Afghanistan

Status of Economic Situation Under the Islamic Emirate: Tolo News

Afghanistan faced a severe economic crisis following the collapse of the former government when the international aid to Afghanistan ceased and the banking system was disrupted. Click here to read…

After 100 Days, Islamic Emirate Still Seeks Intl Recognition: Tolo News

Islamic Emirate officials flew to various regional countries–and further–to seek engagement and to build relations with foreign governments. In return, representatives of at least six countries visited Afghanistan and held talks with officials. Click here to read…

Pakistan pledges $28m in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan has announced a sum of twenty-eight million US Dollars as humanitarian aid to Afghanistan which includes food, medical, and other humanitarian assistance, Aljazeera reported citing an official from Imran Khan’s office. Click here to read…

Afghanistan tops the world ranking as the ‘least happy’ country: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan has once again been recognized as the ‘least happy’ country in the world according to the World Population Review 2021 report. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Rumours over Khaleda’s health: Police on high alert- Daily Star

Police around the country were asked to remain vigilant to prevent any kind of unrest in case of rumors on social media about the health condition of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. Click here to read…

Killers trained, target clear: Say law enforcers on Cumilla double murder; motive still a mystery- Daily Star

The death of Haripada Das, the close aide to the councillor, was possibly a “collateral damage”, they said. Click here to read…

Case filed against Gazipur Mayor over remarks on Bangabandhu, freedom fighters- Daily Star

A case has been filed with Rajbari court against Gazipur City Corporation Mayor Mohammad Zahangir Alam over recent comments on Bangabandhu and martyred freedom fighters at a programme. Click here to read…

How replacement creates displacement in the hill tracts- Dhaka Tribune

Among the 78,000 displacement cases recorded in 2017, around five thousand took place in Rangamati. Click here to read…

Homegrown vaccine Bangavax approved for human trial- Asian Age

Bangladesh Medical Research Council, or BMRC, has given ethical clearance to the Bangavax COVID-19 vaccine of Globe Biotech for a small Phase-1 clinical trial on humans. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Phuentsholing beyond the 100 Covid-free days- Kuensel

When Phuentsholing came out of the four-month lockdown in August this year, nobody expected the pandemic to fade easily. For days people remained indoors fearing transmission.Click here to read…

Women and politics- Kuensel

A small yet encouraging development in the on-going local government (LG) elections is the improved participation of women. Although in the initial stage of nominating candidates, more women had come out to compete for the LG posts. Click here to read…

3 Ministers, NA Speaker and NC Chairman get second hybrid duty vehicle worth Nu 3.2 mn each in violation of Pay Revision Act- The Bhutanese

The 2019 Pay Revision Act is very clear that Ministers or positions equivalent to them are entitled to one chauffer driven SUV of 3,000 cc each, which means one Toyota Prado for each of them. Click here to read…

Unwise to disregard pandemic norms- Bhutan Times

New cases around the world are mounting up with even new variants invading us every now and then. Some countries are again imposing restrictions to contain the spread of virus. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives: India first or India out? – Lowly Institute

Recent protests in Maldives against India’s influence in the country calling for “Indian military out” has led the Maldives government to respond by reiterating its “India First” policy. This has highlighted the difficulties that both countries face in building a stable strategic partnership while also addressing popular sensitivities. It’s not something that India has been good at elsewhere in the neighbourhood. Click here to read…

Myanmar

96.21 per cent work on Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project completed: Mizoram PWD tells Guv – The North East Today

The Mizoram Public Works Department (PWD) has claimed to have completed 96.21 per cent work of the ambitious Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP). Informing this to the Governor on November 23, PWD officials stated that the department has completed 84.19 km of work on the project, including the construction of eight bridges on the highway, out of 87.51 km route inside Mizoram. Click here to read…

Myanmar opposition raises $6.3 mln on launch of ‘revolution’ bonds – Reuters

A shadow government in Myanmar said it has raised $6.3 million on the opening day of its inaugural bonds sale, in its biggest move yet to generate funds for its “revolution” to topple the ruling military junta. Click here to read…

Myanmar Army stint beefed up Manipur PLA: intelligence report – The Hindu

Fighting the Myanmar army’s war against pro-democracy resistance groups may have emboldened the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a Manipur-based extremist group, to ambush an Assam Rifles convoy killing seven, including a colonel, his wife and minor son, on November 13. Click here to read…

Are Ukrainian Weapons Fueling State Repression in Myanmar? – The Defence Post

After Myanmar’s armed forces seized control of the country in February, the Southeast Asian nation was thrown into chaos. At least 1,000 civilians were killed in demonstrations, and thousands of others fled to neighboring India and Thailand. Click here to read…

Nepal

EC warns NC, UML against using govt staff- Himalaya

The Election Commission issued a press release today warning parties against giving membership to teachers, professors, or government employees.
https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/ec-warns-nc-uml-against-using-govt-staff” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

NBA protest against chief justice continues- Himalaya

The Nepal Bar Association and dissident justices of the Supreme Court continued to protest against Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana today as well. Click here to read…

Oli looks firmly in charge as he bids to placate UML office bearer hopefuls- TKP

A contest is likely for office bearer posts where party chair, however, would make efforts to install leaders of his choice. Click here to read…

Kinship, karma, and kung fu- Nepali Times

Nepali nuns from a centuries-old Buddhist order redefine what it means to be of service. Click here to read…
Revenue collection at Birgunj Customs Office surpasses target by Rs 5 billion- Republica

The Birgunj Customs Office collected customs revenue worth Rs 70.12 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year, around eight percent more than its target of Rs 65.11 billion for the period. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Ministerial body set up to hold 2023 polls through EVMs: Dawn

The federal cabinet on Tuesday established a ministerial committee for holding the 2023 general elections through electronic voting machines (EVMs), in which over nine million overseas Pakistanis will exercise their right of franchise for the first time. Click here to read…

PM orders inquiry against senior bureaucrat for mocking PTI govt on social media: Dawn

