Afghanistan

India’s assistance to Afghanistan came at a very critical time: Envoy Farid

Mamundzayjan19v30 – The Times of India

Hailing India’s humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan as the country goes through a critical time, Ambassador of Afghanistan to India, Farid Mamundzay said that India’s aid came at a very critical time, but at the same time, the country needs more help in form of development and humanitarian assistance. “India has supported Afghanistan in a very difficult time. We are grateful for India’s generous contribution by giving us 40,000 metric tonnes of Wheat, by giving us more than 30 metric tonnes of life-saving medicine and half a million COVID vaccines. Click here to read…

Pakistan begs before Afghan Taliban, urges action against TTP bases in Afghanistan – Firstpost

With the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) creating widespread havoc with almost daily attacks against the security forces, Pakistan has been begging the Afghan Taliban to prevent the banned group from using Afghanistan as their safe haven. In recent months, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has stepped up attacks against security forces across Pakistan. While most of the attacks have taken place in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces, Punjab – the heartland of Pakistan – has also been targeted. Click here to read…

UN Seeks Afghanistan’s Active Role in Int’l Community: Spokesman – Tolo News

A spokesman for the prime minister’s office said on Thursday that the United Nations Deputy Secretary General, Amina Mohammed, who met with officials in Kabul this week, said they seek Afghanistan’s active role in the international community. Mullah Hassan Akhund’s spokesman, Qari Mohammad Yousuf Ahmadi, said the UN top official assured of the continuation of aid to Afghanistan. Click here to read…

US Launches Private Refugee Sponsorship Prgram – The Khaama Press

The U.S. State Department announced Thursday, 19 January, the creation of a new Welcome Corps program that will allow private sponsorship of refugees to help them resettle in the United States, read the statement. The state department said the program would build on America’s generosity of spirit by creating a durable program for Americans in communities nationwide to privately sponsor refugees from unstable countries, including Afghanistan, Ukraine and Venezuela. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh universal health coverage indicators better than Pakistan – The Print

In a recent article in the Dawn, Professor Zafar Mirza of Shifa Tameer-i-Millat University, Islamabad and WHO adviser on Universal health coverage made some shocking revelations regarding the healthcare status in Pakistan. For instance on neonatal mortality rate (NMR), Pakistan ranks second highest in the world, i.e. out of every 1,000 live births, 40 newborns die within 28 days of life. Click here to read…

China prioritises friendship with Bangladesh in South Asia – Bangladesh Live News

The small but significant non-aligned South Asian nation of Bangladesh is caught between China and the United States both of whom want a strategic alliance with the country as they spar over superpower status in the region. The US is worried that its recent tensions with the country could turn into an opportunity for China to come closer to it. It was a mighty diplomatic challenge the other Week when the newly appointed Chinese foreign minister Qin Gang had an airport layover in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, on way to an African tour. Click here to read…

Fakhrul vows to continue BNP’s anti-government movement – Dhaka Tribune

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday said that they are determined to make their movement successful by fighting against imprisonment and oppression. He was speaking at a discussion meeting of BNP marking the party’s founder Ziaur Rahman’s birth anniversary in the capital’s Ramna. He also vowed to fulfill their 10-point demand. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Indian apprehensions soar as Bhutan, China talk border – The Week

Besides underlining Indian curiosity, the ongoing January 18-20 visit of India’s foreign secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra in Bhutan, among other things, is also one of apprehension.
Though pre-scheduled, as Kwatra will also co-chair the 4th India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks, the visit will try to look at the implications of the latest Bhutan-China talks. Click here to read…

Govt. can not lift observation period: Finance minister – Kuensel Online

The government cannot lift the observation period for loan accounts once it is under non-performing loans (NPL), Finance Minister Namgay Tshering said during the meeting with the members of the private sector yesterday. As per the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA), the NPL that have become performing through repayments made by the borrowers have to undergo six months observation period with no bank guarantee and letter of credit. Click here to read…

Maldives

India extends $40 million for bolstering sports infrastructure in Maldives: EAM Jaishankar – The Times of India

External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Thursday said India has extended a concessional $40 million Line of Credit for developing sporting infrastructure in the Maldives, as part of New Delhi’s efforts to bring Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship projects such as “Fit India” and “Khelo India” into the ambit of the Neighbourhood First Policy. Click here to read…

Maldives polls, India’s concerns – The Indian Express

The presidential election in Maldives is to be held on September 9 this year, with a runoff, if necessary, on September 30. Solih has announced he will run for a second term, but his candidature has been opposed within his party by former president and leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed, who has thrown his hat in the ring. The two will face off in the party primary on January 28. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s junta chief meets Thai counterpart at beach resort to discuss military ties – Radio Free Asia

Myanmar’s junta chief met with his Thai counterpart at a Myanmar beach resort on Thursday for talks that will likely focus on military relations and stability issues along their 1,500-mile (2,415-kilometer) border, according to sources in the country. The three-day meeting between Sr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing and a delegation led by Gen. Chalermpol Srisawat, Thailand’s military chief of staff, in Ngapali in Rakhine state’s Thandwe township is the eighth annual gathering for the two nations’ military leaders. Click here to read…

Myanmar bomb did fall in India but no air space violation: MEA – The Tribune

Ten days after a bomb fell on the Indian side during Myanmar air force’s operations against a rebel settlement near the Indian border, the government acknowledged the incident but maintained there was no violation of the air space. The Union Home Ministry has kept silent on the issue despite testimonies by eyewitnesses and an admission by the local police chief that such an incident had taken place. Click here to read…

UNHCR Reports Sharp Spike in Dangerous Rohingya Boat Voyages – The Diplomat

Earlier this week, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) released new statistics about the number of Muslim Rohingya refugees fleeing Myanmar or Bangladesh by sea in search of sanctuary abroad. According to the new data, some 3,545 people undertook perilous sea voyages in 2022, a fivefold increase on 2021, when around 700 people made similar journeys, UNHCR said in a statement Tuesday. Click here to read…

Nepal

Congress on ‘Mission President’ after its futile Speaker bid – The Kathmandu Post

With its eyes on top state posts—President and Speaker—Congress has tried to cosy up to Dahal again in order to create a rift in the ruling coalition. The largest party gave a vote of trust to the prime minister on January 10. In return, Dahal said he would try his best to accommodate Congress’ concerns in the elections for the top posts. Congress’ attempt yielded no result in the Speaker election after UML’s Ghimire won the coveted post on Thursday. But Congress leaders have said they are now focused on presidential elections in what they label ‘Mission President’. Click here to read…

‘China building dam near border with India, Nepal,’ New satellite images – Mint

China is building a new on the Mabja Zangbo river, near north of the trijunction border with India and Nepal, according to the new satellite images a geospatial intelligence researcher, Damien Symon on his official Twitter handle on Thursday. Symon stated that the project will raise concerns regarding China’s future control on water in the entire region. He said that construction is still incomplete at the site. Click here to read…

Why India Should Be Concerned Over Chinese-Built Airport At Nepal’s Pokhara Becoming A White Elephant And A Chinese Outpost – Swarajya

An air crash in its vicinity is not the most auspicious start to a new international airport. The new Chinese-built ‘international’ airport at Nepal’s lake city — Pokhara — will have to live with this blot of a disaster within days of its inauguration. But more than this ‘jinx’ which it will find difficult to shake off, the Pokhara airport may end up being a white elephant and a huge drain on Nepal’s sparse resources, much like Sri Lanka’s Hambantota Port. Click here to read…

Pakistan

US wants Pakistan to be ‘economically sustainable’ – The Khaama Press

The United States wants to see Pakistan in an ‘economically sustainable’ position, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said during a press briefing on Wednesday. During the press briefing, Ned Price was asked to share his view about Pakistan’s economy as the country has less than $5 billion left in its foreign exchange reserves. He answered that this is a challenge the US was attuned to, and they know that Pakistan has been working with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and International financial institutions. Click here to read…

Want good ties with Pak but there should be no terror: India – Hindustan Times

India on Thursday responded to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s conditional offer of talks by saying an atmosphere free from terror and violence is a prerequisite for normal neighbourly ties. Asked about Sharif’s comments at a weekly media briefing, external affairs ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said talks could be held only in the absence of terrorism and hostility. “We have said that we have always wanted normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan. But there should be a conducive atmosphere in which there is no terror, hostility or violence. That remains our position,” he said. Click here to read…

Pakistan doesn’t see a partner in PM Modi: Pakistan Minister Hina Rabbani Khar – The Hindu

Pakistan Minister Hina Rabbani Khar on January 19 said her country does not see a “partner” in Prime Minister Narendra Modi for working towards peace between the two countries, but it saw a partner in his predecessors Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Her comments come days after Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif sought “serious” and “sincere” talks with his Indian counterpart for the resolution of the “burning” issues, including Kashmir. Click here to read…

Govt ready to meet all IMF demands to revive loan programme – Dawn

Conveying its willingness to accept all the four major conditions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the government on Thursday requested the lender to send its mission to Pakistan at the earliest, preferably next week, to conclude a long-awaited agreement to revive the loan programme. Another official said that the government had told the IMF that it was ready to implement decisions in line with Geneva discussions, when the Fund visited Pakistan to conclude a staff-level agreement. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Jaishankar conveys India’s commitment to increase investment flows to Sri Lanka to hasten economic recovery – The Economic Times

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday met Sri Lanka’s top leadership and conveyed India’s commitment to increase investment flows to hasten the debt-ridden island nation’s economic recovery. Sri Lanka, which is trying to secure a USD 2.9 billion bridge loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), was negotiating to get financial assurances from its major creditors – China, Japan and India – which is the requisite for Colombo to get the bailout package. Click here to read…

The inevitable geopolitical lens in Sri Lanka – The Hindu

If it’s a conversation on Sri Lanka’s economy, talking points on China and India are inevitable. ‘What about China?, What will India do?’ are questions that invariably come up in casual chats, as well as official meetings and briefings. Watching the escalating China-India contest in Sri Lanka is a preoccupation for Sri Lankan columnists and diplomats stationed in Colombo. With the crisis-plagued island’s imminent debt restructuring programme in focus, the interest in the two big powers’ responses has only grown. Click here to read…

Ashok Leyland to supply 500 buses to Sri Lanka Govt – Business Standard

The Hinduja Group company on Thursday (19 January 2023) announced that it will supply 500 buses to Sri Lankan Transport Board (SLTB). Sri Lanka Transport Board is the state owned single largest bus transport provider with 110 depots throughout the Sri Lankan island, and operates buses in city routes, hilly & rural routes and also long distance inter-city routes. These buses will help combat the heavily crowded public transport in the island nation, supporting mobility and accessibility in Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

UN human rights office urges Sri Lanka to provide full reparations to victims of 2019 attack – Jurist

Following a decision of the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka last week ordering top former authorities, including former president Mathripala Sirisena, to compensate the victims of the Easter Sunday Attack in 2019, spokesperson Jeremy Laurence of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) urged the Sri Lankan government to provide full compensation to all victims, establish an independent investigation to hold responsible persons to account, and release complete findings of previous inquiries into the attack. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Afghan Taliban For First Time Reports Threat From Pakistan: Report – NDTV

For the first time, the Taliban reported threats from Pakistan, which they considered as the safe haven from 2000-2021, independent journalist Bilal Sarwary said citing an internal memo. Taking to Twitter, Sarwary said, “A leaked Taliban internal memo reports an ISKP training camp inside Pak’s tribal area&warns of ISKP massing from Pak into Logar. This is an interesting twist in the story with first-time Taliban reports of threats from Pakistan where they once had their safe havens from 2002-2021.” Click here to read…

UN’s top woman envoy in Afghanistan for talks on Taliban crackdown – France 24

Senior UN officials have arrived in Kabul for talks as the United Nations chief voiced concern over the Taliban’s creation of “gender-based apartheid,” a UN spokesman said Tuesday. The UN delegation, which arrived Monday, includes Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and Sima Bahous, executive secretary of UN Women, spokesman Farhan Haq said. Click here to read…

