Afghanistan

Ghani Fled to Save His Life: Mohib: Tolo News

The former national security adviser, Hamdullah Mohib, made the remarks in an interview with Radio Liberty. According to Mohib, the fall of the republic started after the US and the Islamic Emirate signed an agreement on February 29, 2020. Click here to read…

Amnesty Intl Says ICC Must Probe All Sides in Afghan Conflict: Tolo News

Amnesty International in report released on Wednesday said that “repeated war crimes and relentless bloodshed” have marked the collapse of the former Afghan government, adding that all the warring parties–the Taliban, US soldiers, and the former government security forces–are responsible for the war crimes that occurred in Afghanistan.Click here to read…

Collapse of Afghan government started after Doha agreement: Former Afghan NSA: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s former National Security Advisor Hamdullah Muhib finally appeared on media and disclosed the causes of the collapse of the former Afghan government and the reasons behind their escape from the country.Click here to read…

Engaging with the Taliban is the Ultimate Solution to Move Forward: Pakistan: The Khaama Press

In his remarks, Mansoo Ahmad Khan reiterated Pakistan’s active engagement and economic initiatives for Afghanistan in the coming years. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Standing together: Viva Bangladesh!- Dhaka Tribune

From my perspective, living in India’s smallest state, even in this season of big anniversaries — 75 years since 1947, and 60 years after the end of Portuguese rule in Goa — the occasion of 50 years of independence for Bangladesh stands out as a uniquely well-deserved celebration.Click here to read…

US report: Bangladesh saw a decline in terrorist activity in 2020- Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh government continued to articulate a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, says the report.Click here to read…

Goal of independence not materealised yet: Fakhrul- Observer

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday alleged that the goal of the country’s independence has not been materealised yet.Click here to read…

Victory Day celebrated- Asian Age

The 51st Victory Day was celebrated on Thursday across the country in a befitting manner as the day had a special significance for two giant celebration.Click here to read…

Bangladesh makes a name in suit export- Daily Star

A decade ago, the number of export-oriented suit-making factories in Bangladesh was one or two, and China and Vietnam were the main sourcing destinations for brands and retailers globally.Click here to read…

Bhutan

Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen returns from Royal tour- Kuensel

Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel and Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck arrived in Thimphu yesterday, after visiting Trongsa and Bumthang on December 9.Click here to read…

3 Bhutanese women trafficked 21 female victims to Iraq- Daily Bhutan

Of the 30 registered cases with the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), in connection to Human Trafficking, a total of 4 cases have been charge sheeted to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).Click here to read…

Youths call for mountain preservation- Bhutan Times

A youth declaration drafted by the youth for the protection of Bhutan’s natural resources.Click here to read…

Labour Ministry launches E-Learning Management System for TVET institutes- BBS

From acute labour shortage to soaring material costs, the country’s construction sector faced growing challenges amid the pandemic. Click here to read…

Nepal

Gagan Thapa, Bishwaprakash Sharma are the newly elected NC general-secretaries- Himalaya

Nepali Congress leaders Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have been elected the general-secretaries of the party.Click here to read…

Bhatta appointed NRB spokesperson- Himalaya

Gunakar Bhatta has been appointed the spokesperson for Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).Click here to read…

Global community steps up with $93 billion support package to boost resilient recovery- Himalaya

The World Bank on Wednesday announced a $93 billion replenishment package of the International Development Association (IDA) to help low-income countries respond to the COVID-19 crisis and build a greener, more resilient, and inclusive future.Click here to read…

Covid jabs to be given from over 16,000 immunisation centres across the country- TKP

Public health experts say authorities should launch a door-to-door campaign to immunise the unvaccinated population against the coronavirus.Click here to read…

NWPP Chair Bijukchhe directs party leaders to carry out activities with a sense of service to people- Republica

Chairman of Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) Narayan Man Bijukchhe (Rohit) has directed the party leaders and cadres to carry out the activities of the party actively with more sense of service among people.Click here to read…

Pakistan

US notes Islamabad’s efforts to meet FATF demands: Dawn

Pakistan continued to experience terrorist attacks last year, said the report. Pakistani military and security forces undertook counterterrorism operations against groups that conducted attacks within Pakistan, such as the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the militant Islamic State (IS) group and Balochistan Liberation Army.Click here to read…

OIC meeting to help bridge gap between Taliban, world: minister: Dawn

The foreign minister, flanked by Information Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain in interaction with journalists and anchorpersons, said by hosting the event, Pakistan was playing a positive role by bridging the communication gap between the world and the Taliban.Click here to read…

Govt to slap 17% GST on 140 goods: The Express Tribune

The plan was shared with Adviser to the PM on Finance Shaukat Tarin on Thursday which, once approved by parliament, would make everything expensive.Click here to read…

Gwadar residents call off sit-in after ‘successful negotiations’ with govt: The Express Tribune

A government negotiating committee comprising federal ministers Asad Umar and Zubaida Jalal met the protesters and assured them of addressing their grievances.Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

UN Experts Urge Reform of Sri Lanka’s Counterterrorism Law: Human Rights Watch

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa carries little credibility when he tells foreign diplomats he will reform the country’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). After all, earlier this year, he acted to make the law, which permits long-term detention without trial, more repressive, not less.Click here to read…

Beijing bares it in Jaffna, warms up to Tamils in Sri Lanka: The Indian Express

Days after announcing on Twitter that a Chinese solar company had found a new client in the Maldives because security concerns” of a “third party” had led to the suspension of its project on three islands off Jaffna peninsula, Ambassador Qi is touring Sri Lanka’s Tamil-dominated Northern Province, wooing an ethnic minority that has traditionally been close to India.Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Amnesty Intl Says ICC Must Probe All Sides in Afghan Conflict: Tolo News

Amnesty International in report released on Wednesday said that “repeated war crimes and relentless bloodshed” have marked the collapse of the former Afghan government, adding that all the warring parties–the Taliban, US soldiers, and the former government security forces–are responsible for the war crimes that occurred in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

WFP Says Afghans Face ‘Avalanche of Hunger and Destitution’: Tolo News

Almost all Afghans do not have enough to eat and a failing economy could tip Afghanistan’s increasingly dire situation under Islamic Emirate rule into catastrophe next year, the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Fourth batch of $19.2 million arrives in Kabul: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s central bank (Da Afghanistan Bank) announced that Afghanistan International Bank (AIB) received the fourth batch of dollars in cash that contained $19.2 million. Click here to read…

Turkmenistan’s over $1 million worth of humanitarian aids arrive in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

A spokesperson of the Taliban Ahmadullah Wasiq said that Turkmenistan provided Afghanistan’s people with $ one million and 200 thousand worth of humanitarian aids. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Kovind seeks enhanced joint efforts to promote BD-India relations- Asian Age

Visiting Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday expressed his eagerness to increase the existing trade and business ties with Bangladesh through joint-efforts as he paid courtesy call on his Bangladeshi counterpart M Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban in the capital in the evening. Click here to read…

Bangladesh at 50: The story of a rising economic juggernaut- Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh now ranks as world’s 41st largest economy and second-largest one in South Asia, and forecasts suggest that size of its economy may double by 2030. Click here to read…

Making the first flag of Bangladesh- Dhaka Tribune

The story of the creation of the first flag of Bangladesh is both attractive and exciting. It’s the fruit of a team spirit and a creative expression of the fertile brains of rebellious Chhatra League leaders and workers. Click here to read…

Partners in progress- Daily Star

Dhaka-Delhi ties comprehensive, vibrant, Kovind tells Hasina. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Dredging site allotment: Possible policy corruption?- Kuensel

Government denies allegations of favouritism and nepotism. Click here to read…

Penjore rebuts defamation charges- Kuensel

In the first hearing on November 23, the police charged Penjore of accusing the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) of not charging the Bhutan National Bank (BNB) officials in question, despite their official misconduct during staff recruitment. Click here to read…