According to a statement of allegations issued by the Establishment Division on Monday, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, BS-21 officer Hammad Shamimi had posted a comment on a social media page/platform that was tantamount to misconduct under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020. Click here to read…

IMF rejects borrowing request: The Express Tribune

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has rejected Pakistan’s request to keep a door open for borrowing from the central bank and also did not agree on any meaningful accountability of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Click here to read…

Rising debt, low revenue ‘national security’ issue: PM: The Express Tribune

He also maintained that the country’s very sustainability was at stake because of the absence of a “tax culture” and hoped that the use of technology would take revenue collection to Rs8 trillion per year. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Cash-strapped govt. seeks Indian lifeline: Basil to visit New Delhi – The Island

Declaring that Sri Lanka was experiencing the worst ever post-independence economic crisis, Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday said Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s forthcoming visit to New Delhi might give the country an opportunity to explore ways and means of overcoming the overwhelming challenges.

Prof. Peiris, who is also the Chairman of the ruling SLPP, emphasised that the Finance Minister’s visit was meant to seek not only loans but also wider cooperation on a range of other matters, including investment, trade and tourism. Click here to read…

SL-Pakistan private sector steps up collaboration to boost trade, investment – Daily FT

Having shared a deep-rooted strong political, cultural and economic relationship for decades, Sri Lanka and Pakistan private sectors yesterday stepped up efforts to boost business and investment opportunities.

The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) of Pakistan inked a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (CCC) and Federation of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) and few individual firms, to enhance trade ties between the two countries. Click here to read…

The Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka Rita Manella met Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on Monday 22 November – MFA Sri Lanka

The discussion focused on issues of mutual interest including political relations; further consolidation of bilateral trade, investment and tourism ties; Sri Lanka – EU cooperation; and the exchange of visits. The Italian Ambassador also referred to the promotion of cultural cooperation between Sri Lanka and Italy ina range of spheres including architecture, fashion design and Italian cuisine.

The Foreign Minister expressed his deep appreciation to the Italian Ambassador for the support extended in facilitating the successful visit of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to Italy to participate as a special guest in the G20 Interfaith Forum 2021 in Bologna, in September. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

US to Pursue ‘Over-the-Horizon’ Mission in Afghanistan: Tolo News

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the US will pursue an “over-the-horizon” mission in Afghanistan in response to counterterrorism. Click here to read…

UAE Reopens Its Embassy in Kabul: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, on Saturday evening said the UAE had reopened its diplomatic mission in Kabul. Click here to read…

Over 1M Afghan Children ‘At Risk of Death’: UN: Tolo News

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that more than three million Afghan children are struggling with malnutrition and that if their situation is not considered, over one million of them will be at risk of dying.Click here to read…

United Kingdom must engage with Taliban in Afghanistan: Boris Johnson: The Khaama Press

United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that his country must engage with Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to tackle current humanitarian situation in the country. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Army should be people’s: PM says on Armed Forces Day- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the members of the Armed Forces to uphold the glory of the country by contributing to its development activities alongside protecting the sovereignty. Click here to read…

It’s time to talk about sustainability and finance in RMG sector- Daily Star

One thing that our industry people appear to be the best at is explaining, often in great detail, the problems and challenges that Bangladesh face. Click here to read…

Fakhrul: Let Khaleda go abroad else face movement for ousting govt- Dhaka Tribune

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday threatened to wage a one-point movement seeking the fall of the government if Khaleda Zia is not allowed to go abroad for treatment. Click here to read…

BNP to hold rallies Monday demanding Khaleda’s treatment abroad- Daily Observer

Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programme on Saturday afternoon while concluding their hunger-strike programme in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, reports UNB. Click here to read…

7.5 crore people to be fully vaccinated by Jan: Health Minister- Independent

Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Saturday said the government will administer 6 crore more Covid-19 vaccine doses by January next across the country. Click here to read…

Bhutan

89 percent of capital budget of 12th FYP to be exhausted this fiscal year- Kuensel

About 89 percent of the 12th Five-Year Plan (FYP) capital budget will be exhausted at the end of the fiscal year 2021-22 if all the estimated capital budget of the ongoing fiscal year is spent. Click here to read…

Sibjam: A platform for local farm products- Bhutan Times

With an aim to address food self-sufficiency and security in the future, Sibjam or bees, was launched by Kinley Wangchuk, a businessman in Thimphu last week. Click here to read…

Smart solutions for better lives- Bhutan Times

Bhutan Professional Services (BPS), a private company launched their experience centers showcasing smart building solutions on 4 November this week. Click here to read…

Government procurement perceived as major area of fraud and corruption: Audit Report- BBS

The government procurement is still being perceived as a major area of fraud and corruption, inefficiencies and wastage involving huge public resources. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives inches closer to tourist arrival target for 2021 as figure reaches 1,092,105 – Raajje

Maldives is inching closer to its tourist arrival target of 1.3 million as the country records 1,092,105 arrivals so far. According to the latest figures publicized by the Ministry of Tourism, tourist arrivals between January 1 – November 17 were at 1,092,105 which is a 147.6 percent increase from the arrivals recorded in 2020, a sluggish year for Maldives tourism due to border-closure. Click here to read…

Indian HC, VP Naseem discuss challenges facing Maldives health sector – Raajje

The new High Commissioner of India to Maldives, Munu Mahawar has engaged in discussions regarding challenges facing the Maldives’ heath sector, with Vice President Faisal Naseem. The Indian HC paid a courtesy call on the vice president at the President’s Office on Sunday. Click here to read…

Gov’t will prioritize expanding religious teachings across Maldives, says president – Raajje

The government will place high priority to expand religious knowledge and teachings of Islam across the entire nation, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Taking the podium at the graduation ceremony of students enrolled at the National Centre for the Holy Quran, President Solih revealed that it is a pledge of his administration, to do so. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Military Launches Crackdown On Urban Guerrilla Forces – Eurasia review

