Afghanistan

Aid Must Be Coordinated With Islamic Emirate: Hanafi: Tolo News

The Second Deputy of the Prime Minister, Abdul Salam Hanafi, said that humanitarian aid must be distributed in coordination with the Islamic Emirate to the vulnerable people in Afghanistan.  Click here to read…

Resistance Front Proposed Transitional Govt to Islamic Emirate: Tolo News

A member of the negotiating team of the Resistance Front (RF) says they proposed the establishment of a transitional government in Afghanistan in their two-day meeting with officials of the Islamic Emirate hosted by Tehran.Click here to read…

US to send $308 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

The United States has announced that they will send to Afghanistan $308 million and one million doses of “Covax” vaccines as part of their humanitarian aids to the country.Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Jan 16 NCC polls: Voters fear chaos, CEC pledges fairness- Daily Star

With the Narayanganj city polls only two days away, voters fear there may be chaos on election day over taking control of polling centres by supporters of some ward councillor candidates.Click here to read…

Assign staff to help students cross roads- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said educational institutions up to higher secondary level must assign their own staff to make sure their students cross roads safely.Click here to read…

Momen: Rohingyas posing security risk for region- Dhaka Tribune

The foreign minister urges Vietnam, Asean to speed up Rohingya repatriation.Click here to read…

Looking back on the 1/11 era- Dhaka Tribune

The reputation of the caretaker regime may precede itself, but it still has a legacy to hold on to.Click here to read…

US-Bangla Airlines has signed a contract with Comilla Victorians in BPL- Asian Age

US-Bangla Airlines, one of the private airlines of the country, has signed a travel partnership agreement with Comilla Victorians for the eighth edition of Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).Click here to read…

Bhutan

GDP growth to rebound to 5.1: World Bank- Kuensel

The Bhutanese economy is expected to grow by 5.1 percent in the financial year 2021-22, according to the World Bank’s “Global Economic Prospects” report, released on January 11.Click here to read…

The state of state owned enterprises- Kuensel

The country’s state-owned enterprises (SoEs) are not in a good state. At a meeting between the finance ministry that governs SoEs and the heads of SoEs, what came out was that there are more challenges than opportunities.Click here to read…

RSTA’s Iron Horses to Help Monitor Traffic- Bhutan Times

RSTA will procure 13 Royal Enfield 500ccs’ to monitor and meet the demand of ever-growing vehicle numbers and accidents.Click here to read…

Outstanding individuals, schools and clubs awarded for their contributions to grassroots football- Daily Bhutan

On December 22, 2021, the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF), a bronze member of the AFC Grassroots Charter, presented awards to unsung heroes who have contributed to the growth of the football scene in the kingdom.Click here to read…

Maldives

Covid-19: Maldives expects to receive syringe shipment within the week – Raajje

The decision to administer booster shots to frontliners and those at high-risk of complications from Covid-19 who have received both doses of Covid-19 vaccine, comes following recommendations from the Maldives Technical Advisory Group on Immunization and they are currently being administered in categories.Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Army becoming more and more oppressive on civilians – The North Lines

A Myanmar junta court in Naypyitaw found 76-year-old civilian leader and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San SuuKyi guilty on at least three charges and sentenced her to four more years in prison- two years for the possession of unlicensed walkie-talkies, and two years for breaching coronavirus curbs, according to legal sources. Click here to read…

As Myanmar’s Military Junta Starts Suffering Huge Losses, India Needs To Reset Ties With Pro-Democracy Forces – Swarajyamag

Myanmar’s military, which seized power on February 1 last year, is bleeding profusely from attacks by pro-democracy resistance forces and the country’s ethnic rebels.Click here to read…

Junta’s Coup Was Declaration of War Against the Myanmar People – The Irrawaddy

The Irrawaddy speaks to David Scott Mathieson, an independent researcher on conflict and peace in Myanmar, about the junta’s decision to stage its coup and how the Myanmar people are resisting the military’s takeover by both non-violent protest and armed resistance.Click here to read…

IDP camps in Chin State’s Paletwa town see food supplies dwindle – BNI Online

Camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Chin State’s Paletwa town have been running low on food for weeks, said managers of the camps. The World Food Programme (WFP) mainly provides food for the IDP camps and they have not received food since the second week of December 2021.Click here to read…

Nepal

Subedi couple released- Himalaya

Ram Kumar Subedi and his wife Madhavi, who were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation on the charge of preparing fake government documents in the Lalita Niwas land grab case, have been released after 21 days in judicial custody.Click here to read…

World Bank’s GDP growth projection for Nepal unchanged at 3.9pc for this fiscal- Himalaya

In its latest Global Economic Prospects report, the World Bank has forecast Nepal’s economy will grow 3.9 per cent in the current fiscal year ‘supported by better agricultural output and rebounding services activity on improving vaccine coverage’.Click here to read…

Nepal’s blossoming honey industry crushed by wild weather- Himalaya

In the 15 years Chitra Bhan Khatri has been keeping bees in west Nepal, he never had trouble providing food for his insects – until last year, when unseasonally heavy rain left his honeybees hungry.Click here to read…

Deuba’s six months in office: A poor show of governance- Kathmandu Post

There is not much for the government to boast about on any front, observers and analysts say.Click here to read…

(Opinion) Supporting Africa’s small farmers- Kathmandu Post

With climate volatility set to continue, farmers need support to adapt to the changes.Click here to read…

Tourism ministry writes to police and CIAA seeking action against Narayanhiti Palace Museum Chief- Republica

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation at the direction of Tourism Minister Prem Bahadur Ale, has sent a circular seeking action against those involved in the Narayanhiti Palace Museum restaurant scandal. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PDM meeting on 25th to discuss no-confidence option: Dawn

This was announced by the Maulana while talking to reporters after his meeting with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif who visited the PDM chief’s residence here on Wednesday.Click here to read…

Pakistan urges Spain to help prevent humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

Pakistan has urged Spain to play its role within the European Union (EU) to engage interim government of Afghanistan to avoid the impending humanitarian crisis.Click here to read…

Another IMF loan may be on the cards: The Express Tribune

The domestic economy is facing three major challenges — low export earnings, declining saving rate and the spike in global commodity prices.Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka seeks 1 billion dollar loan from India: The Financial Express

Sri Lanka is negotiating a USD one billion loan from India to import goods from the country, the governor of the Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal said on Wednesday, amidst a shortage of almost all essential commodities.Click here to read…

Sri Lanka seeks new China loan: The Hindu

Sri Lanka ruled out an IMF bailout on Wednesday and said it plans to seek another loan from China to address an economic crisis that has led to food and fuel shortages.Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Taliban says won’t allow any country to use Afghanistan military aircraft – Business Standard

Acting Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid on Tuesday at a ceremony in Kabul, during which the Air Force held an exercise, said the military aircraft that were taken abroad should be returned, according to Tolo News.Click here to read…

Afghanistan crisis: Taliban expands ‘food for work’ programme – BBC

The Taliban has said it is expanding its “food for work” programme, in which donated wheat is used to pay tens of thousands of public sector workers. It comes as the United Nations (UN) has appealed for $4.4bn (£3.2bn) in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan.Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Metro to be costlier than Padma bridge- Daily Star

The eagerly-awaited Dhaka metro rail project is set to witness huge cost escalation and time extension after a new drawback has shown up in the design: inconvenient entrance and exit points at the stations.Click here to read…

High-tech vessel shines hope on hilsa research- Daily Star

Researchers now have gotten an opportunity to promote hilsa production in the country, thanks to the introduction of a high-tech vessel by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute.Click here to read…

Taka devalued again due to declining reserves, high import costs- Dhaka Tribune

Economists say although exports have picked up significantly in recent months, it has failed to offset the imbalance created in the forex market by the low remittance and high imports.Click here to read…

Bhutan

ACC receives 451 complaints from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021- The Bhutanese

According to the Anti-Corruption Commission’s Annual Report 2020-2021, a total of 451 complaints were received over the 18-month reporting period, from 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2021.Click here to read…