One ban, other lifts- The laws in Bhutan sometimes become a trivial matter- Bhutan Times

With the advent of democracy, one political party coming into power frames one law and the next party changes it or roots out. Currently, this is a matter of concern with the lift of the alcohol ban. Click here to read…

Nepal

Khadka, Gurung elected NC vice-presidents- Himalaya

Nepali Congress leaders Purna Bahadur Khadka and Dhanaraj Gurung have been elected as the vice-presidents of the party. Click here to read…

Won’t let ‘powers’ spoil India’s relation with Nepal: Indian Defence Minister- Himalaya

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has shared a willingness to mend India-Nepal relations at a gathering in Dehradun on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Deuba’s comeback as party chief reassuring for ruling alliance, but concerns remain- TKP

Coalition members want long-term partnership, but much will depend on how the Congress president, also prime minister, deals with issues like MCC and House obstruction. Click here to read…

Nepali Congress party time- Nepali Times

It’s the turn of the leading party in the ruling coalition to have its own tamashaClick here to read…

Nepal’s foreign currency reserves declined further in first four months of current FY- Republica

Nepal’s balance of payments (BoP) further plunged to negative Rs 150.38 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year, thanks to falling remittance earnings and widening trade deficit. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PM Imran stresses green urbanisation to reduce pollution, smog: Dawn

While chairing a meeting on the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project and Central Business District (CBD) Lahore, the prime minister emphasised the use of environment-friendly material, including smart trees, blue roads and energy-efficient construction material, on these projects. Click here to read…

Govt reduces petrol, diesel prices by Rs5 per litre: Dawn

The government slashed the prices of petrol and high speed diesel by Rs5 per litre on Wednesday in an effort to provide relief to the people. Click here to read…

Deadlines for 5 projects extended: The Express Tribune

The commercial operations dates of 884MW Suki Kinari Hydropower Project, 720MW Karot Hydropower Project, 330MW Tel project at Thar block-II, 330MW ThalNova Thar block-II and 1,320MW Thar block-I have been extended. Click here to read…

Anarchy in Afghanistan will strengthen terror outfits: FM: The Express Tribune

In a statement ahead of a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers (OIC-CFM) in Islamabad next Sunday, Qureshi further warned that if the situation deteriorated in Afghanistan, it would not only affect Pakistan, but also the other countries of the region and beyond. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Forex crisis hits pharmaceutical imports: Daily Mirror

The present foreign exchange crisis has affected the establishment of Letters of Credit(lc) for import of essential pharmaceuticals including the ones used in the treatment of people suffering from some non-communicable diseases, Daily Mirror learns. Click here to read…

Vessel with 2,000 MT of gas reaches Colombo: News1st

Sri Lanka’s Consumer Affairs Authority on Thursday (16) confirmed that a vessel with 2,000 MT of gas has reached the Colombo Port. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Baradar Criticizes Intl Silence Over US’s Hold on Afghan Assets: Tolo News

The deputy prime minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on Tuesday sharply criticized foreign countries for remaining silent about the US’s freezing of Afghanistan’s banking assets amid the increasing economic problems in the country. Click here to read…

No Plans for Release of Afghan Assets: Psaki: Tolo News

The US White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Monday said there are no immediate plans to release Afghanistan’s central bank assets, which were frozen following the collapse of the former Afghan government on August 15. Click here to read…

We won’t release Afghanistan’s assets for three reasons: US: The Khaama Press

White House has again denied the release of over $9.5 billion of Afghanistan’s frozen fund and said that this was a complicated process and will not allow the Taliban to access the money. Click here to read…

We have enough money to address needs and pay salaries of civil servants: Hanafi: The Khaama Press

Deputy Prime Minister of the Taliban Abdul Salaam Hanafi said that Afghanistan’s current economic and currency situation is stable and that they have enough amount of money to pay the salaries of civil servants of the government. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Covid vaccination: Bangladesh above only Afghanistan in South Asia- Daily Star

Bangladesh is above only Afghanistan among South Asian countries in Covid-19 vaccination, according to data of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Outlook Supplement as of December 2 this year. Click here to read…

Sanctions on Rab Officials: Time for Dhaka to correct course- Daily Star

Say experts, think the move doesn’t mean US giving up on Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Month of Victory: Pakistan decides to surrender- Dhaka Tribune

December 15, 1971, marked a critical point in the Liberation War of Bangladesh as it was on this day that Pakistan decided to surrender. Click here to read…

Bangladesh-Nepal bilateral PTA at final stage- Observer

A Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Bangladesh and Nepal is in the final stage, said the Commerce Secretary of Bangladesh Tapan Kanti Ghosh. Click here to read…

Dhaka expects Washington to change its position- Asian Age

Dhaka expects the United States will change its position over the imposition of sanctions on some incumbent and former officials of the Rapid Action Battallion (Rab), said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan defers malaria elimination deadline to 2022- Kuensel

Bhutan aims at eliminating malaria by 2022 after it failed twice, once in 2018 and the other in 2020. Click here to read…

Omicron may pose high risk in the young unvaccinated children and vulnerable population: Health Minister- Daily Bhutan

Bhutan has seen two national lockdowns due to COVID-19 pandemic, and a 100-day lockdown in Phuentsholing where the Delta variant was detected in the community. Click here to read…

Spirituality and religious involvement benefit mental health in school settings- Bhutan Times

While efforts are currently underway on unpacking and tackling growing mental health challenges, religious and spiritual interventions can contribute real benefits for mental health in school settings.
https://bhutantimes.bt/index.php/2021/12/13/spirituality-and-religious-involvement-benefit-mental-health-in-school-settings/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

His Holiness the Je Khenpo launches prayer book- BBS

His Holiness the Je Khenpo launched a prayer book at the Namdroling Goenzin Dratshang in Lhuntse today. His Holiness compiled the book of 738 pages. Click here to read…

Nepal

Construction of houses, huts on encroached land continues unabated- Himalaya

Construction of houses and huts on encroached forest land continues unabated in Rautahat’s forest area. Click here to read…

Sher Bahadur Deuba defeats Shekhar Koirala to reclaim Congress president post- TKP

The leader is faced with a host of challenges—from giving a direction to the party to leading it to the next elections. Click here to read…

Delegate-votes give Deuba a second term as NC president- Himalaya

Sher Bahadur Deuba has defeated Shekhar Koirala, reclaiming his post, in the second round of polls held to elect President of Nepali Congress at the ongoing general convention of the party. Click here to read…

Three Sherpa siblings on a mission to conquer all seven summits across seven continents- Republica

As professional mountaineers in their own right, Mingma Sherpa, Chhang Dawa Sherpa, and Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, three siblings from Makalu Rural Municipality-1 of Sankhuwasabha district, have embarked on a journey to the South Pole in Antarctica in a bid to summit Mt Vinson. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Govt hails ECP’s move to use EVMs for Islamabad LG polls: Dawn

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday said the federal cabinet welcomed the decision of the Election Commission Pakistan (ECP) to use electronic voting machines (EVMs) during the local government (LG) elections in Islamabad and asked the commission to issue tender (with required specifications) for purchasing the machines. Click here to read…

Punjab Gender Parity Report: Lahore reported most rape, domestic violence cases in 2020: Dawn

Rape was the most reported crime against women with the highest number of 4,732 cases coming from Lahore in 2020Click here to read…

Rs230b payments to Chinese power plants still pending: The Express Tribune

Officials from the finance and energy ministries and CPEC Authority held a meeting on Monday, chaired by Finance Adviser Shaukat Tarin, but did not make a decision on the timing of clearing the outstanding dues and opening a revolving account, at least three participants told The Express Tribune. Click here to read…

