Afghanistan

UN Aid Chief Pushes for Restart of Afghanistan Development Aid: Tolo News

Countries should restart some development aid for impoverished Afghanistan that was halted a year ago when the Islamic Emirate seized power, the UN aid chief said on Monday, as the US told Russia and China to “put your money where your mouth is.” Click here to read…

Taliban’s Door-to-Door Searches in Northern Afghanistan Extends to Faryab, Takhar, and Jawzjan: The Khaama Press

Local sources in Taloqan, Sheberghan, and Maimana, the provincial capitals of the northern Afghan provinces of Takhar, Jawzjan, and Faryab respectively, said that Taliban forces have started conducting extensive house-to-house searches. The sources say that since early on Monday, the 29th of August, about a thousand Taliban forces have dispersed across Maimana city, the central district of Faryab province, and have begun searching homes. Click here to read…

Important Documents at Bamyan Education Directorate Destroyed by Floods in Province: The Khaama Press

Local sources in the central Afghan province of Bamyan say that important documents, including results and records from the Bamyan Education Directorate’s 1398–1400 years, were destroyed by floods in the province. A source said yesterday, on Sunday, August 28, the Bamyan Education Directorate’s Results and Certificate division, together with at least seven computer workstations and 30 volumes of record booklets, were all destroyed. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

UN human rights expert on climate change to visit Bangladesh in September: Dhaka Tribune

UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights in the context of climate change, Ian Fry, will visit Bangladesh from September 4 to 15. This is the first official visit by the UN official, an international environmental law and policy expert, since he took office on May 1 this year. Click here to read…

Padma Bridge: Upto 30 launch services from Sadarghat forced to fold: Dhaka Tribune

State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury on Monday told the Parliament that Bangladesh’s southern region-bound passengers on almost all waterways declined significantly due to the advent of the Padma Bridge. Click here to read…

Khulna-Mongla rail line: Not opening this year: The Daily Star

When Bangladesh Railway in December 2010 took up the project for constructing Khulna-Mongla new rail line without any feasibility study, its deadline was December 2013. But its physical work began around six years after approval, driving the project cost up to Tk 4,260.88 crore from Tk 1,721.39 crore. The deadline was extended up to December this year after several revisions. Click here to read…

Bhutan

BCCI to launch micro-finance loan scheme for SMEs – Kuensel Online

To help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) self-sustain, the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) is working on a micro-finance loan scheme to be launched early next year. BCCI’s President, Tandy Wangchuk said that the private sector members had strongly raised their voices on the need for micro-finance loans since the SMEs were badly affected by the pandemic for the past two years. Click here to read…

Bhutan Bans Import Of Most Vehicles As Foreign Exchange Reserves Plummet – Kuensel Online

Bhutan will ban the import of all vehicles except utility vehicles, heavy earthmoving machines and agriculture machinery to save dwindling foreign exchange reserves, the government said in a notice seen by Reuters on Friday. Click here to read…

Export prices rise by 16 percent in first quarter – Kuensel Online

Export prices of goods rose by 16.1 percent in the first quarter (January to March) of the year compared to the figure in the same quarter of last year, according to a report National Statistics Bureau released recently. The export price index was recorded at -0.98 percent in the first quarter of last year. Click here to read…

Maldives

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar meets Maldives Speaker, minister –

Indian Express

President of the United Nations General Assembly Abdulla Shahid from Maldives Monday stressed the role played by India at the UN and acknowledged the pivotal role the country played during the Covid-19 recovery phase. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, after meeting him, said India’s “Neighbourhood First” and the Maldives’ “India First” policies complement each other. Click here to read…

Discussions held on agreements being negotiated between Maldives, Indonesia – Raajje

Discussions have been held on the agreements being negotiated between the governments of Maldives and Indonesia. This was done during a courtesy call paid by the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Republic of Maldives, Dewi Gustina Tobing on Vice President Faisal Naseem on Monday morning. Click here to read…

Maldives confirms 68 new Covid-19 cases, additional death – Raajje

Maldives has confirmed 68 new Covid-19 cases and an additional death from the virus. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) in its latest figures publicized on Monday, revealed that 68 new infections were detected between August 21 – 27. Within this period, eight new hospital admissions were also recorded. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Over 28,000 Homes Torched by Myanmar Junta Forces Since Coup – The Irrawaddy Myanmar junta forces have burned down 28,434 houses in 645 locations since last year’s coup, with Sagaing Region suffering the heaviest damage, according to the independent research group Data For Myanmar. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Military Regime Cannot Withstand the Revolution – The Irrawaddy

Our resistance forces were established overnight out of the necessity of the revolution. They are made up of civilians who joined the PDFs after a few months of military training. The chain of command is not systematic and there is still room for improvement. There must be a systematic and swift chain of command from the most basic unit of a squad to platoon, company and battalion level right up to the NUG’s defense ministry. Click here to read…

From The Field: Restoring Myanmar’s Mangroves – UN News

Myanmar is believed to be experiencing one of the highest rates of mangrove loss in the world. When a company bought land containing a mangrove forest in the country’s Tanintharyi region, with plans to convert it into prawn farms, the local community fought back. Click here to read…

Myanmar Military Invited to Weapons Expo in Bangkok – The Irrawaddy

The Myanmar military has been invited to an arms fair, defense and security related seminars and technical presentations officially supported by neighboring Thailand’s Ministry of Defense. Click here to read…

India running out of options in Myanmar as a civil war rages and China backs the junta – National Herald

India was caught unawares by events in Myanmar within a month of its election for the seventh time as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council. India shares with Myanmar a land border of over 1600 km and a maritime boundary in the Bay of Bengal. But New Delhi was also grappling to regain a toehold in Kabul, leaving it too preoccupied to take events in Myanmar seriously, until refugees from Myanmar came streaming into North-eastern states. Click here to read…

Nepal

President consults parties as Parliament ignores her concerns on Citizenship bill – Kathmandu Post

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed concern over the lower house’s endorsement of the amendment bill on Citizenship Act without discussions on her suggestions. On Monday, Bhandari invited office bearers of the ruling Nepali Congress and the main opposition CPN-UML separately and expressed her concerns about the bill which she had returned to the House of Representatives for a review. Click here to read…

India to grant Nepal access to two key ports in Gujarat & Odisha under trade, transit treaties – The Print

Despite several challenges plaguing the bilateral relationship of late, India and Nepal are all set to upgrade their bilateral trade and transit ties under which Kathmandu will be given access to some of the key Indian ports along with enhanced reach for its agriculture produce, ThePrint has learnt. Click here to read…

31 member Indian Army team arrives in Nepal on five-day visit – The Print

A 31-member delegation of the Indian Army’s “Defence Course” arrived in Nepal on Sunday. The visiting team includes students participating in the ‘National Defence Course-62’ that was held at the National Defence College in New Delhi, according to a press release issued by Nepali Army. Click here to read…

3 Arrested With Heroin Worth Rs 60 Lakh From Uttar Pradesh Town On India-Nepal Border – Outlook India

Three people were arrested with heroin on Sunday in two separate incidents from Sonauli town on the Indo-Nepal border here, by Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Police, a senior officer said. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Govt to form response centre to manage flood crisis: Dawn

The ruling alliance on Monday held threadbare discussions to devise comprehensive plans for the relief and rehabilitation of millions of flood victims, as well as chalking out a strategy to meet natural catastrophes of this magnitude in future as the flooding caused by unprecedented monsoon rains swept nearly a third of the country. Click here to read…

IMF approves much-needed $1.1bn payout: Dawn

The Exe¬cu¬tive Board of the Interna¬tional Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday completed the combined 7th and 8th revi¬ews of a loan facility for Pak¬is¬tan, allowing immediate disbursement of $1.1 billion to the country, said an official IMF announcement. Click here to read…

‘Betrayal of country’: Bilawal slams Imran for trying to ‘sabotage’ IMF deal: The Express Tribune

PPP Chairman and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has accused former prime minister Imran Khan of exploiting PTI-led governments in Punjab and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa to “sabotage” the IMF bailout programme amid devastation caused by floods. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Govt. agrees to submit documents in Parliament over Ranjan’s release: Daily Mirror

The government today agreed to submit in Parliament the documents pertaining to the presidential pardon to former MP Ranjan Ramanayake. Responding to a request made by Chief Opposition Whip Lakshman Kiriella, Justice Minister Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe told Parliament that he would submit in Parliament the relevant documents. Click here to read…

Jet fuel shortage worsens SLA’s woes: Daily Mirror

SLA posted a loss of US $ 1.5 million in July, as the airline was forced to make fuel stops outside the country, due to the jet fuel shortage in the country. After 16 years, SLA reported a US $ 10.66 million profit in December 2021 and a profit of US $ 1.7 million in the March 2022 quarter. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka president to present first budget with hopes for IMF loan: The Indian Express

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe will on Tuesday slash defence and other expenditures in a bid to win International Monetary Fund (IMF) support as he presents his first budget since taking over as leader of his crisis-hit country. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

MoD Says US Drones Entering Afghan Airspace From Pakistan: Tolo News

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) said that American drones are entering Afghanistan’s airspace from Pakistan. At a press conference, acting Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid asked Pakistan to not allow its airspace to be used against Afghanistan. Click here to read…

China Supports Travel Ban Exemptions for Islamic Emirate Leaders: Tolo News

China hopes that the UN Security Council will extend travel ban exemption for the leaders of the Islamic Emirate in a bid for the international community to remain engaged in Afghanistan. Talking to reporters at the Security Council Media Stakeout, the Chinese Ambassador at the UNSC, Zhang Jun, said that the humanitarian situation is critical in AfghanistanClick here to read…

Court ‘Terminates’ Executive Order to Split Afghans Frozen Asset: The Khaama Press

A New York court has denied the request to compensate 9/11 victim families from Afghanistan’s frozen foreign reserves, terminating President Joe Biden’s executive order to split the $7 billion in Afghan asset between poverty-stricken Afghanistan and families of 9/11 victim. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

‘By far, Bangladesh has become one of the countries with most cooperation and fruitful results under the BRI framework’: Dhaka Tribune

Ambassador of China to Bangladesh HE Li Jiming has been gracious enough to grant this extraordinarily open and forthright interview to Probir Kumar Sarker, exclusively for Dhaka Tribune, which we shall be running in five parts this week. This is the second part. In Monday’s section, Ambassador Li discusses the alignment of China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Bangladesh’s Vision 2041 and the role China plays in Bangladesh’s developmentClick here to read…

Rice production growth slows despite rising demand: The Daily Star

The rice production growth in Bangladesh is slowing as the room for a further expansion of modern high-yielding varieties (HYVs) has squeezed amid reducing cropped area and growing use of agricultural land for non-farm purposes. Click here to read…

