Afghanistan

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

Mamundzayjan19v30 – The Times of India

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

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

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

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

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

US Launches Private Refugee Sponsorship Prgram – The Khaama Press

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

Bangladesh

Bangladesh universal health coverage indicators better than Pakistan – The Print

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

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

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

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

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

Maldives

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

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

Maldives polls, India’s concerns – The Indian Express

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

Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nepal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

The inevitable geopolitical lens in Sri Lanka – The Hindu

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

30 pc decline in imports from Afghanistan via Attari ICP – The Tribune

The decline of 30 per cent in the imports from Afghanistan through the Integrated Check Post (ICP) at Attari can be attributed to clashes between Pakistan forces and Taliban fighters on the international border being shared between Afghanistan and Pakistan besides floods in Afghanistan. The trade through Attari-Wagah route dipped as the import from Afghanistan registered a fall of Rs 1,018 c in 2022 (from January 1 to December 31) in comparison to the previous corresponding period (2021). Click here to read…

Dozens of people killed as cold wave sweeps Afghanistan – Al Jazeera

At least 70 people and tens of thousands of cattle have died due to freezing temperatures across Afghanistan, the country’s Ministry of Disaster Management confirmed with Al Jazeera as Afghans reel from a spell of cold weather amid a humanitarian crisis. The ministry said on Wednesday that 70 people and 70,000 cattle have died in the past week. Click here to read…

Qatar Emphasizes Need for Engagement with Islamic Emirate – Tolo News

Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani emphasized the need for continued engagement with the Islamic Emirate as he addressed a panel discussion on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday. Al Thani criticized a number of the recent actions the current government took but said that engagement with the Islamic Emirate was the only way to bring change in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

A deepened friendship between the US and Bangladesh – Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh and the US have shared historical experiences. Both nations share a strong belief in democracy and have endured bloody wars to gain their independence. The democratic process is ongoing. The US have witnessed heinous acts of violence and racism. The American people are openly and honestly discussing these concerns, and they are speaking up forcefully to make changes in society and hold lawmakers responsible. Click here to read…

Bangladesh Sents Back Consignment From Embargoed Russian Ship – Marine Insight

On Tuesday, January 17, Bangladesh sent away a Russian ship carrying supplies for their Rooppur nuclear power plant, an incident which has left Russia dissatisfied. The move was made because of the US embargo on the Ursa Major ship. According to international laws, a country that allows embargoed vessels to dock at ports also faces embargo charges. The ship was slated to dock on Dec 24. However, the US government alerted Bangladesh on Dec 22 about its embargo status, which was relayed to the Russian Ambassador Alexander Mantitsky by Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry’s Maritime Affairs Secretary Khorshed Alam. Click here to read…

‘PM Hasina should get Nobel prize for hosting Rohingyas’ – Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina should get the Nobel prize for her humanitarian and responsible policy in hosting the Rohingyas, the speakers said during a discussion Wednesday. They were addressing the discussion “Rohingya’s: Victims of Genocide and Looking for Answers” organised by the Entrepreneurship Economics Program of the Dhaka School of Economics. The speakers also urged the international community to play a strong role in the repatriation of Rohingyas from Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Sea ‘a graveyard’ as number of Rohingya fleeing Bangladesh by boat soars

The number of Rohingya refugees taking dangerous sea journeys in the hope of reaching Malaysia or Indonesia has surged by 360%, the UN has announced after hundreds of refugees were left stranded at the end of last year. Rohingya in Bangladesh refugee camps have warned that human smugglers have ramped up operations and are constantly searching for people to fill boats from Myanmar and Bangladesh headed for Malaysia, where people believe they can live more freely. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Foreign Secretary in Thimphu days after China-Bhutan border talks – The Tribune

Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra reached Thimphu on Wednesday on a three-day visit. Kwatra will hold talks with his counterpart Pema Choden, besides calling on the country’s top leadership. He will also co-chair the 4th India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks. India is Bhutan’s largest benefactor and had earmarked $282 million for its development during 2022-23. The focus of the visit is expected to be on boosting cooperation in the hydropower sector, defence ties and reviewing the situation in the strategically sensitive Doklam tri-junction. Click here to read…

Maldives

India, Maldives must together ensure regional security: EAM S Jaishankar – The Tribune

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar reached the Maldives on Wednesday as part of his two-leg overseas tour and with his counterpart Abdullah Shahid reviewed India’s ambitious development projects in the island that will far surpass earlier Chinese efforts at building infrastructure there. After the ground-breaking ceremony of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport expansion, Jaishankar said it was one of the most anticipated projects. He said at a press conference that another equally ambitious project, the Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), would become an “economic corridor”. Click here to read…

India announces 100 million Maldivian Rufiyaa for community development projects in Maldives – News on Air

Dr. Jaishankar held discussions with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on strengthening India-Maldives cooperation and took stock of ongoing development projects financed by India in Maldives. He said the MoUs and agreements are a reaffirmation of a strong developmental partnership between the two countries. He expressed happiness on witnessing an MoU between Maldivian National University and Kochi University of Science & Technology. The minister said India has handed over two sea ambulances to help the MALDIVES NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE (MNDF). He also said India has completed 23 out of 45 impactful community development projects. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Junta Leaked Memo Shows Resistance Growing Beyond Control – Irrawaddy

Leaked minutes from a top-level “counterterrorism” meeting led by Home Affairs Minister Lieutenant-General Soe Htut show the junta is at its wit’s end after failing to drum up public support to crush the shadow National Unity Government (NUG). Click here to read…

Kokang: Caught Between Myanmar and China – Irrawaddy

One of the most unexpected developments in the struggle against Myanmar’s latest military dictatorship is the support for the resistance that has come from the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA). An ethnic armed organization (EAO), the MNDAA is based in Kokang in the far northeastern corner of Shan State in eastern Myanmar. More than 90 per cent of Kokang’s population of approximately 150,000 people are ethnic Chinese of Yunnan descent, and the region’s cultural, personal and even political ties with China have always been strong. Click here to read…

Singapore doesn’t authorise transfer of arms to Myanmar, says Ministry of Foreign Affairs – The Print

Singapore does not authorise transfer of arms or “items with potential military application” to Myanmar, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said, rebutting a report which claimed it functions as a “strategic transit point” for items that “feed” the junta’s weapon production. Click here to read…

Nepal

India stealing a march on China on rail connectivity with Nepal? – Kathmandu Post

As a Chinese technical team started a feasibility study for the proposed Kerung-Kathmandu cross-border railway, India has almost completed a detailed feasibility study for the Raxaul-Kathmandu Railway project, officials at the Department of Railways said. The two projects highlight the geopolitical rivalry between the two neighbouring giants who are competing for influence in Nepal. Click here to read…

Ghimire and Neupane in the House Speaker race – Kathmandu Post

Dev Raj Ghimire of the CPN-UML and Ishwari Neupane of the Nepali Congress have on Wednesday filed nominations for the election of the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The election is scheduled for Thursday morning. Neupane’s candidacy was proposed by Congress lawmaker Bishwa Prakash Sharma and was seconded by Prakash Jwala of the CPN (Unified Socialist). The Congress and the Unified Socialist, both of which had voted for Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal during a floor test in Parliament on January 10, had earlier decided to field their own candidate against the ruling alliance’s candidate for Speaker. Click here to read…

Rastriya Swatantra Party goes against its own policy as it picks plum Cabinet posts – KathmanduPost

The party has disregarded its own commitment to cutting the costs of legislatures and the executive, cutting off unnecessary positions, as they bargained for, and heartily accepted the deputy prime minister and state minister in the power sharing. The party’s change in tone and action, soon after emerging as the fourth largest force in the Parliament from its first foray into parliamentary politics, is now widely criticised by political commentators and experts. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Rice can’t cushion fall – Island

The prospect of having to face an election always fills an unpopular regime with horror and has a sobering effect on self-important politicians intoxicated with power. The SLPP-UNP government has awakened to the fact that many people are starving, and something needs to be done urgently to help them. It has decided to provide 10 kilos of rice each, free of charge, to two million families per month for a period of two months. Technically, the proposed handout amounts to an election bribe in all but name, for the Cabinet decision thereon came after the Election Commission (EC) had initiated the process of conducting the local government (LG) elections. But only those with a callous disregard for the suffering of the poor will be able to bring themselves to oppose the distribution of free rice irrespective of the government’s ulterior motive. Click here to read…

China opposes Dalai Lama’s planned visit to Sri Lanka – Devdiscourse

China on Tuesday opposed a suggested visit by Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama to Sri Lanka, saying the bankrupt island nation must safeguard the bilateral relationship. A top Chinese embassy official here met the powerful Buddhist prelates in the central town of Kandy to express opposition to the visit for which no dates have been fixed yet, a statement from the embassy said. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka hopes for ‘good news’ from Jaishankar’s two-day visit starting Thursday – Devdiscourse

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s two-day visit here starting Thursday is anticipated with much hope given Sri Lanka’s crucial negotiations with the IMF to secure a USD 2.9 billion bridge loan for a bailout to come out of the economic crisis. His visit comes two days after President Ranil Wickremesinghe Tuesday announced in Parliament a breakthrough in talks with India to restructure Sri Lanka’s debt, saying the discussions have been successful. Click here to read…

Govt. goes ahead with Election Expenses Bill despite Opposition’s objections – Daily News

The government decided yesterday (18) to present the Bill to regulate election expenses, which discloses parties giving money for election campaigns, despite the Opposition’s objections. Although agreement was not expressed by the Opposition during a special meeting held at the Parliament premises with the participation of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena, representatives of the ruling party and the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress Leader Rauff Hakeem, Leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party Maithripala Sirisena under the leadership of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, it was announced that the Act will be presented. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Uzbekistan Halts Power Supply to Afghanistan: DABS – Tolo News

