Afghanistan

Taliban Says it Will Build Regular Army, Include Former Members: Tolo News

Two weeks after the announcement of members of a Taliban caretaker government, the Taliban government’s acting army chief of staff, Qari Fasihuddin, on Wednesday said they are working to form a “regular” and “strong” army.
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Afghan Journalists: Reporting Hindered by Lack of Govt Sources: Tolo News

Several journalists on Tuesday complained that they face many restrictions while reporting, and media workers said that their questions sent to official sources remain unanswered most of the time.
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Over $12 million seized from former officials given to central bank by Taliban: The Khaama Press

Taliban gave the total amount of 12368246 dollars in cash to the central bank-De Afghanistan bank-that were seized from the residences of officials of the former government. In addition to the cash, the Taliban has also given the central bank gold bricks on Wednesday, September 15.
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EU announces additional 100 million euros in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Head of the European Union Urela Von Der Leyen said that the union of 27 European states is standing beside Afghanistan and is announcing additional 100 million euros in humanitarian aid to the people of Afghanistan.
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We will suppress those who defend gains of past two decades: Taliban: The Khaama Press

Chief of Army Staff of the Taliban Fasihudin said that they will suppress all who defend the gains of the past two decades under the name of specific ethnic groups or resistance in Afghanistan.
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Bangladesh

Will jab 50pc by year-end- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday in parliament said efforts were underway to vaccinate students aged 12.
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DU provost committee recommends reopening halls from October 5- Daily Star

Dhaka University’s (DU’s) provost committee yesterday recommended reopening residential halls for master’s and final-year honours students from October 5.
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No need for hired leadership- Daily Star

A section of BNP leaders yesterday slammed the party’s leadership for contesting the 2018 parliamentary election under the banner of Jatiya Oikyafront.
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About two-thirds industrial loan now gone bad- Daily Star

About two-thirds of the industrial loan has been turned default as of March, said Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal yesterday.
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India considers resuming vaccine exports soon- Asian News Desk

India is considering resuming exports of Covid-19 vaccines soon, mainly to Africa.
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Bangladesh inks TIFA deal with Australia- The Asian Age

Bangladesh on Wednesday inked a framework on trade and investment with Australia to provide a platform for institutionalized economic interactions.
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Covid-19: Bangladesh records 51 more deaths, 1,901 new cases- Dhaka Tribune

The country recorded 35 and 41 deaths on Tuesday and Monday respectively. On Sunday, the single-day death toll stood at 51.
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Canadian buyers urged to import more garments from Bangladesh- Daily Observer

BGMEA President Faruque Hassan has called on Canadian buyers to choose Bangladesh as a safe, sustainable and ethical apparel-sourcing destination.
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NU graduates lag behind in Bangladesh job market- New Age

The National University has failed to produce quality graduates for the job market, said educationists and private sector employers.
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Bhutan

Embracing solar power to promote clean energy- Kuensel

To diversify renewable energy resources, Department of Renewable Energy (DRE) launched an 11.7-kilowatt peak (kWp) in an hour grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) car park.
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Geptay-Satsam road in dire need of maintenance- Kuensel

Motorists and pedestrians commuting towards Geptay from Paro town are frustrated with the worsening road condition every year.
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Yathra weaving, the uniquely Bumthang culture- Daily Bhutan

Traditionally, every household owns a backstrap loom and girls are taught to weave from as young as 8 years old. The more women who weave in the family, the greater the source of pride.
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Maldives

Authorities detain foreign vessels trespassing on Maldivian waters – Avas

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) said two vessels fishing in the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone were detained on September 11 and September 13.
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Munu Mahawar appointed as HC of India to Maldives – BigNewsNetwork

Munu Mahawar, presently Ambassador of India to the Sultanate of Oman, has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday.
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76th UNGA President Shahid officially assumes office – Raajje

The President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Abdulla Shahid has officially assumed office.
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Myanmar

Myanmar: Southeast Asia’s Next Frontline of Jihadism? – Global Risks Insights

In November 2020, Myanmar’s first explicitly Salafi-Jihadist militant group, Katibah al-Mahdi fi Bilad al-Arakan, declared jihad against Naypyidaw to avenge the persecution of Rohingya Muslims by Myanmar’s military junta.
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Myanmar Junta Troops Suspected of Killing and Mutilating Civilians – The Irrawaddy

Five civilians have been found dead with their bodies mutilated close to where junta troops clashed last week with local resistance fighters in Magwe Region’s Gangaw Township.
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Any Embassy Sales by Junta Would Be Illegal, Myanmar’s Shadow Govt Warns – The Irrawaddy

Amid reports that the Myanmar military junta seeks to sell the land housing the country’s embassy in Japan, the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) has warned that any sale, in part or in whole, of a Myanmar diplomatic mission by the “illegal” military regime would be unlawful.
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Junta’s Demand to Spy on Customers Prompts Telenor to Leave Myanmar – The Irrawaddy

The Norwegian parent company of telecom operator Telenor Myanmar said Wednesday it could not maintain its presence in Myanmar, as doing so would require it to help the military regime conduct surveillance of its clients.
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Myanmar Junta Cuts Internet Access in Anti-Regime Resistance Strongholds – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime has cut off internet access in several townships in Sagaing and Mandalay regions. The affected townships are strongholds of anti-regime resistance groups who have inflicted heavy casualties on junta forces.
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Nepal

First Private Cargo Train Arrives in Nepal from India After 17 Years- Rising Nepal

The private sector cargo train has arrived in Nepal from India for the first time in 17 years after the operation of Nepal-India railway service. The first private cargo train has arrived at Birgunj-based dry port Wednesday morning.
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70% migrant workers say they will not choose same recruiting agency again- Khabarahub

This is the finding of an analysis report of the Migrant Recruitment Advisor (MRA) in Nepal which was shared in a sub-regional South Asia meeting on MRA.
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पुस्तान्तरणको मुद्दाले दबाबमा देउवा (Deuba under the pressure of generational transfer)- Kantipur Daily

Deuba, who has been trying to do arithmetic in the work and appointment of the government, has been delaying the appointment of his own advisor and the formation of the secretariat.
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Deuba Cabinet expansion faces ordinance hurdle- Himalayan

Even two months after coming to power, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has not been able to expand his Cabinet.
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Quake-damaged school rebuilt, handed over- Himalayan

A handover ceremony of the reconstructed Namuna Machhindra Secondary School was held in Lagankhel today.
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Journalists, activists against human trafficking awarded- Himalayan

The Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens has honoured various institutions and individuals for their contribution to controlling human trafficking.
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UML looks set for a showdown amid spending halt- Kathmandu Post

Ruling alliance may steamroller the budget through lower house, but its passage from upper house looks difficult without a deal with main opposition.

