Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

Country to get another nuclear power plant- Daily Star

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

Biggest hike in LPG price to date- Daily Star

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

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

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

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

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

Narcotics department bringing courier services under scanner- Dhaka Tribune

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

Media in crisis globally- Asian Age

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

Positivity rate comes down to 2.36%- Asian Age

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

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

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

Rohingyas happy over UN engagement at Bhasan Char- The Observer

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

BNP itself has no democracy: Quader- The Observer

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

Bhutan

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

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

What are the zhey dances in Bhutan?- Daily Bhutan

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

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

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

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

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

Urban agriculture initiative struggling to keep beneficiaries- Kuensel

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

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

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

Maldives

India resumes 2018 visa exemption agreement with Maldives – Hindustan Times

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

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

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

Cryptocurrency is not a legal tender: MMA – Edition

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

UNGA President Shahid concludes official visit to Maldives – Raajje

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

SAARC Secretary General arrives in the Maldives – Avas

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

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

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

Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myanmar army plans worry UN human rights office – Telegraph India

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

Nepal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Industry minister Hamal puts in papers- Himalaya

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

Three killed in Rupandehi police firing- Himalaya

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

Number of people leaving Kathmandu valley for Dashain up- Himalaya

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

Congress lays claim to Bagmati chief minister seat- TKP

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

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

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

The start of the Anglo-Gorkha war- Nepali Times

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

Minister Ale directs NAC to implement e-ticketing- Republica

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nine-Day Navadurga Dance Of Bhaktapur Begins- Rising Nepal

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

HoR holding meeting today- KhbaraHub

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

Should Nepal Ratify the MCC Nepal Compact?- Diplomat

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pak-IMF talks in Washington this week: The News

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

Sri Lanka

US assistance for Lankan lifesavers – The Island

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

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

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

Private sector borrowing hits record spike in August – Daily FT

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

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

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

Afghanistan

20th Anniversary of US Attack on Afghanistan: Tolo News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

India allows Serum to send 10 lac doses- Asian Age

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

His Majesty grants lag thrams to people of Lunana- Kuensel

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

Ngultrum trading thrives in Jaigaon- Kuensel

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

Businesses propose fiscal incentives to Ministry of Finance- Kuensel

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

Maldives

IMF Concludes 2021 Article IV Consultation with Maldives – Mirage News

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

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

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

Maldives’ Recovery Prospects Improve Amidst Uncertainties – World Bank

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

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

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

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

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

Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myanmar firstly establishes Coast Guard – Eleven Myanmar

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

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

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

Nepal

Nepali Congress delegation to arrive in India- The Hindu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Diplomatic License | Indian ignorance on Nepal- Annapurna Express

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A long and arduous walk for justice- TKP

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

As mobility increases, PCR test numbers are declining- TKP

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

UK removes Nepal from red list- Republica

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

CPN (Unified Socialist) to finalize ministers today- Republica

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

Cooperatives Need Regulating Body: FM Sharma- The Rising Nepal

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

Province 2 CM Lalbabu Raut wins vote of confidence- OnlineKhabar

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

Pakistan

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

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

Cash airlifts planned to bypass Taliban, help Afghans: Dawn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

Bangladesh trade facilitation initiative launched- The Observer

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

Tensions ‘highest in decades’`- Daily Star

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fear and loathing in refugee camps- Daily Star

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh honours Indian war veterans- The Tribune

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

Malda lotus to brighten Durga Puja in Bangladesh- The Telegraph

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

Bhutan

TCB undecided on restarting tourism with normal protocols- Kuensel

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

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

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

Quality of blacktopping work under scrutiny- Kuensel

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

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

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

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

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

Treating patients the safe way by local healers- BBS

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

Maldives

Pres confers Order of Izzuddin to PGA76 Shahid – Avas

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

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

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

Maldives tourist arrivals figure tops 890,363 – Raajje

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

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

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

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

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

Myanmar

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

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

Checkpoint blown up and one Tatmadaw killed – BNI Online

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

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

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

Myanmar junta leader inaugurates armed coastguard – France24

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

Nepal

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

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

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

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

As Nepal runs dry, communities tap water harvesting- Himalaya

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

Rule through ordinance threat to democracy, observers say- TKP

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

Private sector wants MCC compact endorsed from Parliament- TKP

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

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

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

Fare of public transport in Kathmandu Valley hiked- Republica

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

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

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

Pakistan

Ordinance issued to extend term of NAB chairman: Dawn

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

ISI gets new chief in army reshuffle: Dawn

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

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

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

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

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

World press, publishers, journalists condemn PMDA: The News

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

Sri Lanka

Former LTTE intelligence operative nabbed in Chennai – The Hindu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate Introduces New Members of Caretaker Cabinet: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate late Monday announced 38 new members of the caretaker government, in military and civil positions. Click here to read…

Passport Department Resumes Services to Afghans: Tolo News

The Passport Department of the Ministry of Interior Affairs on Tuesday announced the resumption of its services to Afghans, saying that at least 25,000 passports are ready to be issued in the first place. Click here to read…

ISIS-K claims responsibility for explosion on Eidgah mosque in Kabul: The Khaama Press

The Khorasan branch of the Islamic State (ISIS-K) claimed responsibility for the deadly explosion on the Eidgah mosque on Sunday, October 3. Click here to read…

School graduates of 2000-2020, of no use: Taliban’s higher education minister: The Khaama Press

The acting minister of the higher education of the Taliban Abdul Baqi Haqqani said that those who have graduated from high schools during the past twenty years are of no use. Click here to read…

Afghan Carpet Exports Fall as Air Corridor Stops Operating: Tolo News

Afghan merchants on Monday said that carpet exports have been significantly reduced due to the closure of air corridors. Domestic sales have also decreased, they said. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

DU likely to resume classes from October 16- Dhaka Tribune

The provost standing committee of Dhaka University (DU) has recommended to resume its in-person academic activities from October 16. Click here to read…

Will the BNP jettison Jamaat- Dhaka Tribune?

