Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate Reacts to UN Decision on Afghanistan: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate on Thursday reacted to the UN credential committee’s choice to defer a decision on who will represent Afghanistan at the United Nations, meaning the Islamic Emirate will not be allowed into the world body for now. Click here to read…

Muttaqi Meets 16 Foreign Envoys in Doha: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate delegates led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi today in Doha met with “16 designated ambassadors and representatives” from various countries and discussed issues related to Afghanistan, the Foreign Ministry announced. Click here to read…

Taliban need domestic legitimacy to be recognized: Karzai: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s former president Hamid Karzai in his recent interview said the Taliban’s government must represent the entire Afghan population and gain domestic legitimacy to be recognized by the International Community. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Global aid needs will surge in 2022: Says UN amid pandemic, conflict- Daily Star

The UN warned yesterday that the need for humanitarian aid was skyrocketing worldwide, as the pandemic continues to rage, and climate change and conflicts push more people to the brink of famine. Click here to read…

Quarantine for People from Africa: Stern action if rules breached- Daily Star

Stern action will be taken against both hotel authorities and the incoming passengers from southern Africa, the epicentre of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, for breaching quarantine protocols. Click here to read…

Operation Kilo Flight: The birth of Bangladesh Air Force- Dhaka Tribune

On December 3 and 4, 1971, the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) announced its arrival in the Liberation War with the first of several daring raids. Click here to read…

Indian army and Mukti Bahini form allied force- Dhaka Tribune

On this day, in response to Pakistani air force attacks in the western sector, India officially declared war against Pakistan with full force, thereby adding impetus to the liberation war of Bangladesh. Click here to read…

‘Tokyo to continue efforts in Rohingya repatriation’- Asian Age

Japanese foreign minister Hayashi Yoshimasa has assured that his country will continue its efforts in commencing repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingya from Bangladesh to Myanmar. Click here to read…

Key accused in Cumilla councillor murder killed in ‘gunfight’- Daily Observer

The prime accused in Cumilla ward councillor Syed Mohammad Sohel murder case was killed in a reported gunfight with police at Sadar upazila in Cumilla district early Thursday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Government did not drop most activities: PM- Kuensel

The government has not dropped most development activities, including the construction of Lhamoizingkha-Sarpang road and Nganglam hospital, according to Lyonchhen Dr Lotay Tshering. Click here to read…

Annual Audit Report submitted to Parliament before prescribed time- Kuensel

The submission of the Annual Audit Report 2020-21 to Parliament has not been in compliance with the Audit Act 2018, Members of Parliament familiar with the process of the tabling of audit reports say. Click here to read…

Something sweet is brewing: Bhutan and Indian counterparts meet to promote and share their common love for tea and coffee- Bhutan Times

Bhutanese tea and coffee importers interacted with their Indian counterparts this week to sweeten up our common love for the age-old concoctionsClick here to read…

Alleged tax evasion of about Nu 45 M by Education Consultancy and Placement Firms- BBS

Education Consultancy and Placement Firms appears to have evaded tax amounting to Nu 45 M between 2014 and 2019. This is according to a study on the Tax Compliance Strategy on Education Consultancy and Placement Firms. Click here to read…

Nepal

Active caseload increases to 7,045 on Thursday vs 6,954 a day before- Himalaya

Nepal recorded 298 new coronavirus infections in last 24 hours, pushing the nationwide tally to 821,949, while the death toll climbed to 11,535 with six fatalities today. Click here to read…

Ruling alliance advises CJ Rana to assign deputy- Himalaya

Top leaders of five-party alliance have advised Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana to stay on leave and assign an acting CJ. Click here to read…

Fertiliser crisis could spell economic disaster, experts warn- TKP

Essential farm nutrients could be in short supply in Nepal amid global shortages. Click here to read…

Deuba-led Tribhuvan University meeting decides to hire teachers without open competition- TKP

Experts say such a practice will promote incompetence and ruin students’ future. Click here to read…

The enigma of arrival of Nepal’s gods- Nepali Times

The re-consecration in Kathmandu of a sacred sculpture 40 years after it was stolen sets a precedent, but throws up new dilemmas. Click here to read…

Bagmati Province shares about half of service sector’s earnings of Nepal’s GDP- Republica

About half of the transactions in Nepal’s service sector take place in Bagmati Province, where the country’s Federal Capital Kathmandu lies. Click here to read…

Balachaturdashi: Know everything about the annual festival dedicated to lost family members- OnlineKhabar

Pashupatinath temple is thronged by people all year round. Among the many occasions that attract devotees and sightseers from everywhere to the temple, Balachaturdashi has its own charm and religious importance in people’s hearts. Click here to read…

Maldives

Discussions held on promoting Maldives tourism in South Korea – Raajje

Ambassador of Korea to Maldives, Jeong Woonjin paid a courtesy call on Vice President Faisal Naseem on Wednesday, during which the pair engaged in discussions regarding a wide array of topics, including the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, tourism cooperation, education opportunities as well as strengthening ties. Click here to read…

Chinese firm inks deal with Maldives – Indian Express

A Chinese renewable energy firm signed an agreement with the Maldives earlier this week to provide a hybrid solar-diesel power system in the inhabited islands of an atoll south of capital Male. Sino Soar Hybrid (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd won the bid for the mini-grid project in August. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Burmese Army Fires Weapons Targeting Churches in Chin State – persecution.org

As the Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) continues to fight opposition in various states in Myanmar, more churches in Christian-majority Chin state fall victims to the armed attacks followed by looting by the Tatmadaw soldiers. Click here to read…

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…

At least 90 Myanmar lawmakers detained by junta, report says – LaPrensalatina

At least 90 lawmakers of Myanmar’s ousted government have been imprisoned or put under house arrest by the military junta, while dozens have fled the country, according to a report over the growing persecution of Southeast Asian lawmakers released on Thursday. Click here to read…

Japan assures repatriation of displaced citizens of Myanmar – TBS News

Japan’s Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa has said that Japan will continue to work for the repatriation of Myanmar nationals who have been forcibly displaced from Bangladesh. The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr A K Abdul Momen sent a congratulatory letter to Hayashi Yoshimasa on being newly appointed as the Foreign Minister of Japan.Click here to read…

Pakistan

‘Mini-budget’ with adjustments worth Rs600bn finalised: Dawn

The steps will serve to reverse the effects of the federal government’s ‘pro-growth budget’ for Fiscal Year 2022 adopted only five months ago, according to some analysts. Click here to read…

IMF warns of ‘economic collapse’ unless G20 extends debt relief: The Express Tribune

The IMF on Thursday urged advanced economies in the G20 to extend and improve their debt relief initiative, warning that many countries face a dire crisis without the help.Click here to read…

PML-N chides govt over galloping inflation: Dawn

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Mr Abbasi, without mentioning his source of information, claimed that in the list of 200 countries with highest inflation, Pakistan was trailing at number three behind Argentine and Turkey. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

China pulls out of Northern hybrid power projects – Ceylon Today

China said the hybrid energy projects to be constructed on three islands in the Northern Province have been suspended. The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka tweeted that the suspension came after a third party’s security concerns. Click here to read…

Modi skips Basil meeting on scheduled day – Daily FT

A meeting between Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was scheduled to be held yesterday (2), has failed to materialise for what government sources indicated were scheduling issues, The Morning learnt.Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Kabul-Tehran Committees Formed on Trade, Infrastructure: Tolo News

The Ministry of Finance said Thursday that Afghanistan and Iran have created several committees to expand cooperation in various areas between the two countries.Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate, Iranian Forces Clash in Border Areas: Tolo News

Islamic Emirate forces and Iranian border forces clashed in border areas on Wednesday, officials said. Click here to read…

Russia’s second consignment of humanitarian aid arrives in Kabul-The Khaama Press

Taliban’s Ministry of Natural Disasters Management on Wednesday, December 01 said that Russia’s second consignment of humanitarian aids arrived in the Afghan capital Kabul. Click here to read…

Taliban, US conclude their two-day negotiations in Doha: The Khaama Press

The US and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have concluded their two-day talks in the Qatari capital Doha as the US has still its sanctions on the Taliban in place and Afghanistan is going through probably the biggest humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Degrees not enough, achieve standards: President tells DU students- The Daily Star

President Abdul Hamid yesterday asked students to achieve international standards along with academic degrees. Click here to read…

No bomb found in Malaysian Airlines flight: Dhaka Airport authorities- The Daily Star

A regular flight of Malaysian Airlines made an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) last night, reportedly carrying explosives or bomb-like objects, prompting authorities to call out army commandos for a thorough search, officials said today. Click here to read…

Agitating students issue 96-hour ultimatum for nationwide half pass on buses- Dhaka Tribune

Police sue 300 for torching eight buses at Rampura during protest against SSC examinee’s death. Click here to read…

Bangladesh expatriates urged not to arrive in country- Observer

Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque has requested the expatriate Bangladesh nationals not to arrive in the country to halt spread of new coronavirus variant Omicron. Click here to read…

Dhaka-Delhi ties ‘crucial for greater regional stability’- Asian Age

Bilateral issues with India need to be resolved amicably with fairness and justice as the Bangladesh-India relations are crucial for greater regional stability and development, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan records 22 new HIV cases in past five months- Kuensel

The country’s ambitious target to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is once again under threat as the country detected another MTCT case in the past five months. Click here to read…

Funding developmental activities from GRF not against law: FM- Kuensel

Members of the Parliament questioned Finance Minister Namgay Tshering yesterday on the legality of allocating 19 million (M) from the General Reserve Fund (GRF) to carry out the developmental activities in Paro. Click here to read…

Dorjilung hydropower DPR to be ready in seven months- Kuensel

A second detailed project report (DPR) for the 1,125-megawatt Dorjilung hydropower project in Mongar will be ready within seven months. Click here to read…

12th plan domestic revenue projection drops from Nu 217 bn to 179 bn- Bhutan Times

