Afghanistan

Lavrov Calls for Inclusive Afghan Govt: Tolo News

The Russian Federation’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov called for the formation of an inclusive government that “truly reflect the interests of all ethnic and political forces” in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

‘250’ Daesh Members Arrested in 1 Month: Officials: Tolo News

More than 250 fighters affiliated with Daesh were arrested within the past month, officials said, adding that many of them are the prisoners who had fled from the prisons across the country. Click here to read…

Afghanistan’s current situation is not stable: Russia: The Khaama Press

Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said that lack of recognition of the Taliban, socio-economic and finance sphere, and humanitarian challenges that the de-facto authorities in Kabul are confronted with, is not a stable situation. Click here to read…

War is over in Afghanistan but this is not final chapter: Zalmay Khalilzad: The Khaama Press

US’s outgoing special representative for Afghan peace Zalmay Khalilzad said that war in Afghanistan ended but warned that this is not the final chapter as the people of Afghanistan will confront economic and security challenges. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Man placing Holy Quran at Cumilla puja mandap identified as Iqbal Hossain- Daily Star

From CCTV footage, police have identified the person who placed the Holy Quran at Nanua Dighir Par puja mandap in Cumilla city. Click here to read…

Bangladeshi travellers to India will need post-arrival Covid-19 tests- Daily Star

India today came out with revised guidelines for international arrivals into the country with effect from October 25 under which mandatory RT-PCR report showing samples tested as negative is required for passengers to board an international flight to India. Click here to read…

Police: Comilla resident Iqbal placed the Quran on a Puja idol- Dhaka Tribune

Police have identified the man behind the Comilla incident that sparked nationwide communal violence for the past week. Click here to read…

Fake photos, videos flood social media amid communal tension- Dhaka Tribune

There has been a steep rise in the spread of fake news, photos and videos on social media following the recent incidents of alleged desecration of the Holy Quran and the subsequent attacks on Durga Puja venues across the country. Click here to read…

Death toll passes 100 in Nepal-India floods- Asian Age

More than 100 people have died after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand and parts of Nepal. Click here to read…

PM to open newly built exhibition center at Purbachal tomorrow- Asian Age

Newly built ‘Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center’ at Purbachal will be inaugurated tomorrow. Click here to read…

PM for stern action over attack on Hindu community- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday asked Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to take immediate action against the perpetrators involved in the recent vandalism at puja mandaps and arson attack on the houses of the Hindu community. Click here to read…

B’desh learning a lot from China in poverty alleviation: Minister- The Observer

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Wednesday said Bangladesh has been learning a lot from its biggest development partner, China, in poverty alleviation. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Incessant rain damages paddy crops across the country- Kuensel

Heavy rain since October 17 has damaged harvested paddies and ripe standing paddy crops in many parts of the country. Click here to read…

67 days without a new Covid-19 community case; Phuentsholing is hopeful- Kuensel

It may take a long time for Phuentsholing to return to pre-pandemic times, but without a single community case for the last 67 days since August 12, the journey has already begun. Click here to read…

Elephants rampaging paddy fields in Pelrithang every night- Kuensel

Farmers in Pelrithang Khatoed in Gelephu have to spend sleepless nights guarding their paddy fields from elephants. Click here to read…

DHI BizAP digital skill-up freelancing for de-suups- Kuensel

The Druk Holding and Investments Limited’s (DHI) second round of the Business Acceleration Programme (BizAP) on digital skill-up freelancing, exclusively for the de-suups, kicked off on October 18 in Thimphu. Click here to read…

Observing and documenting climate change- Kuensel

A team of officials from the tourism, environment, and forest sectors are at Jumolhari, observing and documenting the impact of climate change on communities and their resilience to it. Click here to read…

There is a yeti preserve in Bhutan that is bigger than the size of Singapore- Daily Bhutan

The yeti is a mythical ape-like creature that is believed to roam the Himalayas, known in western pop culture as the Abominable Snowman. Click here to read…

Visitors can look forward to a brand new experience at Paro International Airport- Daily Bhutan

Paro Airport now boasts a new look. Visitors flying into Bhutan can look forward to a fresh experience at its national aviation facility. Click here to read…

Swollen Amochhu washes away 26 cattle- BBS

The swollen Amochhu due to the incessant rainfall washed away 26 cattle in Bangaley village under Denchukha Gewog in Samtse, yesterday. However, the Drungkhag disaster team rescued three cattle as of today. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives Tourism Report 2021: Emerging as a Dream Vacation Destination for the International Tourists – Businesswire

Maldives will attract more than 2.5 million international tourists and generated more than US$ 5 billion in revenues by 2027. Click here to read…

Maldives minister: Failure to limit warming a death sentence – ABC News

A failure to limit global warming could mean a “death sentence” for small island nations like the Maldives, including the end of their livelihoods and cultures, the country’s environment minister said Wednesday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

ASEAN summit without Myanmar leader significant, but not enough – U.S.- Reuters

The United States sees the decision by Southeast Asian nations to exclude Myanmar’s leader from a regional summit as very significant but more needs to be done to address the challenges the country is facing after the military coup there, a senior U.S. official said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Thousands flee Myanmar for India amid fears of a growing refugee crisis: The Economic Times

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

Pagodas Damaged in Myanmar’s Temple City: The Irrawaddy

Fourteen pagodas in Bagan, Myanmar’s temple city, have been damaged by heavy rain, according to the Bagan branch of the Department of Archaeology and the National Museum. Click here to read…

Ethnic Minority Student Killed in Myanmar Junta Custody: The Irrawaddy

A final-year engineering student who led anti-regime protests in Naypyitaw and Mandalay has died in military custody, his friends told The Irrawaddy. Click here to read…

Nepal

Sixty killed, 27 missing in floods, landslides- Himalayan

Sixty people were killed and 27 were missing in landslides and floods triggered by rainfall across the country in the last 24 hours. Click here to read…

Dahal for setting up agriculture aid fund- Himalayan

CPN-Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged the government to set up an agriculture assistance fund to provide relief to flood and landslide-hit farmers. Click here to read…

NA engaged in rescue, relief efforts- Himalayan

The Nepali Army has been involved in rescue and relief distribution efforts for flood and landslide survivors. Click here to read…

PM Deuba directs immediate rescue, relief and rehabilitation- Himalayan

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has directed the authorities concerned to work for rescue, relief distribution, and rehabilitation of those displaced by the recent series of landslides, floods, and inundation. Click here to read…

Centre mulls mechanism to ‘help’ its ministers

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), which is a major partner in the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led coalition, is preparing to form a mechanism purportedly to help its ministers perform better. Click here to read…

Climate change is a disaster in the Nepal Himalaya- Nepali Times

October is buckwheat harvest time in the distant highlands of Dolpo. In the village of Tso, Namdak Sangmo watches other women from her village fling their sickles, stoop over to sling the sheaves on their shoulders, and bring the crop in. Click here to read…

Rains inflict 30 percent loss to paddy crops output in Chitwan- Republica

Incessant rains have inflicted 30 percent loss to the expected paddy crops output in Chitwan. The rainfall with wind storm caused damages to harvest-ready paddy plantation. Click here to read…

Finding a ray of hope in Nepal’s gloomy politics- Nepal Live Today

In many respects, what is tarnishing Nepali democracy at the national level is a generational problem with leaders too old to really imagine a different way of doing politics. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Govt plans subsidy on petrol for bikes, rickshaws: Dawn

Days after raising the petrol prices to a record level, the federal government has decided in principle to provide subsidised petrol to motorcycle and rickshaw owners. Click here to read…

15-day PDM protest against inflation begins: Dawn

Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on Wednesday kicked off its 15-day nationwide protest from Rawalpindi against continuous rise in prices of petroleum products and edibles. Click here to read…

Issues stymying CPEC projects remain unresolved: The Express Tribune

Third meeting of the Pak-China Relations Steering Committee reviewed the status of CPEC projects and found that a majority of its directives given in the first week of August had remained unimplemented. Click here to read…

Gen Qamar urges global efforts to avert humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

The meeting took place at GHQ, Rawalpindi, said a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Click here to read…

FATF’s plenary meeting scrutinises Pak compliance report: The News

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has been scrutinising Pakistan’s compliance report on two action plans and a total of eight points in its ongoing plenary meeting held in Paris. Click here to read…

No-confidence motion: 33 out of 65 vote against Balochistan CM: The News

A no-confidence motion against Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan was tabled in the Balochistan Assembly, Geo News reported on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

18,790 persons vaccinated against COVID-19 on Tuesday – Daily FT

Sri Lanka has thus far administered the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to 14,788,141 persons and the second dose to 12,839,638 persons. Click here to read…

Trade deficit tops $ 5.5 b by August – Daily FT

The country’s trade deficit topped the $ 5.5 billion mark by end-August as imports remained high despite many curtailing efforts. Click here to read…

India lays emphasis on culture diplomacy with Sri Lanka – Daily Mirror

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to inaugurate the Kushinagar International Airport with the landing of an aircraft from Sri Lanka with a high profile delegation on board. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Leaders, Citizens Say Khalilzad Involved in Afghan Collapse: Tolo News

Former US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad’s resignation on Monday drew sharp reactions from both Afghan politicians and citizens. Click here to read…

IMF predicting 30% shrink in Afghanistan’s economy after Taliban takeover: The Khaama Press

International Monetary Fund in its latest regional economic report said that the gross domestic products of Afghanistan could see a 30% contraction after the Taliban took over the country and foreign aids halted. Click here to read…

Russia to end its diplomatic presence in NATO: The Khaama Press

Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said that his country will terminate its diplomatic mission in NATO and will end its diplomatic status in the organization in November. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Delegates Prepare for Moscow Meeting: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate’s delegation led by Andul Salam Hanafi, second deputy PM, left Kabul on Tuesday to attend the Moscow meeting on Afghanistan scheduled for Wednesday. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Near 16 million people waiting for Covid-19 vaccine- Dhaka Tribune

Nearly 16 million people have completed registration on the Surokkha website and are still waiting for their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Click here to read…

NHRC to investigate Pirganj incident- Dhaka Tribune

The probe body will investigate human rights violations or negligence in duty. Click here to read…

Pakistan ISPR claims blocking Indian submarine from entering- Daily Star

The Pakistan Navy detected and blocked an Indian submarine from entering Pakistani waters on October 16, the military’s media wing revealed on Tuesday. Click here to read…

OP-ED: Are we a secular society?- Dhaka Tribune

Human rights treaties propagate three core obligations — respect, protect, and fulfill — to ensure human rights in different national jurisdictions. Click here to read…

PM for stern action over attack on Hindu community- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday asked Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to take immediate action against the perpetrators involved in the recent vandalism at puja mandaps and arson attack on the houses of the Hindu community. Click here to read…

10,000 families marooned as Teesta flows above danger level- The Observer

Over 10,000 families in char areas at three upazilas–Patgram, Hatibandha, and Kaliganj– became marooned after the water level started rising from 8:00pm on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

China hails MoU with Bhutan, blames India for souring ties with Thimphu- Hindustan Times

China on Friday said the signing of a Sino-Bhutan memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the bilateral boundary dispute will make “significant contributions”. Click here to read…

Incessant rain affects paddy growers- BBS

Paddy growers are facing a tough time as continuous rain lashed in most parts of the country’s western and central regions causing damage to the matured crop ready for harvest. The continuous rain in the last two days has dashed the hopes of farmers. Click here to read…

Will India’s looming power crisis affect the country’s power import during the lean season?- BBS

With the possibility of the 1020 MW Tala Hydropower Plant having to undergo major maintenance this winter, the limited power generation during the lean season will hit hard the country. Click here to read…

Tala Plant could be temporarily shut down in winter- BBS

The Tala Hydropower Plant (THP) in Chhukha could be shut down for three months in winter. A group of international experts is currently analysing an inspection report of the plant’s headrace tunnel. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives achieves 90 pct of tourism target for 2021 – Xinhuanet

The Maldives has achieved 90 percent of the projected tourism arrivals for 2021, state-owned PSM News citing data from the Ministry of Tourism reported here. Click here to read…

ITB China announces the Maldives as Official Island Travel Partner 2021 – Travel Daily

In 2021 they will be the Official Island Travel Partner for the upcoming ITB China, set to take place from 24 – 26 November as a physical event in Shanghai, with a virtual extension from early November until the end of December. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar military prepares an onslaught for the ages – Asia Times

Sooner or later Myanmar’s military was bound to wheel out the big guns. Since March, when peaceful protest against the February 1 coup turned to armed resistance, the generals in Naypyidaw have watched too much go too wrong in too many places for too long. Click here to read…

Myanmar leader says ASEAN blind to opposition’s violence – Daily Herald

The leader of Myanmar’s military-installed government said Monday that other Southeast Asian countries should share responsibility for failing to help quell the violence that has engulfed his nation since the army seized power in February. Click here to read…

Myanmar to send ‘non-political, high-level’ envoy to ASEAN Summit – Benar News

Myanmar will send a “non-political, high-level” envoy to next week’s summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an official said Tuesday, after the bloc barred junta chief Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing from attending, citing a lack of cooperation by the military regime. Click here to read…