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Country’s three key state organs are in disarray- Kathmandu Post

The executive is hobbling, legislature is facing an impasse, and the judiciary is caught in tangles.
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Health Ministry raises an alarm over resuming physical classes in educational institutions- Republica

The Ministry of Health and Population has directed concerned authorities not to take the decision of allowing educational institutions to reopen in haste.
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Kathmandu recorded a high number of road accidents during the lockdown. Is it safe other times?- OnlineKhabar

The police and other agencies need to find common mistakes done by these drivers because there are places where accidents happen on a regular basis.
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Pakistan

World should incentivise Taliban instead of trying to control Afghanistan from outside: PM Imran on CNN: Dawn

In an exclusive interview on CNN programme ‘Connect the World’ on Wednesday, host Becky Anderson asked Prime Minister Imran about apprehensions that the Taliban will not protect human rights, especially those of women and children.
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NSA assails world’s ‘wait and watch’ policy on Afghanistan: Dawn

National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf on Wednesday denounced the world’s ‘wait and watch’ policy on recognising Afghanistan’s Taliban regime as a flawed strategy that would push the war-ravaged country further towards economic collapse.
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Govt jacks up petrol, diesel prices by Rs5 per litre: The Express Tribune

According to the notification the per-litre price of petrol goes up by Rs5, HSD by Rs5.01, kerosene oil by Rs5.46 and light diesel oil (LDO) by R 5.92.
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Pakistan participates in first China-hosted multinational peacekeeping drill: The Express Tribune

Troops from Pakistan, Thailand and Mongolia joined China’s armed forces for the 10-day exercise dubbed “Shared Destiny 2021” at the military base in Queshan county in central Henan province.
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Use of EVM in elections is not new: IHC: The News

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday reserved judgment on the maintainability of a petition filed against holding election through Electronic Voting Machines (EVM).
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PM flies to Dushanbe to attend SCO meeting today: The News

All eyes are on Dushanbe to see who represents Afghanistan at the two-day 20th Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Heads of State (SCO-CHS) starting today (16-17 September).
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Sri Lanka

High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka calls on Foreign Secretary of India – Daily FT

High Commissioner-designate of Sri Lanka to India Milinda Moragoda paid a courtesy call on Foreign Secretary of India Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla yesterday at the Ministry of External Affairs in New Delhi.
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2,314 persons test positive for COVID-19, over 3,000 delayed cases added to total – Daily FT

Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 detections exceeded 496,000 with the detection of 2,314 COVID-19 cases yesterday and the addition of over 3,000 delayed cases. The patients detected yesterday were from the New Year cluster.
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UN intervention will cause embarrassment – SJB – Ceylon Today

The SJB said it would be a disgrace to Sri Lanka if UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, has to intervene to ensure the existence of democracy in the country. SJB MP Imthiaz Bakeer Markar said the Sri Lankans in Italy are pushing the international community to protest because of the loss of democracy and the loss of human rights of people in Sri Lanka.
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UN office in Colombo condemns ill-treatment of prisoners – The Island

The United Nations (UN) office in Sri Lanka says it condemns any ill-treatment of prisoners.
“In our work on prison reform and drug rehabilitation UN Sri Lanka works to strengthen capacities to uphold the rights of all those in custody and condemns any ill treatment of prisoners,” Hanaa Singer-Hamdy tweeted.
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UN Meeting Participants Pledge Support to Afghanistan: Tolo News

The United Nations on Monday held a meeting in Geneva under the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to show solidarity with the people of Afghanistan and pledge humanitarian support for Afghanistan
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153 Afghan Media Outlets Cease Operating in Less Than 1 Month: Tolo News

Organizations supporting free media in Afghanistan said on Monday that since the fall of the former government in mid-August, 153 media outlets have stopped activity in 20 provinces.
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Private Sector Warns of Economic Collapse: Tolo News

Afghanistan private sector – Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI), Afghanistan Chamber of Mines and Industry (ACMI) – on Monday in a press conference in Kabul warned the country would plunge into an economic crisis unless Afghanistan reserves are released.
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Afghanistan to see expansion of international relations: Taliban: The Khaama Press

Acting minister of foreign affairs of Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Amir Khan Motaqi said that Afghanistan will see an expansion of international engagement with the world.
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Women protest in support to Taliban in Nangarhar province: The Khaama Press

Tens of women took to the streets of eastern Jalalabad city of Nangarhar province to support the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and condemn the previous all-women protest in Kabul and other provinces.
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Bangladesh

Man held with Saudi riyal at Dhaka airport- Daily Star

Members of Aviation Security (Avsec) detained a man with a large amount of Saudi riyals at Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport yesterday.
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ChirpWire: A virtual safe haven for Bangladeshi extremists- Dhaka Tribune

Bangladeshi radicals now shift to a safer, encrypted social media site developed exclusively to promote extremism.
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Bangladesh, UK issue collective call for ‘ambitious action’ against climate change- Dhaka Tribune

Both UK and Bangladesh reiterate their commitment to the goal of safe, voluntary, dignified, and informed returns of Rohingyas to Myanmar during the dialogue
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‘It is necessary to make education time-befitting’- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday stressed the need for making education programs time-befitting.
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No need for a vaccine third jab booster: study- The Observer

There is no current need for the general population to be given third doses, according to a report in The Lancet published Monday.
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Three studies on Kamalapur multi-modal transport hub as agencies differ- Financial Express

A move is on to undertake three separate studies following the BR’s failure to resolve conflicts in getting the required space for different transport modes at the planned Kamalapur multimodal transport hub.
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No exams up to III, no public exams until SSC under new curriculum- New Age

There will be no public examinations held before the Secondary School Certificate examination under the new National Curriculum Framework, which is scheduled to be implemented in Bangladesh in phases from 2023.
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Bhutan

Health Ministry starts second dose of COVID vaccine for children in Thimphu Thromde- BBS