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

Former woman MP shot dead in Afghanistan – The Tribune

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

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

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

Bangladesh

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maldives

Maldives Presidential Election to be held on Sept 9 – Avas

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

Cambodian PM arrives in the Maldives on official visit – Avas

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

Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nepal

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

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

Govt forms panel to probe plane crash- The Himalayan Times

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

Blast Happened Near Foreign Ministry in Kabul: Tolo News

A blast took place in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in downtown Kabul on Wednesday afternoon. At least five civilians were killed and several others were wounded in the blast, a spokesman for the Kabul security department, Khalid Zadran, said. He said the Islamic Emirate condemns such “heinous” attacks and will punish the perpetrators. He said the explosion happened on the street of the Foreign MinistryClick here to read…

Pakistan, Afghanistan Suffering From Militancy and Terrorism: The Khaama Press

Pakistan has experienced a major rise in militancy since the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) broke its peace treaty with the Pakistani government in November. According to Jang Media, the attacks have claimed the lives of 415 military personnel and civilians thus far. Pakistan Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS) has announced that TTP and other terror groups based in border areas between Pakistan and Afghanistan have launched 262 attacks over the past year, causing the death of 419 people and injuring 734 others. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

US wants Bangladesh to join Indo-Pacific Strategy – Dhaka Tribune

The United States wants Bangladesh to be part of the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS), a White House brainchild aimed at strengthening its long-term position in and commitment to the region. The IPS was established in early 2022 to partner with like-minded countries in the region, facing mounting challenges, particularly from ChinaClick here to read…

Why Chinese Foreign Minister, on first diplomatic trip to Africa, made midnight stop in Bangladesh? – Firstpost

China did not reveal much about the meeting but talking to media, Momen said during the meeting, he raised the widening trade gap with Beijing. As per reports, every year, Bangladesh imports around $13 billion worth of goods from China, while its exports to Beijing remain below $800 million. Over $12 billion deficit is of a major concern for Bangladesh considering the shaky condition of its foreign exchange reserves amid the global economic turmoil sparked by the Ukraine war. Click here to read…

Bangladesh opposition holds rally seeking PM Hasina’s resignation – Aljazeera

Thousands of supporters of Bangladesh’s main opposition party have rallied across Bangladeshi cities to demand Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and the formation of a caretaker government to conduct general elections. The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its allies staged protests in the capital Dhaka and nine other cities on Wednesday, the latest of several demonstrations in recent months amid mounting anger over the rising cost of living. Click here to read…

Bhutan

31 Battalion SSB Gossaigaon conducted ‘Operations alert’ exercise along Indo Bhutan border – The Sentinel

The aim of the exercise is to detect and neutralise the insurgents and their hideouts in the forest area, revamp the security of the SSB Border outpost, monitoring the activities of suspected linkmen & other ground workers working for the militants groups and apprehending them while attempting any illegal activity, detect anti social elements, insurgents, timber smugglers, poachers in the forest area in and around the area of responsibility and to make the sense of security among the border population. Click here to read…

A need for radical policy shift – Kuensel Online

The report is damning—close to 70 percent of job seekers in Bhutan prefer to go abroad to work. This is a survey report from the employment ministry. When emigration rate is high, it indicates that something is seriously wrong with the country’s economic and employment policies. Australia is the choice for most Bhutanese today. What is worrying is that we are not just losing young talents but also a critical talent pool that helps shape our long-term national vision. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives: Backsliding on Law Reform, Free Speech – HRW

The Maldives government failed in 2022 to enact critical reforms to the justice system and counter threats to free expression. It did not address longstanding abuses against migrant workers, LGBT people, and other at-risk groups, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2023. The government carried out development projects without full consideration of environmental harm. Click here to read…

Biden applauds Maldives’ efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change – Raajje

The President of the United States of America, Joe Biden has applauded the Maldives’ efforts to mitigate the impacts of climate change and build resilience. The US President made the remarks during his meeting with the new Ambassador of the Maldives to the United States of America, Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed, after he presented his Letter of Credence to the President, on 12 December 2022. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Sham election will only prolong Myanmar civil war: Jakarta Post contributor – Strait Times

Jan 4 marked the 75th anniversary of Myanmar’s independence. Under normal circumstances, the occasion, usually referred to as a “diamond jubilee”, would involve great celebration and joy. However, the people of Myanmar are instead dealing with a deadly war. Since illegally seizing power on Feb 1, 2021 to prevent the newly elected parliament from convening, the military junta has escalated its attacks on unarmed civilians and armed resistance forces alike. Click here to read…

Indonesia to establish office of ASEAN special envoy on Myanmar – Vietnam Plus

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said on January 11 that she will head an office that Indonesia – the rotating Chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year, is establishing to spearhead how the bloc deals with the crisis in Myanmar. Click here to read…

Myanmar: Abuses Mount Since Military Coup – HRW

Myanmar’s junta has been responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity since the military coup in February 2021, Human Rights Watch said today in its World Report 2023. The security forces have been implicated in mass killings, arbitrary arrests and detention, torture, sexual violence, and attacks on civilians in conflict areas. Amid a post-coup economic crisis, the junta has severely hindered the delivery of humanitarian aid to communities most at risk. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal’s opposition-less Parliament – Nepali Times

Deuba’s decision to give Dahal his party’s vote of confidence has diminished NC’s role and responsibility to be a watchdog of government. For his part, Deuba remarked that his party had decided to give Dahal his party’s vote of confidence to protect the Constitution from the coalition itself, referring to Oli’s comments about dissolving Parliament. While another confidence motion cannot be called for two years, any party can exit the coalition at any time. Given the past bad blood between Oli and Dahal, there is every possibility of them falling out again, which Deuba can capitalise on. Click here to read…

Nepal and Bangladesh lobby India for corridor to trade electricity – The Kathmandu Post

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) says it has sought approval from the Indian authorities to export 40-50 MW of electricity to Bangladesh through India’s existing transmission infrastructure, in line with an agreement reached between Nepal and Bangladesh in August. The two countries in August last year had decided to request the southern neighbour to allow export of 40-50MW of electricity from Nepal to Bangladesh in the initial phase by utilising the high-voltage Baharampur-Bheramara cross-border power transmission link. Click here to read…

Nepal, China prepare for high-level visits – The Annapurna Express

Nepal and China have also begun preparations for high-level visits in the next couple of months. A diplomatic source told ApEx that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is likely to visit China at the end of March to participate in the Boao Form for Asia. The newly appointed Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has already begun diplomatic trips and he is likely to visit South Asian countries soon. The source said the Chinese foreign minister could visit Kathmandu too. A high-level Chinese delegation is also expected to visit Nepal to convey Beijing’s message to the new government. Click here to read…

Thousands rally in Nepal to seek restoration of monarchy – The Pioneer

Thousands of supporters of Nepal’s former royal family held a rally on Wednesday demanding the restoration of monarchy in the Himalayan nation. They gathered around the statue of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who started the Shah dynasty in the 18th century. The last Shah king — Gyanendra — was forced to step down and the monarchy abolished in 2008, making Nepal a republic. There are still many supporters who seek to bring the monarchy back and rally every year on the birth anniversary of Prithvi Narayan. Click here to read…

Pakistan

China pledges $100m more flood aid: The Express Tribune

China is pledging an additional $100 million to continue supporting Pakistan’s recovery efforts from the devastating 2022 floods, announced Luo Zhaohui, chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA). Click here to read…

After much ado, Elahi proves majority: The Express Tribune

The vote of confidence that commenced after midnight concluded with the Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid (PML-Q) and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) coalition showing majority in the provincial legislature with the support of 186 lawmakers – the minimum number of votes required to win the trust vote. Earlier, PTI leader Fawad Chaudhry had announced that Elahi would take the vote “shortly”, followed by the deputy speaker validating it as well. The proceedings thus resumed and Law Minister Raja Basharat tabled the resolution in the house. Later, the members were invited to the house and the voting commenced. Click here to read…

IMF demands on power sector reforms being worked out: Ishaq Dar: The News

Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar has said the government was taking action for narrowing down the path for the revival of IMF programme, including making efforts to erase the circular debt of energy sector and taking additional taxation measures without further burdening the general masses. However, Dar, in a statement, said the IMF’s demands on account of power sector reforms were being worked out. He said the circular debt of the gas sector went up at an extra speed. Now the government, he said, has worked out a plan to utilise dividends of gas companies to reduce the circular debt of the gas sector. He said the government was working on a comprehensive plan but there would be no burden on the massesClick here to read…

Sri Lanka

CPA Asia Region office to be opened in Sri Lanka – Daily News

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Secretary General, Stephen Twiggs expressed his deep concern over recent violent acts against Members of Parliament including the killing of an MP and offered assistance from the CPA to strengthen democracy and security of Sri Lanka Parliament, its members and staff. Click here to read…

4 Lankans arrested for stealing 4.6mn INR from car – Daily Mirror

The Police recovered more than 4.6 million (₹46.50 lakh) Indian rupees (INR) from the possession of the accused, who speak Tamil. They said that the accused live in temporary shanties in Delhi and other different states and have conducted multiple thefts in the past. Click here to read…

New Political Alliances in the making – Daily News

A petition protesting against the proposed tariff hike, reportedly signed by 6.9 million consumers of electricity, was presented to the PUCSL and accepted by its Chairman Janaka Ratnayake. The different views held by the Government and the PUCSL leaves room for much discussion and debate. With these developments emerging on several fronts, the coming weeks and months will be busy for both the Government and the Opposition, tackling not only economic issues but also the political fallout from the much anticipated Local Government elections, the first national elections since 2020. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

UN Official Urges Islamic Emirate to Lift Ban on Female Staff at NGOs: Tolo News

The UN deputy humanitarian coordinator in Afghanistan, Fran Equiza, in a meeting with Acting Minister of Public Health Qalandar Ibad called for “the Taliban ban on women working for NGOs and international NGOs to be lifted in its entirety.” “The ban will impact millions of the most vulnerable Afghans,” the UN official said. Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministers of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in a phone call reaffirmed the importance of guaranteeing women’s rights and their full and equal participation in all aspects of life, a statement of the Pakistan Foreign Ministry said.
Click here to read…