Taliban (IEA) Authorities Flog Nine People in Kandahar – Khaama Press

The Islamic Emirate court in southern Kandahar has announced that nine people allegedly accused of committing “adultery and theft” have been flogged in public in this province. Kandahar province’s court of appeals announced in a press release on Monday that nine individuals allegedly accused of committing adultery and theft have been lashed in public. The Taliban authorities have not provided further clarifications in this regard. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

FM: Bangladesh’s growing economy entices US to maintain good relations – Dhaka Tribune

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said the United States wants to maintain good relations with Bangladesh and noted that Bangladesh is “becoming a big economy”. Momen said US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Donald Lu came to Bangladesh to “help improve the relationship” between the two countries. Click here to read…

US embassy clarifies home minister’s comment – Daily Star

Clarifying things over Home Minster Asaduzzaman Khan’s comments, the US embassy yesterday said Assistant Secretary Donald Lu, during his visit to Dhaka, did not indicate a time frame for lifting the sanctions on Rab. Talking to reporters at the Secretariat on Monday, the home minister said the US sanctions on Rab would be lifted soon as Lu had expressed his satisfaction over the force’s recent activities. Click here to read…

Bangladesh remains hesitant on backing Biden’s Indo-Pacific strategy – Economic

Times
Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said that Bangladesh stood ready to do whatever was needed for the people’s welfare, noting that the government is still studying the issues related to US Indo-Pacific Strategy. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Worry for Delhi: China is eyeing Doklam – Deccan Herald

There is concern in New Delhi that the Sino-Bhutanese talks to settle their border dispute could culminate in Bhutan ceding control over Doklam. The Bhutanese government is under pressure from its people to settle the border. Although India has invested heavily in Bhutan, the allure of Chinese investments seems to be growing. India may need to reorient investments into people-centric development in Bhutan. Ultimately, it is the Bhutanese people who have always stood firmly with India, who are India’s strongest defence in that part of the HimalayasClick here to read…

National debt increases by Nu 7.84B at Nu 264.83B – Kuensel Online

The country’s national debt saw an increase by 3.1 percent which is equivalent to Nu 7.84 billion (B) in the last three months from October to December last year. The total debt increased to Nu 264.83B in December last year, the finance ministry’s report shows. This accounted for 129.1 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) estimate for fiscal year 2022-23. The finance ministry stated that the increase in debt was because of 8.2B or 3.6 percent increase in external debt. The external debt was Nu 237.63B as of December last year. Click here to read…

Maldives

Jaishankar to visit Maldives, Sri Lanka – PTI News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be on a three-day visit to the Maldives and Sri Lanka beginning Wednesday to further expand bilateral engagement with the two key maritime neighbours of India. Jaishankar’s first destination will be the Maldives, where he will sign several agreements to bolster bilateral cooperation. His visit to Sri Lanka on Thursday comes at a time when the island nation is battling an economic crisis and is looking forward for debt restructuring from New Delhi. Click here to read…

Maldives confirms six new Covid-19 cases, one hospital admission – Raajje

This was revealed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) in its latest figures publicized on Tuesday. As such, over the past week, Maldives confirmed six new Covid-19 infections out of which just one was detected from the Greater Malé Region and the remaining five were reported from others including industrial islands, liveaboard vessels and resorts. No new cases were detected from residential islands outside of the capital, between January 8 – 14.
Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s Civilian Government Calls on Neighbors to Deny Junta Jets Airspace Access – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s civilian National Unity Government (NUG) has called on neighboring countries to stop junta warplanes from using their airspace following last week’s air raids along the Indian border. On January 10 and 11, junta fighter jets attacked Camp Victoria, the headquarters of the Chin National Front (CNF), near the border, killing five Chin fighters, injuring many others and damaging a health clinic and civilian houses. Click here to read…

HRW Urge ASEAN Chair Indonesia to Pressure Myanmar on Violence – VOA News

Indonesia is under increasing pressure to use its new one-year role as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to isolate Myanmar’s junta in a bid to end its bloody crackdown on pro-democracy opponents, analysts say. Click here to read…

UNHCR seeks comprehensive regional response to address rise in deadly South-East Asia sea journeys – Relief Web

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Shabia Mantoo – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva. More than 3,500 desperate Rohingya attempted deadly sea crossings in 39 boats in the Andaman Sea and the Bay of Bengal in 2022, according to the latest data from UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. This represents a 360 per cent increase on the year before when some 700 people made similar journeys. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal temple prepares to gift 350-tonne stones to build Ram statue in Ayodhya – The Hindu

Two shilas (stones), around seven feet long and weighing over 350 tonnes, from Nepal’s Kali Gandaki river are set to arrive at Ayodhya, where they will be used to carve the idol of Lord Ram, said the priests from Janaki temple (Janakpur), Nepal. Interestingly, in Ayodhya, there is still no clarity if the stones from Nepal will be used to build the idol, according to an official from the temple trust. Click here to read…

PM Dahal expands Cabinet, inducts 15 more ministers – Himalayan Times

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal today expanded the Cabinet, inducting 15 more ministers from partners of the seven-party alliance. The expanded Cabinet has 23 ministers, including four deputy prime ministers and three ministers of state. The PM inducted lawmakers from his party, the CPN- MC, as well as the CPN-UML, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and the Janamat Party. Click here to read…

Pakistan

US lawmaker introduces bill to terminate Pakistan’s designation as major non-NATO ally – The Indian Express

A US lawmaker has introduced a legislation in the US House of Representatives that seeks to terminate Pakistan’s designation as a major non-NATO ally, and require annual certification from the president with certain conditions for Islamabad to be given such a designation. It needs to be passed by the House and the Senate before it can be signed into law by the US President, and has been sent to the House Foreign Affairs Committee for necessary actions. Click here to read…

Pakistan PMO: No talks unless India revokes ‘Art 370 move’ – Times of India

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif’s office Tuesday amended his seemingly unconditional offer of “serious and sincere talks” with counterpart Narendra Modi “to resolve our burning issues like Kashmir”, saying a dialogue with India would be possible only if the latter reversed its “illegal action of August 5, 2019” on J&K. Sharif said the UAE could play an important role in bringing the two countries to the table, adding he would hold talks with “sincerity of purpose”. The Pakistan PM said his country and India being neighbours, there was no choice but to live with each other. Click here to read…

Pakistan’s economy South Asia’s weakest, World Bank report says amid crisis – Hindustan Times

The World Bank forecast Pakistan’s economic growth to slow further to two percent during the current year. This will mark a drop of two percentage points from its June 2022 estimates, according to the World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects report. The report, issued by a flagship publication of the World Bank Group, said that Pakistan’s economic output was not only declining itself but also bringing down the regional growth rate as well. Forecasting Pakistan’s GDP growth rate to improve to 3.2 per cent in 2024, the report said, “Policy uncertainty further complicates the economic outlook” of Pakistan. Click here to read…

Pakistani FM Zardari slams previous government’s TTP policy – Al Jazeera

Pakistani foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused the previous government of Prime Minister Imran Khan of following a “wrong approach” towards the armed group Pakistan Taliban (Tahreek-e-Taliban, or TTP). “Its policy of appeasement towards the Taliban has created problems for the people of Pakistan,” Zardari told Al Jazeera in an interview on Tuesday, adding that the former approach has been ended by his government. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka nears IMF bailout as India backs debt plan – Deccan Herald

Sri Lanka’s debt negotiations with China and India “are successful,” according to President Ranil Wickremesinghe, bringing the bankrupt nation closer to clearing a major hurdle to unlock $2.9 billion from the International Monetary Fund. The nation’s president, who doubles as finance minister, spoke before the parliament Tuesday, without providing details. Before that, a person with knowledge of the matter told Bloomberg News that India formally notified that it would support Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka Announces Major Cut to Armed Forces – DSM

Confronted with a severe financial crisis, the government of Sri Lanka has announced plans to slash its armed forces over the course of the year in an effort to get a handle on public expenditures. According to the Ministry of Defense, the move will see the Sri Lankan Army shrink to 135,000 next year from its current total of around 180,000. It will then fall further down to 100,000 by 2030. Click here to read…

SL forces and U.S. Marines to hold joint training exercise – Daily Mirror

The U.S. Navy and Sri Lankan Marine Corps including Airforce and Navy will commence a joint military exercise in Colombo from Jan.19 to 26. The US embassy said the CARAT/MAREX Sri Lanka is a bilateral exercise between Sri Lanka and the United States designed to promote regional security cooperation, maintain and strengthen maritime partnerships, and enhance maritime interoperability. This is the fifth CARAT/ MAREX exercise between the United States and Sri Lanka, and this year includes participants from the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and Maldives National Defence Force. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka, India discuss priority areas for cooperation – Daily News

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda met National Security Advisor of India Ajit Kumar Doval on January 16 and discussed matters pertaining to India-Sri Lanka relations. The discussion focused on mutual strategic interests of the two countries and priority areas for cooperation. The meeting took place as part of the regular and ongoing dialogue between the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka and the National Security Advisor of India. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

UN Employ Technology to Stop Afghanistan’s Illicit Opium Cultivation – Khaama Press

On Monday, a British University, Cranfield, released a statement indicating a research partnership with United Nations. The report said that the researchers from the University would work on a research project to help the United Nations develop artificial intelligence (AI) to support the monitoring of illegal opium production in Afghanistan. In this research program, the researcher will use artificial intelligence to interpret satellite imagery, tracing where the crops are used for drug production in Afghanistan. The partnership between the University and UN lasts until July 2023, said Daniel Simms, Cranfield University lecturer. Click here to read…

Pakistan “quietly urging” Kabul to Neutralize Taliban Pakistan – Khaama Press

Pakistan is subtly urging the Afghan Taliban leadership to counter the threat posed by the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), which has intensified its strikes in the country in the recent past. However, the efforts by Islamabad have yet to give any meaningful result, and the interim government in Kabul is still sticking to its earlier position that the only way to resolve the TTP issue is by dialogue, sources said, report the Express Tribute. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh ‘key’ to India’s Northeast – Bangkok Post

Recently, Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar stated that, if there is one border and one region of India which has dramatically improved in the last decade, it is eastern and northeastern India. And the reason for that is that India has vastly improved its relationship with Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Ensure none can use religion to mislead people – Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday called upon Alem and Olama (Islamic scholars) to instil humanitarian values among people and guide them against terrorism, militancy and drug abuse. “These are destroying families and the society as well,” she said while virtually inaugurating 50 more model mosques across the country from her official residence Gono Bhaban. Click here to read…

Many shot as police, BNP clash in Ctg – New Age

During the third simultaneous opposition programme on Monday, at least 55 people, including five cops, were injured as BNP activists clashed with police during a rally at Kazirdewri in Chattogram. New Age staff correspondent in Chattrogram reported that police detained 16 BNP people in the area after the clash. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Kuwait Crown Prince receives Bhutan King – Arab Times Online

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Palace on Monday visiting King of Bhutan Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the accompanying delegation. During the meeting, His Highness the Crown Prince conveyed greetings in addition to wishes of welfare and prosperity from His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah to the Bhutan King. King Wangchuck conveyed greetings of similar sentiments to the leadership and people of Kuwait. The two also touched on issues of mutual concern during the meeting attended by senior state officials. Click here to read…

Bhutan aims USD 5B GDP by 2029, USD 10B by 2034 – Kuensel Online

The government plans the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) to double from USD 2.5 billion (B) to USD 5B by 2029 and USD 10B by 2034. This according to the government’s draft “Long Term Perspective Plan (2024-2034),” is one of the 10 drafts National Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) identified. From the beginning of 13th five-year plan, the government’s new approach would be to set Bhutan’s socio-economic development efforts over the next 10 years from 2024-2034 towards realising the Royal Vision of ‘Developed Bhutan’, according to the Long Term Perspective Plan (2024-2034). Click here to read…

Maldives

Key agreements signed to solidify Maldives-Cambodia bilateral relations – Raajje

Key agreements have been signed between the governments of Maldives and Cambodia to further strengthen the existing bilateral relations between the two countries. On Monday, both governments signed six key agreements mirroring a pivotal point of progress in bilateral relations between the two countries.President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen who is currently undertaking an official visit to the island nation, presided over the agreement exchange ceremony . Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Military’s Proxy Party Woos Votes in Shan State – The Irrawaddy