Project to buy carriages: After 6 years, it now needs a fresh start: The Daily Star

Another railway project involving a Chinese contractor has plunged into deep uncertainty after a government committee directed the authorities not to take the hard loan arranged by the company. Click here to read…

Bhutan

We must rejuvenate SAARC, says former Bhutan PM Tsering Tobgay Business Standard – Business Standard

Speaking at the fifth “India and the World” lecture, former Prime Minister of Bhutan Tsering Tobgay expressed concerns about the current status of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), and, citing the recent political and economic crises in Sri Lanka, called for greater efforts to rejuvenate the regional intergovernmental organisation. Click here to read…

For Bhutan, India remains a major source market – Economic Times

With Bhutan set to open up, ET HospitalityWorld spoke with Arun Kumar – market vice-president – North India, Nepal, Bhutan, Marriott International about his company’s new properties in Thimphu and Paro, which were set to welcome visitors from September 23, 2022. Click here to read…

Rising imports from China draining Bhutan’s forex reserves – Economic Times

According the data provided by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan in July 2022, foreign exchange reserves in the country shrunk to $970 million at the end of December 2021 from $1.46 billion in April 2021, while external debt increased to $3.2 billion. Click here to read…

Maldives

‘MVR 1.9 bln lost to corruption must be recovered’: Finance Minister – Avas

Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has said MVR 1.9 billion owed to the state between 2009 and 2020 has still not been recovered. The minister made the statement on Sunday while speaking at a ceremony held to kick off a workshop conducted by the Anti-Corruption on establishing an asset recovery system. Click here to read…

Bill on increasing GST submitted to the Parliament – Avas

The Attorney General’s Office said three bills were sent to the Parliament Office on Sunday. They are bills seeking to amend the Tourism Act, the Goods and Service Tax Act, and the Judiciary Act. The government had earlier announced that it would propose amendments to the GST Act to increase the percentage charged as GST. Click here to read…

Foreign Minister Shahid travels to India – Avas

Foreign Minister and 76th UN General Assembly President Abdulla Shahid has arrived in India on an official visit. Shahid’s visit to India coincides with Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed’s unofficial visit to the neighboring country. Click here to read…

Myanmar

In Myanmar, Vietnamese firms learn the political risks of backing the junta – RFA

Vietnamese firms are confronting political risk from overseas investments as the price of doing business with Myanmar’s brutal military regime, a less predictable partner than the authoritarians they are accustomed to. Vietnam’s largest venture in Myanmar is by VietTel, Vietnam’s largest cellular provider. The military-owned company has a major stake in Myanmar’s MyTel, which is also military-owned and has been hemorrhaging customers since the Feb. 1, 2021, coup d’etat that ousted Myanmar’s elected government. Click here to read…

Dhaka to lodge protest against Myanmar shelling into Bangladesh: FS – New AgeBD

Bangladesh will lodge its strong protest with Myanmar so that nothing such happens inside Bangladesh as the country witnessed two mortar shells from Myanmar inside Bangladesh territory on Sunday afternoon. Click here to read…

Myanmar Kyat exchange rate reaches record low – Thai World

On August 27th, the value of the Myanmar Kyat (MMK) to the US Dollar (USD) hit a record low at 3,400 MMK/US$1. Similarly, the price of the Baht strengthened against the MMK to a never before seen rate of 100 MMK/฿1. The price of gold bullion has also spiked, reaching a record high of over 29 Lakhs MMK (around 2,900 Baht) per Kyattha(16.3293g). Click here to read…

Myanmar strongly condemns and rejects statements issued on the anniversary of August 2017 incidents of Rakhine State: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Eleven Myanmar

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar issued a statement rejecting the statements issued on the anniversary of August 2017 incidents of Rakhine State on August 25, 2022. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Myanmar has learnt the issuance of statements by certain countries and organizations including the spokesperson of the United Nations Secretary General on the anniversary of the incident that took place in Rakhine State on 25 August 2017. Click here to read…

Nepal

31 member Indian Army team arrives in Nepal on five-day visit – AwazHind Times

A 31-member delegation of the Indian Army’s “Defence Course” arrived in Nepal on Sunday. The visiting team includes students participating in the ‘National Defence Course-62’ that was held at the National Defence College in New Delhi, according to a press release issued by Nepali Army. Click here to read…

What does it mean for China that Nepal has now awarded two joint storage projects totaling 1200MW to India? – Inventive

The West-Seti Hydropower Project and Seti River Project (SR6), combined storage projects totalling 1200MW that China had twice abandoned, were officially granted by Nepal on August 18 to India’s National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC). The undertaking will be a year-round energy storage system. India will receive power through its national grid, either for internal consumption or export. Click here to read…

Standoff between Nepal’s President & govt over citizenship to ‘foreign women’ – WioNews

Nepal is in the grip of another political crisis as the country’s rulers are clashing. There is an apparent tussle between the executive and the president over citizenship Bill and it appears that the lawmakers are stuck between the government and president. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Death toll breaches 1,030 mark as floods wreak havoc: The Express Tribune

Floods continued to devastate the country on Sunday, particularly the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan leaving at least 119 people dead and more than 70 injured in the past 24 hours. Click here to read…

Several airlifted, many still stranded in KP: Dawn

With many still marooned in flood-affected regions of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and a significant number of people airlifted to safety on Sunday, the prime minister and the army chief made an attempt to bring a healing touch for a nation in grief. Click here to read…

Crucial IMF meeting for renewal of loan plan today: Dawn

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) meets on Monday (today) to consider a bailout package for Pakistan as Islamabad claims tying up at least $37 billion in loans and investments. If the board approves the deal, the IMF will immediately disburse about $1.2 billion to Pakistan and may provide up to $4 billion over the remainder of the current fiscal year, which began on July 1. Click here to read…

Flood inflicts $10bn loss on Pakistan economy: Miftah Ismail: The News

The flash floods have inflicted a loss of at least $10 billion on different sectors of the country’s struggling economy, says Minister for Finance Miftah Ismail. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sharp exchange between Delhi, Beijing over ship in Sri Lanka: The Indian Express

The docking of the Chinese military vessel in Sri Lanka has touched off a fresh war of words between New Delhi and Beijing — this time over Colombo. A day after the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, in a thinly veiled reference to India, alleged “thorough interference” into Sri Lanka’s sovereignty and invoked what he called the history of aggression by “the northern neighbour”, New Delhi hit back sharply Saturday. Click here to read…

Chinese company refuses to budge: Daily Mirror

A Chinese fertilizer company involved in a dispute with Sri Lanka, has refused to budge and had demanded that Sri Lanka respect the spirit of the agreement reached between both parties. Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group reminded the Sri Lankan authorities of a supplementary agreement reached between both parties in February 2022. Click here to read…

SL envoy woos Chinese investment in solar, wind energy: Daily Mirror

Sri Lankan Ambassador to China Dr. Palitha Kohona said Sri Lanka is an ideal spot for solar energy development and also wind energy development and China can be a big help as we transition to clean energy. “We would be able to address a huge part of our energy crisis by relying on renewable energy,” he said, according to the Chinese media. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Kabul Facilitating Return of Political Opponents: Spokesman: Tolo News

Islamic Emirate’s Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said that they are using all paths to facilitate the return of “political opponents.” Mujahid made the remarks in reaction to the Indian Defense Minister, Rajnath Singh, who told the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Tashkent on Wednesday that member states should encourage Afghanistan’s authorities to achieve national reconciliation through dialogue and negotiation and establish an inclusive political structure. Click here to read…

Afghan Soil Should Not Be Used to Attack Other Country: Indian Defense Minister at SCO: The Khaama Press

Rajnath Singh, the Defense Minister of India, said in Tashkent on Wednesday at the gathering of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)’s defense ministers that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used to “intimidate or attack” any other country. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

BRT project: Lack of safety measures poses risk of accidents: Dhaka Tribune

Even after several mishaps and recent deaths surrounding the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project in Dhaka, the Gazipur portion of the project continues to operate with no safety measures in place for the public. Click here to read…

Kushiyara River: Dhaka, Delhi finalize text of MoU to share water: Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh and India on Thursday finalized the text of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on interim water sharing of Kushiyara river.

Both sides welcomed finalization of the design and location of water intake point on the Feni river to meet the drinking water needs of Sabroom town in Tripura as per the October 2019 Bangladesh-India MoU on this subject. Click here to read…

Pakistan declares emergency in the face of calamitous floods: Dawn

Calling the incessant monsoon rains a “climate-inducted humanitarian crisis of epic proportions”, the Pakistan government on Thursday officially declared a ‘national emergency’ in light of the rain-induced floods which have so far killed 937 people, including 343 children, and left at least 30 million without shelter. Click here to read…

Bhutan

ADB-Backed Bhutanese Solar Project Seeks Bidders For Solar PV Plant – SaurEnergy.com

Through its Department of Renewable Energy, Bhutan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for a 17.38 MW solar power plant that will be financed by an Asian Development Bank (ADB) loan and is open to bidders from all eligible source countries of the bank. Click here to read…

Foreign Secretary Kwatra meets Bhutan counterpart, discusses bilateral issues – Devidiscource

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Tuesday met his counterpart from Bhutan Ambassador Pema Choden and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. “Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra held a meeting today with his counterpart from Bhutan Ambassador Pema Choden. Click here to read…

Maldives

MPS warns public of legal action, if attacks on those suspected of criminal offences, continue – Raajje

Maldives Police Service (MPS) has warned the public of legal action, if they continue to take matters into their own hands in connection with criminal cases. Stressing that the issue of members of the general public taking matters into their own hands and attacking persons suspected of carrying out criminal offences, in the name of “seeking justice”, against the legal mandate is concerning, the police institution revealed that henceforth, legal action will be taken against individuals who obstruct law enforcement and carry out such acts. Click here to read…

Oxford University to support deep-sea expedition to Maldives – Mirage News

Oxford University researchers are playing a key role in the first systematic survey of ocean life in the Maldives, from the surface to 1000 metres deep. This will enable the Maldivian Government to develop conservation and sustainable development policies, so that the oceans continue to protect and provide for the Maldivian people. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Mizoram: 2 held for smuggling exotic animals from Myanmar – Times Now News

The Mizoram Police have detained two persons and rescued nine exotic wildlife animals which are suspected to have been smuggled from Myanmar. The accused were nabbed in the state’s Kolasib district. A vehicle was intercepted at the check gate in the Kolasib district late on Wednesday night and two capybaras and seven grey monkeys were seized. Click here to read…

Myanmar arrests former UK ambassador – Telegraph India

Myanmar has detained the UK’s former ambassador to the country, where a military junta seized power last year, according to reports on Thursday. Sources said that both Vicky Bowman, who currently runs the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB), and her artist husband Htein Lin — a former political prisoner — were both detained. Click here to read…