Flag of the BNP Younger leaders wish to cut ties The question of whether the major opposition party BNP will cut ties with its ally, the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, has been seriously discussed by the former recently. Click here to read…

Labour export market recovering as economies open again- Dhaka Tribune

Despite the Covid-19 situation improving thanks to mass vaccination drives across Asian countries, Bangladesh is yet to reap its benefits regarding the labour markets such as Malaysia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar. Click here to read…

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s climate leadership lauded at CVF-COP26 dialogue- Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s climate leadership and the Mujib Climate Prosperity Decade Plan 2021-2030 have been highly praised at the 4th CVF-COP26 Dialogue in London. Click here to read…

Bangladesh Bank on dollar selling spree to keep taka steady- Daily Star

The foreign exchange regime has made an about-face in the last two months as the Bangladesh Bank continues to inject US dollars (USD) into the market to halt the depreciation of the local currency. Click here to read…

HC orders to shut down all dens of Rajarbagh Pir- The Observer

High Court has directed to shut down all the dens of so-called Rajarbagh pir Dillur Rahman to stop deceiving people in the name of religion. Click here to read…

Mahalaya being celebrated- The Observer

The Hindus in the country have been celebrating the Mahalaya, the auspicious occasion heralding the advent of goddess Durga. Click here to read…

Bhutan

First 180kW grid-tied solar plant in Ruebisa- Kuensel

Inching a step closer to Bhutan’s aim of energy security through a diversified and sustainable energy supply mix, a 180-kilowatt (kW) grid-tied solar power plant project was inaugurated yesterday at Ruebisa, Wangdue. Click here to read…

Construction of new bridge on Damchhu-Haa bypass will begin this week- Kuensel

More than seven months after the newly constructed Wangchhu bridge along the Damchhu-Haa bypass collapsed, work to build a new bridge over the river will begin on October 7. Click here to read…

Gov’t suspends walk-in vaccinations from next month- Kuensel

Starting November 1, Covid-19 vaccinations for walk-in individuals aged 12 years and above will be discontinued, according to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) issued yesterday. Click here to read…

Economy growth falls to negative 10.08 percent last year- Kuensel

Bhutan’s economy saw negative growth of 10.08 percent last year, compared with 5.75 percent in 2019, according to the National Statistics Bureau’s National Accounts Statistics 2021. Click here to read…

Thimphu Thromde to complete four-lane road by end of October- BBS

It won’t be long before the North Thimphu residents get to enjoy a smooth ride between Chubachu and Jungshina. The Thromde plans to complete constructing the much-awaited four-lane road connecting the two places by the end of this month. Click here to read…

Maldives

Pres declares 3rd October as National Tourism Day – Avas

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has declared 3rd October as National Tourism Day. Click here to read…

Japan provides USD three million grant aid to boost health sector capacity – Raajje

With an aim to boost the Maldives health sector capacity, the government of Japan has provided a grant aid of USD three million to the Maldivian government. Click here to read…

Wage Advisory Board recommends MVR 7,000 as minimum wage – Avas

According to the Minimum Wage Board’s recommendation, the minimum wage for the public sector was set by using the minimum monthly wage earned by permanent civil servants in six hours as a basemark. Click here to read…

0.08 percent rise in inflation rate in August – Avas

Inflation rate rose by 0.08 percent in August, official statistics have shown. The most recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) published by National Bureau of Statistics show the inflation rate was at 0.08 percent in August. The rate was at 2.80 percent in July. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Notorious Myanmar Military Commander to Lead Clearance Operations – The Irrawaddy

One of the Myanmar military regime’s most notorious commanders will lead clearance operations against civilian resistance fighters in the country’s most restive regions, according to a former army captain. Click here to read…

Why Singapore Should Solve Rohingya Refugee Crisis For Ensuring Greater Interest Of South East Asia – OpEd – Eurasia Review

It is Singapore who can make Myanmar realize about Rohingya repatriation. Singapore can be an ideal mediator in solving the Rohingya Refugee Crisis because Singapore has very good relations with both Myanmar and Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Eyewitness Gives Chilling Account of Rohingya Leader’s Killing in Bangladesh – RFA

A Rohingya day-laborer, who was in the room when gunmen killed prominent refugee community leader Muhib Ullah in southeastern Bangladesh, described in an interview with BenarNews how the intruders forced him and other eyewitnesses to the ground before they interrogated their target and shot him in cold blood.Click here to read…

Elderly Chin Christians Shot Dead by The Tatmadaw in Chin State – persecution.Org

Two elderly Christian men in Myanmar’s Chin state were killed in a car by the Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) as they entered the town of Thantlang to help its displaced villagers. Click here to read…

Five Tatmadaw killed, two PDF injured in clash – BNI Online

Fighting broke out between the Tatmadaw stationed at Kywe Chan Village Monastery and the Daung Min (King Peacock) Operation Force (TYC-PDF) in Thayet Chaung township Taung Pyauk district, Tanintharyi region on October 3. Click here to read…

Nepal

Cabinet expansion likely by tomorrow- Himalaya

The five-party ruling coalition has reached an agreement on sharing Cabinet portfolios. Click here to read…

National Women Commission gears up its activities- Himalaya

The National Women Commission has stepped up its activities in recent days. Click here to read…

207 petty criminals arrested in police operation- Himalaya

Police have arrested 207 petty criminals in the past 20 days from the capital in a covert operation conducted ahead of the festive season. Click here to read…

Deuba sending delegation to India as he walks diplomatic tightrope-TKP

Congress leaders, led by Prakash Sharan Mahat, are visiting Delhi on Thursday and are expected to meet BJP leaders and Jaishankar, the minister for external affairs. Click here to read…

Vero Cell doses bought through COVAX will arrive from November- TKP

Vero Cell vaccine doses bought from the COVAX facility through a cost-sharing mechanism are likely to be delivered starting November. Click here to read…

‘Fair criticism of court and verdicts does not amount to contempt of court’- TKP

In full text of verdict quashing petition seeking contempt charges against Kantipur, court emphasises freedom of expression and public opinions, even in sub judice cases. Click here to read…

Restoring a piece of Nepal’s history- Nepali Times

When an 8.3 magnitude earthquake hit Kathmandu in 1934, a three-storey temple in Patan collapsed. Eighty-two years later, just as work had officially started to rebuild it, the 2015 earthquake hit central Nepal. Click here to read…

Korea-bound workers called for completing official procedures for job placement- Republica

The South Korean government is resuming job placement for eligible Nepali workers that has been suspended for the past 20 months. Click here to read…

Dathu Baha fall made Bhaktapur realise the importance of communal space. Hence, they toiled hard to rebuild it- Online Khabar

Annually, the site is a must-visit during the Gunlaa festival, where devotees travel from bihars to bihars to pay respect to the deities. Click here to read…

NRB Allows Banks to Issue SBLC Of Up To $5 Million- Rising Nepal

Commercial banks and national level development banks in Nepal can now issue Standby Letter of Credit (SBLC) to any firm, organisation or agency to run business activities and obtain loan in foreign countries. Click here to read…

Pakistan

At UN summit, PM Imran calls for ending ‘illicit’ flow of money from poor to rich capitals: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan stressed on Tuesday the need to end the “illicit flow of money from poor countries to rich capitals, to tax havens, to haven destinations”, which he said was “crushing the people in the developing world”Click here to read…

Army huddle takes serious note of Indian army’s ‘malicious propaganda’, resolves to take measures: Dawn

The resolution in this regard was expressed during the 244th Corps Commanders Conference chaired by Army Chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa at the GHQ. Click here to read…

Maryam draws public flak for targeting security institutions: The Express Tribune

