Afghanistan

Blinken: Qatar Continues to Be Main Transit Point for Afghans: Tolo News

US Secretary Antony Blinken at a press conference said that after the Islamic Emirate took power in Afghanistan Qatar played an indispensable role in helping them relocate tens of thousands of at-risk Afghans, aid workers, diplomats, and others. Click here to read…

US Providing $327 Million In Aid to Afghanistan, Blinken Says: Tolo News

The United States will provide an additional $327 million in aid to Afghanistan to shore up humanitarian assistance, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday. “This assistance from the United States will continue to support the scaled-up humanitarian response in Afghanistan and neighboring countries through international humanitarian organizations,” Blinken said in a statement. Click here to read…

Taliban Requests Afghan Refugees to Abstain from Protesting in Pakistan and Iran: The Khaama Press

Afghan refugees were urged not to participate in the protests since they were Pakistani and Iranian domestic affairs, according to Abdul Rahman Rashid, the Taliban’s deputy minister for refugees and repatriation. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

IORA Council of Ministers meet today – The Daily Star

Bangladesh today hosts the 22nd Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Council of Ministers meeting in the capital aimed at boosting cooperation among the regional countries to ensure a free, open and secure Bay of Bengal and Asia-Pacific. Ministers, state ministers and assistant ministers from the 23 IORA member states are already in Dhaka to attend the meeting. “We want free, inclusive, secure and peaceful navigation for all without any encumbrance in the region,” Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told reporters following bilateral meetings with ministers of Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Tanzania and Japan at the Hotel InterContinental yesterday evening. Click here to read…

Jessore rolls out the red carpet for PM Hasina – Dhaka Tribune

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman addressed a public meeting in this stadium on December 26, 1972. Jessore, one of the oldest cities in the country, is ready to receive Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday as she is set to attend the first massive political rally of the ruling party outside Dhaka in the lead up to the next general election. People of Jessore and southern parts of the country are enthusiastic about attending the grand rally, as this will be Sheikh Hasina’s first visit to the city in almost five years. Click here to read…

3 binding conditions for IMF loan – The Daily Star

The International Monetary Fund is set to tag three binding conditions and a host of structural reforms for the prospective $4.5 billion loan to Bangladesh, as the Washington-based multilateral lender looks to bring in lasting reforms in the country. The mandatory conditions — which are specific, measurable targets called quantitative performance criteria (QPC) — would be a minimum level of net international reserves and domestic revenue collection and a ceiling on the government’s budget deficit, The Daily Star has learnt from people involved in the negotiations with the IMF staff mission to thrash out the terms for the loanClick here to read…

Bhutan

State set to tie up with Bhutan to develop Buddhist circuit – The Hindu

Bhutan is set to join the league of nations that are setting up monasteries near the Buddhavanam project being executed by the State near Nagarjunakonda. A delegation of Buddhist monks from Bhutan on Wednesday interacted with Minister for Culture V. Srinivas Goud and evinced interest in taking the project to the next level. “Maharashtra, Bihar and other states have a Buddhist circuit. But they don’t have what Telangana has. You have Acharya Nagarjuna,” said Khenpo Ugyen Namgyel, Secretary of Central Monastic Body of Bhutan leading a delegation of 24 monks. Click here to read…

Bhutan joins the seed-sharing initiative – Kuensel Online

Bhutan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Nepal, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam signed an agreement to foster cross-country seed-sharing and empower the region’s seed sector yesterday in Thimphu. Called Seeds Without Borders, the agreement aims to speed up the distribution of modern, climate-resilient rice varieties across nations to help vulnerable farmers establish a secure food supply for their families and earn a higher income. Bhutan joined the Seeds Without Borders agreement on June 13, 2018. Click here to read…

Maldives

EU Ambassadors call on pres. ahead of sixth Maldives – EU Policy Dialogue – Raajje

The delegation called on President Solih at the President’s Office, on Wednesday and was headed by The EU Ambassador to Maldives, Denis Chaibi. The delegation included Ambassador of Italy to Maldives Rita Manella, Ambassador of Austria to Maldives Katharina Wieser, Ambassador of Germany to Maldives Holger Seubert, Ambassador of Netherlands to Maldives Bonnie Horbach, Chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Romania Victor Chiujdea, and Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of France Aurélien Maillet. Click here to read…

Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister thanked Indian Govt for its contributions to enhance skills, competence of civil servants of Maldives – News On Air

Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister Abdulla Shahid has thanked the Indian Government for its contributions to enhance the skills and competence of civil servants of Maldives. He expressed his gratitude during a meeting held with Director General of the National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG), Mr. Bharat Lal. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Hun Sen: Myanmar sliding into full-fledged civil war – Phnompen Post

Myanmar is moving towards a full-fledged civil war, Prime Minister Hun Sen warned while addressing senior military leaders from many countries including China and the US at the opening ceremony of the 9th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM+) in Siem Reap on November 23. He said the civil war was already underway in some parts of Myanmar. “Cambodia, as the victim of more than three decades of civil war, has useful experience to share in making, building and maintaining peace and building a post-war nation,” he added. Click here to read…

Restoration of democracy in Myanmar is crucial for ‘sustainable’ repatriation of Rohingya, says Japan – UNB

Japan is banking on restoration of democracy in Myanmar for the sustainable repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh. “Sustainable repatriation of the forcibly displaced Rohingya would be possible after the resumption of democracy in Myanmar,” visiting Japanese State Minister for Foreign Affairs TAKEI Shunsuke. Click here to read…

Myanmar Regime and Russia Sign Nuclear Power Plant Memorandum – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s junta signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Tuesday with Rosatom, Russia’s state-run nuclear corporation, according to a Rosatom press release. The military regime’s Ministry of Electricity and Energy (MOEE) and Rosatom signed the MOU on Tuesday on the sidelines of the ATOMEXPO-2022 in Sochi, Russia. The proposed nuclear power plants will be based on Russian small modular reactor technology. Click here to read…

US, China defence chiefs meet in Cambodia – Mizzima

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin met his Chinese counterpart Wei Fenghe in Cambodia on Tuesday, with both sides describing the talks as productive without backing away from their core positions. The rival powers have clashed over a host of issues including Taiwan, security and human rights, but there have been attempts to lower the temperature since a rare summit between the leaders of both countries last week. Click here to read…

ANZ will become first international bank to withdraw from Myanmar – Mizzima

The Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ANZ) said it will withdraw from Myanmar by early 2023, making it the first international bank to withdraw from the country. The withdrawal follows the October 2022 blacklisting of Myanmar by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog. Click here to read…

Nepal

China Encroaches On 36 Hectares of Nepal’s Land At 10 Places: Report – NDTV

China’s salami-slice strategy on Nepal’s northern border has resulted in the encroachment of 36 hectares of Nepal’s land at 10 places on the northern border by China. According to the survey document issued by the Ministry of Agriculture, China encroached on 36 hectares of Nepal’s land at 10 places on the northern border. Similarly, the study conducted by the Ministry of Home Affairs has concluded that it is necessary to include border issues in the “state policy” of Nepal, reported Meta Khabar. Click here to read…

Vote count update: NC wins 25 seats; UML 15 and Maoist 7 – Khabarhub

Nepali Congress (NC) is still leading as the counting of votes is underway throughout the country. In the initial vote count of the election held on Sunday, Nepali Congress (NC) has taken the lead, followed by CPN-UML so far. Till now, NC has won in 25 constituencies and the UML in 15 constituencies. As of now, NC is still leading in 31 constituencies followed by UML, which is leading in 29 constituencies. The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which has already won five seats, is leading in four constituencies. Click here to read…

Aid or political interference? China finances NGO with links to Nepal former PM Oli’s party ahead of polls – Times Now

China has begun helping political organisations in Nepal. High-level sources speak of financial help from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu to an NGO with political links. The payout is believed to be about one crore Nepalese Rupees. This is being seen by some as interference with the country’s political process. The NGO has strong links with former Prime Minister K.P.Sharma Oli, president of the Communist Party of Nepal, the CPN-UML Some members of the NGO are contesting the polls as candidates of Oli’s party. The Chinese have good reason to support Oli for Nepal signed a crucial Transit and Transport agreement with China in 2015 when Oli was the PM. Click here to read…

Chen Song to be China’s Nepal envoy – The Kathmandu Post

China has proposed Chen Song, one of its senior diplomats, as the new ambassador to Nepal. Chen is currently deputy director general at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will replace Hou Yanqi, who has already returned to China after completing her four-year tenure in October. The Chinese side informally communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs about its decision to appoint Chen as the new envoy but no official communication has yet been made, according to a foreign ministry official. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Imran insists Alvi will consult him on chief’s selection: Dawn

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan has claimed that President Dr Arif Alvi will “definitely” consult him as soon as the summary for the appointment of next army chief reaches his office. Click here to read…

Army role in politics is unconstitutional, says Gen Bajwa: The Express Tribune

Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Bajwa said on Wednesday the military had started “its catharsis” and would remain apolitical in the future, emphasising that political parties should also reflect on their behaviour so that there was an “elected” government in the country instead of “selected” or “imported” one. Click here to read…

Pakistan continues talks with IMF on flood expenditures: The News

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Pakistani authorities are continuing talks for finalising reprioritizing expenditures on floods, including BISP spending and rehabilitation needs besides accelerating reforms to preserve fiscal stability. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

No room for another ‘aragalaya’ – Daily News

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday emphasized that any attempts to create another Aragalaya (struggle) aiming at changing the government will not be allowed in the country. He said that military will be deployed and Emergency Law will be enforced to prevent such attempts as there is no room for Dinh Diems in this country. “The military will be deployed. Emergency Law will be enforced. Another Aragalaya will not be allowed. I won’t let Dinh Diem’s rule in this country. There is no room for Dinh Diems in this country.” he said. Click here to read…

President calls for All-Party meeting to discuss national issue – Daily News

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday called for an All-Party meeting to discuss and solve the national issue. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, President Wickremesinghe said the meeting can be held during the second week of December. The President noted that once the 2023 Budget process is complete on December 8, all parties can convene for the decisive meeting. President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that the matter has been discussed on various occasions and various opinions have been expressed and therefore it is imperative that all parties convene and come to a consensusClick here to read…

Towards a new election culture – Daily News

The long-awaited law to limit election campaign funding is to become a reality at last. Cabinet approval was received on Monday for the enactment of the Campaign Finance Bill that will bind all candidates contesting elections, of whatever variety, for their campaign spending to be done under the strict supervision of the National Elections Commission (NEC). In fact, it was formulated in 2016 and was awaiting approval of the Attorney General, which has been finally obtained. Accordingly, the Draft Bill will be gazetted following which it will be presented to Parliament. Once the Bill becomes law, all candidates shall bear responsibility for funding his/her election campaign. In addition he/she will also have to disclose the source(s) of such funding. A ceiling will also be placed on the amount spent on a single electorate while the candidates will also be required to open a Special Elections Account (SEA) which will be the only source from which candidates can withdraw funds for their campaign funding. The new law is a revolutionary step and will go a long way in changing the present election culture which is reeking of corruption. Click here to read…

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

The returning of Africa and Europe’s ghosts

The time has come for the restitution of African art and artefacts looted in the colonial era and selfishly kept in Europe’s museums and universities. Click here to read…

A moment of opportunity: Can the UN’s new special representative for Libya break the country’s cycle of devolution?