ASEAN Downgrades Myanmar Presence in Summit in Major Rebuke – The OWP

In their most pointed dismissal of Myanmar’s military junta yet, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has agreed to exclude Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, from an upcoming summit. Click here to read…

Myanmar blames economic turmoil partly on foreign-backed sabotage – Business Live

Myanmar’s military-appointed authorities are doing their best to stabilise the kyat currency and support an economy in turmoil since a February coup, a minister said on Tuesday, blaming the crisis partly on foreign backers of its opponents. Click here to read…

Nepal

Three killed, 23 missing in Sudurpaschim- Himalaya

Three persons were killed and 23 went missing in landslides and floods triggered by incessant rainfall for the past three days in Sudurpaschim Province. Click here to read…

https://thehimalayantimes.com/environment/three-killed-23-missing-in-sudurpaschim

China to provide two million more doses of COVID vaccines- Himlaya

Minister of Foreign Affairs Narayan Khadka and Wang Yi, state councillor and minister of foreign affairs of the People’s Republic of China, held an hour-long telephone conversation this morning. Click here to read…

PM Deuba directs bodies concerned to gear up rescue, relief efforts- Himalaya

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has directed the authorities concerned to make arrangements for immediate rescue and relief of those affected by flood, landslide, and inundation following heavy rainfall in various regions of the country. Click here to read…

CPN-UML prepares new party statute- Himalaya

The new statute of the CPN-UML prepared after incorporating all the inputs received from the participants of the recently held first statute convention. Click here to read…

Himalayan floods a sign of worse to come- Nepali Times

Nepal’s trans-Himalayan district of Manang is located in the rain-shadow, and is a high altitude desert. Its average annual rainfall is barely 300mm, but it got nearly double that rain in just one week in June. Click here to read…

Early elections are in talks, but there are complications galore- The Kathmandu Post

A sizeable section of Nepali Congress leaders has been batting for “early” elections in April-May, proposing local and provincial elections in October-November 2022. Click here to read…

Govt Committed To Protect Democracy, Rule Of Law, Good Governance : Minister Karki- Rising Nepal

For three and a half years, Nepali Congress fulfilled the role of a responsible opposition and did not intend to form or join the government. But the situation necessitated it. Click here to read…

Three-Tier Elections Govt’s Top Priority: PM Deuba- Rising Nepal

Formed after prolonged political crisis, the government has the priority to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, provide relief to the victims of floods and landslides and hold elections of federal, provincial and local governments in time. Click here to read…

Flood sweeps away a vehicle in Dang- Republica

Chief District Officer of Dang Ram Bahadur Kurungwang said the swollen Khaura Khola in Gadhawa Rural Municipality-2 in the district swept away the vehicle. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Shaukat Tarin returns to Washington as IMF talks move forward: Dawn

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin returned to Washington to join the ongoing discussion with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), his office announced on Tuesday. Click here to read…

PM, President say Riyasat-e-Madina protected poor, minorities: The Express Tribune

The remarks were made in separate messages issued to mark the birth of the Prophet (PBUH) – a day being celebrated across Pakistan with religious zeal and fervour. Click here to read…

PM Imran to attend Green Initiative Summit in Riyadh: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran would attend the ‘Middle East Green Initiative Summit’ in Riyadh being held on Oct 25. Click here to read…

Military commanders promoted on basis of performance in state of Madina: PM: The Express Tribune

Addressing the Rahmatul lil Aalameen Conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, the premier vowed to turn the country into Madina-like welfare state to ensure merit and supremacy of law in the society. Click here to read…

Govt decides to reduce taxes on food items: The News

The government has decided to reduce taxes on the prices of food items amid rising inflation, sources told Geo News on Monday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

First batch of Nano Nitrogen liquid fertilizer arrives from India – Adaderana

Sri Lanka has received the first shipment of 100,000 litres of Nano Nitrogen liquid fertilizer, imported from India for cultivation in Maha Season. A special cargo flight chartered by Sri Lankan Airlines carrying the consignment left Hyderabad International Airport in India yesterday. Click here to read…

Flight from Sri Lanka to flag-off Kushinagar airport in India – Economynext

A flight from Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo carrying politicians and monks will be the first to land at Kushinagar International Airport in India, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narenda Modi. Kushinagar is the city where Buddhist believe Lord Buddha passed away known as Mahaparinirvana. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka imports top three year high by Sept 2021 amid money printing – Economynext

Sri Lanka’s imports hit 1.68 billion US dollars in September 2021, amid record money printing the highest since 2018 when money was also printed losing forex reserves, data show. The surge in imports came despite import controls. Up to August imports were 13.4 billion rupees, up from 10.25 billion rupees in 2020 and also up from 12.88 billion rupees in the pre-pandemic 2019. Click here to read…

‘SL faces substantial credit risk, default a real possibility’ – Ceylon Today

Sri Lanka’s economy faces substantial credit risk, with default ‘a real possibility’, Fitch Ratings said today (19). The Singapore-based ratings agency also revised Sri Lanka’s growth forecast for 2021 to 3.3 per cent from 3.8 pc, due to the surge in coronavirus cases in July-August. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Khalilzad Steps Down as Top US Envoy to Afghanistan: Tolo News

Zalmay Khalilzad, the US peace envoy to Afghanistan, has stepped down, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced on Monday. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Hopes Moscow Meeting Leads to Recognition: Tolo News

A senior delegation of the Islamic Emirate, led by Abdul Salam Hanafi, second deputy of the prime minister, is set to visit Moscow on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Pakistan allows 1,000 Afghan students to cross Torkham: The Khaama Press

Pakistan’s embassy based in Kabul in a statement said that up to one thousand Afghan students were allowed to cross Torkham crossing into the country. Click here to read…

House-to-house polio vaccination to begin in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

WHO and UNICEF in a statement welcomed the decision by the Taliban as they allowed the vaccination process to all children in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

US does not attend Moscow conference on Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

US department of state on Monday, October 18 said that they will not send a representative to a Russia-hosted conference that is concentrated on Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

When fear is all they feel- Daily Star

They were already cringing in horror over what had happened at different places across the country over the last few days. Click here to read…

AL to hold nationwide ‘harmony rallies’ today- Daily Star

The ruling Awami League yesterday announced that it will hold ‘harmony rallies’ and bring out peace processions across the country today against the recent communal violence. Click here to read…

Editorial: This has to stop- Dhaka Tribune

This is just one of the many incidents of hate and violence directed at our Hindu population over the past few days. Click here to read…

Tour Diary: Struggling Bangladeshi expats in Oman seek authorities’ attention- Dhaka Tribune

Despite being in large numbers, struggles are in abundance among the Bangladeshis in Oman. Click here to read…

AL ministers blame BNP-Jamaat, vow strict action- Dhaka Tribune

BNP-Jamaat is behind all the unrest occurring in the country now, says information minister. Click here to read…

BNP thinks communal attacks part of AL’s ‘evil design’- Dhaka Tribune

Mirza Fakhrul says AL leaders are blaming the BNP without any investigation. Click here to read…

Bangladesh, India to celebrate ‘Maitree Diwas’ in 18 countries Dec 6- Dhaka Tribune

The two countries are hosting a ‘Maitree Diwas’ logo and backdrop design competition. Click here to read…

PM urges people’s vigilance against 1975-like carnage- Dhaka Tribune

Everyone must perform their duties accordingly to give children security, love and a beautiful and meaningful life, she says. Click here to read…

We are working for a harmonious country: PM- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Monday that the government is working to build up a Bangladesh on the basis of communal harmony where people of all religious beliefs will be able to live in peace. Click here to read…

China’s economic growth slows as power woes bite- Asian Age

China’s economy grew 4.9% in the July to September quarter from a year earlier, the slowest pace in a year and worse than analysts had predicted. Click here to read…

Court indicts ex-Rajuk chairman, three others over FR Tower fire- Observer

A Dhaka court on Monday framed charges against four people, including the former Rajdhani Unnayan Kartripakkha (Rajuk) chairman Humayun Khadem in a case filed over the FR Tower fire. Click here to read…

300 tourists stranded on St Martin’s Island due to rough weather- The Independent

Some 300 tourists have got stranded on St Martin’s Island in the Bay of Bengal due to inclement weather. The authorities concerned have suspended the movement of passenger vessels between Teknaf and St Martin’s Island from Sunday afternoon. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Roadblock at Namling to remain longer- Kuensel

The Department of Roads (DoR) officials are currently unable to estimate when the roadblock at Namling on the Mongar-Bumthang highway can be cleared and the road opened to traffic, due to continuous soil and rockslides. Click here to read…

Gasa Tshachhu flood caused damage Nu 4M- Kuensel

Property worth Nu 4 million (M) has been confirmed damaged or washed away by the swollen Mochhu on August 26 this year. Click here to read…

Tapping Bhutan’s Vast Solar Energy Reserves- Bhutan Times

Exploring Renewable Energy sources has become the need of the hour as climate issues have now taken the centre-stage in our developmental plans and priorities. Click here to read…

MoLHR connects talents of youth with the job market- Bhutan Times

Through efforts such as sharing successful stories, the Ministry of Labour and Human Resources (MoLHR) is connecting young people’s abilities with the labor market. Click here to read…

NITAG recommends third dose for immunocompromised people- Bhutan Times

The committee also recommended a booster dose of mRNA for people aged 60 and older, active frontline workers, and individuals with chronic medical conditions. Click here to read…

Commemorating the birth anniversary of Third Druk Gyalpo- Bhutan Times

The Embassy of India organized an Art Competition to commemorate the birth anniversary of His Majesty the Third Druk Gyalpo in collaboration with Sherubtse College, Kanglung. Click here to read…

Visitors can look forward to a brand-new experience at Paro International Airport- Daily Bhutan

Thanks to His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, Paro Airport now boasts a new look. Visitors flying into Bhutan can look forward to a fresh experience at its national aviation facility. Click here to read…

Fuel price hits all-time high- BBS

The price of petrol and diesel has recorded an all-time high this month. The price of petrol increased by almost Nu 4 on Saturday. Diesel saw an increase of more than Nu 5 per litre. Click here to read…

Bhutan attracts thousands of visitors at World Expo in Dubai- BBS

For the first time, Bhutan is taking part in the World Expo, currently taking place at Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Click here to read…

Schools in need of sports infrastructure – Punakha- BBS

Games and sports in schools are important. Besides keeping children physically fit, it also helps them develop confidence and leadership skills. But at Thinleygang Primary School and Kabesa Central School in Punakha, access to sports is a challenge due to the lack of proper sports infrastructure. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives calls for rapid and immediate action to fight climate change – CNBC
The world’s largest carbon emitters are not listening to what’s happening to countries facing extreme weather changes, said the minister of environment of Maldives, an island nation at risk of disappearing by the end of the century. Click here to read…

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment of Australia, in the Maldives – Raajje

Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment of Australia Dan Tehan has arrived in the Maldives. Click here to read…

Sustainable Future Forum Asia: Responsibility & Regulation – CNBC

The Sustainable Future Forum Asia session on Monday focused on responsibility and regulation. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Justice for Myanmar – Twitter

Myanmar military terrorists are using Australian radios. #Myanmar army has been attempting to procure parts for tactical radios from Oz defence firm Barrett Communications. Click here to read…

Myanmar FDI drops to 8-year low, reflecting post-takeover unrest – Asia Nikkei

IMF expects economy to shrink next year as foreign currency revenue disappears. Click here to read…

Myanmar junta frees thousands of detainees in amnesty – RFA

Myanmar’s military freed thousands of people arrested for protesting its February coup under strict conditions on Monday, prompting observers to dismiss the move as a bid to appease the international community at a time when the junta is facing both global and domestic pressure to step down. Click here to read…

Nepal

UML to continue obstructing House proceedings- Himalaya

The CPN-UML, which has been stalling House proceedings since September 8 when the new session of Parliament began, will continue to do so unless Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota confirms the expulsion of 14 UML lawmakers, including Madhav Kumar Nepal who now heads the CPN (Unified Socialist). Click here to read…

Police slammed for using excessive force on protesters- Himalaya

Human Rights Watch has accused Nepal Police of using excessive force and demanded that Nepali authorities independently investigate the eviction drive of people living in squatter settlements. Click here to read…

Valley life unlikely to normalise for a few days- Himalaya

The official holidays for Nepal’s greatest festival of Dashain ended today. However, life inside Kathmandu valley is unlikely to normalise for the next few days. Click here to read…

Despite laws in place, justice still out of reach for Dalits in Nepal- TKP

In May 2020, Nabaraj BK, of Jajarkot, a midwestern hill district in Nepal, had gone to the neighbouring district of Rukum (West) with a group of friends. Click here to read…

Two years since Xi’s visit, Nepal-China ‘strategic partnership’ remains an enigma- TKP

It has been a little over two years since Nepal and China elevated bilateral ties to “strategic partnership”. Click here to read…

https://bit.ly/3jdIKqA

Oil exports may suffer after India slashes import duty- TKP

Nepal’s edible oil exports to India may take a hit as reduced import duty by the southern neighbour may boost overseas buying by Indian traders themselves, insiders said. Click here to read…