Stooping to a new low, the Sharif family has levelled serious allegations against Pakistan’s security establishment just to appease “foreign forces and woo them” in a bid to pull them out of the legal quagmire. Click here to read…

Pakistan, Iran agree on ‘continued economic engagement’ with Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

The consensus was reached between the two sides during talks between Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and the visiting deputy foreign minister of Iran, Dr Ali Bagheri Kani. Click here to read…

COAS, Saudi Naval commander discuss Afghan situation: The Express Tribune

The Saudi naval commander called upon the army chief at General Headquarters (GHQ) during which matters of mutual interest, regional security situation and cooperation in military and maritime domains were discussed. Click here to read…

World Leaders Summit Dialogue: One trillion dollars being shifted to safe havens every year, says PM Imran Khan: The News

Prime Minister Imran Khan Tuesday called for prioritising vaccine equity, debt relief, climate finance and return of stolen wealth to developing countries. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Over 500,000 USD worth of PCR test kits and PCR test machines to Sri Lanka – The Island

Under the “Stay Strong” campaign, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea, Santhush Woonjin Jeong, at a ceremony held in the Foreign Ministry on 04 October 2021, handed over a donation of USD 500,000 which includes PCR test kits and PCR test machines to the Sri Lankan government. Click here to read…

EU hints possible changes to GSP+ – Daily FT

A top European Commission official yesterday highlighted areas of possible changes underway in the generation of European Union (EU) GSP+ preference by introducing more scrutiny to supply chains and sustainable development principles, whilst underscoring the benefits and optimal utilisation for economic growth. Click here to read…

784 persons test positive for COVID-19 – Daily FT

Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 detections rose to 522,002 with 784 persons testing positive for COVID-19 yesterday. Click here to read…

President upbeat on stronger ties with India – Daily FT

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday appeared upbeat on stronger ties with India, extending an open invitation to investors saying the island nation needs the neighbouring giant’s help. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Daesh Hideout Targeted in Kabul: Mujahid: Tolo News

Zabihullah Mujahid, the deputy minister of information and culture, said that a Daesh hideout was eliminated in an operation by Islamic emirate forces on Sunday. Click here to read…

EU: Afghanistan Facing Socio-Economic Collapse: Tolo News

Afghanistan is facing a breakdown of its economic and social systems that risks turning into a humanitarian catastrophe, the European Union’s foreign policy chief said on Sunday. Click here to read…

Taliban to begin issuance of NIDs, Passport: The Khaama Press

The council of ministers of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has said that they will sooner begin issuance of the National IDs and passport in the country. Click here to read…

Afghan traders ask for facilitation in trades with neighboring countries: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s chamber of commerce and industry in a statement on Monday, October 4 said that they want more facilitation between them and the traders of the neighboring countries. Click here to read…

Afghanistan’s problems getting solved gradually: Taliban: The Khaama Press

The administration of affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in its official Facebook page said that the governance in Afghanistan is getting better. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh-Bhutan business dialogue held- Dhaka Tribune

The event provided an opportunity to exchange ideas with the local business community on maximizing the benefits of the recently signed Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between the two countries. Click here to read…

Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp reconnecting after nearly six-hour outage- Dhaka Tribune

Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp lit up again early Tuesday in Bangladesh after a nearly six-hour outage that prevented the company’s 3.5 billion users from accessing its social media and messaging services. Click here to read…

Experts: Neutral election-time government necessary to give EC freedom- Dhaka Tribune

A neutral election-time government is necessary to give the Election Commission the freedom to function and perform without any outside influence, experts have said. Click here to read…

Padma boat tragedy: Death toll rises to 5- Dhaka Tribune

The death toll from last week’s tragic boat accident in the Padma River rose to five with the recovery of another child’s body on Monday. Click here to read…

Abdul Awal Mintoo’s Nepalese business partner Binod Chaudhary named in Pandora Papers- Dhaka Tribune

BNP leader Abdul Awal Mintoo’s name came in the Pandora Papers files, leaked on Sunday, as a partner of Nepalese business tycoon Binod Chaudhary. Click here to read…

High Prices of Essentials: Double blow for those with fixed income- Daily Star

Prices of almost all daily essentials have shot up in the kitchen market, adding woes to the fixed-income people who are reeling from the economic slowdown caused by the pandemic. Click here to read…

Foreign TV Channels: No bar to airing 24 ad-free ones- Daily Star

Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud yesterday said there was no bar to air the 24 ad-free foreign channels. Click here to read…

We are able to resist militancy: PM- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that Bangladesh is able to control and resist militancy. She laid emphasis on making people more aware of the detrimental effect of militancy and radicalism Click here to read…
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‘ADB Bangladesh’s vital development partner’- Asian Age

AHM Mustafa Kamal stated that ADB is one of the most vital development partners of Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Mohib Ullah’s killing part of int’l plot: BNP- The Observer

BNP standing committee has called for beefing up security at Rohingya camps as it thinks this community leader Mohib Ullah was shot dead as part of a deep-rooted “international conspiracy”. Click here to read…

Bhutan

His Majesty returns from Royal tour- Kuensel

His Majesty The King arrived in the capital today after a Royal tour during which His Majesty visited Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang, Mongar, Tashiyangtse, and Tashigang. Click here to read…

Jail “protest” linked to mobile phone raid inside Chamgang prison- Kuensel

A video showing inmates at Chamgang central jail in Thimphu protesting against alleged police brutality has raised eyebrows. Click here to read…

DAMC develops strategies to address agricultural marketing challenges- Kuensel

The strategy has identified four issues in the present marketing scenario. Click here to read…

Torma, the multipurpose Buddhist ritual cake- Daily Bhutan

A torma is a ritual cake. It holds different meanings. It could symbolise a deity, act as an offering, or even be used as a medicine. Click here to read…

A better respite for our elderlies- Bhutan Times

For the population 65 years and above and people living with disabilities who present to health facilities for numerous health problems and taking different medications can become overwhelming. Click here to read…

Bracing for new tourism standards- Bhutan Times

The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) has developed an operational guideline for tourism services to guide the stakeholders in the tourism industry to operate in the “new normal era”. Click here to read…

TCB listed world 75 most innovative organizations- Bhutan Times

Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) has been listed among the World’s 75 Most Innovative Organizations in Tourism Policy 2021. Click here to read…

Residents in Omchuna grapple with water shortage- BBS

After the development of Shaychamthang village in Gakiling Gewog in Sarpang into a satellite town in 2017, the water supply to an adjacent village Omchuna was discontinued. Since then, Omchuna village has been plagued with water shortage. Click here to read…

Another leap in Bhutan’s sustainable energy endeavour- BBS

Bhutan is inching closer towards its dream of energy security through a diversified and sustainable energy supply mix. On Monday, the economic affairs ministry (MoEA) officially inaugurated the country’s first grid-tied solar power plant in Ruebisa gewog, Wangdue Phodrang. Click here to read…