The chairman of the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) travelled to Taunggyi in southern Shan State over the weekend to woo ethnic support for the junta’s planned election. Khin Yi was making his first visit to an ethnic state following trips to meet USDP members in Bamar-majority regions including Yangon, Mandalay, Ayeyarwady, Bago and Sagaing. The military’s proxy party performed well in Shan State in the 2020 general election, losing only narrowly to the National League for Democracy (NLD) despite its otherwise humiliating defeat on the national scale. Click here to read…

200 Myanmar refugees in Mizoram after fleeing strikes on border camp – Indian Express

At least 200 Myanmarese nationals crossed the border into Mizoram last week following airstrikes by the Myanmar military on a key rebel camp at the India-Myanmar border, according to an NGO helping them. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Census Collection Sparks Deadly Resistance Attacks – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s regime has been conducting a census to update voter lists this month as it prepares for an election, which might take place in August. Five people, including two police officers, have been killed and an administration office and immigration offices attacked in the last week, according to resistance groups. Click here to read…

Israeli Defense Ministry, Company Accused of Helping Myanmar Military Spy on Opponents – The Irrawaddy

A group led by an Israeli human rights lawyer has asked the country’s attorney general to investigate allegations that the Israeli Ministry of Defense and a spyware firm from the country helped the Myanmar military commit crimes against humanity. Eitay Mack filed the application for a criminal probe into the activities of the ministry and Cognyte Software Ltd. on Jan. 2 on behalf of more than 60 Israeli citizens including a former speaker of the country’s legislature, academics and human rights activists. Click here to read…

Nepal

Crashed Plane’s Black Box Handed Over To Nepal Aviation Authorities – NDTV

The black box of the Yeti Airlines aircraft, which crashed a day ago with 72 people on board was handed over by the Nepal Army to Civil Aviation Authority officials today.
The Nepal Army also handed over the flight data recorder, following the crash. The twin-engine ATR 72 aircraft from Kathmandu crashed in Pokhara minutes before touch-down on Sunday. A total of 68 bodies have been recovered so far from the site of the crash. Click here to read…

Dahal to visit India in first foreign trip – The Kathmandu Post

Several bilateral meetings will precede the sojourn that will take place in late February or early March. Government officials have started preparations for Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s visit to India in the near future with the prime minister saying on Saturday that he would make New Delhi his first port of call after taking up the executive job in December-end. Click here to read…

Major coalition partners reach agreement on ministerial allocation – The Kathmandu Post

A month after CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal got appointed as prime minister, top leaders of the ruling coalition have agreed on ministerial allocations. With this development the Dahal-led Cabinet will be expanded on Tuesday. A meeting of the chiefs of four ruling parties held at the prime minister’s residence at Baluwatar on Monday reached the power-sharing deal. However, the JSP has expressed reservations over the ministerial allocations and decided not to send its ministers immediately. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PTI hints at NA return to fail PM’s trust vote – Dawn

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has hinted at returning to the National Assembly to ensure that the “party turncoats” do not help Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif get vote of confidence that the party is planning to put the premier to “test”. With PTI dissident Raja Riaz holding the parliamentary party leader’s position in the National Assembly, PTI fears that he may decide to vote in favour of the prime minister if President Dr Arif Alvi asks Shehbaz Sharif to take the trust vote. Click here to read…

‘Pakistan has learnt its lesson…’: PM Shehbaz Sharif on wars with India – India Today

Oil prices dipped in early Asian trade on Monday, but held close to the highest levels since the start of the year on optimism that China’s reopening will lift fuel demand at the world’s top crude importer. Brent crude fell 36 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to $84.92 a barrel by 0116 GMT while US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $79.65 a barrel, down 21 cents, or 0.3pc amid thin trade during a US public holiday. Click here to read…

Pakistan’s Abdul Rehman Makki, Hafiz Saeed kin, listed as global terrorist by UN – Hindustan Times

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Monday listed Abdul Rehman Makki, a Pakistan-based terrorist and brother-in-law of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed, as a global terrorist under its ISIL (Da’esh) and Al-Qaida Sanctions Committee. The listing comes after China in 2020 had put on India’s bid to name the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader a global terrorist. In June 2022, India had slammed China after it blocked the proposal to list terrorist Makki under the Sanctions Committee, also known as the UNSC 1267 Committee. Click here to read…

Pakistan: Wheat shortage, inflation trigger protests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – Firstpost

As Pakistan struggles with a severe economic crisis, protests are taking place across the country due to an acute shortage of food items. Protests were staged in various cities of Swabi district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region of Pakistan on Saturday against wheat flour shortage and skyrocketing inflation, Dawn reported. Jamaat-i-Islami workers held demonstrations at Shewa Adda Chowk in Swabi against inflation, extortion, robbery incidents, electricity load shedding and closure of compressed natural gas stations. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

India expected to send ‘positive’ message on debt restructuring during Jaishankar’s visit – Daily News

Indian External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar’s visit to Colombo on Thursday will focus on “supporting Sri Lanka” in its current economic crisis, government sources said, adding that talks are ongoing in the field of energy security, food security, currency swap arrangements as well as talks about restructuring Sri Lanka’s debt. Click here to read…

“You will have some good news soon”, Chinese Vice Minister tells PM – Daily News

A high level delegation of China’s Communist Party (CPC), led by Vice Minister Chen Zhou, Head of the CPC International Department called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at Temple Trees yesterday and assured that China would stand by Sri Lanka in the current economic crisis. Click here to read…

GCC secretary-general calls for stronger ties with EU, Sri Lanka – Arab News

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Dr. Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the GCC and the EU to realize shared interests. Meanwhile, Al-Hajraf also met with the Sri Lankan Ambassador to Saudi Arabia P.M. Amza to discuss strengthening cooperation between the GCC and Sri Lanka in politics, the economy and tourism. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Uzbekistan Halts Power Supply to Afghanistan: DABS – Tolo News

The country’s power distributor, Da Afghanistan Bereshna Sherkat, said on Sunday that the imported electricity from Uzbekistan has been disconnected due to technical issues. DABS official Safiullah Ahmadzai said that Islamic Emirate officials are negotiating with Uzbekistan officials about the reconnection of power supply to the country. He said to address the lack of electricity in Kabul, the company has activated the Tarakhil thermal power station. Click here to read…

Former woman MP shot dead in Afghanistan – The Tribune

A former Afghan female lawmaker who refused to flee Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover was shot dead along with her bodyguard by unidentified assailants in Kabul late Saturday night. This is the first time a lawmaker from the previous administration has been killed in the city since the takeover. Mursal Nabizada (32), extremely critical of the Taliban’s policies, was elected MP under the previous western-backed government from a constituency in Nangarhar district, considered the base of the Islamic State (IS). Click here to read…

Afghan bank’s cash remarks ‘misleading, unhelpful’ says UN – Devdiscourse

The United Nations (UN) mission in Afghanistan has slammed the Taliban-controlled central bank for making what it described as “misleading and unhelpful” remarks about cash destined for humanitarian work in the ravaged country. “CLARIFICATION 1-Cash shipped to #Afghanistan by the UN is placed in UN accounts in a private bank. It is used by UN agencies to support its humanitarian work 2-Announcements by non-UN entities about UN fund shipments are misleading & unhelpful,” the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) tweeted. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh pins hopes on nuclear energy as its way out of power cuts and rising fuel prices – Scroll

The Rooppur nuclear plant is being built by Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation, using Russian technology and a Russian loan of $11.38 billion to be repaid over two decades from 2027. Click here to read…

Let’s talk the talk: Confronting Bangladesh’s national security threats – Dhaka Tribune

The discourse of national security takes place rarely, and even in such rare discourses, there is a deliberate effort to demilitarize it. It is often portrayed to the public and indoctrinated in academic settings that Bangladesh has no security threats. Therefore, all it needs to do is focus on economic development. Click here to read…

Cutting Extrajudicial Killings: US satisfied with Rab’s progress – Daily Star

Visiting US Assistant Secretary Donald Lu yesterday expressed satisfaction that Rab reduced extrajudicial killings since late 2021, when the US imposed sanctions on the forceClick here to read…

Bhutan

China, Bhutan agree to expedite negotiations to resolve border dispute – The Economic Times

China and Bhutan have reached a “positive consensus” to push forward the implementation of the agreement to expedite negotiations to settle their border dispute through a three-step roadmap. The 11th Expert Group Meeting (EGM) on the China-Bhutan Boundary Issues was held in China’s Kunming city from January 10 to 13, according to a joint statement issued by both countries. Click here to read…

New Delhi hopes Bhutan will factor in Indian concerns on trijunction – The Economic Times

Following Bhutan-China expert group meeting in Kunming on boundary issues, India is hopeful that its concerns on the trijunction will be considered in the next round of Sino-Bhutanese consultations. Senior Indian officials visiting Thimphu, coinciding with the January 10-13 meeting in the Chinese city, underlined the special nature of Indo-Bhutanese ties, people in the know said. It is understood that various aspects of Bhutan-China talks were discussed. Click here to read…

Bhutanese economy to grow at 4.1 percent in current FY: World Bank – Kuensel Online

The World Bank forecast the Bhutanese economy to grow by 4.1 percent in the fiscal year 2022-23, in its report “Global Economic Prospects” report, released on January 10. The reopening of borders in September last year is expected to support growth in the industry and services sector, the Bank said. Bhutan’s growth has revised down by 0.6 percentage points from the World Bank’s June projection last year of 4.7 percent. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives Presidential Election to be held on Sept 9 – Avas

The Presidential Election will be held on September 9 this year. The date of the election was announced by the Elections Commission (EC) at a press conference at the Manhattan Business Hotel this morning. EC’s President, Fuwad Thawfeek, said if the election goes to a second round, the voting of the final round would be held on September 30. This year, 280,000 people are eligible to vote in the election, he said. Click here to read…

Cambodian PM arrives in the Maldives on official visit – Avas

The Prime Minister of Cambodia, Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen, arrived Sunday morning on an official visit to the Maldives at the invitation of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This is the Cambodian Prime Minister’s first visit to the Maldives. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Local resistance, not foreigners, key to Myanmar’s future – Financial Review

Myanmar’s abject deterioration since the February 2021 military coup accelerated throughout 2022, with more violence, retribution and pain spread across the rapidly impoverishing country of 55 million people. The military regime spent the year trying to reinforce its positions on the battlefield and its claims to institutional legitimacy. It is failing on both fronts. Click here to read…

Global firms help Myanmar’s military make weapons, says report – BBC

Myanmar’s military is producing a vast range of weapons to use against its own people thanks to supplies from companies in at least 13 countries, former top UN officials say. The US, France, India and Japan are among those named, despite Western-led sanctions intended to isolate Myanmar. The report says the home-produced arms are used to carry out atrocities against those who oppose the military. Click here to read…

Myanmar shadow government raises $132m to oppose junta – Strait Times

Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government said it has raised more than US$100 million (S$132 million) to fund its democracy effort and topple the junta. About 45 per cent of the funds are from the sales of so-called Spring Revolution Special Treasury Bonds, according to Mr Tin Tun Naing, shadow minister for planning, finance and investment. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Airstrikes On Rebel Camps Spark Scare In Mizoram – Swarajya Marg

Airstrikes by Myanmar’s ruling junta on the headquarters of the Chin National Front (CNF), the political wing of the rebel Chin National Army (CNA), earlier this week has caused a scare in neighbouring Mizoram. Fighter jets of the Myanmar Air Force dropped bombs on the CNF headquarters at Mount Victoria in Chin province of that country, killing five CNF members and injuring scores of others, on Tuesday (10 January) and Wednesday (11 January). Click here to read…

Nepal

68 dead in Nepal’s worst domestic air disaster – The Kathmandu Post

Nepal saw its worst domestic air disaster on Sunday morning when Yeti Airlines flight NYT 691 from Kathmandu to Pokhara crashed a few minutes before landing at the new international airport. The plane carried 72 persons, including passengers and crew, and 68 had been confirmed dead as of Sunday evening, the country’s civil aviation regulator said in a statement. Rescue efforts have been suspended for Sunday. Click here to read…