Pakistan faces disappointment on bilateral deals with the new regime in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Recent events on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border make it clear that Pakistan’s decades old Afghanistan policy has failed. On 11 December 2022, Taliban forces in Afghanistan shelled a town just across the border in Pakistan, killing seven Pakistani civilians. Pakistan retaliated, killing one Taliban fighter and injuring ten Afghans. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned the “unprovoked shelling” by Afghan forces. On 15 December, the two sides exchanged artillery fire across the border, killing at least one Pakistani civilian and wounding 15 others. Both countries are today on the verge of war! These developments signal a turn in ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan and signals Pakistan’s loss of control over the Afghan Taliban, which is today a government in power. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM Hasina: Metro rail a unique milestone for Dhaka – Dhaka Tribune

After completing the giant Padma Bridge and the Bangabandhu tunnel this year, the government will now inaugurate a part of Bangladesh’s first-ever elevated metro rail on Wednesday as another feather in its cap. The Awami League has taken detailed preparations to make this historic moment memorable with the presence of a vast crowd along the streets from Diabari to Agargaon.Click here to read…

Minister: Delhi has assured Dhaka of smooth supply of essentials – Dhaka Tribune

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Tuesday said that India has assured Bangladesh of uninterrupted supply of essential goods round the year as New Delhi is setting an annual quota of exports to its immediate neighbor. The quota will be set up after reviewing export data of India’s essential commodities to Bangladesh in recent years, he said in a press briefing on his recent India tour at his ministry. He said Bangladesh imports rice, wheat, onion, garlic, ginger, pulse and many other essential items from India. Sometimes India suspends export of those goods, but this time India has assured that the supply will remain uninterrupted, he said. Click here to read…

HCA signed, €609 million in loans approved by France’s AFP for Bangladesh – Dhaka Tribune

In 2022, Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the government of Bangladesh signed a host country agreement for the establishment of AFD activities in Bangladesh, a successful outcome of years of negotiations between the French and Bangladesh governments. This was a crucial step which came after 10 years of operation and over 20 projects financed in the country, said a media release on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

NC elections in early 2023 – Kuensel online

The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) has notified that the National Council (NC) elections for the fourth Parliament will be conducted in early 2023. The tenure of the current National Council members end on May 9, next year. The ECB also said that the familiarisation tour of the political parties and candidates would be allowed only until January 31, 2023. All political parties and candidates who are on their familiarisation tour must comply with this announcement. Click here to read…

Credit growth improves by 9.2 percent – Kuensel Online

With the re-opening of the economy, the total credit growth of financial institutions (FIs) saw an increase by 9.2 percent as of September this year from the same month last year, the Royal Monetary Authority figures show. The total loan disbursement from FIs to customers amounted to Nu 191.96 billion (B) as of September this year. It saw an increase of Nu 16.17B from September last year. Click here to read…

Nu 108.7M forgone from duty-free entitlement tax – Kuensel Online

The government last year forswore Nu 108.7M from the taxes from the duty-free entitlement, according to the Ministry of Finance (MoF). From next year, the duty-free quota privilege will be given only to diplomats governed by the international laws, conventions and covenants ratified by the parliament of Bhutan and International employees governed by the Bilateral and multilateral agreement signed by the government of Bhutan. Click here to read…

Maldives

Rail Vikas Nigam shares jump 5% on bagging Rs 1,545 crore contract in Maldives – Business Today

Shares of Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) surged 4.96 per cent in Wednesday’s trade after receiving an appointment letter as project implementation agency for the UTF Harbor project in Maldives. The order for this strategic project was placed by Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The project cost stood at Rs 1,544.60 crore and it has to be completed within 24 months. Click here to read…

Team from India studies technical specifications for India-Maldives power transmission grid – Live Mint

The union power ministry on Tuesday said that a technical team from India has visited Maldives to study the technical specifications for interconnection of a power transmission grid between the two countries. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Political turmoil in Afghanistan, Myanmar impacting Indian projects – Business Standard

India-backed projects have suffered setbacks in Afghanistan and faced numerous challenges in Myanmar due to the current political and security situations in these countries, the Ministry of External Affairs has informed a parliamentary panel. Click here to read…

China-aided national theatre renovation project handed over to Myanmar – Xinhua

The China-aided renovation project of the National Theatre of Yangon was officially handed over to the Myanmar government here on Tuesday. The renovation project, which was carried out with the assistance from China, began in August 2019 and was completed in November 2022. The upgrading work has made the theatre a modernized one of higher standards. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Chen Hai said that the National Theatre of Yangon is the largest of its kind in Myanmar, whose construction was completed with the assistance from the Chinese government in 1990. Click here to read…

Nepal

India’s policy hurts power export prospects of Nepal – The Kathmandu Post

In a move that will make hydroelectricity generated by Indian projects cheaper than that produced by Nepal, India’s power ministry starting earlier this month removed the inter-state transmission charges for new Indian hydropower projects. The ministry on December 2 issued the order to waive Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) charges on the transmission of electricity generated by new hydropower projects. The waiver is already available to solar and wind power projects. Click here to read…

President summons parliament session from January 9 – The Kathmandu Post

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has called for the session of the Federal Parliament on January 9. The session has been called at 1:00 pm according to Article 93 (1) of the constitution, informed Office of the President on Tuesday. The meeting of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly is going to be held for the first time after the November 20 polls. There are 12 lawmakers from different political parties while four are independent. Click here to read…

China nudges Nepal to expedite BRI projects as Prachanda becomes new PM – Business Standard

A day after Maoist party chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal aka Prachanda was appointed as Nepals new prime minister, China on Monday said that it looks forward to working with the new government to push projects under the ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Congratulating Prachanda on his appointment, Mao Ning, the official spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, has said that China wants to pursue projects under the Belt and Road cooperation. Click here to read…

Not Against India, Will Forget Old Disputes, Says Nepal PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ – ABP News Online

The newly appointed Prime Minister vowed to strengthen Nepal’s relations with India. “We want good relations with India,” he said. “I am not against India, will forget the old disputes and move forward,” said Prachanda. “According to the mandate given, the government has been formed in the country. The public wanted everyone to work together, and that’s why they formed the government together. Our government will complete its term. Work will be done according to the constitution,” said PM Prachanda while talking to senior news anchor Dibang. Click here to read…

Chinese arrive for rail feasibility study – The Kathmandu Post

A day after Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s assumption of office, a six-member Chinese technical team landed in Kathmandu on Tuesday to carry out a feasibility study of the Nepal-China cross-border railway. Dahal, the CPN (Maoist Centre) chairman, heads a coalition of two biggest leftist parties and others. The China Railway First Survey and Design Institute Group will carry out the feasibility study via a Chinese government grant. Click here to read…

Pakistan

No other option but to implement IMF deal: PM: The Express Tribune

He said the coalition government never wanted to transfer the burden of price hikes. In the past, the PTI government blatantly breached the agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Meanwhile, the prime minister said that they had devised a plan to immediately convert all the federal government entities’ buildings to solar power by April next year in order to slash a huge chunk out of the country’s costly fuel import bill hovering around $27 billion. Click here to read…

Road, railway connectivity with CARs discussed: The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said road and railway connectivity projects between Pakistan and Central Asian states will not only bring the trade communities together, but also usher in a new era of peace and prosperity in the region.The premier said this during a meeting with a high-level delegation from Uzbekistan led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Investment and Foreign Trade Khodjaev Jamshid Abdukhakimovich in Islamabad. Click here to read…

Gold outshines market, gives over 40pc return in 2022: report: The News

Gold was the top-performing asset class in 2022 with a return of more than 40 percent, followed by one-year dollar-denominated Naya Pakistan Certificate (NPC), and the US currency, a local brokerage report stated on Tuesday. The NPC remained on second with a return of up to 36 percent and the holders of the US dollar in cash were listed on third with 28 percent return. Topline Securities presented the report on asset classes that were widely followed by local investors and savers in 2022. “These asset classes provided better returns compared to estimated average consumer price index inflation of 20 percent in outgoing calendar year 2022,” the brokerage said in a client note. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Not the correct time for LG polls: PUNP – Daily News

Patriotic United National Party (PUNP) General Secretary Sugath Hewapathirana stated that it is inappropriate to hold a Local Government election now as the economic situation in the country is not stable yet. He said that it is inappropriate to spend Rs.10 billion for an election at this time. He said that it is not appropriate to spend such a large amount of money to hold an election, leaving aside the sufferings of the entire country, who have been greatly affected by the severe economic downturn that the country has faced. He also said that this will give the people an opportunity to recognize who are the political parties and leaders who are working for their own greedy goals by urging for an election setting aside the hardships faced by the people. Click here to read…

Can Sri Lanka drive itself from bankruptcy to prosperity in 2023? DailyFT

Converting the bankrupt nation to solvency will be a challenging task for Sri Lanka in 2023. If this is not done quickly, the goal of making Sri Lanka a rich country by 2048 will be an elusive one…Click here to read…

Increase in requests for dual citizenship in Sri Lanka – Adaderana

Requests have reportedly been made by 5,401 individuals to the Department of Immigration and Emigration for obtaining dual citizenship in the year 2021. The Department of Immigration and Emigration pointed out that the majority of them are residents of Australia, which is numerically 1,621 individuals. Meanwhile, dual citizenship requests have been made by 885 individuals from the United Kingdom, 795 from the United States, 371 from Canada and several others from countries such as Italy, Switzerland, Sweden, New Zealand, France and Denmark. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Deputy Minister Reiterates Commitment to Fight Drugs: Tolo News

The deputy minister of counter-narcotics, Abdulhaq Akundzada, said the commitment to fight drugs and said alcoholic beverages, as well as a number of illicit drugs, are brought to Afghanistan from Iran, Pakistan and Central Asia. Akhundzada asked the countries to prevent the trafficking of drugs to Afghanistan. “If the narcotics are being trafficked to Iran, Pakistan and Central Asian countries or anywhere else, we will prevent it. We have arrested many of them. Click here to read…