The start of the Anglo-Gorkha war- Nepali Times

Nepali Times reporter Alisha Sijapati spent a month retracing the Gorkha expansion beyond the Mahakali River more than 200 years ago to Garhwal, Kumaon and beyond. Click here to read…

ADB to give priority for accessible energy to marginalized people for sustainable growth- Republica

Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sought to promote cleaner cooking and heating solutions to the people from developing member countries (DMCs), who are living without access to modern energy systems. Click here to read…

Nepal records 591 new cases, 937 recoveries and nine deaths on Monday- Republica

Nepal has recorded 591 new cases of COVID-19 along with 937 recoveries and nine deaths on Monday. Click here to read…

Generations of Nepalis from Sudurpaschim went to India to work. It’s likely to continue for years- Online Khabar

What is even worse is, the government does not even have data regarding how many workers leave Nepal each year. Due to the open border, Nepali officials hardly keep data of the people. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PDM announces nationwide agitation from Oct 20: Dawn

The central committee of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on Monday finally gave its consent to the longstanding demand of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to launch a countrywide agitation against the government. Click here to read…

Bajwa stresses Pakistan’s desire for ‘enduring ties’ with US: Dawn

Army Chief Gen Qamar Bajwa reiterated Pakistan’s desire for “enduring ties” with the United States. Click here to read…

PM Office receives summary for DG ISI appointment: The Express Tribune

Yes, a summary has been moved [regarding the appointment of new ISI chief],” confirmed a relevant official while requesting anonymity. Click here to read…

Talks with IMF have not failed, Tarin rejects media reports: The Express Tribune

Tarin made these remarks in conversation with reporters after addressing the Pakistani community at the New York consulate general on Sunday evening. Click here to read…

Dollar rises to new record: The News

The value of the US dollar reached an all-time high against the Pak rupee on Monday, selling for Rs172.78 in the interbank market. Click here to read…

Pakistan ranks 130 out of 139 countries in adherence to rule of law: The News

The World Justice Project’s Rule of Law Index 2021 report shows that Pakistan is among the lowest ranked countries in its adherence to the rule of law, ranking 130th out of 139 nations. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

UNP Deputy Leader questions grey matter of ruling politicians – The Island

UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene says that there is a serious doubt whether some ruling party politicians had actually attended school or what type of education some of them had during their schooling when considering the statements, the latter make with regard to ongoing trade union action by teachers and principals. Click here to read…

Financial crisis so acute teachers’ demands cannot be met – SLPP Chairman – The Island

SLPP Chairman and Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday (18) emphasised that the worsening financial crisis experienced by the country was so acute the government wasn’t in a position to grant the salary increase sought by school principals and teachers. Click here to read…

Afghan situation could impact SL, other coastal nations – ambassador – Ceylon Today

Afghan ambassador in Colombo M. Ashraf Haidari has warned that maritime security in the Indian Ocean region would most be affected by the unfolding situation in his country with implications for coastal nations, including Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Tibet to improve financial services for smaller firms: Xinhuanet
October 15, 2021

Southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region has introduced a raft of measures to improve financial services to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, according to local authorities. The move aims to guide financial institutions to optimize resource allocation and improve service to smaller firms, said the Lhasa central sub-branch of the People’s Bank of China, the country’s central bank. Click here to read…

China launches its longest-ever crewed mission for space station construction: Xinhuanet
October 16, 2021

China on Saturday launched the crewed spaceship Shenzhou-13, sending three astronauts to its space station core module Tianhe for a six-month mission. The spacecraft, atop a Long March-2F carrier rocket, was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China’s Gobi Desert at 12:23 a.m. (Beijing Time), according to the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). Click here to read…

7 anti-China disruptors sentenced over unauthorized assembly in Hong Kong: Xinhuanet
October 16, 2021

Seven anti-China disruptors in Hong Kong were sentenced by the District Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region on Saturday to up to 12 months in prison for holding or organizing and inciting others to take part in unauthorized assemblies on July 1 last year. Click here to read…

Xi stresses enhancing whole-process people’s democracy: China Military
October 14, 2021

Chinese President Xi Jinping has underlined upholding and improving the people’s congress system and continuously enhancing whole-process people’s democracy. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while addressing a central conference on work related to people’s congresses, held from Wednesday to Thursday in Beijing. Click here to read…

China-Russia joint naval exercise kicks off: China Military
October 15, 2021

The China-Russia joint naval exercise, Joint Sea-2021, kicked off with a ceremony on the afternoon of October 14 in waters near Russia’s Peter the Great Bay. This exercise will be co-chaired by Rear Admiral Bai Yaoping, deputy commander of the navy under the PLA Northern Theater Command, and the commander of the Primorsky flotilla of diverse forces of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, with joint command posts set onboard the commanding vessels of both sides. Click here to read…

China releases 100 industrial standards for public security: People’s Daily
October 14, 2021

China’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS) on Thursday released 100 sets of industrial standards regarding public safety, covering areas of social security, traffic management, and the techniques applied in collecting evidence for criminal cases. The MPS had released 2,256 sets of industrial standards so far that are currently in effect, said MPS official Li Jian at a press conference, adding that the MPS also participated in the formulation of more than 10 international standards in this field. Click here to read…

Singers removed from China’s streaming platforms after releasing song insulting China: Global Times
October 18, 2021

Malaysian singer and songwriter, Namewee, and Australian singer Kimberley Chen, have been removed from China’s social and streaming platforms as of Sunday after they released a song which is considered to have insulted the Chinese people. The song named “Fragile”, or literally “Heart of Glass,” released on Friday is considered to contain insults against the Chinese people under the surface of a romantic love song. Click here to read…

MoU on China-Bhutan boundary talks ‘breaks deadlock caused by India, paves way for diplomatic ties’: Global Times
October 15, 2021

China and Bhutan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on a Three-Step Roadmap to help speed up boundary talks that have been heavily delayed, during a virtual meeting held on Thursday. The MoU is of historic significance and is the result of years of joint efforts and sincere cooperation between the two sides, analysts said, noting that it points out the direction for breaking the current deadlock and laying a foundation for the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bhutan. Click here to read…

Sony China fined 1 million yuan for undermining national dignity and interests: Global Times
October 18, 2021

Sony’s China branch was fined 1 million yuan ($0.15 million) by Beijing’s market regulator on October 12 for its advertisement related to the July 7th Incident in 1937. The company was accused of undermining national dignity and interests, Beijing Daily reported on Sunday. Click here to read…

China’s Q3 economic growth slows to 4.9% amid power crunch, supply bottleneck: Global Times
October 18, 2021

China’s GDP expanded 4.9 percent in the third quarter of 2021, slowing from previous quarters amid rising economic challenges including a power crunch and the global supply chain bottleneck. The growth is slightly lower than market expectations which put it at 5 percent. The country’s economic output rose 4.9 percent both on one-year and two-year basis in the third quarter, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on Monday morning. In the first three quarters, China’s GDP grew by 9.8 percent to hit a total of 82.31 trillion yuan ($12.8 trillion). Click here to read…

Chinese military newspaper calls for ‘people’s war’ to counter US spies after CIA sets up new China unit: South China Morning Post
October 17, 2021

A Chinese military newspaper has called for a “people’s war” to defeat American espionage after the CIA set up a new unit dedicated to China. The launch of China Mission Centre on October 7, which CIA Director William Burns said was aimed at countering “the most important geopolitical threat” of the century, has gone viral on Chinese social media.
A widely circulated video clip in the past few days, carried by many state-controlled media outlets, claimed that the CIA was recruiting Chinese-speaking operatives who understood Mandarin as well as Cantonese, Hakka and Shanghainese. Click here to read…

China faces challenges from ‘mismanagement’ at certain firms, says PBOC head: Reuters
October 18, 2021

China’s economy is “doing well”, but faces challenges such as default risks for certain firms due to “mismanagement”, the People’s Bank of China Governor Yi Gang said on Sunday. Concerns have grown in recent weeks over the possible collapse of property developer China Evergrande Group, which has more than $300 billion in liabilities and has missed three rounds of interest payments on its dollar bonds. Click here to read…

Chinese tech workers disclose working hours in criticism of ‘996’: Reuters
October 14, 2021

A campaign calling on workers at Chinese tech companies and other high-profile firms to log their working hours on a public internet page has gone viral, in the latest backlash against a culture of overtime. Organised by four anonymous creators who described themselves as recent graduates, the “Worker Lives Matter” campaign calls on employees at tech firms to enter their company name, position, and working hours in a spreadsheet posted on GitHub. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Afghan, Uzbek Officials Pledge increased Connectivity: Tolo News

Officials from the Islamic Emirate discussed trade, transit, energy, and regional connectivity with Uzbek officials on Saturday in Uzbekistan. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Asks US, EU to End Sanctions: Tolo News

The delegation of the Islamic Emirate in a meeting with US and European envoys urged the world to lift sanctions on the Islamic Emirate and “let banks operate normally.” Click here to read…

Taliban underrate Daesh, do not call it danger in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister Amir Khan Motaqi during his visit to Turkey said that ISIS-K (Daesh) is not a threat in Afghanistan and the group does not have training centers in the country. Click here to read…

Taliban pledge to man security of Shi’ite mosques: The Khaama Press

A day after ISIS-K killed and wounded over a hundred Shi’ite worshipers in Kandahar province, a Taliban official has said that they themselves will man securities of these mosques. Click here to read…

US Working to Make Charter Flights From Kabul Routine: Tolo News

The idea that we’re restarting evacuation flights, à la what we had prior to Aug. 31, is not accurate,” State Department spokesperson Ned Price said in a briefing. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

A chronicle of hate unleashed- Daily Star

Locals of Nanua Dighir Par, where it all started, said the attackers were outsiders and mostly teenagers. They came from the city outskirts. Click here to read…

A burden for Bangladesh: PM- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday called the displaced Rohingyas and stranded Pakistanis “a burden for Bangladesh”, saying they are putting pressure on the country’s economy. Click here to read…

ISKCON monks, imams of West Bengal protest Durga Puja violence in Bangladesh- Daily Star

About 500 members and followers of ISKCON in India’s Kolkata sang kirtan outside the Deputy High Commission of Bangladesh in Park Circus locality last evening protesting the attack on ISKCON temple in Noakhali last Friday. Click here to read…

ED: No country for minorities- Daily Tribune

Earlier last week, this newspaper had editorialized on the increased security that was to be ensured this year for Durga Puja. The editorial was laudatory and hopeful, that this year, our Hindu population would feel safe over the week of Puja rituals and festivities. Click here to read…

Bangladesh RMG industry greenest in the world?- Dhaka tribune

The move towards green factory buildings helped to regain Bangladesh’s image after the Rana Plaza tragedy. Click here to read…

Panicked Hindus thinking about leaving country- Asian Age

Two Hindus and at least four Muslims have died in ensuing violence in Bangladesh. Religious tensions erupted following a viral, “insulting” social media image. Click here to read…

Rohingyas, stranded Pakistanis burden for Bangladesh: PM- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday called the displaced Rohingyas and stranded Pakistanis a burden for Bangladesh, saying they are putting pressure on the country’s economy. Click here to read…

BNP key patron of communal forces: Quader- Observer

Awami League General Secretary and Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said BNP is the ‘number one’ patron of communal evil forces. Click here to read…

70-80 % people to be vaccinated by March next: Health Minister- The Independent

The government has geared up its nationwide vaccination drive to inoculate 70-80 percent people by March next, said Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Saturday. Click here to read…

Edible oil prices to see fresh hike- Financial Express

Hardship of common consumers is going to be intensified further, as soybean oil price has been recommended to be raised by Tk 7.0 to Tk 160 per litre. Click here to read…

Bangladesh’s flood losses to be $2.2b per year- Financial Express

A noteworthy victim of climate change, Bangladesh is likely to incur losses worth US$ 2.2 billion on average per year, which is equivalent to 1.5 per cent of its gross domestic product (GDP), due to floods, according to a keynote presentation. Click here to read…

Bhutan

His Majesty grants Dasain Tika to Hindu community of Gelephu- Kuensel

His Majesty granted Dasain Tika to representatives of the Hindu community of Gelephu at the Shivalaya Mandir in Gelephu, yesterday. Click here to read…

Building leadership capacity of women LG aspirants- Kuensel

Thirty-two women who are aspiring to contest in the upcoming local government (LG) election from Mongar and Lhuentse are attending a leadership training in Mongar. Click here to read…

Thimphu has become overly expensive, say residents- Kuensel

In a matter of months, residents in the capital city say everything has become more expensive, and that many of them were cutting corners to eke out a living. Click here to read…

Increasing awareness on mental health issues- Bhutan Times

The Ministry of Education in partnership with UNICEF Bhutan launched a campaign called ‘OnMyMind’ this week. Click here to read…

Police bust fraud over hired cars- Punakha- BBS

Punakha police arrested four women and a man suspected of Deceptive Practice and Forgery recently. According to the police, the suspects hired 23 light vehicles from different individuals and sold them by forging documents. Police have recovered the cars. Click here to read…

Tsirang to soon become LED Dzongkhag- BBS

It might be just a matter of time before Tsirang Dzongkhag becomes the first energy-efficient and energy-conscious district in the country. Click here to read…