Myanmar security forces are deploying large numbers of forces to crack down on dissident groups in various townships in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, as anti-coup forces continue to intensify attacks against military assets and affiliates. Click here to read…

Junta uses attack helicopters against resistance fighters in Magway Region – Myanmar Now

The Myanmar military sent two attack helicopters to a battle in Magway’s Saw Township on Friday after resistance fighters killed 20 junta soldiers, the local People’s Defence Force (PDF) said. A column of about 60 junta soldiers left the village of Taw Ma at around 6am and were quickly met by defence forces from Saw, Kyaukhtu, Kanpetlet, and Mindat townships, a battalion commander from the Saw PDF said.Click here to read…

Myanmar devotees climb mountain for full moon festival Devotees – UCA News

In predawn darkness in western Myanmar, thousands of devotees scramble to the top of a mountain said to be home to a spirit guarding 500 mythical ducks to mark the Tazaungdaing festival of lights. Click here to read…

Thailand’s Deputy PM Says he had Constructive Talks With Myanmar Coup Leader – The Irrawaddy

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai finally revealed that he travelled to the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw last Sunday, to deliver humanitarian aid and to hold talks with coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Click here to read…

National Unity Government calls on Interpol to review junta’s invitation to 89th General Assembly – Myanmar Now

A Myanmar junta delegation is participating in the 89th Interpol General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey next week as the country’s official representatives, Myanmar Now has confirmed. Click here to read…

NUG warns of plans to escalate attacks in Yangon and neighbouring regions – Myanmar Now

A wave of explosions and shootings in Yangon on Monday was just part of a wider operation that is set to see an increase in attacks on regime targets in Yangon, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions, Myanmar’s underground government has warned. Click here to read…

United Nations adopts resolution on Rohingyas by consensus – Dhaka Tribune

The United Nations has adopted a resolution on Rohingyas by consensus for the first time. The resolution, titled “The Situation of Human Rights of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar”, maintained its strong focus on the ongoing justice and accountability processes, ,according to a media statement by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN in New York. Click here to read…

Japanese envoy Sasakawa says he told AA to hold its fire in wake of brief clash last week – BNI Online

The chairman of Nippon Foundation and Japan’s special envoy for national reconciliation in Myanmar, Yohei Sasakawa, said he told the Arakan Army to maintain a situation of no armed conflict in Arakan State during an online meeting with the ethnic armed group. Click here to read…

Nepal

Rawal to challenge Oli for CPN-UML chairmanship- Himalaya

CPN-UML Vice-chair Bhim Rawal organised a press conference and announced his candidature for party presidency. Click here to read…

Protest against CJ Rana continues- Himalaya

The Nepal Bar Association and dissident justices of the Supreme Court continued to protest against Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana today. Click here to read…

Nepal Bibeksheel Party registered in Election commission- Himalaya

A meeting of the Election Commisson held on November 16, 2021 has decided to register the Nepal Bibeksheel Party. Click here to read…

After poor response from priority group, government opens Pfizer jabs for all children above 12- TKP

Some 7,000 people with comorbidities took the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in one week. Around 1,500 children were given the shots on Sunday. Click here to read…

Parties’ opaque finances are cause for concern as they fuel corruption- TKP

Poll body plans to implement ‘accounting format’ to ensure transparency, but experts are not hopeful. A strong law is a must to make parties accountable, observers sayClick here to read…

(Opinion) Restructuring Nepali Army- TKP

We must make security forces more inclusive and effective to make them more attractive for peacekeeping. Click here to read…

Farmers likely to face shortage of chemical fertilizers in upcoming plantation season- Republica

Farmers are likely to face a shortage of chemical fertilizers this year too as the importers turn reluctant to purchase adequate quantities of the agricultural input citing soaring prices in the international market. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan, IMF reach staff-level agreement on steps for revival of package: Dawn

The agreement is subject to approval by the Fund’s Executive Board, following the implementation of prior actions, notably on fiscal and institutional reforms, the IMF said. Click here to read…

Saad Rizvi urges people to vote for TLP in next polls: Dawn

He was addressing an event termed the Shuhada-i-Namoos-i-Risalat Conference on Sunday. Hundreds of people who had come to attend the concluding ceremony of the three-day Urs of Khadim Hussain Rizvi were in attendance. Click here to read…

Digital data reveals land worth Rs5.59tr encroached: The Express Tribune

The premier shared the survey on Twitter, according to which the value of encroached land in three major cities – Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore — stood at Rs2.63 trillion. Click here to read…

TTP wants ‘political office’ in third country: The Express Tribune

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) wants to open a political office in a third country is part of one of the three demands the terrorist groups made to Pakistani authorities during their initial talks. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka moves to relax fertilizer ban for some crops as food prices soar – EconomyNext

Sri Lanka is progressively relaxing a sudden ban on chemical fertilizer and allowing urea and ‘plant nutrients’ for several crops, a top official has said, while the minister of agriculture has denied any relaxation for paddy or vegetables. Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Udith K Jayasinghe has told media that it was not possible to meet all fertilizer needs from domestically produced fertilizer. “The nitrogen content of organic fertilizer is about 3 to 4 percent,” Jayasinghe explained. “For paddy 80,000 metric tonnes of nitrogen is needed for this season.” Click here to read…

SL needs to increase GDP growth: Hans Timmer – The Island

World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia Hans Timmer says it is imperative for Sri Lanka to maximize debt service, with least resources possible. Timmer said so at a webinar organised by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka recently under the theme, ‘Impact of the Pandemic on South Asian Economies and How Digitisation And Services Led Growth Can Help Sri Lanka to Rebound’. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Tehran to Host Regional Meeting on Afghanistan: Tolo News

Tehran will host a ministerial meeting with Afghanistan’s neighboring countries on Wednesday and hold talks on inclusivity within the Afghan government and stability inside the country. Click here to read…

US Was Losing War So It Negotiated: Khalilzad: Tolo News

The former US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said the US was losing the war to the Taliban so it chose peace negotiations as an alternative. Click here to read…