Taliban (IEA) Bans Two Female Training Centers in Kabul & Hera: The Khaama Press

Authorities of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan closed two educational centers in Kabul and Herat accommodating more than 1200 female students.Roya Mahboob, the Founder of the Afghan Girls Robotic Team tweeted on Monday that the Taliban authorities forcibly shut the education centers in Herat and Kabul. More than a thousand female students were taking pieces training in business, Robotics, coding, and Information Communications Technology. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Senior ministers sound alarm over foreign interference – Dhaka Tribune

Momen said that other countries do not need to give prescriptions to Bangladesh on democracy and human rights, as both are deeply rooted in Bangladesh’s DNA. He said the current government is committed to holding free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections under the independent Election Commission. The foreign minister also said Bangladesh welcomes constructive suggestions from foreign friends. Click here to read…

Mongla port upgrade: Tk 6,014 crore deal inked with Indian firm – Daily Star

The Mongla Port Authority (MPA) and Egis India today signed the related agreement for the “Upgradation of Mongla port” project, at the Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden in the capital. Rear Admiral Mohammad Musa, chairman of the MPA, and Laurent Germain, chief executive officer of Egis India, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective parties.
Of the estimated Tk 6,014 crore project, the government will finance Tk 1,555 crore from its own coffer while India will provide Tk 4,459 crore as assistance under its third line of credit. The project is scheduled to be complete by July 30, 2024. Click here to read…

Bangladesh, ADB ink deals worth $627mn for development, climate projects – Business Standard

The ADB said it will provide about $278 million in loan for the Third Public-Private Infrastructure Development Facility– Tranche 2, and $100 million for the Greater Dhaka Sustainable Urban Transport Project (BRT-Gazipur). Meanwhile, the bank will also give about $246 million in loan for the Coastal Towns Climate Resilience Project and a grant of $4 million for the Coastal Towns Climate Resilience ProjectClick here to read…

Bhutan

Hydropower revenue to drop by 4 percent – Kuensel online

The overall hydropower generation of Druk Green Power Corporation’s (DGPC) power plants for the year was forecast to be around 6,914 Gigawatt hours (GWh) with expected revenue of Nu 11.51 billion (B). This, according to the DGPC, would be a decrease of about 4 percent or Nu 497.54 million (M) from last year. In 2021, the country generated Nu 12B from electricity. As of November this year, the DGPC’s power plants generated 6,919.12GWh of electricity, less by 34.68GWh compared to the same month last year. The country generated 6,953.8GWh of electricity as of the same month last year. Click here to read…

Maldives

Cambodia eyes rice sales to Maldives – Phnompenh Post

Cambodia plans to begin the formal export of milled rice to the archipelago nation of Maldives, a month after its Phka Rumduol jasmine variety was crowned as the “World’s Best Rice” for a fifth time, as part of a campaign to raise the profile of the local grain on the regional and international stages. At a ceremony marking the beginning of work to revamp the 95.27km National Road 41 on the morning of December 26, Prime Minister Hun Sen revealed that he would visit the Maldives next month to discuss milled-rice sales as well as stepping up tourism ties. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar court to deliver final verdicts this week in Suu Kyi trials – Reuters

A court in military-ruled Myanmar will deliver its final verdicts in cases against deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Friday, said a source familiar her trials, wrapping up marathon proceedings that have been condemned in the West as a sham. Suu Kyi, 77, was arrested when the military seized power on Feb. 1 last year in a coup that ended a decade of tentative democracy and plunged the country into chaos. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta’s Worst Massacres of 2022 – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s regime has stepped up atrocities during 2022, including arbitrary killings and the torturing of civilians, burning people alive and using civilians as human shields. Arson attacks, the looting of homes, shelling and airstrikes on residential areas and sexual violence have also increased this year. Click here to read…

Manipur to beef up security along Myanmar border: CM Biren Singh – Dajji World

The Manipur government would strengthen the security in the state’s border areas along with Myanmar by setting up more outposts to curb illegal peddling of drugs, exotic wildlife, various contraband besides cross-border crimes, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said on Monday. Click here to read…

Nepal

Prime minister settled, all eyes on President and Speaker race – The Kathmandu Post

With the CPN (Maoist Centre) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal becoming prime minister with the backing of the second largest party, the CPN-UML, the latter is set to get two other major positions—the President and the Speaker. After Dahal decided to join the UML camp following Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s refusal to allow him to lead the government for the first half of the next five-year term, the new coalition of seven parties will now distribute among themselves 35 constitutional positions including the President, Vice-President, Speaker, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly chair and vice-chair, chief ministers, speakers, deputy speakers and provincial chiefs of seven provinces. Click here to read…

Explained: How Prachanda Outsmarted Sher Bahadur Deuba To Be Nepal’s PM, What It Means For India? – Outlook

The surprise development of Prachanda becoming the Nepal’s Prime Minister may not bode well for India-Nepal ties as he and Oli have had some run-ins with New Delhi previously over territorial issues. Prachanda is seen as pro-China. He has in the past said a new understanding with India needed to be developed on the basis of a “changed scenario” in Nepal and after addressing all outstanding issues, like revision of the 1950 Friendship Treaty and resolving Kalapani and Susta border disputes. Click here to read…

A parlous path ahead for Rabi Lamichhane – The Kathmandu Post

Rastriya Swatantra Party president Rabi Lamichhane took the oath of office and secrecy as Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister at the Sheetal Niwas on Monday—a remarkable turn of events for a person who was running a TV show until six months ago. The Rastriya Swatantra Party—which Lamichhane formed after resigning from his TV job in June just five months prior to the November 20 elections—emerged as the fourth-largest force in the House of Representatives (HoR) in its first-ever elections. The party won 20 federal seats. Its head has now bagged a coveted ministry, becoming one of the country’s most influential leaders. Click here to read…

Finance minister inherits a troubled economy again – The Kathmandu Post

Amid rumours that Bishnu Poudel is becoming the new finance minister, the share market began to make upward moves from Monday morning. As the market closed, the Nepal Stock Exchange (Nepse) index rose by 56.88 points, appearing to welcome Poudel’s appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister in the new Pushpa Kamal Dahal-led government. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Shehbaz renews pledge to crush terrorism menace: Dawn

As the country reels from multiple incidents of terrorism, claimed by the outlawed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) over the past few days, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday vowed to eradicate militants across the country amid criticism by his predecessor Imran Khan, who grilled the government over a steep rise in militancy during its eight-month stint.
Addressing a gathering in Dera Ismail Khan, PM Shehbaz said that with the help of provincial governments and security forces, the government will eliminate terrorism in all its forms. Click here to read…

Rs2.2 trillion spent on interest and defence: The Express Tribune

Sources in the Ministry of Finance told The ExpressTribune that during July-November period of the current fiscal year, there was an alarming increase of 83% in the interest cost on the Rs50 trillion federal government debt stock. The Ministry of Finance paid nearly Rs1.7 trillion in the interest cost, up by Rs763 billion or 83%, according to the sources. Similarly, excluding military pensions and expenses on the armed forces development programme, Rs517 billion was spent on defence in five months. It was Rs112 billion or nearly 28% more than the previous fiscal year, according to the sources. Click here to read…

Security advisory: Saudi Arabia, Australia ask citizens in Pakistan to limit movement: The News

In the wake of recent terror incidents in the country, the Saudi embassy has issued a security alert for its citizens in Pakistan, advising them to remain careful and limit their movement. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka PM urges new envoys to promote foreign investment, exports, tourism – Colombo Page

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena meeting with a group of new envoys on Monday noted that the economic diplomacy rather than traditional diplomacy has gained priority in the world and emphasized the importance of innovative diplomacy that promotes investment attraction, exports and tourism. Newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners to 16 countries participated in a special discussion held with the Prime Minister at Temple Trees. Click here to read…

We face the repercussion of handing over the country to politicians: Prelate – Daily Mirror

What we are experiencing now is the consequence of handing over everything in the country to politicians, the Chairman of the National Movement for the Protection of the Nation Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera said. “We have never heard of an era where the people of our country are suffering as much as they do these days,” he lamented. “Now I am hearing several opinions being discussed about the issues in the Northern and Eastern Provinces of the country. “The Government should not do that. It will be creating more national problems at a time when people are worried over their next meals,” he said. Click here to read…

Distribution of dry rations at Abhayagiriya – Daily Mirror

Arrangements have been made to distribute 50,000 parcels of dry rations among needy families by the China Buddhist Association and Fa-Xien Charity Trust with the participation of Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Acting Chinese Ambassador Hu Wei in the presence of Atamasthanadhipathi Ven Pallegama Hemaratana, Chief Incumbent Abhayagiriya Temple Ven Dr Kallanchiye Ratanasiri on Tuesday (27) at 1.30 pm at the Abhayagiriya premises in Anuradhapura. The event is organized by the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the China Sri Lanka Buddhist Friendship Association. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate’s Ban on Women’s Jobs Faces Widespread Reactions: Tolo News

The Ministry of Economy in a statement on Saturday ordered all national and international non-government organizations to suspend their female staff members until the next announcement. The announcement of the Islamic Emirate faced widespread reactions at national and international levels. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in a tweet expressed deep concerns about the Islamic Emirate decision’s ban on women’s jobs and said “this decision could be devastating for the Afghan people, women are central to humanitarian operations around the world.” Click here to read…

TTP Threat, Rings Alarm for Pakistan: The Khaama Presss

With the return of the Taliban to Afghanistan in August 2021, the dynamic of TTP operations has changed in Pakistani tribal areas and other major cities to a great extent. Afghan Taliban, TTP’s ideological twin brother’s success in neighboring Afghanistan gave them extra momentum and energy to expand their operations across Pakistan. Since the beginning of the year, the TTP has conducted hundreds of attacks mostly targeting police and army headquarters in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, and Quetta Balochistan in Particular. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Sheikh Hasina re-elected as AL president, Quader as general secretary – Dhaka Tribune

