project – The Statesman

A controversy has erupted in Nepal over Chinas Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) after the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu unilaterally declared that the Pokhara International Airport is a “flagship project of China-Nepal BRI cooperation”. At a time when Nepali and Chinese officials themselves admitted that not a single project under the BRI, the multi-billion dollar flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping, has been signed in Nepal under the BRI framework, a recent announcement made by the Chinese side in Kathmandu has courted a huge controversy. Click here to read…

Trust vote: Hectic parleys in Nepal – The Tribune

Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda has intensified negotiations with other parties to secure the required majority votes ahead of a vote of confidence in Parliament next week. The Prachanda-led coalition requires at least 138 votes in the 275-member House of Representatives to survive the vote of confidence. Prachanda claims that he has the support of 169 lawmakers. Click here to read…

PM Dahal directs supplies secretary to cut fuel prices – The Kathmandu Post

The prime minister summoned Toya Narayan Gyawali, commerce and supplies secretary, to the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers and directed him to cut fuel prices, citing a price drop in the international market and revised pricelist of the Indian Oil Corporation. PM Dahal instructed the secretary to lower the fuel prices to provide relief to consumers. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PM steps in to break deadlock with IMF: The Express Tribune

In a bid to break the deadlock, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday made a telephonic call to International Monetary Fund Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva and urged her to relax conditions regarding increase in energy prices and imposition of more taxes. Click here to read…

Parvez Elahi distances himself from JIT probe into Imran Khan Attack: The News

Informed sources said that from the constitution of a JIT and all those assisting it, the Chief Minister has not interfered and let the PTI leaders appoint their choice officers as its members. From the very beginning, the Chief Minister did not agree with Imran Khan’s nominations of those who he alleged were behind an attempt on his life. A senior PMLQ source, when approached, sounded upset with the “conspiracy theories” of PTI. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

India to support Sri Lanka uplift dairy sector – Daily News

A meeting took place between Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay and President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Presidential Secretariat on Wednesday (04).The discussions focussed on raising national milk production and providing necessary technical support to the production of liquid milk in Sri Lanka together with the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) of India and Amul Milk Company. Click here to read…

No action from govt. on most pressing concerns of Tamils, says TNA – The Hindu

Citing the “lack of any action” by the government on Tamils’ urgent demands, Sri Lanka’s Tamil National Alliance (TNA) said it would “rethink” its decision to engage in talks with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, unless his government reports “actual progress” at the next scheduled discussion on January 10. Click here to read…

Indian External Affairs Minister to visit Sri Lanka this month – Daily Mirror

Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar is slated to visit Sri Lanka this month for two days for bilateral talks, Daily Mirror learns. However, the final dates of the visit are still being worked out. This is his first visit to Sri Lanka after President Ranil Wickremesinghe took office in July, last year. During the crisis period, Sri Lanka and India had made key engagements and framed a four-point package including a line of credit to import food, medicines and fuel. India has already extended US $ 4 billion finance assistance in terms of loans, deferment of payments and currency swap arrangements. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Decision on Afghan Seat at UN Postponed: Faiq: Tolo News

The Chargé d’Affaires of the Afghanistan Permanent Mission to the UN, Naseer Ahmad Faiq, said the UN credentials committee has postponed the decision on whether the Islamic Emirate can send a UN ambassador to New York for a second time. According to Faiq, the current Chargé d’Affaires of Afghanistan, Myanmar and Libya will continue representing the countries. “The UN credentials committee has not made the decision on whether to give credentials to the Taliban in the UN and it postponed the decision about Afghanistan, Myanmar and Libya,” Faiq said. Click here to read…

Afghanistan Loses Contest for UN Human Rights Seat: Tolo News

Afghanistan lost a contested race for a seat on the top UN human rights body on Tuesday along with Venezuela and South Korea. Afghanistan competed with Bangladesh, Maldives, Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate said that Afghanistan’s not being selected for the seat is unjust. “This is not fair that they didn’t give the seat to the Islamic Emirate and they make such decisions in our absence. They should reconsider this,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Islamic Emirate. Click here to read…