Myanmar inflation crushing consumers since military takeover – Asia Nikkei

Inflation is rising in military-controlled Myanmar, pushing up prices for rice and other daily necessities by more than two digits as the kyat, the country’s currency, has been devalued due to a shortage of foreign exchange. The country finds itself in a vicious cycle, with people spending less amid runaway inflation and a worsening economy. Click here to read…

‘Comprehensive’ solution needed to end mass displacement of Rohingya – UN News

Some one million refugees remain in the vast camps of Cox’s Bazar, without any immediate prospect of being able to return home, which more than 150,000 mostly-Muslim Rohingya are still “confined in camps” in their native Rakhine state, said a statement issued on behalf of UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Click here to read…

Myanmar Regime Violently Detains Activist, Photographer Involved in Umbrella Protest – The Irrawaddy

The Myanmar junta violently arrested a young anti-regime protester and a freelance photographer who were involved in a widely emulated umbrella strike in Yangon earlier this month marking the 34th anniversary of the 1988 pro-democracy uprising. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal is not ready for Agnipath, delays recruitment for Indian Army – Asia News Network

The recruitment process for the Indian Army under Agnipath was scheduled to start in Nepal on August 25. Two days ago, Nepalese Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka and Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava held a meeting to discuss the issues. In the meeting, the Nepalese side informed him to wait on the plan to recruit Nepali youths under the scheme, which provides for a four-year term with no post-retirement benefits. Click here to read…

Nepal sees a dramatic face-off between executive and the President over citizenship bill – Kathmandu Post

A day after President Bidya Devi Bhandari hosted dinner for former Army generals, including the incumbent Chief of Army Staff Prabhu Ram Sharma, Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand on Thursday attempted to make it clear the government has taken every step in line with the constitution, in insinuation of activism by Sheetal Niwas. Click here to read…

Nepal eager to expand trade relations with Pakistan: Ambassador Adhikari – Big News Network

On Monday, Ambassadors of Nepal Tapas Adhikari, Azerbaijan’s Khazar Farhadov, and Turkmenistan’s Atadjan Movlamov paid a visit to the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI). They thoroughly discussed Pakistan’s trade and economic ties with their respective countries. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Army top brass hints at tougher approach against TTP: Dawn

Speaking at the 250th Corps Comm¬anders’ Conference, a monthly feature at General Headquarters, Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa, according to ISPR, “directed formations to maintain operational readiness and efforts to counter terrorism particularly in KP & Balochistan must continue (sic)” Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Japan seeks to organise Sri Lanka creditors’ meeting on debt crisis: Daily Mirror

Japan is seeking to organise a Sri Lanka creditors’ conference, hoping it could help solve the South Asia nation’s debt crisis, but uncertainties cloud the outlook for any talks, three people with knowledge of the planning said. Click here to read…

Rooftop solar sector demands substantial tariff hike: Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka’s Solar Industries Association (SIA) yesterday urged the government to immediately grant a substantial hike in feed-in tariffs (FIT) for rooftop solar producers in line with the recent increase in input costs in order to revitalise rooftop solar production and to ensure the country’s energy security without burdening electricity consumers further by increasing electricity tariffs. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Afghanistan at Brink of Irreversible Ruin: Amnesty International: The Khaama Press

Islamic Emirate leadership in reaction to a petition by Amnesty International regarding the violation of human rights in Afghanistan said the organization’s report is far from the truth. Earlier, Amnesty International created a petition on what it considers to be human rights violations in Afghanistan and is requesting comments from people all around the world. Click here to read…

USCIRF: ‘Severe’ Deterioration of Freedom of Religion since Taliban’s Takeover in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

In its most recent report, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) highlighted a “severe decline” in religious freedom since the Taliban’s takeover, which places religious minorities at risk of “extinction.”The Taliban’s enforcement of their strict conception of Sunni Islam adversely affects all Afghans who do not follow and adhere to that interpretation, according to the USCIRF report released on Tuesday, August 23. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Price hike: LDA’s strike underway: Dhaka Tribune

The 12-hour nationwide strike enforced by the Left Democratic Alliance (LDA), protesting the recent price hike of daily essentials, is being observed in Dhaka. Click here to read…

Five years of the Rohingya crisis: Dhaka Tribune

Five years have passed since the Myanmar military crackdown in Rakhine has sent nearly a million Rohingyas fleeing across the border to Bangladesh. With sharp decline in international funding and little prospect of repatriation anytime soon, Bangladesh continues to struggle to accommodate the million-strong refugees while fending off natural disasters, disease outbreaks, and food shortages. Click here to read…

Bhutan

WMO strengthens climate services delivery in Bhutan – WMO

WMO, with support from the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) Bhutan and the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in Asia and Africa (RIMES) has successfully completed the implementation of a project aimed at strengthening the capacity to provide climate services and support climate sensitive sectors in the remote, landlocked mountainous country. Click here to read…

Bhutan likely to save Nu 5.3B in a year from vehicle import moratorium – KuenselOnline

Bhutan could save Nu 5.3 billion (B) in a year from the moratorium on the import of vehicles. Bhutan imported 7,882 vehicles worth Nu 5.3B in 2021. The import includes buses, passenger cars, transport vehicles, special purpose vehicles, and motorcycles. In the first six months, the vehicle import figure was 3,248. In monetary terms, it was worth Nu 2.84B. Click here to read…

Maldives

Pres. urges top achievers to pursue fields essential for national development – Raajje

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged top achievement winners to pursue knowledge in fields essential for national development. He said this during the ‘Top Achievers’ Award 2020-2021’ ceremony held on Wednesday evening. Click here to read…

Maldives Minister Ali Solih stabbed in broad daylight, attacker seen reciting Quran verses – OpIndia

In a horrific incident, Maldivian Minister Ali Solih was attacked by a sharp weapon while he was riding on a bike in the Hulhumale region of the capital Male. The Maldivian Police immediately arrested the attacker who tried to slit his throat. Click here to read…

Myanmar

SAC Chairman holds Second Peace Talks with ethnic peace delegation in NPT – Eleven Myanmar

Chairman of State Administration Council (SAC), Commander-in-Chief of Defence Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing held Second Peace Talks with the peace delegation led by Chairman of Pa-O National Liberation Organization(PNLO) Khun Thurein, Chairman of Lahu Democratic Union(LDU )Kyar Solomon and Vice-Chairperson of the Arakan Liberation Party(ALP) Saw Mra Razar Lin at Bayintnaung villa in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday morning. Click here to read…

Myanmar: No Justice, No Freedom for Rohingya 5 Years On – HRW

Rohingya Muslims are still awaiting justice and protection of their rights five years after the Myanmar military began a sweeping campaign of massacres, rape, and arson in northern Rakhine State on August 25, 2017, Human Rights Watch said today. Click here to read…

AA releases statement addressing rising military tensions in Arakan State – BNI Online

Military tensions are escalating day by day and the theatre of war is expanding in Arakan State, the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) said in a statement on Tuesday. The Myanmar military has been mobilising its troops and bringing in reinforcements and additional weapons in what appears to be preparations for further military operations, according to the AA statement. Click here to read…

Myanmar brings in $800 mln from April-July gas exports – Reuters

Military-ruled Myanmar earned $800 million from natural gas exports mainly to China and Thailand between April and July, the junta said in the state newspaper on Thursday. Click here to read…

Nepal

Action recommended against 1,690 govt officials – The Himalayan Times

The National Vigilance Centre has written to the ministries and offices concerned, directing them to initiate disciplinary action against 1,690 government employees for absenteeism and violation of dress code in the past three months. Click here to read…

Indian army chief arriving in Kathmandu on a four day visit to Nepal on October 5 – My Republic

Chief of Indian Army Manoj Pande is arriving in Kathmandu on October 5. He is set to come to Nepal for a four-day visit at the invitation of the Nepal Army Chief Prabhu Ram Sharma. Click here to read…

Agnipath scheme may impact ties with Nepal – Tribune India

The Nepal Army is mostly trained and equipped by India. The Indian Army helped it in containing Maoist insurgency. The bilateral group on security cooperation was set up in its aftermath. New Delhi must treat Kathmandu with respect and not repeat the old mistake of taking Nepal for granted. The most worrying consequence of the Agnipath scheme could be the weakening of the ‘diplomatic bridge’ between Nepal and India. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Editorial: Mexican stand-off: Dawn

A STRANGE madness appears to be afflicting our political leaders. Knives out, they are chasing after each other in the hopes of landing a killing blow, not realising the damage they are doing to their own future prospects with the harmful precedents they are setting that ‘others’ can easily exploit. Click here to read…

Imran due in court today: Dawn

Extra security has been deployed at the Federal Judicial Complex where former prime minister and PTI chief Imran Khan is likely to appear to get pre-arrest bail on Thursday (today) in a terrorism case registered against him for threatening additional district and sessions judge Zeba Chaudhry and the Islamabad police chief. Click here to read…

IMF sees inflation peaking at 20%: The Express Tribune

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) sees Pakistan’s economy slowing to around 3.5% due to weakening economic conditions and average inflation rate peaking to nearly 20% by the end of the current fiscal year on the back of currency depreciation and higher commodity prices. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

President urges China to change tune on debt: Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka is urging China to dramatically change its stance on debt relief, President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Nikkei Asia in an exclusive interview, conceding that reaching a deal will be no simple task. The appeal to China, the bankrupt Indian Ocean nation’s largest bilateral lender, has emerged as a formidable challenge to Wickremesinghe, who is leading the country’s financial team as it attempts to rebuild an economy starved of foreign reserves and mired in miseryClick here to read…

Gota to return during first week of September: Daily Mirror

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is to return to Sri Lanka during the first week of next month, Daily Mirror learns . An informed source said he is likely to return either on September 2 or 3. Earlier,The Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe to make arrangements for the former president to return . Click here to read…

Amid soft-peg crisis, Sri Lanka suspends imports of over 300 items from Wed: Business Standard

Amidst soft-peg crisis, Sri Lanka has temporarily suspended the import of over 300 ‘non-essential’ items with effect from Wednesday. Signed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe in his capacity as the Finance Minister, the gazette was issued under the Import and Export Control Act. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

UN’s Griffiths: Women, Girls Face ‘Alarming Rollback On Their Rights’: Tolo News

Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, while talking to CGTN TV said that the situation of women and girls in Afghanistan is regressing. “Women and girls are facing alarming rollback on their rights,” said Martin Griffiths. Click here to read…

Japan to Grant Refugee Status to 98 Afghan Nationals: The Khaama Press

Japan has reportedly granted refugee status to 98 Afghan nationals, including staff who worked at the Japanese embassy in Kabul and their families, who left Afghanistan last year, according to Japanese media citing government sources. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Dhaka, Delhi eye positive results during PM Hasina’s visit: Dhaka Tribune