Govt forms panel to probe plane crash- The Himalayan Times

The government has formed a five-member probe committee to investigate Yeti Airlines plane crash near Pokhara Regional International Airport today. An emergency Cabinet meeting held today decided to form a panel under former government secretary Nagendra Ghimire to investigate the accident and submit its report within 45 days, said government Spokesperson and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel. Click here to read…

Kerung border reopening brings little joy to traders – The Kathmandu Post

Nepali traders had cheered when China allowed two-way trade to resume at the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border last month, but they are finding out that the joy may have been premature. Beijing has declared that exports from Nepal will be allowed to pass only on a fortnightly basis. Imports to Nepal, however, are permitted to pass daily, officials said. “For now, China has allowed 14 goods carriers to cross the border every fortnight,” Narayan Prasad Bhandari, chief of the Rasuwa Customs Office, told the Post. Click here to read…

Nepal PM Prachanda says he will visit India soon – The Hindu

Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that he will visit India soon on his first foreign trip after assuming the top executive post of the country for the third time. However, the Nepal government is yet to officially announce the Prime Minister’s visit to India. The date and itinerary of the visit are yet to be finalised. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Embarrassing to ask for more loans: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif – OpIndia

Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, said that it is becoming very embarrassing for him to ask for further loans from other countries. Pakistan, which is perennially in an economic crunch, is once again getting bailed out by other countries like Saudi Arabia. The Pakistan PM thanked Saudi Arabia for their support but at the same time, mentioned that it is not a solution as the loans would have to be returnedClick here to read…

Oil dips, but hovers near 2023 highs on China demand optimism – Dawn

Oil prices dipped in early Asian trade on Monday, but held close to the highest levels since the start of the year on optimism that China’s reopening will lift fuel demand at the world’s top crude importer. Brent crude fell 36 cents, or 0.4 per cent, to $84.92 a barrel by 0116 GMT while US West Texas Intermediate crude was at $79.65 a barrel, down 21 cents, or 0.3pc amid thin trade during a US public holiday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

HC Moragoda meets Gujarat State Governor, Chief Minister – Daily News

The High Commissioner congratulated the Chief Minister on his resounding victory at the recently concluded assembly elections in Gujarat. The discussion focused on the interactions between the State of Gujarat and Sri Lanka in multiple spheres and particularly in the tourism sector. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka to cut army by half after financial crisis – Deccan Herald

Bankrupt Sri Lanka will drastically slash its military, the defence ministry said Friday, as the government works to overhaul its shambolic finances after an unprecedented economicClick here to read…

We are discussing problems of Tamil people, says Sri Lankan President on Pongal festival – The Print

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Sunday said his government is discussing problems of the North and the Tamil people, in a step towards reconciling the island nation that has suffered three decades of war and insurgency. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Reactions Continue to Closure of Universities for Women: Tolo News

The closure of universities for women has faced continuous reactions within and outside the country. On Thursday morning, dozens of female students held a protest near the Kabul University in the west of Kabul, calling for women and girls’ access to education and work. The European Union in a statement called the decision another violation of international obligations and said it constitutes an institutionalized and systematic “discrimination against women and girls.” Click here to read…

Ukraine’s Zelensky Urges U.S. Congress for More Military Support: The Khaama Press

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky jetted to Washington, DC, for talks with his American counterpart President Joe Biden and top-ranking American authorities face-to-face for the first time since his country came under Russian invasion in February. President Volodymyr Zelensky told the U.S. Congress that aid to Ukraine was an investment in democracy and “not charity” as he invoked American battles against the Nazis in World War Two to press for more assistance for his country’s war effort. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Shahriar, Sherman talk polls, security of US embassy personnel: Dhaka Tribune

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman spoke on the phone with State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh Shahriar Alam on Thursday. The two discussed strengthening US-Bangladesh relations, the importance of holding free and fair elections, and the safety and security of US embassy personnel, according to US State Department Spokesperson Ned Price. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen on Monday said there is nothing to worry about when it comes to the security of foreign diplomats stationed in Dhaka. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Export prices up by over 7 percent in the third quarter: Kuensel

The export prices of goods rose by 7.29 percent in the third quarter (July to September) this year compared to the figure in the same period last year, according to the National Statistics Bureau’s report released yesterday. This means, if the price of the exported goods was Nu 100 in the third quarter of last year, the exporters had sold it at Nu 107.29 in the same quarter this year. However, an increase in the export prices was outweighed by a higher increase in import prices. The import prices or inflation recorded an increase of 18.54 percent in the quarter. Click here to read…

Maldives

Tariff on fish exports will be eliminated within two months: Nasheed: Avas

Parliament Speaker and President of the main-ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) Mohamed Nasheed, has said the duty imposed on Maldivian fish products exported to the UK will be eliminated within the next two months.

Nasheed, who is currently abroad, made the announcement via a tweet on Wednesday night.
In his tweet, Nasheed said his close acquaintances in the UK government had assured that the duty on fish imported from the Maldives to the UK would be cut within the next two months at the latest. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Thailand hosts Myanmar junta figures in talks, key ASEAN nations skip: Reuters

Thailand hosted regional talks on Thursday to discuss the crisis in army-run Myanmar including rare international appearances by junta ministers, but several key members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations did not attend despite invitations. Foreign ministers of Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia and Vietnam’s deputy foreign minister joined the talks hosted by Thailand’s foreign minister, according to Thai foreign ministry spokeswoman Kanchana Patarachoke. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Punjab governor de-notifies CM: The Express Tribune

A notification issued by the Governor House after midnight said that Chief Minister Elahi ceased to hold the office immediately while the provincial cabinet stood dissolved. However, it added that Elahi would continue under Article 133 of the Constitution until a new chief minister was elected by the provincial assembly. “I am satisfied that he [Chief Minister Elahi] does not command the confidence of the majority of the members of the Punjab Assembly and, therefore, ceases to hold his office with immediate effect,” the governor said in his order. “In consequence of the above, the provincial cabinet stands dissolved forthwith,” the order added. Click here to read…

Banned TTP is Pakistan’s red line, Bilawal tells Afghan Taliban: The News

Speaking to the media at the Pakistan Embassy in Washington, Bilawal Bhutto said: “We will not ignore if we find out that Taliban are not stopping the TTP.” Expressing his concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the country due to rising TTP attacks from the Afghan soil, Bilawal said if the Taliban carry out operations against the extremists, Pakistan will provide help, if needed. He said that there was no new agreement on cooperation with the US for anti-terrorism. “We urge to release frozen funds for the Afghan people not for the Taliban. They [Taliban] promised with the US and the world to take action against the extremist groups,” said Bilawal. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Finance Minisry to hand over customs confiscated vehicles to police: Daily Mirror

Necessary arrangements have been made to hand over the vehicles confiscated by Sri Lanka Customs (SLC) to be used for raids by the Sri Lanka Police Department, including drug prevention, State Finance Minister Ranjith Siambalapitiya said. He said this while participating in an inspection visit on Monday (20) at the Hambantota port premises to monitor the relevant vehicles currently parked at the port. He mentioned that some vehicles confiscated due to illegal importation have been at the port for about seven years. Click here to read…

DEFENCE

• MoD organises interaction with Indian defence industry on reservation for Ex-Agniveers in corporate jobs.
• Indian Coast Guard helicopter squadron commissioned in Chennai.
• Joint Exercise Agni Warrior with Singapore Armed Forces.
• Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) has proceeded on a three day visit to Malaysia.
• Industries have been supported under the TDF (Technology Development Fund) scheme.
• Space Defence Mission.
• International Fleet Review (IFR) hosted by Bangladesh.
• Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs).
• Dare to Dream Contests.
• Visit of Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff to Sri Lanka.
• 6th Edition of Indo – Kazakhstan joint training exercise “KAZIND-22”.
• 16th Edition of Indo-Nepal joint training Exercise “SURYA KIRAN-XVI”.
• The last batch of Rafales of the IAF landed in India.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Somalia

• Security forces killed at least 15 al-Shabaab terrorists in CT operation in Mogadishu.

Afghanistan

• IS-KP claimed responsibility for an attack on the ‘Chinese’ Hotel in Kabul.
• At least 07 people killed in roadside blast in Mazar-e-Sharif.

Pakistan

• “US withdrawl from Afghanistan supported TTP’s activities in Pakistan,” Report of Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Interior.
• Security forces foiled an infiltration from Afghanistan and killed four IS-KP terrorists.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• A grenade explosion occurred outside a police station in Jammu.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Security forces recovered huge cache of arms and explosives from a Maoist hideout in Maharashtra.
• 35 Maoists surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• Bharat and US agreed on concerted action against terrorist networks, including LeT and JeM.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• TarnTaran bomb blasts accused extradited from Austria to Bharat and arrested by the NIA in Delhi.
• NIA arrested absconding terrorist involved in ‘Ludhiana Court’ bomb blast case.

Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs)

• NIA Special Court convicted two FICN traffickers.

DEFENCE

MoD organises interaction with Indian defence industry on reservation for Ex-Agniveers in corporate jobs.

An interaction session was organised by Ministry of Defence on November 30, 2022 with the Indian Defence Industry under the aegis of Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers to seek opportunities for gainful employment of Ex-Agniveers under the Corporate Recruitment Plan of the companies. The session was chaired by Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane. Senior executives from major Indian defence industry houses including L&T, Adani Defence Ltd, Tata Advanced System Ltd, Ashok Leyland and others participated in the discussion. The senior executives of the companies conveyed their unstinted support and commitment in the endeavour and expressed their eagerness to deploy the Ex-Agniveers once the first batch completes its term with the Armed Forces. They assured that suitable provisions shall be made in their recruitment policies for reservations for Agniveers based on the available skill sets. Certain suggestions were also considered regarding bridging the skills learnt by Agniveers with the requirements of the industry.
For more information: Click here to read…

Indian Coast Guard helicopter squadron commissioned in Chennai.

An Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Mk-III squadron, was commissioned at ICG Air Station, Chennai on November 30, 2022. The commissioning of 840 Sqn (CG) will provide a major fillip to the abilities of Indian Coast Guard in the security sensitive waters off Tamil Nadu and Andhra region. A total of 16 ALH Mk-III aircraft have been inducted in the Indian Coast Guard in a phased manner and four of these aircraft are positioned in Chennai.
For more information: Click here to read…

Joint Exercise Agni Warrior with Singapore Armed Forces.

The 12th Edition of Exercise Agni Warrior, a bilateral exercise between the Singapore & Indian Army, which had commenced on 13 November 2022 concluded at Field Firing Ranges, Devlali (Maharashtra) on 30 November 2022. Exercise Agni Warrior, involved showcasing joint firepower planning, execution and use of New Generation Equipment by the Artillery arm of both armies.
For more information: Click here to read…

Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) has proceeded on a three day visit to Malaysia.

The Vice Chief of Army Staff (VCOAS) has proceeded on a three day visit to Malaysia from 08 to 10 December 2022. During the visit, the Vice Chief will take forward the excellent defence cooperation between India and Malaysia through multiple meetings with senior military and civilian leadership of the country. He will also witness various training activities of the ongoing joint ‘Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI’ and interact with the troops.
For more information: Click here to read…

Industries have been supported under the TDF (Technology Development Fund) scheme.

A total of 54 industries have been supported under the TDF scheme so far. A total no. of 04 technologies have been successfully developed under TDF Scheme. A total of 340 applications as Expression of Interest (EoI) have been received under TDF Scheme for the awarded projects so far. Total time taken for processing the application till award of the project is 06 months on an average for a normal case. It is a continuous process where payments are linked with the milestones achieved for the specific projects. It takes approximately 45 days for disbursement into the account of the company from the date of submission of bill.
For details of companies funded refer to: Click here to read…

Space Defence Mission.

Mission DefSpace was launched by the Prime Minister during DefExpo in October, 2022 with 75 Defence Space Challenges relevant to the end users. These challenges have been categorised into existing DDP initiatives of iDEX, Make-I and Make-2. Private Industries, including Start-ups, MSMEs and Individual Innovators, are eligible to apply. The challenges, classified into five buckets viz. Launch System, Satellite System, Communication & Payload System, Ground System and Software System, provide a holistic 3600 overview of space.
For more information: Click here to read…

International Fleet Review (IFR) hosted by Bangladesh.