Afghan Nationals Make Half of Iran’s Foreign Investment: The Khaama Press

Hassan Kazemi Qomi, the special representative of the Iranian President to Afghanistan said in his remarks, “Afghan nationals in Iran play a pivotal role towards the national economy. Half of Iran’s foreign investment comes from them, therefore, the high capacity of Afghan citizens should be utilized when the country is facing difficulties in attracting foreign investment.” Mr. Qomi further added that during the past year the United Arab Emirates expelled 700 Afghan businessmen from this country, whose capital was estimated at $30 million. Unfortunately, we failed to attract this capital and embrace Afghan traders to invest in Iran. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Political parties need to find common ground for free and fair election – Dhaka Tribune

Politicians and members of civil society have stressed finding a common ground among the political parties to ensure a free and fair election as the country gears up for the 12th parliamentary election, likely to be held in January, 2024. “Although finding common ground is very difficult, it is possible if the parties look to increase understanding and appreciation of the other,” Sharmeen Murshid, the chief executive officer of local election observer group Brotee, said at a seminar in the capital on Thursday. Click here to read…

Raised our concerns with Dhaka – The Daily Star

US Ambassador Peter Haas and embassy staff had to wrap up a meeting in Dhaka early on December 14 due to security concerns, said US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel. “And we have raised our concerns about this matter at the highest levels of Bangladesh government,” he told a press briefing at the US State Department yesterday. He made the comments in response to a question on the US envoy’s visit to the house of BNP leader Sajedul Islam Sumon, a victim of enforced disappearance in 2013, where other families gathered as well. Click here to read…

Jamaat spreading propaganda against nation – The Daily Star

A group of eminent citizens yesterday strongly condemned the appointment of lobbyists by Jamaat to convince the US and UK governments to impose sanctions against Bangladesh. They also viewed that Jamaat is spreading propaganda against Bangladesh using human rights issue as a shield. They said it in a joint statement under the banner of Sammilita Samajik Andolon, a citizens’ platform. Click here to read…

Bhutan

hina builds ropeway, roads near tri-junction – The Hindu

Beijing has been improving infrastructure and arranging additional deployments along the eastern sector of LAC; officials say there is lot of activity near Doklam that saw face-off in 2017. China has set up a ropeway near the Torsa Nala on its side of the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction, and is strengthening roads and other infrastructure along the entire eastern sector, according to defence sources.Click here to read…

Maldives

VP Naseem in the south of Maldives on an official visit – Raajje

Vice President Faisal Naseem is in the south of Maldives, on an official visit. VP Naseem departed to Fuvahmulah City and Addu City on Thursday. His first destination was Addu City where he visited all the districts of the city. In Hulhumeedhoo district, VP Naseem inaugurated the health center’s new services. He will visit government offices and institutions during his stay in Fuvahmulah City, where he will also inaugurate the new facility of Fuvahmulah Hospital.
Click here to read…

China encourages investing in the Maldives: Ambassador – Edition

The Chinese government encourages its enterprises to invest in the Maldives, the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Wang Lixin, stated on Wednesday. The Ambassador made the remark at the Business Forum held as part of the “Belt and Road” initiative between China and Maldives. Lixin highlighted the importance of effectively conducting the Tripartite Coordinating Mechanism Meetings. Click here to read…

Myanmar

BRI: China plans mega infra project in Myanmar close to Arunachal border – Economic Times

China’s claim on Arunachal Pradesh must be viewed in the context of the country’s plan to create a mega infrastructure project in Myanmar’s Kachin state, which borders Arunachal Pradesh, with an eye to bring the area under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A Chinese company has announced plans to build the massive Myitkyina Economic Development Zone on about 4,700 acres of land along the historic Ledo Road in Kachin state. Click here to read…

Myanmar Air Force Day – Scramble

As every year on 15 December, the Tatmadaw Lay (MAF, Myanmar Air Force) have their commemoration ceremony where new aircraft and helicopters are commissioned into service. The ceremony is traditionally held at Mandalay-Meiktila flying training air base. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Cannot Last Long: Kachin Leader – The Irrawaddy

A leader of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the political wing of the powerful Kachin Independence Army (KIA) which is fighting the regime, says Myanmar’s junta is unlikely to survive as it is crippled by low morale and declining power. General Gun Maw, vice-chairman of the KIO told Radio Free Asia: “There is no possibility for a further increase in [junta] strength and its existing forces are also already crippled …There is almost no hope for them to last long.” Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal, India to hold joint military training exercise – The Economic Times