Former Indian foreign secretary and G20 Chief Coordinator Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Tuesday said Bangladesh is a remarkable story in terms of growth and development. He highlighted the achievements and accomplishments made by the two countries over the last decade and shed light on future cooperation between the two countries as Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is set to visit New Delhi September at the invitation of her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi. Click here to read…

President Hamid alerts against plastic usage to protect environment: Dhaka Tribune

President M Abdul Hamid on Tuesday urged everyone, including political leaders, district administration and civil society to remain alert in using plastic waste and polythene to protect the balance of the environment. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Foreign Secretary Kwatra meets Bhutan counterpart, discusses bilateral issues – The Print

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra on Tuesday met his counterpart from Bhutan Ambassador Pema Choden and discussed bilateral issues of mutual interest. Click here to read…

WMO strengthens climate services delivery in Bhutan – Mirage News

WMO, with support from the National Centre for Hydrology and Meteorology (NCHM) Bhutan and the Regional Integrated Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems in Asia and Africa (RIMES) has successfully completed the implementation of a project aimed at strengthening the capacity to provide climate services and support climate sensitive sectors in the remote, landlocked mountainous country. Click here to read…

Maldives

Ambassador Shaan presents credentials to President of Germany – Raajje

The Ambassador of the Republic of Maldives to the Federal Republic of Germany, has presented her credentials. Ambassador Aishath Shaan Shakir presented her Letter of Credence to the President of Germany, Frank-Walter Steinmeier during an official ceremony held on Monday. Click here to read…

Team of Maldivian journalists head to India for training – Raajje

The Maldives Media Council revealed that the skill-building and training programme comes under an opportunity paved by the Indian government’s ITEC Programme. The initiative comes under the council’s efforts to advance the skills and pave progress for media houses of the island nation. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar: No Justice, No Freedom for Rohingya 5 Years On – HRW

Rohingya Muslims are still awaiting justice and protection of their rights five years after the Myanmar military began a sweeping campaign of massacres, rape, and arson in northern Rakhine State on August 25, 2017, Human Rights Watch said today. More than 730,000 Rohingya fled to precarious, flood-prone camps in Bangladesh, while about 600,000 remain under oppressive rule in Myanmar. Click here to read…

UN faces heat over envoy’s trip to Myanmar – RFA

Myanmar’s shadow National Unity Government (NUG) and more than 850 civil society groups called on the United Nations to remove its appointed envoy to the country after her visit last week and demonstrate a “serious commitment” to resolving the nation’s worsening humanitarian crisis. Click here to read…

Devalued Kyat currency stops trade at Myanmar-China border – RFA

Myanmar merchants who trade goods across the border with China say their country’s kyat has depreciated so much relative to the Chinese yuan that they are no longer able to stay in business. The traders typically export agricultural and fisheries products to China and import Chinese consumer and industrial goods and food products to Myanmar. Click here to read…

As Myanmar Coup Intensifies Regional Human Trafficking, How Will China Respond – The Diplomat

Since the 2021 Myanmar coup, over 2,200 people have been killed by the military. The military doubled down on political repression by executing well-known political activists and burning villages with members participating in armed resistance. Click here to read…

Myanmar national among two held in major drug bust: Mizoram Police – The Print

The Special Narcotics Cell of the Mizoram Police seized 2.7 kilograms of heroin in the Kolasib district on Monday night and arrested two persons including a Myanmar national, police said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Nepal

Country’s trade deficit narrows by 10.38pc – The Himalayan Times

The government’s decision to give continuity to the ban on import of non-essential items listed under 10 categories limited the country’s trade deficit to Rs 116.476 billion in the first month (mid-July to mid-August) of the current fiscal year 2022-23. Click here to read…

Nepal Government forms High-level Salary and Facilities Commission – Nepal 24 Hours

A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on August 22 has constituted the commission under the convenorship of former Chief Secretary Leelamani Paudyal for carrying out necessary study for revising the salary, allowance, remuneration and facilities of government employees and workers, and recommend to the government. The commission has been asked to make the study and recommendation on the basis of the country’s economic condition and its spending capacity. Click here to read…

China’s zero-Covid policy turns Nepal border towns into ‘dead’ zones as trade routes dry up – SCMP

China’s zero-Covid policy is proving a major obstacle to the resumption of two-way trade with Nepal, with border closures causing a sharp decline in Nepalese exports to the world’s No 2 economy and losses for merchants. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan’s political turmoil echoes in US, UN corridors: Dawn

The political turmoil in Pakistan echoed far away in the United States as well, where the UN chief urged Islamabad to keep the legal process impartial while the State Depart¬ment underlined the need to follow “democratic, constitutional and legal” principles. Click here to read…

Pakistan seeks world aid to cope with flood emergency: Dawn

As massive floods across Pakistan have so far claimed at least 830 lives since July, the government on Tuesday decided to launch an international appeal seeking funds for relief and rehabilitation of flood-hit people and restoration of damaged infrastructure. Click here to read…

Pakistan explores debt rescheduling option: The Express Tribune

The government has explored an option to seek rescheduling of its external debt, as Pakistan faces a mammoth challenge to service over two-third or $66 billion of the total external public and publicly-guaranteed repayments in five years. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s ousted president Rajapaksa may return home by early September:Sources: Economic Times

Sri Lanka’s former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa may return home in about two weeks after fleeing a popular uprising in July, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday, depending in part on arrangements to secure his safety.
Click here to read…

PTA, a must to tackle terrorism: Cabinet Spokesman: Daily Mirror

The government today said that the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) sleuths are questioning several suspects including the convener of the IUSF Wasantha Mudalige detained under the provisions of Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) to determine whether there was a conspiracy to topple the government.Click here to read…

Govt. slaps import ban on wide range of goods: Daily Mirror

President Ranil Wickremesinghe, in his capacity as the Finance, Economic Stabilisation and National Policies Minister, yesterday issued new regulations via an extraordinary gazette suspending the import of a plethora of items, with effect from August 23, 2022, until further notice. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Reuters Sources: US to Discuss Frozen Funds With Kabul: Tolo News

(Reuters) US President Joe Biden’s administration will press ahead with talks on releasing billions of dollars in Afghanistan’s foreign-held assets despite the late al Qaeda leader’s presence in Kabul and foot-dragging by the Islamic Emirate and Afghan central bank, according to three sources with knowledge of the situation. Click here to read…

Revocation or Extension: Taliban Official’s Travel Ban Waiver to Be Reviewed by UNSC Today: The Khaama Press

The UN Security Council (UNSC) will vote today on whether to extend the 13 Taliban officials’ travel exemptions or to rescind their waivers in light of the disagreements among UNSC member statesClick here to read…

US to Push Forward Afghan Asset Talks with Taliban: The Khaama Press

Despite tensions between the US and the Taliban over the presence and assassination of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri in Kabul, US President Joe Biden’s administration will move forward with negotiations to release billions of dollars of Afghan frozen foreign assets, Reuters reported citing sources. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

BPC plans to import diesel, jet fuel from Russia: The Daily Star

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) is considering buying discounted diesel and jet fuel from Russia as it seeks relief from the elevated prices in the global market. Click here to read…

Envoy: UK ready to send independent observers to Bangladesh national polls: Dhaka Tribune

British High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson on Monday said the United Kingdom is ready to send independent observers to the national election of Bangladesh if the country’s Election Commission allows for it. Click here to read…

UN special envoy for Myanmar in Dhaka: Dhaka Tribune

UN special envoy for Myanmar Noeleen Heyzer arrived in Dhaka Monday on a four-day visit.She is expected to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, State Minister for Disaster Management and Relief Enamur Rahman, and Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan forex reserves plummet : Another economic crisis waiting to happen in India’s neighbourhood – Times Now News

As Bhutan’s foreign exchange reserves plummet, the nation said it would ban the import of all vehicles except utility vehicles, heavy earthmoving machines and agriculture machinery, according to a Reuters report. Click here to read…

Bhutan: The First Carbon Negative Country In The World – Earth.Org

Bhutan is both the happiest and also the greenest country in the world. In the past 50 years, the Bhutanese government chose to measure progress beyond Gross Domestic Product (GDP), by focussing instead on the Gross National Happiness (GNH) and placing emphasis on environmental protection. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives Environment Minister Ali Solih stabbed near Male – Indian Narrative

According to The Times of Addu, Solih was attacked while he was riding his motorcycle on a road in Hulhumale. Maldivian media reported that the perpetrator recited some verses of the Quran before launching the attack on Solih’s neck from behind. The knife missed the neck but slit part of his left arm. Click here to read…

Maldives tourist arrivals exceed 1.02 mil by mid-August – Edition

According to the government body’s latest statistical update, tourist arrivals so far in 2022 observe an annual increment of 47.9 percent in comparison with the same period last year. In 2021, tourist arrivals by the same review period reached 695,406. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar junta naval fleet attacked by PDFs in Katha, Sagaing – Mizzima

A video released on 19 August purports to show a Myanmar army fleet sailing upstream from Katha, Sagaing Region to Bhamo in Kachin state being attacked by missiles, according to Katha PDF. The fleet contained supply ships and six warships was attacked by free-flight missiles and electric-shocked grenades launchers on 18 August at 11:00 am along the Ayeyarwaddy River near Nakuu Village, six miles north of Katha town. Click here to read…

Can Bangladesh-Myanmar military ties stabilise the region – The Daily Star

Myanmar always gets priority in Bangladesh’s economic and security strategy. Although democratic Bangladesh has a moral dilemma in supporting the military government, it has yet to formally condemn the military coup or demand Aung San Su Kyi’s release. It underscores Dhaka’s careful support for the junta’s “one-Myanmar government policy.” Click here to read…

It’s Time to Help Myanmar’s Resistance Prevail – USIP

The international community can be divided into three camps in dealing with Myanmar’s brutal coup regime. One consists of a shameless group that includes Russia, China and India that supports the junta and, in the case of Russia and China, supplies weapons to further their own narrow national interests. A second is a divided ASEAN that cobbled together and continues to promote the so-called “five-point consensus,” an incoherent initiative that was dead on arrival more than a year ago. The third is the West, which has imposed sanctions, offered humanitarian aid and taken a strong rhetorical position opposing the coup, yet criticizes armed resistance and avoids bold action, favoring instead the cautious, ineffectual path of supporting ASEAN’s failed plan. Click here to read…

Even as the West tries to wean itself off Russian oil, Moscow has found itself yet another buyer: Myanmar – Business Insider

Despite sanctions and boycotts over its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has managed to acquire new customers for its energy products. This time, Myanmar is joining the line to buy Russian gas and fuel oil, according to Reuters and Bloomberg. Click here to read…