Shehbaz assails govt over gas shortage, inflation: The Express Tribune

In a statement, he took a jibe at the government and said the people in new Pakistan were deprived of even basic facilities such as gas. “The poverty-stricken masses are facing difficulties due to this increasing inflation,” he added. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Dangerous to call for foreign intervention to pressurize SL Govt- TULF Leader: Daily Mirror

Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Leader V. Anandasangari said the call for foreign intervention in the resolution of Sri Lanka’s problem is dangerous. Click here to read…

Govt. denies prorogation of Parliament aimed at dissolving watchdog committees: The Island

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has denied accusations that the sudden prorogation of Parliament was meant to terminate investigations undertaken by parliamentary watchdog committees, the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) and the Committee on Public Finance (COPF). Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Value of Afghani Plunges, Price of Goods Spikes: Tolo News

The alarming drop in value of Afghanistan’s currency, the Afghani, against the dollar happens amid an economic and humanitarian crisis that has also led to a sharp increase in the price of goods, including essential items like food and fuel. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate to Consult Ulema on Govt Affairs: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate is to hold a meeting with the Islamic Ulema to consult on how to manage the government in the country.Click here to read…

No US official will be punished for carrying out drone attack in Kabul: Pentagon: The Khaama Press

US Department of Defense has decided not to hold accountable any US troops or officials that carried out a drone attack on a house in Kabul killing ten civilians. Click here to read…

Taliban asks China to help them get recognized: The Khaama Press

Deputy Minister of Information and Culture and spokesperson of the Taliban Zabiullah Mujahid said that they (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) need recognition and the world countries especially China must help them in this regard. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM pays tributes to martyred intellectuals- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to the martyred intellectuals by placing wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur this morning, marking Martyred Intellectuals Day. Click here to read…

Economy’s three looming challenges- Daily Star

Experts point to high inflation, exchange rate pressure and liquidity crunch. Click here to read…

Intellectual killings in 1971: A genocide in the works before the war even began- Dhaka Tribune

Just two days before their surrender, the Pakistan military launched a killing spree to annihilate the Bengali intellectuals. Click here to read…

President, prime minister pay tributes to martyred intellectuals- Dhaka tribune

Pakistani forces, with help of their local collaborators, killed most prominent intellectuals of Bangladesh on this day in 1971. Click here to read…

Bangladesh reports 385 fresh cases from Covid- Observer

Bangladesh on Monday reported 385 Covid-19 cases while the coronavirus claimed overnight three lives. Click here to read…

BD to get first official visa application centre in Kolkata- Asian Age
Marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the year of digitalization of Bangladesh, country’s Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has decided to open its first official visa application centre (VAC) in Kolkata. Click here to read…

World Bank approves USD 3.51M grant for climate resilience- Kuensel

Bhutan and the World Bank signed a USD 3.51 million grant financing agreement to improve risk-informed decision making and development planning in targeted sectors, leading to better public service delivery. Click here to read…

20-bed Nganglam hospital construction remains uncertain- Bhutan Times

Following the government’s re-prioritization exercise for the current 12th Five-Year-Plan activities during the Covid-19 pandemic, the construction of a 20-bedded hospital in Nganglam, Pema Gatshel has remained uncertain. Click here to read…

Karmi Tongchoed for India’s CDS, his wife and 11 armed forces members- The Bhutanese

His Majesty The King and His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo offered prayers and Karmi Tongchoed at the Kuenrey of the Tashichhodzong for General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, his wife Mrs. Madhulika Rawat, and 11 armed forces personnel who lost their lives in a helicopter accident on 8th December 2021. Click here to read…

Nepal

NC General Convention: Second round of polls for top post as leading contestant fails to secure over 50% votes- Himalaya

The polls for election of president of Nepali Congress during the party’s ongoing General Convention is headed for second round as the leading candidate, Sher Bahadur Deuba, failed to secure over 50% of total votes. Click here to read…

Parliament’s winter session starts today- Himalaya

The winter session of the Parliament will begin at 2:00pm today. Click here to read…

Can Congress elect new leadership to bring the party back into the reckoning?- KTP

As delegates vote, insiders and observers say the grand old party must reinvent and revamp itself—both on ideological and organisational fronts. Click here to read…

No one is safe from Nirmal Niwas: Thapa warns Lingden- Republica

Outgoing Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Kamal Thapa has written a letter to newly elected Chairman Rajendra Lingden expressing strong indignation towards former King Gyanendra Shah. Click here to read…

Deuba fails to get more than 50 pc vote, second round of voting for NC president to be held today- Republica

Despite Prime Minister and NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba maintaining the lead, he failed to get more than 50 percent of the votes as per the statute. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Centre to stop financing provincial uplift projects: Dawn

This is part of a new National Development Framework (NDF) under which the federal government wants to restrict its investment priorities to the areas of federal responsibilities and ensure that the provinces take full fiscal responsibility of all devolved subjects. Click here to read…

Remittances rise 10pc to $13bn in five months: Dawn

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data issued on Monday showed that the inflow of remittances was $2.35bn in November against $2.517bn in October. The country had received $2.7bn remittances in September. Click here to read…

People squeezed by inflation face more pain from tax hikes: The Express Tribune

When the country’s annual inflation rate hit 11.5% in November, the statistics office put a number on a phenomenon that was already painfully clear to the poor and the salaried middle-class voters. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa suspends Parliament; leaves for Singapore: The Hindu

In an unusual move, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has prorogued Parliament for one week and left for Singapore on an unscheduled visit. Click here to read…

Travel restrictions lift for several African countries, no PCR required for travellers below 12 – Health Services Director-General: News.Ik

The travel restrictions for those arriving from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini have been removed with immediate effect, Health Services Director General Dr Asela Gunawardana has informed. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh at 50: No longer in the shadows- Dhaka Tribune

In South Asia, Bangladesh stands on its own merit. American policymakers must be able to see Bangladesh as an independent actor — not just a subset of India-Pakistan policy. Click here to read…

Month of Victory: Standoff in Dhaka- Dhaka Tribune

On December 13, 1971, the Liberation Forces, their Indian allies, and the Pakistani occupation army all gathered in and around Dhaka ahead of the decisive showdown after nine months of bloody war. Click here to read…

Bangladesh enters 5G technology regime- Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh has entered the fifth-generation (5G) era as Prime Minister’s ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy virtually inaugurated the service. Click here to read…

Dhaka trade fair begins Jan 1 at new venue- Daily Star

Following a year’s gap, the Dhaka International Trade Fair (DITF) is expected to open as planned on January 1 at its new venue in the capital’s Purbachal. Click here to read…

The Great Powers Wash Their. Hands- Daily Star

Since March 25, when the Pakistani Army was turned loose on a defenseless East Bengal, events have been unrolling which have been described as not less frightful than the war in Vietnam. Click here to read…

Covid deaths, infections rise again in Bangladesh- Observer

Bangladesh reported six more deaths from Covid-19 in the past 24 hours till 8:00am Sunday. With them, the death toll has risen to 28,028. Click here to read…

Serve country with patriotism, sincerity- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday asked the new army officers to serve the country and uphold the spirit of War of Liberation being imbued with patriotism. Click here to read…

Bhutan

ECB disqualifies two LG candidates- Kuensel

The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) has disqualified two candidates contesting in the local government elections for Drakteng gewog in Trongsa yesterday.Click here to read…

Alcohol problem: looking for solutions- Kuensel

That a sensible solution continues to evade us stretches belief. To address one of the biggest health issues facing the country—alcohol-related liver disease. Click here to read…

Bhutanese film on Climate Change wins best documentary award- Kuensel

Director Arun Bhattarai won the Best Documentary Award at the International Mobile Film Festival for his one-minute film “Snow Lion and The Glaciologist” during the awards ceremony on World Climate Day in Paris on December 8. Click here to read…