US Nearing Deal with Pakistan for Use of Airspace: Tolo News

The United States is nearing a formalized agreement with Pakistan for use of its airspace to conduct over-the-horizon military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

We are holding Taliban accountable on counterterrorism: NATO: The Khaama Press

NATO chief Gens Stoltenberg said that NATO allies and partners are trying to hold the Taliban accountable for all the pledges they made on terrorism. Click here to read…

Biden administration to resettle over 55 thousand Afghan refugees: The Khaama Press

The US administration in an unprecedented decision wants to permanently resettle 55,600 Afghan evacuees from the military bases of the US to permanent houses. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

South Korea to provide $700m soft loan to Bangladesh- Daily Observer

South Korea will provide Bangladesh with $700 million soft loan support to help the latter’s economy recover from Covid-19 shocks. Click here to read…

Joining election depends on atmosphere: BNP- The Asian Age

BNP will go to polls if an environment conducive to election is created, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday. Click here to read…

PM greets Modi as India administers 1bn Covid jabs- The Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today congratulated her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on achieving the historic milestone of administering “One Billion” Covid-19 vaccine doses on October 21, 2021 by his government. Click here to read…

Comilla carnage: Quran desecration case against Iqbal, 3 others transferred to CID- Dhaka Tribune

Police have handed over the Holy Quran desecration case against Iqbal Hossain and three others to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Click here to read…

Rumours spread after clash breaks out near Buddhist temple in Teknaf- Dhaka Tribune

Buddhists and Muslims of Katakhali in Howaikhyong under Teknaf clashed over a trivial issue resulting in injuries to at least eight people on Sunday afternoon. Click here to read…

Form panels to maintain harmony: LGRD minister asks mayors, local representatives- The Daily Star

Local representatives have been directed to form committees at the ward level across the country to identify anyone involved in spreading rumours and creating anarchy. Click here to read…

Op-Ed: What is eclipsing our communal harmony? – Daily Star

The government should also not give the radical groups of other religious communities the chance to exploit this situation to their advantageClick here to read…

Rohingya Camps: It’s all sinister after sundown- Daily Star

According to officials of different law enforcement agencies, at least 10 Rohingya groups are involved in at least 12 types of crimes, including killing, abduction, rape, drug trafficking and robbery. Click here to read…

AL Rebels in Local Body Polls: They will stop at nothing- Daily Star

Repeated show-cause notices, warnings of punitive actions and even expulsions from the organisation have failed to deter Awami League leaders from participating in the local government polls without the party tickets. Click here to read…

Vested quarters at it again: PM- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said vested quarters are out there to stage various types of incidents in the country to tarnish its image before the world. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Funds sanctioned for town near Bhutan border- The Telegraph

The state municipal affairs and urban development department has sanctioned a sum of Rs 12 crore for infrastructure development of Jaigaon, the town in Alipurduar district on the India-Bhutan border. Click here to read…

Action plan needed to beef up economy: PSDC- Kuensel

Committe recommends doing away with driver switching system, reducing quarantine period,and importing workers. Click here to read…

TCB gearing to receive tourists- Kuensel

The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) will not accept tourist visa applications until the Council is ready with its preparations for a safe, healthy and enjoyable experience for the tourists. Click here to read…

Bhutan and Japan signs document to digitally map various parts of the country- Kuensel

Ambassador of Bhutan to Japan V Namgyel and Ambassador of Japan to Bhutan Satoshi Suzuki signed the exchange of notes for the Project for the Development of Digital Topographic Map yesterday in New Delhi, India. Click here to read…

Winter could trigger new Covid-19 cases: Experts- Kuensel

Around this time last year, experts warned of a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases as the cold weather is best for the virus to thrive and transmit itself. Click here to read…

Top three business ideas win university’s business idea competition- Kuensel

Three business ideas pitched by the college students from nine colleges under the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) were declared winners at the university business idea competition held in Thimphu on October 21. Click here to read…

Second dose for children aged 12-17 to begin from 26th October- BBS

The health ministry will roll out the vaccination drive for children who are yet to receive the second dose of COVID vaccines from Tuesday. It constitutes about 45,000 children between the ages of 12-17 years in 15 districts. Click here to read…

Maldives

Border miles ambassador arrives in the Maldives – Avas

The first ambassador of the Maldives’ border miles program arrived in the Maldives on Friday. Former Liverpool FC and Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique was appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the world’s first destination loyalty program, the Maldives Border Miles, in September this year. Click here to read…

Maldives might end in 2100, government urges rich nations to meet emissions target | WION Climate – Youtube

Experts have warned that the Maldives might disappear in the next 100 years, its existence is threatened by rising sea levels. Click here to read…

Is Maldives’ troubled history with terrorist elements & radicalisation rearing its ugly head again? – Youtube

Most people understand the island country of Maldives as a top tourist spot in South Asia. However, the return of former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed after surviving a bomb blast in Male five months ago, underscores the island country’s troubled history with terrorist elements and radicalisation. Click here to read…

Myanmar

UN Envoy Calls for Myanmar Junta Chief to Step Down – VOA News

The U.N. special envoy for Myanmar called Friday for that country’s military leader to step down and return power seized in a February 1 coup to the democratically elected government. Click here to read…

Time for ASEAN to Give Myanmar’s Opposition a Seat at the Table – The Irrawaddy

Nearly nine months after its forceful takeover of the country from a legitimately elected civilian government, Myanmar’s military has shown that it is one thing to seize power but an entirely different reality to consolidate and impose control. Click here to read…

Thousands flee Myanmar for India amid fears of a growing refugee crisis – Who News

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

Nepal

100,620 doses of Pfizer arriving Nepal today- Khabarhub

As many as 162,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine coming to Nepal from America today. US Embassy in Kathmandu informed about it via its official Twitter. Click here to read…

‘China has put up fences, wires in Nepal’s territory in Humla distt’- The Hitavada

The Chinese side was also trying to build a permanent canal 145 metres inside the Nepali territory. Click here to read…