MoU with Bhutan to speed up border talks, says China- Tribune

China has said its MoU with Bhutan will make a “meaningful contribution” to speed up the border talks and establishment of diplomatic ties with Thimphu. Click here to read…

After signing MoU, China speaks of establishing diplomatic ties with Bhutan- The Week

A few days after the announcement that both China and Bhutan had firmed up a “three-step roadmap” for expediting negotiations to resolve the long-pending boundary dispute between the two countries, China spoke of establishing diplomatic ties with Thimphu. Click here to read…

India Takes Note of Pact on Border Talks Between Bhutan and China- Swarajya

India has ‘noted’ the agreement signed between Bhutan and China regarding a ‘three step roadmap’ to fast-track negotiations to resolve their boundary dispute. Click here to read…

Maldives

Indian hodophiles help Maldives recover from pandemic blues – The Hindu

Call it the triumph of soft power or Stimulus Maitri, one South Asian country is silently thankful to Indians’ indefatigable wanderlust which has lifted its recovery prospects from the pandemic’s disastrous aftermath, even as the Chinese have gone virtually missing in action. Click here to read…

Maldives being lashed by wind and rain, yellow alert extended again – Avas

Maldives Meteorological Services has further extended the duration of the yellow alert issued earlier on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka and Maldives to enhance cooperation in shipbuilding and boatbuilding industries – Colombopage

A virtual meeting between the National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM) and the Representatives of the Sri Lanka Boat and Ship Building Industry was hosted by the Foreign Ministry in collaboration with the Export Development Board (EDB) of Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Inauguration of the Reproductive Health Centre at Hulhumale’ Hospital – Relief Web

UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency has partnered with the Hulhumale’ Hospital to establish a one stop centre to provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services especially for adolescents, young people, women and girls. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Indian Arms Exporter Ships Air-Defense Weapons to Myanmar’s Junta – The Irrawaddy

Indian arms manufacturer Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) exported a remote-controlled, air-defense station to Myanmar in July, said Justice for Myanmar (JFM), an activist group that monitors the military’s businesses. Click here to read…

Why Myanmar’s current democracy movement lacks global support – The National News

We are facing crimes against humanity. We are facing a humanitarian catastrophe. Yet the world has ignored us. Click here to read…

Myanmar opposition welcomes ASEAN’s junta snub, wants summit invite – Reuters

Myanmar’s shadow government, formed by opponents of ruling military, welcomed on Monday the exclusion of junta leader Min Aung Hlaing from an upcoming regional summit, but said it should be the legitimate representative. Click here to read…

US delegates set to engage Asean, discuss Myanmar – Bangkok Post

The United States will send a delegation led by the US State Department Counsellor Derek Chollet to Thailand to affirm its commitment to the region and address the crisis in Myanmar. Click here to read…

‘Dire’ Myanmar situation a threat to regional stability -The Mandarin

Foreign minister Marise Payne has endorsed a five-point consensus document for the now military-controlled Myanmar, calling for an urgent return to democracy in the beleaguered nation, as special envoy of the ASEAN chair on Myanmar Dato Erywan is due to arrive in the southeast asian nation. Click here to read…

ASEAN alienates Myanmar junta chief – The Jakarta Post

Myanmar’s junta chief will be excluded from an upcoming ASEAN summit, the regional group said on Saturday, a rare rebuke as concerns rise over the military government’s commitment to defusing the country’s bloody crisis. Click here to read…

Myanmar junta silences chief lawyer of ousted Aung San Suu Kyi government – Jurist

The lead lawyer representing Myanmar’s ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi and her government in the several criminal cases initiated against them by the junta said on Friday that a gag order has been issued preventing him from speaking about Suu Kyi’s cases to the media, foreign diplomats or international organizations. Click here to read…

Refugee influx into Mizoram up as houses torched in Myanmar – Times of India

Myanmar junta troops advancing from Sagaing Region to Chin have torched houses and a church along the Falam-Hakha road, forcing hundreds to flee from their homes, said Myanmar Now. Click here to read…

British American Tobacco pulls out of army-ruled Myanmar – Reuters

British American Tobacco (BATS.L) will cease all operations in military-ruled Myanmar and withdraw by the end of this year, the company said on Tuesday, the latest Western firm to pull out of the country in turmoil since a February coup. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal drops two notches in rule of law- The Himalaya

Nepal’s overall rule of law score decreased 1.1 per cent in the World Justice Project Index-2021, which evaluates rule of law in 139 countries and jurisdictions. Click here to read…

Home minister Khand revisits pact with Chand-led CPN-The Himalaya

Home Minister Balkrishna Khand today sat for discussions with authorities concerned about implementation of the agreement reached with the Communist Party of Nepal led by Netra Bikram Chand. Click here to read…

Govt to reveal facts on death in detention centre- The Himalaya

The government has committed to disclosing the facts related to the death of Mohammad Hakim Saha from Bhokraha Narsingh Rural Municipality of Sunsari in the detention centre of Sunsari District Police Office. Click here to read…

Second Chinese vaccine may get trial approval in Nepal- TKP

Nepal Health Research Council is preparing to give its nod for the third phase trials to a Covid-19 vaccine developed by China’s WestVac Biopharma Co, Ltd after the company submitted almost all the documents demanded by the council. Click here to read…

Nepal Electricity Authority is hit with a double whammy- TKP

The 400kV Dhalkebar-Muzaffarpur Transmission Line between Nepal and India hasn’t been put to optimum use, but the Nepal Electricity Authority has been paying around Rs1 billion annually for the past 25 years to the companies that developed it. Click here to read…

Experts blame centralised governance for instability in the provinces- TKP

When CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli became prime minister on February 15, 2018, there was a sense of stability in the country because the left alliance of the UML and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) had a comfortable majority. Click here to read…

Oil prices climb to highest in years as COVID recovery, power generators stoke demand- Republica

Oil prices hit their highest in years on Monday as demand continues its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, boosted by more custom from power generators turning away from expensive gas and coal to fuel oil and diesel. Click here to read…

NRB auctioning off treasury bills- Republica

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) is auctioning off treasury bills worth Rs 11.20 billion. Click here to read…

‘CJ’s pick’ Gajendra Hamal resigns from cabinet after controversy- Online Khabar

Gajendra Hamal has announced he would resign as the minister for industry, commerce and supplies, just two days after his appointment. Click here to read…

A Mother and Daughter’s Battle To Get Citizenship- Rising Nepal

Thre are the questions Puja Chand of Kathmandu Metropolitan City–3 raises to the authorities who denied her daughter Tanisi the right to obtain a citizenship certificate in her mother’s name. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Govt will complete its term, Rashid tells opposition: Dawn

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has asserted that Prime Minister Imran Khan will not only complete his five-year term in office but also form the next government and criticised the opposition for discussing the military in public. Click here to read…

No time frame set for conclusion of IMF talks: govt: Dawn

According to a statement, the Secretary of Finance Division is leading the talks with the IMF in Washington DC. Click here to read…

PDM announces new phase of anti-govt protests across country: The Express Tribune

JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman announced the decision in a joint news conference, flanked by PML-N Senior Vice-President Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Pashtun leader Mahmood Khan Achakzai in Islamabad on Sunday. Click here to read…

Swedish envoy praises PTI govt’s initiatives to tackle climate change: The Express Tribune

The world will face environmental challenges by reviewing all plans and policies, including business and industry, for an environment-friendly and sustainable life. Click here to read…

IMF may decline to club sixth and seventh reviews: The News

The IMF may decline to club the sixth and seventh reviews under the $6 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) as requested by Islamabad as currently, both sides are making efforts for accomplishing only the sixth review. Click here to read…

Institutions are not your Tiger Force: Bilawal: The News

He was addressing a PPP public gathering here at Bagh-e-Jinnah to commemorate the anniversary of the PPP activists who were killed on Oct 18, 2007 in Karsaz terrorist attack. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Prez not to prioritise construction of new diesel, coal power plants: Amaraweera – Daily Mirror

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has decided not to give priority to the construction of new diesel and coal power plants in our country again. Click here to read…

Easter Sunday attacks probe: Cardinal accuses Govt of deceiving people – Ceylon Today

Highlighting his desire to find out the truth behind the Easter Sunday bombings, Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the head of Sri Lanka’s Catholic Church, accused the Government of deceiving the people by promising justice for the victims of the bombings because they believe someone far more powerful is behind the attacks. Click here to read…

India likely to extend $ 500 m credit line for fuel – The Morning

The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) is holding discussions with Indian officials to secure a $ 500 million credit line from India, to be used for the purchase of fuel and crude oil-related products, and is optimistic that these will prove fruitful within the next two weeks, The Morning learnt. Click here to read…

SL raises strong objections with India over fishermen row – Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka has raised its strongest objections with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and other Indian leaders, over the increase in trespassing of Indian fishermen in local waters in recent weeks and the use of bottom trawling which is destroying the sea bed in Sri Lankan waters. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

New Chapter Opened in Afghanistan, World Relations: Muttaqi: Tolo News

Muttaqi says Afghanistan requires a political structure that responds to domestic needs and adheres to international norms. Click here to read…

Bush Market’s name changed to Mujahideen Bazar in Kabul: The Khaama Press

Shopkeepers of the Bush Market in Kabul changed its name to Mujahideen Bazar in downtown Kabul so that it attracts customers especially the Mujahideen-The Taliban. Click here to read…

India to ban cargo from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran: The Khaama Press

India’s largest port operator said on Monday, October 11 that they will not handle cargo from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran from November 15. Click here to read…

World must prevent Afghanistan’s economic collapse: UN: The Khaama Press

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday, October 11 urged the world to inject liquidity to the economy of Afghanistan and prevent its collapse. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Khaleda Zia hospitalised- Daily Star

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia was again admitted to Evercare Hospital yesterday for treatment and medical tests. Click here to read…

Borrowing to send economy roaring- Daily Star

Bangladesh is taking on increasingly higher levels of debt to fund its infrastructure spending, crucial for the economy to level up to a middle-income one by 2041. Click here to read…

Girls Deserve a Better Normal- Daily Star

The Covid-19 pandemic has been hard for everyone, but it has been especially so on children. Click here to read…

Bangladesh passport holders can travel to 40 destinations without prior visa- Daily Star

Bangladesh’s passport weakens further, with its position down by seven notches in the latest edition of the Henley Passport Index, the pioneer ranking of world’s travel documents. Click here to read…

Bangladesh Bank: 13,881 new millionaires in the country despite pandemic- Dhaka Tribune

This is 16% more than what it was during the same period in 2019, according to Bangladesh Bank data. Click here to read…

‘We want more trade, travel, cooperation with Bangladesh, but ‘urban myths’ aren’t helping’- Dhaka Tribune

Journalists and commentators often present the India-Bangladesh relationship as a list of complaints. Click here to read…

Crimes escalate in Rohingya camps- Asian Age

As the sun sets on Bangladesh’s south coast, a sense of foreboding fills the air as the dark underbelly of the Rohingya refugee settlements gradually comes to the foreClick here to read…

Pakistan national arrested, arms recovered in Delhi- Asian Age

A Pakistani national has been arrested from east Delhi’s Laxmi Nagar area and arms and ammunition have been recovered from him, officials said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Moderna did not meet all criteria for boosters: FDA- Observer

Scientists at the US Food and Drug Administration said on Tuesday that Moderna Inc had not met all of the agency’s criteria to support use of booster doses. Click here to read…

70-80 % people to be vaccinated by March next: Health Minister- The Independent

The government has geared up its nationwide vaccination drive to inoculate 70-80 percent people by March next, said Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Saturday. Click here to read…

State-owned bank’s expansion hindered by dual approval, delays- Financial Express

Aspired business expansion of state-owned banks (SoBs) is held back by the introduction of ‘dual approval’ mandate and a ‘go-slow’ policy pursued by government authorities, official sources said. Click here to read…

Bangladesh condemns bomb-laden drone attack at Saudi airport- Prothom Alo

Bangladesh has strongly condemned the recent Houthi bomb-laden drone attack targeting Saudi Arabia’s King Abdullah Airport that wounded civilians, including few Bangladeshis. Click here to read…

8 Rohingya held at Ukhiya Rohingya camp- Prothom Alo

The Armed Police Battalion (APBn) has arrested eight Rohingya men, including Selim Prakash Master Selim, alleged top leader of a terrorist group, from Ukhiya Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar district, reports BSS. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Expert cautions against giving cell phones to a child- Kuensel

This has become a common trend today: parents giving mobile phones to children to keep them quiet and engaged. However, according to doctors, this is not a healthy practice. Click here to read…

Postal ballot facility for private sector likely to increase voter turnout- Kuensel

The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) has notified all eligible voters to register with the commission to be able to cast postal ballots in the upcoming local government (LG) elections. Click here to read…

LDCs demand more from developed countries at the COP26- Kuensel

The Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group will call for increased funds and urgent action from developed countries at the UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) that will be held in Glasgow next month. Click here to read…

Physiotherapy services are not well understood in the country- Kuensel

The demand for physiotherapy and rehabilitation services in the country is on the rise. However, there are currently no proper plans and infrastructure in place to provide the services to the people who need them. Click here to read…