As per the Nu 310 billion (bn) 12th Five Year Plan (FYP) the domestic revenue was initially projected at Nu 217.728 bn. Click here to read…

New Deal: Digital Banking Dominates Financial Transactions- Bhutan Times

Domestic paymentsrecorded a total of 44.83-million (m)comprising of intra and interbank domestic transactions worth Nu 206.37-billion (b)during the 3rd quarter this yearClick here to read…

Low enrolment of children with disabilities- National Conference on Disability- BBS

If the current enrollment of the children living with disabilities in schools is any indication, then parents and the education ministry have a long way to go until everyone goes to school. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives And Bangladesh Can Benefit From Growing Trade Ties – Eurasia Review

Maldives and Bangladesh both are South Asian countries. Maldives and Bangladesh established diplomatic relations on 22 September 1978Click here to read…

Active Covid-19 cases across Maldives drop to 1,613 – Raajje

According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), Maldives confirmed 107 new Covid-19 cases and 227 additional recoveries on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

U.N. Seats Denied, for Now, to Afghanistan’s Taliban and Myanmar’s Junta – NY Times

A powerful United Nations committee deferred a decision on applications by the ruling authorities of both countries, widely regarded as pariahs, to replace envoys of the governments they had toppled. Click here to read…

The New Pattern of Conflict in Myanmar – PRIO

A new conflict pattern has appeared in Myanmar. Amidst a spiraling economic, social and health crisis, armed fighting is no longer confined to ethnic minority areas but has cropped up in cities and regions where the ethnic Bamar are in majorityClick here to read…

Myanmar army helicopter attacks ‘force thousands to flee’ – Al Jazeera

Thousands of civilians have fled their homes due to attacks by helicopter gunships in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, a hotbed of resistance to the country’s military rule, according to local media. Click here to read…

Climate danger grows in ‘vulnerable’ Myanmar after military coup – Aljazeera

There is increasing concern that Myanmar is at risk of a serious environmental crisis, as the generals who seized power in a coup on February 1 focus on cementing their control and shoring up their position by stepping up lucrative but devastating policies of exploiting the country’s vast natural wealth. Click here to read…

Nepal

Lottery-based cause list launched- Himalayav

The Supreme Court today launched the lottery-based cause list for the first time, but lawyers, did not take part in the hearing process after the Nepal Bar Association. Click here to read…

Govt warns against unnecessary foreign travel- Himalaya

The Ministry of Health and Population has urged people not to travel abroad unless necessary. Click here to read…
Political parties’ lack of concern about Covid may prove costly for the country, experts warn- TKP

Doctors say political parties should be role models for people and work for public safety and well being. Click here to read…
Democratic Recession in Nepal- Republica

There are mainly two types of democratic systems: direct democracy and representative democracy. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Smugglers, money-launderers to be punished: PM Imran: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday ordered stern action against smugglers of sugar, wheat, urea and petrol and those involved in money laundering. Click here to read…

Trade deficit hits all-time high in November: Dawn

The reversing trend in trade deficit was witnessed for the fifth consecutive month as merchandise trade deficit reached $5.107 billion in November against $1.946bn over the corresponding month last year. Click here to read…

Punjab considers using EVMs in upcoming LG polls: The Express Tribune

Deliberations were made on the proposal during a meeting held under the chair of Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Wednesday. Click here to read…

PM lauds FBR on 35pc increase in Nov revenues: The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday appreciated the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for achieving an increase of 35 per cent in revenues of November 2021. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Finance Minister in economic co-oporation talks with India amid forex crisis – EconomyNext

Sri Lanka Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa on Wednesday met his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi discussed steps to deepen economic cooperation with India amid expectations of support for the country’s foreign exchange crisis. Click here to read…

Government Fails to Tame Inflation- Ceylon Today

The main pivot to uplift a country’s real growth that spawns employment and doesn’t overburden its debt profile is investor confidence. If that confidence is lacking, a low interest rate regime in place by chance or by design is not going to uplift real growth. Click here to read…

CB lures ‘white’ inflows with 10-for-1 offer- Daily FT

To boost inflow of workers› remittances via official channels, the Central Bank yesterday announced a time-bound incentive scheme offering Rs. 10 per each US dollar remitted and converted. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

5 injured in blast near school in Kabul- Afghanistan Times

At least five people were injured after a powerful magnetic bomb went off near a school in Kabul city. Click here to read…

Saudi Arabia Calls for OIC Meeting on Afghanistan- Tolo News

Saudi Arabia on Monday called on members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene an extraordinary meeting on Afghanistan to discuss the humanitarian situation in the country. Click here to read…

Doha Talks: Islamic Emirate Insists on Release of Assets- Tolo News

Delegations from the United States and the Islamic Emirate held two-day talks in Doha and discussed a range of issues, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. . Click here to read…

Bangladesh

More deaths, more outrage- Daily Star

Young protesters won’t leave streets as demand for safe roads get louder; another student dies in crash. Click here to read…

2 shot in AL infighting in Narayanganj after UP polls, 8 injured- Daily Star

At least 10 persons were injured, including two sustaining bullet wounds, in the post polls violence between two factions of Awami League in Narayanganj’s Rupganj upazila last night. Click here to read…

Special drive against buses without route permits from Wednesday- Dhaka Tribune

1,847 buses currently operating without route permits in Dhaka. Click here to read…

‘240 travellers from S Africa traceless’- Asian Age

Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said that Bangladesh reported the arrival of 240 individuals from South Africa, where the new coronavirus variant Omicron was found, but authorities are unable to track down any of them. Click here to read…

Dhaka University’s centenary celebration begins Wednesday- Daily Observer

Dhaka University, the highest echelon of academic excellence, is set to begin the celebration of its hundredth founding anniversary and the golden jubilee of the country’s independence tomorrow. Click here to read…

LG candidates turn to High Court after last-minute bizarre disqualification- Kuensel

Seven of the nine local leaders, whose audit clearances were revoked after Dhamngoi Zomdu, appealed to the High Court yesterday. Click here to read…

Remittance rush continues with record breaking Nu 5.139 bn till Aug 2021- The Bhutanese

In 2020 Bhutan saw the highest ever remittance flow of Nu 8.269 billion (bn). This was higher than the combined remittance of Nu 2.901 bn in 2019 and 3.032 bn in 2020. Click here to read…

New Deal: Digital Banking Dominates Financial Transactions- Bhutan Times

The Department of Payment and Settlement System’s Quarterly Payment System Report Q3, 2021 (July-September). Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives’ ex-president Yameen walks free after graft conviction overturned – Reuters

Maldives’ former president Abdulla Yameen was freed from house arrest on Tuesday after a top court overturned a money-laundering and embezzlement conviction, allowing him to potentially make a return to politics. Click here to read…

Maldives defends defence pact with India – Economic Times

The Parliament Committee on National Security (241 Committee) of Maldives recently stated that agreements between Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and the Indian military do not contain any clauses that cause concern to the island nation. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar court postpones verdict for ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi – New Indian Express

A court in Myanmar postponed its verdict on Tuesday in the trial of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi to allow testimony from an additional witness, a senior member of her political party. Click here to read…

Chronicling Four Decades of Separatist Activity by Manipur’s PLA in Myanmar The Irrawaddy

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in India’s northeast is in the news again for orchestrating an ambush that killed seven people including a commanding officer of the Assam Rifles in the state of Manipur, which borders Myanmar. Click here to read…

Arakan People’s Authority investigating violent altercation at Sittwe KTV venue – BNI Online

The Arakan People’s Authority, under the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) has indicated that some people involved in a brawl at the Eain Phyu Taw (White House) KTV in Sittwe’s Anaut Sanpya ward, along with the owner of the KTV venue, are being investigated. Click here to read…

Drug use a concern in shadow of Mrauk-U’s ancient pagodas – BNI Online

Illicit drug use in the vicinity of the ancient pagodas, walls and temples of the Mrauk-U cultural zone and its Let Sel Kan ward is on the rise significantly, according to some locals in the Arakan State township. Click here to read…
Myanmar military seizes boat carrying 228 Rohingyas – LaPrensalatina

Myanmar has arrested 228 members of the oppressed Rohingya minority after seizing the boat in which they were traveling near the waters of Sittwe in the northwest of the country, state media reported Tuesday. Click here to read…
Nepal

Oli elected UML chair yet again as party’s general convention concludes- Himalaya

KP Sharma Oli was elected chairman of the CPN-UML for another term today after he defeated Bhim Rawal in a one-sided contest. Click here to read…

Top court resumes business from today after over a month of crisis

Lottery system to come into force, stripping Chief Justice Rana of prerogative to assign cases. There, however, are still problems galore. Click here to read…

What to do with Pokhara’s ‘extra’ airport?