Nepal

Take up border issue with Beijing, Home Ministry asks Foreign Ministry- TKP

A week after a panel submitted its report recommending the formation of a joint boundary inspection team to address the boundary issues between Nepal and China in line with the Nepal-China Joint Boundary Treaty. Click here to read…

CPN (US) Chair Nepal discharged from hospital- Himalaya

Chairperson of the CPN (Unified Socialist), Madhav Kumar Nepal, has been discharged from Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital today. Click here to read…

Gandhi Jayanti celebrated- Himalaya

On the occasion of the 152nd Gandhi Jayanti, an art exhibition on the theme ‘Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy for a better world’ was inaugurated by Charge d’affaires of the Indian embassy Namgya Khampa at Nepal Art Council, Kathmandu. Click here to read…

Province 2 sees rise in drowning incidents-TKP

Two hundred and eighty-five cases of death by drowning were reported in eight districts of Province 2 in the past 27 months, according to the data of the Provincial Police Office in Janakpur. Click here to read…

As chief justice comes under scrutiny, concerns grow if the rot has set in

Judiciary head getting caught into controversy over ‘bargains’ with executive when legislature is dysfunctional bodes ill for democracy and constitution, observers say. Click here to read…

Govt once again bans import of peppercorns, peas, dates, and betel nuts- Republica

The government has banned completely the import of peppercorns, peas, dates, and betel nuts. Click here to read…

Will an ascent of Manaslu ‘true summit’ end a historic debate on Nepal mountains?- Online Khabar

When Mingma Gyalje Sherpa (better known as Mingma G) announced that he was going to the “true summit” of Manaslu this autumn, everyone was sceptical. Why would not they be? No one had been there for the past 45 years. Click here to read…

Experts worried about negative economic indicators- Rising Nepal

Nepal’s economy is now in an alarming situation with growing negative macroeconomic indicators, said the economists. Click here to read…

India, Nepal to discuss border issues from Tuesday- India TV

The 12-member SSB delegation will be led by DG Kumar Rajesh Chandra while the nine-member Nepalese side will be headed by the APF’s IG Shailendra Khanal. Click here to read…

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

When the country witnessed a devastating earthquake and promulgated its Constitution in 2015. Click here to read…

Maldives

Upon President Solih’s invitation, PGA Shahid schedules official visit to Maldives – Raajje

Upon the invitation of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (PGA), Abdulla Shahid is scheduled to visit the Maldives this week. Click here to read…

Maldives reports 65 new Covid-19 cases, 92 recoveries – Raajje

By sundown on Monday, the country’s active coronavirus case count sat at 1,477, according to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA). Click here to read…

Myanmar

SOUTHWARD PUSH: How will China’s influence affect conflict-ridden Shan State? – Mizzima

At a time when the world has its eye on the worsening crisis in Myanmar – in which the main focus is on the conflict between the junta’s military and the people – a nasty spat between Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAO) in Shan State may beggar belief. Click here to read…

Open Letter To Russian President Vladimir Putin: Russia Could Easily Solve Rohingya Refugee Crisis – OpEd – Eurasia Review

His Excellency Mr. President of Russia, Vladimir Putin, please help us. Please help the Bangladeshi people. You and your country can easily solve the refugee crisis. Bangladesh is in trouble with Rohingyas, this time Dhaka is on the doorstep of Russia to return the refugees. Click here to read…

ASEAN ‘disappointed’ with Myanmar military’s peace commitment – Aljazeera

Myanmar’s military has made no significant progress in implementing a Southeast Asian roadmap for peace following their coup or given any feedback on the work of a regional envoy in the country, Indonesia’s foreign minister has said. Click here to read…

Pakistan

High-powered cell formed to investigate offshore firm owners: Dawn

Prime Minis¬ter Imran Khan on Monday formed a high-powered cell to investigate if any irregularity had been committed by the 700 Pakistanis named in the Pandora Papers. Click here to read…

Govt not part of talks with TTP, claims Fazl: Dawn

Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman has downplayed Prime Minister Imran Khan’s statement that the government is in talks with some groups of banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Click here to read…

PM Imran launches Kamyab Pakistan Programme: The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday launched the Kamyab Pakistan Program (KPP) worth Rs1,400 billion with an aim to uplift 3.7 million households across the country. Click here to read…

Pakistan, China joint anti-terrorist exercise concludes: The Express Tribune

This is the first-ever military exercise conducted in Pakistan under the ambit of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS), the military’s media wing said. Click here to read…

Nepra allows Discos to collect additional Rs1.65 per unit: The News

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Monday revised the quarterly adjustments of the power cost for consumers by Rs 0.03/unit to Rs 1.65 for 2021/22 against Rs 1.62 of last year. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Pandora Papers: ICIJ’s Questions To Nirupama Rajapaksa & Thirukumar Nadesan – Colombo Telegraph

Former Sri Lanka Minister and a niece of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Nirupama Rajapaksa’s name has been mentioned in Pandora Papers. Click here to read…

Hold provincial council polls without delay, India urges Sri Lanka – The Hindu

India has urged Sri Lanka to hold elections to its provincial councils without further delay, according to the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) whose delegation met visiting Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Monday. Click here to read…

GoSL Debt Up Rs 1.63 Trillion – Ceylon Today

Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) debt increased by 10.81 per cent (Rs 1,634.5 billion or by Rs 1.63 trillion) to Rs 16,751.7 billion (Rs 16.75 trillion) by end July 2021 compared to Rs 15,117.2 billion (Rs 15.12 trillion) by end December 2020, latest Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) data showed. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka to boost tourism, trade and investment via World Expo – Dubai – Daily FT

Sri Lanka aims to boost tourism, investments and exports through its participation in the six-month World Expo 2020 in Dubai — the largest global gathering since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic. Click here to read…

Basil talks of boosting bilateral ties with Indian Foreign Secy. – Daily FT

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla and his delegation yesterday called on Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa yesterday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Explosion Occurs Near Kabul Mosque, Casualties Reported:Tolo News

An explosion occurred near the gate of Eid Gah Mosque in Kabul on Sunday afternoon, said Zabihullah Mujahid, the deputy minister for culture and information ministry. Click here to read…

Islamabad Engages in Afghanistan-Hosted Talks With TTP: Tolo News

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that his country seeks the support of the Islamic Emirate in peace talks with the Tehreek-i- Taliban of Pakistan. Click here to read…

Taliban eliminates ISIS-K hideout in north of Kabul: The Khaama Press

The Taliban fighters reportedly conducted operations in Kabul’s northern suburb-Police District 17, Khair Khana- eliminating a safe haven of the ISIS Khorasan branch. Click here to read…

Afghanistan will lose electricity if debts not paid off: former officials: The Khaama Press

The Wall Street Journal has quoted a number of former officials of De Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS)- electricity firm of Afghanistan- that if the central Asian countries are not paid their money, Afghanistan may not have electricity in the upcoming winter season. Click here to read…