Giving a leg up to agriculture- Kuensel

Urban agriculture initiative under the Department of Agriculture (DoA), which was initiated with the support of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation as part of Covid-19 contingency plan doesn’t seem to be going well. Click here to read…

Her Majesty completes 10 years on 13th October 2021- The Bhutanese

The day of 13th October 2011 will go down as one of the happiest in Bhutan’s history as not only did the Royal Wedding take place and His Majesty The King find a Royal partner, but Bhutan got a Queen. Click here to read…

His Majesty grants Land Kidu to people of Lunana- The Bhutanese

His Majesty The King visited Lunana on the morning of 6th October, and granted Lagthram to the 191 households who are receiving Land Kidu in Goenshari, Punakha. Click here to read…

MoF peak the charts in OIP implementation- Bhutan Times

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) scored the most in its Organizational Integrity Plan (OIP) according to the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) Assessment Report for the Financial Year (FY)-2020-2021. Click here to read…

The art of earning through arts- Bhutan Times

With a passion for contemporary realistic art, Mamta Subba, 31, from Chukha is today contemplating to become a fulltime professional artist. Click here to read…

Their Majesties grace the inauguration of the Drukair’s new aircraft- BBS

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen graced the inauguration of the Drukair’s new aircraft at the Paro International Airport today. The plane has been registered as A5-JKW after His Majesty. Click here to read…

Maldives

US lifts travel ban on India and ends the Maldives gold rush – Bloc Campus

Effective November, the US will no longer impose a travel ban on Indians who are fully vaccinated. Indians, among other world travellers from Europe, Brazil, and South Africa, will be allowed hassle-free entry into the US. A negative RT-PCR test taken 72 hours before the start of travel will still be required. Click here to read…

Maldives active coronavirus cases drop to 1,205 – Raajje

Maldives active coronavirus cases have dropped to 1,205. According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), 74 new infections and 106 recoveries were reported between 6pm Sunday and 6pm Monday. Click here to read…

President Solih establishes Laamu Gan Regional Hospital Board – Raajje

The Laamu Gan Regional Hospital Board has been established. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih constituted the board on Tuesday. Ibrahim Shareef is to serve as the board’s chairperson. The board will be tasked the responsibility of governing the manamgement of Laamu Gan Regional Hospital. Click here to read…

Egypt remains committed to enhance cooperation with Maldives – Raajje

The government of Egypt remains committed to enhance cooperation in fields of mutual interests with Maldives, says the Egyptian Ambassador Hussain Al Saharty. Ambassador Al Saharty paid a farewell call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the President’s Office on Monday morning. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Bangladesh Arrests 16 Rohingya in Anti-militant Crackdown – Voice of America

Bangladesh police arrested at least 16 Rohingya refugees in a series of raids on camps in Dhaka after the murder of a top Rohingya community leader last week, officials said Sunday. Click here to read…

Burmese Army Raid Catholic IDP Camp in Chin State – persecution.org

As the Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) increases its offensive against local defense groups in Christian-majority Chin state, they also target civilians to intimidate and threaten their survival. Click here to read…

Resistance fighters in upper Myanmar inflict heavy casualties on junta forces using landmines – Myanmar Now

Resistance forces in upper Myanmar say they used landmines to inflict heavy casualties against junta soldiers in recent days. The attacks against columns of soldiers in Mandalay, Sagaing and Magway regions caused scores of injuries, local armed groups said, though they were unsure of the exact number of deaths. Click here to read…

Low-Profile Arms Dealer Continues to Supply Myanmar Military’s Weapons – The Irrawaddy

Since 2010, a low-profile businessman has been involved in buying military equipment and technologies for the Directorate of Defense Industries (DDI), a unit of Myanmar’s military that produces ammunition and weapons, including armored vehicles and tanks. Click here to read…

Myanmar Military Evacuates Officers’ Families From Conflict-Hit Northern Township – The Irrawaddy

Family members of high-ranking military officers have been evacuated from Sagaing Region’s Kale Township on military aircraft, according to local residents. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Ousted President Told Army Officers He Would Rather Die Than Resign on Day of Coup – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s ousted civilian President told army officers he would rather die than consent to their order that he resign from his post on the day of the military coup in February, a court heard Tuesday. Click here to read…

Rising Prices Forcing Myanmar Truckers to Stop Operations – The Irrawaddy

Rising fuel prices and other costs in Myanmar are forcing freight firms to suspend operations, according to industry insiders. Click here to read…

Nepal

Phulpati, seventh day of Bada Dashain being observed today- Himalaya

The seventh day of Bada Dashain is being observed by Hindus, particularly those in and originating from the hilly regions, today. Click here to read…

NHRC calls for impartial investigation into Motipur incident- Himalaya

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the government to carry out an impartial investigation into the Rupandehi incident, to bring the culprits to book and to provide free medical treatment to those injured in the incident. Click here to read…

20 feared dead in Mugu bus accident- Himalaya

A passenger bus accident at Pinatapane Khola in Chhayanath Rara Municipality-7 of Mugu district’s is estimated to have killed up to 20 persons. Click here to read…

No end in sight for deforestation, as national goals and funding fall short- Himalaya

Countries are spending only a fraction of the nearly $500 billion needed each year to stop tree loss and restore forests worldwide to help meet climate and nature goals, researchers warned on Tuesday. Click here to read…

4.5 million girls at risk of not finishing school due to pandemic- TKP

A UN report says with children remaining out of school, the risk of child labour, gender-based violence, early and forced marriage, and early pregnancy may increase. Click here to read…

Health Ministry fails to meet Dashain vaccination target- TKP

The ministry had planned to raise the vaccination coverage to 33 percent by Dashain. Health experts have advised ramping up the vaccination drive while the infection numbers are low. Click here to read…

The start of the Anglo-Gorkha war, From Nalapani to Kalapani Part 3- Nepali Times

The road from Subathu to Jaithak in Himachal Pradesh of India will remind any Nepali of the highway from Bharatpur to Mugling. In the monsoon, there are frequent rockfalls and landslides. Click here to read…

Maha Astami festival being observed today- Republica

Hindus throughout the country are observing the eighth day of the ten-day long Bada Dashain festival as the Maha Astami festival today by worshipping Goddess Durga Bhawani. Click here to read…

Bagmati CM Ashta Laxmi Shakya to seek the vote of confidence on Sunday- Online Khabar

Bagmati Chief Minister Ashta Laxmi Shakya is seeking the vote of confidence in the Provincial Assembly on Sunday. Click here to read…

Monsoon Recedes Completely from Nepal- Rising Nepal

Staying for 122 days since the onset of monsoon on June 11, all active phenomena causing rains has come to a formal end from Monday afternoon. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PM wants current ISI chief to continue for some time: PTI: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday informed the federal cabinet that he had told Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa that he wanted Lt Gen Faiz Hameed to continue as Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) director general for some time due to the critical situation in neighbouring Afghanistan. Click here to read…

IMF forecasts Pakistan’s growth rate at 4pc: Dawn

This growth rate is exactly the same as projected by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) about two weeks ago and significantly higher than 3.4pc forecast by the World Bank a few days ago, which was rejected by the government as unrealistic. Click here to read…

VT-4 Tank another symbol of Pak-China strategic ties: Gen Qamar: The Express Tribune

VT-4 Tank is another symbol of Pakistan-China strategic cooperation and defence collaboration, and its induction will boost strike capabilities of our formations. Click here to read…

Widespread corruption in Afghanistan under US occupation unearthed: The Express Tribune

In 2008, US Congress set up the Special Inspector General for Afghan Reconstruction (SIGAR) after they found $145 billion were used without oversight. Click here to read…

Govt seeks joint session of Parliament on 14th: The News

The government on Tuesday decided to summon hurriedly called sessions of both houses of the parliament on Thursday (October 14) to table important legislations concerning national affairs. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

‘United States committed to supporting prosperous and inclusive Sri Lanka’ – Dailynews

Sri Lanka has a wealth of innovators and change-makers who are already laying the foundations for launching a green and innovative economy, their input is also essential to economic policy development, said Chief Political and Economic Officer of the Embassy of the United States in Sri Lanka and The Maldives, Susan Walke. She was addressing the 2th AGM of the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AmCham SL)

“Sri Lanka has the drive, but the challenge lies in building the right environment for your innovative businesses to thrive,” she added. Click here to read…

Kiriella: EU delegation regretted reversal of 19A achievements – The Island

The European Union delegation that visited the country recently to review the GSP Plus facility granted to Sri Lanka observed that the incumbent government was turning back one by one the democratic achievements gained for the people by the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, Chief Opposition Whip and Kandy District MP Lakshman Kiriella asserted yesterday. Click here to read…

India and Lanka differ on full implementation of 13A – Sunday Times

What was supposed to be a meeting scheduled for an hour stretched for 90 minutes, as visiting Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla met President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Tuesday. A visiting Foreign Secretary is not usually granted a meeting with a Head of State, but given the importance of bilateral relations between India and Sri Lanka, all protocol was set aside for a meeting fixed when the President had hardly the time to unpack his bags from a visit to the United Nations and an extended visit to the United States of America.

The discussion, which occurred on the final day of Shringla’s own whirlwind three-day official visit to the island, would have lasted even longer had the President not had to chair the meeting of the National Security Council scheduled for that afternoon. Still, the meeting between India’s topmost diplomat and the President saw them cover a wide range of issues. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate, US Conclude ‘Candid’ Discussions: Tolo News

The two-day meeting between delegates from the United States and the Islamic Emirate in Doha concluded on Sunday after both sides discussed a range of issues. Click here to read…

Afghanistan’s Only Sports Channel Stops Operating: Tolo News

3Sport, the only sports TV channel in the country, stopped functioning after nearly one decade due to the economic crisis as well as the imposition of restrictions, said the organization’s head. Click here to read…

Addressing crisis in Afghanistan, Italy to host G20 summit today: The Khaama Press

The conference which is due to be held online will concentrate on humanitarian aids, security concerns, and guaranteeing safe passage abroad for thousands of western-allied Afghans. Click here to read…

Afghanistan’s interim cabinet makes key decisions: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s caretaker cabinet in a ministerial meeting in Presidential Palace on Monday, October 11 made some key decisions in security and economic spheres. Click here to read…

Iran to provide humanitarian aid to victims of Kunduz mosque blast: The Khaama Press

Iran’s embassy based in Kabul in a Twitter post on Monday, October 11 said that they are willing to send humanitarian aids to the victims of the blast that targeted a mosque in Khan Abad port of Kunduz province. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM Hasina seeks Russia’s support for building a second nuclear power plant- Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday sought constant support from Russia for building another nuclear power plant in Bangladesh’s southern region. Click here to read…

Covid-19: Bangladesh records 11 deaths, 599 cases in 24 hrs- Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh recorded 11 more deaths from Covid-19 and 599 fresh cases in the 24 hours between 8am Sunday and 8am Monday. Click here to read…

Leather goods export exceeds pre-pandemic level- Daily Star

Exports of leather and leather products from Bangladesh exceeded the pre-pandemic level in the first quarter of the current fiscal year as Western economies reopened following extended coronavirus pandemic-induced closures, pushing up demand. Click here to read…

Food Prices: Not coming down soon- Daily Star

The shroud of pandemic gloom is finally lifting after a solid year and a half. But for ordinary citizens, that is bringing no solace with the prices of everyday essentials spiralling — beyond their mean. Click here to read…

7 including two Chinese nationals sent to jail- Asian Age

A Dhaka court on Monday ordered to sent jail seven people including two Chinese nationals over an illegal money lending case. Click here to read…

HC suspends order for allocation of 700 acres of land- Observer

High Court has suspended the order for allocation of 700 acres of forest land for construction of a training academy for government officials in Cox’s Bazar for the next three months. Click here to read…

HC stays allotment of 700-acre protected forest for civil service academy- Prothom Alo

The High Court on Monday stayed for three months a government order on allotment of 700 acres of land of protected forest in Cox’s Bazar for building a civil service academy. Click here to read…

What did BNP achieve in 45 hours of discussions?- Prothom Alo

Over the past one-month BNP held a series of meetings over a span of 10 days with the party leaders and professionals. Click here to read…

Bhutan

422 receive citizenship kidu- Kuensel

His Majesty The King granted citizenship kidu to 422 individuals. The recipients of the citizenship kidu took part in a ceremony at the Tashichhodzong to offer their Oath of Allegiance to the Tsawa Sum as Bhutanese citizens. Click here to read…

Entertainment businesses open in low-risk areas- Kuensel

Except for drayangs, all entertainment centres in low-risk areas were officially allowed to reopen their businesses, as of last night. Click here to read…
.