While a precarious ceasefire has uneasily prevailed in Libya since the end of its third bout of civil war in 2020, the country is increasingly showing signs of an eventual relapse into conflict today. Click here to read…

NEWS

Trudeau at French-speaking summit in Tunisia amid ‘battle of influence’ for Africa

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau began a brief visit to Africa on Saturday as part of what his foreign affairs minister described as a fight for power on the continent between democratic and authoritarian statesClick here to read…

Leaders of French-speaking countries hold summit in Tunisia

Leaders of French-speaking countries gathered Saturday on a Tunisian island to discuss debt relief, migration, food and energy shortages amid a soaring cost-of-living crisis across Africa, Europe and the Middle East due to Russia’s war on Ukraine. Click here to read…

Thousands displaced as M23 rebels near key DRC city of Goma

Fighting between the M23 and the DRC army has led to a looming humanitarian crisis as thousands have been displaced in the country’s volatile east. Click here to read…

Kenya sends 1st batch of troops to rebel-hit eastern Congo

Kenyan troops deployed under the banner of a regional bloc arrived Saturday in troubled eastern Congo, where government forces are battling a violent rebel group that now controls some territory. Click here to read…

UN extends Somalia arms embargo amid government dissatisfaction

The United Nations Security Council has voted to maintain an arms embargo on Somalia over strong objections from its government, saying al-Shabab still seriously threatens peace and stability in the region and sanctions are needed to degrade its activities. Click here to read…

Angry protesters try to storm French Embassy in Burkina Faso

Police in Burkina Faso fired tear gas on Friday to disperse angry protesters who attempted to storm the French embassy in the capital Ouagadougou, local media reported. Click here to read…

Sudan’s difficult path to democratic transition

Over the past few weeks, the calls from protesters in Sudan have become louder. Carrying signs that say “Volker out!” and “No to foreign interference,” thousands of Sudanese people have indicated that they would like to see the back of German diplomat Volker Perthes, who heads the United Nations’ Integrated Transition Assistance Mission Sudan (UNITAMS). Click here to read…

Equatorial Guinea’s Obiang: World’s longest-serving president eyes re-election

The world’s longest-serving president is seeking re-election to continue his 43-year rule in Equatorial Guinea. President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, 80, has presided over a regime marked by alleged human rights abuses including torture and disappearances. Click here to read…

First international aid arrives in Ethiopia’s Tigray since ceasefire

Ethiopia’s Tigray region on Tuesday welcomed the first international aid delivery since a truce to end fighting, with the International Committee of the Red Cross driving two medical trucks to the capital of the war-ravaged area.Click here to read…

Ethiopia govt says aid flowing to Tigray but rebels deny

The restoration of desperately needed humanitarian assistance to the region is one of the key planks of a peace deal between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) to end two years of brutal war in northern Ethiopia. Click here to read…

UK withdraws troops from Mali early blaming political instability

The UK is withdrawing troops from Mali earlier than planned due to political instability in the country, Defence Minister James Heappey has said. Click here to read…

Germany deliberates pulling out of UN’s Mali mission

Germany’s government is heatedly debating whether to withdraw troops from the United Nation Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA). Click here to read…

Libya risks partition amid delayed elections: UN envoy

There is a risk that Libya may be partitioned almost a year after the postponement of elections, the country’s U.N. envoy warned Tuesday. Click here to read…

Somalia: Overcoming Somaliland’s Worsening Political Crisis

Somaliland is going through considerable political turmoil. The government and opposition disagree over the sequencing of two forthcoming high-stakes elections, and both sides are digging in. International partners should push the two sides to reach consensus, while standing by to mediate if talks fail. Click here to read…

EU Eyes ‘Military Partnership Mission’ for Niger

The European Union aims to set up a “military partnership mission” in the coming months to help bolster Niger’s forces as they battle jihadists, a senior EU official said Friday. Click here to read…

UN extends Central African Republic peacekeeping mission

The UN Security Council extended the nearly 17,500-strong UN peacekeeping mission in the troubled Central African Republican for a year on Monday, with Russia, China and Gabon abstaining. Click here to read…

Ivory Coast to withdraw from UN peacekeeping mission in Mali

Ivory Coast will gradually withdraw its troops from the United Nations peacekeeping force in Mali by August 2023, according to an official letter seen by AFP Tuesday. Click here to read…

Nigerian soldier kills aid worker, injures UN helicopter pilot

A Nigerian soldier has shot and wounded a United Nations helicopter co-pilot then killed a humanitarian worker and a fellow soldier at a military base in northeastern Nigeria. Click here to read…

Seven terrorists killed in Niger, 18 hoodlums arrested

The Niger State Police Command said it has killed seven terrorists in a joint effort with some vigilantes in the Kumbashi town of Mariga Local Government Area of the state. Click here to read…

US Africa Command Carries Out A Strike In Somalia; 17 Al-Shabaab Terrorists Eliminated

US Africa Command has released a statement saying that US military conducted a strike on Wednesday to neutralise Al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia. Click here to read…

Kenya’s mounting Chinese debts causing serious consequences: Report

Kenya is going through an economic emergency due to mounting Chinese debts leading many to believe that the successive Kenyan governments have over-borrowed for over-priced projects. Click here to read…

China’s Xi says wants to strengthen solidarity, cooperation with Senegal, Africa

Chinese President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday that China will continue to support Senegal’s infrastructure construction, Chinese state media reported. Click here to read…

China is willing to continue to work hand in hand with Senegal: Xi

China is willing to continue to work hand in hand with Senegal on the road toward development and revitalization and support each other on issues involving each other’s sovereignty, security and development interests, said Chinese President Xi Jinping. Click here to read…

South Africa: Ramaphosa panned as Beijing grabs lion’s share of major road deal

Three Chinese corporations, two of which are state-owned, have just bagged the lion’s share of South Africa’s coveted road construction deal, which prompted domestic local bidders to demand that President Cyril Ramaphosa explain why they were given the cold shoulder. Can their reaction be dismissed as sour grapes, or do they have justified suspicions? Click here to read…

Tunisia, France ink financing agreement worth 200 mn euros

Tunisia and France have signed a 200-million-euro (about $206.9 million) deal to meet Tunisia’s financing needs on the sidelines of the 18th summit of the International Organization of La Francophonie. Click here to read…

Belarus views Sudan as gateway to other African countries

Belarus has been actively developing relations with African countries in recent years, Chairman of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Belarus Vladimir Andreichenko said. Click here to read…

Chad agrees debt plan with creditors, including Glencore

Chad has reached an agreement with its creditors, including Swiss commodities trader Glencore, paving the way for more funding from the International Monetary Fund, but stopping short of reducing the central African country’s $3 billion in external debt. Click here to read…

IMF says Chad debt deal cuts risks, protects against oil price fall

The head of the International Monetary Fund on Sunday welcomed a long-awaited debt deal by Chad’s creditors and said it would reduce the African country’s risk of debt distress while guarding it against downside risks, including lower oil prices. Click here to read…

South Africa’s Ramaphosa focuses on the poor as he seeks ANC re-election

President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the plight of poor South Africans left out of nearly three decades of post-apartheid prosperity, he promised on Sunday ahead of a governing party election that will decide if he can run for a second term. Click here to read…

Interpol issues arrest warrant for Angola’s Isabel dos Santos, Lusa reports

Global police agency Interpol has issued an international arrest warrant for Angolan billionaire and daughter of the country’s former president Isabel dos Santos, Portugal’s Lusa news agency reported on Friday. Click here to read…

Ethiopia is now the largest Economy in East Africa : Abiy

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday alleged that Ethiopia has managed to become the largest economy in the East Africa region and the third giant in sub-Saharan Africa. Click here to read…

Ghana president fires junior finance minister over mining expose

Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo has sacked Charles Adu Boahen, the minister of state for finance, the presidency said on Monday. Click here to read…

Zambia seeks answers from Russia after national dies in Ukraine war -foreign minister

Zambia has asked Russia to explain how one of its citizens who had been serving a prison sentence in Moscow ended up on the battlefield in Ukraine, where he was killed, Zambia’s foreign affairs minister said on Monday. Click here to read…

Uganda’s President Museveni slams ‘Western double standards’ over coal mine plans

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni has slammed Western countries over what he calls a “reprehensible double standard” in their response to the energy crisis brought about by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Click here to read…

British ship brings first gas exports from Mozambique to Europe

BP has begun shipping liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Mozambique’s vast new reserves, opening up supplies that could help ease Europe’s energy crunch. Click here to read…

Military Drills in Gas-Rich Algeria Put Focus on Russian Ties

Algeria and Russia began their first joint military exercises on Algerian soil amid Western concerns over Moscow’s deepening ties with the North African nation that’s a key energy supplier for Europe. Click here to read…

Nigeria-Morocco sign gas pipeline deal

A new energy-supply route for West Africa and Europe is on the horizon as Nigeria and Morocco sign an agreement that inches a long-standing proposal for a gas pipeline between the two countries closer to reality. Click here to read…

Benin tests power of a rural mini-grid with 1.7 MW solar project

Together they will work on a mini-grid project to provide electricity in 12 rural localities, including 3 MWh of battery capacity that will supply more than 5,000 homes and businesses with electricity and that should be completed within a year. Click here to read…

Africa Primed to Become Global Green Hydrogen Leader, Landmark Masdar Report Finds

Africa could capture as much as 10 percent of the global green hydrogen market, helping to create up to 3.7 million jobs and adding as much as US$120 billion to the continent’s gross domestic product (GDP), according to a landmark report issued jointly by Masdar. Click here to read…

UN plans further Russian fertiliser exports to Africa, upbeat on ammonia pipeline

A U.N. official on Friday said she hoped that a shipment of Russian fertiliser exports to Malawi would lead to a further easing of a 300,000 tonne backlog in European ports, as the global body works to address Russian concerns that have threatened a Black Sea grains export deal. Click here to read…

Morocco, Djibouti to bolster cooperation in merchant marine

Morocco and Djibouti signed, Monday in Rabat, a cooperation agreement aimed at developing maritime relations between the two countries and at ensuring better coordination of bilateral maritime traffic and related maritime transport. Click here to read…

Orange launches 5G in Botswana

Orange has announced that its Botswana affiliate is the first on the African continent to offer 5G services. Orange Botswana launched 5G on November 11, 2022 with coverage in grater Gaborone and Francistown, offering 30% of the population with coverage. Click here to read…

Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone signs $500 mln contract for container handling terminal

Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone has signed a $500 million contract with the Suez Canal Container Company (SCCT) to establish a second container handling terminal in East Port. Click here to read…

The first satellites launched by Uganda and Zimbabwe aim to improve life on the ground

When Uganda’s very first satellite was launched into space last week on Nov. 7, Bonny Omara, the lead engineer on the satellite development team, was filled with emotion. Click here to read…

Air Zimbabwe Hopeful of Getting Back Into IATA

Officials at Air Zimbabwe remain optimistic about a possible return to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which imposes industry policies and standards that promote safe, secure, and economical air travel operations. Click here to read…

Rwanda Secures €46 Million to Implement Climate Pledges

Rwanda has launched a €46 million facility that will finance government institutions working to implement Rwanda’s climate action plan, also known as the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Agreement.Click here to read…

Cameroon celebrates the legacy of cotton

In Cameroon, fashion week has kicked off in Yaoundé with an urban parade dedicated to the celebration of cotton. Click here to read…

Will cooperation between Israel and Morocco make world greener?