The Health Ministry rolled out the second dose of COVID vaccine for children aged between 12 and 17 in Thimphu Thromde from Monday. The children are getting the Moderna vaccine.
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Wangdue – Trongsa highway expected to open to traffic by tomorrow afternoon- BBS

It will take until Tuesday afternoon for the roads department to reopen the Wangdue – Trongsa highway.
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Opening doors to employment- BBS

Training could be a gateway to lots of opportunities. And this is exactly what the participants of the recent Capacity Development Training for Youth in Gelegphu consider.
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Drying lakes in Dagana to be revived- BBS

Plans are underway to revive the lakes in Dagana’s three gewogs. People have been concerned with the lakes in their communities drying.
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Discontinuing FYP drafts will be a big blunder: Opposition- Bhutan Times

The Opposition Party has lashed out on the government stating that it must continue with the practice of preparing a draft Five Year Plan (FYP) and discontinuing it will be a big blunder.
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Bhutan calls for technical stewardship and resources- Bhutan Times

At the recently concluded 74th session of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Committee for South-East Asia, Bhutan called upon the United Nations agencies and the international development partners to provide the much-needed technical stewardship and resources.
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Cabinet asks home ministry to submit action plan for combating human trafficking- Bhutan Times

In a stark revelation, Bhutan failed to meet minimum standards for the elimination of human trafficking and remains in Tier 2 Watch List for the second consecutive year in 2021 U.S. report.
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Maldives

President Solih to address UN General Assembly for a second time – Raajje v
President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will be addressing the United Nations General Assembly, once again. Raajje MV understands that the president will be delivering an address at the 76th session of the UNGA, to take place in New York on 21 September 2021.
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MTCC partners with BML and Mastercard to introduce digital payment systems – Edition

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) partners with Bank of Maldives (BML) and Mastercard to introduce a digital payment system that will allow customers to use their cash cards while utilizing the public transport system.
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President Solih receives credentials from two new ambassadors, new non-resident high commissioner – Raajje

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has been presented with the credentials of new ambassadors and high commissioner of three countries.
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Myanmar

Myanmar’s Shadow Government Prepares Evidence of Junta War Crimes – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s junta has committed massacres and war crimes in Sagaing Region by murdering about 112 people within three months, according to the Human Rights Ministry of the civilian National Unity Government (NUG).
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Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Denies Rumors of Talks With Myanmar Regime – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has denied rumors that she has held talks with the junta leaders over the past two months.
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Over 80 Myanmar Military-Owned Telecom Towers Destroyed Nationwide – The Irrawaddy

More than 80 telecom towers owned in a joint venture between the Myanmar military and Vietnam’s Defence Ministry have been destroyed by civilian resistance forces across the country.
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Myanmar’s Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Sick; Court Hearings Postponed – The Irrawaddy

Hearings in several of the court trials of Myanmar’s detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi were postponed on Monday.
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Myanmar Military-Backed USDP Accused of Exploiting Smaller Political Parties – The Irrawaddy

The Myanmar military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) is taking advantage of smaller political parties to increase its influence on current affairs in Myanmar, said Daw Nan Shwe Kyar, the co-chairman of the Wun Thar Nu Democratic Party.
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Nepal

Budget plans low-cost meals, monetary aid for the poor, but experts smell electoral motives- Kathmandu Post

Finance Minister Janardan Sharma announced that the government would provide low-cost meals to the urban poor from 10 different places in the Kathmandu Valley in association with social organisations.
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Flood victims staying on encroached forest land for years- Himalaya

The flood victims of 1987 have not yet been given permanent shelters.
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57th Children’s Day to be celebrated- Himalaya

The government is preparing to observe the 57th National Children’s Day on September 14.
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House obstructions, if continue, can lead to financial deadlock- Kathmandu Post

Speaker Agni Sapkota’s attempt to resolve the ongoing House crisis fell flat on Monday after the CPN-UML boycotted an all-party meeting called by him.
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All-Party Meet Kicks Off, CPN-UML Chair Oli Absent- The Rising Nepal
the all-party meeting called by House of Representatives (HoR) speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota has begun in the Lhotse Hall of the Federal Parliament in New Baneshwor.
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Human-animal interface in Nepal wildlife corridor- Nepali Times

The human-tiger contact has become a bigger challenge than poaching. Conservation programs should look into reducing such conflicts.
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Report: Climate change could see 200 million move by 2050- Republica

Climate change could push more than 200 million people to leave their homes in the next three decades.
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Leader Pandey entrusted to form government in Bagmati- Republica

CPN (Unified Socialist) Bagmati Province has decided to hold discussion with other parties of the ruling alliance to form a new government.
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MCC dispute in Nepal: Your FAQs answered- Onlinekhabar

The proposed Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) grant has been the talk of the town over the past few weeks in Nepal.
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Hanumandhoka Durbar Museum Reopens- The Rising Nepal

The Hanumandhoka Durbar Museum has reopened after four and a half months.
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Pakistan

Taliban’s rights observance linked to economic squeeze end: FM Qureshi: Dawn

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Monday observance of human rights by the Taliban in Afghanistan was linked to the loosening of economic squeeze on them.
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10th CPEC JCC session likely to be held next week: Dawn

Addressing his maiden press conference after taking over the charge of the CPEC Authority, Mr Mansoor expressed optimism about the holding the JCC meeting either on Sept 23 or 24.
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President lauds govt’s economic, foreign policies in joint parliament session: The Express Tribune

President Dr Arif Alvi lauded the performance of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government on various fronts especially economy, social and human development and foreign policy during its three-year tenure to take the country towards a “prosperous and shining future”.
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Taliban close Pak-Afghan border crossing for pedestrians: The Express Tribune

The Taliban on Monday closed the Torkham border gate, the main crossing point between Pakistan and Afghanistan, for pedestrian movement, a local official said.
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Sindh receives more than 320,000 Pfizer jabs from US: The Express Tribune

The Sindh Government on Monday received 320,580 new Pfizer vaccine doses sent by the United States through the COVAX facility, the US State Department said in a press release.
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COAS visits Karachi Corps, briefed on security situation in Sindh: The News

The COAS emphasised to guard effectively against hybrid threats in view of the latest developments in the region and the need to respond collectively with the whole of nation approach
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Sri Lanka

‘We are having info and evidence repository of 120,000 items’ – The Island

UN Human Rights Commissioner Michelle Bachelet yesterday (13) said that her Office was going ahead with a fresh investigation in respect of Sri Lanka accountability issues.
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2,560 persons test positive for COVID-19 – Daily FT