Chili farmers feel threatened by imports- Kuensel

As the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests temporarily lifted the ban on chili import to “ensure availability, stabilise prices, and curb illegal import”, commercial chili farmers in Tsirang and Dagana are questioning the impact of such decisions on sustaining chili production in the country.Click here to read…

Samdrup Jongkhar town goes into lockdown- BBS

Samdrup Jongkhar town went into a three-day lockdown after two loaders and two frontliners tested positive for COVID-19 today. They were tested positive during the routine enhanced surveillance. Click here to read…

Maldives

With an Ex-President at the Helm, the Maldives’ ‘India Out’ Campaign Gains Steam – StartFor

Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s recent support for the “India Out” campaign could elevate the opposition movement’s profile, threatening Indian investment and influence in the strategic island nation. The India Out campaign is a loosely organized series of protests and propaganda objecting to India’s involvement in the Maldives.Click here to read…

V. Aarah case: two more hearings slated for January in Yameen’s money laundering trial – Raajje

Two more hearings have been scheduled for January in the money laundering trial of Abdulla Yameen, former president of Maldives over the leasing of Aarah island in Vaavu atoll to a foreign party for resort development.Click here to read…

Myanmar

2,300 Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Last Month: NUG – The Irrawaddy

An estimated 2,380 Myanmar junta soldiers were killed and around 600 wounded during the last month, according to the parallel National Unity Government. Between Dec. 7 and Jan. 6, 1,077 blasts and attacks targeting junta forces were reported across the country, except in Rakhine State.Click here to read…

UN urges Myanmar military to stop attacks on town – Business Live

Myanmar’s military must halt attacks on the town of Loikaw and lift a blockade on those trying to flee, a UN human rights investigator said on Monday, as a shaken resident described constant shelling and air strikes in the area.Click here to read…

KIA, MNDAA Fight Burma Army Same Day – BNI Online

In northern Shan State, fierce fighting broke out between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Burma Army (BA) in the Mongpaw area and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and regime soldiers in Muse District. A local told SHAN that the KIA fought against the BA in the mountains near Mongpaw on Wednesday morning, but could not say if there were any casualties.Click here to read…

Nepal

Gathering of 25-plus people in valley prohibited- Himalaya

Authorities concerned of the three districts in Kathmandu valley have put a restriction on gathering of more than 25 people in public places to curb the rising cases of COV- ID-19. The restriction will come into force from midnight today.Click here to read…

Two major Madhes-based parties in crisis- Kathmandu Post

Disputes deepen in Upendra Yadav’s Janata Samajbadi Party and Mahantha Thakur’s Loktantrik Samajbadi Party over key appointments.Click here to read…

Student organizations demand medical college administration officials be arrested- Republica

Seven different student organizations issued a public statement regarding “the fact that three medical colleges have charged higher fees than stated by the government.”Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan’s economic condition better than India: Imran Khan – Money Control

On Tuesday, Khan said that Pakistan is in a better economic condition than many countries in the region, especially India, speaking at the inaugural session of the International Chambers Summit 2022 in Islamabad. Click here to read…

BSF Seizes Drugs Worth ₹100 Crores From India-Pakistan Border In Punjab’s Ferozepur – Republic World

Amid ongoing investigation on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security breach incident where he was forced to skip the Ferozepur rally, the Border Security Forces (BSF) recovered 22 kilograms of heroin from the district in three separate incidents. Click here to read…

Pakistan refuses IMF’s proposal to renegotiate loan fearing new conditions – Business Standard

Pakistan Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin has said that he has refused to agree with the International Monetary Fund’s new proposal to the cash-strapped country to renegotiate its loan programme, fearing that the global lending agency might impose new conditions.Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka will repay all debt due in 2022, gradually build reserves-cenbank gov – Market Screener

The Sri Lankan government will meet all debt repayments in 2022 and work on a more comprehensive plan to address the dwindling foreign exchange reserves, its central bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said on Wednesday.Click here to read…

Skyrocketing inflation! Sri Lanka may go bankrupt – English News Track

Sri Lanka is currently facing serious financial and humanitarian threats. Here, inflation has gone up to a record level and it is being said that this could lead to bankruptcy in the country. Earlier, on 30th August last year, after the sharp fall in Sri Lankan currency and the rise in food prices, the Government had declared a National Financial Emergency.Click here to read…

Is There Any Going Back From The China-Sri Lanka Ties Over ‘Development’ Projects? – Youth ki Awaaz

Sri Lanka is looking to levy concessions from China, whose interest in the island-country go quite far, from the development of ports to the expansion of trade and commerce. The superpower winking and wooing its Sri Lankan audience for its debt diplomacy is a ploy to checkmate the ascendancy of India in this region.Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Muttaqi Meets Ismail Khan, Ahmad Massoud in Tehran: Tolo News

An Islamic Emirate delegation currently in Iran, led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, has met with Ahmad Massoud, leader of the Resistance Front, and Ismail Khan, the former governor of Herat province.Click here to read…

UN Official: Dialogue With Islamic Emirate ‘Important’: Tolo News

Filippo Grandi, the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees, told the Washington Post that it is important to maintain dialogue with the Islamic Emirate, saying that this will ensure that Afghanistan is “viable.” Click here to read…

Afghan ambassador to China steps down: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s ambassador to Peking Jawed Ahmad Qaim resigned from his post on Sunday, January 10, 2022. Click here to read…

Bangladesh Bank to weaken taka in phases- The Daily Star

The Bangladesh Bank is considering to follow the path of a gradual depreciation of the taka against the US dollar in order to protect the interests of exporters and remitters. Click here to read…

Covid curbs return from Thursday- Daily Star

The Covid curbs are back five months after relaxation as the government looks to stem the tide of Covid-19 cases that can potentially cripple the economy and overwhelm hospitals once again. Click here to read…

(Op-Ed) How smart energy tech can curb soaring energy prices- Dhaka Tribune

Energy tech is a key driver behind improving energy efficiency in grids and accelerating the decarbonization of the energy sector. Click here to read…

Manju’s Jatiya Party wants law to form next EC- Dhaka Tribune

‘EC must get proper cooperation from the executive bodies of the government for holding a free and fair election,’ he says. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Tala plant shut down increases electricity import- Kuensel

Electricity imports from India this winter will increase owing to the shutdown of 1,020MW Tala hydropower plant this year. Click here to read…

Chili farmers feel threatened by imports- Kuensel

As the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests temporarily lifted the ban on chili import to “ensure availability, stabilise prices, and curb illegal import”, commercial chili farmers in Tsirang and Dagana are questioning the impact of such decisions on sustaining chili production in the country. Click here to read…

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is one of the 15 shortlisted films for Oscars 2022 International Feature Film Category- Daily Bhutan

Premiered in London in 2019, the Bhutanese film, “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” was forced to withdraw from the 2020 Oscars due to technicality related to the formal nomination process. Click here to read…

Bhutan to import eggs from India next week- BBS

To resolve the egg shortage in the country, eggs will be imported from India. The Bhutan Livestock Development Corporation Limited (BLDCL) will import more than a million eggs next week. Click here to read…

Maldives

Five key agreements signed between Maldives, China – Raajje

As part of State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi’s ongoing official visit to Maldives, the signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, where the Chinese foreign minister was joined by Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid. Click here to read…

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih Meets with Wang Yi – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC

On January 8, 2022 local time, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met in Malé with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who was visiting the Maldives upon invitation.
On the same day, Wang Yi also held talks with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. Both sides witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents and attended the launching ceremony of the official logo for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Maldives. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Junta Court Sentences Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi to Another Four Years – The Irrawaddy

A special court set up by the Myanmar junta in Naypyitaw sentenced detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to an additional four years’ imprisonment on Monday in three cases against her, including alleged illegal possession of walkie-talkies and breaching COVID-19 restrictions. Click here to read…

Bound, gagged, shot: Myanmar’s military massacre women, children, charity workers as activists call for arms embargo against junta – SCMP

In 2021 there were a raft of reports about the Myanmar military regime’s mass killings, and the massacre in Hpruso, Kayah state, on Christmas Eve ranks as one of the deadliest attacks of the year. Click here to read…