Nepal’s Chief Justice says will stop allocating cases to benches at his discretion- The Indian Express

Cholendra Shumsher Rana is likely to face an impeachment motion in parliament amid controversy regarding his interactions with politicians and allegations that he pushed for a family member to be on Nepal’s council of ministers. Click here to read…

US to donate 100,620 more COVID-19 doses to Nepal- ANI

The United States is set to donate 100,620 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal, the Embassy of the United States in Nepal announced on Sunday. Click here to read…

Experts Warn of Breakout of Diseases In Rain Disaster Areas- The Rising Nepal

As the torrential post-monsoon rains that occurred recently across the country had adversely affected normal life in different parts of the country, including eastern Nepal, health experts have warned of the spread of various infectious diseases there. Click here to read…

Personalities split Nepal’s communist parties- East Asia Forum

The alliance between the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist and Leninist) (CPN-UML) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) (CPN-MC), which won a landslide victory in the elections three years ago, has now fractured into three different political parties. Click here to read…

Apex court justices to boycott full court meeting- Himalaya

Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana, who has been embroiled in a controversy for allegedly lobbying to get his brother-in-law appointed to the Cabinet, now faces challenge from within the judiciary. Click here to read…

Paddy damage by freak rains estimated at Rs8.26 billion- TKP

According to preliminary estimates by the agriculture ministry, 325,258 tonnes of ready-to-harvest paddy on 85,580 hectares have either submerged or swept away in seven provinces. Click here to read…

Congress may appoint deputy Speaker, leaving state minister seat for Janata Samajbadi- TKP

A senior Janata Samajbadi Party leader, who is in the Deuba Cabinet, said the scenario has changed after Hamal’s resignation. Click here to read…

Supreme Court justices to boycott full court meeting called by Rana- TKP

Pressure is mounting on chief justice, who has run into controversies, to step down from his post. Click here to read…

Consult Delhi for census in Kalapani, census bureau asks Foreign Ministry- TKP

The Central Bureau of Statistics has yet to decide on sending enumerators to the region, which Nepal has brought within its borders but India claims as its own. Click here to read…

Non-government of Nepal- Nepali Times

A distracted government’s apathy magnifies the impact of disasters and injustice on citizens. Click here to read…

From slave to entrepreneur- Nepali Times

Freed from indentured servitude, a former kamaiya builds back her life to support family and community. Click here to read…

Floods damage ready-to-harvest paddy worth Rs 7.22 billion in three provinces- Republica<.h5>

Farmers faced a loss of paddy worth an estimated Rs 7.22 billion due to massive floods triggered by the torrential rain last week. Click here to read…

Plastic briquettes in Nepal: Addressing pollution and sustainable energy need with one technique- Online Khabar

The negative impacts of plastics and their use have been advertised and talked about a lot in Nepal in recent years. Click here to read…

Province 1 confidence vote put off till Oct 31- Himalaya

The meeting of the Province 1 Assembly, which was slated to be held today, was put off till October 31. Click here to read…

Pakistan

This time, won’t go home till demands met: TLP leaders: Dawn

The government has gone back on its word thrice. This time we will sit and wait said, a statement issued by the proscribed group’s leadership council on Sunday. Click here to read…

US colluding with India to sabotage CPEC: PM’s aide Khalid Mansoor: Dawn

Addressing the CPEC Summit at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), the special assistant to the prime minister (SAPM) on CPEC affairs accused the United States of conniving in cahoots with India against the economic lifeline of Pakistan. Click here to read…

Balochistan CM steps down amid political turmoil: The Express Tribune

According to PRO to Balochistan governor, Kamal had submitted his resignation to Governor Syed Zahoor Ahmad Agha, which he accepted. Click here to read…

IMF seeks closure of public entities’ accounts in banks: The Express Tribune

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has placed a condition on Pakistan to close all the bank accounts maintained by public sector entities and the defence ministry in commercial banks. Click here to read…

Work on Dasu project to resume in stages starting Oct 25: Chinese firm: The News

The Chinese firm working on the Dasu hydropower project has announced it is resuming construction work that had been halted due to “security concerns”, Geo News reported on Sunday. Click here to read…

No pact with US on airspace: FO: The News

The Foreign Office (FO) Saturday rejected western media reports that Pakistan had formalised an agreement with the United States (US) that Pakistan’s airspace could be used to conduct operations inside Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Agriculture Department DG says: Indian Nano Nitrogen Is Neither Synthetic Nor Organic – Ceylon Today

Amid this crisis, the Chinese bulk organic fertiliser cargo dispute is sending mixed signals between China and Sri Lanka. Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Ajantha de Silva says the decision of the Government to go organic is based on the mandate the President received from his voters, hence it was not rushed. He also explains that fertiliser would reach the farmers on time and there is no need to panic. Click here to read…

Renewable energy projects in Northern Province: Adani to enter northern power sector? – The Morning

Adani among Indian businesses interested in SL renewable energy sector
Chinese bid for northern renewable energy projects take a backseat
Govt. considering extending deadline for renewable energy generation projects Click here to read…

Sri Lanka blocks payment to China Qingdao Seawin Biotech over fertilizer with bugs – Economynext

Sri Lanka-based Ceylon Fertilizer Company Limited had got a court order to block payment to Qingdao Seawin Biotech over shipment of organic fertilizer which was contaminated with bugs.