As the new international airport nears completion, the fate of the old one is up in the air. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Speaker blasts ministers who often skip sittings- Island

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena expressed his displeasure over ministers skipping Parliament sessions while there were questions that they should be answering. Click here to read…

New health guidelines issued; multiple restrictions eased- Daily Mirror

The Health Ministry today issued a set of new guidelines easing several restrictions effective from December 01 to 15. Click here to read…

PM directs preparations for 74th Independence Day- Daily News

The first meeting of the organizing committee of the 74th Independence Day Celebrations – 2022 was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday. Click here to read…

EU, UNODC gift narcotic detection machines to SL Navy- Ceylon Today

Deputy Head of Mission of the European Union Thorsten Bargfrede and representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) handed over four portable backscatter X-ray Machines to Commander of the Navy. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s tumultuous year and uncertain future – RFI

The Taliban’s astonishing return to power caught everyone on the wrong foot — not least the hardline Islamists themselves — and Afghans are stumbling to make sense of what happened, and what the future holds. Click here to read…

India, Pak struggling to reach consensus on providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan: Report – Devidiscourse

Islamabad and New Delhi are at loggerheads over the modalities of shipment of Indian wheat to Afghanistan via Pakistan as the two countries are struggling to find a common strategy for humanitarian assistance for the people of Afghanistan, officials here told Pakistani newspaper Express Tribune. Click here to read…

Pakistan lists conditions for allowing Indian wheat to reach Afghanistan: Report – The Week

After allowing India to transfer 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan as humanitarian assistance, Pakistan has set some conditions for the same. According to a report by news agency PTI, Pakistan has insisted that the consignments of wheat and medicines to Afghanistan be transported on Pakistani trucks from the Wagah border point; however, India favours using its own transport. Click here to read…

World Bank mulls sending humanitarian aid to Afghanistan – India Today

The bank’s management will discuss the proposal at an informal board meeting on Tuesday to re-direct funds from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) “to support humanitarian efforts through UN and other humanitarian agencies with presence and logistic capabilities in the country,” the source said, without providing further detailsClick here to read…

Bangladesh

Union Parishad Chairman Posts: AL men bag 53pc, independents 45pc- Daily Star

Awami League candidates performed not as well in the third phase of the union parishad elections compared to previous two phases. Click here to read…

Khaleda’s Health: No bleeding in 2 days but risk remains- Daily Star

The health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, now undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, is still unpredictable, say doctors. Click here to read…

The cost of the country’s most ambitious rail project- Dhaka Tribune

The construction of the rail line is moving fast, as the government intends to open it at the end of 2022. Click here to read…

Omicron: Bangladesh on India’s ‘at risk’ list- Dhaka Tribune

Passengers travelling from or transiting through listed countries must undergo an RT-PCR test on arrival in India. Click here to read…

Expectations and gains- Asian Age

The celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the independence golden jubilee of Bangladesh began from March 2021. Click here to read…

Nine buses torched in city after student run over- Observer

Angry mob torched nine buses after a SSC examinee was ran over by a bus of Anabil Paribahan in the capital’s Rampura area on Monday night. Click here to read…

Bhutan

His Majesty enters quarantine after a Royal tour of the south.

His Majesty The King arrived in Thimphu yesterday after a Royal tour of the south, and entered facility quarantine. Click here to read…

Court presents charges against Penjore in defamation case- The Bhutanese

The ‘Penjore Penjore’ sedition and defamation case against Penjore was dismissed by the Thimphu District Court on 18 July. But Penjore is again back in the court as he is charged with defaming the Office of Attorney General (OAG) by the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP). Click here to read…

Opposition and PDP whip govt. on recent budget allocation fiasco- Bhutan Times

The Opposition Party has alleged that the Government has diverted disproportionate amount of budget to the Prime Minister’s and Bye-Election Candidate’s Constituencies. Click here to read…

Bhutan banned mountaineering out of respect for the local spiritual beliefs- Daily Bhutan

More than 20 peaks in Bhutan reach above 7,000m (23,000ft). For context, Mt Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is 8,848m (29,031ft). Click here to read…

WFP Bhutan Country Brief, October 2021- WFP

WFPs capacity strengthening, and technical assistance continued in agriculture (enterprise promotion, linking farmers to schools and hospitals), emergency preparedness (telecommunications and logistics preparedness) and nutrition. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives bans travellers from 7 African nations due to Omicron COVID variant – Reuters

Maldives said it was barring travellers from seven African countries from Sunday over concerns about the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. Click here to read…

Maldives reports 114 new Covid-19 cases, 139 recoveries – Raajje

According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), the new cases included 25 from the Maldives congested capital, Greater Malé Region, 73 from islands outside of the capital and 16 from operational resorts. Click here to read…

First round of bilateral consultations held between Maldives, Bangladesh – Raajje

Held as prescribed under the Memorandum of Understanding on the ‘Establishment of Bilateral Consultations’ signed between the two countries earlier this year, the consultations were joined by the Maldives Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed and the Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s army is weaponizing starvation against its own people – Arab News

The Myanmar army, the Tatmadaw, appears to be weaponizing mass starvation in order to beat back resistance to its February coup. The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, an international group of Myanmar observers, reports that military forces have targeted food supplies, including killing livestock, while also destroying distribution infrastructure. Click here to read…

Australia’s Future Fund invested in weapons manufacturers that have sold arms to Myanmar military – The Guardian

Australia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Future Fund, has invested in a Chinese state-controlled weapons manufacturer that has sold combat aircraft to the Myanmar military, which is accused of crimes against humanity. Click here to read…

Asian, European nations call on Myanmar military to return to democracy – Business Standard

At least 50 Asian and European countries on Friday called on Myanmar to return to the democratic transition that was halted by the coup in February. As reported by Radio Free Asia, the countries asked to release arbitrarily detained prisoners, and accept a Southeast Asian envoy to mediate the 10-month-old political crisis. Click here to read…

Military deploys Russian-made fighter jets against KIA targets – Myanmar Now

Myanmar’s military used two newly-acquired Su-30 fighter jets from Russia against Kachin Independence Army (KIA) targets in Kachin State’s Mohnyin Township last week, according to KIA information officer Col. Naw Bu. Click here to read…

Argentina court to investigate Myanmar war crimes against Rohingya Muslims – The Guardian

Argentina’s justice system will investigate allegations of war crimes committed by the Myanmar military against that country’s Rohingya minority under a court ruling upholding the principles of “universal justice”. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal records 243 fresh COVID-19 cases, one fatality on Monday.

Nepal recorded 243 new coronavirus infections in last 24 hours, pushing the nationwide tally to 821,121 while the death toll climbed to 11,524 with one fatality today. Click here to read…

UML 10th General Convention: Polls for top spots to commence tonight- Himalaya

The election for top posts of the CPN-UML at the party’s ongoing General Convention being conducted at Chitwan, is set to begin Monday night. Click here to read…

Oli’s consensus bid fails, but he manages to prove he rules the roost- TKP

Vice-chairs, secretaries and central members to be voted in as Oli installs his men in key positions—Ishwar Pokhrel as senior vice-chair, Shankar Pokhrel as general secretary. Click here to read…

Experts fault Deuba for prioritising domestic politics over foreign policy- TKP

As the MCC’s ratification hangs in the balance, questions arise over the fate of projects under the BRI. Click here to read…

Nepal’s rudderless political leadership

The country’s three major parties are duelling on the deck, while the ship of state drifts away.Click here to read…

CJ Rana infected with COVID-19- Republica

Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher JB Rana has been admitted to hospital after he tested positive for COVID-19. Click here to read…

Pakistan

SBP signs agreement for $3bn Saudi fund: Dawn

The agreement was signed by SFD Chief Executive Officer Sultan Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Marshad and SBP Governor Dr Reza Baqir at the State Bank in Karachi, according to a statement issued by the SBP. Click here to read…

A convict was invited to moot attended by judges, deplores PM Imran: Dawn

The prime minister feared that another blasphemous attempt would be made by the West against Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and said this time a well-calculated and unanimous response should come from the Muslims so that the false impression could not come to the fore that the Muslims were against freedom of expression. Click here to read…

Rupee slides to new low as deficit widens: The Express Tribune

According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the rupee had closed at Rs175.46 on Friday.A report of Arif Habib Limited stated that the rupee fell 0.42% day-on-day while it had been down 13.58% since hitting the high of Rs152.28 on May 14, 2021. Click here to read…

Pakistan offers to host OIC FMs on Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

“Pakistan fully endorses the initiative. We have also offered to host the meeting, in Islamabad, on December 17, 2021. We are confident that OIC member states will endorse the offer,” Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said in a statement on Monday. Click here to read…

Foreign reserves plunge to historic low of $ 1.2 b: SJB – Daily FT

The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday claimed that the country’s net foreign reserves had plunged to an all-time low of $ 1.2 billion and warned of a looming dark future.

SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne revealed the precariously low reserves figure – excluding gold reserves of $ 300 million – in Parliament yesterday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Doha: Islamic Emirate, EU Talk Aid, Safety for Departing Afghans: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate and EU delegates held a two-day meeting in Doha to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and particularly the way forward, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said. Click here to read…

Afghan Exports to Iran Increase by 50%: ACCI: Tolo News

Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said on Saturday that this year Afghanistan’s exports to Iran has reached $17 million, which is a 50% increase in the country’s exports compared to last year. Click here to read…

Media freedom at risk as Taliban censors news reports in northern Afghanistan: Report: The Khaama Press

The local authorities in northern Badakshan province have asked media outlets to publish their reports after a review and censorship, the Afghanistan journalists safety committee reported. Click here to read…

An underground network of intelligence operatives helped Taliban seize Kabul: The Khaama Press

The Taliban have had an underground network of intelligence operatives that helped them seize power from inside, parallel to their military victory. Click here to read…

The future of higher education in Bangladesh- Daily Star

Universities in Bangladesh have begun to reopen their campuses since October 2021 but in different capacities. In particular, many public universities are opting to revert to pre-pandemic learning modes, considering what’s best for their student body. Click here to read…

Covid-19: Bangladesh yet to take impactful measures against Omicron- Dhaka Tribune

The Bangladesh government has yet to formulate a plan specific to the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus despite almost a week having passed since the new variant was first reported in South Africa. Click here to read…

Anguish over family missing since Channel tragedy- Asian Age

She called him from northern France to say she was about to board a boat with her mother, sister and brother. Hadia was excited at the prospect of finally making it to the UK. Click here to read…

Khaleda Zia suffers from liver cirrhosis: Medical Board- Daily Observer

Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, said the medical board formed for her treatment on Sunday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Talking rice self-sufficiency again- Kuensel

The steady decline in production and sufficiency status over the years call for our attention, especially when our projections are bases on wrong data for whatever reasons. Click here to read…

Semjong Celebrates- Kuensel

Approximately 600 people from 72 families in Tsirang celebrated a major transformation of their lives yesterday with the launch of the country’s first and largest integrated water supply pilot project. Click here to read…

Political mudslinging will lead us nowhere- Bhutan Times

The political psychology and political behaviors reflect the overall image of the country. It is the pre-requisite of every democratic system. Click here to read…