The Indian Navy delegation led by Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta, the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command and three warships of the Indian Navy participated in the maiden International Fleet Review (IFR) hosted by Bangladesh at Cox’s Bazar on 07 Dec 22. Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh reviewed the International Fleet comprising ships from Bangladesh Navy and eight ships from six foreign countries. With three ships, the Indian Navy contingent was the largest amongst the participating foreign navies in this IFR. The other five participating ships were from China, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand and USA.
For more information: Click here to read…

Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs).

Government of India has established two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) in the country, one in Uttar Pradesh and other in Tamil Nadu. 06 (six) nodes viz. Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow have been identified for developing Uttar Pradesh Defence Industrial Corridor (UPDIC). Similarly, 05 (five) nodes viz. Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem, and Tiruchirappalli identified for developing Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor (TNDIC). Government intends to develop defence manufacturing ecosystem having conducive conditions including supply chain for giving push to production and testing & certification to create economies of scale and facilitate development of internationally competitive enterprises in the country.
As per the information received from Government of Uttar Pradesh for UPDIC, 105 Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) have been signed with industries etc. worth potential investments of Rs 12,139 crore. Already, Rs 2,422 crore have been invested in UPDIC. Total 1,608 Hectare of land has been acquired for development of UPDIC. Further, as per the information received from Government of Tamil Nadu for TNDIC, arrangements have been made through Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) etc. for potential investment of Rs 11,794 crore by 53 industries. Rs 3,847 crore have already been invested in TNDIC. Total 910 Hectare of lands has been acquired for development of TNDIC.
Reference: Click here to read…

Dare to Dream Contests.

A total of 5,637 applications have been received under three Dare to Dream Contests to promote individual and start-ups for innovation in the area of Defence and Aerospace in last three years. A total of 52 individuals and 34 start-ups have been awarded under three Dare to Dream contests out of 5,637 applications received in last three years. A total of 07 projects have been sanctioned and awarded to start-ups of Dare to Dream contest winners so far.
DRDO has been launching Dare to Dream Contest every year since 2019 to bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, individuals above 18 years and start-ups (recognised by DPIIT and with Indian founders) for innovative ideas in the field of Defence and Aerospace. The selection criteria for evaluation of the entries are completeness of proposal, scientific soundness, design completeness, merit, technological readiness level achieved and innovation. The selected individual/company are getting benefitted as DRDO supports them to realise awarded ideas into Prototype through Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme.
For more information: Click here to read…

Visit of Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff to Sri Lanka.

Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of Naval the Staff (CNS), will be visiting Sri Lanka from 13 to 16 December 2022. The CNS has been invited as the Chief Guest and Reviewing Officer for the Commissioning Parade at the Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee, scheduled on 15 December 2022. During the visit, the CNS will undertake interactions with senior political and defence leadership of Sri Lanka. He would also be visiting other defence establishments of the Sri Lanka Armed Forces and review progress of various bilateral defence cooperation activities.
For more information: Click here to read…

6th Edition of Indo – Kazakhstan joint training exercise “KAZIND-22”.

The 6th Edition of Indo – Kazakhstan joint training exercise “KAZIND-22” is scheduled to be conducted at Umroi (Meghalaya) from 15 to 28 December 2022. Joint annual training exercise with the Kazakhstan Army was instituted in 2016 as Exercise Prabal Dostyk, which was later upgraded to a company level exercise and renamed as Ex Kazind in 2018.
For more information: Click here to read…

16th Edition of Indo-Nepal joint training Exercise “SURYA KIRAN-XVI”.

The 16th Edition of Indo-Nepal joint training Exercise “SURYA KIRAN-XVI” between India and Nepal will be conducted at Nepal Army Battle School, Saljhandi (Nepal), from 16 – 29 December 2022. Exercise “SURYA KIRAN” is conducted annually between India and Nepal with the aim to enhance interoperability in jungle warfare & counter terrorism operations in mountainous terrain and HADR under UN mandate.
For more information: Click here to read…

The last batch of Rafales of the IAF landed in India.

The last of the 36 IAF Rafales landed in India after a quick en-route refuelling from a UAE Air Force tanker.
Reference: Click here to read…

Afghanistan

IS-KP claimed responsibility for an attack on the ‘Chinese’ Hotel in Kabul.

On 12 December 2022, the Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) carried out an attack at Longan Hotel, popular with Chinese nationals, in Kabul. “The attack took around 02:30 pm local time, with residents in the area staying they heard a powerful explosion followed by gunfire,” Kabul police spokesman— Khalid Zadran. The attack came a day after China’s ambassador met the Afghan (Taliban) Deputy Foreign Minister to discuss security-related matters and sought more attention on the protection of its embassy.

Several bombings have taken place in Afghanistan in recent months, including an attack on the Pakistan embassy earlier this month and a suicide blast near the Russian embassy in September. Both attacks were claimed by the IS-KP.
For more information: Click here to read…

At least 07 people killed in roadside blast in Mazar-e-Sharif.

On 06 December 2022, at least 07 people killed in a roadside blast on a bus in Mazar-e-Sharif. “The bomb was placed in a cart by the roadside. It was detonated as the bus arrived,” said Asif Waziri from the Balkh police department in Mazar-e-Sharif. It was not immediately clear who was behind the attack, which comes amid repeated pledges from the Taliban to bring security to Afghanistan following decades of war.
For more information: Click here to read…

Pakistan

“US withdrawl from Afghanistan supported TTP’s activities in Pakistan,” Report of Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on Interior.

Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism (CT) authority in Islamabad informed country’s Senate Standing Committee on Interior that the United States’ withdrawl from Afghanistan stengthten Tehrik-e-Tailban Pakistan (TTP) activities. “It was also noted that strong public opposition to returning to Swat is a positive development,” read the briefing of CT authority to the interior committee. In November, TTP formally withdrew its ceasefire agreement with Pakistan, which was declared in June. The withdrawl of ceasefire was followed by series of terror attacks in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baluchistan.
For more information: Click here to read…

Security forces foiled an infiltration from Afghanistan and killed four IS-KP terrorists.

On 10 December 2022, Pakistan’s security forces foiled an infiltration attempt from Afghanistan and killed four Islamic State-Khurasan Province (IS-KP) terrorists in a remote mountainous North Waziristan district near the Afghanistan border. In early December, IS-KP claimed responsibility for an attack on Pakistan’s embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, an attempt to assassinate the head of the embassy. According to Pakistani officials, Charge d’Affaires— Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani escapted unhurt, but his security guard was shot. In the month of September, an IS-KP suicide bomber carried out an explosion at the entrace to the Russian Embassy in Kabul, in which six people were killed, including two members of the embassy staff.
For more information: Click here to read…

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

A grenade explosion occurred outside a police station in Jammu.

On 06 December 2022, a grenade attack took place outside a police station in Sidhra area of Jammu, Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). No casualty reported in the blast. A lever of the grenade is recovered from the explosion site. Later, police recovered a letter in which Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) offshoot— Jammu Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF), claimed responsibility for the attack. JKGF was formed post-Pulwama attack in 2019 to evade international scrutiny and carry out deadly attacks. JKGF comprises of terrorist from other groups— Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGuH), and al-Badr.
For more information: Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

Security forces recovered huge cache of arms and explosives from a Maoist hideout in

Maharashtra.

On 13 December 2022, security forces comprising of Aurangabad police, Special Task Force (STF), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) carried out a joint anti-Maoist operation and seized huge cache of arms, high grade explosives from Laduiya Pahar hills, falling under the Madanpur police station limits of Aurangabad districts in south Bihar.

“Security forces recovered 14 firearms, including INSAS, SLR, bolt action rifles and 9mm pistols, 21 cane bombs, pressure IDs 1,763 detonators, 1,000 meters of fuse wire, 21 pressure switches, 36 batteries and other items used in explosions. Most of the weapons were looted from police and paramilitaries in various attacks,” said Superintendent of Police (SP) Kantesh Kumar Mishra.
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35 Maoists surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

On 07 December 2022, at least 35 Maoists, including a woman, of Pedabayalu-Korukonda Area Committee surrendered before the district police. The woman Maoist— Killo Indu aka Bharathi (27 years-old) of Jadiguda village in Jamiguda panchayat of Pedabayalu, was involved in four major attacks. Police also recovered six wireless sets and five chargers, a country-made pistol, a 5kg of landmine, 100 meters of electrical wire, an olive green uniform cloth and other materials.
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Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

Bharat and US agreed on concerted action against terrorist networks, including LeT and JeM.

During the 19th Counter-Terrorism Joint Working Group (CTJWG) and the 5th session of the Designations Dialogue, held on 12-13 December in New Delhi, Bharat and the United States (US) agreed on the need for concerted action against terrorist group, including Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM). For the CT meeting, Mahaveer Singhvi (Joint Secretary for CT, Ministry of External Affairs), and Timothy Betts (Acting Coordinator for CT, US State Department led their respective inter-agency/inter-departmental delegations.

“Participants also deliberated pressing counter-terrorism challenges, including countering terrorist financing, preventing and countering radicalisation, use of the internet for terrorist purposes, narco-trafficking and its linkages to terrorism and use of new and emerging technologies such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), Virtual Assets, and the Dark Web for terrorist purposes,” read the statement released by the MEA, Bharat.
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Khalistan-inspired Extremism

TarnTaran bomb blasts accused extradited from Austria to Bharat and arrested by the NIA in Delhi.

On 08 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested Bikramjit Singh aka Bikkar Panjwar after his extradition by the counterpart of Linz, Austria in coordination with the INTERPOL. Bikramjit Singh, an accused of TarnTaran bomb blasts, was absconding in NIA case— RC-20/2019/NIA/DLI.

On 22 March 2021, on the strength of the NIA Special Court’s Non-Bailable Warrant (NBW) and subsequent Red Corner Notice (RCN), Bikramjit Singh was detained in Linz, Austria. After the completion of legal proceedings, Linz Regional Court processed the extradition of Bikramjit Singh to Bharat.
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NIA arrested absconding terrorist involved in ‘Ludhiana Court’ bomb blast case.

On 01 December 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested an absconding terrorist— Harpreet Singh aka Happy Malaysia, from Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGIA) in New Delhi, upon his arrival from Malaysia.

The case— RC-01/22/NIA/DLI pertains to the bomb blast that took place in the Ludhiana Court premises. Investigation highlighted that Harpreet coordinated the delivery of the custom-made IEDs which had been sent from Pakistan.
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Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs)

NIA Special Court convicted two FICN traffickers.