COVID-19 detections in Sri Lanka rose to 488,482 with 2,560 persons testing positive for COVID-19 yesterday.
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Korean giants sign MoU for Negombo-Colombo LRT feasibility study, mega mixed development project – Daily FT

KCI Metro Link Korea Company Ltd. and the GBK Consortium Ltd. of the Republic of Korea have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct a feasibility study in order to construct an LRT line from Negombo to Colombo via Bandaranaike International Airport of Colombo as well as a mixed development project.
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China donates medical equipment on Ranil’s request – The Island

Zhang Yingbao, Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Colombo handing over a stock of medical equipment to UNP Chairman former Minister Wajira Abeywardena at the Embassy.
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Afghanistan

NATO Chief Blames Afghan Leaders for State’s Collapse: Tolo News

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday in a meeting of NATO envoys blamed Afghanistan’s political and military leadership for the quick collapse of the former government.
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UNDP Forecast: 97% of Afghans in Poverty by Mid-2022: Tolo News

The UNDP says if urgent actions to support the people of Afghanistan are not taken, an economic crisis will engulf the country.
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Qatar’s FM arrives in Kabul, first FM to meet Taliban’s interim cabinet: The Khaama Press

Qatar’s foreign minister and Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Muhammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani arrives in Kabul on Sunday, September 12, and met with the Taliban’s head of government. Al-Thani has visited Kabul several times since the Taliban takeover this is his first visit after the Taliban announced their caretaker government.
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Universities to resume in a week, new curriculum will be discussed upon: Taliban: The Khaama Press

Ministry of higher education of Afghanistan said that they have been busy discussing issues with the educational association and will resume all universities across the country as soon as they come over the problems.
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Uniformed Police to be Stationed in Kabul: Tolo News

The current Taliban forces who are stationed in Kabul will soon be replaced with police forces of the former government and Taliban forces and all will have uniforms, the Taliban said on Sunday
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Bangladesh

PM gives Tk 15cr to healthcare- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has diverted Tk 15 crore, allocated for the procurement of vehicles for her office, to the cause of people’s healthcare services.
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Prof Yunus, 3 others sued in labour court- Daily Star

Nobel Laureate Prof Muhammad Yunus, also chairman of Grameen Telecom, and its three other top officials have been sued on charges of violating labour laws.
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PM Hasina: Development projects must not harm environment- Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday stressed the importance of keeping the environment in mind while taking any development project.
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BNP resumes organizational activities after Covid-break- Dhaka Tribune

The BNP resumed its organizational activities on Sunday after a long suspension due to the coronavirus outbreak.
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Schools-colleges resume classes- New Asian Age

Schools and colleges across the country resumed classes on Sunday after nearly one and a half years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
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Dhaka seeks Moscow’s support- New Asian Age

Foreign Minister A K Abdul Momen has sought Russian support in repatriation of Myanmar’s Rohingyas.
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Khaleda must return to jail for permission to go abroad: Law Minister- Daily Observer

Law Minister Anisul Huq on Sunday said BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia must return to jail for submitting a fresh application seeking permission to go abroad for treatment.
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Newly-elected lawmaker Habibur Rahman takes oath- Daily Observer

Habibur Rahman, who has been elected as the member of the parliament (MP) after winning the by-elections to Sylhet-3 constituency of parliament recently, has taken oath.
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Dhaka hopes to get EU’s duty-free quota-free facility even after LDC graduation- Financial Express

Dhaka hopes that the European Union (EU) will continue providing duty-free and quota-free (DFQF) facility to its markets for Bangladeshi products.
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Bhutan

LhengyeZhungtshog Act comes into force- Kuensel

The LhengyeZhungtshog Act, which has some bearings on the functioning of the government, has come into force.
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There is nothing called “Herd Immunity” in this fight- Kuensel

he success that Bhutan has so far had with and in controlling the Covid-19 cases in the country is in danger of being a monumental waste.
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Political parties divided on govt’s plan on plan model- Kuensel

The Opposition Party raised its concerns over the ruling party’s decision to ‘discontinue drafting the Five-Year Plan’.
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Ruling party members unhappy with labour minister selection – Kuensel

he Prime Minister’s decision to pick the newly elected Nganglam’s Member of Parliament (MP) Karma Dorji as the labour minister has caused disgruntlement among many ruling party MPs.
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Former NA Speaker donates Nu 30 M to monastic institutions- BBS

The former National Assembly speaker, DashoUgyenDorji, and his family donated Nu 30 M as an endowment fund to six shedras and monasteries across the country.
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Public servants’ discontent with eDATS- Business Bhutan

The electronic Daily Allowance and Travel System (eDATS) was implemented on July 1 this year, but public servants are not happy with the system.
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Maldives

COVID-19: 18 islands are under monitoring – Edition

Eighteen islands in Maldives are under monitoring due to community spread of COVID-19 present within its population.Travel to and out of the islands under monitoring by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) are prohibited unless it is for an essential reason.
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Over 32,000 tourist arrivals recorded within first week of September – Raajje

Maldives has recorded over 32,000 tourist arrivals, within the first week of September.
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China, Maldives enjoy mutual, tangible benefits from BRI cooperation: Chinese envoy – ECNS

China’s new Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin has said that China and the Maldives enjoy mutual and tangible benefits from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation.
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Police investigate bomb threats scribbled on mosque pillar – Raajje

Maldives Police Service (MPS) has begun investigating bomb threats scribbled on a pillar of a mosque in Malé City.
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Evolving dynamics and impact on Sri Lanka and Maldives – Daily News

Sri Lankan Media Minister and Cabinet Spokesperson DullasAlahapperuma has since said that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has directed the Foreign Ministry to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and to announce Sri Lanka’s stand on it.
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Myanmar

Myanmar’s shadow government declares ‘resistance war’ against military junta – Myanmar Now

Myanmar’s acting president DuwaLashi La of the National Unity Government (NUG) announced on Tuesday that the people’s “resistance war” against the junta had started and urged the public across the country to revolt against the military coup regime led by Min Aung Hlaing.
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Deadly unrest reported in Myanmar after opposition urges ‘defensive war’ – Reuters

At least 20 people have been killed in fighting between militias and Myanmar’s ruling military, a witness and local media said on Friday, in the worst violence since opponents of the junta called this week for a “people’s defensive war”.
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China’s complex role in Myanmar draws anxiety from Myanmar govt – Sify