Their Majesties grace opening of third parliament’s winter session- Bhutan News

His Majesty the King, accompanied by Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, graced the opening ceremony of the sixth session of the third parliament on 24 November at Gyelyong Tshokhang in Thimphu. Click here to read…

Maldives

India remains top source market for Maldives tourism as year draws to a close – Raajje

As the year draws to an end and at a time the Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom had revealed that arrivals from India are expected to grow to top the markets by the end of the year, Maldives recorded a total of 252,551 arrivals from India between January 1 – November 24. Click here to read…

New Covid-19 variant triggers fear, Maldives shuts doors for seven countries – Raajje

Maldives has imposed a ban on travel from seven countries in Africa, triggered by the threats of a newly surfaced, more transmissible variant of Covid-19. According to an announcement issued by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) after sundown on Saturday, the measure was taken as a precautionary measure under the Public Health Protection Act (No. 7/2021), to come into effect at 12am, Sunday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s military rulers fail to quash resistance – The Times

The ambush came just after the tourism minister had declared at a luxury beachfront hotel owned by the son of the junta chief that Myanmar was open and safe for foreign travellers. Click here to read…

Chin State Town Blames Myanmar Junta for Arson Attacks – The Irrawaddy

Thantlang, a mountain-top town in Chin State, has suffered from eight fires and lost around 254 houses in two months, according to residents, who blame Myanmar’s military. Click here to read…

U.S. and others concerned about Myanmar army operations in northwest – Reuters

The United States on Friday issued a joint statement along with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea and Britain expressing concern over a military offensive in Myanmar that they say is disproportionately harming civilians. Click here to read…

Myanmar junta accused of forcing people to brink of starvation – The Guardian

Myanmar’s military junta has been accused of forcing people to the brink of starvation with repeated offensives since it seized power in a coup earlier this year. The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar said the junta had destroyed food supplies and killed livestock while cutting off roads used to bring in food and medicine. Click here to read…

Nepal

As Omicron looms, Nepal grapples with indecision, bureaucratic inertia- Himalaya

The Government of Nepal does not appear to be fully prepared to deal with the challenge, least of all vaccinate all of its citizens quickly. Click here to read…

Ghimire coordinator of NC poll panel- Himalaya

Senior Advocate Gopal Krishna Ghimire has been nominated as coordinator of the Nepali Congress Central Election Committee. Click here to read…

Two weeks after launching e-passport, government goes on issuing machine-readable ones- TKP

With districts ‘temporarily’ halting applications, people crowd the Passport Department. Click here to read…

Nepal’s graduation to developing country hinges on political stability- TKP

Experts stress taking measures at reducing the cost of doing business by improving the country’s infrastructure connectivity and human resources. Click here to read…

Nepal’s rudderless political leadership- Nepali Times

The country’s three major parties are duelling on the deck, while the ship of state drifts away. Click here to read…

Democratic Recession in Nepal- Republica

There are mainly two types of democratic systems: direct democracy and representative democracy. Click here to read…

Pakistan

President Alvi calls for steps to integrate ECO region: Dawn

President Dr Arif Alvi has said the Economic Cooperation Organisation’s (ECO) member states, despite having all elements for economic growth, are among the least integrated in terms of trade and investment, stressing the need for unlocking their potential for growth and development. Click here to read…

PTI issues notice to Riaz Fatyana for ‘vilifying’ two cabinet members: Dawn

The notice was issued to the MNA from Toba Tek Singh by the PTI’s Standing Committee on Accountability and Discipline (SCAD) on the complaint of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam. Click here to read…

Pakistan, India at odds over wheat transit modalities: The Express Tribune

Last week, Pakistan decided to allow India to transport 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat and other humanitarian goods to Afghanistan through the Wagah border in a move Islamabad said was made on “exceptional basis” keeping in view the humanitarian crises in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Peace in Afghanistan key to regional connectivity: Alvi: The Express Tribune

The president made these remarks while addressing the 15th Summit of the heads of states of the ECO in Turkmenistan. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

India, Maldives, Sri Lanka conduct maritime drills – The Hindu

India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka on Sunday, November 28, 2021, concluded a two-day maritime operation in the Indian Ocean region to keep it safe and secure including for international trade, officials said. Ships and aircraft of the navies of the three countries participated in the maiden ‘Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Focused Operation’, the Indian Navy said. Click here to read…

Chemical fertiliser price to be regulated but not fixed – The Morning

The Ministry of Agriculture does not expect to introduce a fixed price for chemical fertilisers and other agrochemicals, including pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides/weedicides, which would be imported by the private sector, but will soon formulate a mechanism to regulate their prices, The Morning learnt. When contacted by The Morning, Agriculture Ministry Secretary Prof. Udith K. Jayasinghe-Mudalige said that this mechanism would be formulated with the involvement of all relevant institutions. Click here to read…

Chargé d’affaires of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim Al Gergawi calls on Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Prof. G.L. Peiris – Sri Lanka MFA

In his opening remarks, the Chargé d’affaires extended greetings from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Al Nahyan and expressed the UAE government’s willingness to enhance bilateral trade and economic relations with the government of Sri Lanka. Further, he also recalled the recent bilateral meeting held between Foreign Minister G.L Peiris with the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr Sultan Al Jaber, at the sidelines of the 76 Session of the UNGA, New York. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Delegates Leave Kabul for Doha Meeting with US Envoy: Tolo News

A delegation of the Islamic Emirate led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi flew to Qatar’s capital Doha on Thursday afternoon, the foreign ministry said. Click here to read…

UN Calls for Solidarity to End Violence Against Women and Girls: Tolo News

In a statement, UNAMA said gender-based violence continues to be a serious threat to women and girls and a major obstacle in the way of achieving lasting sustainable development and peace. Click here to read…

Conflicts in Afghanistan leaves over half a million internally displaced in 2021: Report: The Khaama Press

According to a newly released report by the UN IOM, over half a million people in Afghanistan have been internally displaced as a result of conflicts and insecurity in 2021. Click here to read…

Italy gives asylum to National Geographic’s famous ‘green-eyed’ Afghan girl: The Khaama Press

Sharbat Gula, the Afghan ‘green-eyed’ girl whose photo went viral after being printed on the cover of the National Geographic magazine in 1984, has now been given asylum by Italy, the Italian government announced on Thursday. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Earthquake felt in Dhaka, CTG originated in Myanmar- Daily Star

A strong earthquake jolted Dhaka, Chattogram and some other cities this morning. The tremor was felt around 5:45am. Click here to read…

‘Misogyny embedded in the legal system has to be addressed’- Daily Star

There is no doubt that it is generally due to the culture of impunity enjoyed by men connected to power that we have failed to bring down the rate of sexual violence against women. Click here to read…

US embassy: Not everyone could attend summit for democracy- Dhaka Tribune

UN’s definition of democracy used by the State Department during the planning of the summit. Click here to read…

US invited weak democracies to its summit: Momen- Asian Age

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said that the US might have invited countries with weak democracies to its Democracy Summit. Click here to read…

Bhutan

ECB repeats dhamngoi zomdus in three chiwogs- Kuensel

Voters in Changyul-Loongsilgang-Tashijong chiwog in Punakha, Shingchongri chiwog in Pemagatshel, and Sergithang-Nye chiwog in Tsirang will attend the dhamngoi zomdu once again to re-nominate candidates for gup and mangmi. Click here to read…

Fixing the tax leakage- Kuensel

The revenue and customs department is banking on what is called an integrated system and the much-talked about Goods and Services Tax, which will come into force from next June. Click here to read…

The endangered majestic black-necked cranes are highly honoured in Bhutan- Daily Bhutan

The black-necked cranes are a sight to behold. Awe. Memorable. Delightful. These are just three of the many adjectives that tourists to Bhutan have used to describe the magnificent cranes. Click here to read…

Study finds almost 37 per cent rise in domestic violence cases- BBS

COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in domestic violence (DV) cases across the globe. And Bhutan is no exception. Click here to read…

Maldives

Money laundering charges raised against Yameen over V. Aarah case – Raajje

Abdulla Yameen, former president of Maldives has been charged with money laundering, over the leasing of Aarah island in Vaavu atoll to a foreign party for resort development. The Prosecutor General’s Office revealed that Yameen is accused of misusing his official authority to launder USD one million in connection to the lease of Aarah, to Noonu atoll Velidhoo native Yoosuf Naeem for resort development, the latter has also been charged. Click here to read…

Discussions held on ways to further solidify ties between Maldives, Bangladesh – Raajje

Discussions held on ways to further solidify ties between Maldives and Bangladesh. As part of his three-day official visit to Bangladesh, Vice President Faisal Naseem met with the President of Bangladesh, Md. Abdul Hamid at the Presidential Palace, Bangabhaban. Click here to read…

Discussions held on increasing cooperation with Senegal, on human rights, counter-terrorism – Raajje

Discussions have been held on expanding cooperation between Maldives and Senegal, in the areas of human rights and counter-terrorism. The discussions were held following a ceremony held at the President’s Office where the new Ambassador of Senegal Abdoul Wahab Haidara presented his Letters of Credence to Maldivian President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Monday morning. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Five-point road map will continue: SAC’s Chair – Eleven Myanmar

The Armed Forces has taken over the responsibilities of the State and is working on five-point road map to be taken. This five-point road map is in line with the situation in our country, so we are determined to succeed, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) in Nay Pyi Taw on November 24. Click here to read…

Militancy woes wooing Manipur? – East Mojo

Churachandpur, a district in Manipur, became a central topic of discussion overnight on the 13th November, so much so it was trending on Twitter. The new-found fame, however, was not something the local people could rejoice for; the trend, unfortunately, relates to the highly condemnable killing of seven people, including an Assam Rifles Commanding Officer (CO), along with his wife and son, and four jawans. Click here to read…