70% of Afghan media outlets stopped working since Taliban takeover: The Khaama Press

National Association of Journalists in Kabul said that due to financial problems, 70 percent of media outlets stopped working in Afghanistan since the Taliban took over the country. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Thakurgaon preparing for Durga Puja at 465 mandaps this year- Daily Star

Preparations for the celebrations of Sharodiya Durga Puja Utsab, the biggest religious festival of the Bangalee Hindus, are going on in full swing in Thakurgaon. Click here to read…

This day in history (04 October)- Daily Star

2002 – Nepal’s King Gyanendra dismissed prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and took over the government. Click here to read…

HC asks ACC to capture real money launderers- Dhaka Tribune

The High Court on Sunday told the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to focus on capturing the “real” large-scale money launderers instead of businessmen. Click here to read…

Whistle-blower says Facebook put profit before reining in hate speech- Dhaka Tribune

Facebook has been under fire after the Journal published a series of stories based on Facebook internal presentations and emails. Click here to read…

Dipu Moni: Preparations underway to vaccinate students aged 12 and above- Dhaka Tribune

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Sunday said the government had given its approval to vaccinate students over the age of 12 years to beat the ongoing pandemic. Click here to read…

World Animal Day 2021: Bangladesh must keep up efforts to protect biodiversity- Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh has made significant strides in protecting its biodiversity in recent years, but the government must stay vigilant against threats to wildlife, zoology experts told Dhaka Tribune. Click here to read…

Dhaka pledges ‘justice’ for murdered Rohingya activist- Asian Age

Bangladesh on Saturday promised to mete out justice to the killers of a prominent Rohingya rights activist. Click here to read…

PM to brief media today on UN visit- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will address a press conference today at 4 pm from her official residence. Click here to read…

Carpeting on Padma Bridge to begin in November: Quader- The Observer

Road Transport and Bridges said the carpeting work on the main structure of the Padma Bridge would begin in the first week of November. Click here to read…

US sends more than 8 mln Covid vaccines to Bangladesh, Philippines- The Independent

The United States announced Friday it is sending more than eight million Covid-19 vaccine doses to Bangladesh and the Philippines in the latest wave of aid to a world still struggling to tame the pandemic. Click here to read…

14 armed groups active in the Rohingya camps- Prothom Alo

Around 14 armed criminal gangs are active in the 34 Rohingya refugee camps in Ukhiya and Teknaf upazila in Cox’s Bazar. Click here to read…

Bhutan

How digital cash can lift gross national happiness in Bhutan- Mint

The central bank’s desire to take cash digital could create opportunities for blockchain-based decentralized finance. Hopefully, it won’t use up too much energy and will leave people happier than they are now. Click here to read…

What the world can learn from Bhutan’s rapid Covid vaccine rollout- The Print

Despite having 376 doctors and few nurses, across just three weeks in summer, Bhutan delivered a second vaccine dose to nearly every adult in the country. Click here to read…

Giving elderly their due- Kuensel

Every year, October will be observed as the month for the elderly. Click here to read…

Judiciary to come up with SOP to resolve monetary disputes- Kuensel

The judiciary will come up with a separate standard of procedure (SOP) to resolve monetary disputes that are not included in the Rules and Regulations for Registered Private Money Lenders (RRRPML) 2021. Click here to read…

Yoeseltse Gewog struggling to guard crops against livestock from across the border- Samtse- BBS

Heat, rain and cold have not deterred the armed force personnel and DeSuups from guarding Bhutan’s porous border amid the pandemic. Click here to read…

NI-TAG expects to roll out the second dose of COVID vaccine for adolescents within this month- BBS

The National Immunization Technical Advisory Group (NI-TAG) expects to roll out the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccines for the remaining adolescents aged 12 to 17 years within this month. Click here to read…

Fiscal deficit drops to 7.08% in the 4th quarter- Business Bhutan
The improvement in the fiscal deficit is also due to the increase in the resources under the budgetary grants. Click here to read…

Bhutan’s debate over controlling tourism- Carwan

The country’s tourism policy is guided by Gross National Happiness, a multidimensional strategy of development pioneered by Bhutan’s fourth king, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. Click here to read…

Maldives

Man who threatened to bomb Indian high commission, released from police custody- Raajje

The man arrested for threatening to bomb the Indian High Commission in Maldives, has been released. Click here to read…

South Korean Ambassador committed to explore endless opportunities to build Maldives-Korea ties – Raajje

There are endless opportunities to build the ties between Maldives and Korea, on many spheres, says Ambassador of Korea to the Maldives, Woonjin JEONG. Click here to read…

Maldives attaches great importance to the historical relationship with China: FM Shahid – Raajje

In commemoration of China’s national day, FM Shahid posted a Tweet extending sincere greetings to the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the Maldives Wang Lixin, the government and friendly people of China on the auspicious occasion, noting that Maldives looks forward to “greater interactions” on enhancing cooperation in the future between the two countries. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Fighting rages despite unilateral ceasefire in Myanmar – UCA News

Christian-dominated areas in Myanmar continue to witness intense fighting between the military and disparate resistance groups even after the ruling junta announced a unilateral five-month ceasefire on Sept. 27. Click here to read…

UN Says Poverty in Myanmar at Worst Level in 20 Years Following Coup – The Irrawaddy

The UN’s top humanitarian official in Myanmar said on Thursday the country’s people are living in “a severe crisis,” with a level of poverty not seen for at least 20 years. Click here to read…

Karen Armed Group Ambushes Myanmar Junta Regional Commander – The Irrawaddy

The southeastern commander of Myanmar’s junta has survived an ambush by a Karen rebel group during his trip to Myawaddy Township, Karen State, on Friday, according to the Karen media. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Military Junta Has Long-Term Power Plans – The News Lens

The Myanmar military junta seems to be here to stay after extending its emergency rule until at least until August 2023. But what does it plan to do in the next two years? Click here to read…

Killing of top Rohingya leader underscores violence in Bangladesh camps – Reuters

For years, Rohingya leader Mohib Ullah, one of the most prominent advocates for the persecuted Muslim minority from Myanmar, predicted he would be killed by the hardliners who regularly sent him death threats. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal-India Military Training Concludes- The Rising Nepal

The Nepal-India joint military exercise named Ex. Surya Kiran-XV concluded on Saturday. Held in Pithoragarh of India from September 20 to October 2, the training was of the Battalion level. Click here to read…

‘Nepal is open for tourism. We invite tourists from all over the world to come and explore the beauty of this Himalayan nation.’- Nepal Live Today

Political leadership needs to understand that without the right infrastructure, we won’t be able to make visiting tourists stay longer in Nepal. Click here to read…

Meet record-holding Sherpa mountaineer who led Manaslu climbers to true summit- Himalaya