Nepal

Explained | The controversy around Nepal’s new citizenship law – The Hindu

On August 16, Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari sent back the Citizenship Amendment Act, 2006 to the Pratinidhi Sabha (House of Representatives), the lower house of the Nepal Parliament, urging the members to reconsider the ActClick here to read…

China shuts down borders with Nepal citing Covid, containers worth billions of rupees remain stranded – Op India

China has, once again, shut the Tatopani and Rasuwagadhi border points between Nepal and China, citing an increase in the number of Covid cases in the cities near the transfer points. Nepali customs officials say that the Tatopani border is closed since Wednesday whereas the Rasuwagadhi point is shut since last weekend. This decision comes as a big setback for Nepalese traders who will be incurring losses worth millions of Nepalese rupees ahead of the famous Nepalese Dashain festival. Click here to read…

Nepal gives India two power projects quit by China – Economic Times

India has expanded power sector partnership with Nepal with Kathmandu awarding the much-delayed West Seti Hydropower Project and Seti River Hydropower Project in the western part of the Himalayan nation to a leading Indian firm nearly four years after China withdrew from these projects. Click here to read…

China’s Belt and Road Initiative faces protests in Nepal amid fears of Beijing’s expansionist designs – Zee News

The Youth Department of Nepal`s Rashtriya Ekta Abhiyan held a protest rally demanding the revocation of the agreement on China`s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the cancellation of the Muslim Commission, local media reported.The rally from Maitighar Mandal in Kathmandu to Naya Baneshwar witnessed the participation of hundreds of people. Click here to read…

Pakistan

No-province-safe-from-rain-related-devastation: Dawn

As heavy monsoon rains and flooding continued to cause widespread damage to areas across the country, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government on Monday declared a state of emergency in four districts, relief goods were airdropped in Dera Ghazi Khan and Rajanpur districts of Punjab, dozens of families were shifted to tents in Gilgit-Baltistan after their villages were destroyed and efforts still under way to restore the National Highway link between Punjab and Balochistan. Click here to read…

IHC grants Imran protective bail till August 25 in terrorism case: The Express Tribune

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Monday granted former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan protective bail till August 25 a day after he was booked under terrorism charges. Click here to read…

Pakistan to get $2bn from Qatar: SBP: The News

Pakistan will receive $2 billion from Qatar in bilateral support to help ease the South Asian nation’s funding crunch and the consequent risk of a default, the central bank said on Monday.The country will also get $1 billion in oil financing from Saudi Arabia and a similar amount in investments from the UAE. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

SL ranks 5th among 10 countries with highest food price inflation: World Bank: The Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka ranked 5th among the 10 countries with the highest food price inflation in the latest World Bank assessment.According, Lebanon, Zimbabwe, Venezuela and Turkey ranked first four countries in the assessment while Iran, Argentina, Suriname, Ethiopia and Moldova ranked behind Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

‘Bad bank’ mooted to deal with tourism industry debt: The Daily Mirror

The Sri Lanka tourism authorities, led by Tourism Minister Harin Fernando, are actively contemplating on setting up what is called a ‘bad bank’ to restructure the debt of the crisis-hit tourism sector, Mirror Business learnsClick here to read…

India hands over 21,000 tonnes of fertilizer to Sri Lanka: The Economic Times

India on Monday handed over 21,000 tonnes of fertilizer to the crisis-ridden neighbour Sri Lanka. “Adding to the fragrance of friendship and cooperation. High Commissioner formally handed over 21,000 tonnes of fertilizer supplied under India’s special support to the people of Sri Lanka,” tweeted the High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

DEFENCE

• RIMPAC – 2022.
• DRDO successfully test fires indigenously developed laser-guided ATGMs.
• Tejas Fighter Aircraft.
• Army Design Bureau has signed a MoU with the Drone Federation of India.
• 13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022”.
• 12th Def Expo to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) flew three indigenous platforms, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40).
• Repair of a US Navy Ship in India.
• 4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue.
• Indian Air Force to participate in bilateral exercise hosted by Malaysia.
• Indo Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najaf IV concluded.
• Bengaluru-based start-up innovates communication through Quantum Key Distribution Systems.
• India gifts Dornier aircraft to strengthen maritime security of Sri Lanka.

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Nigeria

• Around 1,755 Boko Haram terrorists surrendered during the Operation HADIN KAI at various locations.

Niger

• Several Boko Haram terrorists were killed in an airstrike in Shiroro LGA.

Afghanistan

• Islamic State carried out an attack in Kabul and killed a prominent Taliban cleric.
• “Al-Qa’ida has not reconstituted its presence in Afghanistan,” claimed new US intelligence assessment.
• Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in Kabul.

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

• NIA officials searched various locations in Doda and Jammu districts in “JeI-J&K Terror Financing” case.
• Security forces killed a key LeT terrorist in Budgam.
• JKGF carried out a grenade attack in Ramban.

Left-Wing Extremism

• Maoist woman leader surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

• NIA officials arrested 10th accused in “Amravati killing case”.
• Police demolished an illegal madrassa linked with al-Qa’ida in Assam.
• NIA arrested two JMB operatives from Madhya Pradesh in connection with “JMB Bhopal case”.
• NIA officials arrested 09th accused in “Udaipur killing case”.
• NIA officials searched and arrested an IS operative from Delhi.
• UP ATS arrested an IS operative from Azamgarh.
• NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against an al-Qa’ida operative in “al-Qa’ida Lucknow case”.

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

• SFJ threatened to replace Tiranga with ‘Khalistan’ flag at Attari border in Amritsar, Punjab.
• Canada-based drug cartels are trying to revive Khalistan movement in India.
• SFJ announced to hold ‘Canadian phase’ of Khalistan Referendum in September 2022.

DEFENCE

RIMPAC – 2022.

INS Satpura entered Pearl Harbour in Hawaii, USA on 02 Aug 22 on completion of the sea phase of RIMPAC-22, a multilateral exercise conducted over 22 days off Hawaii, USA. RIMPAC-22 is one of the largest multilateral naval exercises in which the Indian Navy participates and the exercise this year has witnessed participation from 26 countries comprising 38 surface ships, 09 land forces, 31 unmanned systems, 170 aircraft and over 2,500 personnel.
For more information: Click here to read…

DRDO successfully test fires indigenously developed laser-guided ATGMs.

Indigenously developed Laser-Guided Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) were successfully test-fired from Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Army.
Fore more information: Click here to read…

Tejas Fighter Aircraft.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a Defence PSU under the Ministry of Defence responded to a Request for Information (RFI) received from Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Malaysia in February, 2019 for LCA class aircraft. Subsequently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited responded in October, 2021 to Request for Proposal (RFP) issued against tender released by Royal Malaysian Air Force, Malaysia for 18 nos of Fighter Lead In Trainer – Light Combat Aircraft (FLIT – LCA) and HAL offered LCA Tejas twin seater variant. Other countries which have evinced interest in LCA aircraft are: Argentina, Australia, Egypt, USA, Indonesia, and Philippines.
For more information: Click here to read…

Army Design Bureau has signed a MoU with the Drone Federation of India.

The Army Design Bureau on behalf of the Indian Army has signed a MoU with the Drone Federation of India to collaboratively work towards promoting research, development, testing and manufacturing of drones, counter-drone and associated technologies that can assist the Indian Army in its operations.
For more information: Click here to read…

13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022”.

The 13th Edition of the Indo-US Joint Special Forces exercise “Ex Vajra Prahar 2022” commenced at the Special Forces Training School (SFTS), Bakloh (HP) today. The US contingent is represented by personnel from the 1st Special Forces Group (SFG) and Special Tactics Squadron (STS) of US Special Forces and the Indian Army contingent is formed by drawing Special Forces personnel under the aegis of SFTS. This annual exercise is hosted alternatively between India and the United States. The 12th edition was conducted at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord, Washington (USA) in October 2021.

During the course of next 21 days, teams of both armies would jointly train, plan and execute a series of Special Operations, Counter Terrorist Operations, Air Borne operations in simulated conventional and unconventional scenarios in mountainous terrain.
For more information: Click here to read…

12th Def Expo to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujrat.

The 12th edition of DefExpo – India’s flagship exhibition on Land, Naval and Homeland Security systems – will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from October 18-22, 2022. The five-day event will witness three business days followed by two public days. It was postponed in March 2022 due to logistical problems being faced by the participants.
For more information: Click here to read…

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) flew three indigenous platforms, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40).

Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) was on a two day visit to Bangalore. He flew three indigenous platforms, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40 (HTT-40), which are being inducted into IAF as part of its drive towards Atmanirbharta.
For more information: Click here to read…

Repair of a US Navy Ship in India.

US Navy Ship (USNS) Charles Drew arrived at L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli, Chennai on August 07, 2022 for undertaking repairs and allied services. This is the first ever repair of a US Navy ship in India. The US Navy had awarded a contract to L&T’s Shipyard at Kattupalli for undertaking maintenance of the ship. The USNS Charles Drew will be at Kattupalli shipyard for a period of 11 days and undergo repairs in various areas.
For more information: Click here to read…

4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue.

The 4th India-Bangladesh Annual Defence Dialogue, co-chaired by Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar and Principal Staff Officer of Armed Forces Division of Bangladesh Lt Gen Waker-Uz-Zaman, was held in New Delhi on August 11, 2022. During their interaction, they reviewed ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries and expressed satisfaction that collaboration is growing despite difficulties imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Both sides emphasised the need to work closely to implement the USD 500 million line of credit extended from India for defence items.
For more information: Click here to read…

Indian Air Force to participate in bilateral exercise hosted by Malaysia

A contingent of the Indian Air Force left for Malaysia today to participate in a bilateral exercise named ‘Udarashakti’. Indian Air Force is participating in the air exercise with Su-30 MKI and C-17 aircraft while the RMAF will be flying Su 30 MKM aircraft. The Indian contingent departed from one of its air bases directly for their destination, the RMAF base of Kuantan. The exercise will give an opportunity to IAF contingent members to share and learn best practices with some of the best professionals from RMAF, while also discussing mutual combat capabilities. The four days of exercise will witness conduct of various aerial combat drills between the two Air Forces. The aim of the exercise was to achieve inter-operability and to acquaint each other with operational procedures and combat drills in a Counter Terrorism environment under United Nations mandate.
For more information: Click here to read…

Indo Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najaf IV concluded.
The Indo Oman Joint Military Exercise Al Najaf IV concluded at Mahajan Field Firing Ranges today. A solemn Closing Ceremony marked the culmination of the exercise. This platoon level 13 days exercise had commenced on 01 August 2022.
For more information: Click here to read…

Bengaluru-based start-up innovates communication through Quantum Key Distribution Systems.