RIGSS study shows prospects of professionalising domestic help- Kuensel

Despite the adverse impact of the pandemic, the Bhutanese way of life has long been fast-paced, complex, and busy with a growing need for domestic helpers. However, the sector still remains untapped. Click here to read…

Cellular companies to introduce 5G by the end of this year- Kuensel

Tashi InfoComm Limited (TICL, “TashiCell”) is gearing up to launch 5G by the end of this year in Paro, Thimphu, and Phuentsholing. Click here to read…

First Judo Dojo Center in Bhutan Inaugurated- Bhutan Times

As part of the Japan week 2021, the first Judo Dojo Center in Bhutan was inaugurated in the capital on 9 October. Click here to read…

Forest and Nature Conservation Act of Bhutan, 1995 needs amendment, Agriculture Minister- BBS

The remote village of Jangbi in Langthil Gewog of Trongsa is still reeling from the recent leopard attack on two men inside a house. Click here to read…

Maldives

President Solih ratifies Maldives Energy Act – Raajje

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih ratified the act on Monday. It received parliament approval on September 21, at the 16th sitting of its third session of the ongoing year. Click here to read…

Pres. urges SAARC members to ensure protection of human rights, address climate emergency – Raajje

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged member states of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to amp up efforts to ensure the protection of human rights as well as addressing the climate emergency. Click here to read…

UNWTO committed to support Maldives in road to sustainable tourism development – Raajje

UNWTO SG Pololikashvili, who paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Monday, applauded the government’s positive strides in the progress of the country’s tourism industry, which was on a downward spiral following the closure of borders on 27 March 2020. Click here to read…

Egypt remains committed to enhance cooperation with Maldives – Raajje

The government of Egypt remains committed to enhance cooperation in fields of mutual interests with Maldives, says the Egyptian Ambassador Hussain Al Saharty. Click here to read…

Nasheed returns to Maldives after five months – Avas

Speaker of the Parliament and former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed has returned to the Maldives after five months. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s Ousted Civilian Leader Suu Kyi and President Deny COVID-19 Charges – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi and President U Win Myint have pleaded not guilty to breaching COVID-19 rules during the 2020 election campaign. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Media Accuses EAOs of Terrorism – The Irrawaddy

Six ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) have been accused of aiding and abetting so-called ‘terrorist’ attacks in Myanmar. Click here to read…

Rohingyas rejoice at Bangladesh-UN Bhasan Char deal – Dhaka Tribune

Over 1,000 Rohingyas join joyous procession to celebrate MoU signing. The Rohingya community on Sunday brought out a procession to celebrate the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Bangladesh government and the United Nations on humanitarian services to Rohingyas relocated to Bhasan Char. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Condemns Foreign Recognition of Civilian Government – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime has slammed foreign diplomats and legislators, the United Nations and international organizations for extending support to the parallel National Unity Government (NUG) and its parliamentary committee despite its objections. Click here to read…

Myanmar Regime Has no Evidence of Corruption Against Suu Kyi

Myanmar’s military regime has filed 11 charges, including five corruption cases, against detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. Click here to read…

Nepal

888 recover as 663 new Covid-19 cases surface; 12 deaths reported- Himayala

Nepal’s coronavirus caseload reached 802,861 on Monday with 663 more people testing positive for the infection in the past 24 hours. Click here to read…

Unresolved disputes likely to delay Nepali Congress general convention by at least a month- TKP

While the party hasn’t been able to confirm active members in Bara, Rasuwa and Rautahat, ten districts are planning their conventions after Dashain. Click here to read…

Nepal set to sign deal to buy 6 million doses of Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine- TKP

Officials say the vaccine is being purchased under a non-disclosure agreement with World Bank funding. Click here to read…

Four deaths in Rupandehi put spotlight on Nepal’s trigger-happy cops- TKP

Law enforcement agencies tend to show discriminatory behaviour against protests and crowds in the Tarai and by the underprivileged, rights activists say. Click here to read…

Phulpati being observed today- Republica

Nepali people, mainly Hindus, are observing Phulpati, the seventh day of Dashain festival. Click here to read…

The new normal: Why Nepal should embrace and extend digital marketing now- OnlineKhabar

Marketing is restless. It is changing every time as it is a dynamic business activity. Click here to read…

Two Teenagers Rescued From India- Rising Nepal

Pravasi Nepali Mitra Manch Bharat and Manav Kalyan Mitra Manch Nepal have rescued two teenagers who were taking shelter in a children’s home in India. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PTI obtains access to financial documents of PML-N, PPP: Dawn

The Elec¬tion Commission of Pakistan (ECP) on Monday allowed the ruling Pakistan Tehre¬ek-i-Insaf (PTI) to peruse documents related to foreign funding cases against the opposition Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Click here to read…

Iranian armed forces chief due in Islamabad today: Dawn

Gen Bagheri would be leading a high-ranking military delegation. Click here to read…

If abandoned, Taliban may revert to 20 years back: PM: The Express Tribune

In an interview with Middle East Eye, a London-based online news outlet, Prime Minister Imran asked the United States to “pull itself together” or face the collapse of the war-torn country, Click here to read…

PDM puts off huddle scheduled for today till Oct 18: The Express Tribune

The Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on Monday put off it’s meeting, scheduled to be held today, till October 18. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

681 persons test positive for COVID-19 – Daily FT

Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 detections rose to 527,064 with the detection of 681 COVID-19 positive persons yesterday. Click here to read…

Saving GSP+ Requires Genuine Progress on Human Rights – Ground Views

The Sri Lankan government has pledged to scale back its violations of the human rights in order to protect a valuable trade deal with the European Union (EU). Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Intl Recognition Being Discussed by Islamic Emirate, US: Mujahid: Tolo News

On Friday a high-level delegation of the Islamic Emirate left Kabul for Doha to attend a two-day meeting with US officials. Click here to read…

Dollar Smuggling Out of Afghanistan Increases: Money Changers: Tolo News

They said that “millions of Pakistani rupees” are brought in to Kandahar from Pakistan and are exchanged to US dollars and are taken back to the neighboring country. Click here to read…

US, Islamic Emirate Delegations to Meet in Doha: Tolo News

The high-level US delegation will include officials from the State Department, USAID and the US intelligence community. Click here to read…

Taliban transfer to Finance ministry nearly USD$18 million seized from previous government’s officials: The Khaama Press

Officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan said that they transferred nearly USD$18 million from the central bank of Afghanistan-De Afghanistan Bank- to the ministry of finance on Sunday, October 10. Click here to read…

Taliban to continue issuance previous government’s e-NIDs: The Khaama Press

The caretaker cabinet of the Taliban has decided to go with the same electronic National IDs that used to be issued by the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Country to get another nuclear power plant- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said the government might set up another nuclear power plant in the southern region to meet the increasing demand for electricity. Click here to read…

Biggest hike in LPG price to date- Daily Star

The liquefied petroleum gas, which has progressively become the fuel of choice for cooking and running vehicles, has become 22 percent dearer. Click here to read…

Child marriage in pandemic: A scourge returns on tiptoe- Daily Star

The grim picture unfurled when schools across the country reopened on September 12, after around a year and half, and teachers noticed many of their students did not return to their classrooms. Click here to read…

‘It is important for Bangladesh to engage with India at the state as well as central level’- Dhaka Tribune

Indian High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami points out that due to the power given to states under the Indian constitution, it makes sense for Bangladesh to also build relationships at the state as well as the national level. Click here to read…

Narcotics department bringing courier services under scanner- Dhaka Tribune

Government wants drug detection machines at courier offices, greater scrutiny of senders and couriers. Click here to read…

Media in crisis globally- Asian Age

Two journalists have been awarded Nobel Peace Prize 2021 who are Maria Ressa from Philippines and Dmitry Muratov from Russia. Click here to read…

Positivity rate comes down to 2.36%- Asian Age

Bangladesh on Sunday logged 481 coronavirus cases while the pathogen claimed14 lives overnight, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said in its routine daily statement. Click here to read…

Bangladesh becomes one of fastest growing economies in world: ICCB- Asian Age

Over the past five decades, Bangladesh has transformed itself from being a ‘Basket Case’ to one of the fastest growing economies in the world. Click here to read…

Rohingyas happy over UN engagement at Bhasan Char- The Observer

The Rohingya community on Sunday brought out a procession to celebrate the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Bangladesh government and the United Nations on humanitarian services to Rohingyas relocated to Bhasan Char, says a press release. Click here to read…

BNP itself has no democracy: Quader- The Observer

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said BNP is now looking for democracy in the country despite having no democracy within the party. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan is tapping into solar energy with its first grid-tied solar power plant- Daily Bhutan

Email Electricity in Bhutan is mostly generated from hydropower, a renewable energy source, unlike fossil-fuel driven power plants that are major contributors to carbon dioxide emissions worldwide. Click here to read…

What are the zhey dances in Bhutan?- Daily Bhutan

“Zhey” literally means “dance”, referring to a traditional folk dance of Bhutan. There is singing and dancing to tunes of rapid rhyme. Throughout the performance, the movements are rigorous and the dancers take firm steps as they gradually increase in pace. Click here to read…

Did Shingkhar hold country’s mega solar project to ransom?- Kuensel

The 30-megawatt solar plant at Shingkhar in Bumthang has been deferred indefinitely raising questions about the government’s seriousness to pursue the country’s ambitious alternate renewable energy aspirations. Click here to read…

Talking about mental health: First important step to cure- Kuensel

UNICEF’s report on the state of the world’s children calls for opportunities to promote good mental health for every child. Click here to read…

Urban agriculture initiative struggling to keep beneficiaries- Kuensel

Under the urban agriculture initiative, the Department of Agriculture plans to hand over underutilised land to new beneficiaries. Click here to read…

Bhutan announces reopening of entertainment centres in low-risk areas- Northeast Now

The Bhutan government on Sunday announced reopening of entertainment centres with immediate effect. Click here to read…

Maldives

India resumes 2018 visa exemption agreement with Maldives – Hindustan Times

India has agreed to resume the 2018 visa exemption agreement with Maldives from October 15. Click here to read…

With tourist arrivals figure crossing 900,000-mark, Maldives inches closer to tourist arrivals target – Raajje

By Saturday, Maldives had welcomed a total of 905,817 arrivals, which is a 122.5 percent increase from the arrivals recorded in 2020, a sluggish year for Maldives tourism due to border-closure. Click here to read…

Cryptocurrency is not a legal tender: MMA – Edition

Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) said that the Maldivian law does not allow for cryptocurrencies to be used for valid business transactions in the nation. Click here to read…

UNGA President Shahid concludes official visit to Maldives – Raajje

President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has concluded his first visit to the Maldives in his capacity as PGA. Click here to read…

SAARC Secretary General arrives in the Maldives – Avas

The Secretary General of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC), His Excellency Esala Ruwan Weerakoon arrived on Saturday on an introductory visit to the Maldives. Click here to read…

IMF cautions Maldives on money printing to stop rufiyaa fall as Sri Lanka wobbles – Economy Next

Maldives should not print money if they wanted to maintain their rufiyaa peg at 15.4 to the US dollar and try to raise funds from bonds and curtail capital spending, the International Monetary Fund has said as Sri Lanka struggles. Click here to read…

Myanmar

UN Fears Imminent Attacks by Myanmar Military in Volatile Areas – VoA News

The U.N. human rights office warns the deployment of troops and heavy weapons by the Myanmar military into Chin state, Central Sagaing and Magway regions over the past few weeks may portend an imminent attack in these areas. Click here to read…

South East Asia’s Media Outlets Can Play Significant Role In Solving Rohingya Refugee Crisis – OpEd – Eurasia Review

We know that media outlets have a strong role in solving any crisis in the world. The print media, social media and electronic media can do much. South East Asia’s media outlets can also play a strong role in solving a serious crisis in South East Asia and South Asia. Click here to read…

Dozens of junta-appointed administrators resign after threats from resistance fighters – Myanmar Now

Scores of local administrators across the country have left their posts in recent weeks after the underground National Unity Government (NUG) demanded they quit and resistance fighters threatened more assassinations of those who continue to serve the coup regime. Click here to read…

Bangladesh signs U.N. deal to help Rohingya refugees on island – Reuters

U.N. officials signed a deal with Bangladesh on Saturday to help provide basic services to thousands of Rohingya Muslim refugees who have been moved to camps on a remote island in the Bay of Bengal. Click here to read…

Myanmar army plans worry UN human rights office – Telegraph India

The UN human rights office said on Friday it is concerned the military in Myanmar could be preparing an imminent attack aimed at its opponents amid a build-up of heavy weapons and troops in areas of the country where theInternet has also been shut down. Click here to read…

Nepal

There is consensus over Kalapani: Nepal ex-Minister- The Hindu

We are confident territorial dispute can be solved through dialogue, says former Foreign Minister Prakash Sharan Mahat. Click here to read…

China’s BRI in Nepal burdened with hollow promises as Rasuwagadhi border remains closed- Khabarhub

In what can be termed as a blatant violation of its own commitment, China has tightened its grip at the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung border point, which was brought into operation declaring it as a major international border under its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Click here to read…

Pilgrimage stop in first stretch of revamped rail link to Nepal- Indian Express

Popular since the early 20th century, the rail link between Nepal and India is ready to resume on the neighbouring country’s first-ever broad gauge passenger service. Click here to read…

Industry minister Hamal puts in papers- Himalaya

Newly appointed Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Gajendra Bahadur Hamal resigned after media outlets and civil society members continued to accuse. Click here to read…

Three killed in Rupandehi police firing- Himalaya

Three persons were killed in police firing after squatters at Rupandehi’s Motipur Industrial Area clashed with police today. Click here to read…

Number of people leaving Kathmandu valley for Dashain up- Himalaya

The number of people leaving Kathmandu valley has started increasing as the greatest festival of Nepali Hindus, Bada Dashain, is approaching. Click here to read…