Myanmar troops arrest 18 medics for treating members of anti-junta groups – Edition

Myanmar’s military has arrested 18 medics for providing treatment to patients who were members of “terrorist organizations,” a state-run newspaper said Wednesday, referring to outlawed anti-junta groups. Click here to read…

Karenni resistance forces report four clashes with military in one day – Myanmar Now

At least four clashes broke out between Karenni anti-junta resistance groups and the Myanmar army in Kayah State’s Demoso and Loikaw townships on Tuesday, reportedly causing multiple military casualties. Click here to read…

Thousands Flee as Myanmar Regime Resumes Raiding Resistance Groups – The Irrawaddy

Since November 17, Myanmar military reinforcements have randomly bombarded villages along the Demoso-Loikaw Highway, forcing several thousand residents to flee from around 30 villages between Demoso and Loikaw, the Kayah State capital, according to the Demoso command of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF). Click here to read…

Nepal

Opinion: Party conventions of NC, UML: Competition of old and new leadership- Himalaya

Nepal is going to experience a double political whammy soon in the wake of the twin party conventions being held by the Nepali Congress, the party in power, and the UML, the opposition in the Parliament, over a month’s time. Click here to read…

CPN-UML general convention commences in Sauraha today- Himalaya
The main opposition CPN-UML will inaugurate its 10th general convention in Sauraha, Chitwan, at 12:00pm tomorrow. Click here to read…

With lottery system, chief justice loses the master of roster role- TKP

A system of drawing lots for assigning cases will come into effect starting December 1, but the judiciary crisis may not end anytime soon. Click here to read…

Oil Price Hike in Nepal: Some Critical Observations- Republica

In this context, the market for petroleum products is so sensitive that fluctuations in the international market price may not take long to make a profit or loss in crores of rupees. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Trade deficit compelled govt to approach IMF: PM Imran: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said that the country’s trade deficit was the basic compulsion for the government to go to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Click here to read…

Saudi Arabia to lift ban on direct flights from Pakistan, says minister: Dawn

According to reports in the media, Saudi authorities have decided to withdraw a ban on flights from six countries — Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Egypt, Brazil and Vietnam — and passengers from these countries will no longer be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine in a third country. Click here to read…

Internal, external challenges demand national response: Gen Qamar: The Express Tribune

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Qamar expressed these remarks in his interactions with participants of the 8th National Workshop Balochistan at the General Headquarters. Click here to read…

SC raises questions on NAB’s performance: The Express Tribune

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmad, was hearing the case of occupation of welfare plots in Al-Habib Cooperative Housing Society at the SC Karachi Registry. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka targets US$3.5bn forex reserves by end 2021 – EconomyNext

Sri Lanka is expecting to boost the island’s foreign exchange reserves which had fallen to 2.3 billion US dollars by October to 3.5 billion US dollars by the year-end, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said. Sri Lanka has lost forex reserves steadily from around August 2019 as inflation policy involving liquidity injections began despite having a pegged exchange rate. Click here to read…

IMF ready to discuss loan on request – The Morning

As the debate between government ministers on whether to seek financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) deepens, the IMF told The Morning Business that its staff stands ready to discuss options with the Sri Lankan Government, during the upcoming visit of the Fund’s representatives to Sri Lanka. The IMF, Wednesday (24) night, disclosed this in response to a media inquiry regarding an upcoming Article IV mission to Colombo, next month. Click here to read…

Govt. showcases $ 6 b worth real-estate offerings – Daily FT

The Government yesterday unveiled the country’s biggest real-estate push with plans to attract over $ 6 billion in local and foreign investments to promote the post-COVID growth trajectory of Sri Lanka. The key planning and implementation body — the Urban Development Authority (UDA), listed out around 50 projects in nine sub-categories providing equal opportunities to both foreign and local investments. Real Estate and Township, Hospitality and Leisure, Logistics and Business Parks and Residential Apartments are the main clusters that will be implemented hand-in-hand with investors on the basis of 99-year, 55-year and 30-year lease or Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) in the coming years. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

US Envoy on Afghanistan to Return to Doha to Meet Taliban: Tolo News

The US Special Representative for Afghanistan will visit Doha next week for two weeks of meetings with leaders of the Taliban, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Appoints 27 Senior Officials: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate officials said they appointed 27 people in senior positions to ministries as well as to other departments and to the military. Click here to read…

US-Taliban to resume talks with a focus on counterterrorism operations: The Khaama Press

The U.S and Taliban officials will resume talks in Doha, Qatar next week to discuss counterterrorism operations against ISIS-K, Al-Qaeda, humanitarian assistance and economic crisis in Afghanistan, the U.S Department of State have revealed. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

UNGA adopts resolution to graduate Bangladesh from LDC- Dhaka Tribune

In a historic move, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution to graduate Bangladesh and two other countries from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. Click here to read…

President Hamid to people: Unite to build Bangabandhu’s ‘Sonar Bangla’- Dhaka Tribune

President Md Abdul Hamid on Wednesday called for forging unity among the people, irrespective of religion, caste and creed, to implement Bangabandhu’s pledge to build ‘Sonar Bangla. Click here to read…

State-run fertiliser factories: White Elephants they’re now- Daily Star

The factories are consuming natural gas heavily, but producing urea fertilizer much less than their modern peers do. Click here to read…

Bangladesh, China not invited to Biden’s democracy summit- Asian Age

Bangladesh and China are not seen on the list of the invitees. Taiwan’s inclusion is sure to infuriate the Chinese government, which views the self-governing island as a breakaway territory and opposes any attempts to legitimize it on the international stage. Click here to read…

Bhutan

CSOs should serve society, not selves: MPs- Kuensel

The review of the CSO (Amendment) Bill 2021 by National Assembly (NA) members on November 18 highlighted widespread concerns about activities and financial operations of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country. Click here to read…

New road safety regulations to begin from January 2022- Kuensel

The Road Safety and Transport Authority (RSTA) came up with new regulations to cope with the emerging issues of the growing number of vehicles and new technology. Click here to read…

A Perspective on the Construction Industry- Bhutan Times

Construction is a global industry, with a total estimated annual output of US$11 trillion in 2020, and is projected to hit US$15 trillion by 2030. Click here to read…

Wungchilo marijuana field attracts miscreants- Trashi Yangtse- BBS

Wungchilo in Trashi Yangtse is a safe haven for abusing and making drugs. As the place is far from the settlement and with plenty of marijuana plants, miscreants visit the place to abuse drugs and make hashish to sell. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives reports 123 new Covid-19 cases, 139 recoveries – Raajje

Maldives confirmed 123 new Covid-19 cases alongside 139 additional recoveries by sundown on Tuesday. According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), 3,516 samples were tested for the virus between 6pm Monday and 6pm Tuesday. Click here to read…

Agoda Signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) With Maldives Border Miles Initiative to Boost Post-Pandemic Tourism – Business Wire

Maldives Border Miles (MBM), a loyalty program initiated by Maldives Immigration in collaboration with key government stakeholders, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global digital travel platform Agoda, (part of Booking Holdings, Nasdaq BKNG), to boost tourism in the countryClick here to read…

Myanmar

Tatmadaw Raids Catholic Institutions in Kayah State, Myanmar – persecution.org

On November 22, the Myanmar military junta known as the Tatmadaw raided a cathedral, bishop’s house, and church-run clinic in the primarily Catholic Kayah State in Myanmar. Over 200 soldiers and police officers raided Christ the King Cathedral in Loikaw, Kayah State’s capital, as well as raided the Karuna clinic and bishop’s houseClick here to read…

Myanmar’s Army Is Fighting a Multi-Front War – The Diplomat

A town of 8,000 people in Myanmar’s Chin State has been emptied of all its residents following a confrontation between the local self-defense force and the soldiers of the junta. Click here to read…

Rumbles in Rakhine amid strains between Myanmar military, rebels – Aljazeera

Since Myanmar’s military staged a coup against Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government on February 1, triggering mass unrest, the formerly restive far-western state of Rakhine has remained relatively peaceful. Click here to read…

Mizoram: Cross-border transport project nearing completion, say officials – East Mojo

Mizoram Public Works Department said over 96% “physical progress” has been already achieved in the ambitious cross-border Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) on Mizoram side, an official said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Nepal

NBA threatens to intensify stir against CJ- Himalaya

The Nepal Bar Association and dissident justices of the Supreme Court continued to protest against Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana today as well and threatened to intensify their agitation. Click here to read…

Health Minister Khatiwada promises measures against tobacco use- Himalaya

Minister for Health and Population Birodh Khatiwada has said that appropriate measures would be taken to control and regulate the use of tobacco products. Click here to read…

Upcoming upper house polls could leave a weakened UML even weaker

A loss may be solely the UML’s but holds the potential for affecting national understanding by deepening the divide. Click here to read…

Agroecology, Nepal’s answer to climate change

The answer to addressing climate impact is to regenerate the most important ecosystem of all: the soil. Click here to read…

Population Census 2021: Data Vs Reliability- Republica

A high alert during the entire process of data collection under the census is of paramount importance to ensure the quality and reliability of the outcome of the census. Click here to read…

Pakistan

NA panel’s head disallows vote on NAB bills: Dawn

Of the 20 committee members including its chairman Riaz Fatyana, six members from the treasury and 10 opposition members were present at the meeting that had been convened to consider five bills, including the NAO (Second Amendment) Bill, 2021 and the NAO (Third Amendment) Bill, 2021. Click here to read…

Ecnec okays Rs190bn road infrastructure projects: Dawn

A meeting of Ecnec, chaired by Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar and attended by Minister for Industries Khusro Bakhtiar and federal secretaries, approved the Pakistan Optical Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-02) project of Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) worth Rs27.913bn. Click here to read…

SBP projects up to 5% economic growth despite challenges: The Express Tribune

The central bank has projected the economy to grow strongly in the range of four to five per cent in the current fiscal year 2021-22, but warned of challenges including exponentially high global commodity prices, elevated import payments, increase in utility tariffs, higher inflation and expansion in services deficit. Click here to read…