QNu Labs, a Bengaluru-based Deep Tech Start-up, has broken distance barriers by innovating advanced secured communication through Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) systems. The project was curated by iDEX-DIO with Indian Army. After the successful trials, now the Indian Army has initiated the process of procurement of QKD systems developed by QNu Labs by issuing commercial Request For Proposal (RFP) and its deployment.

Quantum technology has a huge potential for military application and a disruptive impact on modern-day warfare. A QKD system allows creation of a quantum secure secret pair of symmetric keys between two end points, separated by certain distance (in this case, over 150 Kms) in terrestrial optical fiber infrastructure.
For more information: Click here to read…

India gifts Dornier aircraft to strengthen maritime security of Sri Lanka.

India gifted a Dornier Maritime Reconnaissance aircraft on 15 August 2022 towards strengthening the maritime security of Sri Lanka at a special event held in Sri Lanka Air Force Base, Katunayake. Navy and Air Force personnel of Sri Lanka who received training in India for close to four months shall operate the aircraft. They will also receive operational support from their Indian counterparts.
For more information: Click here to read…

INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM

Africa

Nigeria

Around 1,755 Boko Haram terrorists surrendered during the Operation HADIN KAI at various locations.

During a week of the Operation HADIN KAI at various locations in Nigeria, around 1,755 Boko Haram terrorists and their families, comprising of 280 male, 523 females, and 925 Children, surrendered before the Nigerian troops, and handed over to relevant authorities. According to the out-going Defence Media Operations spokesman— Maj Gen Bernard Onyenko, “troops ambushed the hideouts of Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along Road Uzoro-Gadamayo in Adamawa State.”

Likewise, airstrikes were carried out on 03 August 2022 as a part of Operation HADIN KAI at Degbawa near Mandara Mountains in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. During the airstrike, a key ISWAP commander— Alhaji Modu aka Bem Bem and his associates were eliminated. “Within a week of the same operation, Nigerian troops eliminated 29 terrorists, arrested 55 terrorists, and rescued 52 civilians. Also, troops recovered 128 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunitions, 05 bicycles, 12 AK-47 rifles, 04 motorbikes, and 05 mobile phones,” confirmed Maj Gen Onyenko.
For more information: Click here to read…

Niger

Several Boko Haram terrorists were killed in an airstrike in Shiroro LGA.

On 14 August 2022, the Niger’s Federal Government posted on official Twitter handle that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) carried out an airstrike and have eliminated several Boko Haram terrorists, while attending a meeting called by a key commander— Aminu Duniya, in Kurebe in Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA), Niger. The operation was conducted by ground and air force of the Nigerian armed forces.

“While @HQNigerianArmy troops laid siege around the location, @NigAirForce aircraft were directed to the suspected location of the terrorists. Several terrorists were confirmed killed after the strike, though it remains unclear if Aminu Duniya was also neutralized.”— Government of Nigeria (@NigeriaGov).
For more information: Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Islamic State carried out an attack in Kabul and killed a prominent Taliban cleric.

On 11 August 2022, the Islamic State (IS) carried out an attack and killed a prominent Taliban cleric— Rahimullah Haqqani, at his religious centre in Kabul, Afghanistan. According to the Taliban officials, the attack was carried out with explosives hidden in a plastic artificial leg. There have been several attacks on Taliban leaders and often target religious & ethnic minorities, since the Taliban came into power forcefully in Afghanistan.
For more information: Click here to read…

“Al-Qa’ida has not reconstituted its presence in Afghanistan,” claimed new US intelligence assessment.

According to the recent US intelligence assessment, the consensus view of the intelligence community is that “while fewer than a dozen al-Qa’ida core members remain in Afghanistan, Zawahiri was the only key figure who had tried to re-establish himself in the country after US forces departed.” According to the assessment, any surviving al-Qa’ida militants are not conspiring on an external attack, and the organisation as a whole “does not have capabilities to launch strikes against the United States (US) or its interests abroad from Afghanistan.”

“US will continue to remain vigilant, along with our partners, to defend our nation and ensure that Afghanistan never again becomes a safe haven for terrorism,” said US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic State claimed responsibility for a bomb attack in Kabul.

On 05 August 2022, Islamic State (IS) terror organisation carried out a bomb blast in which at least eight people were killed and 18 wounded, in a Shi’ite residential area in Kabul in Afghanistan. According to a senior Taliban security official, “explosives were placed in a vegetable cart. There is a possibility of rise in death toll because many of the wounded people had critical wounds.”
For more information: Click here to read…

DOMESTIC TERRORISM

Jammu and Kashmir

NIA officials searched various locations in Doda and Jammu districts in “JeI-J&K Terror Financing” case.

On 08 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials searched premises of six suspects in Doda district and one suspect’s house in Jammu district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), in the case related to Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI)-J&K terror funding case.

The case— RC-03/2021/NIA/DLI related to the financing activities of the JeI-J&K, which even after its declaration as the Unlawful Association in 2019, continues to raise funds in various forms under the shadow of charitable purposes. However, these funds were diverted to terrorist organisations, such as Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), and others for carrying out terrorist activities in Kashmir valley and rest of India. During the search, the NIA personnel recovered incriminating material, receipt of funds raised by the JeI-J&K, bank and property related documents, and electronic devices.
For more information: Click here to read…

Security forces killed a key LeT terrorist in Budgam.
Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)’s terrorist— Lateef Ahmad Rather was involved in killings of several civilians, including Rahul Bhat— a clerk and TV actor— Amreen Bhat in May 2022. On 10 August 2022, security forces killed Lateef Ahmad Rather in exchange of fire in Waterhail area of Budgam district in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

In 2000, Rather joined terrorism and was involved in random terrorist incidents in the Valley. Since March 2022, Rather was directly involved in six terrorist attacks in the various areas of Kashmir.
For more information: Click here to read…

JKGF carried out a grenade attack in Ramban.
On 02 August 2022, terrorists of Jammu-Kashmir Ghaznavi Force (JKGF), an off-shoot of terror group— Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) carried out a grenade attack on the police post in Gool area of Ramban district in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). However, the attack was thwarted by the Sentry deployed at the post as he noticed suspicious movement around the post and fired some rounds of ammunition at terrorists. Police found a letter in which JKGF claimed the responsibility of the attack.

To evade international scrutiny and carry-on terrorist activities, post-Pulwama attack in 2019, JeM formed the JKGF terror group. The JKGF comprises of operatives from other terrorist groups, including Hizb ul-Mujahideen (HM), al-Badr, Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGuH), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). “A grenade blast has occurred near the premises of police post which falls in the jurisdiction of police station gool. A letter has also been found claiming it to be done by JKGF. The Special Operations Group (SOG) and Army teams have been mobilised for cordon and search. The case has been registered and investigation in progress,” said Mukesh Singh, ADG Jammu.
For more information: https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/grenade-attack-on-police-post-in-ramban-ghaznavi-force-claims-responsibility-articleshow.html” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Left-Wing Extremism

Maoist woman leader surrendered in Andhra Pradesh.

On 06 August 2022, a Maoist woman leader— Podiam Jogamma aka Ritika surrendered before the police in Andhra Pradesh. According to police records, Jogamma was involved in the gun-battle with Chhattisgarh police in 2021 in which 22 police personnel attained Veergati and three Maoists were killed.
For more information: Click here to read…

Islamic Extremism (excluding J&K)

NIA officials arrested 10th accused in “Amravati killing case”.

On 11 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested Shaikh Shakeel, a 28 years-old, for his alleged involvement in the conspiracy of the murder of Umesh Pralhadrao Kolhe in Amravati, Maharashtra. Earlier, nine accused had already been arrested in the same case on 23 June, 24 June, 25 June, 02 July, and 02 August.
Umesh Pralhadrao Kolhe, a chemist by profession, was killed on 21 June 2022 in Amravati (Maharashtra), a week before the murder of Kanhaiya Lal in Udaipur, Rajasthan.
For more information: Click here to read…

Police demolished an illegal madrassa linked with al-Qa’ida-affiliate group in Assam.

On 04 August 2022, Assam police demolished an illegal madrassa managed by alleged ‘funding-handler’ of al-Qa’ida affiliate group— Ansar ul-Islam (AuI) at Moriabari in Morigaon district in Assam. On 27 July 2022, Mufti Mustafa, an operative of al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) and the man behind madrassa, was arrested.

So far, total 28 AQIS operatives have been arrested in Assam, including a Bangladeshi national. Assam has already shutdown about 600 State-run madrassas and turned them into regular schools. However, about 1,000 madrassas are still active and operational. The demolition of Moriabari madrassa was in accordance with the Disaster Management Act and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act [UA(P)A].
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA arrested two JMB operatives from Madhya Pradesh in connection with “JMB Bhopal case”.

On 07 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested two Jamaat ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) operatives— i) Hamidullah aka Raju Gaji, and ii) Mohammad Sahadat Hussain aka Abidullah, from the Police Station— Eint Khedi in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

The case— RC-11/2022/NIA/DLI is related to the arrest of six JMB operatives, including three illegal Bangladeshi immigrants from Aishbagh in Bhopal. The arrested operatives were involved in propagating JMB ideology and luring the youth to carryout jihad against India. The arrested duo— Hamidullah and Sahadat were close associates of earlier arrested JMB operatives and were communicating with their associates in India and Bangladesh via encrypted application.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA officials arrested 09th accused in “Udaipur killing case”.

On 10 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials arrested Muslim Khan aka Muslim Raza, for his alleged involvement in killing of Kanhaiya Lal Teli, a tailor by profession, in Udaipur, Rajasthan. Muslim Khan is a 09th accused in the same case.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA officials searched and arrested an IS “fund raiser” from Delhi.

On 06 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials carried out a search operation and arrested an Islamic State (IS) operative— Mohsin Ahmad, from Batla House, New Delhi, for his alleged involvement in collection of funds for IS from sympathisers in India as well as abroad.
The case— RC-26/2022/NIA/DLI was registered suo-moto by NIA on 25 June 2022. Allegedly, Mohsin was transferring the funds to Syria and other places in form of cryptocurrency in order to further the activities of IS.
For more information: Click here to read… `

UP ATS arrested an IS operative from Azamgarh.

The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), on 09 August 2022, foiled a conspiracy to target Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) members and arrested an Islamic State (IS) operative— Sabahudeen Azmi from Azamgarh, UP. The ATS team recovered an illegal firearm and raw materials which are useful in preparing a “pipe bomb”. The preliminary investigation revealed that Sabahudeen was in contact with two other IS recruiters— i) Abu Umar, and ii) Abu Bakar al-Shami.
According to the ATS officials, on the basis of anonymity, Sabahudeen was radicalising more people to join IS through social media platforms and also created a Telegram channel ‘Al-Saqr Media’ to brainwash Indian Muslim youth.
For more information: Click here to read…

NIA filed a supplementary chargesheet against an al-Qa’ida operative in “al-Qa’ida Lucknow case”.