For years, Morocco has worked to become an international leader in renewable energy. Click here to read…

COP27 | India, China, Brazil, South Africa oppose ‘carbon border tax’

With the 27 th edition of the Conference of Parties (COP) in Sharm El Sheikh nearing its final stages and efforts being ramped up to arrive at a conclusive agreement, a consortium of countries that includes India has jointly stated that carbon border taxes, that could result in market distortion and aggravate the trust deficit amongst parties, must be avoided. Click here to read…

Gabon Targets a Huge Payday With Carbon Credits

The African nation of Gabon, one of the most densely forested on earth, is launching the world’s biggest sale of carbon-offset credits. The plan could net the country billions of dollars and upend the fast-growing market for carbon credits. Click here to read…

Germany complains to Egypt over COP27 snooping: report

The German embassy in Cairo accused Egyptian security officials of monitoring and filming events at the German pavilion in the climate conference venue. Berlin has used its presence to highlight human rights issues.Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Coherent response required to defeat terrorism in Africa: India at UN

India on Thursday, reiterated that a strong response reflecting the international community’s collective commitment is required for defeating terrorism in Africa. Click here to read…

ISA launches Solar X Grand Challenge in Africa to ease deployment

Through this, ISA seeks to create a group of entrepreneurs who will create locally relevant business models and a pipeline of projects. Click here to read…

Beta Group to invest $100 million in Guinea-Bissau in cashew biz

Beta Group, the Kerala-based food company, which owns the Nut King brand, will be setting up an industrial unit in the West African country of Guinea-Bissau for cashew business. Click here to read…

India promises to deepen cooperation with Seychelles, says diplomat

Connectivity, trade and cooperation between Seychelles and India will be taken further, the newly accredited Indian High Commissioner said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Nigeria, India plan Jt fight against drugs

As many as 798 Nigerian nationals have been arrested across India in 2021 for their involvement in drug trafficking, cheating, forgery, violation of Foreigners Act among other crimes in India. The highest number of cases at 245 were related to drug trafficking, as per National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), 2021. Click here to read…

Mauritius-Hong Kong tax deal signed: HK funds may come to India via Mauritius

Hong Kong-based entities that put money into India may take an alternative route to invest into the country if a double taxation avoidance agreement (DTAA) between Mauritius and Hong Kong comes through. Click here to read…

India and France carry out joint surveillance mission in Mozambique

India and France have jointly carried out a maritime surveillance mission in the Mozambique Channel using P-8I Poseidon and Falcon 50 aircraft. Click here to read…

Dharmendra Pradhan to inaugurate UNESCO India Africa Hackathon on Nov 22

The Ministry of Education, Ministry of External Affairs, UNESCO and AICTE will jointly organize a four-day UNESCO India Africa Hackathon starting November 21 at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Click here to read…

Ship Carrying Detained Indian Sailors Handed Over To Nigeria, Says Minister

Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said that information received is that the ship has been handed over to Nigerian authorities and request will be made for consular access once it reaches the port. Click here to read…

Thanks to Namibia for cheetahs? India abstains on ivory trade vote

For the first time since joining the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) in 1976, India did not vote against a proposal seeking to re-open the ivory trade. Click here to read…

After India, Google Launches Crackdown on Illegal Loan Apps in Africa

After launching a crackdown on illegal loan apps in India, Google is looking to replicate the same in Kenya. The tech giant has ordered loan apps in Kenya to submit licenses for operations or get banned on the Play Store. Click here to read…

India-made Nissan Magnite Red Edition launched in South Africa

Three months after being launched locally, the India-made Nissan Magnite Red Edition has been launched in South Africa. It is available there only in the top-spec Acenta trim level with both MT and CVT transmission options. Click here to read…

How Indian Food Made A Place For Itself In Kenya

Indian traders have been living along the east coast of Africa for centuries. When Vasco da Gama was on his voyage to discover a sea route to India, he encountered Indian traders in Malindi, a coastal town in present day Kenya.Click here to read…

Indian-origin minor girl abducted in S Africa’s Cape Town, triggers protests by residents

The abduction of an eight-year-old Indian-origin girl in South Africa’s Cape Town and the alleged inaction of the police in probing the case has triggered protests by the residents of the city. Click here to read…

South African Indian-origin abducted girl found safe and unharmed

Cops could not confirm some reports that five suspects had been arrested during search operation which came after residents in the Cape Town suburb protested demanding action. Click here to read…

Narayan Murthy says death of Gambia children due to Indian cough syrup shameful

Infosys founder, Narayan Murthy says that the death of children in Gambia due to Indian cough syrup brings shame to the country. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Norway Donates $22 Million to Afghanistan: Tolo News

Norway announced its package of NOK 220 million (approximately $22 million) for the UN and World Bank to enhance food security and provide basic services, the Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt announced. Click here to read…

U.S employers urge Congress to pass Afghan Adjustment Act before December: The Khaama Press

According to an International Rescue Committee (IRC) press release, in a letter sent to Congress, employers and business associations across the U.S. emphasized the contributions that Afghans are already making to the social and economic fabric of the country after being in the U.S. for little over a year, and that supporting the Afghan Adjustment Act is not only morally right but also makes economic sense. New IRC data has revealed that Afghans are projected to contribute $1.4 billion in earnings and nearly $200 million in taxes in their first year of employment aloneClick here to read…

Border clashes along Durand line between Afghanistan and Pakistan leave casualties: The Khaama Press

According to the reports, military forces in both sides of the border in the South-Eastern Paktya province have opened fire to each other which has caused casualties. The number of death and injuries were not immediately reported, however, Pakistan media outlets have reported that a number of civilians including women and children have been wounded inside Pakistan border. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Lavrov calls off Dhaka visit – The Daily Star

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has cancelled his planned visit to Dhaka and said he will talk to Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen over the phone today or tomorrow. Lavrov was supposed to be in Bangladesh from November 23 to 24 to attend a minister-level meeting of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). He was scheduled to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen. “I can understand it. They are very busy. Their activities due to the war have increased to a large extent. Maybe for that reason, he is unable to come,” Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen told a few reporters after an event of the IORA at the InterContinental Hotel. Click here to read…

Bangladesh, Gulf Cooperation Council sign MoU on priority areas – Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Bahrain on the sidelines of the Manama Dialogue. Under this MoU, both sides will hold regular consultations for political, economic, cultural, people-to-people contact, climate change, agriculture, food security, and environmental protection cooperation. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen and GCC Secretary General Nayef Falah Al-Hajraf signed the MoU on Friday. Click here to read…

Bangladesh, India discuss border management, security issues – Dhaka Tribune

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and his Indian counterpart Amit Shah Friday discussed various aspects relating to border management and common security-related issues. The two home ministers held the meeting on the sidelines of ‘No Money for Terror’ (NMFT) Ministerial Conference on Counter-Terrorism Financing, which began in New Delhi on Friday. “Both sides had productive exchanges on border management and common security-related issues,” the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs tweeted in the evening after the meeting. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan’s performance-based pay for civil servants revives debate over similar policy in India – The Print

In November 2015, the 7th pay commission recommended introducing Performance Related Pay — an almost corporate-like pay structure that would be determined on the basis of one’s performance and efficiency — for government employees. It met resistance from some IAS officers and never saw the light of day. With neighbouring Bhutan considering the Pay Structure Bill of 2022, that links performance to incentives for its own civil servants, the spotlight is yet again on the policy. The Bhutanese Bill was brought before the National Assembly by Finance Minister Namgay Tshering on 14 November. Click here to read…

New political party gearing to register with ECB – Kuensel Online

With one more political party being formed, Bhutan could have five parties contesting the elections in 2023. The party doesn’t have a name yet. National Land Commission’s Secretary, Dasho Pema Chewang is going to be its president. He is resigning from the commission on Monday. Dasho Pema Chewang said that the regionally-balanced development, equal opportunity and participation of all social groups in governance, economic transformation by leveraging on technology and strong leadership are some of the party’s initial focus. Click here to read…

Maldives

From Maldives, with hope – UNICEF

The low-lying island nation has sped up land reclamation projects around the country for shoreline protection and tourism development. What is land reclamation, one may ask? Picture this: tons of sand being pumped from the ocean to create new land. UNICEF has been consistently partnering with the government to support climate education in schools, reduce plastic pollution through behaviour change campaigns, engage young people in conversations around climate, and provide them with the tools, support systems and confidence to grow, thrive, and survive in a climate-changed world. Click here to read…

COP27 | U.N. climate talks poised for deal creating ‘loss and damage’ fund – The Hindu

Delegates at the U. N. climate conference in Sharm El-Sheikh continue to negotiate a final agreement, with the latest draft suggesting the creation of a fund to compensate a section of developing countries for the damage already done by disasters linked to climate change. Country representatives at the 27 th Conference of Parties (COP27) of the U. N. Framework Convention on Climate Change are expected to convene again at a closing plenary session in the Egyptian resort town that is to commence late Saturday night by Indian time. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Thirty-five Rohingya sentenced in Myanmar to 5 years in jail – Mizzma

Military Council troops apprehended 62 Rohingya people near Kadonelay island, Kadonkani village-tract, Bogale Township, Ayeyarwaddy Region, at 10 pm on 30 October. ”Thirteen Rohingya under the age of 18 have been sent to the Hnget Aw San training school, and 35 adults have been sentenced to prison. The remaining individuals have been sued for lack of valid travel documents. They were from Gwa Town, Rakhine State,” a representative of a lawyers firm said. Click here to read…

Myanmar Resistance Medics on Front Line of Fight Against Military Rule – The Irrawaddy

Nearly 5,000 of the CDM health workers are now working among resistance groups under the shadow civilian National Unity Government (NUG), according to the CDM Medical Network, which compiles lists of health workers. They include 320 specialist doctors, 560 nurses, 1,554 basic health workers, and volunteers, according to the NUG. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Ramps Up Landmine Use – Human Rights Watch

In 2022, 25 years since the international Mine Ban Treaty was adopted, only two countries actively use antipersonnel landmines: Russia and Myanmar. Myanmar’s forces have used landmines since 1999, but new use by the junta has surged since the February 2021 coup, according to the Landmine Monitor Report 2022, released last week. The report analyzed photographs of hundreds of landmines manufactured by the junta and planted across the country. Click here to read…

Pakistan-Myanmar military axis becoming deeper under Chinese guidance – The Economic Times

Pakistan-Myanmar military industrial link has received a major boost following reciprocal visits by delegation of both the countries. Last month, a senior-level Pakistani military delegation visited Myanmar to inspect a defence industry complex near Yangon and participate in a workshop on JF-17 block II aircraft that Myanmar had purchased from Islamabad, ET has learnt. Click here to read…

Nepal

Vote counting of FPTP, PR being conducted simultaneously – Khabarhub

The Election Commission (EC) has directed the offices of the chief returning officers to ensure vote counting of the first-past-the-post (FPTP) system of the House of Representatives (HoR) and Provincial Assembly, and proportional representation (PR) of the HoR and Provincial Assembly in four different places simultaneously. The EC made such directive as some ballot papers of the HoR and Provincial Assembly were mixed up in some polling stations while voting due to carelessness of the officials and voters. The EC has planned to release the results within eight days. Click here to read…

Nepal Elections Record 61% Voter Turnout, 1 Death Reported In Election Violence – Outlook

The voter turnout is significantly lower as compared to the past two elections, which was 77% in 2013 and 78% in 2017. Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s Nepali Congress-led coalition is likely to win the polls. Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya said, “The nationwide voter turnout has stood at around 61 per cent. This is likely to increase slightly as we continue receiving details from districts across the country. This is certainly less than what we had expected.” Click here to read…

What sets this election apart – The Kathmandu Post

Observers say that this time, political parties are primarily focused on power politics rather than specific agendas and ideologies. Yet this election is vital, according to them, as the country passes seven years of promulgation of the new constitution. “Now, there are no such big national or regional campaign agendas,” Adhikari said. “Unlike the 2017 polls, contested between communist and non-communist forces, ad hoc alliances this time have left no room for ideological polarisation.” Click here to read…

Pakistan

Imran claims PDM offered talks, vows to surprise all: Dawn

Days after a meeting between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ishaq Dar and President Arif Alvi, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan claimed that the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) government had approached the former ruling party for talks. Click here to read…

For US, Pakistan remains key regional ally, India global partner: Dawn

“India is an invaluable partner, not just in the region but as it relates to a lot of the United States’ shared priorities across the world,” said the department’s Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel while commenting on Washington’s ties with New Delhi. Click here to read…

Wazirabad attack, Kenya killing plot ‘hatched in London’: The Express Tribune

According to private TV channel on Sunday, Tasneem Haider Shah, who said he was associated with the PML-N for the past 20 years, told a press conference that he had three meetings with PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif in the office of his son Hassan Nawaz, alleging that he was called to kill Arshad Sharif and Imran Khan. Click here to read…

Pakistan sees ‘hope’ for vulnerable communities after UN climate summit adopts ‘loss and damage’ fund:The News

Pakistan Sunday saw “hope” for vulnerable communities all over the world, who are fighting for their survival from climate stress after the UN’s climate summit adopted the “loss and damage” fund. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka targets one million Chinese tourists – Daily Mirror