“Indian Army troops arrived today in Saljhandi, Nepal for the 16th Joint India-Nepal Military Ex #SURYAKIRAN. The exercises are a paragon for the exchange of professional experience & cementing the friendship between two armies,” the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu tweeted on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Remittance

inflows to Nepal up by record 20 percent – The Kathmandu Post
The remittance inflows to Nepal jumped by a record 20.4 percent to Rs378.04 billion during the first four months of the current fiscal year amid the world’s largest economies teetering on the brink of a recession triggered by inflation, latest data from the Nepal Rastra Bank showed. Click here to read…

Foreign powers weigh in as new faces join President race – The Kathmandu Post

With the Election Commission submitting the election results to President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Thursday, parties have stepped up discussions on a new government and candidate for new President. Former chief justice Shrestha, according to some Congress leaders, is the choice of some foreign forces and is still under consideration at the top political level. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Govt devises plan to conserve energy, cut import bill: Dawn

The government has devised a national contingency energy-saving plan to stabilise the economy, conserve energy and cut the import bill because an “extraordinary situation” required “extraordinary measures”, the information minister said on Thursday. The plan, prepared by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, was approved in a high-level meeting presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday at the Prime Minister’s Office. Click here to read…

Govt slashes petrol price by Rs10 per litre: The Express Tribune

The federal government on Thursday slashed the prices of petroleum products by up to Rs10 per litre effective from December 16, 2022. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in a tweet said that the government had reduced the price of high speed diesel by Rs7.50 per litre. The government slashed the price of petrol by Rs10 per litre, kerosene oil by Rs10 per litre and light diesel oil (LDO) by Rs10 per litre. Click here to read…

Review of Pakistan’s Afghan policy sought: The Express Tribune

The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday called for a review of Pakistan’s Afghan policy in the wake of the attitude of the Taliban government in Kabul towards Islamabad as seen during recent weeks and months.The committee met at the Parliament House with Chairman Farooq Hamid Naek in the chair. The committee received a briefing from Foreign Secretary Asad Majeed on several issues, including the recent attack on the Pakistan Embassy building in Kabul. Click here to read…

Afghan forces resume firing at Chaman border: The News

One person was killed and 12 others were wounded on the Pakistani side of the border in Chaman during an intense firing by the Afghan security forces for the second time on Thursday. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the incident was “uncalled-for aggression” and Pakistani troops gave a “befitting” but “measured response” and avoided targeting the civilians on the other side. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Easter Attacks: Former President Sirisena ordered to produce written submissions – Daily News

Former President Maithripala Sirisena and other accused were ordered to produce their written submissions on January 18 regarding the removal of President Ranil Wickremesinghe from the 108 cases filed by the victims who were injured, permanently disabled and victimized in the Easter attack seeking compensation for their life and property damage. Colombo Additional District Judge Mahesha De Silva issued this order due to the fact that former President Maithripala Sirisena and the prosecution raised their objection to the removal of the President who has been named as the second accused in these compensation cases. Click here to read…

Russia to provide market for Sri Lanka’s agricultural products – MSN

The Government of the Russian Federation expresses its support to provide a market for Sri Lanka’s agricultural products and introducing new technical equipment to increase agricultural production. A discussion in this regard was held between Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan S. Dzhagarayan and Russian Trade Commissioner Alexander L. Rybas and Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera on Wednesday (14)… The new technology used by the Russian Federation to create a market for agricultural products of Sri Lanka in Russia increasIng agricultural production and the introduction of technical methods was taken up for discussion at the meeting. Talks also focused on acquiring chemical fertilizers including Urea to Sri Lanka in the futureClick here to read…

INS Sahyadri’s Colombo Port call and Sri Lanka’s Maritime Policy – Daily News

The Indian Navy Commander’s visit, along with the arrival of Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri, a multi-role missile frigate of the Indian Navy is another landmark of the maritime cooperation between the two Indian Ocean neighbours. Analysts also point out that these two incidents have marked Sri Lanka’s impartiality in its dealings with maritime powers. Although Indian experts were irked by Sri Lanka’s decision to allow a Chinese satellite tracking vessel to enter its ports in August this year, the two neighbours seem to have smoothened the ruffled relationship as evident from the visit by Indian Navy Chef and the INS Sahyadri, which is a Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate built for the Indian Navy. The Shivalik-class features improved stealth and land attack capabilities over the preceding Talwar-class frigates. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

UN Calls on Islamic Emirate to Honor Promise on Girls’ Education: Tolo News

The members of the UN Security Council have expressed their deep concern regarding the inability of girls beyond grade six in Afghanistan to return to their schools, as they were promised. Click here to read…