On 30 November 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Special Court, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, convicted two Fake Indian Currency Notes (FICNs)— i) Vinod Nishad aka Vinod Sahni, and ii) Mehfooz Shaikh aka Riyazuddin Shaikh in a FICN case— RC-17/2019/NIA//DLI. Both accused were convicted under Sections 489B, 489C and 120B of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sentenced to the rigorous imprisonment for seven years and fine.
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China’s AG600M large amphibious aircraft secures new order: Xinhuanet

December 16, 2022

China’s independently-developed AG600M large amphibious aircraft has secured a new order for five aircraft, the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) announced on Friday. AVIC General Huanan Aircraft Industry Co., Ltd. and Jiangsu Xiangyue General Aviation Co., Ltd. on Thursday signed a purchase agreement for five AG600M firefighting aircraft, said the AVIC, the country’s leading plane-maker. Click here to read…

China issues first national five-year plan on modern logistics: Qiushi

December 16, 2022

China has released its first national five-year plan on modern logistics to accelerate building a modern logistics system and promote high-quality development. The five-year plan on modern logistics for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) was released by the General Office of the State Council. Click here to read…

Hefei starts administering inhalable COVID-19 vaccine: People’s Daily

December 16, 2022

Hefei, the capital city of east China’s Anhui Province, recently started administering an inhalable COVID-19 vaccine. The vaccine comes in a mist form that is sucked in through the mouth, and is being offered for free as a booster dose for previously vaccinated individuals. Click here to read…

State Department launches ‘China House’ amid rivalry with Beijing: Reuters

December 16, 2022

The U.S. State Department on Friday launched its long-planned “China House” unit, an internal reorganization to help expand and sharpen its policymaking toward its top geopolitical rival. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in May announced the creation of China House, calling it a department-wide, integrated team that would coordinate and implement U.S. policy across issues and regions. Click here to read…

Chinese capital Beijing reports first COVID deaths since policy easing: Reuters

December 16, 2022

Two former Chinese state media journalists have died in the capital Beijing in recent days due to COVID-19, local media reported on Friday, among the first reported fatalities since most epidemic control policies were removed on Dec. 7. Yang Lianghua, a former People’s Daily reporter, died on Dec. 15, aged 74, while Zhou Zhichun, a former China Youth Daily editor, died on Dec. 8, aged 77, according to financial magazine Caixin. Click here to read…

China holds Central Economic Work Conference to plan for 2023: Xinhuanet

December 17, 2022

The annual Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing from Thursday to Friday as Chinese leaders decided priorities for the economic work in 2023. Delivering an important speech at the conference, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reviewed the country’s economic work in 2022, analyzed the current economic situation and arranged next year’s economic work. Click here to read…

Xi urges global consensus on biodiversity: China Daily

December 17, 2022

President Xi Jinping has underlined the need to build international consensus on biodiversity protection, and called for efforts to improve global biodiversity governance and build a community for all life on Earth. Click here to read…

Authorities order enhanced medical services in rural areas before festival travel rush in preparation for potential outbreak: Global Times

December 17, 2022

China’s top COVID epidemic control group on Friday rolled out guidelines on instructing rural areas with relatively limited medical resources on how to cope with potential outbreaks of the COVID-19 infections during the upcoming New Year and Spring Festival holidays, as rural areas are anticipated to come under great pressure during this time of the year when China embraces chunyun, the world’s largest human migration, while the country continues to optimize its COVID-19 response measures and relax requirements for cross-region travel. Click here to read…

National reunification is not like buying vegetables at a farmers’ market where you can randomly bargain: Global Times

December 17, 2022

“What benefits will national reunification bring to the people of the Taiwan island?” The participating experts at the 2023 Global Times Annual Conference shared their views at one of the panels that focuses on the Taiwan questions. After national reunification, Taiwan island can enjoy long-lasting stability and peace as the cross-Straits political differences can be resolved once and for all, experts said. Some others believe that Taiwan island would save at least NTD $650 billion annually for military spending and maintaining diplomatic “allieClick here to read…

New COVID model predicts over 1 million deaths in China: Reuters

December 17, 2022

China’s abrupt lifting of stringent COVID-19 restrictions could result in an explosion of cases and over a million deaths through 2023, according to new projections from the U.S.-based Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). According to the group’s projections, cases in China would peak around April 1, when deaths would reach 322,000. About a third of China’s population will have been infected by then, IHME Director Christopher Murray said. Click here to read…

China to focus on stable growth in 2023 by prioritizing spending: Kyodo

December 17, 2022

The Chinese leadership has decided to focus on ensuring stable economic growth in 2023 by prioritizing the recovery and expansion of consumption, state-run media said Friday, as the world’s second-largest economy has been slowing amid the COVID-19 pandemic. An annual meeting to craft economic plans for next year pointed out that, at present, the foundation for China’s economic recovery is “not yet solid” and vowed to implement support measures, such as “a proactive fiscal policy and a prudent monetary policy,” according to China Central Television. Click here to read…

China prepares for virus spread amid holiday travel: Taipei Times

December 17, 2022

China set out urgent plans to protect rural communities from COVID-19 yesterday, as millions of city-dwellers planned holidays for the first time in years after Beijing abandoned its stringent system of lockdowns and travel curbs. There is particular concern about China’s hinterland in the run up to China’s Lunar New Year holiday starting on Jan. 22. Click here to read…

China Association for Promoting Democracy convenes 13th national congress: Xinhuanet

December 18, 2022

The China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD) opened its 13th national congress in Beijing on Sunday. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attended the congress’ opening and delivered a congratulatory message on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. Click here to read…

Fever clinics made from nucleic acid sampling stations: China Daily

December 18, 2022

The Suzhou government has been praised recently by many Chinese netizens for changing nucleic acid sampling stations into fever clinics, which can provide fever and pain medications to patients in need. Click here to read…

Chinese localities prepare for peak of COVID-19 infections in January: Global Times

December 18, 2022

Multiple places across China are anticipating and getting prepared to cope with the peak of COVID-19 infections in January, as a travel rush during the Chinese New Year holidays is expected to speed up the spread of the virus, according to media reports on Sunday.Click here to read…

China, other economies complete ratification of WTO agreement on services domestic regulation: Global Times

December 18, 2022

China, the US, the EU and other 52 participants have completed the domestic approval procedure of the Joint Statement Initiative on Services Domestic Regulation (SDR) under the framework of the WTO, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Sunday. Click here to read…

Forum on China-Bangladesh human resources development cooperation held in Dhaka: Xinhuanet

December 18, 2022

Chinese and Bangladeshi officials have met in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka to discuss how to promote human resources development cooperation between the two countries. The two sides had the discussions at the Forum on China-Bangladesh Human Resources Development Cooperation and Reunion of Participants of Chinese Government Training Programs, which were organized by the Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh on Saturday. Click here to read…

End of an era? Chinese official who blazed a trail on social media under investigation: South China Morning Post

December 18, 2022

Chinese graft-busters announced this week that a provincial propaganda official in the southwest is under investigation – a case that is generating interest online because of his embrace of social media. Wu Hao, the 52-year-old deputy head of the Yunnan Radio and Television Bureau, was the first Chinese official at that level to join Weibo – China’s Twitter – using his real name and identity in 2009. He was among a handful of cadres using social media to communicate with the public at that time, and has since racked up 1.5 million followers. It is one of the most popular personal Weibo accounts of Communist Party officials. Click here to read…

China’s authority requires resumption of public transport: Xinhuanet

December 19, 2022

China’s transport authority has required efforts to resume the regular operation of public transport services, a further step to optimize the COVID-19 response. The requirement that allows passengers to travel to other regions without negative nucleic acid test results, health code, test upon arrival, or information registration, should be strictly implemented, according to a notice released by the Ministry of Transport. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 1,918 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

December 19, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Sunday reported 1,918 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said Monday. A total of 1,344 COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospitals after recovery on the mainland on Sunday, said the commission in its daily report. Click here to read…

Chinese Modernization Demands Whole-Process People’s Democracy: Qiushi

December 19, 2022

Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core has taken a new historic stance, deepened its understanding of the law governing the development of politics and democracy, and advanced the whole-process people’s democracy as a major concept. Click here to read…

High-quality Development is the Top Task: Qiushi

December 19, 2022

High-quality development is the top task of building China into a modern socialist country in all respects. The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, clearly pointed out the following changes based on China’s economic development in the new era. While socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, China’s economic development has also embarked on a new phase, characterized by its economic shift from rapid growth to high-quality development. Click here to read…

Chinese space-tracking ship sets sail for new missions: China Military

December 19, 2022

China’s tracking ship Yuanwang-3 departed from a port on Sunday for new spacecraft monitoring missions. The crew members will spend the New Year holiday and Spring Festival during this voyage. Before setting sail, they had examined facilities, received training, and replenished supplies to ensure the success of the missions. Click here to read…

Space sector set to rocket into future: China Daily

December 19, 2022

Chen Li, who owns a restaurant in Longlou, a coastal township in China’s southernmost province of Hainan, said he is grateful to the country’s space industry because it has boosted business at his eatery in recent years. Click here to read…

‘China House’ signals US tougher gears for competition: Global Times

December 19, 2022

The US State Department has established the Office of China Coordination, commonly known as the “China House,” to coordinate US policy toward Beijing, a move that signals the US is seeking to reinforce its competition with China, analysts said, warning that the Biden administration continues to say one thing while doing another and takes no effective measures to resolve disputes with China. Click here to read…

Chinese business confidence falls to lowest in almost a decade on COVID: Reuters

December 19, 2022

China’s business confidence fell to its lowest since January 2013, a survey by World Economics showed on Monday, reflecting the impact of surging COVID-19 cases on economic activity with the abrupt lifting of many pandemic control measures. Click here to read…

‘I don’t trust it:’ Vaccine hesitancy lingers even as China COVID cases surge: Reuters

December 19, 2022

Headhunter Candice knows the COVID-19 infections engulfing Beijing and much of China will soon hit her home of Shenzhen city, but she would rather face it without a vaccine booster, saying she fears potential side effects more than the virus. Click here to read…

End of an era? Chinese official who blazed a trail on social media under investigation: South China Morning Post

December 18, 2022

Chinese graft-busters announced this week that a provincial propaganda official in the southwest is under investigation – a case that is generating interest online because of his embrace of social media. Wu Hao, the 52-year-old deputy head of the Yunnan Radio and Television Bureau, was the first Chinese official at that level to join Weibo – China’s Twitter – using his real name and identity in 2009. He was among a handful of cadres using social media to communicate with the public at that time, and has since racked up 1.5 million followers. It is one of the most popular personal Weibo accounts of Communist Party officials. Click here to read…

‘No ibuprofen, no aspirin, absolutely nothing’: China’s Covid patients feel the pain of drugs shortage: South China Morning Post

December 19, 2022

The fever started on Thursday for Zong Xiaoyan. “Every bit of my body was hurting like hell,” the 67-year-old retired factory worker in eastern China said. “I was so worried because I’ve had serious asthma all my life,” said Fan, aware that chronic conditions could worsen the impact of Covid-19. Her husband Fan Weiguo, who did not have a fever but was coughing non-stop, rushed to get medication from drug stores nearby. He came back empty-handed. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Facing Intl Condemnation, Islamic Emirate Defends Sharia Executions: Tolo News

Following widespread reactions over a recent execution, the Islamic Emirate said that the execution of guilty people is a divine command and that no one should be concerned about it. A spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, Bilal Karimi, said that the execution, which happened on Wednesday in the western province of Farah, was carried out after many investigations and assessments.

Click here to read…

Afghanistan Needs Further International Aid to Avoid Economic Crisis: The Khaama Press

According to an official statement by the Taliban Central Bank, the Afghan interim administration so far has received more than 1 billion and 700 million USD in cash mostly in the format of international aid. “Due to the prevailing worsening economic and humanitarian situations, the aforementioned amount is not enough to alleviate the negative impacts of the existing conditions on ordinary people’s lives. Therefore, more international aid is required to cope with the ongoing economic challenges,” the Central Bank’s spokesperson said.

Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Making Bangladesh more investor-friendly – Daka Tribune

It is undeniable that Bangladesh has made exceptional progress over the last many years, especially considering its status as a least developing country. As we move closer to graduating from that status, however, we must acknowledge the need — now, more than ever — for foreign investment, in order to boost our economy further.’
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India and its neighbours: New direction in South Asia? – Dhaka Tribune

India’s influence on Bangladesh and the rest of South Asia only looks to be increasing…Along with the growth of the Indian economy, the strategic balance will also increase. China, however, is likely to be against India’s economic growth.Any potentially offensive action by China is likely to destabilize the Indian growth trajectory.
Click here to read…

A competition of errors – The Daily Star

After 51 years of Bangladesh’s existence and 32 years of unbroken democratic rule – however flawed – we are proving to ourselves and to the world that we, as a polity, have not matured enough to settle even minor disputes peacefully with those who oppose us. An otherwise simple issue of where BNP should hold its rally has transformed itself into a situation where the public is in full uncertainty as to how the immediate future will unfold.
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Bhutan

Wasting no time on waste – Kuensel Online

Waste is the biggest problem facing the country today. As a country that has been recognised as environment-conscious, the amount of waste fly around is ironic, and, embarrassing. Waste is an issue in Bhutan because of the deeply-seated culture. Waste is an issue of serious concern because a large number of our people are uneducated. Waste also deserves sober treatment because more than laws, rules, and regulations, we need practical solutions.
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FAO supports projects to strengthen food systems and water management – Kuensel Online

High dependency on food imports, constraints to agriculture production, strong rural-urban migration and increasing fallow land are some aspects of Bhutan’s current food system. The food systems project aims to transform agri-food systems at the farm, landscape and value-chain levels.
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Maldives

Maldives will uphold the principles of the SAARC Charter: Pres Solih – Avas

The government has assured that the Maldives will always uphold the principles of the SAARC Charter. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih gave the assurance in a message to the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC)’s Secretary-General Esala Ruwan Weerakoon on the occasion of SAARC Charter Day. SAARC Charter Day is celebrated on December 8 every year.
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RBI signs Currency Swap Agreement with Maldives Monetary Authority – News Deal

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has signed a Currency Swap Agreement with the Maldives Monetary Authority under the SAARC Currency Swap Framework. This agreement will enable the Maldives authority to make drawals in multiple tranches up to a maximum of 200 million dollars from the RBI. The agreement will provide swap support as a backstop line of funding for short-term foreign exchange liquidity requirements.
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Myanmar

Myanmar Junta Receives New Thai Ambassador – The Irrawaddy

Thailand’s new ambassador to Myanmar Mongkol Visitstump presented his credentials to junta boss Min Aung Hlaing on Thursday before holding separate talks with deputy junta leader Soe Win and foreign minister Wunna Maung Lwin. The new Thai ambassador and Min Aung Hlaing discussed cooperation to boost border trade and investment in Myanmar, and development of its tourism industry, according to junta media.
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UN urges Southeast Asia governments to rescue stranded Rohingya – Aljazeera

The United Nations Refugee Agency has urged countries in Southeast Asia to rescue some 200 Rohingya refugees whose unseaworthy boat has been reported drifting in the Andaman Sea. The UNCHR said in a statement on Thursday that it had received reports that the Rohingya had been stranded on a boat off the coast of Thailand since its engines failed on December 1.
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15 killed in a shootout between drug gang and Thai security forces at Thai-Myanmar border – BNI Online

Thai border security forces reported that they intercepted a drug- trafficking gang and a 10minute shoot-out occurred along the Thai- Shan State border, killing 15 gang members according to a report in the Chiang Mai News. Thai border security were conducting inspections at Mumt Pin Gate No.12 in Phan township of Chiang Mai municipality (opposite side of Poung Par Khem sub-township of Mongton township in eastern Shan State) on the early morning of December 8. The drug smuggling gang, composed of more than 20 men, infiltrated through theforest passages on the Myanmar side.
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Source to VOA: US to Downgrade Relations with Myanmar – VOA News

A diplomatic source has told VOA Burmese that the U.S. will downgrade its diplomatic relations with Myanmar upon the departure of the current U.S. ambassador, Thomas Vajda, whose assignment is scheduled to conclude at the end of this month. The administration of President Joe Biden has decided not to send a successor, said the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a matter not yet officially announced by the State Department. “Deputy Chief of Mission Deborah Lynn will assume duties as charge d’affaires at [the] U.S. Embassy Rangoon after Ambassador Vajda’s departure,” the source said. The previous U.S. ambassador to Myanmar, Scot Marciel, told VOA that the U.S. doesn’t want to present credentials to the ruling military junta, formally known as the State Administrative Council (SAC).
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Nepal

UML trying every trick in the book to break five-party bond – The Kathmandu Post

Some leaders said breaking the ruling coalition is proving to be a hard nut to crack, at least for now. This is why the party may decide to be a strong opposition should their efforts to break the alliance fail. According to UML insiders, of late, been meeting leaders of the Maoist Centre including its general secretary, Dev Prasad Gurung.
Click here to read…

India’s Agnipath Scheme and the Impact on Ties with Nepal – ORF Online

Altering its military recruitment policy is undisputedly India’s prerogative, but this is certain to have a direct fallout on Nepal’s military labour migration to the Indian Army. Still, youth from Nepal’s financially marginalised sections may be interested in joining the Indian Army under Agnipath. However, more prominent Gorkha families will likely push their offspring to join the British or Nepali armies because they view military recruitment as a matter of prestige and not from the lens of monetary gain.
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Nepal need not import electricity in two years from now: Kulman Ghising – Khabarhub

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising has claimed that the authority’s investment is focused on the development of electrical infrastructure to increase electricity consumption and Nepal will be fully independent in electricity in two years from now. He mentioned that various EV Expos are being held to increase the consumption of electricity produced in Nepal.
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Sweden, Nepal study India’s digital rollout of health assurance scheme – Mint

Two countries on opposing ends of the development scale— one a much-praised welfare state and the other among the world’s poorest nations—have been studying India’s AB PM-JAY, intrigued by the ambitions of the world’s largest health assurance scheme. The Swedish health delegation came as part of a visit by joint working groups (JWG) of the Sweden-India Health MoU. The idea of the meeting with the NHA was to have an introduction to its work, and the role it plays in public health.
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Darjeeling’s tea gardens at risk due to climate, cheap Nepal tea – Goa Chronicle

The tea plantations of Darjeeling, which had been developed in the 19th century under the British Raj to reduce dependence on China for tea, are now suffering from an economic crisis, and more than half of the tea plantation owners are on the verge of becoming bankrupt. At the same time, the production cost of the authentic Darjeeling tea from West Bengal is more as compared to Nepal’s tea.
Click here to read…

Pakistan

Bilawal calls for people-centric democracy: The Express Tribune

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Thursday that democracy was the foundation of an emancipated society and underscored the importance of democracies in the developing countries to collaborate in responding to common challenges. Addressing the 15th Bali Democracy Forum held in the Indonesian holiday resort of Bali, the foreign minister called for reform of international financial institutions. He said that the people of Pakistan always strove for a people-centric democracy.

Click here to read…

Govt considers Rs60b mini-budget: The Express Tribune

The government may slap 17% sales tax on high-grade petrol as it is considering imposing more taxes on imports to cover a projected shortfall of Rs100 billion in customs duty collection. Tax authorities have recently shared options with the government to bridge the shortfall by imposing taxes on duty-free imports and raising the additional customs duty to collect roughly Rs60 billion in taxes, according to sources in the Ministry of Finance.

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TIP releases NCPS 2022 report: Police, judiciary among top three most corrupt institutions: The News

The NCPS 2022 released at 01:00am on Friday also showed no-confidence in anti-corruption entities including NAB. At the national level, the majority of people considered anti-corruption institutions’ role as ‘ineffective’ in curbing corruption in Pakistan, the report said. The following are the key findings of the NCPS 2022: Police remain the most corrupt sector, tendering and contracting was seen as the 2nd most corrupt, judiciary 3rd most corrupt while education has climbed to become 4th most corrupt since the last NCPS 2021. The provincial breakdown of the three most corrupt sectors reveals the following:

Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Unpopular decisions have to be taken for benefit of country’s future, President – Daily News.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the country has had to face adverse repercussions today due to the short-sighted popular decisions taken in the past and unpopular decisions have had to be taken for the future prospects of the country. The President made this observation yesterday (08) taking part in the Third Reading debate of the Budget proposals for the financial year 2023. He said further that a Parliamentary Select Committee will be established on a resolution by the Parliament to look into those who led the economy to bankruptcy with their incorrect fiscal policies.
Click here to read…

Economic support to Sri Lanka not based on communal approach, Jaishankar – Daily News

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday justified the government’s support to Sri Lanka, saying India would be shirking its responsibility if it did not step forward to support a crisis-hit neighbour. The economic support that India offered to Sri Lanka during its worst post-independence economic crisis was for the entire country and not based on any communal approach, he said.On the issue of Palestine, he said India stands for a two-state solution, with the two states living peacefully side-by-side.
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Six companies express interest to invest in ‘Colombo Port City’ project – Daily News

Investment Promotion State Minister Dilum Amunugama told Parliament yesterday that six companies have already expressed their interest to invest in the ‘Colombo Port City’ project. The State Minister was speaking during the Committee Stage debate on Expenditure Heads of Finance, Economic Stabilization, and National Policies Ministry.
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Chinese scientists develop self-propelled robots to clean up microplastics: Xinhuanet

November 22, 2022

A group of Chinese scientists has developed a kind of micro-robot powered by ion exchanges to remove microplastics and nanoplastics (MNPs) from water, according to Jinan University, one of its developers. Click here to read…

Hainan issues opinions on tax policy: China Daily

November 22, 2022

Hainan will strive to make good use of the preferential tax policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port, according to a new document released by the General Office of the People’s Government of Hainan Province on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Core components of China-made world’s largest ‘artificial sun’ accomplished, new breakthrough in core technology: Global Times

November 22, 2022

Manufacturing of the core components of the next-generation “artificial sun,” the full-size prototype of the enhanced-heat-flux (EHF) first wall (FW) panel, has been completed in China with its core indexes being significantly better than its design requirements and meeting the conditions for mass manufacturing, marking a new breakthrough by China in the scientific research of the core technology of EHF FW, the Global Times learned from its research team on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China’s top political advisor calls for boosted efficiency in performance of duties: Xinhuanet

November 23, 2022

China’s top political advisor Wang Yang on Tuesday called for efforts to improve the work evaluation system for political advisors so as to boost the efficiency of the performance of their duties. Wang, chairman of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, made the remarks while presiding over a meeting of the Chairpersons’ Council of the CPPCC National Committee. Click here to read…

China’s new civil servants take career training, constitution oath: Xinhuanet

November 23, 2022

Approximately 195,000 newly-recruited Chinese civil servants have pledged allegiance to the Constitution and completed national training sessions. Held by the Organization Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee from Nov. 17 to Nov. 21, the training sessions highlighted the implementation of the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, and reinforced the political, theoretical, conduct and integrity training. Click here to read…

China-supported ICT project completed in Bangladesh: Xinhuanet

November 23, 2022

The Bangladeshi government, in collaboration with the Chinese government and companies, implemented the country’s ICT (Information and Communication Technology) project which brought thousands of government offices across the country under nationwide connectivityClick here to read…

Chinese technology brand Honor launches operating system: Xinhuanet

November 23, 2022

Honor, a leading provider of smart devices in China, on Tuesday launched its MagicOS 7.0 operating system, which might be compatible with HarmonyOS and iOS in the future. MagicOS 7.0 consists of four core technologies — MagicRing, Magic Live, Turbo X and MagicGuard, realizing the interconnection of different chip platforms and operating systems. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 2,641 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

November 23, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Tuesday reported 2,641 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, the National Health Commission said Wednesday. Altogether 26,242 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

Shanghai to build national climate observatory: Xinhuanet

November 23, 2022

Shanghai will build a national climate observatory by 2025, according to a report in the China Science Daily newspaper on Wednesday. The construction of the climate observatory was approved by the China Meteorological Administration. It will feature a multi-layered climate observation system for megacities to provide a continuous, all-weather and high-resolution climate service. Click here to read…

Policy promotes private pensions: China Daily

November 23, 2022

In a new guideline focusing on the management of private pensions, the Chinese government has outlined plans to develop a multitiered, sustainable social security system to benefit its aging population. Click here to read…

Yinchuan authorities apologize for police officers’ ‘inappropriate manner’ in anti-epidemic work: Global Times

November 23, 2022

Authorities in Yinchuan, Northwest China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region issued a statement on Tuesday night, apologizing for the inappropriate manner that some police officers showed in anti-epidemic work, which has triggered heated discussion online in recent days. Click here to read…

Core components of China-made world’s largest ‘artificial sun’ accomplished, new breakthrough in core technology: Global Times

November 22, 2022

Manufacturing of the core components of the next-generation “artificial sun,” the full-size prototype of the enhanced-heat-flux (EHF) first wall (FW) panel, has been completed in China with its core indexes being significantly better than its design requirements and meeting the conditions for mass manufacturing, marking a new breakthrough by China in the scientific research of the core technology of EHF FW, the Global Times learned from its research team on Tuesday. Click here to read…

NATIONAL

Pegatron Mobile Manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu: another milestone added to PM’s vision of making India a global electronics manufacturing hub.

On 30 September 2022, the Minister of State for Electronics & Information Technology and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship— Rajeev Chandrasekhar, inaugurated the Pegatron mobile manufacturing facility in Chenglapattu near Chennai, Tamil Nadu and said that the facility is another milestone in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of making India a global electronics manufacturing hub. “It is a symbol of the partnership between the Central and State government to help India achieve the target of USD 300 billion in electronics manufacturing, from the current USD 75 billion,” said Minister Chandrasekhar during the inaugural of the facility. The facility was established by Taiwan’s electronics giant— Pegatron Technology India, under the Indian government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, in an industrial park in Chenglapattu, near Chennai.