Renowned Nepali climber Mingma Gyalje Sherpa and his team reached the true summit and highest point of Mt Manaslu in the autumn season. Click here to read…

CPN-UML trying to finish off democracy, statute, says Paudel- Himalaya

Senior Nepali Congress leader Ramchandra Paudel today said that the main opposition CPN-UML had obstructed the House of Representatives to finish off the democracy and the statute. Click here to read…

CPN-UML’s statute general convention kicks off- Himalaya

The first statute general convention of the CPN-UML has kicked off at Godawari-based Sunrise Conference Centre. Click here to read…

Directly elected prime minister idea floated at UML convention- TKP

Observers warn against the idea saying that it will make the executive more autocratic. Click here to read…

Behind the facade of UML’s pomposity lies some unease and discomfort- TKP

Party’s statute congress ends setting sights on polls, but representatives say they have a big battle to fight in the form of elections, as everyone has turned against them. Click here to read…

The Gorkhali defeat at Kangra- Nepali Times

The fortress at Kangra looks majestic in the rain, as monsoon clouds drift across its stone ramparts like lace curtains. The lush green mountains appear fresh after a night of rain, as though newly painted. Click here to read…

NOC may hike petroleum prices any time as fuel prices have soared in int’l market- Republica

Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) has projected its fortnightly loss to stand over Rs 1.50 billion at the new price rates that the corporation received recently from the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC). Click here to read…

UML to hold 10th Gen Convention in Butwal on Nov 26-28- KhabarHub

The opposition CPN (UML) on Sunday concluded its first statute convention with the commitment to advance the country’s campaign for transformation and prosperity by taking people’s fresh mandate. Click here to read…

Nepal’s only billionaire, 15 other affluent people named in Pandora Papers- ANI

Nepal’s only billionaire (as per the Forbes) Binod Chaudhary and 15 other people have been named in “Pandora Papers”, a sequel of ‘Panama Papers’ who has been using tax havens for money laundering. Click here to read…

Vehicular movement resumes through Indo-Nepal border- Hindustan Times

Vehicular movement along the Indo-Nepal border resumed on Friday morning, nearly 18 months after it was suspended following the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic in March last year. Click here to read…

2 Indians Among 3 Arrested for Illegal Hundi Transaction In Nepal- NDTV

Three persons, including two Indian nationals, were arrested from Birgunj Metropolitan City in southern Nepal on Friday for alleged involvement in running illegal Hundi transactions and evading tax, police said. Click here to read…

US museum returns stolen 10th-century Shiva statue to Nepal- Times of India

A United States museum has returned to Nepal a 10th-century Shiva statue, which belonged to Kankeswari Temple in Kathmandu and was stolen in 1995Click here to read…
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Pakistan

Govt assailed over unilateral TTP talks: Dawn

Rejecting Prime Minister Imran Khan’s “unilateral” decision to offer amnesty to the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and “inconsistent” statements of cabinet members on the issue, opposition parties on Sunday. Click here to read…

Shaukat Tarin, Moonis Elahi among over 700 Pakistanis named in ICIJ’s Pandora Papers: Dawn

The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) on Sunday unveiled “Pandora Papers” — a major international research into the financial secrets held by high-profile individuals around the world. Click here to read…

Talks to revive $6 billion IMF package next week: The Express Tribune

The five-day round of technical discussions will virtually begin on October 4, with the IMF team joining from Doha, Qatar. Click here to read…

Pakistan-Iran border reopens for pedestrians: The Express Tribune

According to sources, the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has also begun the regular immigration process at the Taftan border, allowing Pakistani citizens to enter Iran. Click here to read…

Electoral reforms: PM Imran Khan directs NA speaker to negotiate with opposition: The News

Prime Minister Imran Khan has handed over the task of negotiating with the Opposition regarding electoral reforms to Speaker of the National Assembly Asad Qaiser, Geo News reported Sunday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

President’s cousin named in Pandora Papers: luxury apartment and art deals revealed

Nirupama Rajapaksa, Former Minister and Cousin of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has been named in the Pandora Papers which is a leak of almost 12 million documents that reveal the hidden wealth of the world’s most powerful leaders. Click here to read…

Indian foreign secretary arrives in Sri Lanka – Adaderana

The Foreign Secretary of India, Shri Harsh Vardhan Shringla arrived in Sri Lanka this evening (October 02) for a four-day official visit. He is undertaking this visit to the island nation from October 02 – 05 at the invitation of his Sri Lankan counterpart, Admiral Prof. Jayanath Colombage. Click here to read…

Indian Foreign Secy inspects Trinco Oil Farm – Ceylon Today

India’s Foreign Secretary Harsh V. Shringla who arrived in Sri Lanka on Saturday (2) paid a visit to the Trincomalee oil farms yesterday (3), where he was briefed by the Lanka Indian Oil Company (LIOC). Click here to read…

Indian Contingent for Exercise ‘Mithra Shakti’ Arrives – Army IK

A contingent of 120 Army personnel of the Indian Army this afternoon (2) arrived at Mattala International Airport to participate in the 8th consecutive iteration of the joint Exercise ‘Mitra Shakti’ between Sri Lanka and India. Click here to read…

Pandora Papers: Secret wealth and dealings of world leaders exposed – BBC

The secret wealth and dealings of world leaders, politicians and billionaires has been exposed in one of the biggest leaks of financial documents. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Afghan State Collapse Rooted in Doha Deal: US Officials: Tolo News

Senior Pentagon officials said Wednesday the collapse of the Afghan government and its security forces in August could be traced to a 2020 U.S. agreement. Click here to read…

Airspace Revenue Drops, Airline Industry Struggling: Tolo News

The suspension of airline flights has harmed the airline industry and the closing of Afghan airspace has caused revenue to plummet, industry analysts said. Click here to read…

Pakistan eliminates gate pass at Torkham crossing point: The Khaama Press

Pakistan’s ambassador to Kabul Mansoor Ahamd Khan said that Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered the elimination of gate pass at the Torkham border to facilitate the movement of Afghan people to Pakistan. Click here to read…

EU allocated over $300 million in humanitarian aid for Afghan people: The Khaama Press

President of the European Union Ursula Von der Leyen on Wednesday, September 29 said that they have allocated US$ 348.2 million in humanitarian aid for the people of Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Afghanistan central bank drained dollars before Taliban takeover: World bank: The Khaama Press

An assessment prepared for Afghanistan’s international donors indicates that the central bank of Afghanistan-De Afghanistan bank- drained $1.5 billion before the Afghan capital collapse to the Taliban. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

UN, US condemn killing of Rohingya leader Mohib Ullah- Daily Star

The United Nations and United States on Thursday spoke out over the killing of Rohingya refugee leader Mohib Ullah and called on Bangladeshi authorities to investigate his shooting. Click here to read…

85 more news portals including Prothom Alo, The Daily Star e-papers approved to register- Daily Star