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Beijing, consistent with its efforts to continuously promote Sri Lankan tourism in the Chinese market, is targeting one million Chinese tourists to visit Sri Lanka after the China travel restrictions are relaxed, a statement from the mission said. Ambassador Dr. Palitha Kohona met with the General Manager of Beijing Spring Travel Service Co., Ltd, Mr.Yang Yang, on November 16, 2022, in order to further bilateral cooperation in the tourism industry. The Ambassador Dr. Kohona said that the Embassy is also exploring all possible ways to position Sri Lanka as a preferred destination in the Chinese Market including a formal request to the authorities. General Manager Mr. Yang said that Beijing Spring Travel Service Co., Ltd is among the top 10 Travel companies in Beijing and Shanghai and has been accorded award certificates many times by the Chinese Government and the travel trade. The annual business turnover of Spring Travel in 2019 was 24.5 billion RMB (3.5 billion USD). Spring Airlines is valued at 50 billion RMB. Click here to read…

Budget 2023 at risk: Dayasiri – Daily Mirror

General Secretary of the SLFP and former Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara said if the budget 2023 gets defeated on December 8th after the third reading as speculated by certain quarters, the country will have to face a snap Parliamentary election in accordance to the Constitution. In the event of failure of passage of the Appropriation Bill in Parliament, the Executive President will have no say as Parliament gets dissolved automatically, he stressed.
Under the normal circumstances, the President is required to dissolve Parliament when 113 members or more make a request or the President is empowered to dissolve parliament at any time on completion of two and half years since the inaugural session of Parliament which falls on February 19th, 2023, he told Daily Mirror. Click here to read…

Govt holds talks with Cyril Ramaphosa on truth seeking mechanism – Daily Mirror

The government held talks with South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa to explore the possibility of getting his country’s support for the establishment of the domestic truth seeking mechanism as part of reconciliation process, a Minister said. The South African leader was in Sri Lanka for a short time on November 16 on his way home from Bali after attending the G20 summit. In South Africa, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission was set up to investigate political crimes during the apartheid era. Mr. Ramaphosa was also the chief negotiator of iconic South African leader Nelson Mandela in holding talks with the apartheid regime for transition to democracy. Click here to read…

Basil Returns – Daily Mirror

Former Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa returned to the country last morning to a grand welcome at the BIA. Rajapaksa left for the US in September to receive medical treatment, after the Supreme Court allowed him to travel overseas. A number of SLPP members including Parliamentarians were at the BIA to welcome the former minister on his arrival. It was reported that Basil Rajapaksa will work towards securing a two thirds majority for the budget in Parliament, however Minister Prasanna Ranatunga denied this report and wanted the opposition MPs not to refer to Rajapaksa as ‘Kaputa’. Click here to read…

PTA, ‘Aragalaya’ and need for long-term goals – Editorial- Daily Mirror

The Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) (of 1978 first enacted as a temporary measure in 1979 under J. R. Jayewardene was later made permanent in 1982) is a broad law to search, arrest and detain suspects for periods of up to 18 months. This law has been subject to international condemnation. Originally intended to crush the demand for a separate state in the North and East (under a claim of fighting terrorism), today the self-same PTA is being used in all parts of the country. The use of the PTA more recently began in the aftermath of the ‘Aragalaya’, which followed the fleeing of the past president, acts of violence and arson and the burning down of the incumbent president’s residence. The present protests against the PTA are organized by the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) who are presently the main targets of the application of the PTA. Two members of the IUSF have been taken into custody, the IUSF is protesting their arrest and demanding their immediate release. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Participants at Moscow Format Release Joint Statement: Tolo News

The participants of the Moscow Format discussed the current situation in Afghanistan with an emphasis on regional security, military-political stability, socio-economic and humanitarian issues, a joint statement of the meeting participants saidClick here to read…

Taliban Reaffirm Afghanistan Not a Threat to Other Nation: OIC Meeting: The Khaama Press

In a meeting with representatives of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the second deputy prime minister Mullah Abdul Salam Hanafi reaffirmed Afghanistan soil will not be a threat against other countries. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Towards stronger ties with Singapore – Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh’s next step in its economic journey is shedding its LDC tag and becoming a full-fledged middle-income economy this year. As has been reiterated time and time again, this transition shall not be easy, and it will require significant planning. Bangladesh is hoping that Singaporean entrepreneurs pay heed to the prime minister’s words and explore the investment opportunities Bangladesh offers. Simultaneously, we must continue to not only establish ties with other nations, but continue to work on our overall business climate, that remains far from ideal, so that we truly become a desirable destination for foreign investment. Click here to read…

BGB, BSF reaffirm vow to bring down border killings to zero – Dhaka Tribune

A five-day regional commander level border conference between Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and Indian Border Security Force (BSF) ended in Kolkata on Wednesday renewing the consensus in bringing down the border killings to zero level…The two sides also agreed to conduct joint patrolling at risky bordering areas, strengthen awareness-raising program and take up various socio-economic development programClick here to read…

Home minister in New Delhi to join international conference on terror financing – Dhaka Tribune

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan arrived in India’s New Delhi on Thursday to attend an international ministerial conference on how to deal with terror financing, including legitimate and illegitimate funding routes. The third ministerial “No Money for Terror” conference, organized by the Indian government in New Delhi on Friday and Saturday, will be attended by representatives of 76 countries to discuss terrorist financing and related issues. Home ministers of about 20 countries including Russia, France, Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore are expected to participate in the event. Click here to read…

Bhutan

CMD, WAPCOS visited Punatasangchhu Hydroelectric Projects in Bhutan – PSU Connect

Shri R. K. Agrawal, CMD, WAPCOS & NPCC visited Punatasangchhu-I (P-I), 1200 MW and Punatsangchhu-II (P-II), 1020 MW Hydroelectric Projects in Bhutan on 16th November 2022. Shri S. K. Yadav, Managing Director (PHPA-I) and Shri R. K. Chandel, Managing Director (PHPA-II) along with their respective teams were present. WAPCOS is the Engineering Consultant for both the Projects. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives: Achieving debt sustainability might prove difficult – ORF Online

Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer told Parliament that at 108 percent of the GDP, ‘debt sustainability is the biggest target’ of his budget in the new fiscal, beginning in January. In reality, balancing the debt is challenging, especially because the presidential election is due in the last quarter of 2023. Apart from unanticipated expenses that could not be put off as always, in popular democracy, demands from various sections, both within Parliament and outside, will entail additional allocations. Click here to read…

Myanmar

A Must-Read Guide to Myanmar Junta’s Deadly Air Strikes – The Irrawaddy

Since shortly after the coup, the Myanmar military regime has been consistently launching air strikes across the country in an attempt to crush local resistance forces it designates as “terrorist” groups. As the junta is losing the ground battle, the aerial bombing campaign has sharply escalated in recent months with near daily attacks in the resistance strongholds of Sagaing and Magwe regions and Kayah, Karen and Chin states. Using helicopters, jet fighters and surveillance drones, the junta has also deliberately and indiscriminately attacked civilian targets in those areas, inflicting heavy casualties on local residents including children. Click here to read…

Myanmar Will Not Hold an ‘Election’ in August 2023 – The Irrawaddy

An election is understood to mean “a formal and organized choice by vote of a person for a political office or other position.” Myanmar’s junta has claimed it will organize an ‘election’ for August 2023. Don’t call it what it isn’t. The junta’s event, whatever it is and looks like, will in no way be an election. If analysts, media, and diplomats use the term ‘election’, the onus is on them to justify and prove why and how exactly it wasn’t legitimate when in fact it wasn’t even what happened. Click here to read…

Some Political Prisoners Among Almost 6,000 Freed in Myanmar Junta Amnesty – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime released some political prisoners including a minister from the country’s ousted National League for Democracy (NLD), the party’s spokesperson, a former student leader and an anti-regime activist Buddhist monk among almost 6,000 prisoners granted amnesty on Thursday. Click here to read…

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Nepal

Ruling alliance appeals for votes for its candidates – The Kathmandu Post

In a joint appeal issued a few hours before the commencement of the silence period, the four-party alliance solicits votes promising political stability and prosperity. The coalition said that the threat of regression has not yet subsided, and said that if the alliance does not get a majority, the same trend may return. The leaders have claimed that the goal of the alliance is to prevent any kind of attack on the constitution and raise the country to the level of a developing country by completing development projects on time. Click here to read…

Interview: ‘Monarchy in Nepal Will Mean More Respectful Ties With India, China’: RPP Leader – The Wire

Asserting that a return to monarchy would help Nepal to build a strong bulwark against foreign interference, a senior official of Nepal’s pro-royal party also noted that the border controversy – or the new political map depicting disputed territories under India’s control – is not an issue that will find resonance with the electorate in the current general elections. With Nepali citizens disenchanted with traditional politics, RPP hopes to capture some of the frustration this time with more votes. Click here to read…

Forex reserves increase by $130m in one month – The Himalayan Times

Significant improvement in remittance inflow coupled with import restrictions on certain non-essential goods seem to have propped up the country’s foreign exchange reserves, which rose by $130 million in the one-month period between mid-September and mid-October, as per the latest macroeconomic update unveiled by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) today. Click here to read…

Pakistan

‘Unrealistic’ flood cost baffles IMF: The Express Tribune

Pakistan on Thursday had to concede to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) demand to exhibit the flood reconstruction cost in this year’s budget after the global lender found the projected relief operation estimates of Rs251 billion or $1.1 billion “unrealistic”. Click here to read…

Imran believes threat to his life still very much there: The Express Tribune

PTI Chairman and former premier Imran Khan has said that there still remained a threat to his life even after an assassination attempt in Wazirabad earlier this month. Imran was wounded on November 3 in the shooting at a rally, part of a rolling march that he has led to press for a general election, since he was ousted in a parliament vote in April. Click here to read…

‘Neither president nor PTI will object to new COAS appointment’: The News

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan and his party will neither want a confrontation with the new military establishment nor President Dr Arif Alvi will show any resistance or create any hurdle in the appointment of the army chief by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, a senior PTI leader has claimed. Click here to read…

PM Shehbaz Sharif consults PDM on army chief appointment: The News

Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif has made consultations with the senior leadership of allied parties of the government prior to the appointment of the new army chief. The allied parties have reportedly fully mandated the premier for making the appointment as per set procedure and traditions. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka – South Africa ties based on economic cooperation and investment – Daily News

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa who was in Sri Lanka for a short visit on Wednesday (16) after attending the G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Katunayake Air Force base for bilateral discussions. The discussions were focused on further strengthening the bilateral relationship aiming at economic cooperation and investment, expanding tourism in Sri Lanka, and receiving South African assistance, guidance and counseling in setting up a credible truth-seeking mechanism to achieve a lasting reconciliation amongst communities.The two state leaders exchanged mementoesClick here to read…

Reforms and Investor Confidence – Daily News

Realising this imperative need, President Wickremesinghe presented a reforms-filled Budget 2023, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance earlier this week. The budget is aimed at making the Government less of a burden on the Treasury and the Government would make reforms to change the economy. At the same time he dismissed the critics who alleged that the reforms were done due to the conditions laid down by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). “The economic reforms we are bringing are not limited to the reforms agreed upon with the IMF. The economic reforms proposed by the IMF are limited to economic stabilisation only,” he said. He did not refrain from telling the people about the truthful situation in the country. “There is no future for the country by continuing on this popular path. There is no prosperity for the country by giving concessions while being in debt to others. So, let’s get out of this situation now. Let’s change our thinking patterns.” Click here to read…

President to inaugurate Sri Lanka Economic Summit on Dec. 5 – Daily News

The upcoming Sri Lanka Economic Summit 2022, (SLES 2022) one of the most anticipated annual economic event in Sri Lanka, will be inaugurated by the Chief Guest, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, under the theme Resetting from Turmoil to Opportunity on December 5, at the Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo. SLES 2022 is scheduled to be held on December 5 and 6 as a hybrid summit. This year the Summit will focus on key levers that will lead to macroeconomic stability, charting a course toward sustainable revival as the country embarks on the monumental task of economic recovery. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Envoys of Over 10 Countries Discuss Afghanistan at Moscow Format: Tolo News

Representatives and officials from more than 10 countries exchanged views on the Afghan situation in the “Moscow Format” meeting on Afghanistan that began on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Doha Office Says Gaining Recognition Takes Time: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate’s Political Office in Qatar said it considers the recognition of the Islamic Emirate by the international community to be a process that will take time, and that efforts are ongoing to achieve recognition. Click here to read…

SIGAR Assesses Factors Behind the Collapse of Afghan Gov’t: The Khaama Press

The US Special Inspector for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) in a recent report assessed the underlying factors behind the collapse of former Afghan government in 2021, listing at least nine factors that led to Taliban’s regime in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Russia’s Multilateral Talks on Afghanistan Opens without Taliban: The Khaama Press

Sputnik reported that there are 11 countries represented at this meeting, including Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. At a news conference in Moscow, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the discussion will center on the military-political, socioeconomic, and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as well as coordinating measures to bolster regional security. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Lavrov’s Dhaka visit: Dhaka to focus on food, energy supply, Rohingya crisis – The Daily Star

Lavrov will visit Bangladesh to attend the 22nd Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) meeting on November 23-24 to be held at Hotel InterContinental at the invitation of Bangladesh, the current chair of IORA. Lavrov, who happily accept the invitation, will also be meeting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, officials have confirmed. International relations analysts said Russia faces global isolation. The UN General Assembly has adopted several resolutions since March this year demanding end to the war, territorial integrity of Ukraine and Russia’s reparation for the damages caused by attacks in Ukraine…Bangladesh has abstained from voting in two UNGA resolutions and voted for Ukraine in one…The US and European Union are Bangladesh’s major export destinations and they are supporting Bangladesh in the Rohingya crisis, politically and financially. Click here to read….