Pakistan’s debt, liabilities cross Rs50tr: The Express Tribune

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) released the debt figures till September 2021, a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan described the increasing debt as a “national security issue”. Click here to read…

COAS for global convergence on Afghanistan: The News

Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has reiterated the need for global convergence on Afghanistan for avoiding humanitarian crisis and coordinated efforts for economic uplift of the Afghan people. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Status of Economic Situation Under the Islamic Emirate: Tolo News

Afghanistan faced a severe economic crisis following the collapse of the former government when the international aid to Afghanistan ceased and the banking system was disrupted. Click here to read…

After 100 Days, Islamic Emirate Still Seeks Intl Recognition: Tolo News

Islamic Emirate officials flew to various regional countries–and further–to seek engagement and to build relations with foreign governments. In return, representatives of at least six countries visited Afghanistan and held talks with officials. Click here to read…

Pakistan pledges $28m in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan has announced a sum of twenty-eight million US Dollars as humanitarian aid to Afghanistan which includes food, medical, and other humanitarian assistance, Aljazeera reported citing an official from Imran Khan’s office. Click here to read…

Afghanistan tops the world ranking as the ‘least happy’ country: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan has once again been recognized as the ‘least happy’ country in the world according to the World Population Review 2021 report. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Rumours over Khaleda’s health: Police on high alert- Daily Star

Police around the country were asked to remain vigilant to prevent any kind of unrest in case of rumors on social media about the health condition of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. Click here to read…

Killers trained, target clear: Say law enforcers on Cumilla double murder; motive still a mystery- Daily Star

The death of Haripada Das, the close aide to the councillor, was possibly a “collateral damage”, they said. Click here to read…

Case filed against Gazipur Mayor over remarks on Bangabandhu, freedom fighters- Daily Star

A case has been filed with Rajbari court against Gazipur City Corporation Mayor Mohammad Zahangir Alam over recent comments on Bangabandhu and martyred freedom fighters at a programme. Click here to read…

How replacement creates displacement in the hill tracts- Dhaka Tribune

Among the 78,000 displacement cases recorded in 2017, around five thousand took place in Rangamati. Click here to read…

Homegrown vaccine Bangavax approved for human trial- Asian Age

Bangladesh Medical Research Council, or BMRC, has given ethical clearance to the Bangavax COVID-19 vaccine of Globe Biotech for a small Phase-1 clinical trial on humans. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Phuentsholing beyond the 100 Covid-free days- Kuensel

When Phuentsholing came out of the four-month lockdown in August this year, nobody expected the pandemic to fade easily. For days people remained indoors fearing transmission.Click here to read…

Women and politics- Kuensel

A small yet encouraging development in the on-going local government (LG) elections is the improved participation of women. Although in the initial stage of nominating candidates, more women had come out to compete for the LG posts. Click here to read…

3 Ministers, NA Speaker and NC Chairman get second hybrid duty vehicle worth Nu 3.2 mn each in violation of Pay Revision Act- The Bhutanese

The 2019 Pay Revision Act is very clear that Ministers or positions equivalent to them are entitled to one chauffer driven SUV of 3,000 cc each, which means one Toyota Prado for each of them. Click here to read…

Unwise to disregard pandemic norms- Bhutan Times

New cases around the world are mounting up with even new variants invading us every now and then. Some countries are again imposing restrictions to contain the spread of virus. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives: India first or India out? – Lowly Institute

Recent protests in Maldives against India’s influence in the country calling for “Indian military out” has led the Maldives government to respond by reiterating its “India First” policy. This has highlighted the difficulties that both countries face in building a stable strategic partnership while also addressing popular sensitivities. It’s not something that India has been good at elsewhere in the neighbourhood. Click here to read…

Myanmar

96.21 per cent work on Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project completed: Mizoram PWD tells Guv – The North East Today

The Mizoram Public Works Department (PWD) has claimed to have completed 96.21 per cent work of the ambitious Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP). Informing this to the Governor on November 23, PWD officials stated that the department has completed 84.19 km of work on the project, including the construction of eight bridges on the highway, out of 87.51 km route inside Mizoram. Click here to read…

Myanmar opposition raises $6.3 mln on launch of ‘revolution’ bonds – Reuters

A shadow government in Myanmar said it has raised $6.3 million on the opening day of its inaugural bonds sale, in its biggest move yet to generate funds for its “revolution” to topple the ruling military junta. Click here to read…

Myanmar Army stint beefed up Manipur PLA: intelligence report – The Hindu

Fighting the Myanmar army’s war against pro-democracy resistance groups may have emboldened the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a Manipur-based extremist group, to ambush an Assam Rifles convoy killing seven, including a colonel, his wife and minor son, on November 13. Click here to read…

Are Ukrainian Weapons Fueling State Repression in Myanmar? – The Defence Post

After Myanmar’s armed forces seized control of the country in February, the Southeast Asian nation was thrown into chaos. At least 1,000 civilians were killed in demonstrations, and thousands of others fled to neighboring India and Thailand. Click here to read…

Nepal

EC warns NC, UML against using govt staff- Himalaya

The Election Commission issued a press release today warning parties against giving membership to teachers, professors, or government employees.
https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/ec-warns-nc-uml-against-using-govt-staff” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

NBA protest against chief justice continues- Himalaya

The Nepal Bar Association and dissident justices of the Supreme Court continued to protest against Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana today as well. Click here to read…

Oli looks firmly in charge as he bids to placate UML office bearer hopefuls- TKP

A contest is likely for office bearer posts where party chair, however, would make efforts to install leaders of his choice. Click here to read…

Kinship, karma, and kung fu- Nepali Times

Nepali nuns from a centuries-old Buddhist order redefine what it means to be of service. Click here to read…
Revenue collection at Birgunj Customs Office surpasses target by Rs 5 billion- Republica

The Birgunj Customs Office collected customs revenue worth Rs 70.12 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year, around eight percent more than its target of Rs 65.11 billion for the period. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Ministerial body set up to hold 2023 polls through EVMs: Dawn

The federal cabinet on Tuesday established a ministerial committee for holding the 2023 general elections through electronic voting machines (EVMs), in which over nine million overseas Pakistanis will exercise their right of franchise for the first time. Click here to read…

PM orders inquiry against senior bureaucrat for mocking PTI govt on social media: Dawn

According to a statement of allegations issued by the Establishment Division on Monday, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, BS-21 officer Hammad Shamimi had posted a comment on a social media page/platform that was tantamount to misconduct under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020. Click here to read…

IMF rejects borrowing request: The Express Tribune

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has rejected Pakistan’s request to keep a door open for borrowing from the central bank and also did not agree on any meaningful accountability of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Click here to read…

Rising debt, low revenue ‘national security’ issue: PM: The Express Tribune

He also maintained that the country’s very sustainability was at stake because of the absence of a “tax culture” and hoped that the use of technology would take revenue collection to Rs8 trillion per year. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Cash-strapped govt. seeks Indian lifeline: Basil to visit New Delhi – The Island

Declaring that Sri Lanka was experiencing the worst ever post-independence economic crisis, Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday said Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s forthcoming visit to New Delhi might give the country an opportunity to explore ways and means of overcoming the overwhelming challenges.

Prof. Peiris, who is also the Chairman of the ruling SLPP, emphasised that the Finance Minister’s visit was meant to seek not only loans but also wider cooperation on a range of other matters, including investment, trade and tourism. Click here to read…

SL-Pakistan private sector steps up collaboration to boost trade, investment – Daily FT

Having shared a deep-rooted strong political, cultural and economic relationship for decades, Sri Lanka and Pakistan private sectors yesterday stepped up efforts to boost business and investment opportunities.

The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) of Pakistan inked a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (CCC) and Federation of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) and few individual firms, to enhance trade ties between the two countries. Click here to read…

The Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka Rita Manella met Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on Monday 22 November – MFA Sri Lanka

The discussion focused on issues of mutual interest including political relations; further consolidation of bilateral trade, investment and tourism ties; Sri Lanka – EU cooperation; and the exchange of visits. The Italian Ambassador also referred to the promotion of cultural cooperation between Sri Lanka and Italy ina range of spheres including architecture, fashion design and Italian cuisine.

The Foreign Minister expressed his deep appreciation to the Italian Ambassador for the support extended in facilitating the successful visit of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to Italy to participate as a special guest in the G20 Interfaith Forum 2021 in Bologna, in September. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

US to Pursue ‘Over-the-Horizon’ Mission in Afghanistan: Tolo News

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the US will pursue an “over-the-horizon” mission in Afghanistan in response to counterterrorism. Click here to read…

UAE Reopens Its Embassy in Kabul: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, on Saturday evening said the UAE had reopened its diplomatic mission in Kabul. Click here to read…

Over 1M Afghan Children ‘At Risk of Death’: UN: Tolo News

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that more than three million Afghan children are struggling with malnutrition and that if their situation is not considered, over one million of them will be at risk of dying.Click here to read…

United Kingdom must engage with Taliban in Afghanistan: Boris Johnson: The Khaama Press

United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that his country must engage with Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to tackle current humanitarian situation in the country. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Army should be people’s: PM says on Armed Forces Day- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the members of the Armed Forces to uphold the glory of the country by contributing to its development activities alongside protecting the sovereignty. Click here to read…

It’s time to talk about sustainability and finance in RMG sector- Daily Star

One thing that our industry people appear to be the best at is explaining, often in great detail, the problems and challenges that Bangladesh face. Click here to read…

Fakhrul: Let Khaleda go abroad else face movement for ousting govt- Dhaka Tribune

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday threatened to wage a one-point movement seeking the fall of the government if Khaleda Zia is not allowed to go abroad for treatment. Click here to read…

BNP to hold rallies Monday demanding Khaleda’s treatment abroad- Daily Observer

Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programme on Saturday afternoon while concluding their hunger-strike programme in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, reports UNB. Click here to read…