Ngenpa Gudzom is the most inauspicious day on the Bhutanese calendar- Daily Bhutan

Ngenpa Gudzom is considered the most inauspicious day on the Bhutanese Calendar. It is observed on the seventh day of the 11th month of the Bhutanese Calendar which falls on December 10, 2021. Click here to read…

165 persons from Sudurpaschim go missing in India- Himalaya

Many people go to India for work from various districts of the Sudurpaschim province every year. However, the number of them going missing there has increased over the years and it has become a matter of concern.
https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/165-persons-from-sudurpaschim-go-missing-in-india” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Amid liquidity crunch, government delays raising internal loans- TKP

Experts say there is a need to expedite spending so as to give a stimulus to the economy and focus on utilising resources collected from internal debt. Click here to read…

Congress is broken. It needs fixing- TKP

An overhauled ideology—and an organisational rejig—is a must to inject new blood into the grand old party. Click here to read…

I will give NC a majority in all three levels of elections: Deuba- Republica

Prime Minister and Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that he needs to be in the party leadership to sustain the current government and ensure victory of the party in the upcoming elections. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

ICG Warns of Mass Starvation in Afghanistan: Tolo News

The International Crisis Group (ICG) in a newly published report said that if the international community does not scale up economic support, more Afghans may die of hunger and starvation in the current crisis than from the fighting in the past 20 years.Click here to read…

Afghanistan on Agenda of EU-Pakistan Meeting in Brussels: Tolo News

Afghanistan was part of the discussion at the sixth summit of the EU-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue held in Brussels.Click here to read…

Uzbekistan asks International community to release Afghanistan’s assets: The Khaama Press

Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov in his contribution at the Italy-Central Asia Second Ministerial Meeting in Tashkent on December 8 urged the world community to lift sanctions and unfreeze the assets of Afghanistan.Click here to read…

Taliban don’t deserve to be recognized: Boulton: The Khaama Press

US former National Security Advisor John Boulton said that the Taliban have breached all their pledges thus he said that their interim government must not be recognized.Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM Hasina to women: Move forward breaking barriers- Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday urged women to move forward breaking all social barriers – big or small – taking the path shown by Begum Rokeya, a pioneer of women’s rights.Click here to read…

Dr Murad Hassan finally leaves for Canada- Dhaka Tribune

Former state minister Dr Murad Hassan, infamous for his indecent and vulgar remarks about women, has left the country for Canada.Click here to read…

‘Boycott the corrupt’: President prescribes- Daily Star

“The society should boycott the corrupt” — that’s President Abdul Hamid’s curt prescription to end corruption in Bangladesh.Click here to read…

Sports Ministry Promotions: Political govt, thus political consideration- Daily Star

Nazrul Islam joined the Department of Youth Development under the youth and sports ministry in an entry-level post in 1990.Click here to read…

Trade deficit nearly triples within four months- Asian Age

Bangladesh Bank’s updated report shows that goods of 2 thousand 390 crore US dollars (13.90 billion USD) were imported to Bangladesh from overseas during the first four months (July to October) of 2021-2022 fiscal year.Click here to read…

Bhutan

Paper ballot facilitation booths to open from December 11- Kuensel

Paper ballot facilitation booths (PBFB) in all 20 dzongkhags will open from December 11 to 15.Click here to read…

NHDCL to build 1,000 affordable rental housing units- Kuensel

The National Housing Development Corporation Limited (NHDCL) will build 1,000 rental housing units in Nganglam, Phuentsholing, Samdrup Jongkhar, Samtse, Thimphu, and Trashiyangtse.Click here to read…

Poland opens consulate office in Thimphu- Bhutan Times

In what is yet another feather in Bhutan’s diplomatic cap, the Republic of Poland inaugurated its consulate office in Bhutan.Click here to read…

Thangtong Gyalpo is more than just a legendary iron bridge builder of Bhutan- Daily Bhutan

Thangtong Gyalpo was born in Tibet in 1385. Some sources claim he instantly became 60 years old as soon as he was born. Yet other sources note that he achieved the secret of longevity through prayer and lived till the ripe old age of 125Click here to read…

NC recommends Fiscal incentives for ECCDs and all schools- BBS

Adopting the Fiscal Incentives Bill of Bhutan 2021 today, the National Council included ECCDs and all schools in the private sector to receive the tax concession.Click here to read…

Maldives

Pakistan, Maldives agree to enhance cooperation in education sector – RadioPK

Pakistan and Maldives have agreed to revitalize and enhance cooperation in education sector with special focus on teachers and faculty exchanges.Click here to read…

Yameen led India’s RAW hatred campaign heightens in Maldives – Telegraph Nepal

After the release from the prison, Yameen is up in the streets each day educating his countrymen of the high infiltration of the RAW agency and its agents residing in Male. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Eleven villagers shot and burned alive by Myanmar soldiers, reports say

Myanmar soldiers rounded up and killed 11 people in a village, shooting and then setting them on fire, according to people in the area and local media reports.Click here to read…

India’s Dilemma Over Ties With Myanmar Military – The Irrawaddy

It remains to be seen what India intends do to in order to tackle its many challenges on the eastern border. Click here to read…

Myanmar Set to Shut Down With ‘Silent Strike’ to Defy Junta – The Irrawaddy

People across Myanmar are vowing to take part in a “silent strike” on Friday, with many businesses and shops announcing they will be closed for the day and people planning to stay home with the aim of shutting down entire towns and cities, in a sign of their rejection of military rule.Click here to read…

Uzbek Plane Supplies Myanmar Junta with Banknote Paper – The Irrawaddy

An Uzbekistan Airways plane landed at Yangon International Airport on Tuesday night, carrying paper used for printing banknotesClick here to read…

UK Group Hands ICC Evidence of Crimes Against Humanity by Myanmar Regime – The Irrawaddy

A UK-based nongovernmental organization has submitted evidence to the International Criminal Court (ICC) it says proves that Myanmar junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing is guilty of crimes against humanity.Click here to read…

Nepal

‘Nepal must deliver on promise of social justice’- Himalaya

Nepal has one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, but many of its promises still are to be fulfilled, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier De Schutter, said.Click here to read…

NC general convention begins today- Himalaya

The ruling Nepali Congress has completed preparation for inaugurating its 14th National Convention in the capital tomorrow.Click here to read…

Chaos in Congress as convention kicks off- TKP

Factions busy in last-minute haggling. While Deuba camp has its own challenges, the Poudel camp struggles to find a common candidate for the top post.Click here to read…

Over-60s jabbed with Vero Cell and those immunocompromised to get third dose- TKP

Officials say the third dose is part of a series of primary doses for the elderly and people with suppressed immunity.Click here to read…

Made in Nepal peanut butter in Japan

A Japanese social entrepreneur brings skills and income to Khotang’s peanut farmers by finding export market.Click here to read…

NRB allows Korea-bound workers to carry an additional US $ 1,500- Republica

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has permitted the South Korea-bound migrant workers to carry additional up to US $ 1,500 citing the expenses that the workers have to incur while staying in the quarantine posts there.Click here to read…

Nepal’s PM Deuba saddened by General Bipin Rawat’s demise; Army Chief calls him ‘true friend of Nepal Army

Nepal Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed anguish over the tragic demise of General Bipin Rawat, the first Chief of the Defence Staff, who died in a helicopter crash, and extended his heartfelt condolences to the Indian government and the bereaved families.Click here to read…

Pakistan

TTP declare end to ceasefire: The Express Tribune

Last month’s ceasefire, which was always set to run until Thursday with the possibility of extending if both parties agreed, was the latest in a series of attempts to broker a settlement to end a conflict that has killed thousands.Click here to read…