“The enjoining order has prevented the People’s Bank from making any payment under a Letter of Credit opened in favour of the Chinese company, Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd,” a statement from the President’s office said. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Qureshi’s Visit on Afghan-Pakistani Trade: Officials: Tolo News

The Pakistani foreign minister paid an unexpected visit to Kabul on Thursday, where he held talks with the head of the Islamic Emirate cabinet and other top officials. Click here to read…

Afghan Women Protest Lack of Representatives in Moscow: Tolo News

A number of women activists expressed criticism over the lack of women within the Afghan delegation of the Moscow conference. Click here to read…

NATO to convene meeting on Afghanistan in Brussels: The Khaama Press

NATO chief Gens Stoltenberg said that the organization plans to convene a summit of defense ministers of the state members in which Afghanistan will be concentrated upon. Click here to read…

We will respectfully interact with Taliban as new Afghan authorities: Moscow Format: The Khaama Press

Third Moscow Format on Afghanistan released a joint statement after concluding the meeting saying that the Taliban are now new authorities in Afghanistan and acknowledged that the member states will interact with them respectfully. Click here to read…

Taliban pledge strengthening diplomatic, economic ties with India, Iran: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s delegation led by Deputy PM Abul Salaam Hanafi met with special representatives of Iran and India to Afghanistan in the sideline of Moscow Format. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Comilla attacks: Prime suspect Iqbal arrested from Cox’s Bazar- Dhaka Tribune

Police have arrested Iqbal Hossain, the person responsible for keeping the Quran at a Durga Puja venue in Comilla, from Cox’s Bazar. Click here to read…

Covid-19: Bangladesh records lowest single-day caseload in 1.5 years- Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh recorded 243 new Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8am on Thursday, which is the lowest in 18 months. Click here to read…

Temple vandalized in Bogra- Dhaka Tribune

Locals on Thursday found the idols vandalized at the Durga Mandir at Sadar upazila’s Shabgram union’s Nathpara area, said police. Click here to read…

OP-ED: Assert leadership, restore 1972 constitution- Dhaka Tribune

Let us be under no illusion. The reality before us, before the multitudes who constitute this republic, is that Bangladesh is under threat from within. Click here to read…

Hajiganj communal attack: Jamaat leader confesses involvement- The Daily Star

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Md Kamal Uddin Abbasi has given a confessional statement before a court over his involvement in the vandalism at puja mandaps and clash with police in Chandpur’s Hajiganj. Click here to read…

‘Defaming’ Bangabandhu: Complaint filed against Prof Serajul Islam Choudhury- The Daily Star

A complaint has been filed with a Chattogram court accusing Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury of Dhaka University and two others of defaming Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in an article. Click here to read…

Attack on JM Sen Hall puja mandap: 3 Chhatra Jubo Odhikar Parishad leaders arrested- The Daily Star

In a drive last night, police arrested three leaders of Chhatra Jubo Odhikar Parishad’s Chattogram unit in a case filed over attacking the JM Sen Hall puja mandap on October 15 in the port city’s Andarkillah area. Click here to read…

PM: Focus on fostering communal harmony- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on Awami League leaders and activists to organise peace rallies and conferences across the country aimed at fostering communal harmony, while remaining alert to the threat of disruptive elements. Click here to read…

India’s guarded reaction over attacks on Hindus in BD- Asian Age

Reactions from the Indian government over the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have been guarded and cautious. Click here to read…

Khaleda Zia’s appearance in 11 cases on Nov 22- Observer

A Dhaka court set November 22 for the appearance of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia before it in 11 cases lodged against her. Click here to read…

172 Bangladeshi workers held in Malaysia- Observer

Some 172 Bangladeshi nationals among the 213 undocumented migrant workers have been detained in a joint operation in Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Click here to read…

‘Communal violence in Noakhali could be avoided if those in power took steps’- Prothom Alo

As a sequel to the Cumilla incident, miscreants carried out attacks on members of the Hindu community and vandalised 12 temples, and looted and damaged a few shops and homes for three hours in Chowmuhani of Begumganj, Noakhali on Friday. Click here to read…

Dhaka-Beijing political trust continues to deepen: Li Jiming- Prothom Alo

Terming China the largest trading partner of Bangladesh, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming on Wednesday said the Bangladesh-China relations have achieved a rapid development, reports UNB. Click here to read…

Macron writes to Hasina over French photographer Riboud’s exhibition in Dhaka- The Independent

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his happiness over the exhibition of photographs taken in December 1971 by French photographer Marc Riboud that is taking place at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan PM congratulates India for crossing 1 billion COVID vaccine doses- ANI News

Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for achieving one billion COVID-19 vaccination doses on Thursday morning. Click here to read…

Bhutan’s attitude toward China is changing, while India still a great challenge: Global Times

Whether Bhutan and China could yield any results on the border negotiations, there needs to be a full-scale improvement in China-India relations, Zhang Jiadong, professor at the Center for American Studies of Fudan University, told the Global Times. Click here to read…

China may push Bhutan for ‘definitive response’ on border dispute: Ex-envoy Nambiar on MoU- The Print

Former Indian envoy to China Vijay K. Nambiar was speaking at a webinar hosted by Institute of Chinese Studies on linkages between Tawang region in Arunachal Pradesh, and Bhutan. Click here to read…

Wishes pour in from WHO, Bhutan, Sri Lanka as India achieves 100 crore Covid vaccine dose landmark- Times of India

Wishes poured in for India from the World Health Organisation and the leadership of Bhutan and Sri Lanka after it scripted history on Thursday with the cumulative Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country surpassing the 100-crore milestone. Click here to read…

South Asia Diary | Bhutan opens first Judo dojo- Wion

Bhutan inaugurated its first judo school, months after making an Olympic debut in the same sport. The project, funded by Japan, could make martial art more popular in Bhutan. Maiam Wardak gets you a report. Click here to read…

MoE reviewing policy to enhance tertiary education- Kuensel

To bring changes in line with the 21st Century higher education system, the Ministry of Education has begun reviewing the decade-old Tertiary Education Policy 2010. Click here to read…

Rains damage about 1,945MT of rice in Paro- Kuensel

The continuous rainfall in the past three days damaged about 793 acres of paddy fields damaging an estimated 1,945 metric tonnes of rice production in Paro. Click here to read…

His Majesty’s Kidu mobile medical camp for highlanders- Kuensel

Covering one of the remotest parts of the country, His Majesty’s Kidu mobile medical unit completed a 13-day medical camp in Soe and Lingzhi gewogs of Thimphu dzongkhag. Click here to read…