China has been pursuing a duplicitous policy towards Myanmar which hinges on border security, relations between Beijing and Naypyitaw and Chinas ambitious BRI projects in Myanmar.
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Relief Agencies Should Push for Independent Access to Myanmar’s Rakhine State – The Diplomat

Since February, when Myanmar’s military, known as the Tatmadaw, staged a coup against the government of Aung San Suu Kyi, Rakhine State in the west of the country has stood out.
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Rethinking Sustainable Solution To Rohingya Crisis: Limits Of World Bank’s Proposal – Eurasia Review

Washington-based global lender the World Bank, through concessional lending arms, has gone to bat for Bangladesh to foster its development initiatives since 1972; committing more than $30 billion by backing priorities in economic, social and infrastructural development.
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Myanmar army & civilians clash near border, 100 flee to Mizoram – Times of India

Intense fighting between the Chinland Defense Force (CDF) coomprising armed civilians led by Chin National Army (CNA) cadres and the Myanmar army broke out at Lungler village in Myanmar opposite Thingsai village in Mizoram early on Friday morning.
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Myanmar Military Tells Muslims Not to Contact Arakan Army – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military has warned Muslim village leaders in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State, not to complain to the ethnic Rakhine armed group, the Arakan Army, and its political wing the United League of Arakan.
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Loading up for a wider war in Myanmar – Asia Times

The rains that begin in May and end in October mark a year in and year out respite in the various brush wars that have flared for decades in Myanmar’s borderlands.
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Nepal

MCC Vice President Sumar ‘encouraged by support received to compact’- Nepal Live Today

Vice President of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Fatema Z. Sumar has said that she is encouraged by the support the compact has received.
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House Speaker Sapkota calls for all-party meeting- Nepal Live Today

Following frequent House obstruction by the main opposition CPN-UML, Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota has called for an all-party meeting for Monday.
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New directive for uniformity in govt office websites- Himalaya

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has issued a ‘Directive Related to Development and Management of Website of Government Offices, 2021’ exercising the powers conferred by Section 45 of the Good Governance (Management and Operation) Act, 2006.
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CPN-UML continues to obstruct Parliament- Himalaya

CPN-UML lawmakers obstructed proceedings of both the houses of the Parliament, accusing Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota of being biased against their party.
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Coalition partners fail to agree on Cabinet expansion- Kathmandu Post

While CPN (Unified Socialist) wants Deuba to wait until Monday, Janata Samajbadi says it won’t join the government unless the party split provisions are changed.
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Nepali Congress race hotting up as party braces for November convention- Kathmandu Post

In a little over two months, the Nepali Congress will hold its general convention. And the grand old party’s jamboree in the cold November this time is likely to see hotly contested elections, with around half a dozen aspirants vying for the party presidency.
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Kasthamandap reconstruction: The tough task has taught lessons about Kathmandu’s ancient architecture- Online Khabar

Locally, Nepal to bring the traditional technology in a structured syllabus and teach them. Nepal needs to attract the abroad-going young ones to it.
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Government To Spend 10% Capital Budget A Month- Rising Nepal

inance Minister Janardan Sharma ‘Prabhakar’ said that the programmes that wouldn’t give any result to people and the economy but would add additional burden on the state coffers are scrapped through the Replacement Bill 2021/22.
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In a ‘bhai-bhai ka rishta’, Nepal refuses to be India’s younger brother. It wants equality- The Print

Unfortunately for Nepal, both these markers are shared, the former in terms of the common Buddhist heritage with India, and the latter with China.
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Pakistan

PTI leads in KP Cantt elections, PML-N in Punjab: Dawn

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) were well ahead in their respective strongholds of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Punjab, according to unofficial results of 191 wards of the 35 out of 39 cantonment boards, where elections were held on Sunday.
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Freezing of Afghan accounts to create crisis: Sheikh Rashid: Dawn

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Sunday said it would be unfair for the world to expect that Afghanistan would become as prosperous as some Scandinavian country in eight days and cautioned that freezing of Afghan accounts could create a humanitarian crisis.
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Pakistan participates in trilateral ‘Brotherhood’ military drills in Azerbaijan: The Express Tribune

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the exercise will be conducted in the counter-terrorism domain from September 11 to 22, 2021.
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Qureshi urges Danish counterpart to ease travel restrictions on Pakistanis: The Express Tribune

During a telephonic conversation with Jeppe Kofod, Qureshi said that the restrictions should be reviewed with regard to an improvement in the situation pertaining to security and the pandemic.
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58 more die, 3,153 new corona cases reported: The News

The national tally of total active COVID-19 cases was recorded at 91,015 on Sunday with 3,153 more people testing positive for the deadly virus and 3,797 people recovering from the disease during the past 24 hours.
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PMDA issue: Journalists hold protest in London: The News

Pakistani journalists in Britain condemned the Pakistan government’s plans seeking unchecked powers to punish journalists and news organisations to further implement the draconian censorship.
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Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka to feel the pinch in Geneva – Daily Mirror

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) will open its regular September session in Geneva today with Sri Lanka on the agenda.
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5,444 COVID-19 cases detected over the weekend – Daily FT

Weekend COVID-19 detections rose to 5,444, with 2,802 persons testing positive for COVID-19 on Saturday and 2,642 persons testing positive for COVID-19 yesterday.
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‘SL likely to seek IMF loan this month’ – The Morning

First Capital Research has announced in its mid-year outlook that it is highly likely that Sri Lanka will negotiate an International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme within the current quarter, which ends this month.
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Drafting of new constitution: Final draft in November – The Morning

The expert committee appointed to draft a new constitution has sought a three-month extension to submit the final draft to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa while an initial draft is being studied by the Legal Draftsman’s Department.
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Afghanistan

US Sec. Blinken: Relations ‘Will Depend’ on Taliban Actions: Tolo News

US State Secretary Antony Blinken in an exclusive interview with Lotfullah Najafizada of TOLOnews said the United States has achieved what it went to Afghanistan to accomplish and the main aim was to suppress Al-Qaeda, which has been vastly “degraded.”Click here to read…

Political Party Leaders Protest Cabinet Choices: Tolo News

Several of Afghanistan’s major political parties on Wednesday reacted to the Taliban’s new caretaker government which was announced late Tuesday, saying that the cabinet is not inclusive and that political parties have been excluded. Click here to read…