Pakistan declines US democracy summit invitation: The Express Tribune

Pakistan has decided to skip the summit on democracy being convened by US President Joe Biden on December 9 and 10.Click here to read…

Talks with BJP-led India not possible, says PM Imran: Dawn

Speaking at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad’s (ISSI) ‘Islamabad Conclave-2021’, PM Khan recalled that South Asia had been held back by political differences and conflicts and listed the Kashmir dispute as the “biggest problem” holding the region back.Click here to read…

Record has gone missing in Asif Zardari case, NAB tells IHC: Dawn

A division bench of the high court comprising Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Aamer Farooq was hearing the NAB’s appeal against the acquittal of Mr Zardari in the Ursus tractor reference. An accountability court had acquitted Mr Zardari in the reference in 2014.Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Govt. MP strikes discordant note, slams Parliament over National List farce: The Island

SLPP MP Gevindu Cumaratunga says a section of the ruling coalition is pursuing political strategies contrary to the mandate received by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna at the 2019 presidential and 2020 parliamentary elections.Click here to read…

Govt. to hold import of vehicles and new staff appointments for 2022: Daily Mirror

The government has decided not to import any vehicles into the country and not to admit any new staff appointments for next year, Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa said.Click here to read…

Afghanistan

World has no clear policy on Afghanistan; Qatar FM- Afghanistan Times

Qatari Foreign Minister has said that the international community has no clear policy on how to deal with the current situation in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Opening a European mission in Afghanistan doesn’t mean Taliban recognition- Afghanistan Times

Following French President Emanuel Macron’s remarks regarding the deployment of EU ambassadors to Kabul, the bloc says that deploying these ambassadors does not mean recognizing the Taliban. Click here to read…

Stalled construction projects worth $5b behind joblessness- Afghanistan Times

Construction projects worth over $5 billion in Afghanistan have been stalled since Taliban takeover driving up unemployment, according to the union of private construction companies. Click here to read…

India says Afghanistan situation has wider repercussions for Central Asia- Afghanistan Times

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said that that the situation in Afghanistan has wider repercussions for the Central Asian region and added that both India and Russia have a common interest in ASEAN centrality. Click here to read…

Anas Haggani: World’s Terms for Govt Recognition ‘Unjust’- Tolo News

The international community’s lack of recognition for the current Afghan government is unjust, an official of the Islamic Emirate said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Fears, Needs of Fleeing Afghans Must Be Addressed: Akhundzada- Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, issued a statement regarding the migration of Afghans out of the country following the fall of Kabul to the Islamic Emirate. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Month of Victory: US, China and Soviet Union in South Asian war theater- Dhaka Tribune

Nixon wanted the US and China to jointly move against India and apprised his Chinese counterpart about the US naval task force move through a map showing the deployment of the US and Soviet forces. Click here to read…

Forbes lists Sheikh Hasina as 6th most powerful woman in Asia- Dhaka Tribune

Forbes has listed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the sixth most powerful woman in Asia. She ranked 43 overall on Forbes’ 18th annual list of the world’s 100 most powerful women. Click here to read…

Big push for solar, waste-based power- Daily Star

Cabinet approves 223.5MW power projects. Click here to read…

‘Have shown great generosity to Khaleda’: Hasina- Daily Observer

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said they have shown great generosity to Khaleda Zia by allowing her to stay at home and receive treatment in a hospital freely. Click here to read…

‘Pandora Papers’ names should not be discussed’- Asian Age

Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal said on Wednesday that it will not be wise for him to discuss Bangladeshi businessmen named by the Pandora Papers. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Poll day for affected gewogs rescheduled- Kuensel

Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) rescheduled poll day to January 6 for eight gewogs whose gup candidates were reissued audit clearances recently. Click here to read…

Government’s expenditure challenges- Kuensel

The challenges of meeting both capital and current expenditures have become more challenging for the government with no signs of improvement in the domestic revenue. Click here to read…

Bhutan Struggles to Defend Territory in India-China Border Spat- Bloomberg

With tensions still high along the India-China border, landlocked Bhutan is struggling to both maintain its territory and keep both Asian powerhouses happy. Click here to read…

Bhutan Prime Minister condoles demise of CDS General Bipin Rawat, 11 others in TN chopper crash- ANI

Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering on Wednesday expressed condolences over the demise of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat. Click here to read…

Small-scale CSOs can legally operate upon obtaining written permission- BBS

A small-scale Civil Society Organization will be allowed to legally operate upon obtaining written permission from the CSO Authority as per its rules and regulations. They do not need to formally register. Click here to read…

Pandora Papers Unveil Ex-Putin Aide, Indian Businessmen Behind Maldives Island ‘Scandal’: Report – The Wire

A former deputy chief of staff for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as well as a wealthy Russian businessman with reputed organized crime ties, were secretly involved in the illegal leasing of a lagoon for tourist developments in the Maldives, newly leaked documents show. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Decoding the Myanmar crisis: domestic factors or external players? – Hindustan Times

For Myanmar, which has been under authoritarian military rule for several decades, the restoration of partial democracy in 2011, in a power-sharing agreement with an elected civilian government, notwithstanding the military’s dominance, was a ray of hope. In spite of being under the shadow of a military-dominated constitution, Myanmar achieved considerable progress under such a “semi democratic” setup. Click here to read…

Meta to ban all Myanmar-army controlled businesses from platforms – Reuters

Meta Platforms Inc (FB.O), formerly known as Facebook, said on Wednesday it would ban all Myanmar-military controlled businesses from having a presence on its platforms in an expansion of its earlier curbs on the country’s security forces. Click here to read…

A New Politics is Taking Shape in Myanmar – The Irrawaddy

As the anti-coup resistance gathers increasing momentum, the most frequently asked question in the Myanmar political community is does the incarcerated Daw Aung San Suu Kyi endorse the current revolutionary movement? Given her trademark political philosophy and longstanding belief in non-violence, this is a question well worth asking. Click here to read…

EU Stops Renting Residence From Former Myanmar Dictator’s Family – The Irrawaddy

The European Union (EU) has stopped renting its official ambassador’s residence from the family of late Myanmar dictator General Ne Win after eight years, according to sources from diplomatic missions to Myanmar. Click here to read…

Nepal

Archaeological research obstructed in Mustang- Himalaya

Villagers from Thingkar, a small settlement to the north of Lo Manthang, Mustang, have barred a team of American scientists from carrying out historical research on Buddhist-era archaeology of the region. Click here to read…

Paudel faction fails to choose candidate for NC president- Himalaya

The establishment and rival factions of the Nepali Congress held marathon meetings of their respective faction leaders today to decide on common names of party candidates, but failed to do so due to lack of unanimity on the names. Click here to read…

NC 14th General Convention: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee invited to attend inaugural event- Himalaya

The Nepali Congress has extended an invite to Chief Minister of Indian state of West Bengal — Mamata Banerjee — to attend the inaugural session of its 14th general convention. Click here to read…

MCC likely to be main agenda of the winter session of the House starting next week- TKP

Prime Minister Deuba has over the past few months assured several US officials that the compact would be passed through Parliament. Click here to read…

EU continues with blacklisting Nepali airlines- Republica

The European Union (EU) has declined to remove Nepali airlines from its prohibition order lists, preventing them from operating in European airspace stating that they still fail to meet the international safety standards. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan reports first case of Omicron variant in woman from Karachi- Dawn

Pakistan reported its first case of the new coronavirus variant Omicron on Wednesday, the Sindh health department said. Click here to read…

Animal rights activist fears for life- Dawn

An animal rights activist, who had recently highlighted the plight of four elephants kept at Karachi Zoological Gardens and Safari Park, feared for her life for raising the issue and approached the police for protection. Click here to read…