The ruling Awami League announced its new central committee with minor changes at its 22nd National Council on Saturday afternoon. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was re-elected as party president for the 10th time, while Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader was elected general secretary for a hattrick of terms. Click here to read…

AL rank and file confused who’s top joint GS – Daily Star

Among the ruling Awami League rank and file, confusion reigned about who actually tops the list of joint general secretaries. The official website of AL uploaded the names of leaders of the full-fledged committee around 10:30pm on Saturday, putting Hasan as the number one joint general secretary. However, an hour later, the list was pulled down from the website. Only the names of Sheikh Hasina and Obaidul Quader remained there. This created a confusion among the party rank and file. Click here to read…

More exchanges between Bangladesh, China media emphasized – New Age

Bangladesh’s relations with China, one of the major development and trading partners of the country, are growing with each passing day, speakers said at a function. Enhanced contacts and exchange between the media of the two countries are needed as the media can play an important role in strengthening cultural and economic ties, they said. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Growing import a growing concern – Kuensel online

It took less than a month for the unemployed guide to switch his career. Within three months he has become a licensed importer and his trial business of importing instant noodles and coffee, seaweed, and ready-to-eat meals is doing well. The guide is among the many in the import business, also called as “container business,” making quick money – bringing in goods ranging from instant noodles to furniture and furnishings from as far as China, South Korea, and Indonesia. There is money in the import business. However, it is leaving a huge impact on the country. Click here to read…

Former Bhutan king warned India about China: R&AW ex-chief A.S. Dulat -The Hindu

Bhutan’s then king Jigme Singye Wangchuck warned India of pressures from China in 1999, writes former R&AW chief A.S. Dulat in his latest book. Mr. Dulat says the former King’s words were “prophetic” about India-China tensions in Doklam in 2017 and the build-up of infrastructure by China that has followed. He also says that New Delhi’s “muscular policy” on a range of issues, including the situation in Kashmir, and tough foreign policy in the neighbourhood led to “failures”. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives former president Yameen gets 11-year jail term – Business Recorder

The Maldives criminal court on Sunday sentenced former president Abdulla Yameen to 11 years in prison and fined him $5 million after finding him guilty of corruption and money laundering charges related to receiving kickbacks from a private company. Yameen has denied any wrongdoing. He lost power in 2018 but has been declared presidential candidate for the Progressive Party of the Maldives for an election due in 2023. Click here to read…

Maldives leader held for threatening attack on Indian Mission – Tribune India

Abbas Adil Riza who, in a tweet, had encouraged an arson attack on the Indian High Commission in Male. The arrest came on a day when his party colleague and former Maldives President Abdulla Yameen was sentenced to 11 years in prison by a court for corruption. The developments come ahead of the presidential elections in Maldives next year. Pro- China Yameen has in the past few days made several anti-India remarks. Click here to read…

Myanmar

China-funded mobile clinic provides healthcare services in Kyaukphyu of Myanmar – Xinhua

The China-funded Kyaukphyu Anargat (Future) Mobile Clinic project in western Myanmar’s Rakhine state entered its final stage in late December, already providing free healthcare service to over 1,500 villagers. U Kyaw Win, 54, from Kyaukphyu Township’s Shauk Chaung Village, is one of the hundreds of villagers who benefited from free healthcare and medicines from the mobile clinic. Click here to read…

New Sittwe port for Indo-Myanmar direct trade will open for Indo-Myanmar trade – Mizzima

The Military Council-appointed Rakhine State government Chief Minister Dr Aung Kyaw Min said in his opening address on the 48th Rakhine State Day that one of the Indo-Myanmar friendship projects, the Sittwe port, would be opened soon for direct trade between India and Myanmar. This Kaladan multi-modal transit transport (KMTT) project would be beneficial not only for Myanmar but also for Rakhine State development, he said. Click here to read…

Myanmar junta says UN resolution aimed at destabilizing country – LaPrensalatina

Myanmar’s military junta has rejected the resolution passed by the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday demanding an immediate end to violence and release of all political prisoners, accusing the global body of trying to “destabilize” the country. Myanmar’s foreign ministry said in a statement late on Friday that the resolution – approved on Wednesday with 12 votes in favor and three abstentions (China, Russia and India) – includes “several intrusive elements on Myanmar’s internal affairs that contravene the principles and purposesof the United Nations.” Click here to read…

Nepal

Dahal becomes prime minister again, Oli the new kingmaker – The Kathmandu Post

Sher Bahadur Deuba, a veteran of manoeuvring hung parliaments to his advantage, got outfoxed on Sunday afternoon by his bete noire, KP Sharma Oli. Not only did Oli succeed in getting Pushpa Kamal Dahal anointed as the prime minister, a move which weaned Dahal away from the Congress-led alliance, he also now gets to have his own candidate for the head of the state and the Speaker of the House of Representatives along with plum ministries and a majority of the provincial chief ministers. Until Sunday afternoon, a Nepali Congress-led coalition led by Deuba was the favourite to form the next federal government. The Oli masterstroke means that he will now get to pull the strings of power. Click here to read…

Indian Workers Attacked Along Nepal Border In Uttarakhand; Defence Minister Intervenes – Republic World

In Dharchula, a safety wall is being created along the Kali river that flows between India and Nepal. It has been learned that some elements are against the construction of the wall and are furiously throwing stones in order to stop the work at the location. Calling Nepal a friend, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh called for negotiations with the neighbouring country saying, “Nepal is our friend, if there is any dispute, we will solve it together.” Also, Indian officials will be taking up the matter with their Nepalese counterparts if such incidents occur in the future. Click here to read…

Modi congratulates Prachanda on being elected Nepal’s PM – Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” on Sunday on being elected as the new leader of Nepal and said he looks forward to working with him to further strengthen the friendship between the two countries. Click here to read…

No respite for national economy with more instability in store – The Kathmandu Post

The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) has launched a ‘Save the Economy’ campaign in the face of worsening economic indicators. Although the indicators of the external sector have improved due to the strict import control measures, industrialists complain of a sharp decline in demand for goods and services, which has forced them to cut down on the operations of their businesses and factories.https://kathmandupost.com/money/2022/12/26/no-respite-for-national-economy-with-more-instability-in-store” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Pakistan

Editorial: Troubles lurking around every corner: Dawn

In the outgoing year, the people came around to an unprecedented price growth amid the country’s consistently deteriorating balance of payments crisis exacerbated by devastating summer floods and ongoing political uncertainty.Next year we could see inflation entrenched further and the economy trek toward a deeper recession as the politically embattled coalition led by the PML-N struggles to revive its sour relationship with the International Monetary Fund for the resumption of its loan programme to overcome its dollar liquidity crisis. Click here to read…

US embassy restricts staff movement in Islamabad: The Express Tribune

A statement issued by the US Embassy in Islamabad said the US government staff prohibited from visiting the private hotel in the federal capital due to possible attack.The US government is aware of information that unidentified individuals are possibly plotting to attack Americans at the private hotel in Islamabad “sometime during the holidays”, the statement added. Click here to read…

Govt again advises Imran to return to NA: The Express Tribune

As PTI chief Imran Khan remains adamant about playing hardball to force early polls, the government has again advised the former prime minister to return to the National Assembly to put forth his demands and lead a “healthy opposition” against the ruling coalition for negotiations. Click here to read…

News analysis: Country needs vision to break through economic trap: The News

As finance minister Ishaq Dar publicly defied the IMF earlier this month and overlooked tough economic conditions across Pakistan, a wider crisis continued with no signs of abating any time soon. The minister is presiding over Pakistan’s fast worsening economic turmoil driven by stagnation, far above target inflation, a balance of payments crisis and widespread uncertainty to name matters proverbially at the tip of the iceberg. And his recent promise of returning the Rupee versus US Dollar exchange rate to below Rs200 to a Dollar is already lost. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Manic weather across the country – Daily Mirror

Heavy rain was experienced yesterday all over the country disrupting civilian life. The worst affected were the central hills that had been hit by floods and earth slips due to the torrential rains experienced from Saturday midnight (24) that continued unabated yesterday. The Police said the central hills had been shrouded with a thick mist and warned the drivers to be cautious of fog that prevented visibility. Click here to read…

President Ranil’s initiative to resolve Tamil national question – Daily Mirror

Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) leader and Colombo District MP, Mano Ganesan received a telephone call from Ranil Wickremesinghe on 19 July 2022. Recalling the telephone conversation, Mano Ganesan told me “Ranil spoke as if he had already been elected President. He told me of his intention to resolve the Tamil National Question. He also told me of his plans to address the socio -economic issues of the North-Eastern and Up Country Tamils. He also spoke about the economic upliftment of their areas. Ranil seemed very convincing then” Click here to read…

Chinese infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka may have contributed to the country’s crisis: Report – The Print

According to the report, “A port city that dominates Colombo’s seafront was built on a 269-hectare patch of land reclaimed from the sea. It was to become a thriving business and financial hub, but it is virtually deserted.” An international airport commissioned at Sri Lanka’s Mattala city almost a decade ago is called the “emptiest airport in the world.” Both these projects funded by China are seen as “white elephants” that have significantly contributed to Sri Lanka’s debt. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Decision on Afghan Seat at UN Postponed: Faiq: Tolo News

The Chargé d’Affaires of the Afghanistan Permanent Mission to the UN, Naseer Ahmad Faiq, said the UN credentials committee has postponed the decision on whether the Islamic Emirate can send a UN ambassador to New York for a second time. According to Faiq, the current Chargé d’Affaires of Afghanistan, Myanmar and Libya will continue representing the countries. “The UN credentials committee has not made the decision on whether to give credentials to the Taliban in the UN and it postponed the decision about Afghanistan, Myanmar and Libya,” Faiq said. Click here to read…