Women protest against newly announced cabinet of Taliban: The Khaama Press

Tens of women in Kabul took to the streets to protest against the all-men cabinet announced as caretaker government by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on Tuesday, September 7. Click here to read…

Taliban monopolize power in Afghanistan, will not last longer: Salahudin Rabbani: The Khaama Press

Head of Afghanistan’s second-largest political part-Jamiat Islami- Salahudin Rabbani reacted to the caretaker government of the Taliban and said that a government which composed of a single ethnic group will not last long. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Dhaka seeks unity against vaccine inequity to accelerate economic recovery efforts- Dhaka Tribune

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen has said a successful pandemic recovery must involve universal vaccination ending vaccine inequality. Click here to read…

High Court orders to include Bangabandhu’s March 7 speech in textbooks- Dhaka Tribune

The court has also directed authorities to expedite the work of building Bangabandhu’s sculpture at Suhrawardy Udyan. Click here to read…

Faridul: Pre-registered, registered people can perform hajj if Covid situation improves- Dhaka Tribune

Pre-registered and registered will be able to go to hajj on priority basis in Saudi Arabia if the coronavirus situation improves in 2022 and Bangladesh gets permission to send pilgrims for hajj. Click here to read…

Air Astra, newest Bangladeshi airline, set to take the skies in Jan 2022- The Daily Star

Apart from the national flag carrier – Biman Bangladesh Airlines – two other private airlines, namely US-Bangla and Novoair, are currently operating flights. Click here to read…

‘Govt strives to reach land services at people’s hand’- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said her government has been trying to bring land related services to the hands of people to reduce their sufferings and harassments through digitization of the land management system. Click here to read…

‘BD to get vaccines from India soon’- Asian Age

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami has said that Bangladesh will get vaccines from India soon. Click here to read…

Fresh flood feared in Bangladesh as India opens Gajoldoba again- New Age

This is the sixth time since June that the Gajoldoba barrage floodgates were opened causing inundation in low-lying areas in downstream Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Bhutan

New academic assessment in schools is timely: experts- Kuensel

Despite criticism on the implementation of the new assessment criteria in schools, experts say that its introduction is timely and critical to the success of the National School Curriculum (NSC) implemented beginning this academic session. Click here to read…

Bhutan shares its Covid-19 success story- Kuensel

Bhutan’s Covid-19 journey so far has been one of the most successful compared to most countries in the region and across the world. Click here to read…

Mobile network issue in Bumthang to be solved by this winter- BBS

Although reports show that Bumthang has a hundred percent mobile network accessibility, not every area in the district enjoys full network coverage. Both B-mobile and Tashi-Cell users in Bumthang are upset with the network issues. Click here to read…

Businesses trying to stay afloat in Phuentshogling- BBS

Phuentshogling town, considered the commercial hub of the country, is idle today. Due to several lockdowns and other challenges caused by the frequent COVID outbreaks, business in the region has been severely affected. Click here to read…

PDP calls on govt. to implement new school assessment rule- Business Bhutan

A student now has to score at least 40% in both written exam and continuous assessments, as per the new assessment criteria The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) calls on the government to implement the new school assessment rule from the new academic session. Click here to read…

Maldives

Police: Cocaine smuggling to Maldives on the rise -Edition

Police said on Tuesday that the smuggling of cocaine to Maldives have increased recently. The Parliamentary Petition Committee held a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the petition submitted by “Hands Together”, calling to change the management of National Drug Agency (NDA). They were an NGO advocating and promoting the rights and care for addicts in Maldives. Click here to read…

Illegal sand mining in the East for a Maldives island – Srilanka Mirror

Sand is being illegally mined from various places in the Eastern Province to build an island in the Maldives, said Tamil National Alliance Batticaloa District MP Chanakya Rasamanikkam in parliament yesterday (7). He alleged that those behind this illegal activity are a Minister from Sri Lanka Freedom Party, MPs from the SLPP and are supported by the Governor as well. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Pakistan Defense Delegation Made Unannounced Visit to Myanmar Capital – The Irrawaddy

According to well-informed sources in Naypyitaw, the delegation arrived there on Sept. 1 and left on Sept. 5. It is believed that during their stay, the Pakistani delegation and Myanmar military leaders held talks on advanced ordnance technology, aircraft repair and maintenance, and naval munitions. Click here to read…

The Eastern Window: The significance of China’s rail link with Myanmar – Money Control

China has finally connected with the Indian Ocean by establishing a rail-road linkage through Myanmar. This is an important milestone in Beijing’s efforts to create an economic corridor along the lines of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Click here to read…

Hostile Territory: Behind the Indian Government’s Response to the New Refugee Stream from Myanmar – Parichay Blog

The key premise that the Modi government cited while closing India’s borders to the fleeing Myanmar refugees or sending those who had already entered back to Myanmar is that India is not a state party to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention or its 1967 Optional Protocol. In itself, this isn’t wrong.Click here to read…

Myanmar shadow government calls for revolt against military rule – Reuters

Myanmar’s shadow government, formed by opponents of military rule, called for a nationwide uprising against the junta on Tuesday, amid reports of new protests and a flare-up in fighting between the army and ethnic military groups. Click here to read…

Nepal

UML stalls House proceedings- Himalaya

CPN-UML lawmakers stalled proceedings in both Houses of the Parliament today accusing Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota of being complicit in the ‘conspiracy’ to split their party. Click here to read…

MCC responds to Nepal’s concerns ahead of its top officials’ arrival- Kathmandu Post

A day before the visit of its officials to Nepal, the US-based Millennium Challenge Corporation on Wednesday responded to Nepal’s Finance Ministry, trying to assuage concerns raised in Nepal regarding the MCC Nepal Compact, under which the country would receive $500 million in grants. Click here to read…

Shakya’s minority government in Bagmati appoints new ministers – Kathmandu Post

The 56-member single largest party CPN-UML is now reduced to 43 members in the province, and Shakya needs 12 members to achieve a majority. Click here to read…

Nepal faces shortfall of investment worth Rs 558 billion annually to meet targets of the SDGs- Republica

Nepal has faced a shortfall of investment worth Rs 558 billion annually to achieve its targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. Click here to read…