Pakistan, China renew Joint Economic Committee after 11 years- The News

Pakistan and China on Wednesday resumed the Joint Economic Committee (JEC) meeting after an 11 year pause to strengthen bilateral ties under the broader framework. Click here to read…

Pakistan declines US democracy summit invitation- The Tribune

Pakistan has decided to skip the summit on democracy being convened by US President Joe Biden on December 9 and 10. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Omicron: Steps taken worldwide to be reviewed to enable decision-making in SL- Daily Mirror

Necessary decisions will be made after evaluating the recommendations of WHO and steps taken by other countries to face the new COVID variant, Omicron, the Health Ministry said. Click here to read…

Chinese firm sues Sri Lanka in dispute over $49.7m fertilizer deal- Daily Mirror

A ship loaded with 20,000 tons of fertilizer from Shandong-based producer Seawin Biotech meant for export to Sri Lanka is on its way back after failing to reach any constructive agreement with Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Collective Cabinet responsibility won’t be at country’s expense- The Island

Udaya says we are ready to face consequences of revolting against backdoor Yugadanavi deal. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

UN Defers Decision on Afghanistan Seat at the World Body: Tolo News

The UN General Assembly on Monday adopted a resolution to delay a decision on who will represent Afghanistan and Mynamar at the world body, meaning the envoys appointed by the former governments will remain in place. Click here to read…

Afghan Currency Heavily Loses Value Against Dollar: Tolo News

Afghanistan’s currency dramatically dropped in value against the US dollar on Tuesday, with one US dollar being sold for more than 100 Afghanis in the Kabul market. Click here to read…

Taliban’s provincial governors directed to resolve problems of those seeking asylum abroad: The Khaama Press

In a recent decree, supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Mullah Hebtullah Akhund directed all the provincial governors of Afghanistan to solve the problems of those who are fleeing Afghanistan and seeking asylum elsewhere. Click here to read…

Afghanistan’s central bank receives second package of humanitarian cash: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s central bank-De Afghanistan Bank- in a statement on Tuesday, December 7 said that they received a second package of cash in humanitarian aids to the bank. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangabandhu Tri-Tower: Skyscrapers made of glass and light- Dhaka Tribune

Within a decade, Bangladesh will witness a world-class business district in the capital’s Purbachal with all the country’s tallest buildings in the same compound. Click here to read…

Bangladesh-India ties ‘sweet’ despite unsolved issues- Dhaka Tribune

Pending issues like border killings and Teesta need to be addressed, Dhaka tells Indian foreign secretary. Click here to read…

Audio scandal: Murad Hassan resigns from cabinet on prime minister’s order- Dhaka Tribune

The premier wields the axe following his offensive remarks on women and scandalous audio leaks. Click here to read…

12 injured in pre-polls violence in Jashore- Daily Star

At least 12 persons were critically injured in a clash ensued between ruling Awami League-backed and independent candidates at Churamankati union under Jashore Sadar upazila yesterday. Click here to read…

Bangladesh’s liberation changed the political, ideological map of South Asia: Doraiswami- Daily Star

The liberation of Bangladesh changed the political as well as ideological map of South Asia, said Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami today. Click here to read…

PM for united efforts to address Covid-19 challenges, impacts- Daily Observer

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday laid emphasis on united efforts to address the Covid-19 challenges and its impacts on public health as the pandemic has marked a significant setback on the nutrition initiatives. Click here to read…

India-Bangladesh ties now in ‘Golden Period’: Shringla- Asian Age

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Tuesday said that ties between New Delhi and Dhaka were at its best as the two South Asian neighbours celebrated 50 years of diplomatic ties. Click here to read…

Bhutan

The burden of increasing housing rents- Kuensel

In about six months, the loan deferral service extended to Bhutanese who borrowed before April 2020 to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic will be over. Click here to read…

RAA reinstates clearance for nine LG candidates- Kuensel

Royal Audit Authority (RAA) yesterday reinstated audit clearances for the nine local government candidates whose clearances were revoked last month disqualifying them from participating in the local government elections. Click here to read…

The Omicron threat to Bhutan after it arrives in neighboring India- The Bhutanese

Twenty-one COVID-19 cases of the Omicron variant have been detected in India so far. There are more suspected cases in India who are quarantined with their genome reports awaited in the coming days. Click here to read…

5G is definite and will happen soon- Bhutan Times

With Bhutan taking major strides in mobile connectivity, Bhutan Telecom Limited (BTL) and Tashi InfoComm Limited (TashiCell) are confident that they will be able to introduce 5G network services by this year end. Click here to read…

Bhutan was the first South Asian country to vaccinate children against Covid-19- Daily Bhutan

Bhutanese children aged 12 to 19 years old were vaccinated. Immunising the kids was necessary to achieve herd immunity. Click here to read…

His Majesty offers prayers and Karmi Tongchhey for late Anthony Smith- BBS

His Majesty The King offered prayers and Karmi Tongchhey at the Simtokha Dzong today morning for Anthony Smith, CBE, who passed away in London on November 28th. Click here to read…

Maldives

Pandora Papers Unveil Ex-Putin Aide, Indian Businessmen Behind Maldives Island Scandal Deals – OCCRP

A former deputy chief of staff for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as well as a wealthy Russian businessman with reputed organized crime ties, were secretly involved in the illegal leasing of a lagoon for tourist developments in the Maldives, newly leaked documents show. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar military joining hands with Indian rebels – Asia Times

When separatist rebels launched a lethal ambush in India’s northeastern state of Manipur on November 13, the shadowy attack acted to bring India and Myanmar’s hot-and-cold bilateral relations to a new boil. Click here to read…

Former Myanmar Leader Aung San Suu Kyi Sentenced To 4 Years In Prison & Faces Further Charges – Deadline

Former Myanmar Leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was deposed by a military coup in February this year, has been given a four-year jail term for crimes of dissent and breaking Covid rules. Click here to read…

Rohingya sue Facebook for $150bn for fueling Myanmar hate speech – Aljazeera

Rohingya refugees have sued the social media giant Facebook for $150bn over claims the social network is failing to stem hate speech on its platform, exacerbating violence against the vulnerable Myanmar minority. Click here to read…

Nepal

CJ’s resignation won’t end crisis in judiciary: Oli- Himalaya

CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli told office bearers of the Nepal Bar Association that their demand for Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana’s resignation was not enough to bring the required reform in the Judiciary. Click here to read…

13 swab samples sent to capital to confirm Omicron- Himalaya

Amidst suspicion of a new coronavirus variant, 13 swab samples have been collected and sent for tests in Kathmandu. Click here to read…

13 swab samples sent to capital to confirm Omicron- Himalaya

Amidst suspicion of a new coronavirus variant, 13 swab samples have been collected and sent for tests in Kathmandu. Click here to read…

Dalits living in rented homes hesitant to reveal caste during census- TKP

Enumerators say they found many families who were not keen to disclose their last names fearing eviction. Click here to read…

Dhanusha attorney office says no need to probe Musahar’s custodial death- TKP

District attorney’s office claims Musahar committed suicide. Family members say he was tortured to death. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PDM adamant on its Pakistan Day long march protest: Dawn

“So far, we have decided to reach Islamabad. The duration of the stay will be decided [by the leadership] after reaching the capital,” PDM spokesman Hafiz Hamdullah said at a news conference after a meeting of the steering committee of the alliance. Click here to read…

Public Accounts Committee accepts NAB chief’s request for in-camera session: Dawn

Chairman of the National Accounta¬bility Bureau retired justice Javed Iqbal finally appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the parliament on Tuesday. Click here to read…

PM appoints Dr Ijaz Akram as Rehmatulil Aalmeen Authority chairman: The Express Tribune

Dr Ijaz is a prominent Islamic scholar having teaching experience in a number of international universities, the Federal Education Ministry said in a statement. Click here to read…