Anger as Cambodia’s Hun Sen meets Myanmar military leader – The Hindu

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s visit to Myanmar seeking to revive peace efforts after last year’s military takeover has provoked an angry backlash among critics, who say he is legitimizing the army’s seizure of power. Click here to read…

Myanmar: 5 Killed In Military Helicopter Attack In Embattled Sagaing Region – Republic World

At least 5 people were killed on Thursday after the Myanmar military launched a helicopter attack near the embattled Sagaing region. The ambush took place in Gahe village, Indaw township in northwestern Myanmar, killing four siblings aged between 5 to 26 years. Click here to read…

Tun Mrat Naing attempts to erase Rohingya identity and history – Prothomalo

Prothom Alo’s interview with Tun Mrat Naing, the commander-in-chief of the Arakan Army which spearheads Buddhist Rakhine population’s openly pro-independence movement, comes across as strategically thought-through, determined and sensitive to the discourse of human rights. Click here to read…

Nepal

Prithvi Jayanti being observed today, President extends tribute- Nepal Live Today

The 300th birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah is being celebrated across the country today by organizing a variety of programs. The event is celebrated every year on Poush 27 of the lunar calendar. Click here to read…

Communications minister Karki in home-isolation- Himalaya

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki is in home isolation after CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal and leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha contracted COVID-19. Click here to read…

Province 2 on high alert as COVID-19 cases surge- Himalaya

With COVID-19 infection taking its toll in neighbouring India, its impact has been seen in the districts of Province 2. Till the end of last month, the infection rate was stagnant here, but now the graph is going up. Click here to read…

Nepal, India firms sign first private power trade deal of the two nations- KTP

Nepali private sector flags concern over the new Electricity Bill, which has envisaged granting legal permission for energy trade, but is pending in Parliament. Click here to read…

Govt preparing to allow private sector to trade electricity: Minister Bhusal- Republica

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has said that the government is preparing to allow the private sector to trade electricity. Click here to read…

(Opinion) Why Nepalis should unite to commemorate King Prithvi Narayan Shah- Nepal Live Today

The primary motive for King Prithvi to launch the battle for Nepal’s unification was to save the country from the threat of annexation by the powerful British East India Company which was looking to subjugate Nepal. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Opposition narrative of civil-military rift ‘dead and buried’: PM Imran: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again said that his government’s relationship with the military was ‘exceptional’ and the opposition’s narrative regarding a rift between the government and the military was ‘dead and buried’. Click here to read…

FM Qureshi discusses Afghan, Kashmir issues with Romanian PM: Dawn

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday met Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca and discussed with him bilateral matters, the situation in Afghanistan and human rights violations in India-held Kashmir. Click here to read…

Most wanted TTP commander killed in Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

Muhammad Khurassani, the operational commander and the spokesperson for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has been killed in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, sources confirmed on Monday, who offered no further details. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Prez scraps state ministry held by Susil: Daily Mirror

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has brought about changes in ministerial subjects in an extraordinary gazette notification. Click here to read…

A win for India in Sri Lanka: Deccan Herald

Decades of Indian diplomatic efforts have finally borne fruit with India

Signing three agreements with the Sri Lanka government on jointly developing the Trincomalee oil tank farm in eastern Sri Lanka. The oil tank farm will be managed by a 51-49% . Click here to read…

Afghanistan

7,000 CCNPP Projects Remain Unfinished: MoF: Tolo News

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) said on Monday that at least 7,000 projects of the Citizens’ Charter National Priority Program (CCNPP) remained unfinished across Afghanistan. Click here to read…

No threat from Afghanistan’s borders to region: Taliban reacted to Putin’s concerns: The Khaama Press

A spokesperson of the Taliban Inamullah Samangani reacted to the recent concerns of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and added that there is no threat from Afghanistan’s borders to regional countries. Click here to read…

Shi’ite people ask Taliban to formalize their sect: The Khaama Press

Shi’ite people in Afghanistan in a statement asked the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to formalize their sect and protect their citizenship rights in the framework of an inclusive government. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Rethinking Bangladesh: A special issue- HIMAL: SOUTH ASIAN

Rethinking Bangladesh, which brings together over a dozen writers and artists, many of them based in Bangladesh, and all of them with expertise and informed insights on the country. Click here to read…

Two more omicron cases found- Asian Age

Bangladesh has identified two more cases of omicron, taking the tally of new variant infections to four. Click here to read…

‘Don’t lecture us about democracy while sheltering murderers’- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has hit back at the United States for criticizing democracy and human rights in Bangladesh while giving shelter to a killer of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Click here to read…

Awami League activist killed in post-polls violence in Pabna- Dhaka Tribune

n Awami League activist was killed in post-polls violence that broke out in the Nazirpur Hatpara area of Hemayetpur union in Pabna Sadar on Tuesday evening. Click here to read…

Banks’ call centres failing to live up to expectations- Daily Star

Al Hossain Chisty, a client of a private commercial bank, tried to talk to the bank’s call centre executives to get some explanation about statement related to his credit card. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Inconsistencies in court rulings over State land encroachment cases?- Kuensel

The Supreme Court, it was learnt, had summoned both the appellants and prosecutors in the Trongsa controversial land case days after the appellant’s daughter appeared in a video with an allegation of a miscarriage of judgment went viral. Click here to read…

Anam appointed Asia News Network’s next Chairman- Kuensel

Thailand: Respected Bangladeshi journalist Mahfuz Anam, who is the editor and publisher of Bangladesh’s largest selling English daily – The Daily Star – has been elected Asia News Network’s (ANN) next Chairman. Click here to read…

Finance Minister fires warning letter to landlords over rental income- Daily Bhutan
A notification signed by the finance minister Namgay Tshering notified all the ‘real’ property owners to declare the annual rental income correctly while filing the PIT returns for the Income Year 2021. Click here to read…

MoAF makes steady head ways in 2021- Bhutan Times

The year 2021 saw the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF) assisting the sourcing excess of vegetables, fruits and livestock products from the dzongkhags to Thimphu during the lockdown. Click here to read…

Maldives

Economic growth is important to boost capacity-building efforts: VP Naseem – Raajje

Economic growth goes hand-in-hand with increasing capacity building efforts, particularly in the aviation industry, says Vice President Faisal Naseem. VP Naseem took the podium at the event to officially inaugurate the Maldivian Aviation Academy, held at the Maldives National University (MNU) on Tuesday. Click here to read…

VP Naseem inaugurates ‘Manta Wings’ programme – Raajje

Highlighting that Manta Air has achieved a lot over the years, VP Naseem stated that the it is important to develop human resources in the field, in a bid to cater to the growing demand at a time the global airline industry is growing. Click here to read…

Maldives meets tourist arrival target for 2021 – Raajje

The country’s target for the year was 1.3 million, which was met with the arrival of Romanian national Constantin Stelian Emil on Monday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s military coup redux – East Asia Forum

For the fourth time since Myanmar’s independence in 1948, the Tatmadaw (military) has reasserted its control. Click here to read…

Save the Children confirms staff killed in Myanmar massacre – Aljazeera

Save the Children has confirmed that two of its staff were killed in a Christmas Eve massacre blamed on the military that left more than 30 people dead on a highway in eastern Myanmar. Click here to read…

Reporter killed in Myanmar military attack near Thai border – RSF

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the international community to toughen its sanctions on Myanmar’s military junta after a journalist who was covering the plight of refugees in the southeastern state of Kayin was killed during an army artillery attack near the border with Thailand on 25 December. Click here to read…

Ethnic Armies Condemn Myanmar Junta’s Kayah Massacre – The Irrawaddy

Three allied ethnic armed organizations in Myanmar have strongly condemned the military junta’s massacre of 35 civilians in Hpruso Township, Kayah State, last week, calling the international community to bring justice. Click here to read…

Nepal

Karki counters Dahal’s document- Himalayan

A day after CPN-Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal called for ensuring identity-based federalism in his political document that he presented in the party’s eighth general convention, another party leader, Ram Karki, presented a document countering Dahal. Click here to read…