7.5 crore people to be fully vaccinated by Jan: Health Minister- Independent

Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Saturday said the government will administer 6 crore more Covid-19 vaccine doses by January next across the country. Click here to read…

Bhutan

89 percent of capital budget of 12th FYP to be exhausted this fiscal year- Kuensel

About 89 percent of the 12th Five-Year Plan (FYP) capital budget will be exhausted at the end of the fiscal year 2021-22 if all the estimated capital budget of the ongoing fiscal year is spent. Click here to read…

Sibjam: A platform for local farm products- Bhutan Times

With an aim to address food self-sufficiency and security in the future, Sibjam or bees, was launched by Kinley Wangchuk, a businessman in Thimphu last week. Click here to read…

Smart solutions for better lives- Bhutan Times

Bhutan Professional Services (BPS), a private company launched their experience centers showcasing smart building solutions on 4 November this week. Click here to read…

Government procurement perceived as major area of fraud and corruption: Audit Report- BBS

The government procurement is still being perceived as a major area of fraud and corruption, inefficiencies and wastage involving huge public resources. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives inches closer to tourist arrival target for 2021 as figure reaches 1,092,105 – Raajje

Maldives is inching closer to its tourist arrival target of 1.3 million as the country records 1,092,105 arrivals so far. According to the latest figures publicized by the Ministry of Tourism, tourist arrivals between January 1 – November 17 were at 1,092,105 which is a 147.6 percent increase from the arrivals recorded in 2020, a sluggish year for Maldives tourism due to border-closure. Click here to read…

Indian HC, VP Naseem discuss challenges facing Maldives health sector – Raajje

The new High Commissioner of India to Maldives, Munu Mahawar has engaged in discussions regarding challenges facing the Maldives’ heath sector, with Vice President Faisal Naseem. The Indian HC paid a courtesy call on the vice president at the President’s Office on Sunday. Click here to read…

Gov’t will prioritize expanding religious teachings across Maldives, says president – Raajje

The government will place high priority to expand religious knowledge and teachings of Islam across the entire nation, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Taking the podium at the graduation ceremony of students enrolled at the National Centre for the Holy Quran, President Solih revealed that it is a pledge of his administration, to do so. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Military Launches Crackdown On Urban Guerrilla Forces – Eurasia review

Myanmar security forces are deploying large numbers of forces to crack down on dissident groups in various townships in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, as anti-coup forces continue to intensify attacks against military assets and affiliates. Click here to read…

Junta uses attack helicopters against resistance fighters in Magway Region – Myanmar Now

The Myanmar military sent two attack helicopters to a battle in Magway’s Saw Township on Friday after resistance fighters killed 20 junta soldiers, the local People’s Defence Force (PDF) said. A column of about 60 junta soldiers left the village of Taw Ma at around 6am and were quickly met by defence forces from Saw, Kyaukhtu, Kanpetlet, and Mindat townships, a battalion commander from the Saw PDF said.Click here to read…

Myanmar devotees climb mountain for full moon festival Devotees – UCA News

In predawn darkness in western Myanmar, thousands of devotees scramble to the top of a mountain said to be home to a spirit guarding 500 mythical ducks to mark the Tazaungdaing festival of lights. Click here to read…

Thailand’s Deputy PM Says he had Constructive Talks With Myanmar Coup Leader – The Irrawaddy

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai finally revealed that he travelled to the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw last Sunday, to deliver humanitarian aid and to hold talks with coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Click here to read…

National Unity Government calls on Interpol to review junta’s invitation to 89th General Assembly – Myanmar Now

A Myanmar junta delegation is participating in the 89th Interpol General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey next week as the country’s official representatives, Myanmar Now has confirmed. Click here to read…

NUG warns of plans to escalate attacks in Yangon and neighbouring regions – Myanmar Now

A wave of explosions and shootings in Yangon on Monday was just part of a wider operation that is set to see an increase in attacks on regime targets in Yangon, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions, Myanmar’s underground government has warned. Click here to read…

United Nations adopts resolution on Rohingyas by consensus – Dhaka Tribune

The United Nations has adopted a resolution on Rohingyas by consensus for the first time. The resolution, titled “The Situation of Human Rights of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar”, maintained its strong focus on the ongoing justice and accountability processes, ,according to a media statement by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN in New York. Click here to read…

Japanese envoy Sasakawa says he told AA to hold its fire in wake of brief clash last week – BNI Online

The chairman of Nippon Foundation and Japan’s special envoy for national reconciliation in Myanmar, Yohei Sasakawa, said he told the Arakan Army to maintain a situation of no armed conflict in Arakan State during an online meeting with the ethnic armed group. Click here to read…

Nepal

Rawal to challenge Oli for CPN-UML chairmanship- Himalaya

CPN-UML Vice-chair Bhim Rawal organised a press conference and announced his candidature for party presidency. Click here to read…

Protest against CJ Rana continues- Himalaya

The Nepal Bar Association and dissident justices of the Supreme Court continued to protest against Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana today. Click here to read…

Nepal Bibeksheel Party registered in Election commission- Himalaya

A meeting of the Election Commisson held on November 16, 2021 has decided to register the Nepal Bibeksheel Party. Click here to read…

After poor response from priority group, government opens Pfizer jabs for all children above 12- TKP

Some 7,000 people with comorbidities took the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in one week. Around 1,500 children were given the shots on Sunday. Click here to read…

Parties’ opaque finances are cause for concern as they fuel corruption- TKP

Poll body plans to implement ‘accounting format’ to ensure transparency, but experts are not hopeful. A strong law is a must to make parties accountable, observers sayClick here to read…

(Opinion) Restructuring Nepali Army- TKP

We must make security forces more inclusive and effective to make them more attractive for peacekeeping. Click here to read…

Farmers likely to face shortage of chemical fertilizers in upcoming plantation season- Republica

Farmers are likely to face a shortage of chemical fertilizers this year too as the importers turn reluctant to purchase adequate quantities of the agricultural input citing soaring prices in the international market. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan, IMF reach staff-level agreement on steps for revival of package: Dawn

The agreement is subject to approval by the Fund’s Executive Board, following the implementation of prior actions, notably on fiscal and institutional reforms, the IMF said. Click here to read…

Saad Rizvi urges people to vote for TLP in next polls: Dawn

He was addressing an event termed the Shuhada-i-Namoos-i-Risalat Conference on Sunday. Hundreds of people who had come to attend the concluding ceremony of the three-day Urs of Khadim Hussain Rizvi were in attendance. Click here to read…

Digital data reveals land worth Rs5.59tr encroached: The Express Tribune

The premier shared the survey on Twitter, according to which the value of encroached land in three major cities – Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore — stood at Rs2.63 trillion. Click here to read…

TTP wants ‘political office’ in third country: The Express Tribune

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) wants to open a political office in a third country is part of one of the three demands the terrorist groups made to Pakistani authorities during their initial talks. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka moves to relax fertilizer ban for some crops as food prices soar – EconomyNext

Sri Lanka is progressively relaxing a sudden ban on chemical fertilizer and allowing urea and ‘plant nutrients’ for several crops, a top official has said, while the minister of agriculture has denied any relaxation for paddy or vegetables. Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Udith K Jayasinghe has told media that it was not possible to meet all fertilizer needs from domestically produced fertilizer. “The nitrogen content of organic fertilizer is about 3 to 4 percent,” Jayasinghe explained. “For paddy 80,000 metric tonnes of nitrogen is needed for this season.” Click here to read…

SL needs to increase GDP growth: Hans Timmer – The Island

World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia Hans Timmer says it is imperative for Sri Lanka to maximize debt service, with least resources possible. Timmer said so at a webinar organised by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka recently under the theme, ‘Impact of the Pandemic on South Asian Economies and How Digitisation And Services Led Growth Can Help Sri Lanka to Rebound’. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Tehran to Host Regional Meeting on Afghanistan: Tolo News

Tehran will host a ministerial meeting with Afghanistan’s neighboring countries on Wednesday and hold talks on inclusivity within the Afghan government and stability inside the country. Click here to read…

US Was Losing War So It Negotiated: Khalilzad: Tolo News

The former US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said the US was losing the war to the Taliban so it chose peace negotiations as an alternative. Click here to read…

US Nearing Deal with Pakistan for Use of Airspace: Tolo News

The United States is nearing a formalized agreement with Pakistan for use of its airspace to conduct over-the-horizon military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

We are holding Taliban accountable on counterterrorism: NATO: The Khaama Press

NATO chief Gens Stoltenberg said that NATO allies and partners are trying to hold the Taliban accountable for all the pledges they made on terrorism. Click here to read…

Biden administration to resettle over 55 thousand Afghan refugees: The Khaama Press

The US administration in an unprecedented decision wants to permanently resettle 55,600 Afghan evacuees from the military bases of the US to permanent houses. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

South Korea to provide $700m soft loan to Bangladesh- Daily Observer

South Korea will provide Bangladesh with $700 million soft loan support to help the latter’s economy recover from Covid-19 shocks. Click here to read…

Joining election depends on atmosphere: BNP- The Asian Age

BNP will go to polls if an environment conducive to election is created, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday. Click here to read…

PM greets Modi as India administers 1bn Covid jabs- The Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today congratulated her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on achieving the historic milestone of administering “One Billion” Covid-19 vaccine doses on October 21, 2021 by his government. Click here to read…

Comilla carnage: Quran desecration case against Iqbal, 3 others transferred to CID- Dhaka Tribune

Police have handed over the Holy Quran desecration case against Iqbal Hossain and three others to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Click here to read…

Rumours spread after clash breaks out near Buddhist temple in Teknaf- Dhaka Tribune

Buddhists and Muslims of Katakhali in Howaikhyong under Teknaf clashed over a trivial issue resulting in injuries to at least eight people on Sunday afternoon. Click here to read…