Majority of CPEC projects completed: envoy: The Express Tribune

During his visit to the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), the senior diplomat maintained that Pakistan-China ties were not limited to CPEC, although it was playing a key role in regional development. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Violators of ‘Amnesty Decree’ Will Be Prosecuted: MoFA:Tolo News

The Mnistry of Foreign Affairs reacted to the report recently issued by Human Rights Watch, saying that any Islamic Emirate member “found breaching the amnesty decree will be prosecuted and penalized.” Click here to read…

1000s of Displaced People Still Live in Kabul: Officials: Tolo News

Officials at the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations (MoRR) said that there are still thousands of internally displaced and homeless people in Kabul which are in need of urgent basic humanitarian assistance. Click here to read…

Ahmad Masoud reportedly meets Blackwater Chief in Tajikistan: The Khaama Press

Leader of the so-called anti-Taliban resistance front and son of the slain Ahamd Shah Masoud, Ahmad Masoud has met with the head of the notorious private militia- Blackwater- Erik Prince in the Tajik capital Dushanbe. Click here to read…

Indonesia may reopen embassy in Kabul: The Khaama Press

Indonesian media have cited officials in the country’s Foreign Ministry saying that they will soon reopen their embassy in Kabul and commence constructive engagement with the TalibanClick here to read…

Bangladesh

Obscene remarks: PM Hasina orders State Minister Murad to resign- Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Md Murad Hassan to surrender his portfolio. Click here to read…

PM Hasina for further bolstering Bangladesh-India ties thru trade, connectivity- Dhaka Tribune

Relationship between the two countries at all levels remains stable and strong, the prime minister says. Click here to read…

Month of Victory: India tells Pakistan to surrender ‘or face Bengali hatred’- Dhaka Tribune

On December 7, 1971, confidence was flying high among members of the Liberation Forces. Bhutan and India had recognized Bangladesh as an independent nation just a day earlier, and most of the Pakistani occupation army had been encircled in Dhaka. Click here to read…

Hate speech: Rohingya refugees sue Facebook for $150 billion- Daily Star

Rohingya refugees sued Facebook on Monday for $150 billion over claims the social network is failing to stem hate speech on its platform, exacerbating violence against the vulnerable minorityClick here to read…

‘A lot more work to do in next fifty years’- Asian Age

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Doraiswami has said that Bangladesh and India will have to do a lot more work to further consolidate and drive forward the friendly and historic ties between the two countries. Click here to read…

Bhutan

MoAF to expand export of farm produce- Kuensel

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF) is working to scale up the export of agricultural produce beyond neighbouring countries. Click here to read…

Overseas employment programme resumes- Kuensel

The Cabinet approved resuming the overseas employment programme last month with the condition that the labour ministry ensures the safety and security of those who availed of the employment opportunities. Click here to read…

Is Bhutan turning into a Remittance Economy like Nepal as Remittance overtakes Tourism, FDI, CIT and BIT- The Bhutanese

Bhutan’s remittance from Bhutanese abroad in 2020 at Nu 8.269 billion (bn) was larger than the total tariff paying tourism foreign exchange earnings of USD 88.63 million (mn) in 2019 at Nu 6.648 bn (1 USD = Nu 75) which includes the USD 27.23 mn SDF, TDS and Visa fee revenue to the government. Click here to read…

Promoting an inclusive society- Bhutan Times

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and stakeholders working for the People With Disabilities (PWDs) are ushering towards promoting inclusive societiesClick here to read…

Bhutan Integrated Taxation System to be ready by March next year- BBS

The Bhutan Integrated Taxation System (BITS) is expected to be ready by March next year. Click here to read…

Bhutan team visits NU, hails India’s democracy- Times of India

The Gen-Next Democracy Network Programme delegation from Bhutan visited the Nalanda University on Sunday to participate in an event organised to provide an overview of India’s democratic traditions, cultural heritage and development initiativesClick here to read…

Maldives

State seeks order to withhold ex-pres Yameen’s passport: Avas

The Prosecutor General’s Office has requested the Criminal Court for a travel ban order pending outcome of his money-laundering trial. Click here to read…

China retracts offer to finance housing project: Avas

The Bank of China has retracted its offer to extend a loan to finance the construction of 1,700 housing units in Hulhumale’. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Rohingya sue Facebook for £150bn over Myanmar hate speech: BBC News

Dozens of Rohingya refugees in the UK and US have sued Facebook, accusing the social media giant of allowing hate speech against them to spread. Click here to read…

Myanmar: 3 feared dead as military truck rams into group of protesters: India Today
An army vehicle barreled into a peaceful march of anti-government protesters in military-ruled Myanmar’s biggest city on Sunday, reportedly killing at least three people, witnesses and a protest organizer said. Click here to read…

Nepal

NBA to protest till CJ quits- Himalaya

The Nepal Bar Association continued its protest against Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana today demanding his resignation. Click here to read…

Locals demonstrate over accident death- Himalaya

Locals of Durga Bhagawati Municipality, Rautahat, staged a demonstration today accusing police of helping a motorbike rider involved in a fatal accident flee. Click here to read…

China MBBS graduates losing hope after being denied internship- TKP

153 students have suffered because China is not permitting them re-entry citing the pandemic while the Nepal government is not willing to allow them internship opportunities here. Click here to read…

Omicron confirmed in Nepal. Doctors call for caution and more vaccination- TKP

Public health experts say authorities should start preparations for the worst-case scenario. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Sialkot tragedy cannot be defended, Pakistani Americans say: Dawn

Wajid Hassan of the Pakistani American Congress fears that this incident will have a long-lasting effect. “Every time we go and talk about Pakistan, they will ask about the Sialkot incident.” Click here to read…

Govt decides on strategy to wipe out vigilantism: Dawn

Political and military leadership on Monday decided that the government would pursue a ‘comprehensive strategy’ to stamp out religious extremism and vigilantism. Click here to read…

PM Imran hosts Sialkot tragedy hero in Islamabad: The Express Tribune

Adnan, hailed nationwide for bravely trying to rescue factory manager Priyantha Diyawadanage from the clutches of a violent mob, arrived in Islamabad earlier today on prime minister’s invitation. He was received by Special Adviser to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Gill and other senior officials. Click here to read…

Pak currency in freefall: Rs54 lost against dollar in current govt’s tenure: The News

The value of the Pakistani rupee has fallen by 30.5 percent against the US dollar over the last three years and four months under the government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Click here to read…
Sri Lanka

IMF-led debt restructuring process is less painful – CBSL Ex-Governor – Ceylon Today

The Sri Lankan Government should take steps to resolve its prevailing balance of payments crisis in a manner that has a minimal impact (less painful way) on the economic and social affairs of the Country, former Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy said yesterday (6). Click here to read…

India takes Jaffna project away from Chinese company – The Morning

A Chinese company, that had been awarded the tender to develop three hybrid power plants in the Delft, Nagadeepa, and Analthivu islands off the Jaffna peninsula, is likely to lose this contract as the project. Click here to read…

Stock market stages strong recovery after early dip – Daily FT

The Colombo stock market yesterday closed on the up, thanks to a strong recovery following a sharp dip in early morning tradeClick here to read…

BIL invests $ 114 m in Port City – Daily FT

Browns Investments PLC (BIL) on Friday revealed that it had already invested $ 114 million, or Rs. 23.2 billion, so far for multiple projects in the Port City with commitment for a further $ 86 million in the next two years. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Qatar: World Has “No Clear Policy” on Afghanistan: Tolo News

There has yet to be a “clear policy” formed by the international community on how to deal with the current situation in Afghanistan, a senior Qatari official saidClick here to read…

US’s West Welcomes Decree on Women, Says More is Needed: Tolo News

The US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Thomas West, on Friday said he welcomes the decree of Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Taliban, on women’s rights. Click here to read…