National Census, 2021 to start on November 11- Republica

The National Census, 2021 that was affected due to ongoing COVID-19 has been rescheduled for November 11-25. Click here to read…

KP Sharma Oli wrongly refers to little people of Africa as ‘Lilliput’- Online Khabar

In his almost hour-long speech, Oli attacked the parties in the ruling alliance, particularly the Madhav Kumar Nepal-led splinter group and the Maoists. Click here to read…

Govt Says: Only Health Institutions Can Operate Ambulances- Rising Nepal

The government has issued ‘National Ambulance Directive- 2021’ to regulate ambulance services and make them systematic, transport sick and injured person to hospital safely. Click here to read…

More Local Representatives Join CPN (Unified Socialist) – Rising Nepal

More local level representatives of the CPN-UML have joined the newly formed CPN (Unified Socialist) in many districts across the country. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan hopes new Taliban govt will work for peace and security in Afghanistan: FO: Dawn

In its first official comment on the government announced by the Taliban, Pakistan on Wednesday expressed the hope that the new political dispensation will work for peace and security in Afghanistan and address its people’s humanitarian needs. Click here to read…

National Command Authority expresses concern over ‘destabilising’ arms build-up in the region: Dawn

The National Command Authority (NCA) on Wednesday noted with concern the “destabilising massive arms build-up” in the region, affirming that Pakistan would take all measures to ensure strategic stability in its neighbourhood without entering into an arms race. Click here to read…

PM Imran launches cadastral map of Islamabad to ‘defeat qabza groups’: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday launched the cadastral map of Islamabad to curb land record tampering, ensure monitoring of construction through imagery and provide information about land ownership. Click here to read…

Pakistan values its relations with EU countries: COAS: The Express Tribune

Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Wednesday said Pakistan valued its relations with European Union (EU) countries and was earnestly looking forward to enhancing mutually beneficial multi-domain relations based on common interests. Click here to read…

PIA brings 5.9m Covid doses from China: The Express Tribune

Special cargo flights – PK-6852 and PK-6853 took off from Beijing for Islamabad on Monday and Tuesday and transported 5.9 million doses, Qadir Bux Sangi, PIA Country Manager for China said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Journalists, lawyers, HR activists announce joint struggle against PMDA: The News

Announcing a joint struggle for the freedom of judiciary and media in Pakistan, lawyers, journalists and civil society activists have made it clear that the government’s efforts to enslave the judiciary and media in the name of the Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) will be fought vigorously. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka added to US CDC high risk country list – ECONOMYNEXT

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has added Sri Lanka, Jamacia and Brunei to its highest-risk list countries that had reported over 500 COVID-cases per 100,000 people over a 28 day period.Click here to read…

2,917 more persons test positive for COVID-19 – Daily FT

Daily COVID-19 detections dropped below 3,000 yesterday, with 2,964 persons testing positive for COVID-19.Click here to read…

Scale-up routine immunisation along with COVID-19 vaccination: WHO – The Island

The World Health Organization has urged countries in South Asia Region to enhance routine immunization along with the ongoing efforts to rapidly increase COVID-19 vaccination coverage. Click here to read…

Foreign Ministry sets record straight on PM’s visit to Italy – Daily FT

The Foreign Ministry yesterday set the record straight on the upcoming visit to Italy by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa saying it does not include a call on the Vatican.Click here to read…

Sri Lanka fails to sell 51-pct of Treasuries auction amid price controls – ECONOMYNEXT

Sri Lanka has failed to sell 51 percent of a 64 billion rupee Treasuries auction, despite a ceiling rate being raised 08 basis points to 6.05 percent, data from the debt office showed. Click here to read…

Abstract;

Fast moving events in Afghanistan captured the regional and global attention as US forces withdrew in an unprecedented manner shortening their own timelines ceding space to Taliban as the Afghan national forces crumbled. Taliban entered Kabul on August 15. While Doha talks between US and Taliban and Afghan government and other international stakeholders continued in various formats, Qatar along with Pakistan emerged as major interlocutors. Qatari special envoy visited India to invite them to join the extended Troika meetings, as the future course was being discussed, much against the Pakistani opposition. For extensive evacuations also Qatar played a stellar role which was acknowledged by the US and other western countries. It also is hosting the western missions including that of US as they temporarily moved out of Kabul to Doha.

Erstwhile benefactors of Taliban, the Saudi Arabia and UAE were not enthusiastic this time after their experience with the terrorist entity in the wake of 9/11 attacks and Taliban’s refusal to handover Osama bin Laden. However, the Saudis played it down by acknowledging as the wishes of the people which should be respected. “The kingdom stands with the choices that the Afghan people make without interference” was stated by Saudi MFA.
Iran, also pushing for an inclusive government with Hazaras and Shias, is hoping to revive its advantage in Afghanistan as Taliban was veering towards a Pashtun Sunni government broadly on the Iranian model. They started providing fuel supplies at the request of Taliban as they braced for refugees. UAE and Qatar started providing assistance and relief supplies on humanitarian considerations as they helped transit desperate evacuees. Turkey and Qatar also assisted in repairs and running of Kabul airport as long as there security was assured. Geo politics in the region is on full display among regional and global actors especially Russia and China and Saudi Arabia and Iran and Turkey. OIC also called for a meeting to discuss Afghanistan and asked for the new government to ensure that country should not be used for any terrorist activities.

After former President Rivlin’s visit, Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet visited US on his first official visit and met President Biden who had cold shouldered Netanyahu in the early days of his Presidency. While Israeli defence and security cooperation were main agendas, Biden Administration was categorical in their pursuit of JCPOA talks with Iran in larger regional context. .

Iraq tried to retrieve its regional role under PM Kadhimi as it plays cupid between Riyadh and Tehran. He hosted a landmark Baghdad Cooperation and Partnership conference which witnessed the participation of nine countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, and Turkey. Syria was not invited. Three regional countries – Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar – were represented. French President Macron was also a key participant conveying their continued interest in the region. France also urged Iran to return to JCPOA talks.

Iraq is scheduled to hold its general elections in October as the domestic politics goes through a churn.

As African Union granted observer status to Israel and Foreign Minister Yair Lapid visited Rabat, the Algerians severed ties with Morocco for latter’s hostile actions including support to separatist groups during the disastrous wild fires in Algeria.