Afghanistan Loses Contest for UN Human Rights Seat: Tolo News

Afghanistan lost a contested race for a seat on the top UN human rights body on Tuesday along with Venezuela and South Korea. Afghanistan competed with Bangladesh, Maldives, Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate said that Afghanistan’s not being selected for the seat is unjust. “This is not fair that they didn’t give the seat to the Islamic Emirate and they make such decisions in our absence. They should reconsider this,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Islamic Emirate. Click here to read…

Afghan Nationals Make Half of Iran’s Foreign Investment: The Khaama Press

Hassan Kazemi Qomi, the special representative of the Iranian President to Afghanistan said in his remarks, “Afghan nationals in Iran play a pivotal role towards the national economy. Half of Iran’s foreign investment comes from them, therefore, the high capacity of Afghan citizens should be utilized when the country is facing difficulties in attracting foreign investment.” Mr. Qomi further added that during the past year the United Arab Emirates expelled 700 Afghan businessmen from this country, whose capital was estimated at $30 million. Unfortunately, we failed to attract this capital and embrace Afghan traders to invest in Iran. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Political parties need to find common ground for free and fair election – Dhaka Tribune

Politicians and members of civil society have stressed finding a common ground among the political parties to ensure a free and fair election as the country gears up for the 12th parliamentary election, likely to be held in January, 2024. “Although finding common ground is very difficult, it is possible if the parties look to increase understanding and appreciation of the other,” Sharmeen Murshid, the chief executive officer of local election observer group Brotee, said at a seminar in the capital on Thursday. Click here to read…

Raised our concerns with Dhaka – The Daily Star

US Ambassador Peter Haas and embassy staff had to wrap up a meeting in Dhaka early on December 14 due to security concerns, said US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel. “And we have raised our concerns about this matter at the highest levels of Bangladesh government,” he told a press briefing at the US State Department yesterday. He made the comments in response to a question on the US envoy’s visit to the house of BNP leader Sajedul Islam Sumon, a victim of enforced disappearance in 2013, where other families gathered as well. Click here to read…

Jamaat spreading propaganda against nation – The Daily Star

A group of eminent citizens yesterday strongly condemned the appointment of lobbyists by Jamaat to convince the US and UK governments to impose sanctions against Bangladesh. They also viewed that Jamaat is spreading propaganda against Bangladesh using human rights issue as a shield. They said it in a joint statement under the banner of Sammilita Samajik Andolon, a citizens’ platform. Click here to read…

Bhutan

hina builds ropeway, roads near tri-junction – The Hindu

Beijing has been improving infrastructure and arranging additional deployments along the eastern sector of LAC; officials say there is lot of activity near Doklam that saw face-off in 2017. China has set up a ropeway near the Torsa Nala on its side of the India-Bhutan-China tri-junction, and is strengthening roads and other infrastructure along the entire eastern sector, according to defence sources.Click here to read…

Maldives

VP Naseem in the south of Maldives on an official visit – Raajje

Vice President Faisal Naseem is in the south of Maldives, on an official visit. VP Naseem departed to Fuvahmulah City and Addu City on Thursday. His first destination was Addu City where he visited all the districts of the city. In Hulhumeedhoo district, VP Naseem inaugurated the health center’s new services. He will visit government offices and institutions during his stay in Fuvahmulah City, where he will also inaugurate the new facility of Fuvahmulah Hospital.
Click here to read…

China encourages investing in the Maldives: Ambassador – Edition

The Chinese government encourages its enterprises to invest in the Maldives, the Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives, Wang Lixin, stated on Wednesday. The Ambassador made the remark at the Business Forum held as part of the “Belt and Road” initiative between China and Maldives. Lixin highlighted the importance of effectively conducting the Tripartite Coordinating Mechanism Meetings. Click here to read…

Myanmar

BRI: China plans mega infra project in Myanmar close to Arunachal border – Economic Times

China’s claim on Arunachal Pradesh must be viewed in the context of the country’s plan to create a mega infrastructure project in Myanmar’s Kachin state, which borders Arunachal Pradesh, with an eye to bring the area under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A Chinese company has announced plans to build the massive Myitkyina Economic Development Zone on about 4,700 acres of land along the historic Ledo Road in Kachin state. Click here to read…

Myanmar Air Force Day – Scramble

As every year on 15 December, the Tatmadaw Lay (MAF, Myanmar Air Force) have their commemoration ceremony where new aircraft and helicopters are commissioned into service. The ceremony is traditionally held at Mandalay-Meiktila flying training air base. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Cannot Last Long: Kachin Leader – The Irrawaddy

A leader of the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the political wing of the powerful Kachin Independence Army (KIA) which is fighting the regime, says Myanmar’s junta is unlikely to survive as it is crippled by low morale and declining power. General Gun Maw, vice-chairman of the KIO told Radio Free Asia: “There is no possibility for a further increase in [junta] strength and its existing forces are also already crippled …There is almost no hope for them to last long.” Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal, India to hold joint military training exercise – The Economic Times

“Indian Army troops arrived today in Saljhandi, Nepal for the 16th Joint India-Nepal Military Ex #SURYAKIRAN. The exercises are a paragon for the exchange of professional experience & cementing the friendship between two armies,” the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu tweeted on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Remittance

inflows to Nepal up by record 20 percent – The Kathmandu Post
The remittance inflows to Nepal jumped by a record 20.4 percent to Rs378.04 billion during the first four months of the current fiscal year amid the world’s largest economies teetering on the brink of a recession triggered by inflation, latest data from the Nepal Rastra Bank showed. Click here to read…

Foreign powers weigh in as new faces join President race – The Kathmandu Post

With the Election Commission submitting the election results to President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Thursday, parties have stepped up discussions on a new government and candidate for new President. Former chief justice Shrestha, according to some Congress leaders, is the choice of some foreign forces and is still under consideration at the top political level. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Govt devises plan to conserve energy, cut import bill: Dawn

The government has devised a national contingency energy-saving plan to stabilise the economy, conserve energy and cut the import bill because an “extraordinary situation” required “extraordinary measures”, the information minister said on Thursday. The plan, prepared by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, was approved in a high-level meeting presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday at the Prime Minister’s Office. Click here to read…

Govt slashes petrol price by Rs10 per litre: The Express Tribune

The federal government on Thursday slashed the prices of petroleum products by up to Rs10 per litre effective from December 16, 2022. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar in a tweet said that the government had reduced the price of high speed diesel by Rs7.50 per litre. The government slashed the price of petrol by Rs10 per litre, kerosene oil by Rs10 per litre and light diesel oil (LDO) by Rs10 per litre. Click here to read…

Review of Pakistan’s Afghan policy sought: The Express Tribune

The Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday called for a review of Pakistan’s Afghan policy in the wake of the attitude of the Taliban government in Kabul towards Islamabad as seen during recent weeks and months.The committee met at the Parliament House with Chairman Farooq Hamid Naek in the chair. The committee received a briefing from Foreign Secretary Asad Majeed on several issues, including the recent attack on the Pakistan Embassy building in Kabul. Click here to read…

Afghan forces resume firing at Chaman border: The News

One person was killed and 12 others were wounded on the Pakistani side of the border in Chaman during an intense firing by the Afghan security forces for the second time on Thursday. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the incident was “uncalled-for aggression” and Pakistani troops gave a “befitting” but “measured response” and avoided targeting the civilians on the other side. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Easter Attacks: Former President Sirisena ordered to produce written submissions – Daily News

Former President Maithripala Sirisena and other accused were ordered to produce their written submissions on January 18 regarding the removal of President Ranil Wickremesinghe from the 108 cases filed by the victims who were injured, permanently disabled and victimized in the Easter attack seeking compensation for their life and property damage. Colombo Additional District Judge Mahesha De Silva issued this order due to the fact that former President Maithripala Sirisena and the prosecution raised their objection to the removal of the President who has been named as the second accused in these compensation cases. Click here to read…

Russia to provide market for Sri Lanka’s agricultural products – MSN

The Government of the Russian Federation expresses its support to provide a market for Sri Lanka’s agricultural products and introducing new technical equipment to increase agricultural production. A discussion in this regard was held between Russian Ambassador to Sri Lanka Levan S. Dzhagarayan and Russian Trade Commissioner Alexander L. Rybas and Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera on Wednesday (14)… The new technology used by the Russian Federation to create a market for agricultural products of Sri Lanka in Russia increasIng agricultural production and the introduction of technical methods was taken up for discussion at the meeting. Talks also focused on acquiring chemical fertilizers including Urea to Sri Lanka in the futureClick here to read…

INS Sahyadri’s Colombo Port call and Sri Lanka’s Maritime Policy – Daily News

The Indian Navy Commander’s visit, along with the arrival of Indian Naval Ship Sahyadri, a multi-role missile frigate of the Indian Navy is another landmark of the maritime cooperation between the two Indian Ocean neighbours. Analysts also point out that these two incidents have marked Sri Lanka’s impartiality in its dealings with maritime powers. Although Indian experts were irked by Sri Lanka’s decision to allow a Chinese satellite tracking vessel to enter its ports in August this year, the two neighbours seem to have smoothened the ruffled relationship as evident from the visit by Indian Navy Chef and the INS Sahyadri, which is a Shivalik-class stealth multi-role frigate built for the Indian Navy. The Shivalik-class features improved stealth and land attack capabilities over the preceding Talwar-class frigates. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

‘Majority of Displaced Populations in Afghanistan’ Are Women: UN: Tolo News

The UN Women in Afghanistan said that “women make-up the majority of the displaced populations in Afghanistan. The inability to exercise property rights or seek legal help means women in informal settlements live every day in fear of being evicted.” “Women and girls are affected by negative coping mechanisms due to lack of food. Women are forced to sell their assets to buy food, or, in most extreme cases, families have to sell their girls for marriage,” UN women in Afghanistan said on Twitter. .Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Japan considers Rohingya resettlement – The Daily Star