EU: Decision on Girls’ Schools Impacts Engagement: Tolo News

The European Union on Monday in a statement said the decision on girls’ education by the Islamic Emirate violates the fundamental right to education, and called for the immediate re-opening of secondary schools for girls in the country. Click here to read…

WB suspends $600M worth of projects in Afghanistan over school ban: The Khaama Press

The World Bank has announced that they have put on hold four projects in Afghanistan worth of $600 million following the ban on girls’ secondary schools in the country. The projects that were funded by Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) concentrated on agriculture, education, health, and livelihood. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

World Bank approves $358m for safer roads in Bangladesh- The Daily Star

World Bank today approved $358 million to help Bangladesh improve road safety, and reduce fatalities and injuries from road accidents in selected high-risk highways and district roads. Click here to read…

Russel wanted to be an army officer: PM- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today asked Bangladesh Armed Forces personnel to always be ready to protect the country’s independence and sovereignty. Click here to read…

Only 3,000 social workers to protect vulnerable children in Bangladesh: Unicef- The Daily Star

Over 100,000 social workers are needed in Bangladesh to adequately respond to the needs of vulnerable children, but currently there are only 3,000 social workers in the country, Unicef has said. Click here to read…

Freedom of expression still heavily curtailed in Bangladesh: Amnesty International- The Daily Star

Freedom of expression continued to be heavily curtailed by draconian laws” in Bangladesh in 2021, Amnesty International has said. Click here to read…

Can firmly say Rab last resort in rescuing abducted victims: DG- The Daily Star

The Rapid Action Battalion’s success in combating crime with upholding humanity is unprecedented in the world, said its Director General Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Click here to read…

Bomb attack on Benapole land port workers: 3 cases filed against 36- The Daily Star

Three cases have been filed against 36 people in connection with yesterday’s crude bomb attack on workers of Benapole Land Port in Jashore’sSharshaupazila, which left 20 people injured. Click here to read…

Onion import to continue: agriculture secretary- The Daily Star

The option to import onion will remain open now in order to keep the price of the cocking ingredient stable ahead of Ramadan, said Agriculture Secretary Md Sayedul Islam. Click here to read…

US to provide $152m aid for Rohingyas, host communities: Ambassador- The Daily Star.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh, Peter Haas, has announced USD 152 million in new humanitarian assistance for nearly one million Rohingyas and host communities. Click here to read…

Santal farmers killed selves being deprived of irrigation water: Farmers tell probe body blaming operator- The Daily Star

While the probe committee from the Ministry of Agriculture visited Rajshahi’sGodagariupazila today, many farmers elaborately told them that the death of two santal farmers was primarily because the operator deprived them of irrigation water. Click here to read…

BNP incited left parties to call hart all- The Daily Star

Information Minister Hasan Mahmud yesterday said BNP instigated left-leaning political parties to enforce hartal, which protested price hike of essentials. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Actions will be taken on free-roaming Covid-19 positive cases- Kuensel

The increasing number of positive cases in the community is attributed to the people not isolating themselves strictly after testing positive. Click here to read…

India releases Nu 737M for 12th Plan projects- Kuensel

The government of India released Nu 737 million (M) yesterday for projects including roads, urban development and school infrastructure. Click here to read…

8Economic affairs ministry proposes options to reduce fuel price- Kuensel

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) has proposed numerous interventions to the Cabinet to reduce fuel prices. Click here to read…

Maldives

The Maldives, UAE sign MoU on experience exchange on gov’t development, modernization: Raajje M

A significant agreement has been signed between the Maldives and United Arab Emirates (UAE), as part of Vice President Faisal Naseem’s ongoing visit to the UAE. Click here to read…

Myanmar

The Day Civilians Took Office in Myanmar After 53 Years of Military Rule – The Irrawaddy

On this day in 2016, a civilian government took office for the first time in 53 years in Myanmar following the National League for Democracy (NLD)’s victory in the November 2015 general election. Click here to read…

In Solidarity with Coup Leader, Myanmar Ex-Generals Appear at Armed Forces Day Event – The Irrawaddy

The appearance of ex-generals from the previous Myanmar military regime at the Armed Forces Day commemoration and subsequent ceremony hosted by the current regime on Sunday proves that they are all in solidarity with junta leader Min Aung Hlaing, who staged a coup that has so far killed 1,700 people. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Helicopter Crashes in Chin State – The Irrawaddy