Bangladesh seeks Singaporean investment to become ‘connectivity hub’ – The Daily Star

Decribing Singapore as a “connectivity hub” for distribution of services as well as trade, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam yesterday shared the aspirations of Bangladesh to emerge as a facilitator of regional connectivity for the land locked countries and regions of South Asia. Highlighting the need for more investment in infrastructure development, including sea ports and air ports, he sought more Singaporean investments to facilitate Bangladesh’s transition as a regional connectivity and manufacturing hub. Click here to read…

Shahriar Alam: Dhaka, Tokyo relations to be strengthened through PM-level talks – Dhaka Tribune

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam on Wednesday expressed his optimism that Bangladesh-Japan relations would further be strengthened through the upcoming prime ministers-level meeting in Tokyo. The prime minister is scheduled to pay the official visit to Japan from November 29 to December 1 at the invitation of her Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida. Click here to read…

Dhaka to warn diplomats against commenting on internal matters – Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh will warn diplomats stationed in Dhaka against making remarks on the country’s internal matters, Agriculture Minister Dr Md Abdur Razzaque has said. “We will not tolerate any ambassador’s interference; they will be cautioned again,” the minister said while responding to questions from reporters in Meherpur on Wednesday morning. “Bangladesh is a sovereign nation; we liberated this country through a bloody war. We will not make any concessions when it comes to maintaining the dignity of our country.” The minister’s comments came in light of Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki’s statement on Monday that he had heard about “ballot stuffing” and that some police officers had stuffed ballot boxes the night before the last general election, which was something he had never heard about happening in any other country. Click here to read…

Bhutan

RBI provides an additional currency swap facility of USD 200M to RMA – Kuensel online

RBI and RMA signed an agreement to extend the validity of the Bilateral Currency Swap Agreement signed on January 31, 2020 and also to provide additional swap support to Bhutan, yesterday. This agreement enables the RMA to avail an additional swap amount of up to USD 200M or equivalent in Nu 16.57B from the RBI. This support of USD 200M INR equivalent is in addition to the existing currency swap support of USD 200M INR equivalent extended by the RBI. This agreement was facilitated by the government of India at the request of the government of Bhutan. The agreement will be valid till June 30, 2023. Click here to read…

Japan, Bhutan sign technical cooperation project on digital health – Kuensel online

To improve healthcare services, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Ministry of Finance (MoF) signed a record of discussions in Thimphu for implementation of the project “Strengthening government capacity for using digital technology and data” yesterday. Representatives from the Ministry of Information and Communications (MoIC) and the Ministry of Health (MoH), which will implement the project, attended the signing ceremony. Click here to read…

Bhutan at risk of dropping to Tier 3 of Trafficking in Persons Report – Kuensel online

Since 2020 Bhutan was ranked on Tier 2 Watch List in the Trafficking in Persons Report. This means that the country is not fully compliant but making significant efforts to be compliant to eliminate the severe forms, nature and scope of trafficking. The ranking also risks the country losing loans or aid from multinational financial institutions, according to Home Minister Ugyen Dorji who introduced the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC) to the members of the National Council (NC) on November 14. Click here to read…

Maldives

New type of drug smuggled into Maldives – The Edition

Maldives Customs Service seized a new type of drug smuggled into Maldives. Customs found the drug; methorphan while inspecting a box posted through courier from Bahrain. Officials claim that after finding a suspicious substances within the package, they conducted a more thorough investigation. The substance found inside the package were inspected on September 17 and had tested positive for Methorphan, according to Customs. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar releases ex-U.K. ambassador, Australian aide to Suu Kyi from prison

Myanmar’s junta released four foreign prisoners including an Australian aide to Aung San Suu Kyi and a former British ambassador to the Southeast Asian country, according to state media, in what authorities described as an amnesty to mark a national holiday on Thursday. The military government, which took power in a 2021 coup that deposed Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government, will free Australian economist Sean Turnell, Briton Vicky Bowman, Japanese filmmaker Toru Kubota and American Kyaw Htay Oo, the state-run MRTV News channel said. The four will reportedly be deported. Click here to read…

Detained Japanese documentary-maker to return from Myanmar, sources say – Japan Times

A Japanese documentary filmmaker detained in July in Myanmar’s largest city, Yangon, was set to return to Japan Thursday after being released, according to sources familiar with the matter. Toru Kubota was sentenced last month to a total of 10 years in prison for violating the immigration law and for sedition and electronic communications-related violations. Click here to read…

Myanmar Will Not Hold an ‘Election’ in August 2023 – The Irrawaddy

An election is understood to mean “a formal and organized choice by vote of a person for a political office or other position.” Myanmar’s junta has claimed it will organize an ‘election’ for August 2023. Don’t call it what it isn’t. The junta’s event, whatever it is and looks like, will in no way be an election. If analysts, media, and diplomats use the term ‘election’, the onus is on them to justify and prove why and how exactly it wasn’t legitimate when in fact it wasn’t even what happened. Click here to read…

Vice President Harris Heads to Asia, Will Discuss Myanmar, South China Sea Disputes – VOA News

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris heads to Thailand this week to promote U.S. economic interests at a regional summit and discuss concerns over an ongoing military crackdown in Myanmar. Harris will deliver remarks at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, a gathering that includes 21 members who push for increasing economic integration and prosperity. Click here to read…

B’desh intelligence officer shot dead by Rohingya drug smugglers on Myanmar border – Hindu Post

An Bangladesh Air Force officer, working at the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), was killed in a gunfight with drug traffickers along the Myanmar border in Bandarban’s Naikkhyangchhari, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said on Tuesday. RAB constable Sohail Barua, who was injured in the firing, has been admitted to the Neurosurgery Department of the Dhaka Medical College Hospital DMCH and has already undergone head surgery, he added. Click here to read…

Nepal

Exports may fall slightly after LDC graduation, report says – The Kathmandu Post

Nepal will be stepping into uncharted territory after it is inducted into the company of middle-income developing countries in 2026, and exporters are beginning to worry about the higher tariffs and stricter rules of origin provisions that will follow. Being a least developed country (LDC) meant Nepal got preferential treatment; but after 2026, it will have to hold its own. And the thought disconcerts many. Click here to read…

Nepal closes Uttarakhand border for three days ahead of polls – Times Now

The Nepal-India border will be closed for three days in advance of the federal and provincial assembly elections in the Himalayan nation on November 20. A meeting of Nepalese and Indian security officials in Rupandehi on Saturday decided to beef up border security and seal the border for three days beginning November 18Click here to read…

‘

Shape up, or ship out’—why Nepal’s young politicians are challenging an ageing establishment – The Print

The current crop of top leaders is quite exceptional in that each has allied with their opponent in the past. Chances are that if neither the Nepali Congress-led coalition—led by Sher Bahadur Deuba and Maoist politician Pushpa Kamal Dahal, or Prachanda—nor the United Marxist Leninist (UML) party of K.P. Oli and Madhesi leader Upendra Yadav’s grouping get a majority, then one or the other weak link in any of the chains may snap and new chains may be created. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Default risk soars amid political turmoil, delay in IMF talks: Dawn

The country’s default risk as measured by five-year credit-default swaps (CDS) — insurance contracts that protect an investor against a default — rose sharply overnight amid political turmoil and uncertainty about talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Click here to read…

Pakistan floods ‘10th costliest disaster’ in a decade: Dawn

THE calamitous Pakistan floods of 2022 were the tenth most expensive climate disaster to have buffeted a nation over the last decade, according to risk modelling firm RMS. The floods inflicted an estimated loss of $3 billion on the country, caused over 1,700 deaths and displaced eight million people. Click here to read…

PTI ‘steps back’ from next COAS appointment issue: The Express Tribune

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chief Imran Khan on Wednesday indicated that his party has now taken a ‘hands-off’ approach to the imminent appointment of a new army chief, saying that it has “taken a step back” on the matter. Click here to read…

Govt lambastes Imran for selling Toshakhana gifts: The Express Tribune

As PTI chief Imran Khan faces fresh allegations of unlawfully selling state gifts, volley after volley of statements from the ruling coalition called out the former prime minister for the abuse of Toshakhana, hinting that criminal proceedings would be initiated as per the Election Commission of Pakistan’s order. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka abstains from UN vote seeking Russian reparations to Ukraine – Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka abstained in the UN General Assembly on a draft resolution calling for Russia to be held accountable for violations of international law by its invasion of Ukraine and requiring Moscow to pay reparations to Kyiv for damages, loss and injury resulting from the war. The draft resolution, ‘Furtherance of remedy and reparation for aggression against Ukraine’, introduced by Ukraine was adopted Monday in the 193-member UN General Assembly by a recorded vote of 94 in favour, 14 against and 73 abstentions, including by India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Israel, Nepal, Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka. Those voting against the resolution were Belarus, China, Cuba, North Korea, Iran, Russia and SyriaClick here to read…

President directs immediate implementation of FTA with Singapore – Daily FT

President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday instructed the relevant officials to implement the Singapore-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement (FTA) immediately. He issued these instructions during the discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat on the implementation of the Singapore-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement. The existing problems in this regard were discussed at length and the President highlighted the need to provide quick solutions to all the existing problems. Click here to read…

Special Envoy of South Korean Foreign Minister pays courtesy call on Speaker – Daily News

Special Envoy of South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs Han Dongman and his delegation paid a courtesy call on Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardana on Tuesday. Dongman whilst thanking the Speaker for being a host during the visit of South Korea’s National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-Seug, extended an invitation to him to visit South Korea in 2023. During the cordial discussion between them focusing on several matters of mutual interests, the Speaker expressed the intentions of the Government to encourage electric cars and renewable energy sources as a policy. Dongman acknowledging that the world is heading towards renewable energy and environmentally friendly methods stated that the two nations could look into future prospects on the matter in future. Further discussions also looked at future investment opportunities and increasing the quota for Sri Lankans who wish to be employed in South Korea. Click here to read…

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

India-Africa Defence Dialogue- A positive step towards strengthening the defence diplomacy

The DefExpo 2022 was held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, from October 18 to 22, 2022. During the meeting, the grandiosity of India’s flagship Land, Naval, and Homeland Security Systems exhibition ensured that DefExpo 2022 remains Asia’s most prominent defence exhibition. Click here to read…