Japanese Ambassador in Dhaka Ito Naoki has said his country was considering resettlement of some Rohinyas to Japan as Bangladesh tries to ease its load of over a million of refugees who fled their homes in Myanmar to evade persecution. “Japan has received the request about third country resettlement [of Rohingyas] from your [Bangladesh] government. UNHCR here is also advising us to consider the possibility [to take Rohingyas to Japan],” the outgoing envoy told BSS, ahead of leaving Dhaka ending his tenure. .Click here to read…

Distorting History: Jamaat just won’t stop trying – The Daily Star

In yet another blatant attempt to distort history, Jamaat-e-Islami yesterday said Indian forces were behind the killings of intellectuals at the fag end of the Liberation War. At a virtual discussion to mark the Martyred Intellectuals Day, Jamaat leaders said the intellectuals were killed so that the country could not stand without the support of a neighbouring country. .Click here to read…

US envoy forced to cut short visit to Shaheen Bagh – Dhaka Tribune

The US envoy was visiting the residence of Sanjida Islam, the coordinator of Mayer Dak, an organization of relatives of missing persons. Sanjida is also the sister of missing BNP leader Sajedul Islam. According to media reports, the US envoy had been at the residence for about a half an hour when the members of another organization called Mayer Kanna began gathering outside. Mayer Kanna is an organization of families of army personnel who fell victim to killings and disappearances when Zia was in power in 1977. In response to the gathering crowd, the ambassador’s security detail asked him to leave the premises immediately. The US envoy hurriedly left the area with a police escort. .Click here to read…

Bhutan

Satellite pics of new bridge, expanding villages signal permanent Chinese occupation in Doklam – India Today

The Doklam faceoff at the India-Tibet-Bhutan tri-junction triggered a show of strength from both sides. The Chinese are still holding on to the territory in Bhutan which is not to India’s liking. China has beefed up infrastructure across the borders, built tunnels to store heavy armaments and doubled its strength near the borders since the faceoff ended, according to intelligence reports. .Click here to read…

Fiscal deficit expected to drop to 5 percent by June, FM says – Kuensel Online

Bhutan’s fiscal deficit would drop below 5 percent from 11.01 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) by the end of the 2022-23 fiscal year, Finance Minister Namgay Tshering said. This means that the fiscal deficit will narrow below Nu 10.4 billion (B) from this year September’s fiscal deficit of Nu 22.89B. A fiscal deficit arises when the government expenditure exceeds its revenue and it needs to be filled with borrowings. .Click here to read…

Maldives

Now expatriates from Maldives can send remittance to Bangladesh instantly – The Business Standard

Bangladeshi expatriates in Maldives will now be able to send remittances back home from Commercial Bank of Maldives to bKash accounts instantly. To facilitate this convenience, Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, Bangladesh, Commercial Bank of Maldives and bKash have recently signed an agreement. This service will further widen the opportunity of instant remittance transfer through secured and legal channel, reads a press release. With the launching of “Bangla eRemit” platform, the service has been inaugurated on Sunday (11 December) at the head office of Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC, Bangladesh. .Click here to read…

Myanmar

Could ‘Rice Diplomacy’ bolster Myanmar-Bangladesh ties – Modern Diplomacy

Without food, a nation could face turmoil and financial ruin. The agricultural sector is one of the most crucial and strategically vital for a nation to survive. There are numerous things the Bangladeshi government can do to keep rice in supply, but one of the most common is to import it. This import policy has many drawbacks because Bangladesh is known as an agricultural nation or a nation where the majority of workers are employed in agriculture, but despite this, Bangladesh still imports rice. .Click here to read…

India losing territory due to faulty border pillars: BJP MP from Manipur – The Hindu

A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member from Manipur said in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday that India was losing territory along the Manipur-Myanmar border due to faulty border pillars and demanded that the issue be taken up diplomatically with the neighbouring country.Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Snubs Pro-Regime Armed Groups’ Call for Peace Talks – The Irrawaddy

Seven ethnic armed organizations, which are signatories to the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), have failed to arrange an informal meeting with Myanmar’s regime. The Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), New Mon State Party, Karen National Union/Karen National Liberation Army Peace Council (KPC), Arakan Liberation Party, Democratic Karen Benevolent Army, Pa-O National Liberation Organization (PNLO) and Lahu Democratic Union on December 7 proposed a meeting with Lieutenant General Yar Pyae, chairman of the regime’s National Solidarity and Peace Negotiation Committee. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal resumes buying power from India amid drop in domestic production – The Kathmandu Post

As domestic power production slumped along with the arrival of winter, the Nepal Electricity Authority has resumed buying power from India. “We restarted importing power from India starting late last week,” said Suresh Bhatarai, spokesperson of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). “Domestic power plants are producing just around 1000MW, lower than the peak domestic demands.” Click here to read…

Election Commission unveils final result of parliamentary elections – The Himalayan

The Election Commission of Nepal here today published the final result of the parliamentary elections held on November 20 this year.The Commission made public the results of the elections held under First-Past-The-Post and Proportional Representation systems. The final published result will be presented to President Bidya Devi Bhandari on coming Thursday, the Commission said. Click here to read…

Only 91 women in 275-member Nepal Parliament: Election Commission – The Hindu

There are only 91 women lawmakers in the 275-member Nepal Parliament, the Election Commission said on Wednesday, lower than the 33% reservation mandated for women by the Constitution. Out of 275 newly elected members in HoR, 184 are men and 91 are women, which constitutes only 31.10% representation for women, the Election Commission said. Women candidates fared slightly better in Provincial Assemblies though, registering 36.36% by clinching 200 out of the 550 seats. Click here to read…

Nepal partners up with Saudi Arabia for economic prosperity – My Republica

Through Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, a strategic framework was discussed to reduce Nepal’s dependence on Saudi Arabia’s oil, diversify Nepal’s economy and help develop public service sectors such as education and health. Under this vision, a high-level visit between Nepal and Saudi Arabia is planned to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Alvi’s mediation fails to heal govt-PTI rift: The Express Tribune

As PTI chief Imran Khan dials up the resolve to dissolve assemblies, the ruling coalition is hoping quiet negotiations with the former ruling party can take the sting out of the burgeoning peril before the window of opportunity closes.However, despite the rare talks, neither side showed any appetite to thaw tensions on the ‘sticking point’ — early elections — as the political temperature continues to rise up. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka expects up to $8 bn more in loans, asset restructuring: Minister – Daily News

Sri Lanka is expecting loans of up to $5 billion next year from multilateral agencies besides a deal with the IMF, Foreign Minister Ali Sabry told Reuters, adding that the government could raise up to $3 billion through the restructuring of state assets. “Apart from what we get from the IMF, we are looking at all others, the multilaterals put together another $4 to $5 billion …,”Sabry said in an interview on Wednesday. “The President is interested in restructuring some of the (state) institutions, so through that if we can raise $2 to $3 billion, our treasury and reserves become strengthened.” Click here to read…

Discusses ways to enhance cooperation at Parliamentary level – Daily News

Sri Lanka and India sought ways and means to enhance cooperation at Parliamentary level, when Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to India Milinda Moragoda met with the Chairman of the Committee on External Affairs of the Indian Parliament, Shri P. P. Chaudhary on December 13 in New Delhi…The discussion focused on how to enhance interactions between the two Parliaments through exchanges of committees and friendship groups. High Commissioner Moragoda’s meeting with the Chairman was held in keeping with the objective, ‘Enhance cooperation at Parliamentary level; boost Parliamentary diplomacy’, stipulated in the ‘Integrated Country Strategy for Sri Lanka Diplomatic Missions in India 2021/2023’ policy roadmap of the High Commission. Click here to read…

A political breakthrough – Daily News

The collective Opposition had hoped that, with many factions of the ruling Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) going their separate ways, there was an opportunity to harness that dissent into a majority vote against the Government during the Budget debate. That however did not materialise. …The Budget was endorsed with 123 votes for and 80 against, a tally similar to the vote on the Second Reading. With the passage of the Budget in Parliament now concluded, President Wickremesinghe and his Government have been quick to shift their focus to two other important matters: a final resolution of the ethnic issue and conducting Local Government (LG) elections throughout the country. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Attack on Kabul Hotel Sparks International Reactions: Tolo News

The attack on a hotel in the Shar-e-Naw area of Kabul on Monday has brought international condemnation and calls to action. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the Islamic Emirate to identify the attackers and ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in Afghanistan. “China demands the Afghan side spare no efforts in searching for and rescuing Chinese individuals, and at the same time open a comprehensive investigation, severely punish the attackers, and earnestly strengthen the protection of Chinese citizens and organizations in Afghanistan,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. Click here to read…

Everyone Wants a Peaceful and Progressive Afghanistan; FM Bilawal: The Khaama Press

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday stated that everyone wants peace, progress and prosperity in Afghanistan. It is not in favor of anyone to see Afghanistan becoming the hub of terrorism once more. “We are hopeful that the current caretaker government in Afghanistan will not only address the issue of terrorism but also provide security because that’s a fundamental prerequisite for peace and prosperity,” FM Bilawal said in an interview with an Indonesian television channel. Click here to read…

Further Security Measures to be Provided at the Foreign Entities in Kabul: The Khaama Press

Over the past few weeks, several people died and many were wounded in three different terrorist attacks in Kabul. The latest bombing targeted a Chinese-run hotel in which five Chinese nationals were injured according to the Chinese Ambassador to Kabul, Wang Yu. Following the attack, the Chinese government urged its citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately to avoid similar incidents. Similarly, over the past few days, a gunman attack targeted the head of the Pakistani Diplomatic Mission in the capital Kabul, injuring one of the Charge D’affaire’s security guards, while another terrorist attack targetted a jihadi leader’s office, killing one and injuring two people. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM stresses addressing threats for national security – New Age