Congress lays claim to Bagmati chief minister seat- TKP

Coalition partners warn breach of agreement with CPN (Unified Socialist) could affect political alignment at the centre itself. Click here to read…

Global coal supply shortage may hit Nepal too, manufacturers say- KTP

They have warned prices of building materials could skyrocket during the peak construction season. Click here to read…

The start of the Anglo-Gorkha war- Nepali Times

Nepali Times reporter Alisha Sijapati spent a month retracing the Gorkha expansion beyond the Mahakali River more than 200 years ago to Garhwal, Kumaon and beyond. Click here to read…

Minister Ale directs NAC to implement e-ticketing- Republica

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Prem Bahadur Ale has directed the Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) to immediately implement the e-ticketing system. Click here to read…

Import of silver soared multifolds in first two months of current FY- Republica

Nepal’s import expense on silver surged multifolds in the first two months of the current fiscal year. Click here to read…

Dakshina counts every Dashain: 7 fun facts about the culture of getting/giving bucks with blessings- Online Khabar

Dashain, the most awaited festival of most Nepalis, is already here. Dashain is famous, and, at the same time, infamous for so many reasons Click here to read…

Why Nepal should prioritise improving girls’ access to education in the wake of Covid-19- Online Khabar

Today, the entire world, including Nepal, is celebrating International Day of the Girl Child 2021 with the theme ‘Digital generation. Our generation’. Click here to read…

Nine-Day Navadurga Dance Of Bhaktapur Begins- Rising Nepal

The nine-day special Navadurga dance of Bhaktapur will begin on Monday by performing specific rituals of various localities of Bhaktapur district and nearby areas. Click here to read…

HoR holding meeting today- KhbaraHub

A meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) is taking place today. Click here to read…

Should Nepal Ratify the MCC Nepal Compact?- Diplomat

A U.S. grant of $500 million would give the fund-starved Nepali economy a shot in the arm. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PM Imran announces formation of Rehmatul-lil-Aalameen Authority: Dawn

The prime minister was addressing the Ashra-e-Rehmat-ul-Lil-Aalamin (PBUH) conference in Islamabad to kick off the ten-day celebration period till the 13th of Rabiul Awwal. Click here to read…

Afghan dispute overshadows desire for broad-based US-Pakistan ties: Dawn

After the latest round of talks in Islamabad on Friday, both the United States and Pakistan expressed their desire for reviving a broad-based relationship. Click here to read…

Linking snap elections with army reshuffle ‘unrealistic’: The Express Tribune

The ruling party denounced on Saturday Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) demand for early elections as “ridiculous”, Click here to read…

By-election in AJK: PTI, PPP retain seats in Mirpur, Kotli: The News

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) retained their seats in the by-elections held for two constituencies of Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Sunday. Click here to read…

Pak-IMF talks in Washington this week: The News

Pakistan and the IMF are scheduled to kick-start face-to-face policy level talks this week in Washington, DC, from October 13 to 15. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

US assistance for Lankan lifesavers – The Island

The US Embassy in Colombo has taken an initiative to assist to enhance the first responders’ knowledge and skills among Lankan lifesavers. Click here to read…

President assures constitution will be amended and new electoral system introduced – Adaderana

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa today urged all Sri Lankans to extend their support to move the country forward accurately, under the notion of one country and one law without corruption. Click here to read…

Private sector borrowing hits record spike in August – Daily FT

Private sector borrowing has spiked to a record Rs. 134 billion in August, propelling the first eight months’ figure to Rs. 625 billion. Click here to read…

Oman, Sri Lanka mark 40th anniversary of relations – Times of Oman

Sri Lanka and Oman ODI cricket match began ahead of T20 World Cup with the commemoration of the 40th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

20th Anniversary of US Attack on Afghanistan: Tolo News

The US-led NATO forces attacked Afghanistan twenty years ago on October 7, 2021, following the announcement by then US President George W. Bush. Click here to read…

Afghans Complain of Inability to Withdraw Salaries From Banks: Tolo News

On Wednesday, dozens of government employees who have been queuing in front of the capital’s banks to withdraw salaries complained of difficulty withdrawing funds. Click here to read…

World should not hurry in recognizing Taliban: Qatar: The Khaama Press

Deputy foreign minister and spokesperson of the ministry Lolwah Rashid al-Khater in her interview with Foreign Policy said that they have asked the international community not to hurry in recognizing the Taliban in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

We will issue 6,000 passports daily: Taliban officials: The Khaama Press

Officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan resumed the issuance of passports on Tuesday, October 5, and promised that the previous government was issuing three thousand passports but they intend to issue six thousand passports per day. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Fearing for life, Mohib Ullah’s family wants to move to a third country- Dhaka Tribune

UNHCR working in close cooperation with the authorities and taking measures to ensure safety for those most at risk. Click here to read…

Daily Covid deaths drop to 12 in Bangladesh, lowest in nearly 7 months- Dhaka Tribune

Over 22,300 samples tested in a day for a positivity rate of 2.97%.Click here to read…

World Bank increases Bangladesh’s GDP growth forecast- Dhaka Tribune

WB says GDP is expected to grow by 6.4% instead of its previous forecast of 5.1%.Click here to read…

Pre-Pandemic Level: Poverty set to drop further- Daily Star

The World Bank in a report noted a gradual recovery in employment and earnings in Bangladesh, forecasting that the country’s poverty rate will come down to pre-pandemic levels in the current fiscal year. Click here to read…

Two ends of Bangabandhu Tunnel meet under Karnaphuli river- Daily Star

Two ends of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Tunnel were brought together under the Karnaphuli river yesterday afternoon. Click here to read…

5.6 magnitude earthquake jolts Myanmar, tremors felt in Bangladesh- Daily Star

An earthquake of 5.6 magnitude jolted Myanmar early today, with tremors being felt in parts of Bangladesh. Click here to read…

ACC to seize fraudster Shahedul Haque’s assets- Asian Age

Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has taken up steps to seize the assets of Shahedul Haque over his involvement in casino scams. Click here to read…

India allows Serum to send 10 lac doses- Asian Age

The Serum Institute of India has been allowed by the country’s government to send 1 million doses of the AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine to Bangladesh, according to the local media. Click here to read…

‘BD-Nepal ties to grow further’- Asian Age

Nepalese Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka has said that the existing friendly ties with Bangladesh are set to grow further in the days ahead. Click here to read…

AL picks candidates for a constituency, 2 upazilas, 10 municipalities- Observer

Ruling Awami League on Thursday finalized candidates for a constituency, two upazila parishads, 10 municipalities and two union parishads. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Pressure mounts on the Bhutan border with Jaigaon as enquiries start- The Bhutanese

Following reports by The Bhutanese on an extortion network in Jaigaon comprising of five local journalists, some SSB, some customs and others that preyed on Bhutanese exports and even imports, it has been learnt that senior officials in New Delhi are instituting their own enquiries. Click here to read…

The mystery of Nu 1 bn+ cash still circulating in Jaigaon despite a closed border- The Bhutanese

The Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) had planned to set up exchange counters in Phuentsholing to exchange more than Nu 1 bn in cash in Jaigaon by releasing INR of an equivalent amount, however, that plan has hit a snag for now. Click here to read…

SSB officer under enquiry for links with Jaigaon tobacco smugglers and Jaigaon Customs officials accused of taking money from Bhutanese vehicles and exports- The Bhutanese

A Deputy Commandant (DC) of the SSB based in Jalpaiguri, Rajneesh Moral, has been transferred out and is undergoing an enquiry over allegations of his links with tobacco smugglers in Jaigaon who smuggled tobacco into Bhutan. Click here to read…

BPC forwards alleged sexual harassment case to the Royal Bhutan Police- The Bhutanese

The Bhutan Power Corporation (BPC) has forwarded the alleged sexual harassment case to the police on 1 October. Click here to read…

His Majesty grants lag thrams to people of Lunana- Kuensel

His Majesty The King visited Lunana yesterday morning, and granted Lagthram to the 191 households who are receiving Land Kidu in Goenshari, Punakha. Click here to read…

Ngultrum trading thrives in Jaigaon- Kuensel

The illegal trade of Ngultrum (Nu) and Indian Rupee (INR) still thrives in Jaigaon, with Nu plunging in value by as much as eight percent. Click here to read…

Businesses propose fiscal incentives to Ministry of Finance- Kuensel

Business houses have proposed fiscal incentives (FIs) to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to be included in the new FIs that have been extended until the middle of next year by the National Assembly. Click here to read…

Maldives

IMF Concludes 2021 Article IV Consultation with Maldives – Mirage News

The economy is recovering after an unprecedented pandemic-induced fall in tourism. Click here to read…

‘Maldives economy expected to recover by 2023’: World Bank – Avas

The Economy Outlook published by the World Bank said the real GDP of the Maldives is projected to grow by 22.3 percent this year. Click here to read…

Maldives’ Recovery Prospects Improve Amidst Uncertainties – World Bank

he Maldives’ recovery continues as tourism rebounded and targeted containment measures helped minimize the economic impacts of the recent waves of COVID-19. Click here to read…

Domestic tourism focus as sector leaders meet in the Maldives – Torno News

The annual UNWTO Executive Training Programme returned to focus on harnessing the power of domestic tourism to drive recovery and growth in destinations across Asia and the Pacific. Click here to read…

Maldives urges global action on a variety of fronts – Daily News

This UNGA session was particularly special as in the Chair when he addressed the UNGA was Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid, who was elected President of the 76th session with a thumping majority. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Malaysia Threatens to Open Talks With Myanmar Opposition Forces – The Diplomat

Malaysia’s foreign minister has suggested his government may be willing to hold talks with Myanmar’s opposition National Unity Government (NUG), the latest sign that the nations of ASEAN are beginning to tire of the junta’s stonewalling on a Five-Point Consensus agreed in April. Click here to read…

Myanmar Military Detains North Western Commander for Planning to Defect: Ethnic Insurgent Sources – The Irrawaddy

The head of one of the Myanmar military’s regional commands has been detained and interrogated by the military regime after his plan to defect and take refuge in an area controlled by an ethnic armed group was exposed, according to sources close to the matter. Click here to read…

Engineer accused of acting as military informant shot dead in Mandalay – Myanmar Now

A train engineer who was accused of informing the military council of other railway staff members taking part in the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM) was shot and killed in Mandalay’s Amarapura Township on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Fresh clashes in northern Shan open old wounds and displace thousands – Frontier Myanmar

An escalation in fighting between the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and the Tatmadaw near the town of Mong Ko on the China border has emptied villages, while inflaming longstanding tensions over who controls the area. Click here to read…

Tatmadaw Seizes Control of Fuel And Rice In Matupi – BNI Online

Life for Matupi residents has become even harder after the Tatmadaw took control of the sale of gasoline and rice, which were already in short supply in the town in southern Chin State. Click here to read…

Myanmar firstly establishes Coast Guard – Eleven Myanmar

A ceremony to form Myanmar’s firstly Coast Guard was held in conjunction with commission the coast guard vessels into service at No.3 Naval Jetty in Yangon yesterday. Click here to read…

A Rohingya leader’s murder highlights rising insecurity in refugee camps -The Economist

Death threats did not appear to faze Mohib Ullah. “If I die, I’m fine. I will give my life,” he told reporters in 2019. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepali Congress delegation to arrive in India- The Hindu

A high-level delegation representing the ruling Nepali Congress will arrive in New Delhi on Thursday. Click here to read…

India, Nepal to conduct joint patrols for controlling trans-border crime- The Hindu

Meeting held between heads of Sashastra Seema Bal and the neighbouring country’s Armed Police Force. Click here to read…

Oli’s nationalism, Prachanda’s insecurity and the Hindu politics of India, Nepal- Hindustan Times

In his just released book, Kathmandu Dilemma: Resetting India-Nepal ties, Rae brings his lived experience as well as a deep grasp of structural realities that shape the relationship. Click here to read…

India, Nepal sign agreements to boost cross-border train services- Hindustan Times

The two sides also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a final location survey (FLS) for a proposed broad gauge railway line between Raxaul and Kathmandu. Click here to read…

Diplomatic License | Indian ignorance on Nepal- Annapurna Express

They follow developments here only in relation to China: the hungry dragon, apparently, is gobbling up India’s traditional backyard. Click here to read…

Nepal’s Covid-19 tally hits 800000-mark with 667 new cases- Himalaya

Nepal’s coronavirus caseload reached 800,282 on Thursday with 667 more people testing positive for the infection in the past 24 hours. Click here to read…

Foreign policy is country’s image: Minister Khadka- Himalaya

“Domestic politics with unity can create a solid base for effective foreign policy,” Minister Khadka observed. Click here to read…

Coalition partners strike power-sharing deal after hard bargains- TKP

Maoists to lead five ministries, CPN (Unified Socialist) and Janata Samajbadi four each. Unified Socialist will get two chief ministers, deputy Speaker is for Janata Samajbadi. Click here to read…

A long and arduous walk for justice- TKP

The 20-day journey by 14 people, including 11 women, to Kathmandu from Nepalgunj on foot reflects the labyrinthine red tape inhibiting the Nepali justice system and exposes how the state is failing its citizens. Click here to read…