Maoist delegates find Dahal’s document lacking in clarity

As discussions start on the chairman’s political paper, many say a concrete policy and time-bound programme is needed to transform the once-revolutionary party. Click here to read…

Nepal’s first electric vehicle charging station opens- TKP

The powerhouse in Lumbini generates 154 kilowatts of electricity, making it the largest solar charging station in Nepal, officials say. Click here to read…

Farmers dismayed by govt delay in fixing this year’s floor price of sugarcane- Republica

The government has failed to fix the minimum support price of sugarcane despite the harvesting season of the farm product reaching its end for this year. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Nawaz won’t return, he will be brought back: Fawad: Dawn

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday said the government would bring back self-exiled former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to the country as he would never return himself, insisting that the opposition was incapable of toppling the present setup led by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). Click here to read…

Tabling of mini-budget in parliament deferred: Dawn

The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the first-ever National Security Policy (NSP) of the country but deferred approval of the supplementary finance bill [mini-budget] which was scheduled to be tabled in the National Assembly on Wednesday (today). Click here to read…

Summary to grant industry status to rice forwarded to ECC: The Express Tribune

The federal government has decided to grant industry status to rice processing mills to boost the commodity’s exports and solve other problems, sources said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Lanka readies oil tank farm deal with India; Wang to visit Colombo after spat, may offer sweeteners: The Indian Express

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Sri Lanka next week in the midst of a crippling economic crisis that has seen Colombo turn to Delhi for help and fast pedal the long-delayed India-Sri Lanka plan for joint development of the Trincomalee oil tank farm. Click here to read…

Govt braces for food shortage: Daily Mirror

The government is bracing for a possible food shortage in the coming months by initiating plans to secure around US $ 100-150 million from the Central Bank a month to import essentials such as rice, sugar, chilli, dhal and wheat flour from the regional countries, a minister said. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Anas Haqqani Calls on ‘Unqualified Officials’ to Step Down: Tolo News

A top member of the Islamic Emirate, Anas Haqqani, called on “unqualified officials” to step down from their positions and allow professional individuals to fill their posts. Click here to read…

High Taxes on Mining in Afghanistan Deter Investors: Tolo News

The high rate of taxes on mine extraction has affected the mining process in Afghanistan, the investors said on Sunday, adding that they are not willing to invest in mines. Click here to read…

Iran interested to meditate talks between Afghan factions: Qomi: The Khaama Press

Iran’s president special representative to Afghanistan Hassan Kazzemi Qomi said that Tehran has good relations with all factions in Afghanistan and can mediate talks between them for stability and peace in the war-torn country. Click here to read…

Afghanistan Tajikistan inked power agreement: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s electricity body (Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat) on their official Facebook page announced that they signed an agreement of power with Tajikistan for 2022. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

$500b economy by next fiscal- Daily Star

As per the finance division’s projection, the size of the Bangladesh economy would be $510 billion in fiscal 2022-23 after growing at 10.7 percent. Click here to read…

Metro Rail employee killed in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Road accident- Daily Star

An employee of the Metro Rail project died after a bus ran him over at the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar yesterday. Click here to read…

Should we consider a bad cold as a Covid symptom?- Dhaka Tribune

Researchers, healthcare experts and physicians say catching a cold at this time may not be caused by minor allergies, which is very common in the winter. Click here to read…

‘Rising inflation hurts rural people’- Asian Age

The BBS report said the average inflation in rural areas rose to 6.20 per cent in November. At the same time, the average inflation in the city stood at 5.59 percent. Click here to read…

PM Hasina returns home- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in Dhaka on Monday afternoon wrapping up her maiden six-day bilateral visit to the Maldives. Click here to read…

Arms, ammo recovered from Habiganj Satchhari forest- Observer

The Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police recovered 15 grenades, 25 boosters and 510 bullets of machineguns from Satchhari forest in Chunarughat upazila of Habiganj district on Monday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

His Majesty graces winter Parliament session- Kuensel

His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo graced the closing ceremony of the winter session of Parliament on December 25. Click here to read…

For a cleaner and beautiful Bhutan- Bhutan Times

With the inspiring words from His Majesty the King; “Tendrel for Environment,” a nationwide cleaning competition with the underlying message for a safe and healthy environment was launched. Click here to read…

A summary of Bhutan’s 114th National Day- Daily Bhutan

Every year Bhutan celebrates its most historically significant day – the National Day (Gyalyong Duechen) on 17th December. Click here to read…

Maldives

Active Covid-19 cases across Maldives rise to 2,032 – Raajje

According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), 132 new infections and 119 additional recoveries were reported between 6pm Saturday and 6pm Sunday. Click here to read…

EEEP will pave way to improve, deliver public services: president – Raajje

The Executive Enhancement and Enrichment Programme (EEEP) will greatly assist in the administration’s efforts to reform, improve and deliver public services, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Click here to read…

More parties in Maldives oppose ‘India Out’ campaign led by Abdulla Yameen – Hindustan Times

More political parties in the Maldives have opposed an “India Out” campaign led by former president Abdulla Yameen following his release from house arrest, saying the leader is recklessly inciting hatred among the people towards India. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Navy commissions Type 35B Ming-class submarine – Naval Technology

Myanmar has announced the commissioning of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) former Type 35B Ming-class submarine. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Court Postpones Suu Kyi Verdict for Second Time – The Irrawaddy

A junta court in Naypyitaw has again postponed giving a verdict in the trial of detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on two charges of the possession and illegal importation of walkie-talkies. Click here to read…

United Nations Condemns Myanmar Junta’s Massacre of Civilians – The Irrawaddy

The United Nations has called for an investigation into a massacre of displaced civilians in Kayah State, eastern Myanmar, and condemned the incident. Click here to read…

Nepal

Opinion: Nepal Begins Hydropower Export to India- The Diplomat

The Himalayan country needs Chinese investment and the Indian market to tap the full potential of its hydropower sector. Can Nepal walk the fine line? Click here to read…

‘RTI a must for promoting good governance’- Himalaya

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki has said the Right to Information is necessary for durable peace, good governance, and development in the country. Click here to read…

Dahal proposes three-front fight for identity-based federalism- Himalaya

CPN-Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal tabled his ideological and political report in the closed session of the party’s eighth general convention. Click here to read…

Dahal’s political document leaves delegates confused- TKP

Maoist leaders struggle to get a copy, and wonder what discussions they can hold with not much time to read it. Click here to read…

Civil Aviation Authority passes budget after half-year delay- TKP

The delay in the passage of the budget could set back infrastructure development, as funds that need to be spent on projects will be held up, officials at the authority said. Click here to read…

NC to conduct convention in 16 districts by Jan 11- Republica

The Nepali Congress has decided to hold the party conventions in the remaining 16 districts by January 11. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Security policy sees economy as pivotal to stability: Dawn

The National Security Committee (NSC) on Monday approved the National Security Policy that puts economic stability at the core of a comprehensive national security. Click here to read…

Finance ministry paints rosy economic picture: The Express Tribune

According to the average Monthly Economic Indicator (MEI) report issued by the finance ministry, there is demand for Pakistani exports by the trading partners despite the spread of Omicron – the new Covid-19 variant. Click here to read…

Pakistan’s biggest fight is against ‘retrogressive’ thinking: Fawad: The Express Tribune

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Monday said the biggest fight of the Pakistani state is against the “retrogressive thinking” that poses a danger to the country. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Temporary Closure of Identified Sri Lanka Missions / Posts Overseas: News.ik

The Foreign Ministry, following careful consideration, has taken a decision to temporarily close three of its Missions / Posts overseas, i.e., the Sri Lanka High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria; the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Frankfurt, Germany; and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Nicosia, Cyprus; with effect from 31 December 2021. Click here to read…

Better if ministers resign before criticising collective Cabinet decisions –President: The Island

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday said it would have been better if ministers Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila and Vasudeva Nanayakkara had resigned as ministers before challenging a collective Cabinet decision on the Yugadanavi power plast agreement. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

US Should Not Interfere in Afghan Affairs: Stanikzai: Tolo News

The deputy minister of foreign affairs for political affairs, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, at a gathering on Sunday said the United States should not interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs as it is an independent country and it is making decisions independently. Click here to read…