Rishi Sunak’s Tanzanian roots amid post-independence ambitions in EA

The rise of Rishi Sunak as British Prime Minister ends as a beautiful story that started with political rejection in East Africa. Click here to read…

NEWS

New round of peace talks between Ethiopia, Tigray envoys

A new round of talks began Monday between Ethiopia’s government and Tigray regional representatives to work out military and other details of last week’s signing of a “permanent” cessation of hostilities in a two-year conflict thought to have killed hundreds of thousands of people. Click here to read…

Ethiopia and Tigray rebels sign peace deal roadmap

Commanders of both Ethiopian and Tigrayan forces reach agreement on how to implement a peace deal. It will allow for aid deliveries and the disarming of rebels within the coming days. Click here to read…

Niger: Opposition, civil society groups welcome end of French Barkhane operation

In Niamey, the Nigerien capital, reactions are mixed after the official announcement of the end of the operation of the French anti-jihadist Barkhane force, part of which has redeployed to Niger after leaving neighbouring Mali. Click here to read…

Central African Republic: MINUSCA Mandate Renewal

Tomorrow afternoon (14 November), the Security Council is expected to vote on a draft resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) for another year, until 15 November 2023. Click here to read…

Pro-Coup Coalition Forms in Sudan, Hopes to Break Country’s Political Stalemate

In Sudan, armed groups and supporters of the military’s coup last year have formed a new political coalition to appeal to marginalized groups. Calling itself the “Forces for Freedom and Change – Democratic Bloc (FFC-DB),” the pro-coup group wants to replace the Forces for Freedom and Change (FFC) group, which has opposed military rule. Click here to read…

Fighting picks up between M23 and Congolese army in eastern Congo

Fighting picked up on Friday in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo between the M23 rebel group and the Congolese army, a rebel leader, military sources and civilians told Reuters. Click here to read…

Tunisia: Ennahda condemns official ‘courtesy’ towards Israel at COP27

Tunisia’s Ennahda movement has criticised the “courtesy” shown by Tunisian officials towards Israel, with some calling for normalisation of relations, Al-Quds Al-Arabi has reported. This, said Ennahda, confirms the “insincerity” of President Kais Saied’s oft-repeated slogan that “normalisation is high treason”.Click here to read…

Rising tensions between Rwanda and DRC jeopardise prospects for peacebuilding in the Great Lakes region

The province of North Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing significant instability due to the resurgent March 23 Movement (M23), which has resumed clashes with the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) in the territories of Rutshuru and Nyiragongo since June 2022. Click here to read…

Burkina Faso’s new transitional legislature takes office

The 71 deputies appointed to Burkina Faso’s new Transitional Legislative Assembly (TLA) took office on Friday, more than a month after the coup d’etat that brought Captain Ibrahim Traore to power. Click here to read…

El Burhan Speech to Sudan Military Dubbed ‘Political Posturing’

Chairman of the Sovereignty Council, Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan Armed Forces and leader of the October 2021 coup d’état, Abdelfattah El Burhan, confirmed that meetings about a new political framework for the country are being held on Sunday, provoking strong reactions. Click here to read…

France calls time on anti-jihadist Operation Barkhane in Sahel

President Emmanuel Macron has formally ended France’s decade-long operation to fight Islamist insurgents in the Sahel. Click here to read…

US offers $10 million reward for leads on Somalia’s Al-Shabaab leaders

The United States said Monday it was increasing its reward for information about key leaders of Somalia’s Al-Shabaab to $10 million apiece, a move that follows a spate of deadly attacks by the jihadist group. Click here to read…

Ghana’s finance minister set to present budget despite calls for dismissal

Ghana’s embattled finance minister Ken Ofori-Atta plans to present his 2023 budget statement this month, a ruling party official said on Friday, despite demands by ruling party and opposition figures that he resign. Click here to read…

World leaders expected in Tunisia for 18th Francophonie Summit

World leaders are expected to start arriving in Tunisia’s southern island of Djerba for the 18th Francophonie Summit, which will be held from November 19-20. Click here to read…

Mozambique Exports First LNG to Help Ease European Crunch

Mozambique flagged off its first shipment of liquefied natural gas, exports that could help ease Europe’s energy crunch as Russia squeezes supplies. Click here to read…

Tanzania to Sign Key $40 Billion LNG-Project Accords Next Month

Tanzania will sign key agreements with oil majors including Equinor ASA and Shell Plc next month to pave the way for a planned $40 billion liquefied natural gas export project Click here to read…

Why Washington Needs A Friendlier Approach To This Major Gas Producer

In September, a bipartisan group of U.S. Representatives called on the U.S. Secretary of State to impose sanctions on the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria (“Algeria”), claiming that a $7 billion arms deal with Russia violated the 2017 Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA). Click here to read…

Angola Oil & Gas (AOG) 2022 to Unlock the Potential of Angola’s Deepwater Basins

Angola’s deepwater market success continues to shine a spotlight on the country’s untapped oil and gas potential. Click here to read…

Nigeria: 26 sailors charged for attempting to steal crude oil, vessel seized by Navy

26 crew members including 16 Indian and eight Sri Lankan sailors of an oil vessel have been detained and handed over to the Nigerian Navy for alleged oil theft. Click here to read…

Uganda Says Airforce Destroyed Islamic State-Linked Rebel Camp

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said his nation’s airforce had attacked and destroyed a camp in neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo that was housing Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces. Click here to read…

ACP-EU Partnership: EU and Togo talk economic governance and security, among others

On Monday, November 7, 2022, Lomé hosted the first session of the partnership dialogue between Togo and the European Union (EU) within the framework of the new Partnership Agreement between the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (ACP) and the European Union (OACPS-EU). Click here to read…

Togo: In 2023, the government will pay special attention to inflation

The government of Togo will keep paying special attention to inflation in the coming months. The authorities said this last Friday, November 11, after the council of ministers held that day. Click here to read…

Italy: Refugee camps can be set up in Libya similar to ones in Turkey

Refugee camps, similar to the ones in Turkey, could also be in Libya and other countries where migrants leave for European shores, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani told the press on Sunday. Click here to read…

Commonwealth Secretariat mission to visit Zimbabwe

The delegation’s visit is a part of the informal process of assessment regarding Zimbabwe’s request for re-admission into the Commonwealth. Click here to read…

Kenyans to enter South Africa visa-free from January

The presidents of South Africa and Kenya said Wednesday they have resolved a long-standing visa dispute and Kenyans will be able to visit South Africa visa-free for up to 90 days in a calendar year. Click here to read…

Lesotho Names First Female Central Bank Head as Finance Minister

Lesotho’s former central bank governor, Retselisitsoe Matlanyane, was appointed finance minister in the southern African nation’s new government. Click here to read…

Amnesty: Egypt has days to save jailed activist’s life

Amnesty International’s head on Sunday warned that the proceedings of COP27 in Egypt could be stained by the death of one of the country’s leading rights activists from a hunger and water strike in prison if Egyptian authorities do not release him within days. Click here to read…

Zambia plans to establish climate financing vehicle

Zambia plans to establish a robust national climate financing vehicle aimed at supporting the process of institutionalizing a climate resilient economy, a government official said on Saturday. Click here to read…

Africa launches new framework to support growth of carbon credits production, create jobs, protect biodiversity

Africa launched a new framework to support growth of carbon credits production, create jobs and protect biodiversity in the continent – the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI). Click here to read…

Uganda confirms Ebola case in country’s east as outbreak expands

An Ebola case has been confirmed in Jinja in eastern Uganda, the country’s health minister said on Sunday, the first time the outbreak has spread to a new region of the country from central Uganda where cases have been confined so far. Click here to read…

Last apartheid leader De Klerk’s Nobel Prize stolen in South Africa

The Nobel Peace Prize medal awarded to South Africa’s last apartheid president, FW de Klerk, was stolen from his Cape Town home six months ago. Click here to read…

Digital Benin project reunites bronzes looted by British soldiers

Cheerfully gnashing their magnificent fangs as they stand side by side, the two bronze leopards look back on a journey that was as adventurous as it was cruelly absurd. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Balasubramanian accredited as India’s permanent representative to economic community of West African states

G. Balasubramanian has been concurrently accredited as the next Permanent Representative of India to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Click here to read…

South African Customs Union emerges as key trade partner for India: Report

A Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between India and the South African Customs Union countries will enhance future partnerships as the region has emerged as an important partner for India, both as an export destination and an import source, according to a report from the India Exim Bank. Click here to read…

India Deploys P-8I Aircraft At France’s Reunion Island For Third Time In Three Years As China Increases Presence In Western Indian Ocean

An Indian P-8I aircraft has been deployed to the island for the third time ifour years. A P-8I aircraft of the Indian Navy participated in a joint patrol with France from Réunion Island in 2020. Click here to read…

India has an invite to mine natural resources from oil-to-gold in Central African Republic

Landlocked in the heart of Africa, Central African Republic that is comparable to the size of Ukraine has the largest reserve of iron ore in the world and the best quality of rare wood and timber across the globe. Click here to read…

Wipro appoints Warren Zambelli as MD for Africa, Simmi Dhamija as COO for APMEA

Wipro, on Wednesday, announced the appointment of Warren Zambelli as Managing Director for Africa, and Simmi Dhamija as the Chief Operating Officer for APMEA (Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa). Click here to read…

A New Era of India-Africa Defense Cooperation

As India moves towards becoming a major exporter of defense products, achieving the target of exporting $5 billion by 2025, Africa will play a crucial role in realizing this goal. Click here to read…

India calls for early resolution as detained ship with 16 Indian sailors onboard reaches Nigeria

Days after 16 Indian sailors in the custody of Equatorial Guinea’s navy appealed to the Indian government to help them return home, Equatorial Guinea’s neighbour Nigeria released a detailed statement with fresh allegations and counter-clarifications. Click here to read…

Vijayan writes to Modi for help in releasing Indians held hostage in Africa

Some of the hostages have sent desperate videos home saying they were herded into a small room and regular food and water have become a luxury for them. Click here to read…

16 Indian sailors detained in Equatorial Guinea cry for help, send out SOS

A crew of 16 Indian sailors, who are stuck in Equatorial Guinea, have flagged an SOS for help. The crew have been detained in the region for over 80 days and they fear arrest by the Nigerian Navy. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Kabul: Unidentified Man Killed Pakistani Soldier at Spin Boldak Crossing: Tolo News

The US State Department said that Washington’s “commitment to the people of Afghanistan is enduring,” in a recently released statement. “We will continue to press for an orderly transition of power to an inclusive government with broad support, especially women and minorities,” the US State Department said. “We will use every diplomatic, economic, political, and assistance tool at our disposal to uphold the basic rights of all Afghans; support continued humanitarian access to the country; and ensure the Taliban honors its commitments.” Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh abstains from UN vote against Russia – Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh has abstained at the UN General Assembly on a draft resolution calling for Russia to be held accountable for violations of international law through its invasion of Ukraine and requiring Moscow to pay reparations to Kyiv for damages, loss and injury resulting from the war. Click here to read…

COP27: Bangladesh wants climate finance doubled by 2025 – The Daily Star

Bangladesh has demanded that developed countries double their collective provision of adaptation finance by 2025, as was agreed at COP26 in Glasgow last year, and provide support to vulnerable countries to implement the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). Click here to read…

G7 ‘global shield’: Bangladesh among first to receive climate funding – The Daily Star

Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Ghana will be among the first recipients of funding from a G7 initiative to help countries affected by climate change, according to a programme announced Monday at the COP27 summit in Egypt. The “Global Shield” initiative, coordinated by G7 president Germany, aims to provide rapid access to insurance and disaster relief funding for climate-vulnerable countries following floods and droughts. Click here to read…

First-ever hajj conference from Nov 17 – The Daily Star

The first-ever national level conference and fair on hajj and umrah management will be held in the capital from November 17. The three-day conference will be held at the capital’s Bangabandhu International Conference Center. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the conference virtually at 10:00am on Thursday. Click here to read…