The Information and Broadcasting Ministry yesterday granted approval to 85 more online news portals for being registered. Click here to read…

Money Laundering: Charges against ex-minister’s brother, 9 others accepted- Daily Star

A Dhaka court yesterday accepted charges against 10 people, including Khandaker Mohtesam Hossain Babar, the brother of former Awami League minister Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain. Click here to read…

Who is behind the murder of Rohingya leader Mohib Ullah?- Dhaka Tribune

Family blames Rohingya militants; police yet to detain anyone. Click here to read…

Quader: National polls on time, with or without BNP- Dhaka Tribune

The minister terms the BNP’s call for an election-time government ‘crazy and childish’. Click here to read…

Indictment hearing in two cases against Khaleda on Oct 14- Asian Age

A court here on Thursday set October 14 for holding hearing on charge framing in two cases lodged against BNP chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia on the charges of celebrating fake birthday on National Mourning Day. Click here to read…

Charge sheet against Ex-DG of Health submitted by ACC- Observer

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) on Thursday pressed charges against six people, including former director general of the Directorate General of Health Service. Click here to read…

Pran Gopal Dutta takes oath as MP- Observer

Newly-elected Member of Parliament (MP) from the Cumilla-7 constituency Dr Pran Gopal Dutta took the oath of office at the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Thursday. Click here to read…

Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition begins at BSA- The Independent

The Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition was opened for public viewing at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Saturday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Farmers lose crops to rainstorm- Kuensel

Two chiwogs of Toetsho gewog in Trashiyangtse experienced heavy rains for about three hours after 1pm on September 28, which ruined about 15 acres of maize belonging to more than 40 households. Click here to read…

RNR sector sees spike in its GDP share- Kuensel

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) share of the Renewable Natural Resource (RNR) sector increased in the 12th Plan. Click here to read…

Government to be neutral on Afghanistan’s Taliban government: Sources- Kuensel

Bhutan is likely to take a “neutral” stand on the issue of recognition of the Taliban government, which had asked to address the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in New York, according to sources. Click here to read…

Ambassador to Australia presents credentials- Kuensel

Ambassador of Bhutan to the Commonwealth of Australia Sonam Tobgay presented his credentials virtually to Governor General David Hurley AC DSC (Retd), the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. Click here to read…

Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck donated much needed medical equipment to the hospitals in Bhutan- Daily Bhutan

The Gyalyum Charitable Trust (GCT) on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck, donated a second round of medical equipment and COVID-19 relief goods including Oxygen Concentrators. Click here to read…

Bhutanese economy shrinks to an all time low of -10.08 %- BBS

The Bhutanese economy shrank to an all-time low of minus 10.08 per cent last year amid the pandemic. It is almost a 16 per cent drop as compared to a growth of 5.46 per cent in 2019. Click here to read…

Bhutan to soon have 5G- BBS

Bhutan Telecom is testing 5G network in its premises which will soon be commercially launched while TashiCell plans to launch the network before the year ends. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives signs agreement with India on enhancing marine security, environment protection – Raajje

The MoU signed on Thursday on the occasion of the World Maritime Day, is titled “Augmenting Marine Safety, Security and Environment Protection in the Region through the Cooperation in the Long-Range Identification and Tracking of Ships System”. Click here to read…

Maldives faces climate change ‘death sentence’ – New Zealand Herald

The United Nations recognizes 38 member states, scattered across the world’s waters, as small island developing states grouped together because they face “unique social, economic and environmental challenges.” Click here to read…

Accident Report Into Maldives Seaplane Crash Raises Concerns That Deteriorating Skills Of Furloughed Pilots May Pose Safety Risk – Smart Aviation

Accident investigators in the Maldives, who have issued a report into last year’s crash of a Trans Maldivian Airways seaplane, have identified pilot error as a cause of the accident, raising safety concerns that the flying skills of some furloughed pilots may have deteriorated. Click here to read…

Myanmar

UN official says Myanmar’s people are in ‘a severe crisis’ – APNEWS

Andrew Kirkwood said in a virtual briefing to U.N. correspondents that the number of people in the country needing aid has tripled to 3 million since the military takeover on Feb. 1 while a total of 20 million are living in poverty, or nearly half the population. Click here to read…

Myanmar Army Condemns Economic Situation with COVID-19 Wave – Texas News Today

Myanmar’s economic hardship is caused by two waves of COVID-19 infection, and the government is doing its best to resolve the situation as soon as possible, military spokesman Zaw Min Tun said Thursday. Said to. The central bank also failed to meet local demand for the dollar, he said at a news conference after the chat currency hit a new low this week. He said the government would take full responsibility.
Click here to read…

Interview: Junta Administration in Myanmar’s Rakhine State ‘Has Totally Collapsed, Says Former MP – RFA

Myanmar’s Arakan Army (AA) ethnic armed organization (EAO) has been beefing up its administrative and judiciary mechanisms in western Myanmar’s Rakhine state during the past 10 months of a cease-fire negotiated with the army before its military coup. Click here to read…

SAC Suspends Internet Across Chin State – BNI Online

The State Administrative Council has shut down the Internet in eight of the nine townships in Chin State in the face of a major outbreak of COVID-19 and during battles with civil resistance forces in which it suffered heavy casualties. With the exception of Hakha Township, connectivity was cut off everywhere at 6pm on 23 September.Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Announces ‘Goodwill’ Ceasefire With Ethnic Armed Groups –

The Diplomat

Myanmar’s military junta has reportedly announced a unilateral five-month ceasefire with the country’s raft of ethnic armed organizations, as it faces intensifying and increasingly widespread resistance to its rule. Click here to read…

Nepal

Active caseload drops to 18168 as death toll moves to 11135- Himalaya

Nepal’s coronavirus caseload reached 795,061 on Thursday with 898 more people testing positive for the infection in the past 24 hours. Click here to read…

Dark future? Climate change fuels higher heat, flood threats for children- Himalaya

Children around the world will face a sharp jump in heatwaves, floods and droughts in their lives compared to their grandparents, researchers said on Monday. Click here to read…

Indian grant assisted projects inaugurated- Himalaya

Anurag Srivastava, Joint-secretary (North), Ministry of External Affairs of India, jointly inaugurated six newly reconstructed schools in Kavre. Click here to read…

Nepali state has lied, once again, on transitional justice, conflict victims say- TKP

Nepal’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Khadka said that the government is committed to concluding the transitional justice process through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the CommissionClick here to read…

Legal hurdle in Cabinet expansion as ruling-opposition deadlock persists- TKP

An all-party meeting called by Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba on Thursday to seek ways to end the ongoing House obstruction was unsuccessful. Click here to read…

First in 45 years, 22 climbers make rare autumn ascent of Manaslu main summit-TKP

Led by Mingma Sherpa, better known as Mingma G, 14 Nepali and eight foreign climbers achieved the rare feat on September 27 for the first time in 45 years. Click here to read…