Putin: Those That ‘Destroyed’ Afghan Economy Should Provide Aid: Tolo News

Russian President Vladimir Putin linked the recognition of the current Afghan government with ground realities, saying that “forces that are now at the helm in Afghanistan should be prepared for all ethnic groups to be represented in the country’s leadership.” Click here to read…

Co-education is reason behind closure of universities: Haqqani: The Khaama Press

Acting minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Abdul Baqi Haqqani said that co-education in Afghanistan’s universities along with economic woes is a major reason behind the closure of universities. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Opinion: Our best and brightest?- Dhaka Tribune

The top political leadership of the country must foster rational and civil discourse within these organizations — not the plethora of hate and spite which currently infects student and youth politics. Click here to read…

Bangladesh needs higher inflow of FDI- Dhaka Tribune

FDI remains an extremely important instrument for development in Bangladesh as it can help build up significant physical capital. Click here to read…

4th Phase UP Polls: 3 killed in violence- The Daily Star

At least three people were killed in polls violence during yesterday’s fourth-phase Union Parishad election. Click here to read…

PM Hasina returning from Maldives today- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to Dhaka today after ending her maiden six-day bilateral visit to the Maldives. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Prime Minister pledges accountability- Kuensel

Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said in his self-styled report of the State of the Nation to the Joint Sitting of Parliament yesterday which made strong reference to His Majesty The King’s 114th National Day Address to the nation. Click here to read…

Addressing corruption and accountability- Kuensel

Following the Royal address on the 114th National Day, an unprecedented importance has been given to the issues of corruption and accountability in the country. Click here to read…

“One child, seven skills” already making a difference – Lhuentse- BBS

Schools in Lhuentse started the “One child, seven skills” policy this year and it is unique to the district. It is an initiative to give some skills to children that can prove valuable later in life. The policy is being piloted in 18 schools and ECCDs. And it is already making a difference. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives expects to surpass tourist arrivals target before year ends – Raajje

Latest weekly figures publicized by the Ministry of Tourism reveal that a total of 1,271,020 tourists were welcomed at the Velana International Airport between January 1 and December 22. Click here to read…

Maldives, Bangladesh review possibility of establishing direct shipping line – Raajje

Official discussions were held between President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina who is in the Maldives on a State Visit upon the invitation of the Maldivian president.

Govt to take steps to solve problems of expatriates in Maldives: PM – Rising BD

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her government would take measures to solve the problems which the Bangladeshi expatriates are currently facing in the Maldives. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Military Helicopters rescued Tatmadaw troops trapped during the Battle of Pela – Mizzima

An official from the Pale Township People’s Defense Force said that a military helicopter rescued the soldiers trapped during clashes in Pale township, Sagaing region on December 23Click here to read…

India’s Myanmar quandary – Sentinel Assam

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla’s two-day visit to Myanmar has put the spotlight on the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway project that are crucial for connecting the Northeast region to a vibrant ASEAN economy. Click here to read…

Myanmar statement on Shringla visit differs from Indian line on restoring democracy – The Hindu

A day after Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla met Myanmar’s military leader General Min Aung Hlaing, differences emerged in the way both sides portrayed the visit, with Myanmar official media referring to India’s line on the restoration of democracy. Click here to read…

China assisting Myanmar army to build internet firewall, has potential access into junta’s sensitive information: Report – Devi Discourse

Myanmar’s military has sought Beijing’s assistance and probably received also to build an internet firewall to curb the spread of information against the junta. But Tatmadaw is currently unaware that Chinese agencies by helping them have potential access to the junta’s sensitive information, a media report said. Click here to read…

Calls for urgent action after Christmas Eve massacre in Myanmar – Christian Today

A Christian charity is calling on the international community to take urgent action after reports of at least 35 civilians being burnt alive in Myanmar on Christmas Eve. Click here to read…

Nepal

Juvenile justice in shoddy state- Himalaya

A study conducted by Public Defender Society of Nepal reveals that a high percentage of juvenile delinquents being kept at the eight correction homes across the country were mainly from two ethnic groups, indigenous nationalities, and the Dalits. Click here to read…

Liquidity crunch likely to continue for a few months- TKP

The government will raise over Rs80 billion in income tax in mid-January, draining liquidity from the banking system. Click here to read…

Opinion: Global inflation and Nepal- Kathmandu Post

Greater electricity use can not only cut the fuel bill, but also clip a potential source of imported inflation. Click here to read…

On nature and human nature- Nepali Times

Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche teaches us the art of understanding ourselves through wisdom, compassion and balance. Click here to read…

Maoist Center Eighth General Convention: Closed session to begin at 11 AM today- Republica

The closed session of the eighth National General Convention of the CPN (Maoist Center) will start at 11 AM today in Kathmandu. The inaugural ceremony of the general convention was held at Nepal Academy in Kamaladi on Sunday. Click here to read…

Illegal goods worth Rs 15 million seized- Republica

The District Police Office, Parsa has confiscated unlawfully-imported goods worth Rs 15 million in over a month and handed over to the Customs Office and Revenue Investigation Office, Pathalaiya. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Flight of dollar continues despite FIA action: Dawn

FIA Director General Sanaullah Abbasi told Dawn that during December alone the agency had arrested 158 people and seized local and foreign currencies worth Rs300 million across the country in an effort to stabilise the rupee against the greenback. Click here to read…

NSC to review country’s first-ever national security policy today: The Express Tribune

The government spokesperson tweeted that the national security policy draft would be presented before the NSC for approval. If approved, the country will have the first-ever national security policy in a documented form since its inception as it hasn’t been codified in the last 70 years. Click here to read…

2021 ending at double-digit inflation: The Express Tribune

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows a continuous uptrend starting from 5% in January 2021 to touching a 20-month high of 11.5% in November 2021. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka to sign Trincomalee oil tank farm deal with India in a month, says Minister: The Hindu

After a year of visible strain in its ties with Colombo, New Delhi may finally have some reason for cheer. In a month’s time, Sri Lanka will ink the long-dragging deal with India to jointly develop the Trincomalee oil tank farms — a coveted project that has remained controversial for decades. Click here to read…

P. B. tenders resignation, Prez yet to accept: Daily Mirror

Secretary to the President, Dr. P. B. Jayasundara has tendered his resignation letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, following objections raised by the cabinet of ministers who have urged him to step down, but the resignation is yet to be accepted by the President, the Daily Mirror learns. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Turkey, Qatar Delegation Arrives in Kabul: Tolo News

A joint delegation consisting of Turkish and Qatari officials on Thursday arrived in Kabul to discuss their countries’ involvement in the operation Afghanistan’s five airports. Click here to read…

Afghan factories to go bankrupt duet to frozen assets: industrialists: The Khaama Press

Officials of Afghanistan’s Chamber of Industry and Mines in a press conference in Kabul said that the lack of cash and freezing assets by the US have put their factories on the verge of bankruptcy. Click here to read…

Taliban dissolve two ministries and electoral bodies:The Khaama Press

Cabinet of the Taliban interim government recently decided to dissolve ministry government in peace affairs, ministry of government in parliament affairs, Independent Election Commission, Independent Election Complaints Commission from their cabinet. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Government gears up to distribute textbooks on first day of 2022- Dhaka Tribune

The government is all set to distribute textbooks to students of primary and secondary levels on the first day of the 2022 academic year. Click here to read…

PM Hasina: Bangladesh-Maldives ties must grow further- Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Maldives must grow further to enhance trade, investment, connectivity, and people-to-people contacts. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Third LG elections concluded successfully- Kuensel

Results of the third local government elections were still being compiled for some of the gewogs when the story had to hit the press. Click here to read…

Booster doses for priority groups to begin from tomorrow- BBS

Bhutan will roll out booster doses to the priority groups beginning tomorrow. With this, Bhutan becomes the first country in the South Asian region to administer booster doses. The priority groups include residents above the age of 18 in the high-risk areas, elderly above 65 years across the country. Click here to read…

Maldives

President declares six sites of environmental significance in Laamu atoll, protected – Raajje