On 03 August 2022, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filed a supplementary chargesheet before the NIA Special Court, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, against an al-Qa’ida operative— Umar Halmandi, based on Afghanistan-Pakistan border was radicalising and recruiting youth for the al-Qa’ida in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS). Umar was accused of raising an al-Qa’ida module and a chapter of Ansar Ghazwat ul-Hind (AGuH) in Lucknow to carryout terrorist activities.
For more information: Click here to read…

Khalistan-inspired Extremism

SFJ threatened to replace Tiranga with ‘Khalistan’ flag at Attari border in Amritsar, Punjab.

Against Indian government’s campaign of Har Ghar Tiranga (Tiranga in every house), the proscribed unlawful organisation— Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) issued a statement in which its chief Gurpatwant Singh Pannu said that his organisation will start the Ghar Ghar Khalistan (Khalistan in every house) campaign and had threatened to replace India’s tallest national flag at the International Border of India-Pakistan at Attari, Amritsar, with the so-called Khalistan flag on 15 August 2022.

In one of the videos circulated on social media, a veiled woman, who identified herself as a ‘Kashmiri Mujahid’, vows support for the Khalistan and called for the removal of Tiranga at the Attari border.
For more information: https://newindian.in/sfj-threatens-to-replace-indias-tallest-tiranga-with-khalistan-flag/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Canada-based drug cartels are trying to revive Khalistan movement in India.

Indian security agencies are suspecting the revival of Khalistan movement in India, which is being handled from Canada and Pakistan by involving the narco-terror network run by India-Canadian gangsters who operate out of Canada. The agencies had been tracking links between the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala with the India-Canadian criminal network, which has penetrated and entrenched deeply within the Canadian law enforcement, including its intelligence agencies.

According to Indian intelligence officials, pro-Khalistan sentiments are now wielding influence inside Canadian government offices due to the electoral power that some members of their group have in that country.
For more information: Click here to read…

SFJ announced to hold ‘Canadian phase’ of Khalistan Referendum in September 2022.

The banned unlawful organisation— Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) announced to hold ‘Canadian phase’ of Khalistan Referendum on 18 September 2022 in Toronto, Canada. In Referendum, the Canadian-Sikhs will vote on the question— “Should India governed Punjab be an independent country?”. The SFJ named the voting centre in Toronto after “Shaheed Harjinder Singh Pahra”, a young pro-Khalistan Sikh who went back to India from Canada to participate in violent movement against Indian Army’s counter-insurgency operation at the Golden Temple in Amritsar in 1984.

“The referendum will be held in various phases during which the voting will take place across Canada, including cities of Ottawa, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver, and Surrey,” said the SFJ in a statement.
For more information: Click here to read…

Afghanistan

EU Official Emphasizes Need for Girls’ Education in Afghanistan: Tolo News

The deputy head of the European Union Delegation in Afghanistan, Arnout Pauwels, in an interview with TOLOnews emphasized the importance of girls’ access to education and observation of human rights in the country. Click here to read…

UNSC Fails to Approve Travel Ban on Islamic Emirate Leaders: Tolo News

The UN Security Council failed to reach agreement on whether to extend travel exemptions for 13 Taliban officials now ruling Afghanistan so they will expire at midnight Friday, the Associated Press reported, citing UN diplomats. Click here to read…

Taliban Supreme Leader Appoints Special Military Commander for Panjshir Province: The Khaama Press

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated that Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the group’s supreme leader, has appointed a special military commander for Panjshir province in northern Afghanistan and the Andarab district of Baghlan province. Click here to read…

India Delivers Its 10th Consignment of Medical Aid to Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

As part of its continued humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, India provided 32 tons of essential medical aid in 10 batches; the tenth batch, according to a press statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, arrived in Afghanistan on Saturday. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Dhaka optimistic about upcoming JRC meeting after 12-year hiatus: Dhaka Tribune

Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has said that Dhaka is optimistic about the outcome of the upcoming Joint River Commission meeting with Delhi after 12 years. He was speaking with the reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday. Click here to read…

Qatar to take more workers from Bangladesh: Dhaka Tribune

Qatar is going to take more workers from Bangladesh in the field of nursing, hospitality, construction, service, and IT sectors. Qatari Labour Minister Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Al Samikh Al Marri said this during his meetings with Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment Minister Imran Ahmad on Sunday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Zero-Covid Bhutan bans vehicle imports to stave off a Sri Lanka-style crisis – SCMP

Bhutan will ban the import of all vehicles except utility vehicles, heavy earth-moving machines and agriculture machinery to save dwindling foreign exchange reserves, the government said in a notice seen by reporters. Click here to read…

In light of the financial crisis, Bhutan, foreign exchange reserves at the bottom – FGN News

India’s neighbor Bhutan is facing an unprecedented financial crisis. Bhutan, which was once prosperous and prosperous, is now in dire straits. The country’s foreign exchange reserves have bottomed out. As a result, the country is in danger of becoming a situation like Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Indian Ambassador to Bhutan Sudhakar Dalela presents credentials to Bhutanese King – The Print

Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer Sudhakar Dalela on Saturday presented his credentials to the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck as the Ambassador of India to Bhutan. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives among 2022’s five fastest growing economies – Avas

The Maldives is among the five fastest growing economies in the world, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has said. Speaking at the MDP Congress, Minister Ameer said the Maldives is now among the five fastest growing economies in the world, assisted with the aid received during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

‘Pure chaos’: how whale shark tourism in Maldives is out of control and puts the magnificent creatures’ lives at risk – SCMP

According to field research conducted by the Maldivian-run NGO Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP), the number of whale sharks visiting the South Ari Atoll decreased from 48 in 2014 to 32 in 2019, correlating with an increase in injuries. Click here to read…

Maldives appoints Ibrahim Shaheeb, H. Jeheyvai as the new Ambassador to India – News Drum

Maldivian Parliament, appointed Ambassador Ibrahim Shaheeb, H. Jeheyvai as the Ambassador of Maldives to India. He will be joining New Delhi. He was last posted as Ambassador in Singapore. This will be his second tenure in India. Earlier he was Deputy High Commission of the Maldives in India (2007-2008). Click here to read…

Myanmar

SAC chair denies military burning civilian homes – Eleven Myanmar

In meeting with the SAC chairman in Nay Pyi Taw on August 17, Ms. Noeleen Heyzer, Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General on Myanmar, said she had no mandate to make any decision but to point out and discuss about the development of Myanmar. The purpose of visiting Myanmar was to convey the message of the Secretary-General and make two specific requests: to halt the aerial bombing and to stop burning the villages and houses of the people, she added. Click here to read…

Rohingya issue: Problem of ‘illegal foreigners’ in India – Times of India

The recent debate in the media on the status of Rohingyas have brought their intractable problem to the forefront. A look at the facts is relevant to the issue to understand its legal and security dimensions as also deep-seated hatred between the Burmese and Rohingyas. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s NLD has a chance to redeem itself in exile – Arab News

Before the 2021 coup in Myanmar, the National League for Democracy, Aung San Suu Kyi’s political party, was a willing part of a genocidal regime. Its leaders supported and defended the generals and the armed forces who terrorized the Rohingya minority and were responsible for a genocidal campaign against them. Click here to read…

Junta Watch: Plans for Facebook Substitute Unveiled; Military Admits Coup, and More – The Irrawaddy

Unable to spread propaganda on the social media platform Facebook, which is synonymous with the internet in Myanmar, the regime is seeking an alternative. At the junta’s most recent press conference on Wednesday, spokesman Major-General Zaw Min Tun revealed the regime’s plan to ban Facebook and replace it with a homegrown social media platform. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepali Congress leader Giri cremated with state honours – The Himalayan Times

Nepali Congress leader Pradip Giri was cremated at Pashupati Aryaghat today with state honours. His son Santosh Silwal Giri and nephews Pranayan Giri and Sandarbha Giri lit the funeral pyre. A band of Nepal Police offered a gun salute to the departed soul. Click here to read…

Nepal seeks permission to export additional 111 MW electricity to India – Money Control

Nepal Electricity Authority, the State-owned power utility body, has forwarded the proposal to India’s Central Electricity Authority for the sale of the electricity produced through four hydropower plants: Mistrikhola, Likhukhola, Solukhola and Chilime hycropower, NEA Managing Director Pradeep Thike said on Sunday. Click here to read…

Nepal: Foreign Policy Path Ahead – The Telegraph

The global geostrategic shift has changed the narrative from classical realism to idealism to neo-realism, a concept that discounts norms and values governing international relations. Neo-realists are right in the sense that international structure defines foreign policy elites’ cognitive perception of threats and opportunities emerging from the global game-changing geo- strategic moves. Their claim that the state-centric system does not account for the nature of the structure of the international system which has become a source of inter-societal and inter-state conflicts and the war is compelling. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PTI chief alleges ‘neutrals’ behind crackdown on party: Dawn

Former prime minister Imran Khan on Sunday levelled a series of allegations against the ‘neutrals’ — a term he uses to allude to the military establishment — saying as per the “information he received from insiders” they were the ones who were allegedly responsible for the ongoing crackdown on the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). Click here to read…

Economic cost of uncertainty: Dawn

ANTICIPATION of the resumption of an IMF bailout package has helped improve market sentiment. But given the turbulent state of politics, there is little reason to be sanguine about the country’s political and economic future. Click here to read…

PTI asks supporters to take to streets amid possibility of Imran’s arrest: The Express Tribune

Leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) have asked party workers and supporters to take to the streets to protest against the possible arrest of former prime minister and party chief Imran Khan. Click here to read…

PTI retains NA-245 seat in by-election: The News

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sunday retained its seat in the NA-245 by-election, with its candidate Mahmood Moulvi securing 29,475 votes against the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) candidate Moid Anwar, who bagged 16,282 votes, according to unverified results. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka expects 10 lakh tourists in 2022, especially from India: Mint

As the island nation is looking forward to attain economic and political stability, it is aiming to get 10 lakh tourists this year. In his recent visit to Gujarat, Sri Lanka Tourism Minister Harin Fernando,on Sunday, said that the country is expecting maximum tourists from IndiaClick here to read…

Work or go home: Prez tells state officials: Daily Mirror

Claiming that the government is not prepared to pay the state officials for nothing, President Ranil Wickremesinghe urged them to work or go home.
He said this while addressing the Anuradhapura District Development Council held at the Anuradhapura Golden Mango reception Hall today (21). Click here to read…