At the invitation of the Government of Iran, External Affairs Minister visited Iran on August 5-6, 2021 to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the President Ayatollah Sayyid Ebrahim Raisi on August 5. He met several leaders during the visit. Dr Jai Shankar was also the first foreign leader to have met the President-elect Raisi when the two sides agreed to collaborate more extensively on bilateral and regional issues.

More Details;

Naftali Bennet’s visit to the White House

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennet met with US President Joe Biden on 27 August in order to boost the strategic partnership in the post-Benjamin Netanyahu political context. Biden stressed that his government is committed to strengthening bilateral relations that would benefit citizens of both states such as Israel’s inclusion in the Visa Waiver programme. In terms of regional challenges, Biden assured US support towards Israel’s security and right to self-defence. Both states discussed the challenges emerging from Iran’s nuclear programme and its regional actions. Biden expressed his commitment to ensure that Iran does not attain nuclear weapon. Biden also welcomed Israel’s growing engagement with Arab states and the wider Muslim world. Both states also discussed on efforts to advance peace with Palestinians and widening their economic opportunities.

Israel’s strikes in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza

The situation in Israel’s northern border escalated after Hezbollah launched series of rocket attacks in early August. Israel in response conducted series of air strikes in southern Lebanon. Israel has suggested that it is unwilling to launch a full-fledged war but it would not shy away from all out confrontation in case of escalation by Hezbollah. Hezbollah’s actions are connected to the wider conflict in the region centring on Iran. The Lebanese government has condemned Israel’s escalation. In southern Syria near Quneitra, Israel carried out missile attacks on bases operated by Iran-backed fighters.

Israeli flights carried out air raids in Gaza on 7 August after Hamas operatives launched incendiary balloons towards Israeli population areas and agricultural farms. Palestinians have launched these balloons to protest against the road and sea blockades imposed by Israel and allow goods and aid to reach the territory. Israeli aircrafts in late August resumed air strikes destroying weapons production facilities in Khan Younis, tunnel entrance in Jabalya and rocket launch sites in Shujaiya after few balloons caused fire within Israel. Israel also shot down a rocket using Iron Dome missile defence system launched from Gaza. Besides air strikes, Israeli forces wounded atleast 41 Palestinians during protests to protest against the blockade.

In West Bank city of Nablus, Israeli forces killed a Palestinian woman after she allegedly attempted to attack with a knife. Palestinians in the recent years have carried out stabbing attacks, shooting and car ramming as forms of violent protests against Israeli military occupation in the West Bank.

Israeli Foreign Minister visits Morocco

Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid on 12 August visited Morocco and met with the top leadership. Lapid inaugurated Israeli Liaison office in Rabat and both sides agreed to establish embassies within two months. Morocco enjoyed cordial relations with Israel since 1993 Oslo Accords. The relations cooled off in 2000 after the Al Aqsa Intifada. In 2020, Morocco joined the UAE, Bahrain and Sudan to normalise relations with Israel. Morocco after normalising ties with the Jewish state has managed to secure recognition from the US over its control of Western Sahara.

During Yair Lapid’s visit, Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita emphasised on rapid return of direct and serious negotiations between Israelis and the Palestinians.

Saudi Arabia executes Shiite man accused of armed rebellion

The Saudi authorities on 3 August executed one person, Ahmed bin Saeed bin Ali al-Janabi who was charged with armed rebellion and protesting against the state in the Shiite populated eastern region of Qatif. Al Janabi had reportedly opened fire at several security points in Qatif. He also participated in smuggling weapons, riots and protests which are classified as terrorist acts undermining social fabric and cohesion. The restive eastern region with substantial Shiite population on several occasions has voiced opposition against Saudi government’s coercive policies and despite abundance of oil resources, the area is relatively underdeveloped. There have been number of violent protests in Qatif since the 2011 Arab Spring protesting against Saudi Arabia’s discriminatory policies.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia in early August announced arrest of 207 government employees from number of ministries on charges of corruption, fraud and abuse of authority. The arrests backed by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman were conducted by the National Anti-Corruption Commission called Nazaha. The anti-corruption purge was initiated by the Crown Prince in late 2017 in order to consolidate power by targeting more than 300 princes, public figures and businessmen. The kingdom acquired around US$ 106 billion in assets for the purge. In April 2021, the authorities arrested 176 officials from different public sectors on allegations of corruption.

US Ambassador’s meeting with Khalifa Haftar

The US Ambassador to Libya, Richard Norland held meeting with self-styled head of the Libyan National Army and leader of the Tobruk based rival government, Khalifa Haftar on 11 August. Haftar has challenged the legitimacy of the internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) based in Tripoli and carried out a series of military campaigns against GNA. The country continues to remain under turmoil and after international mediation, the rival sides have agreed to parliamentary and presidential elections in December 2021. In the recent past, the political process has suffered setback due to impasse between Haftar and the Tripoli based government over promotions of security officials without consulting or getting approval from the Presidential Council.

The meeting between Norland and Haftar is part of the US effort to support the political process in Libya. The US ambassador suggested the need to accept difficult compromises necessary for establishing constitutional basis and legal framework prior to December elections.

Bashar Al Assad announces new cabinet after re-election

Syrian President Bashar Al Assad appointed a new government on 10 August. The cabinet positions in defence, interior and foreign affairs ministries remained unchanged. Prime Minister Hussein Arnous maintained his current position. Assad appointed new faces in information, internal trade and consumer protection. There are three women in the 29 member cabinet. In May 2021, Assad won election for 4th term with 95 percent of votes which has been called as illegitimate by the western states and Syrian opposition groups. Syria is facing major economic crisis which has further deteriorated due turmoil in Lebanon. Reportedly, around 80 percent of Syrian population live under property.

In northern Syria, Kurd led Syrian Democratic Forces clashed with Turkey backed Syrian forces killing five and wounding 15 on 18 August. Turkey’s strategic interest in Syria is based on maintaining military control over north-western Syria to block forces under Bashar Al Assad; thwart further inflow of refugees and contain the influence of Kurdish groups.

Iraq retrieves stolen artifacts

Iraq’s Culture Ministry on 3 August received over 17,000 looted ancient artifacts from the US, Japan, Netherlands and Italy. The majority of artifacts date back to 4000 years to ancient Mesopotamia. These items were looted by smugglers after the 2003 US invasion. The recovery that was made possible through months of discussion between the US and Iraqi embassy and has been called as the largest in Iraq’s history. Iraq’s efforts have been backed by the UN.