Pakistan to host OIC’s extraordinary summit on 19 December: Qureshi: The Khaama Press

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced that his country will be hosting OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers’ session on Afghanistan on 19th December. Click here to read…

Taliban starts issuance of passports in all but three provinces: The Khaama Press

Taliban’s passport directorate in the ministry of interior affairs on Sunday, December 5 said the issuance of Afghan passports resumed in 14 other provinces that bringing the total number of provinces to 31. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Covid-19 and the wounds in democracy- Dhaka tribune

The pandemic situation of Covid-19 has hit the country hard since last year. While both the rate of infection and death have reduced, it has not reached zero yet. Click here to read…

Month of Victory: The day India, Bhutan recognized Bangladesh- Dhaka tribune

Within the space of just a few hours, India and Bhutan became the first two countries to recognize Bangladesh. Click here to read…

World Peace Conference: Use resources for dev, not arms: PM- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the global community to use resources for universal and sustainable development, not for arms, in this critical juncture of the Covid-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

Crushed by rising inflation

Low- and middle-income people struggle to cope as commodity prices soar; recent fuel price hike partly to blame. Click here to read…

Bangabandhu would’ve wanted formal apology for 1971 atrocities: former Pakistani diplomat- Daily Star

Had Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman lived, he would have supported the idea of formal apology from Pakistan for the tragedy inflicted upon the people of Bangladesh in 1971, said former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani. Click here to read…

We don’t want to see ‘kawas’ in Awami League: Taposh- Daily Observer

Terming the opportunists as ‘kawas’ (crows), Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh has said he doesn’t want to see them (kawas) in Awami League, because these ‘kawas’ have brought ‘bad names’ to the party. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Tala shutdown to cost Nu 840M- Kuensel

As the 1,020MW Tala hydropower plant will remain shut from the end of December to the end of March, the country is likely to lose revenue of about Nu 840 million (M). Click here to read…

National Assembly passes Fiscal Incentives Bill- Kuensel

The National Assembly concluded the deliberation on the Fiscal Incentives Bill 2021 yesterday and passed it without any major changes. Click here to read…

Promoting an inclusive society- Bhutan Times

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and stakeholders working for the People With Disabilities (PWDs) are ushering towards promoting inclusive societiesClick here to read…

RCDC to conduct genome sequencing to monitor incursion of new variants within the country- BBS

With the completion of the installation of genome sequencing technology at the Royal Centre for Disease Control in Thimphu, it will now be easier to confirm COVID-19 new variants with a proper laboratory test. Click here to read…

Maldives

VP Naseem meets with officials from India Foundation, INSS of Sri Lanka – Raajje

On the sidelines of his ongoing visit to the middle-east to take part in the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) 2021, Vice President Faisal Naseem held meetings with officials from the India Foundation and Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) of Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Maldives confirms first case of ‘Omicron’ Covid-19 variant – Raajje

The new and more transmissible variant of Covid-19, ‘Omicron’ has surfaced in the Maldives. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed this on Sunday night, highlighting that the first case of the new variant was confirmed through genome sequencing of a tourist that arrived in the Maldives. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Kokang Armed Group Reports Escalating Fighting With Myanmar Junta – The Irrawaddy

The ethnic Kokang army said it clashed with Myanmar’s junta 126 times during November in northern Shan State. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) is fighting around Kokang, Mongkoe and Hsenwi to gain control to the west of Salween River with violence increasing last month after the arrival of junta reinforcements. Click here to read…

Civilian Resistance Group Warns People Not to Use Myanmar Junta-Backed Airline – The Irrawaddy

The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) has warned residents of Kayah State not to travel by air to and from Loikaw, the Kayah capital, as the Myanmar military is using the airport to deploy troops and weapons, making it a potential target for civilian resistance fighters. Click here to read…

Divide and rule: Myanmar junta ‘weaponising’ racial tensions – SMH

Myanmar’s military junta is resorting to old tactics, stoking anti-Muslim tension, as fears rise about more atrocities being committed in the strife-torn south-east Asian nation. Click here to read…

Coup Leader’s Wife Draws Public Ire; Suu Kyi’s New Charge and More – The Irrawaddy

The military regime on Nov. 30 postponed the announcement of a verdict in the incitement trial of deposed civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and instead filed a new corruption charge against her and former President U Win Myint. Click here to read…

Japan plays a diplomatic double game on rights in Myanmar – Myanmar Now

Since the February 1 military coup in Myanmar, the junta’s security forces have killed nearly 1,300 people, arrested more than 10,000, and continue to detain nearly 7,400. The junta-controlled courts have sentenced 65 people to death, including two children. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal woefully short on COVID vaccines- Himalaya

In the wake of rapid spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, the Nepal government seems to be floundering in the dark. Click here to read…

Upset in pro-Hindu and pro-monarchy party as underdog registers a win- TKP

Rajendra Lingden defeats Kamal Thapa to become the new chair of Rastriya Prajatantra Party, which could impact the national political dynamics. Click here to read…

Parliamentary hearing for ambassador nominees set for today- TKP

The parliamentary committee has already deferred the hearing twice in the absence of a quorum. Click here to read…

Laxmi-Narayan is home- Nepali Times

Nearly 40 years later, the stolen god of Patko Tole makes a historic and triumphant return. Click here to read…

87 manufacturing firms proposed to invest Rs 122 billion during mid-July and mid-October- Republica

A total of 87 firms have proposed to invest Rs 122 billion to set up their manufacturing plants in the country in the first three months of the current fiscal year. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PML-N wins back NA-133 seat amid low turnout: Dawn

According to unofficial results, PML-N’s Shaista Pervaiz Malik bagged 46,811 votes while PPP’s Chaudhry Aslam Gill could secure 32,313 ballots in a race that remained largely peaceful, except a couple of minor clashes between activists of the two major rivals. Click here to read…

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign deals on workers’ recruitment, skills: Dawn

It said the signing ceremony of the agreements took place during the visit of Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood to Saudi Arabia. Click here to read…

‘Ice-breaker’: Pakistan, India issue diplomatic visas to each other: The Express Tribune

Islamabad issued visas to six Indian envoys and other staffers while New Delhi issued visas to 20 Pakistani diplomats and officers. Click here to read…

No one can dare topple PTI govt, says Khattak: The Express Tribune

“There’s no chance of an in-house change,” the senior PTI minister said while addressing a ceremony in Peshawar on Sunday. “I stand firm in support of Prime Minister Imran Khan.” Click here to read…

PDM gets ready for long march, resignations: The News

The Steering Committee of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), chaired by PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has prepared recommendations regarding the long march and resignations from assemblies to protest against the incumbent government and rising inflation. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Colombo’s failure to honour agreements: India Hurt – Ceylon Today

The Indian Government has expressed its displeasure, to Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, over Colombo’s failure in the recent past to honour most of the State level agreements signed with New Delhi, sources said. The Indian Government has stated that Sri Lanka has also reneged on its promise to fulfil many such recent Pacts signed between the two countries. Click here to read…

President rejects BOI Chairman and others’ resignations – The Morning

The Presidential Secretariat has, through letters signed by the Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundara, informed all Board of Investment (BOI) members who resigned last week. Click here to read…

Sialkot lynching: 13 key suspects remanded to police custody – Adaderana

At least 13 key suspects were remanded Sunday to police custody in a case relating to the lynching of a Sri Lankan factory manager in Sialkot, Pakistani media reported. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka central bank foreign debt exceeds reserves by US$1.2bn – EconomyNext

Sri Lanka central bank’s foreign debt has exceeded reserves by 1.2 billion US dollars by October 2021 from around 780 million US dollars in October 2021, official data showed, amid continued low interest rates and liquidity injections. Click here to read…