President contacts Gotabaya about his return: Daily Mirror

President Ranil Wickremesinghe is reported to have contacted former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to discuss arrangements for his return to the country, Daily Mirror learns. This followed a request by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna ( SLPP ) National Organizer Basil Rajapaksa at a recent meeting with the presidentClick here to read…

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate Seizes over $7B in U.S. Military Equipment: The Khaama Press

The United States provided more than $7 billion worth of military equipment to the former Afghan government, according to sources, much of it ended up in the hands of the Islamic Emirate after the US troops withdrawal and the sudden collapse of the country. Click here to read…

Afghanistan Has Highest Maternal Mortality Rate in Asia-Pacific: UNFPA: The Khaama Press

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has voiced concern over the rise in maternal mortality during childbirth in Afghanistan, noting that Afghanistan has the highest maternal mortality rate in the Asia-Pacific region. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Editorial: His Majesty and the Nation’s Common Dreams: Bhutan Times

This week, His Majesty the King granted an Audience to the 2019-2022 batch graduating from the Royal Institute of Management in the capital. In His conversation with the graduates, His Majesty spoke about Bhutan’s challenges as a nation, concerns over issues we face today, and our way forward if we are to secure a bright future for our children. Click here to read…

His Majesty The King granted an Audience to the Indian Chief of Army Staff: Bhutan Times

His Majesty The King granted an Audience to the Indian Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, at the Throne Room of the Tashochhodzong today. General Manoj Pande is on a two-day visit to Bhutan, his first since his appointment as the Indian Army Chief in April 2022. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Hasan Mahmud: Strict action if commodity prices are raised unnecessarily: Dhaka Tribune

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Wednesday warned that the government will take stern action if the prices of essential goods or transport fares are raised unnecessarily on the plea of hike in fuel prices. Click here to read…

Bangladesh PM tells UN that Myanmar must take Rohingya back: Hindustan Times

Bangladesh’s leader told a visiting UN official on Wednesday that hundreds of thousands of ethnic minority Rohingya refugees living in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh must return home to Myanmar, where they had fled waves of violent persecution. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives foreign minister conferred Gabon’s National Order of Merit: Raajje

Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Abdulla Shahid has been conferred the National Order of Merit of the Gabonese Republic. Click here to read…

Maldives among countries that best managed Covid-19: Naseem: Raajje

Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem has stated that Maldives is included among the countries that best handles the Covid-19 pandemic. The health minister made this remark at a ceremony to recognize the efforts of the healthcare officials who worked resiliently on the frontlines of the national Covid-19 inoculation driveClick here to read…

Myanmar

Junta Chief Blames Resistance for Myanmar’s Chaos: The Irrawaddy

“Terrorism will be ended by counterterrorism operations,” Myanmar’s junta boss Min Aung Hlaing told his ministers in Naypyitaw on Tuesday. “Terrorism” refers to the operations of the people’s defense forces, the armed wing of the civilian National Unity Government, which the regime has labeled as terrorist organizations. Click here to read…

Multiple resistance leaders killed, arrested by junta in southern Shan State : Myanmar Now

Three members of the anti-junta People’s Defence Force (PDF) were shot dead and others captured by the Myanmar army in southern Shan State in recent days as the junta intensifies its repression of resistance activities in the region. Click here to read…

Nepal

US health agency puts Nepal on its ‘high risk’ list: The Kathmandu Post

The US Centre For Disease Control and Prevention has included Nepal on its “high-risk” list for Covid-19, also called Level 3. The decision of the US CDC comes amidst the fourth wave of the Covid pandemic, from which hundreds of people in Nepal have been getting infected every day. Click here to read…

Task force fails to find seat-sharing formula, will seek top leaders’ help: The Kathmandu Post

When the government announced general and provincial elections on August 5 for November 20 after multiple discussions among the coalition partners, it looked like they had a pretty good plan in hand on seat-sharing among them. Click here to read…

Pakistan

UK inks deal to return ‘criminals’ to Pakistan: Dawn

The UK signed a major deal with Pakistan on Wednesday, under which foreign criminals and immigration offenders from the UK can be returned to Pakistan. Click here to read…

Govt commits more taxes as IMF board meets on 29th: Dawn

The government has given an undertaking to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to raise the petroleum development levy (PDL) to a maximum of Rs50 per litre each on petrol and diesel by January and April, respectively, in 2023. Click here to read…

Gill sent to Capital after Centre-Punjab row: The News

Following an intense standoff between Islamabad and Rawalpindi police over the custody of Shahbaz Gill, the Adiala Jail authorities handed over the custody of the PTI leader to the former on Wednesday night. The high drama ended after the federal government announced sending Rangers to take custody of Gill. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Gotabaya set to return on August 24: Udayanga hints: Daily Mirror

Former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa is set to return to the country on August 24, Former Sri Lankan ambassador to Russia Udayanga Weeratunga hinted today. He told the media after giving a statement to the CID on MIG Deal that the former President would render a service to the country. Click here to read…

Prez reignites domestic debt restructuring fears: Daily Mirror

Reigniting fears over a potential local debt restructuring, President Ranil Wickremesinghe this week warned that Sri Lanka’s International Sovereign Bond (ISB) holders may push the government to restructure the domestic debt, as they alone may not be keen to accept a steep haircut under a debt sustainability plan, which is a prerequisite to secure an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailoutClick here to read…

Afghanistan

Intl Calls to Support Afghan Women Remain High: Tolo News

The EU, US and UN Assistant Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) have once again reiterated their support for Afghan women and girls. “One year after the Taliban took over control of Afghanistan, the humanitarian situation has worsened, and wide-spread human rights violations are rising, in particular against women, girls and minorities,” said Josep Borrell Fontelles, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Click here to read…

Muttaqi Calls for Int’l Cooperation with Taliban Leadership: The Khaama Press

The Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi at a ceremony in Kabul on Monday urged the world leaders – including international community – to cooperate with the Taliban leadership for the betterment of the region. Muttaqi made the remarks at a ceremony that was held to honor the first anniversary of the Islamic Emirate’s return to power since August 15, 2021. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan imports tobacco worth Nu 565.63M in first half of 2022: Kuensel Online

The country imported tobacco and tobacco products worth Nu 565.63 million (M), including 96.85M sticks of cigarettes worth Nu 509.9M, in the first six months of this year, according to statistics published by the Department of Revenue and Customs. The ban on sale of tobacco was lifted in July last year as the smuggling of tobacco products became rampant amid the pandemic. Click here to read…

Tourists visiting monuments must pay in advance to TCB until September 23: Kuensel Online

The counters for the collection of entry fee at monument sites that the tourists visit are still not open. The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) notified on July 15 that the National Monument Committee revised the entry fee at monument sites with immediate effect. The notification states that based on the itinerary, applicable entry fees will be collected by the TCB until September 23. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Hasina tears into AL leaders for not speaking out after Bangabandhu’s assassination: Bdnews24.com

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has lashed out at the Awami League leaders who remained silent after the assassination of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the massacre of his family in 1975. Click here to read…

Awami League leader stabbed to death in Dhaka: Dhaka Tribune

A local leader of the ruling Awami League was stabbed to death in the Jatrabari area of Dhaka on Tuesday night. According to the police, Abu Bakkar Siddque Habu, 35, was president of unit No 14 within ward No 50 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Awami League. He was the son of the late Ali Ahmad Hawlader of Nanda village in Shariatpur. Click here to read…

Maldives

Pres. reaffirms commitment to provide more opportunities for athletes: Raajje

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to developing sports and providing more opportunities for athletes. He made this statement at a meeting with the national table tennis team upon their return after representing the country at the 5th Islamic Solidarity Games 2021, on Monday. Click here to read…

Ambassador of Russia pays a farewell call on Foreign Secretary: Raajje

The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Maldives, Yuri Materiy, paid a farewell call on Foreign Secretary, Ahmed Latheef. The Ambassador of Russia made the farewell call on Foreign Secretary on Monday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar military sentences Suu Kyi to six more years in prison: Myanmar Now

A junta court in Naypyitaw sentenced ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi to six more years in prison on Monday after convicting her of four corruption charges, sources close to the case said. Months after the military overthrew her National League for Democracy (NLD) administration, the coup regime charged Suu Kyi with abusing her position as party leader to benefit a private foundation named after her mother, Daw Khin Kyi, as well as an affiliated project. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Supply Chains Break Down Amid Fuel Shortages: The Irrawaddy

Amid serious fuel shortages and price hikes across Myanmar, businesses say they will soon halt operations unless availability improves. Thanks to the regime’s foreign currency controls and the restricted supply of fuel, it is becoming increasingly difficult to buy gasoline and diesel with prices exceeding 2,000 kyats per liter. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal’s remittance earning crosses Rs1 trillion mark: Kathmandu Post

Nepali migrant workers sent home Rs1 trillion in the last fiscal year ended mid-July, a record-high money transfer to Nepal since Nepalis started to look for overseas employment more than two decades ago. Click here to read…

Israel seeks 1,000 Nepali workers to fill its farming job slots: Kathmandu Post

Israel has asked for 1,000 Nepali workers to be absorbed in its farm sector. The West Asian country has been facing a severe shortage of farm hands which has hampered production. Click here to read…

Pakistan

A dangerous dead end: Dawn

IT was yet another massive show of political strength by the ousted prime minister in Lahore last week. The triumph in the recent by-elections and regaining control of Punjab seem to have given the PTI a huge political boost. Evidently, the charge of receiving ‘unauthorised funding’ does not seem to have had any effect on the party’s support base. Click here to read…

Imran’s close aide put on no-fly list: The Express Tribune

The federal cabinet amended the Exit Control List (ECL) on Tuesday on the recommendation of the Interior Ministry, removing 22 names from the no-fly list and adding 10 people to it, while giving a one-time permission to three people to leave the country. Click here to read…

Remittances dip to 5-month low: The Express Tribune

The flow of remittances sent home by overseas Pakistanis slowed down to a five-month low at $2.52 billion in the first month (July) of current fiscal year mainly due to lesser number of working days in the month. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

As its spy ship docks in Sri Lanka port, Beijing says: ‘This is life’: The Indian Express

As the Chinese ballistic missile and satellite tracking ship Yuan Wang 5 arrived Tuesday morning at Hambantota port, a strategically important deep sea port in southern Sri Lanka, Tuesday, China said the activities of its vessel will not affect the security of any country and should not be “obstructed” by any “third party” – a reference to India and its security concerns. Click here to read…

Chinese vessel ’Yuan Wang 5’ arrives: Daily Mirror

The chinese scientific research vessel ‘Yuan Wang 5’ arrived at the Hambantota port this morning amid concerns raied by India. Sri Lanka on Saturday had granted permission to the Chinese “research/survey” ship Yuan Wang 5 to dock at Hambantota Port from August 16 to 22. Click here to read…