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday stressed the need for addressing traditional and non-traditional threats to ensure national security as the pattern of crimes has changed with the advent of newer technology. ‘Nowadays, the security concept is changed as on the one hand, digital devices brought many advantages and on the other hand changed the pattern of terrorism, militancy and crimes. So, it is equally important to defend non-traditional and traditional threats to ensure national security,’ she said…The prime minister said they have even not engaged in any quarrel with Myanmar over repatriation of their forcibly displaced national Rohingyas to their home land. ‘We’re trying to solve the problem through discussions,’ she added. She referred to solving the land boundary issue with India through discussion and establishing rights in the vast sea areas and on its resources after winning legal battles with neighbouring India and Myanmar maintaining friendly relations. Click here to read…

Bangladesh wants Dhaka-Guwahati direct air connectivity – Daily Star

Bangladesh wants direct Dhaka-Guwahati and Sylhet-Guwahati air connectivity and direct bus service between Sylhet and Shilchar for promoting people-to-people contacts, boosting bilateral ties and ensuring collective prosperity in the region. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen shares this idea when Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma called on him at his office yesterday. Click here to read…
A call for international recognition – Dhaka Tribune
The demand for acknowledgment of the 1971 genocide committed by Pakistan was raised in October by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in Geneva, Sanchita Haque. To this day, 51 years later, Pakistan has neither apologized to Bangladesh for the atrocities committed by its troops, nor has it brought to justice the 195 war criminals recognized by Bangladesh in 1972. The acknowledgement from the United Nations is significant not only for the families of the victims, but also for the aggrieved nation, which has now reached the age of 51 and is also an important member of the United Nations. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan opens two formal trade routes with India – Kuensel Online

As the decision to open two more formal trade routes with India has got the green light, people living near the borders in Lhamoidzingkha in Dagana and Chhuchungsa in Samtse have begun measuring their future prospects. The routes would be operational after the official inauguration next month. Click here to read…

Remittance drops by 11 percent – Kuensel Online

What was feared and a concern, inflow of remittance has dropped from Nu 5.29B to Nu 4.69B or by 11 percent from January to August. While hundreds of Bhutanese are leaving to work or study in Australia, remittance in AUD has been declining while remittance in USD has been growing. Remittance in AUD, which contributed over 50 percent in the same period last year, has gone down to 40 percent this year. Click here to read…

ADB approves $20m package to improve water management and resilience in Bhutan – Devdiscourse

he Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $20 million financing package to improve access to drinking water, irrigation services, and strengthening of climate resilience in Thimphu and the districts of Zhemgang and Wangdue Phodrang in Bhutan. The Water Flagship Program Support Project will build gravity-fed integrated drinking water supply and irrigation systems in the Hetshosamchu area of Wangdue Phodrang district and Zhemgang town and surrounding villages, which collect surface water from upstream sources. Click here to read…

Maldives

Civil servants from Bangladesh, Maldives to receive training at India’s Good Governance Centre – TBS News

India’s National Centre for Good Governance began its two-week capacity-building programmes for civil servants from Bangladesh and Maldives on Tuesday. As many as 39 civil servants from Bangladesh and 27 Maldives are participating in the two programmes, reports The Hindu. India has been helping neighbouring countries to build capacities of their civil servants to meet the emerging challenges in governance and assure public service delivery to improve the quality of life of people, a statement by the Indian government reads. The centre was set up in Mussoorie, India, in 2014. Click here to read…

WHO donates air quality monitoring stations to the Maldives – Avas

The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated two ambient air quality monitoring stations to the Maldives. One out of the two stations donated by WHO will be installed in Hulhumale’ Central Park. An agreement has been signed between the Environment Ministry and Housing Development Corporation (HDC), handing over the management of the station to HDC. The HDC and the Environment Ministry plan to use the data available through the station to raise awareness among the public and publish the data for public viewing. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Malaysian Court Lifts Stay on Deportation of Myanmar Nationals – The Diplomat

A court in Malaysia yesterday lifted a stay on the deportation of 114 Myanmar nationals, clearing the legal obstacles to their deportation and raising concerns about the likely threats to their safety if sent back to the troubled country. The court granted the request from the Malaysian government to lift the stay, which was imposed in February of last year to delay the deportation of 1,200 Myanmar nationals, and which the government ignored. Click here to read…

Myanmar conflict may take 5 more years to resolve: Cambodia PM – Asia News

Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his doubts that the Myanmar crisis would be resolved any time soon and ruled out a third trip there by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn in his capacity as the ASEAN chair’s special envoy. He made the remarks on December 12 while meeting with over 2,000 members of the Cambodian diaspora in Europe who came to see him in Brussels, Belgium, where he is slated to co-chair the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit. The December 14 event marks the 45 anniversary of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Partnership. Click here to read…

Europe and ASEAN Should Work Together on Myanmar Crisis – The Diplomat

On December 14, leaders of European Union member states are meeting in Brussels with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) — with one exception. Myanmar is unrepresented. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who heads the junta put in power in Myanmar after a February 2021 military coup against a democratically elected government, was not invited. Click here to read…

Canada sanctions Myanmar jet fuel suppliers – Mizzima

Pressure group Justice For Myanmar has welcomed the latest round of Canadian sanctions in response to the Myanmar military’s illegal attempted coup, to mark Human Rights Day. Canada is the first jurisdiction to impose sanctions on Myanmar military jet fuel suppliers, designating Asia Sun Group, a Myanmar conglomerate. Asia Sun Group is a local partner of the Myanmar military and is involved in procuring, storing and distributing jet fuel. Asia Sun has been found to import aviation fuel and directly deliver it to the Myanmar military. Click here to read…

India Urged to Back ASEAN Peace Plan for Myanmar – The Irrawaddy

Indonesia, the incoming chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), says other countries including India must get behind the bloc’s peace effort for Myanmar, which has been engulfed by violence since a coup last year. Retno Marsudi, Indonesia’s foreign minister, urged other regional powers to support ASEAN’s “five-point consensus” for peace, which includes an immediate end to violence in Myanmar and dialogue among all parties. Indonesia will chair the bloc next year. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepalese delegation visits Warangal to study sanitation – Telengana Today

A team of 29 officials including Mayors from Nepal has visited Warangal city to study sanitation practices particularly the management of the ‘Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP)’ here on Tuesday. The team has inspected the Decentralised Sewage Treatment Plant at Ambedkar Nagar in Hanamkonda , and also the FSTP at Ammavaripet. Click here to read…

Pakistan-Nepal trade relations impriving day by day: Ambassador – The National

Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan Tapas Adhikari said yesterday that Nepal-Pakistan bilateral trade relations were very limited but they were improving day by day. “We are optimistic on recent positive trends after the Covid-19 pandemic on bilateral economic engagements and hope it will surpass pre-Covid level very soon.Click here to read…

Madhav Nepal in North Korean embassy to take part in Kim Jong Il’s memorial assembly – The Annapurna Express

CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal has reached the North Korean embassy at Jhamsikhel in Kathmandu to take part in the memorial assembly of Kim Jong-il, father of Kim Jong Un, supreme leader of North Korea. The North Korean embassy had invited Nepal as the chief guest of the memorial assembly. North Korean Ambassador to Nepal Jo Yong Man welcomed former prime minister Nepal at the Embassy. Click here to read…

Can Gagan Thapa beat Deuba in prime minister race? – The Kathmandu Post

Political observers think Thapa is well aware that he has only a slim chance of winning parliamentary party leadership and that by declaring his candidacy, he only intends to project himself as the party’s future leader. They said as much, citing the strategy experimented by Thapa at the party’s 13th general convention. Click here to read…

Investment pledges plunge amid global economic slowdown – The Kathmandu Post

Foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments to Nepal plunged by more than half in the first four months of the current fiscal year, which officials attributed to a slowdown in the global economy. An economic slump in China is the key reason behind the fall in FDI pledges, insiders said. China’s economy is decelerating after it adopted a zero-Covid strategy. Despite the steep fall in commitments, China, which has been Nepal’s top FDI source for nearly a decade, still retains the top spot, accounting for two-thirds of the total. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Cracks appear in ruling coalition over Reko Diq: Dawn

Amid fragile political situation in the country, some cracks appeared for the first time in the ruling coalition on Tuesday when two allied parties boycotted the federal cabinet meeting over a controversial bill regarding revival of the Reko Diq copper and gold mine project in Balochistan. Sources privy to the cabinet meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, told Dawn that two of the allies — Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) and Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-Mengal) — boycotted that meeting to register their protest, but later joined it. Click here to read…

FM calls for stronger ties with Indonesia: The Express Tribune

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed the desire to uplift the bilateral economic cooperation in diverse fields between Pakistan and Indonesia. During an interview with an Indonesian TV channel, the foreign minister opined that there existed a large scope of cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia. He said that they had signed an MoU for setting up a joint ministerial commission between the two countries, adding the economic and bilateral ties between the two countries had more potential which required to be unlocked. Click here to read…

Rs 340bn flood expenditures: Pakistan asking IMF to allow budget deficit increase: The News

Informing the IMF that the expenditures on flood rescue and relief amounted to Rs 340 billion, Pakistan has requested the lender to grant an adjuster of the same amount by allowing an increase in the budget deficit for the current fiscal year 2022-23, it is learnt. To jack up the tax collection target, the government is considering slapping a Flood Levy in the current fiscal year and different proposals are under consideration for finalizing its exact modalities. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan Tamil parties to meet President Wickremesinghe to settle outstanding issues – The Print

The representatives from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), an alliance of parties who represent Tamils from the North and East regions, the Tamil Progressive Front, the Tamil National People’s Front and the Tamil National People’s Alliance will meet Wickremesinghe this evening, sources saidClick here to read…

IMF not expected to discuss Sri Lanka before year-end, say sources – Malaymail

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is not expected to formally approve Sri Lanka’s US$2.9 billion (RM12.8 billion) bailout before year-end, a key step required for the embattled country to receive funding, two sources familiar with the matter said…Sri Lanka has to secure prior financing assurances from creditors, put its heavy debt burden on a sustainable path and increase public revenue before the global lender will disburse the funds. The IMF stressed the importance of joint talks involving three of Sri Lanka’s main bilateral creditors ― China, Japan and India. Click here to read…