The PLI scheme has played a significant role in ushering the investments and employment in electronics manufacturing and has catalysed an investment of ₹ 6,500 crores in a short period, generating employment of over 40,000 in Tamil Nadu alone. “It has been an extraordinary journey for Pegatron to be in India. We are overwhelmed by the support extended by the Government of India and Tamil Nadu,” said Cheng Jian Jong, Chairman of Pegatron Technology India.^[1]

Ministry of Communications initiated the ‘Public Consultative’ process on the draft of the Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022.

The Ministry of Communications, Government of India (GoI), had initiated a public consultative process to draft a contemporary and futuristic legal framework in telecommunications. As per the process, in July 2022, the ministry published a consultation paper on ‘Need for a new legal framework governing Telecommunications in India’ and invited comments/suggestions from various stakeholders, including industry associations.

Based on the consultations and suggestions, the ministry has prepared the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022. The draft Bill and explanatory note can be accessed at: https://dot.gov.in/relatedlinks/indian-telecommunication-bill-2022. The deliberations can be shared with the ministry by 20 October 2022.^[2]

“Pervasive digital infrastructure and ensured access to digital services to all is key for a better digital future,” said MoS for Communications.

On 25 September 2022, the Minister of State (MoS) for Communications— Devusinh Chauhan, addressed the Ministerial Roundtable, part of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Bucharest, Romania. The Minister said that a better digital future could only be built on pervasive digital infrastructure, developing digital platforms to deliver government services to all citizens and ensuring access to digital services to all.

The MoS also cited stories about the Government of India’s (GoI) commitment to building telecom infrastructure, such as the plan to extend mobile services to all 6,40,000 villages in India by 2023 and Optical Fibre by 2025. It is the result of citizen-centric and industry-friendly public initiatives and policies that point to a bright future for India’s digital economy. The MoS also highlighted the success of the Digital India Initiative, mainly the Aadhaar and Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As per the data, around 400 million transactions were carried out on AEPS, which is the best example of financial inclusion affected by the development of digital infrastructure. “India has been contributing to the goals of the ITU and will take all necessary steps to fulfil Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030,” said MoS Chauhan.^[3]

Indian banking users targeted by SOVA Android Trojan.

On 10 September 2022, the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) issued an advisory about Indian banking customers being targeted by a new variant of mobile banking malware using SOVA Android Trojan. In July 2022, SOVA added India to its target list, where the US, Russia, and Spain were already enlisted. The latest version of this malware hides within fake Android applications that show up the logo of a few famous legitimate apps, such as Chrome and Amazon, to deceive users into installing them. The malware captures the credentials when users log into their net banking apps and access bank accounts. The new version of the malware— SOVA- seems to target over 200 mobile applications, including banking apps and crypto exchanges.

SOVA’s list of functions includes the ability to:

• Collect keystrokes,
• Steal cookies,
• Intercept Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) tokens,
• take screenshots and record videos from a webcam,
• copy/paste,
• Mimic over 200 banking and payment applications.

Another feature of SOVA is its “protections module” refactoring, which aims to protect itself from different victims’ actions. For instance, if the user tries to uninstall the malware from the settings, SOVA can intercept these actions and prevent them (through the abuse of Accessibilities) by returning to the home screen and showing a pop-up displaying “this app is secured”. The attack can effectively jeopardise the privacy and security of sensitive customer data and result in large-scale attacks and financial fraud. The advisory also includes detailed information about the malware and best practices to avoid being a victim of SOVA.^[4]

Quad Foreign Ministers committed to an open, secure, stable, peaceful cyberspace.

The foreign ministers of India, Australia, Japan, and the United States (US) met on September 23, 2022, to discuss the Quad’s commitment to an open, secure, stable, and peaceful cyberspace, as well as regional initiatives to strengthen nations’ ability to put the United Nations’ (UN) Framework for Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace into practice. The security and resiliency of the cyber infrastructure in the region would be guaranteed through targeted actions to improve the cyber capabilities of Indo-Pacific nations.

The Foreign Ministers emphasised their commitment to addressing the global ransomware threat, which has hampered the security and economic growth of the Indo-Pacific region, and referred back to their previous meeting held on 11 February 2022. Ransomware’s global reach has the potential to harm the national security, the financial and commercial sectors, key infrastructure, and the privacy of individuals. The Quad nations value the strides the 36 nations supporting the Counter Ransomware Initiative (CRI) under US leadership and the ongoing, pragmatic consultations against cybercrime in the Indo-Pacific region.a href=”#_edn5″ name=”_ednref5″>^[5]

In 2021, the Indian healthcare sector faced a 7.7 per cent share of cyber-attacks on the global healthcare sector.

According to a report prepared by CloudSEK on “Increased cyber-attacks on the global healthcare sector”, India recorded the second highest number of cyber-attacks, with a total of 7.7 per cent of total cyber-attacks on the healthcare industry in 2021. The United States (US) healthcare sector witnessed 28 per cent of global attacks. According to the same report, the cyber-attack incidence on the Indian healthcare industry translates into over 71 lakh records, whereas Australia has been the most-hit country with around 70 crore records in the first four months of 2022.^[6]

In India, 2021 saw the highest cyber-attacks/breaches in the last four years.

According to the data presented in Lok Sabha (the Lower House of the Indian Parliament), India witnessed the highest number of cyber-attacks or breaches compared to the last four years. A total of 160,560 Indian websites were hacked between 2016 and 2021, translating to around 73 websites per day. The year 2021 reported the highest number of cyber-attacks, with a total of 28,897 cyber-attacks, including on 186 government websites.

Some of the significant cyber-attacks involved the State Bank of India (the year 2019), COVID-19 test results (the year 2021), Air India (2021), and Domino’s (2021).^[7]

INTERNATIONAL

Denmark banned Hikvision camera purchases based on a security assessment.

One of the most populous regions of Denmark, which includes Copenhagen, banned the purchases of China-made Hikvision cameras, followed by a security assessment that highlighted Hikvision as a ‘critical’ threat to security. In January 2022, Denmark’s intelligence agency warned against PRC (People’s Republic of China)-made cameras, calling out Hikvision’s vulnerabilities and PRC data laws.

On 26 September 2022, Region Hovedstaden, Denmark’s Capital Region, declassified a June 2022 briefing stating that the Capital Region’s Steering Group for IT and Information Security “has decided to purchase video cameras from the manufacturer Hikvision must be discontinued.” On 15 February 2022, the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET/ Politiets Efterretningstjeneste) and the Centre for Cyber Security sent a “Security recommendation regarding the use of surveillance cameras.” The threat consists of a backdoor that “makes it possible for an attacker to access the camera without the use of authentication.” However, the recommendation did not recommend bans but urged patches, and those video cameras are connected to their own (domestic) network.”^[8]

Huawei Technologies staged its ‘Huawei Connect’ in Thailand.

In efforts to avoid a crackdown from the West, mainly the United States (US), China’s Huawei Technologies showcased its ‘Huawei Connect’ annual technology showcase in Thailand, where Digital and Economic ministers from Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Bangladesh had gathered to attend the event. All four countries have already allowed their respective mobile network operators to source 5G telecom equipment from Huawei, despite security concerns, warnings and sanctions/bans issued by the US and European governments.

In South-East Asia, Vietnam has become an alternative destination for electronics manufacturers leaving China, while Indonesia and Thailand are vying to be the centre of a regional electric vehicle supply chain. After Thailand, Huawei Connect will be held in Dubai and Paris. France has discouraged telecom operators from using Huawei 5G equipment but has allowed Huawei to build a factory. Despite US concerns, Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have continued to use Huawei in their networks.^[9]

Optus data breach: hacker released 10,000 records from the Australian Prime Minister’s and Defence Minister’s office.

On 26 September 2022, a purported hacker released a text file of 10,000 customer records and ‘promised’ to leak around 10,000 per day for the next four days unless Optus paid them USD 1 million. “Federal Police investigated a post on an online forum purported to release the records from the recent data breach and threatened to release more until a USD 1 million ransom is paid,” said CEO of Optus— Kelly Bayer Rosmarin. The customer records included e-mail addresses from the Department of Defence and the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Optus attack has affected up to 10 million customer records. On 27 September 2022, the hacker deleted the original post with links to the data and apologised for attempting to sell data.^[10]

US Senators aimed to amend the Cyber Security bill to include Crypto.

The US Senators Marsha Blackburn (Tennessee) and Cynthia Lummis (Wyoming) attempted to provide frameworks for the digital asset industry. Both Senators urged the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, 2015 amendment to include cryptocurrency. The Electronic Transactions Association endorses the bill.

According to Senator Blackburn, Some criminals have utilised cryptocurrencies to conceal their unlawful activities and escape punishment. The revised “Cryptocurrency Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act” will review and revise current laws to directly address this misuse. It will give bitcoin companies a voluntary way to report rogue actors and safeguard cryptocurrency from risky practices. The bill also aims to mitigate losses from several cyber-related incidents, including data breaches, ransomware attacks, and network damages.^[11]

Endnotes :

^[1]Press Information Bureau. “Pegatron plant roll out another milestone in PM Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of making India a global electronics manufacturing hub: MoS Shri Chandrasekhar”, Ministry of Electronics and IT, 30 September 2022, accessed on 03 October 2022, available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1863721
^[2]Press Information Bureau, “Inviting comments on the draft Indian Telecommunication Bill, 2022”, Ministry of Communications, 22 September 2022, accessed on 03 October 2022, available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1861399
^[3]Press Information Bureau, “Better digital future can only be built on pervasive digital infrastructure, developing digital platforms and ensuring access to digital services to all – Shri Devusinh Chauhan”, Ministry of Communications, 25 September 2022, accessed on 03 October 2022, available from: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1862131
^[4] “SOVA Android Trojan targeting Indian banking users”, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, 10 September 2022, available from: https://www.cert-in.org.in/
^[5]“Quad Foreign Ministers’ Statement on Ransomware”, Ministry of External Affairs- Government of India, 23 September 2022, accessed on 05 October 2022, available from: https://mea.gov.in/bilateral-documents.htm?dtl/35746/Quad_Foreign_Ministers_Statement_on_Ransomware
^[6]PTI. “cyber-attacks on Indian healthcare industry second highest in the world: CloudSEK”, Outlook, 20 September 2022, accessed on 05 October 2022, available from: https://www.outlookindia.com/business/cyber-attacks-on-indian-healthcare-industry-second-highest-in-the-world-cloudsek-news-224600
^[7]Basu, Orin and Suparna Shree. “73 websites hacked every day in India, 2021 saw highest cyber breaches in four years”, Zee News, 23 September 2022, accessed on 05 October 2022, available from: https://zeenews.india.com/india/73-websites-hacked-every-day-in-india-2021-saw-highest-cyber-breaches-in-four-years-2513355.html
^[8]Rollet, Charles. “Danish Capital Region bans Hikvision purchases, calls ‘critical threat to security’”, IPVM, 28 September 2022, accessed on 05 October 2022, available from: https://ipvm.com/reports/danish-capital?code=1&utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
^[9]Regalado, Francesca. “Huawei courts Thailand, Indonesia with supply chain support”, Nikkei Asia, 19 September 2022, accessed on 05 October 2022, available from: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Huawei-courts-Thailand-Indonesia-with-supply-chain-support
^[10]May, Natasha and Josh Taylor. “Purported Optus hacker releases 10,000 records including e-mail addresses from defence and prime minister.” The Guardian, 27 September 2022, accessed on 05 October 2022. available from: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2022/sep/27/police-all-over-dark-web-ransom-threat-to-release-10000-customer-records-a-day-optus-ceo-says
^[11]Melinek, Jacquelyn. “US Senators aim to amend cybersecurity bill to include crypto”, Tech Crunch, 29 September 2022, accessed on 06 October 2022. available from: https://techcrunch.com/2022/09/28/us-senators-aim-to-amend-cybersecurity-bill-to-include-crypto/