The decision was made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, following a meeting with his Cabinet Ministers on Tuesday. As such, deliberations were held on a paper proposed by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Maldives, Bangladesh remain committed to solidify fraternal bonds of friendship Raajje

The commitment was reaffirmed by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, during official talks held as part of the latter’s ongoing State Visit to Maldives. Senior delegates from both nations joined the official discussions held at the President’s Office on Thursday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Japanese Training Fuels Myanmar’s Military Violence – The OWP

The Human Rights Watch urged Japan last Monday to end its academic exchange program with Myanmar due to its imprisonment of democratically-elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and consequent military coup d’état on February 1st. Click here to read…

India provides 10 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccines, 10,000 tonnes of rice and wheat to Myanmar – The Print

India has provided 10 lakh doses of ‘Made in India’ coronavirus vaccines and a grant of 10,000 tonnes of rice and wheat to Myanmar as part of its continued humanitarian support for the neighbouring country, the External Affairs Ministry said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Nepal

Migration to US empties Venezuela’s once-booming oil capital- Himalaya

It took accountant Anibal Pirela six days of travel and $7,000 to reach Austin, Texas from Maracaibo, the capital of Venezuela’s once-flourishing western oil state of Zulia. Click here to read…

Nepal records 241 new Covid-19 cases, 263 discharges, 2 fatalities on Thursday- Himalaya

Nepal’s coronavirus caseload reached 826,664 on Thursday with 241 more people testing positive for the infection in the past 24 hours. Click here to read…

How the Nepali Congress finds its way depends now on how Deuba behaves- TKP

Party president has emerged as even stronger leader, he should be accommodative and more liberal, insiders say. Click here to read…

Coalition govt to continue until next elections: Madhav Nepal- Republica

Chairperson of the CPN (Unified Socialist) Madhav Kumar Nepal has claimed that the current coalition government will continue until the next elections. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PM Imran moves to avoid KP-like setback in Punjab: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the Punjab government and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leadership to begin homework for the upcoming local government elections in the province, adding he would personally oversee the preparations. Click here to read…

IMF to take up sixth review of its programme on Jan 12: Dawn

Muzammil Aslam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, said in a tweet on Thursday: “I am pleased to confirm 6th review will be presented to IMF Board on 12th January, 2022”. Click here to read…

Only parliament will decide mini-budget’s fate: Fawad: The Express Tribune

To the news and rumours regarding amendments to the tune of Rs360 billion to the Finance Bill through an ordinance instead of an act of parliament, the government spokesperson made it clear that the mini-budget was not being passed through an ordinance rather it would be presented before parliament. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

As more Indian fishermen are detained by Sri Lanka, hard questions need to be asked in the Palk Strait: Indian Express

The Sri Lankan Navy has detained 68 Indian fishermen and seized 21 trawlers off the Tamil Nadu coast over the last few days. Click here to read…

Record Sri Lanka Inflation As Food Crisis Looms: NDTV

Sri Lanka’s tourism-dependent economy was hammered by the pandemic and the government imposed a broad import ban to shore up foreign exchange reserves, triggering shortages of essential goods. Click here to read…

China Against US’s Afghan Sanction Exemption Plan at UN: Tolo News

Amid the economic problems in Afghanistan and while the assets of Afghanistan’s central bank remain frozen, the Biden Administration is taking steps to help Afghanistan’s economy by aiding economic “liquidity” and humanitarian assistance, the US State Department said on Monday. Click here to read…

Aid Process Not Transparent, Say Poverty-Stricken Kabul Residents: Tolo News

Several families who are struggling to survive in the capital city of Kabul said Monday that aid agencies must transparently distribute assistance to the vulnerable people in Kabul. Click here to read…

ICRC to pay salaries of 10 thousand health workers in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

International Committee of Red Crescent in Afghanistan announced that they will pay salaries of up to ten thousand health workers and doctors in the war-torn country. Click here to read…

Turkey and Qatar may control five airports in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Turkish foreign minister Mevult Cavusoglu said that Qatar and Turkey will probably control five airports together in Afghanistan after negotiations between Doha and Kabul. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

How prepared is Bangladesh for Omicron?- Dhaka Tribune

The country is yet to face the brunt of the new variant, but preparations need to be taken immediately, experts say. Click here to read…

Disrupted flight schedule: Plight of passengers continues to pile up at Dhaka airport- Dhaka Tribune

The current scene at the airport can be compared to the country’s train and launch terminals during Eid vacation, says a passenger. Click here to read…

Israel to offer 4th vaccine dose after country’s 1st Omicron death- Daily Star

Israel announced yesterday that it will offer a fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to people older than 60, amid concern about the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Samples of Karma feeds sent to India for laboratory analysis- Kuensel

The Department of Livestock dispatched 15 samples of poultry feeds that were produced by Karma Feeds towards the end of November to India yesterday. Click here to read…

Poultry farmers in Haa and Paro demand compensation- Kuensel

After Sarpang, it is now poultry farmers in Haa and Paro who are complaining of a drastic reduction in egg production and dying birds. Click here to read…

Measures enhanced at border and airport as Omicron gets closer- The Bhutanese

The security along the southern borders and Paro International Airport are being further enhanced to stop importation of Omicron variant. Various initiatives are being undertaken as preventive measures. Click here to read…

All set for the poll day of the 3rd LG Election- BBS

The Election Commission says all preparations are in place for the poll day of the third local government election, tomorrow. More than 300,000 voters are expected to cast their votes through electronic voting machines (EVM). The polls open at 8 AM and will close at 4 PM. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives makes new daily tourist arrivals’ record – Raajje

According to the latest daily figures publicized by the Ministry of Tourism, tourist arrivals topped 6,955 on December 18. Latest statistics go on to reveal that a total of 92,060 tourists had been welcomed into the Maldives between December 1 – 18. Click here to read…

President declares six sites of environmental significance in Laamu atoll, protected – Raajje

The decision was made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, following a meeting with his Cabinet Ministers on Tuesday. As such, deliberations were held on a paper proposed by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

India’s marriage of convenience with Myanmar – East Asia Forum

The 13 November attack on an Assam Rifles convoy by two Manipur insurgent groups — the People’s Liberation Army and Manipur Naga People’s Front — in Churachandpur district of Manipur has the potential to further destabilise Northeast India. Insurgent groups’ links in the region to Myanmar mandate a rethink of India’s approach to the issue. Click here to read…

Shringla to visit Myanmar, in first outreach to military regime – The Hindu

In the first such outreach to Myanmar’s military-backed regime, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla flew for a two-day visit to Naypyitaw and Yangon on Tuesday evening, to meet the State Administration Council (SAC) chaired by General Min Aung Hlaing, who toppled the elected government in February last. Click here to read…

Scores of Myanmar Junta Troops Die in Failed Attack on MNDAA Base, Kokang Fighters Say – The Irrawaddy

Almost 100 junta soldiers including several army captains were killed or wounded in fierce fighting with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in northern Shan State on Sunday, according to The Kokang, an MNDAA information page. Click here to read…

Nepal

After weeks of silence, Chief Justice Rana starts asserting his role- TKP

Rana has called a meeting of the Judicial Service Commission for Wednesday to select district court judges. Members have yet to decide whether to attend the meeting. Click here to read…

NC jamboree fails to give message of inclusion- Himalaya

The 14th general convention of the Nepali Congress gave mandate to Sher Bahadur Deuba to run the party for the second time, but analysts and political leaders argue that the jamboree failed to give a strong message of inclusion, as no Madhesi or Tharu is either vice-president or general secretary. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Mini-budget likely to be tabled in winter session: Dawn

The Ministry of Finance has already reportedly prepared the draft of the Finance (Supplementary) Bill 2021, but it is not part of the agenda of the National Assembly on the opening day. Click here to read…

PM Imran takes veiled swipe at US for Afghan turmoil: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday made veiled criticism of the United States for creating in Afghanistan a humanitarian crisis that is affecting millions of people and allowing it to worsen. Click here to read…

Fawad concerned over rise of ‘extremist parties’ like JUI-F and TLP: The Express Tribune