A military helicopter crashed and injured five people onboard at Hakha, Chin State’s capital, on Tuesday morning, according to Myanmar’s junta. It is the third air force crash since June. Myanmar’s air force is known for frequent deadly crashes, even during training exercises, due to its largely outdated fleet.Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Enacts Law Allowing It to Deploy Police to Front Lines – The Irrawaddy

The Myanmar military regime has enacted a new law making it compulsory for law enforcement officers to fight alongside soldiers on the front lines, while expanding their powers to restrict citizens’ civil liberties. Click here to read…

Karen Ethnic Armed Group Tells Myanmar Govt Employees in Its Area to Quit – The Irrawaddy

District level Karen National Union (KNU) offices recently called on non-striking government employees working for the regime in KNU-controlled areas to resignClick here to read…

Public to Boycott Myanmar Junta’s New Year Water Festival – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar could not celebrate Thingyan in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID-19 and military rule but this year the regime is trying to bring the Burmese new year festival back to life. Click here to read…

Airstrikes Continue After Myanmar Junta Suffers Heavy Losses – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military continues using helicopters to attack villages near the Thai border in Myawaddy Township where its troops are suffering heavy losses. Daily fighting has continued in the Karen State border district for months amid heavy junta reinforcements, artillery and airstrikes. Click here to read…

Youths in Sittwe mark Right to Truth Day with calls for justice, human rights – BNI Online

Commemorated annually on March 24, the UN-recognised day is known in longform as International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims. Click here to read…

Nepal

(Editorial)Ties consolidated- Himalaya

Wang’s visit was, thus, a good opportunity for Nepal to clarify Nepal’s position that any development assistance from a country would be utilised solely for development purposes and that it would never accept any project with political and other conditions. Click here to read…

NC to tie up with ruling allies for civic polls- Himalaya

The central working committee of the ruling Nepali Congress today unanimously decided to forge poll alliance with other coalition partners in local elections scheduled for May 13. Click here to read…

Nepal, Republic of South Sudan establish diplomatic relations- Himalaya

Nepal and the Republic of South Sudan have established diplomatic relations. With this, the number of countries with which Nepal has bilateral diplomatic relations has reached 175. Click here to read…

Mahat-led delegation meets PM Deuba- Himalaya

A delegation from Nuwakot led by Nepali Congress Spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat today called on Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and apprised him of several issues facing the district. Click here to read…

Congress comes up with formal decision on poll alliance- Kathmandu Post

Members of rival Nepal Congress faction fear that alliance with communists could harm the party’s voter base. Click here to read…

Security printing will give sense of independence in printing sector: Communications Minister Karki- Himalaya

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki said the purpose of making the country independent in the printing sector is being gradually fulfilled. Click here to read…

Reaction to Wang Yi’s Nepal visit in Chinese media- Nepali Times

Delayed and toned-down reaction to Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s trip to Nepal seems deliberate. Click here to read…

Pakistan

‘Stars not aligned’ for MQM announcement: Dawn

While the combined opposition tried with all its might to prevail upon the party to announce a decision there and then, MQM-P avoided making a definitive statement at such a late hour and announced that it would make its decision public the next day. Click here to read…

PM forbids PTI MNAs from attending NA session on no-trust voting: The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. has barred the ruling PTI lawmakers from attending the National Assembly session on the day of voting on no-trust motion, which is likely to be held in the first week of April. Click here to read…

‘Pakistan can play role for diplomatic solution to war’, PM tells Ukrainian president

Prime Minister Imran Khan has told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that non-partisan countries like Pakistan are in a position to play a helpful role in reinforcing efforts for cessation of hostilities and a diplomatic solution in the war-stricken country. Click here to read…

Umpire’s neutrality leaves smaller parties confused: The News

The ‘umpire’s neutrality’ is behind the change of plans by smaller political parties, as they are reluctant to trust the commitments made by the government and the opposition. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Can we eat money?’: Prices high, supplies low, despair in Lanka- Indian Express

Sri Lanka is facing one of its worst economic crises, battered by the Easter Sunday blasts of April 2019, two Covid waves and now the Russia-Ukraine war. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka avoids recession in Dec quarter, GDP grows 3.7% in 2021: Business Standard

Sri Lanka’s economy grew at a slower-than-expected 1.8% in the 4th quarter of the 2021 financial year, taking its full year growth to 3.7 per cent, data from the govt’s statistics department showed. Click here to read…