Truckers struggle living on the road- Namling block- BBS

More than 30 truckers transporting goods from Sorchen in Chhukha to eastern districts are stranded at Namling block along the Bumthang-Monggar highway for over a week now. Click here to read…

His Majesty to grant kidu to paddy growers affected by the continuous rainfall- BBS

Under the Royal Kidu, His Majesty the King will compensate the families whose paddies were damaged by continuous rain in the last few days. Click here to read…

Incumbent SJ Thrompon to not contest in the upcoming election- BBS

As the tenure of the current Thrompon of Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde completes at the end of this month, the constituents will get to choose a new representative. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives Defence Minister Says Country’s Relationship With India Today Is Stronger Than Ever – Republic World

The relationship between the Maldives and India today is “stronger than ever” and New Delhi has been the first and best responder to Malé in all times of need, the island nation’s Defence Minister Mariya Didi has said. Click here to read…

Experts of Committee on Elimination of Discrimination against Women Ask Maldives about how Radicalised Religious Groups – Mirage News

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its review of the sixth periodic report of Maldives on measures taken to implement the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women with Committee Experts inquiring about how radicalised religious groups and discriminatory practices affected women. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Situation – Inter-Agency Operational Update – October 2021 – Relief Web

The volatile situation in Myanmar following the 01 February 2021 coup has resulted in increased displacement both within the country and across borders, including into Thailand. Click here to read…

Bhasan Char: The Need For Rohingya Relocation In The Current Context – OpEd – Eurasia Review

Of the nearly 80 million displaced people in different parts of the world, 1.1 million Rohingyas are living in 34 Rohingya camps in the more densely populated Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh. Click here to read…

UN Envoy: Myanmar Is Now in Conflict, Could Be Failed State – US News

The U.N. special envoy for Myanmar warned Thursday that the country already faces “an internal armed conflict” and if power isn’t returned to the people in a democratic way “we will go in the direction of a failed state.” Click here to read…

Pakistan

Tarin leaves US without concluding IMF negotiations: Dawn

The minister, however, leaves behind Finance Secretary Yousaf Khan to further pursue the talks for the resumption of a $6 billion loan facility that would bring an immediate relief to the cash-starved government by delivering a suspended tranche of $1bn. Click here to read…

Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list: Dawn

Pakistan has been on the grey list for deficiencies in its counter-terror financing and anti-money laundering regimes since June 2018. Click here to read…

Pakistan desires durable peace, stability in Afghanistan: Qureshi: The Express Tribune

The foreign minister, who reached Kabul today on a one-day visit, held a meeting with Afghanistan’s interim Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund. Click here to read…

Economist reports Pakistan inflation fourth highest out of 42 country index: The News

In its latest edition, the Economist magazine tracked inflation in 42 countries plus the Euro region and found that Argentina was on the top with inflation, standing at 51.4 percent, Turkey on the second with 19.6 percent, Brazil at third position with 10.2 percent and then on the fourth position was Pakistan with inflation standing at 9 percent. Click here to read…

Govt may increase gas tariff by 10-22pc on November 1

The government is set to increase the local gas tariff by 10-22 percent by November 1, 2021 as per the undertaking extended to the IMF. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Namal meets Modi, gifts him Bhagwad Gita Sinhala version – Ceylon Today

Minister Namal Rajapaksa today (20) met with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and gifted him a Sinhala version of Bhagwad Gita. Click here to read…

555 persons test positive for COVID-19 – Daily FT

Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 detections rose to 533,860 with the detection of 555 COVID-19 patients yesterday. Click here to read…

E-sport driver and athlete training programme by Mandarin Reid – The Sunday Times

Globally, eGaming is considered a whopping $2.4 billion USD industry. In Sri Lanka, eSports are now taking centre stage, with the country being estimated to have approximately 3.2 million gamers; true numbers, however, extend far beyond that. Meanwhile, enriching and uplifting the gaming community has only just begun. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Lavrov Calls for Inclusive Afghan Govt: Tolo News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

Incessant rain damages paddy crops across the country- Kuensel

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

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

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

Elephants rampaging paddy fields in Pelrithang every night- Kuensel

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

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

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

Observing and documenting climate change- Kuensel

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

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

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

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

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

Swollen Amochhu washes away 26 cattle- BBS

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

Maldives

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

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

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

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

Myanmar

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

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

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

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

Pagodas Damaged in Myanmar’s Temple City: The Irrawaddy

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

Ethnic Minority Student Killed in Myanmar Junta Custody: The Irrawaddy

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

Nepal

Sixty killed, 27 missing in floods, landslides- Himalayan

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

Dahal for setting up agriculture aid fund- Himalayan

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

NA engaged in rescue, relief efforts- Himalayan

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

PM Deuba directs immediate rescue, relief and rehabilitation- Himalayan

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

Centre mulls mechanism to ‘help’ its ministers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

Govt plans subsidy on petrol for bikes, rickshaws: Dawn

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

15-day PDM protest against inflation begins: Dawn

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

Issues stymying CPEC projects remain unresolved: The Express Tribune

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

Trade deficit tops $ 5.5 b by August – Daily FT

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Islamic Emirate Delegates Prepare for Moscow Meeting: Tolo News

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

Bangladesh

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

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

NHRC to investigate Pirganj incident- Dhaka Tribune

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

Pakistan ISPR claims blocking Indian submarine from entering- Daily Star

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

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

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

Incessant rain affects paddy growers- BBS

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

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

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

Tala Plant could be temporarily shut down in winter- BBS

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

Maldives

Maldives achieves 90 pct of tourism target for 2021 – Xinhuanet

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

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

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

Myanmar

Myanmar military prepares an onslaught for the ages – Asia Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nepal

Three killed, 23 missing in Sudurpaschim- Himalaya

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

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

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

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

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

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

CPN-UML prepares new party statute- Himalaya

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

Himalayan floods a sign of worse to come- Nepali Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flood sweeps away a vehicle in Dang- Republica