“I am dismayed at Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s win in K-P… it was our mistakes that led to their victory,” he said, adding, “The country will plunge deeper into turmoil in the absence of PTI and if parties like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and JUI-F come into power.” Click here to read…

Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight train inaugurated: The Express Tribune

The Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight train was inaugurated by Swati along with the Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Turkish Ambassador Ahsan Mustafa and Adviser to Prime Minister for Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak DawoodClick here to read…

Sri Lanka

Australian Home Minister holds wide ranging talks with the Foreign Minister Peiris: NewsIk

The Australian Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews met Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on 20 December 2021 at the Foreign Ministry during her official visit to Sri Lanka and discussed avenues for enhanced cooperation on a broad spectrum of areas. Click here to read…

Estonian President Alar Karis receives Credentials of Sri Lanka’s Envoy: Newsik

The Letter of Credence conveyed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointing Ambassador Dharshana M. Perera as Sri Lanka’s Envoy to the Republic of Estonia was presented to President Alar Karis of Estonia at the President’s Palace, ‘Kadriorg’ in Tallinn, Estonia on 14 December 2021. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Muttaqi Downplays Pakistan PM Khan’s Remarks: Tolo News

“It was a summit, everyone has an opinion,” Muttaqi told reporters in Kabul when asked about his stance toward Prime Minister Khan’s remarks. “Imran Khan criticized the former (Afghan) governments. I think officials of the former governments felt obligated to react, I don’t see (Khan’s remarks) as insulting.” Click here to read…

MoF Sends “Non-Foreign Aid’ Budget Proposal to Cabinet: Tolo News

The Ministry of Finance says that the draft budget for solar year 1401 has been prepared and will be sent to the cabinet for approval. Click here to read…

Taliban destroys Pakistan’s barbed-wire erected on Durand Line: The Khaama Press

Special Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in the Gushta district of eastern Nangarhar province destroyed the barbed wire erected by Pakistani forces on Durand Line. Click here to read…

US may ease financial restrictions on Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

A US official has been cited as the Biden administration is considering easing financial restrictions on Afghanistan and the country will issue a license to allow financial aids to Afghanistan, reported BBC. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

50 years of Bangladesh: The making of a polycratic state- Dhaka Tribune

In contemporary Bangladesh, the use of physical force is not restricted to a central authority, but exercised throughout the land by individual political bosses at different levels. Click here to read…

Rapes in madrasas: Breaking the silence- Dhaka Tribune

Dhaka Tribune’s Kohinur Khyum Tithila won the top prize at the Unicef Meena Media Awards for this ground-breaking work of journalism. Click here to read…

Talks over Election Commission: JP names 1 for EC, 4 for search panel- Daily Star

President hopes new commission to be formed on political consensus. Click here to read…

‘Bangladesh keeps friendly relations with all countries’- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that Bangladesh keeps friendly relations with all countries including the neighbors as the country has been following the foreign policy adopted by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ‘Friendship to all, malice to none’. Click here to read…

No Rohingya learning center faces closure: Govt- Observer

Bangladesh government has said the report on the closure of learning centers in Rohingya camps as reported in a few international media is ‘fabricated’ and ‘false’ as no such kind of step has been taken. Click here to read…

Bhutan

More questions over dredging site allotment to DMPL- Kuensel

ACC is not issuing authority, says those in dredging business. Click here to read…

His Majesty awards Druk Thuksey to former Dasho Zimpon- Bhutanese

His Majesty The King granted the Druk Thuksey Medal to Dasho Dorji Gyeltshen, Zimpon to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Click here to read…

Bhutan to roll out booster shots next week for priority groups- Daily Bhutan

Kingdom of Bhutan has thus far organized two vaccination campaigns in March and July 2021. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives active Covid-19 cases drop to 1,972 – Raajje

According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), a total of 4,540 samples were tested for the virus between 6pm Saturday and 6pm Sunday. Click here to read…

Japanese ambassador showered with praise for commitment to boost Maldives-Japan ties – Raajje

Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Keiko Yanai has been showered with praise from President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, for her “tremendous” commitment to enhance the long-standing ties between Maldives and Japan. The Japanese ambassador paid her farewell call on the Maldivian president at the President’s Office on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Bangladeshi PM to be invited to address People’s Majlis – Raajje

The People’s Majlis has passed to extend an invitation to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina to address the parliament. Click here to read…

Myanmar

NUG says about 50 Tatmadaw killed in clashes in Karen State – Mizzima

Fighting broke out between the military council and Karen Revolutionary joint forces at around 1PM today between Metta Lin Myaing and Mae Htaw Talay villages, Lay Kay Kaw area, south of Myawaddy town, Kayin State and about 50 people, including two battalion commanders, were killed. Click here to read…

Japan: Cut Defense Ties with Myanmar Military – HRW

The Japanese government should cut ties with the Myanmar military and immediately suspend a military study-abroad program involving Myanmar cadets, Human Rights Watch said today. On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, staged a coup and installed a junta that overturned democratic elections. Click here to read…

BBC probe: Myanmar army carried out series of mass killings of civilians – Dhaka Tribune

The Myanmar military killed at least 40 civilians in a series of mass killings in July this year, a BBC investigation has revealed. Survivors and eyewitnesses said soldiers, some of them as young as 17-year-old, separated men from their families and killed them, according to the report. Click here to read…

Junta Meets FPNCC In Mongla – BNI Online
The regime met with most of the armed groups of the Federal Political Negotiation Consultative Committee (FPNCC) on 15 December in Mongla, the headquarters of the National Democratic Alliance Army in eastern Shan State. Click here to read…

Nepal

Ruling alliance to forge one stance on MCC deal- Himalaya

The ruling coalition led by Sher Bahadur Deuba will move the Millennium Challenge Corporation deal in the Parliament only on the basis of consensus. Click here to read…

‘Political alliance relevant till elections’- Himalaya

Former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai has said the existing political alliance in the government should be given continuity till the upcoming election. Click here to read…

ADB blacklists top Chinese construction firms

China CMC Engineering, Northwest Civil Aviation Airport Construction Group and China Harbour Engineering have been blacklisted for violating integrity rules, barring them from participating in Nepal’s key airport infrastructure development project, officials said. Click here to read…

Tri-Chandra’s run-down state is a microcosm of Nepal- Nepali Times

The country’s oldest college is falling apart, an apt symbol of neglect and apathy. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Current account deficit hits $7bn in five months: Dawn

At $1.91bn, November saw the highest monthly current account deficit since July 2018 when it reached $2.1bn. This was the year when the country faced a record $20bn current account deficit. Click here to read…

Zardari makes cryptic remarks about appeal for his ‘help’: Dawn

Without naming anyone, the former president said that he was asked to offer assistance and share some formula but he told them that first this government should be sent packing and then talks could be held. Click here to read…

Fawad says Imran, PTI’s popularity in K-P still intact: The Express Tribune

The poll results are significant as they represent the will of the people at the grassroots level and are seen as a prelude to the next national election. Yet, it seems, the LG poll results haven’t fully jolted the PTI as the government spokesperson still feels that the prime minister and PTI’s popularity in K-P still intact. Click here to read…

Sialkot tragedy: CII vows to stop violent environment: The Express Tribune

On December 3, a Sri Lankan national, Priyantha Kumara, who worked as a factory manager in Sialkot, was brutally lynched and his body was set on fire by a mob on the allegations of blasphemy. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Fuel prices increased: Daily Mirror

Accordingly,the price of a litre of Petrol (92 Octane) has been increased by Rs 20 (from Rs 157 to 177), Petrol (95 Octane) increased by Rs. 23 (from Rs 184 to 207), Click here to read…

The Government Strongly Disputes the Hurried Rating Action by Fitch Ratings: NewsIK

Fitch Ratings (Fitch), in a rather hasty move, downgraded Sri Lanka’s international sovereign rating on 17 December 2021, demonstrating its failure to recognise the positive developments taking place in Sri Lanka, in an environment in which the entire world is grappling with multiple waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Pakistan Must Not Interfere in Afghan Affairs: Karzai: Tolo News