As mobility increases, PCR test numbers are declining- TKP

In the last one week 59,976 polymerase chain reaction tests were performed throughout the country, which showed 5,452 positive results. Click here to read…

UK removes Nepal from red list- Republica

The Government of UK has removed 47 countries and territories including Nepal from its red list, which was in place earlier due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

CPN (Unified Socialist) to finalize ministers today- Republica

The CPN (Unified Socialist) is to finalize the name of ministers to participate in the government on Friday. Click here to read…

Cooperatives Need Regulating Body: FM Sharma- The Rising Nepal

Finance Minister Janardan Sharma said that Nepal needed a regulating body for the cooperatives sector. Click here to read…

Province 2 CM Lalbabu Raut wins vote of confidence- OnlineKhabar

Province 2 Chief Minister Lalbabu Raut has obtained the vote of confidence in the Provincial Assembly on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Pakistan

‘Wait-and-see approach’ on Afghanistan tantamount to world abandoning it: Moeed: Dawn

National Security Adviser (NSA) Moeed Yusuf has said that a “wait-and-see approach” on Afghanistan is tantamount to abandoning the war-torn country. Click here to read…

Cash airlifts planned to bypass Taliban, help Afghans: Dawn

Planning for the cash airlifts is going ahead against the background of a rapidly collapsing economy where money is short. Click here to read…

At least 20 killed, 300 injured as earthquake rattles Balochistan: The Express Tribune

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck parts of Balochistan early on Thursday morning, killing at least 20 people and injuring more than 300. Click here to read…

US diplomat in Pakistan for crucial talks on Afghanistan, bilateral ties: The Express Tribune

This is the first visit by a senior American diplomat under the Biden administration though the CIA chief earlier undertook back-to-back trips, those were primarily focused on certain developments inside Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Extended Fund facility review: IMF demands raise in Income tax, sales tax, RD: The News

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has asked Pakistan to take additional taxation measures in the shape of Income Tax, Sales Tax, and Regulatory Duty (RD) for jacking up the annual tax collection target from Rs5.8 trillion to Rs 6.3 trillion. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Appropriation Bill for 2022: Defence gets highest allocation; Health reduced – The Morning

The Appropriation Bill for the 2022 financial year was presented in Parliament yesterday (7) by Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, with the budgetary allocations for the defence, education, and finance sectors being increased whilst Click here to read…

Sri Lanka Women to not tour Pakistan in October as SLC-PCB talks fall through – espncricinfo

Talks about a potential tour of Pakistan by the Sri Lankan women’s team later this month have hit a stumbling block following a change in management at the PCB. Click here to read…

HSBC Research predicts SL GDP to grow 3.5% – The Morning

As per a report published on Sri Lanka by HSBC Global Research, the expected GDP growth of Sri Lanka in 2021 will be 3.5% due to the effect of recurring waves of Covid-19. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s electricity body to sell estate to pay off debt: The Khaama Press

De Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS)- the electricity body of Afghanistan- decided to sell the estate of its debtors so that they pay nearly $62 million bills of the power to the central Asian countries. Click here to read…

DABS to Sell Off Property of Former Govt Officials: Tolo News

Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) on Wednesday said it is preparing to sell off the properties of a number of former government officials. Click here to read…

Afghan Blind Athlete to Compete in Race in London: Tolo News

Wali Mohammad Noori, an Afghan athlete who lost his eyesight in a blast in Helmand a decade ago has now become a well-known athlete in the country and abroad. Click here to read…

UN calls on donors to scale up life-saving response to crisis in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Displaced Afghans from the northern provinces are evacuated from a makeshift IDP camp in Share-e-Naw park to various mosques and schools on August 12, 2021 in Kabul, Afghanistan. Click here to read…

We will issue 6,000 passports daily: Taliban officials: The Khaama Press

Officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan resumed the issuance of passports on Tuesday, October 5. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh trade facilitation initiative launched- The Observer

Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi has launched the “Bangladesh Trade Facilitation,” a new agriculture and economic development project funded by the US Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service. Click here to read…

Tensions ‘highest in decades’`- Daily Star

Military tensions between China and Taiwan are at their highest in four decades, the island’s defence minister warned yesterday. Click here to read…

Covid-19: Bangladesh records 21 more deaths, 703 new cases- Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh recorded 21 more deaths from Covid-19 and 703 new cases in the 24 hours between 8am Tuesday and 8am Wednesday. Click here to read…

How Covid-19 in Southeast Asia is threatening global supply chains- Dhaka Tribune

Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand are three of the region’s major manufacturing hubs and produce goods for some of the world’s largest consumer brands. Click here to read…

Mohib Ullah murder: 3 more remanded for 3 days- Dhaka Tribune

A Cox’s Bazar court has granted police three days to interrogate three more suspects in the case filed over the murder of Rohingya leader Mohib Ullah at a refugee camp in Ukhiya. Click here to read…

10C in gold bars found in tissue boxes on Biman flight- Dhaka Tribune

The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Directorate (CIID) has recovered Tk10 crore in gold bars that were being smuggled into the country on a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight from Dubai. Click here to read…

Fear and loathing in refugee camps- Daily Star

It’s not that fear gripped the Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazar only after the recent killing of a popular leader; it has always been there due to unrestrained crimes, rivalry between groups, and lax security. Click here to read…

Gun-Running in Southwest: Barrelling on political clout- Daily Star

Some Awami League leaders and activists in Jashore have long been running an illegal arms business in the country’s south-western districts, exploiting their political links to make big money. Click here to read…

Investigation reveals mass trafficking of women from Bangladesh for flesh trade- The Hindu

Investigation into the international prostitution racket busted by the Hyderabad city police revealed a mass trafficking of women from Bangladesh to the country. Click here to read…

Bangladesh honours Indian war veterans- The Tribune

Muhammad Imran, High Commissioner of Bangladesh, honoured 10 Indian naval war veterans from across the country. Click here to read…

Malda lotus to brighten Durga Puja in Bangladesh- The Telegraph

A consignment of lotus will be exported to Bangladesh from Malda ahead of Durga Puja for the first time. Click here to read…

Bhutan

TCB undecided on restarting tourism with normal protocols- Kuensel

Bhutan is yet to decide on when it would open its border for normal tourism like the neighbouring countries. Click here to read…

Road works in Thimphu to be completed by end of October- Kuensel

Road between Jungshina and the Bhutan Telecom office in Chubachu in Thimphu is expected to be completed by the end of this month, Thimphu Thromde officials said. Click here to read…

Quality of blacktopping work under scrutiny- Kuensel

Nn the Mongar-Trashigang highway several potholes have emerged causing problems for travellers and drivers on the highway. It is recently constructed highway. Click here to read…

Pressure mounts on the Bhutan border with Jaigaon as enquiries start- The Bhutanese

Following reports by The Bhutanese on an extortion network in Jaigaon comprising of five local journalists, some SSB, some customs and others that preyed on Bhutanese exports and even imports, it has been learnt that senior officials in New Delhi are instituting their own enquiries. Click here to read…

RAA plans to audit Discretionary Grant of Ministers, MPs and Dzongdas- The Bhutanese

The Royal Audit Authority (RAA) in a notification issued on 1st July 2021 announced its intention to audit the discretionary grant given to ministers. Click here to read…

Treating patients the safe way by local healers- BBS

Besides the modern and traditional medicines, Bhutanese also depend on local healers to treat for treatment. Click here to read…

Maldives

Pres confers Order of Izzuddin to PGA76 Shahid – Avas

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has presented the Order of the Distinguished Rule of Izzuddin to the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA) and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid. Click here to read…

Tamil Nadu: Coast Guard coordinates rescue of crew of stranded Maldives bound vessel – Indian Express

The Coast Guard on Wednesday said it successfully coordinated the rescue of a mechanised sailing vessel’s crew of nine, with the ship bound for Maldives from Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu getting flooded during its voyage. Click here to read…

Maldives tourist arrivals figure tops 890,363 – Raajje

The Ministry of Tourism, through its latest daily statistics publicized on Wednesday, revealed that the figure crossed 890,000 by Tuesday, with 19,501 visitors having been welcomed at Velana International Airport (VIA) so far in October. Click here to read…

Maldives signs UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework with UN in Maldives – Raajje

During the signing ceremony where the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Abdulla Shahid was in attendance, the UNSDC Framework was signed by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel. Click here to read…

“Today, Maldivians epitomize what the UN stands for; equality for all” – Raajje

During a joint press conference held at the President’s Office following the PGA’s courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Wednesday morning, Click here to read…

Myanmar

In the wake of Burma’s coup, new US legislation offers a roadmap for action – The Hill

Yesterday, Congress introduced the BURMA Act of 2021, a critical next step in responding to the calls of the Burmese people to do everything the U.S. can to support a return to democratic governance and to cut off the money funding the Burmese military. Click here to read…

Checkpoint blown up and one Tatmadaw killed – BNI Online

The checkpoint at the Thilawa Development Junction, Thanlyin township Yangon Region was blown up and one soldier killed and two seriously injured, according to the Thanlyin People’s Defence Force (TLPDF). The TLPDF detonated a remote-controlled mine. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Opposition Should Focus on Diplomacy, Not War – World Politics Review

With Myanmar’s junta laying waste to the country’s economy and bungling its COVID-19 response, the country stands on the verge of becoming a failed state. Click here to read…

Myanmar junta leader inaugurates armed coastguard – France24

Myanmar’s junta chief announced the formation of a new military coastguard on Wednesday, made up of four armed vessels officials said would improve the nation’s law enforcement capabilities. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal’s overall covid tally nears 800000-mark- Himalaya

Nepal’s coronavirus caseload reached 799,615 on Wednesday with 849 more people testing positive for the infection in the past 24 hours. Click here to read…

China to provide additional 1 million doses of SinoVac under grant assistance- Himalaya

The Chinese government is set to provide Nepal with one million doses of the SinoVac Covid-19 vaccination under grant assistance. Click here to read…

As Nepal runs dry, communities tap water harvesting- Himalaya

When Sita Poddar wants some water, she walks from her home in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley to a neighbouring town 15 minutes away, where she waits at the public tap in the yard of a temple. Click here to read…

Rule through ordinance threat to democracy, observers say- TKP

Under the principle of separation of powers, lawmaking is the prerogative of the federal parliament—the House of Representatives and the National Assembly. Click here to read…

Private sector wants MCC compact endorsed from Parliament- TKP

Three major private sector bodies on Wednesday urged the government, political parties represented in Parliament, civil society and other stakeholders to implement the MCC. Click here to read…

Nepal’s surplus energy is going to waste as there are no buyers yet- TKP

Nepal until 2017 was power-starved, facing outages up to 18 hours a day. The country now has surplus energy, but it does not have a concrete plan to export power. Click here to read…

Fare of public transport in Kathmandu Valley hiked- Republica

The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure Development (MoPID) of Bagmati Province has hiked the fare of the public transport in Kathmandu Valley as well as in all 13 districts in the Province. Click here to read…

Construction of 220 kV Koshi Corridor Package-1 completed- Republica

The construction of the package-1 of the Koshi Corridor 220 kV transmission line has been completed. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Ordinance issued to extend term of NAB chairman: Dawn

Amid criticism by opposition parties, President Dr Arif Alvi on Wednesday signed an ordinance that sharply reduces the jurisdiction of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Click here to read…

ISI gets new chief in army reshuffle: Dawn

Lt Gen Nadeem Ahmed Anjum was on Wednesday appo¬inted as new chief of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). Click here to read…

Pakistan does not have a ‘Chinese debt problem’, says Umar: The Express Tribune

In a press conference flanked by CPEC Authority head Khalid Mansoor, the planning minister said the report raised questions on transparency, debt sustainability, and ‘secret loans’ to Pakistan under CPEC. Click here to read…

PM asks Bill Gates to consider humanitarian assistance for Afghans: The Express Tribune

During the telephonic conversation, held on October 5, the premier stated that more than half of the population in Afghanistan was living below the poverty line and in dire need of financial assistance. Click here to read…

World press, publishers, journalists condemn PMDA: The News

The World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), the International Publishers Association (IPA), and the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) have called on Pakistani authorities to retract plans to establish the Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA). Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Former LTTE intelligence operative nabbed in Chennai – The Hindu

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has nabbed a senior intelligence operative of the defunct Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in Chennai on Tuesday. Click here to read…

“New Zealand in talks with Sri Lanka on security cooperation to curb extremism” -Michael Appleton High Commissioner New Zealand – Daily Mirror

Economically we want to build a larger, more diverse trading relationship for the benefit of both sides. We believe in an open, free and inclusive region. Click here to read…

EU GSP+ monitoring mission concludes visit to Sri Lanka – Daily FT

The monitoring mission from the European Union (EU) on its GSP+ scheme has successfully concluded its week-long visit to Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

India provides Rs 300M to construct smart classrooms in Galle – Ceylon Today

Recognizing the urgent need to provide Sri Lankan children with fair access to quality educational opportunities with modern technology, the Government of India has agreed to provide financial assistance of Rs. 300 million for the construction of smart classrooms and modern computer labs for 200 schools in Galle. Click here to read…