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

PM Imran to attend Green Initiative Summit in Riyadh: Dawn

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

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

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

Govt decides to reduce taxes on food items: The News

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

Islamic Emirate Hopes Moscow Meeting Leads to Recognition: Tolo News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

When fear is all they feel- Daily Star

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

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

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

Editorial: This has to stop- Dhaka Tribune

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

Roadblock at Namling to remain longer- Kuensel

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

Gasa Tshachhu flood caused damage Nu 4M- Kuensel

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

Tapping Bhutan’s Vast Solar Energy Reserves- Bhutan Times

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

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

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

NITAG recommends third dose for immunocompromised people- Bhutan Times

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

Commemorating the birth anniversary of Third Druk Gyalpo- Bhutan Times

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

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

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

Fuel price hits all-time high- BBS

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

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

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

Schools in need of sports infrastructure – Punakha- BBS

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

Maldives

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

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

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

Sustainable Future Forum Asia: Responsibility & Regulation – CNBC

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

Myanmar

Justice for Myanmar – Twitter

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

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

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

Myanmar junta frees thousands of detainees in amnesty – RFA

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

Nepal

UML to continue obstructing House proceedings- Himalaya

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

Police slammed for using excessive force on protesters- Himalaya

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

Valley life unlikely to normalise for a few days- Himalaya

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

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

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

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

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

https://bit.ly/3jdIKqA

Oil exports may suffer after India slashes import duty- TKP

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

The start of the Anglo-Gorkha war- Nepali Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

PDM announces nationwide agitation from Oct 20: Dawn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dollar rises to new record: The News

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

Afghan, Uzbek Officials Pledge increased Connectivity: Tolo News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

A chronicle of hate unleashed- Daily Star

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

A burden for Bangladesh: PM- Daily Star

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

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

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

ED: No country for minorities- Daily Tribune

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

Bangladesh RMG industry greenest in the world?- Dhaka tribune

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

Panicked Hindus thinking about leaving country- Asian Age

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

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

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

BNP key patron of communal forces: Quader- Observer

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

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

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

Edible oil prices to see fresh hike- Financial Express

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

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

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

Bhutan

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

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

Building leadership capacity of women LG aspirants- Kuensel

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

Thimphu has become overly expensive, say residents- Kuensel

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

Increasing awareness on mental health issues- Bhutan Times

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

Police bust fraud over hired cars- Punakha- BBS

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

Tsirang to soon become LED Dzongkhag- BBS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maldives

Indian hodophiles help Maldives recover from pandemic blues – The Hindu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ASEAN alienates Myanmar junta chief – The Jakarta Post

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nepal

Nepal drops two notches in rule of law- The Himalaya

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

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

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

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

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

Second Chinese vaccine may get trial approval in Nepal- TKP

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

Nepal Electricity Authority is hit with a double whammy- TKP

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

Experts blame centralised governance for instability in the provinces- TKP

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

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

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

NRB auctioning off treasury bills- Republica

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

Govt will complete its term, Rashid tells opposition: Dawn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Institutions are not your Tiger Force: Bilawal: The News

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

Khaleda Zia hospitalised- Daily Star

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

Borrowing to send economy roaring- Daily Star

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

Girls Deserve a Better Normal- Daily Star

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Crimes escalate in Rohingya camps- Asian Age

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

Pakistan national arrested, arms recovered in Delhi- Asian Age

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8 Rohingya held at Ukhiya Rohingya camp- Prothom Alo

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

Bhutan

Expert cautions against giving cell phones to a child- Kuensel

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

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

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

LDCs demand more from developed countries at the COP26- Kuensel

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

Physiotherapy services are not well understood in the country- Kuensel

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

Giving a leg up to agriculture- Kuensel

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

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

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

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

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

MoF peak the charts in OIP implementation- Bhutan Times

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

The art of earning through arts- Bhutan Times

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

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

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

Maldives

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

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

Maldives active coronavirus cases drop to 1,205 – Raajje

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

President Solih establishes Laamu Gan Regional Hospital Board – Raajje

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

Egypt remains committed to enhance cooperation with Maldives – Raajje

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

Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rising Prices Forcing Myanmar Truckers to Stop Operations – The Irrawaddy

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

Nepal

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

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

NHRC calls for impartial investigation into Motipur incident- Himalaya

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

20 feared dead in Mugu bus accident- Himalaya

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

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

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

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

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

Health Ministry fails to meet Dashain vaccination target- TKP

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

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

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

Maha Astami festival being observed today- Republica

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

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

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

Monsoon Recedes Completely from Nepal- Rising Nepal

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

Afghanistan’s Only Sports Channel Stops Operating: Tolo News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

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

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

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

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

Leather goods export exceeds pre-pandemic level- Daily Star

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

Food Prices: Not coming down soon- Daily Star

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

7 including two Chinese nationals sent to jail- Asian Age

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

422 receive citizenship kidu- Kuensel

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

Entertainment businesses open in low-risk areas- Kuensel

Except for drayangs, all entertainment centres in low-risk areas were officially allowed to reopen their businesses, as of last night. Click here to read…
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RIGSS study shows prospects of professionalising domestic help- Kuensel

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

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

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

First Judo Dojo Center in Bhutan Inaugurated- Bhutan Times

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

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

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

Maldives

President Solih ratifies Maldives Energy Act – Raajje

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

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

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

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

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

Egypt remains committed to enhance cooperation with Maldives – Raajje

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

Nasheed returns to Maldives after five months – Avas

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

Myanmar

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

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

Myanmar Junta Media Accuses EAOs of Terrorism – The Irrawaddy

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

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

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

Myanmar Junta Condemns Foreign Recognition of Civilian Government – The Irrawaddy

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

Myanmar Regime Has no Evidence of Corruption Against Suu Kyi

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

Nepal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Phulpati being observed today- Republica

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

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

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

Two Teenagers Rescued From India- Rising Nepal

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

Pakistan

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

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

Iranian armed forces chief due in Islamabad today: Dawn

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

681 persons test positive for COVID-19 – Daily FT

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

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

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