On Sunday, Khan at the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting on Afghanistan said Daesh threatens Pakistan from Afghanistan, adding that stability in Afghanistan is necessary. “We have had attacks from (the) Afghan border, from ISIL, into Pakistan,” he said.Click here to read…

India-Central Asia Dialogue: Prevent Terrorism in Afghanistan: Tolo News

Foreign Ministers of India and the five Central Asian Republics – Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan – on Sunday held the 3rd India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi. .Click here to read…

Tariq Ali Bakheet appointed OIC’s special representative to Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Organization of Islamic Cooperation in a statement said that the organization’s Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha announced Tariq Aali Bakheet’s appointment as his special envoy to Afghanistan. .Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM to visit Maldives from Dec 22- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit the Maldives from on December 22 at an invitation of Maldivian president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih where Dhaka and Male are likely to sign four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on different issues including overseas employment. .Click here to read…

The climate crisis is also a water crisis- Dhaka Tribune

The hype of COP26 is fading and it will be another year’s wait before we can truly comprehend the outcome of the draft.Click here to read…

President’s talks with political parties over new EC starts Monday with Jatiya Party- Dhaka Tribune

The outgoing election commissioners were similarly appointed through a search committee after president’s dialogue with parties. .Click here to read…

Resolution to Rohingya crisis is in Myanmar, not Bangladesh- Dhaka Tribune

Nearly all Rohingya refugees at the camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char wish to return to their home country when it is safe, according to UN official. .Click here to read…

‘Never break the chain of command’: Hasina tells BGB personnel- Daily Star

Stressing the importance of following the chain of command, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday directed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel to perform their responsibilities with patriotism, honesty and discipline. Click here to read…

BNP takes out colorful Victory Day rally- Asian Age

Vowing afresh to “awaken people for the restoration of democracy”, BNP on Sunday took out a colorful rally in Dhaka city, marking the 51st Victory Day. .Click here to read…

Bhutan

“Accountability!”- Kuensel

The 114th National Day celebrations yesterday brought the Bhutanese society together once again to celebrate its blessings and rejoice the achievements. .Click here to read…

Govt. working to trim down internet charges- Bhutan Times

With consumers continuing to make a beeline of complaints on social media platforms that their data gets exhausted so fast without using much of it, the government is now working to reduce internet prices and make services more affordable to the consumers. .Click here to read…

Corruption and incompetency must be snubbed: HM- Bhutan Times

Increasing accountability and reducing corruption through stronger enforcement of laws and regulations remains a serious concern as His Majesty the King addressed the nation at the 114th National Day celebrations on 17 December from TrashichhoDzong, Thimphu. .Click here to read…

Bhutanese red rice and honey, crowd-pullers at the ongoing World Expo in Dubai- BBS
The Bhutanese red rice and honey have been attracting many people at the ongoing World Expo in Dubai. The two products are among more than a 100 other items being displayed by the Bhutan pavilion at the Expo. .Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives confirms 131 new Covid-19 cases, 168 recoveries – Raajje

According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), a total of 4,434 samples were tested for the virus between 6pm Friday and 6pm Saturday. Of these, 22 were confirmed from the Maldives congested capital, Malé City, 87 were detected from residential islands and 22 from operational resorts. .Click here to read…

In the Maldives: Time to walk the talk on terror – MENAFN

The Maldives has been named, by the country’s current Speaker of Parliament no less, the nation with the highest per capita fighters in foreign terror wars. .Click here to read…

Japanese ambassador showered with praise for commitment to boost Maldives-Japan ties – Raajje
Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Keiko Yanai has been showered with praise from President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, for her “tremendous” commitment to enhance the long-standing ties between Maldives and Japan. The Japanese ambassador paid her farewell call on the Maldivian president at the President’s Office on Wednesday. .Click here to read…

Myanmar

Two pastors killed; Christians targeted by Burmese Army – The Alabama Baptist

Two pastors died in December in Chin state as the Burmese Army continues its assault on Christians and churches, according to International Christian Concern. .Click here to read…

Thailand warns Myanmar it will return fire if more artillery shells land in its territory again – Mizzima

According to a source from the Karen National Union (KNU), Thailand has warned that it will return fire if more artillery shells by the Myanmar Military Council landed again in Thailand. A KNU official said the warning came after the artillery shells fired by the Military Council exploded on the Thai side of the border on December 16 and 17. .Click here to read…

Thailand sends refugees back to Myanmar as clashes continue – Reuters

Thailand has sent over 600 Myanmar refugees who fled fighting between the military and ethnic rebels back across the border, according to a senior Thai official who said on Sunday clashes were continuing. .Click here to read…

UN expert underscores importance of human rights for Rohingya – UN News

“Bangladesh saved untold numbers of lives when it opened its arms and hearts to Rohingya people who survived these most unspeakable of horrors inflicted on them by the Myanmar military”, said Tom Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar at the end of his first official visit to the Bangladesh. .Click here to read…

Japan: Cut Defense Ties with Myanmar Military – HRW

The Japanese government should cut ties with the Myanmar military and immediately suspend a military study-abroad program involving Myanmar cadets, Human Rights Watch said today. .Click here to read…

The army sniper who put Myanmar’s dictatorship in his sights – Myanmar Now

In April 2019, Zwe Mahn, a lance corporal in the Myanmar army, was fighting in Rakhine State’s Ann Township when a member of his unit was shot during a clash with the Arakan Army (AA). .Click here to read…

UN Security Council members complicit in arms sales to Myanmar military junta: NGO – Mizzima

NGO Justice For Myanmar is calling for an investigation and global arms embargo over arms and military aircraft being sold to the Myanmar junta that illegally grabbed power in a coup in February. .Click here to read…

Nepal

PM calls all-party meeting- Himalayan Times

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has called an all-party meeting at 4:00pm tomorrow to discuss the stalemate in both the houses of Parliament and the Millennium Challenge Corporation agreement that Nepal has signed with the United States. .Click here to read…

Medical equipment of Rs 20 million handed to Parbat hospital- Himalayan Times
Health equipment and appliances amounting to around Rs 20 million were handed to the Parbat District Hospital. .Click here to read…

On MCC, UML sits on the fence as issue threatens coalition

Oppositions skips Deuba-called meeting, where majority voices oppose immediate tabling of US grant in the House. .Click here to read…

Committee formed to mark Prithvi Jayanti and National Unity Day- Republica

A committee comprising representatives from Nepal Academy, Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, Nepal Academy of Fine Arts and Cultural Corporation has been formed to mark the 300th Prithvi Jayanti and national Unity Day. .Click here to read…

Let’s only buy bio-degradable prayer flags- Nepali Times

Buddhist prayers for virtousness and compassion are getting a green makeover in Nepal
https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/lets-only-buy-bio-degradable-prayer-flags/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Pakistan

KP local govt polls seem swinging away from PTI: Dawn

In the first local government elections since the merger of tribal districts with Khyber Pakhtun¬khwa, the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) appeared to be losing ground as Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) was leading on many fronts. .Click here to read…

PM Imran meets OIC head, ministers of several member states: Dawn

During the conference it was agreed that all Muslim states would actively confront Islamophobia in all its forms and a wing similar to Pakistan’s Rehmatul-lil-Alameen (PBUH) Authority would be set up at the OIC level for the purpose. .Click here to read…

Power hike of Rs4.33 per unit on cards: The Express Tribune

In case, the national regulator approves the application, power consumers would be burdened with an amount of Rs40 billion. .Click here to read…

OIC sets up ‘humanitarian fund’ for Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

The announcement of the fund was part of the measures the 57-member Islamic bloc agreed upon after the 17th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) hosted by Pakistan. .Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka arrests 55 Tamil Nadu fishermen; Stalin urges Centre to act: Mint

As many as 55 Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested and 8 boats seized by Sri Lankan Naval personnel on Sunday following which Chief Minister M K Stalin took up the matter with the Centre to secure their release and all the 73 boats captured so far by the neighbouring country. .Click here to read…

Govt in a sinister move to deny the country’s bankrupt status: Ruwan: Daily Mirror

Government is in a sinister move to deny the bankrupt status which the country is facing, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday. .Click here to read…