Form panels to maintain harmony: LGRD minister asks mayors, local representatives- The Daily Star

Local representatives have been directed to form committees at the ward level across the country to identify anyone involved in spreading rumours and creating anarchy. Click here to read…

Op-Ed: What is eclipsing our communal harmony? – Daily Star

The government should also not give the radical groups of other religious communities the chance to exploit this situation to their advantageClick here to read…

Rohingya Camps: It’s all sinister after sundown- Daily Star

According to officials of different law enforcement agencies, at least 10 Rohingya groups are involved in at least 12 types of crimes, including killing, abduction, rape, drug trafficking and robbery. Click here to read…

AL Rebels in Local Body Polls: They will stop at nothing- Daily Star

Repeated show-cause notices, warnings of punitive actions and even expulsions from the organisation have failed to deter Awami League leaders from participating in the local government polls without the party tickets. Click here to read…

Vested quarters at it again: PM- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said vested quarters are out there to stage various types of incidents in the country to tarnish its image before the world. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Funds sanctioned for town near Bhutan border- The Telegraph

The state municipal affairs and urban development department has sanctioned a sum of Rs 12 crore for infrastructure development of Jaigaon, the town in Alipurduar district on the India-Bhutan border. Click here to read…

Action plan needed to beef up economy: PSDC- Kuensel

Committe recommends doing away with driver switching system, reducing quarantine period,and importing workers. Click here to read…

TCB gearing to receive tourists- Kuensel

The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) will not accept tourist visa applications until the Council is ready with its preparations for a safe, healthy and enjoyable experience for the tourists. Click here to read…

Bhutan and Japan signs document to digitally map various parts of the country- Kuensel

Ambassador of Bhutan to Japan V Namgyel and Ambassador of Japan to Bhutan Satoshi Suzuki signed the exchange of notes for the Project for the Development of Digital Topographic Map yesterday in New Delhi, India. Click here to read…

Winter could trigger new Covid-19 cases: Experts- Kuensel

Around this time last year, experts warned of a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases as the cold weather is best for the virus to thrive and transmit itself. Click here to read…

Top three business ideas win university’s business idea competition- Kuensel

Three business ideas pitched by the college students from nine colleges under the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) were declared winners at the university business idea competition held in Thimphu on October 21. Click here to read…

Second dose for children aged 12-17 to begin from 26th October- BBS

The health ministry will roll out the vaccination drive for children who are yet to receive the second dose of COVID vaccines from Tuesday. It constitutes about 45,000 children between the ages of 12-17 years in 15 districts. Click here to read…

Maldives

Border miles ambassador arrives in the Maldives – Avas

The first ambassador of the Maldives’ border miles program arrived in the Maldives on Friday. Former Liverpool FC and Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique was appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the world’s first destination loyalty program, the Maldives Border Miles, in September this year. Click here to read…

Maldives might end in 2100, government urges rich nations to meet emissions target | WION Climate – Youtube

Experts have warned that the Maldives might disappear in the next 100 years, its existence is threatened by rising sea levels. Click here to read…

Is Maldives’ troubled history with terrorist elements & radicalisation rearing its ugly head again? – Youtube

Most people understand the island country of Maldives as a top tourist spot in South Asia. However, the return of former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed after surviving a bomb blast in Male five months ago, underscores the island country’s troubled history with terrorist elements and radicalisation. Click here to read…

Myanmar

UN Envoy Calls for Myanmar Junta Chief to Step Down – VOA News

The U.N. special envoy for Myanmar called Friday for that country’s military leader to step down and return power seized in a February 1 coup to the democratically elected government. Click here to read…

Time for ASEAN to Give Myanmar’s Opposition a Seat at the Table – The Irrawaddy

Nearly nine months after its forceful takeover of the country from a legitimately elected civilian government, Myanmar’s military has shown that it is one thing to seize power but an entirely different reality to consolidate and impose control. Click here to read…

Thousands flee Myanmar for India amid fears of a growing refugee crisis – Who News

Terrified farmers and families with children in Myanmar are fleeing into India as the military junta that seized power in a February coup continues to seek out and eliminate resistance along the country’s border. Click here to read…

Nepal

100,620 doses of Pfizer arriving Nepal today- Khabarhub

As many as 162,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine coming to Nepal from America today. US Embassy in Kathmandu informed about it via its official Twitter. Click here to read…

‘China has put up fences, wires in Nepal’s territory in Humla distt’- The Hitavada

The Chinese side was also trying to build a permanent canal 145 metres inside the Nepali territory. Click here to read…

Nepal’s Chief Justice says will stop allocating cases to benches at his discretion- The Indian Express

Cholendra Shumsher Rana is likely to face an impeachment motion in parliament amid controversy regarding his interactions with politicians and allegations that he pushed for a family member to be on Nepal’s council of ministers. Click here to read…

US to donate 100,620 more COVID-19 doses to Nepal- ANI

The United States is set to donate 100,620 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal, the Embassy of the United States in Nepal announced on Sunday. Click here to read…

Experts Warn of Breakout of Diseases In Rain Disaster Areas- The Rising Nepal

As the torrential post-monsoon rains that occurred recently across the country had adversely affected normal life in different parts of the country, including eastern Nepal, health experts have warned of the spread of various infectious diseases there. Click here to read…

Personalities split Nepal’s communist parties- East Asia Forum

The alliance between the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist and Leninist) (CPN-UML) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) (CPN-MC), which won a landslide victory in the elections three years ago, has now fractured into three different political parties. Click here to read…

Apex court justices to boycott full court meeting- Himalaya

Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana, who has been embroiled in a controversy for allegedly lobbying to get his brother-in-law appointed to the Cabinet, now faces challenge from within the judiciary. Click here to read…

Paddy damage by freak rains estimated at Rs8.26 billion- TKP

According to preliminary estimates by the agriculture ministry, 325,258 tonnes of ready-to-harvest paddy on 85,580 hectares have either submerged or swept away in seven provinces. Click here to read…

Congress may appoint deputy Speaker, leaving state minister seat for Janata Samajbadi- TKP

A senior Janata Samajbadi Party leader, who is in the Deuba Cabinet, said the scenario has changed after Hamal’s resignation. Click here to read…

Supreme Court justices to boycott full court meeting called by Rana- TKP

Pressure is mounting on chief justice, who has run into controversies, to step down from his post. Click here to read…

Consult Delhi for census in Kalapani, census bureau asks Foreign Ministry- TKP

The Central Bureau of Statistics has yet to decide on sending enumerators to the region, which Nepal has brought within its borders but India claims as its own. Click here to read…

Non-government of Nepal- Nepali Times

A distracted government’s apathy magnifies the impact of disasters and injustice on citizens. Click here to read…

From slave to entrepreneur- Nepali Times

Freed from indentured servitude, a former kamaiya builds back her life to support family and community. Click here to read…

Floods damage ready-to-harvest paddy worth Rs 7.22 billion in three provinces- Republica<.h5>

Farmers faced a loss of paddy worth an estimated Rs 7.22 billion due to massive floods triggered by the torrential rain last week. Click here to read…

Plastic briquettes in Nepal: Addressing pollution and sustainable energy need with one technique- Online Khabar

The negative impacts of plastics and their use have been advertised and talked about a lot in Nepal in recent years. Click here to read…

Province 1 confidence vote put off till Oct 31- Himalaya

The meeting of the Province 1 Assembly, which was slated to be held today, was put off till October 31. Click here to read…

Pakistan

This time, won’t go home till demands met: TLP leaders: Dawn

The government has gone back on its word thrice. This time we will sit and wait said, a statement issued by the proscribed group’s leadership council on Sunday. Click here to read…

US colluding with India to sabotage CPEC: PM’s aide Khalid Mansoor: Dawn

Addressing the CPEC Summit at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), the special assistant to the prime minister (SAPM) on CPEC affairs accused the United States of conniving in cahoots with India against the economic lifeline of Pakistan. Click here to read…

Balochistan CM steps down amid political turmoil: The Express Tribune

According to PRO to Balochistan governor, Kamal had submitted his resignation to Governor Syed Zahoor Ahmad Agha, which he accepted. Click here to read…

IMF seeks closure of public entities’ accounts in banks: The Express Tribune

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has placed a condition on Pakistan to close all the bank accounts maintained by public sector entities and the defence ministry in commercial banks. Click here to read…

Work on Dasu project to resume in stages starting Oct 25: Chinese firm: The News

The Chinese firm working on the Dasu hydropower project has announced it is resuming construction work that had been halted due to “security concerns”, Geo News reported on Sunday. Click here to read…

No pact with US on airspace: FO: The News

The Foreign Office (FO) Saturday rejected western media reports that Pakistan had formalised an agreement with the United States (US) that Pakistan’s airspace could be used to conduct operations inside Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Agriculture Department DG says: Indian Nano Nitrogen Is Neither Synthetic Nor Organic – Ceylon Today

Amid this crisis, the Chinese bulk organic fertiliser cargo dispute is sending mixed signals between China and Sri Lanka. Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Ajantha de Silva says the decision of the Government to go organic is based on the mandate the President received from his voters, hence it was not rushed. He also explains that fertiliser would reach the farmers on time and there is no need to panic. Click here to read…

Renewable energy projects in Northern Province: Adani to enter northern power sector? – The Morning

Adani among Indian businesses interested in SL renewable energy sector
Chinese bid for northern renewable energy projects take a backseat
Govt. considering extending deadline for renewable energy generation projects Click here to read…

Sri Lanka blocks payment to China Qingdao Seawin Biotech over fertilizer with bugs – Economynext

Sri Lanka-based Ceylon Fertilizer Company Limited had got a court order to block payment to Qingdao Seawin Biotech over shipment of organic fertilizer which was contaminated with bugs.

“The enjoining order has prevented the People’s Bank from making any payment under a Letter of Credit opened in favour of the Chinese company, Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd,” a statement from the President’s office said. Click here to read…