Bangabandhu Railway Bridge: Crossing the Jamuna in 5 minutes: Dhaka Tribune

Rail travel over the Jamuna River is set to become significantly faster with the expected completion of the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Railway Bridge in 2024. Due to the risky condition of the existing Jamuna Bridge, trains currently need half an hour to trundle across the river. Furthermore, broad-gauge trains are not allowed to operate on the bridge in order to ensure safety. On the other hand, the Bangabandhu Railway Bridge will allow trains to travel across the river at over 100kmph, cutting down the river-crossing time to around five minutes. The bridge will also allow broad-gauge trains to cross. Click here to read…

Bhutan

SoEs should let private sector grow: NA’s Economic and Finance Committee – Kuensel online

The National Assembly’s Economic and Finance Committee (EFC) recommended that state-owned enterprises (SoE) refrain from venturing into businesses that offer better prospects and opportunities to the private sector. The chairperson of the committee and MP for Gangzur-Minjey, Kinga Penjor, said that most of the SoEs operate in commercial sectors such as manufacturing, energy, natural resources, financial, communication, aviation, trading, and real estate sectors. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives arrests 14 for alleged Islamic State-tied bomb plot – The Hindu

Police in Maldives have arrested 14 people allegedly working with foreign Islamic extremists to carry out a bombing in the tiny archipelago state, police said. The suspects had been working with the Islamic State group and apparently planning an attack with the intent of killing many people, Uswath Ahmed, the nation’s counterterrorism head, told reporters Monday night. He did not elaborate. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Ground Report: Myanmar Refugees in Mizoram Camps Are a Picture of Resilience – The Wire

On September 19, military helicopters attacked a school and village in Myanmar, killing at least 13 people, including seven children. Six days earlier, India’s National Investigation Agency announced it had seized explosives and cash in Mizoram that were meant for the Chin National Front (CNF), a constituent group of the democratic resistance to Myanmar’s military coup in February 2021. Click here to read…

Myanmar, climate and economy on agenda for U.S. VP Harris in Asia – Kalki Media

U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris will discuss Myanmar, regional security, economic ties and the climate crisis during a trip to Asia that starts this week, according to a senior administration official. Harris is expected to meet with Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Saturday in Bangkok and on Monday she will sit down with Philippines leader Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the U.S. official said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

India Should Exercise Caution Over Myanmar Timber Imports – The Irrawaddy

The confusion over Myanmar timber exports to India was laid to rest last month when the central government in New Delhi informed the Indian border state of Mizoram that timber was not on the restricted list of commodities from Myanmar. New Delhi’s directive was in response to a letter written by Mizoram governor Hari Babu Khambhampati seeking clarification on the issue of timber imports, following a petition by an association of wood-based industries in the state pushing for the removal of timber from the restricted list of commodities. Click here to read…

Malaysia Says No to Myanmar Junta’s Poll Plan – The Irrawaddy

Malaysia announced on Monday it will not support the Myanmar junta’s planned election next year, becoming the first among the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to reject the polls. Myanmar’s military staged a coup in February last year after the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) government won a second term with a landslide election victory. The military accused the NLD of serious election fraud – a claim that was debunked by international observers. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal, China seal a deal for utilisation of Rs15 billion in Chinese grant – The Kathmandu Post

Nepal and China on Tuesday signed an agreement for the utilisation of Rs15 billion (800 million RMB) in Chinese grants for various projects selected by the Nepali side. Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Nepali ambassador to China, and Luo Zhaohui, chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), signed the agreement on the behalf of their respective governments, in Beijing. CIDCA is China’s external aid and development agency that has already made a foray in Nepal with different developmental activities. Click here to read…

Elections fail to perk up the economy – The Kathmandu Post

Polling day is less than a week away, and the high-pitch campaigning has reached a crescendo; but the same fervour is not being seen in the economy as the expected election bonanza has failed to materialise. Domestic airlines are flying half-empty planes, retailers are reporting low demand for meat, restaurant owners say only a few diners are walking in through the doors, and beverage dealers say alcohol consumption has dropped to an all-time low. Click here to read…

In Kathmandu, leaders compete to be ‘different’, make & break ties, as Nepal voters ‘seek change’ – The Print

Communist leader and former Prime Minister K. P. Oli, 70, released a rap song at the Lord of the Drinks (LOD) nightclub in the heart of Kathmandu’s tourist paradise Thamel in the past weekend, in a bid to connect with the youth. Outgoing Prime Minister, and Nepali Congress leader, Sher Bahadur Deuba’s wife Arzu Rana Deuba, disarmingly told a podcaster Monday — who asked her if she wanted to be PM — that she had taught assertiveness training to young women and yes, someday (she would), but that Nepal’s patriarchal society was likely not ready for a woman PM. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Govt seeks IMF waivers amid flood-driven slippages: Dawn

Pakistan’s formal talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the 9th quarterly review of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) have been delayed further amid authorities’ request for a series of waivers on performance criteria owing to flood losses and the Fund’s push for sticking to committed tax-to-GDP ratio of at least 11pc.Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Budget allocated Rs.852 bn for social welfare – State Minister – Daily News

Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya told Parliament yesterday that social welfare has not been forgotten in this year’s Budget and the government has allocated Rs. 852 billion out of the total state expenditure through this Budget. Click here to read…

China’s top global ambassador says Sri Lanka is ready to take off – Daily News

President Xi Jinping’s top-most international roaming ambassador said Sri Lanka’s infrastructure facilities, human resources and other required facilities are in place and the country is all set to take off. President of the Chinese Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Ambassador Lin Songtiyan said now what is needed to attract foreign investments is to enact necessary legal reforms. Click here to read…

UNP to take action against its LG member for holding protest in front of Chinese Embassy – Daily Mirror

UNP is to take action against its local government member Sashi Hettiarachchi who held a protest in front of Chinese Embassy asking China to restructure Sri Lanka’s debt to that country, Party General Secretary Palitha Range Bandara said yesterday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Foreign Airlines’ Use of Afghan Airspace is Increasing, Say Aviation Author: Tolo News

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation (MoTCA) said that the number of flights passing through Afghanistan’s airspace has increased compared to the past six months. Click here to read…

Taliban Orders Full Implementation of Sharia Law in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

The Islamic Emirate leader Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada ordered judges to fully implement Shaira law on criminals, according to sources, months after the group leadership announced the need for preserving Islamic values. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

A watershed moment for Bangladesh-US relations?: Dhaka Tribune

The military junta of West Pakistan organized among the most brutal genocides in history on March 25, 1971 with a plan to crush the Bengali nation. On a single day, around 50,000 people were massacred across the country. Click here to read…

Health minister: Population growth rate decreases significantly in Bangladesh: Dhaka Tribune

Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Monday said Bangladesh has been successful for controlling population growth rate as the current population increasing is now 1.22%. “Population growth rate has decreased significantly as the government of Bangladesh has been implementing various effective family planning programme since 2009,” he told a meeting titled “Population and Development” in Pattaya of Thailand, an official release said. Click here to read…

Bhutan

RCSC will provide Nu 10,000 for childbirth for civil servants – Kuensel Online

The Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) will pay Nu 10,000 to every civil servant on the birth of a child under the Civil Servant’s Welfare Scheme (CSWS). This was decided during its 160th Commission meeting held on November 9. It was an effort to explore avenues to introduce additional welfare benefits to cater to the emerging needs of the civil servants under the CSWS. Click here to read…

Canada govt. to offer biometrics service in Thimphu this month – Kuensel Online

The Embassy of Canada in New Delhi on November 24 and 25 will offer biometrics collection services for visa applicants at the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Thimphu. According to a press release from the embassy, the biometrics collection service is offered to those living in or who can legally enter Thimphu and have applied for a visitor visa, study or work permits, or permanent residence. Click here to read…

Maldives

President Solih sends greetings on 55th anniversary of Maldives-Japan ties – Raajje

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has extended greetings on the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Maldives and Japan. The president sent his greetings to the Emperor of Japan, H.M. Naruhito, and the Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida on the occasion on Monday. President Solih told H.M. Naruhito that over the course of the past decades, Japan has proven to be one of the most “steadfast” and “reliable” development partners to the Maldives. Click here to read…

Discussions held on opening an Australian High Commission in the Maldives – Raajje

The new High Commissioner of Australia to the Republic of Maldives, Paul Wesley Stephens and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has held discussions on opening an Australian High Commission in the Maldives. High Commissioner Paul presented his credentials to the President during a ceremony held at the President’s Office, on Monday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s Most Powerful Ethnic Group Rejects Junta’s 2023 Poll Plan – The Irrawaddy

The Karen National Union (KNU) political wing of Myanmar’s oldest ethnic armed group has rejected the junta’s plan for a national election next year, calling it an attempt to legitimize military rule. The rejection came on Friday at a public meeting of the KNU-led National Unity Committee of Karen Ethnic Armed Groups held in Takaw village, Hlaingbwe township, Karen State. The meeting was attended by leaders of Karen armed groups, religious groups, Karen political parties, and over 1,500 people. Click here to read…

It’s Time to Take the Gloves Off on Myanmar – The Diplomat

When G-20 leaders meet on the resort island of Bali this week, Russia’s war in Ukraine will undoubtedly dominate the conversation. But U.S. President Joe Biden should also use the G-20 to address another conflict unfolding much closer to Bali, as the people of Myanmar valiantly resist an illegitimate junta that is unleashing a campaign of violent repression, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. To date, the United States has taken an equivocal approach to the crisis raging in Myanmar. This visit presents a perfect opportunity to make clear that the U.S. and its international allies support the Myanmar peoples’ struggle for democracy by announcing new financial measures aimed at pressuring the corrupt, criminal junta responsible for these atrocities. Click here to read…

Biden, Xi start summit with vow to avoid conflict – Mizzima

Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping opened their high-stakes summit in Bali with a handshake on Monday, and with both men stressing the need to manage differences and avoid conflict. Biden says he looks forward to having “continuing and ongoing open and honest dialogue” while Xi urges “finding the correct direction” in developing mutual relationship. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal reduces power export to India as production dips – Kathmandu Post

On Monday, the NEA exported 230MW to the southern neighbour, although Nepal is authorised to sell over 400MW of electricity in the Indian market. Recently, the NEA started exporting the power generated also by the Chilime (22.1MW) and Solukhola (23.5MW) hydropower projects. The total installed capacity of hydropower projects in Nepal is over 2,200MW, according to the NEA. But, the state-owned power utility said that available output at the moment is around 1,550MW as projects’ output fluctuates depending on water levels of rivers and production dips to the lowest especially during winter. Domestic peak demands of the electricity on Monday stood at 1,418MW. Click here to read…

China company to build Nepal road linking India border – Economic Times

The Nepal Army has awarded the contract for the sixth package of the Kathmandu-Terai-Madhesh Expressway to China First Highway Engineering, sidestepping an Indian firm, less than 10 days before the general elections in the country. On November 11, the Nepal Army, which is in charge of the project, issued a letter of intent to China First Highway Engineering that was earlier disqualified in the tender but later made a backdoor entry despite lacking technical expertise, according to people in the know. The companies whose proposals have been rejected are preparing to approach court against the decision, ET has learnt. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Lawmakers want Imran to pay for ‘US plot’ allegations: Dawn

Treasury members, including two federal ministers, lambasted Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan in the National Assembly on Monday for “taking a U-turn on the cipher issue”, declaring that the ex-premier would have to pay a “political price” for his “lies and false narrative” regarding the US-backed regime change conspiracy. Click here to read…

Pakistan out of UK’s ‘high-risk countries’ list: Dawn

The United Kingdom has removed Pakistan from its ‘high-risk third countries’ list through a statutory instrument, effectively meaning the UK foreign office recognises the progress Pakistan has made to be removed from FATF’s grey list. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

IGP, Public Security Ministry Secy summoned by SLHRC: Daily Mirror

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) and Public Security Ministry Secretary were summoned by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (SLHRC) to inquire into possible violations of human rights following the arbitrary actions by policemen these days. Click here to read…

Budget 2023 sticks to reform path with IMF nod pending: Daily Mirror

With an International Monetary Fund (IMF) deal yet to be sealed, Budget 2023 presented to Parliament yesterday stuck with the reform path Sri Lanka had embarked upon after the economy crashed in April, as a result of bad economic policies followed for decades. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

OIC Opens Mission in Kabul: Tolo News

The Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) opened a mission in Kabul with a ceremony attended by senior officials of the Islamic Emirate and OIC representatives. Speaking at the ceremony, the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said the office would play an important role in the improvement of relations between Afghanistan and Islamic countries. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Denies Terrorist Groups’ Presence in Afghanistan: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate once again denied the presence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan, saying that there is no evidence to show that there is any threat to the world from Afghan soil. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Istanbul explosion: No Bangladeshis injured: Dhaka Tribune

No Bangladeshis were injured in the blast on Istiklal street in the tourist centre of Istanbul, Turkey. Six people were killed and 53 others were wounded on Sunday when an explosion rocked a busy pedestrian street in central Istanbul in an incident President Tayyip Erdogan called a bomb attack that “smells like terrorism”, reports Reuters. Click here to read…

‘Bangladesh on track to achieve Vision 2041’: Dhaka Tribune

Charles Whiteley, ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh, recently sat for an exclusive interview with physician, author, and youth leader Dr Rakib Al Hasan to discuss Bangladesh’s development over the past 50 years, what it must do to continue its progress, and the country’s relationship with the EU. Click here to read…

Bhutan

US offers opportunities for Bhutanese students

Apart from popular destinations like Australia and Canada, Bhutanese students also apply to study, learn, and experience exchange programmes in the United States (US). Such opportunity, according to officials from the Embassy of the United States of America in New Delhi, is facilitated through the prioritisation of student visa appointments. This assurance comes after many Bhutanese complaints that it has become extremely difficult to get visa appointments in Delhi which many say has been filled until 2024. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives arrests 13 in crackdown on terror groups

A joint counter-terror operation is underway in the Maldives where the Maldives police and the defence forces have arrested 13 people. The operation was launched on Saturday. The Maldivian media has reported that nine people have been arrested from Addu City, two from capital Male and two from Guradhoo island. All the arrested people are Maldivian men. Click here to read…

Maldives inflation rose to 3.1 percent in September 2022

The rate of inflation, as measured by the annual percentage change in the national Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose to 3.1 percent in September 2022. Inflation rate rose from 2.6 percent in August 2022, reports Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA). Meanwhile, the monthly percentage change in the national CPI decelerated to 0.16 percent in September 2022, from 0.22 percent in the preceding month. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s junta slams opponents with prison sentences of up to 225 years

Myanmar’s military junta has imposed prison sentences of up to 225 years on nearly 20 of its political opponents since taking power in a coup early last year, sending a clear warning to anyone who might dare challenge its rule. Click here to read…

UN chief tells Myanmar junta to get democracy ‘back on track’

UN chief Antonio Guterres on Saturday urged the Myanmar junta to immediately return to democracy, saying it was the only way to stop the “unending nightmare” engulfing the country. Myanmar has spiralled into bloody conflict since the military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi´s civilian government in February last year, with thousands killed. Click here to read…

Myanmar objects ASEAN’s review on 5PC and its engagement with the country’s ‘unlawful’ organisations

Myanmar categorically rejects and dissociates itself from the said-review on the Five Point Consensus (5PC) and the decision made by the nine ASEAN leaders at the 40th and 41st ASEAN Summits and Related Summits in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, on Friday. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Facing Major New Armed Threat in Far West

Renewed fighting in Myanmar’s far west between the military and a powerful rebel group is opening another deadly front in the country’s post-coup chaos, piling pressure on a junta still struggling to consolidate power. The military’s February 2021 coup and subsequent crackdown on peaceful protests set off a wave or armed resistance across Myanmar that has been stretching the junta’s forces thin. By some estimates they now hold effective control over less than half the country. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal and India agree to repair Koshi embankment at 35 locations

November 14, 2022
Nepal and India have agreed to conduct repair and maintenance works at three dozen locations of the Koshi embankment that got damaged in monsoon floods this year. After conducting a joint inspection of the embankment from Chatara down to the Nepal-India border, officials of the two countries concluded that the embankment should be repaired to prevent future disasters from floods. Click here to read…

China’s vice minister for culture Li Qun visits Nepal

China’s Vice Minister for Culture and Tourism Li Qun, who has arrived in Nepal on a five-day trip, visited Durbar Square in Kathmandu where he inspected the heritage site jointly reconstructed by the two countries. The site was damaged during the 2015 earthquakes. Li, who is leading a delegation of Chinese officials, on Saturday visited Durbar Square in Kathmandu where he inspected the heritage site jointly reconstructed by Nepal and China. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Govt. in balancing act between social welfare and fiscal stability with Budget 2023: Daily Mirror

Ahead of today’s budget presentation, the government yesterday disclosed plans to prop up State expenditure by 29.2 percent to provide relief to the economically-battered population while moving towards fiscal stability and expecting a gradual economic recovery.
State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya yesterday said that all preparations are made to present the 2023 budget with an expenditure of Rs.7.88 trillion. Click here to read…

SLT September profits down on higher costs; revenue at Mobitel declines: Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka Telecom PLC (SLT) saw its profits declining in the three months ended September 30, 2022 (3Q22) due to sharply rising costs stemming from a bevy of factors including the sharp fall in the value of the rupee against the dollar and the soaring inflation amid the decline in revenues at its mobile services subsidiary, Mobitel Private Limited. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Department of Food Safety Forms Within AFDA: Tolo News

According to AFDA representatives, the department was created to examine the quality and freshness of foods sold in the nation’s markets.”With the creation of new departments and staff, we monitor and inspect 24 hours a day in all areas of all the drug facilities; at the same time, we will also have twenty-four hour monitoring of all our food facilities,” said Jawid Hajir, spokesman of the AFDA. Click here to read…

Moscow to Host Conference on Afghanistan on Nov. 16: Tolo News

The Russian Federation’s Foreign Ministry said that Moscow will host a multilateral meeting due to be held on November 16 in Afghanistan. A spokesman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova, said that the discussion will focus on the military-political, socioeconomic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as well as coordinating efforts to strengthen regional security. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Freight operation from Chittagong suspended as lighter vessel workers on strike: Dhaka Tribune

Lighter vessel workers in Chittagong launched an indefinite strike from 6am Friday refraining from transferring goods from moored ships to press home their five-point demands. Click here to read…

FM Momen urges Japan to stand by Bangladesh in its development journey: Dhaka Tribune

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has expressed optimism that Japan will play a crucial role while Bangladesh is graduating from the LDC status in 2026 on way to becoming a developed country by 2041. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan witnesses drop in tourist arrival due to new tourism rules – NE Now

Bhutan, which reopened its border for tourists on September 23 this year after a gap of over two years following the Covid-10 pandemic, has witnessed a significant drop in tourist footfall thanks to the Himalayan nation’s new tourism rules. Hit hard by the pandemic, the country’s tourism industry hoped for a revival after the reopening of the gates for visitors but minimal tourist footfall has left the people involved in the tourism sector worried a lot. Click here to read…

Bhutan Parliament Passes Bill Mandating One Year Training Programme for All Citizens – The Wire

Both houses of the Bhutan parliament recently approved a Bill that would mandate every citizen who attains the age of 10 to attend a one-year integrated training programme. The one-year training programme, called Gyalsung (National Service), would include three months of basic military training followed by nine months of specialised training in various fields like agriculture sciences, entrepreneurship, computers and coding, and health sciences. Commencing in 2024, it will be mandatory for all those who have reached 18 years of age and completed Class XII. Click here to read…

Maldives

9 Indian workers among 10 dead in Maldives fire The Tribune

At least nine Indians are reported to have died in a blaze in Male quarters housing migrant workers from Bangladesh, India and Sri Lanka. The fire broke out in a garage, near a mosque, around 12:30 am on Thursday and quickly spread upstairs to the cramped living quarters. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the 10 deaths, but said it would not comment on how many of the deceased were Indians till their identification. Reports from the Maldives said of the dead, nine were Indians and one Bangladeshi. Click here to read…

Hungary’s Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister arrives in the Maldives – Avas
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó has arrived in the Maldives today, on an Official visit. He is visiting the Maldives at the invitation of Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. This is the first Official visit from a Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary and marks an important milestone in the 47-year-long bilateral relationship between the Maldives and Hungary. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Appointment of Myanmar junta general as ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference chair criticised – Mizzima

CSO Progressive Voice has joined with other organisations in condemning the appointment of a Myanmar junta general, General Tun Aung, to the chair of the of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Air Chiefs Conference (AACC). It has called for other countries to immediately sanction General Aung Tan and for ASEAN to ban Myanmar any ASEAN meetings, group=s and activities. Following Justice For Myanmar’s revelation that the Myanmar military junta had recently been appointed chair of the ASEAN Air Chiefs Conference (AACC). General Tun Aung led the junta’s delegation where they assumed the AACC Chairmanship for the coming year. Click here to read…

ASEAN summit begins with Myanmar likely to dominate agenda; ‘little progress expected’ – Reuters

Leaders of Southeast Asian nations began an annual summit on Friday that is likely to be dominated by Myanmar’s escalating violence and political gridlock, with increasingly frustrated members of the group struggling to get the country’s junta to comply with an agreed peace plan. Several representatives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have blamed Myanmar’s military rulers for failing to implement a peace plan agreed jointly last year, which includes ending hostilities and allowing access for a special envoy and aid. Click here to read…

Australia to give $135 million as humanitarian support to Bangladesh and Myanmar – TBS News

“As part of the Albanese Government’s commitment to supporting the humanitarian response in Myanmar and Bangladesh, Australia will provide $135 million in2022-23 to assist with the delivery of life-saving food, water and shelter through partner organisations,” said Australian Foreign Ministry said in a press release. The package of support will also deliver essential protection, education and health services for those most in need, including women, girls and people with disabilities. Click here to read…

Nepal

Senior Chinese official coming today despite Nepal’s reservations – The Kathmandu Post

Despite reservations from the government, Chinese Vice Minister for Culture and Tourism Li Qun, who is also the head of the National Cultural Heritage Administration, is arriving in Nepal on Friday on a five-day visit. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had advised the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu to postpone the visit until after the November 20 elections, but the Chinese side insisted that the trip would be purely “personal” and involve visits to cultural heritage sites, officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation told the Post. The Nepali Embassy in Beijing is not aware of the visit. Click here to read…

The Election Manifestos of Nepal’s Parties Run Along Predictable Lines – The Diplomat

Political and economic issues have dominated the political parties’ agenda per their manifestos. Parties have pledged to develop better infrastructure, accelerate economic growth to over 7 percent, create 250,000 jobs per year, and provide free services such as electricity and water. Similarly, some parties are seeking to change the political system. Click here to read…

India hands over 200 vehicles to Nepal for use in general elections – Daily News

On Nepal’s request, the Indian government on Tuesday handed over 200 vehicles to the Himalayan country that would be utilized at the time of general elections slated for the 20th of this month. The Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava, handed over vehicles to Minister for Finance, Janardan Sharma, as a gift of India for logistical support to various Nepali institutions for the conduct of elections. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Imran asks CJP to probe army officer’s role in attack: Dawn

As Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) long march resumed after a week from Wazirabad on Thursday, party Chairman Imran Khan addressed the participants from his Zaman Park residence here through a video link, reiterating his accusation that a senior army officer was behind his attempted assassination. Click here to read…

Pakistan, Saudi FMs discuss security: The Express Tribune

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and his Saudi counterpart, Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, held wide-ranging discussions on host of issues related to political and security domains, a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Foreign Ministry to extend diplomatic support to resolve Chinese organic fertilizer cargo issue: Daily Mirror

The Foreign Affairs Ministry is to seek a diplomatic solution between the two countries regarding the Chinese ship which freighted organic fertilizer to Sri Lanka in 2021, at diplomatic level and the payment of US$ 6.7 million made by the Sri Lankan government. Click here to read…