Helping Nepal’s Covid orphans- Nepali Times

An estimated 1,200 children who lost their parents to the pandemic struggle to get by. Click here to read…

NRB seeks to implement digital currency system to minimize use of hard cash- Republica

Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has started a study on the possibility of using digital currency in the country, with an aim to minimize the use of paper notes. Click here to read…

Nepal, India review progress of post-earthquake reconstruction projects- Republica

Nepal and India on Thursday held a Joint Project Monitoring Committee (JPMC) meeting on post-earthquake reconstruction projects in Kathmandu. Click here to read…

Envoys from Germany, France, Norway and Egypt present their credentials to President Bhandari- Republica

he Newly-appointed ambassadors of various four countries to Nepal have presented Letters of Credence to President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Thursday. Click here to read…

Gilles Bourbao, the new French ambassador to Nepal, presents his credentials- Online Khabar

Gilles Bourbao, the new French ambassador to Nepal, presented his letters of credence to President Bidya Devi Bhandari, on Thursday. Click here to read…

Over 70% People Vaccinated in Kathmandu Valley- Rising Nepal

A total of 1,622,441 people have been given the first dose and 1,562,734 people have received the full dose of vaccine. The target population of Kathmandu Valley to immunise is 2,129,773 above 18 years of age. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Govt increases petrol price by Rs4 per litre from Oct 1: Dawn

The government on Thursday increased the price of petrol by Rs4 per litre and that of high speed diesel (HSD) by Rs2 per litre. Click here to read…

Pace of CPEC projects would be accelerated: PM Imran: The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said the pace of China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects would be accelerated as some were delayed after the emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

Pakistan participates in international military training moot in China: The Express Tribune

The representatives from 49 countries including Pakistan attended the International Military Flight Training Conference 2021 held in Zhuhai, China. Click here to read…

Army captain martyred, TTP commander killed: The News

A young officer of Pakistan Army Captain Sikandar Sohail Latif was martyred in exchange of fire with terrorist in Tank, the ISPR said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Govt, opposition trade barbs over road projects: The News

The government and opposition on Thursday pointed fingers at each other over roads projects a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan stated that the projects of the PMLN would be investigated. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

German Military Attachés on a working visit to Colombo – Daily Mirror

The two German military officers responsible for Sri Lanka, Capt Gerald Koch and LtCol Jan Cihar, will be in the country from October 3rd – 8th, 2021, a statement from the German embassy said. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka inflation at 5.7-pct in September 2021, food prices soar – Economynext

Sri Lanka’s inflation in the capital Colombo was 5.7 percent in the 12-month to September, slowing from 6.0 in July, though prices rose 0.4 percent during the month, data from the state debt office showed.

Sri Lanka’s rupee is under severe pressure from liquidity injections which were not prevented by the Central Bank’s 4-6 percent inflation target. Click here to read…

SL seals biggest-ever investment in port sector – Daily FT

Sri Lanka yesterday sealed the biggest-ever investment in to the port sector worth $ 650 million with joint project promoters – India’s giant Adani, local blue chip John Keells Holdings (JKH) and the State-owned SLPA signing the Build, Own and Transfer (BOT) deal for the Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT). Click here to read…

‘Vaccination, travel restrictions reduced COVID numbers’ – The Island

Vaccination and travel restriction had contributed to the drop in COVID-19 infections, Deputy Director General of Health Services, Dr. Hemantha Herath told the media yesterday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Efforts to Continue Former Govt Are Useless: Samangani: Tolo News

The Ministry of the Information and Culture on Wednesday reacted to a statement by a number of officials of the former government–who claim to be continuing the work of the former government–saying their efforts are meaningless.Click here to read…

ICC Prosecutor Will Not Focus on US Forces in New Probe: Tolo News

The International Criminal Court prosecutor on Monday said he is seeking approval to resume a war crimes investigation of Afghanistan, focusing on the actions of the Taliban and Daesh militia. Click here to read…

China’s humanitarian aid arrives in Kabul: The Khaama Press

The first consignment of humanitarian aids arrived from China to Kabul on Wednesday, September 29, and was submitted to the acting minister of the refugees and repatriates Khalil-ur Rahaman Haqqani. Click here to read…

India, Turkey, Uzbekistan to resume flights to Kabul: The Khaama Press

International Radar has reported one flight from New Delhi, Istanbul, and Tashkent each to land in Kabul International Airport on Thursday, September 30. Click here to read…

20-war in Afghanistan was a strategic failure, 2,500 troops should have been kept: Milley: The Khaama Press

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of the US General Mark Milley said that their 20-year presence was their strategic failure and his personal opinion was to have 2,500 troops in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Rohingya leader Mohibullah shot dead- Daily Star

Unidentified criminals shot Rohingya rights activist and leader Mohibullah dead at his office in Kutupalong camp under Cox’s Bazar’s Ukhia upazila last night. Click here to read…

Mohibullah’s death undermines Rohingyas’ chances of safe return to Myanmar: HRW- Daily Star

Following the shooting to death of Rohingya rights activist and leader Mohibullah last night, Human Rights Watch issued a statement lamenting the loss of a defender of a people. Click here to read…

China lets US siblings return home- Daily Star

An American brother and sister barred from exiting China since 2018 in an apparent bid to pressure their father to return and face criminal allegations have finally left the country, Beijing and Washington confirmed yesterday. Click here to read…

Will Kallyanpur Pond solve Dhaka’s waterlogging problem?- Dhaka Tribune

The project is expected to be sustainable both financially and in terms of maintenanceClick here to read…

Govt mulling mechanization to boost jute production- Dhaka Tribune

The prospect of mechanization is giving new hope to the country’s jute industry, experts have said. Click here to read…

‘GDP growth rate will be restored by end of FY22’- Dhaka Tribune

State Minister Dr Shamsul Alam said that the ‘GDP growth rate will be restored by end of FY22’. Click here to read…

Finance Minister for merging BASIC & Padma Bank- Asian Age

Finance Minister AHM Mustafa Kamal has opined that BASIC Bank and Padma Bank should be merged with each other. Click here to read…

Take lessons from PM’s honesty, ideology- Asian Age

Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader has urges all to take lessons from the honesty and ideology of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, worthy daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Click here to read…

17 new deaths 1,178 cases- Asian Age

Bangladesh reported 17 new fatalities and 1,178 cases in 24 hours till 8am on Wednesday. Click here to read…

PM Hasina opens “Bangladesh House” in USA’s Maryland- The Observer

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is now in Washington DC, inaugurated the newly constructed “Bangladesh House” at Maryland in the USA. Click here to read…

People won’t respond to BNP’s call of movement, says Quader- The Observer

Sheikh Russel Jatiya Shishu-Kishore Parishad arranged the discussion and educational equipment distribution ceremony, marking the 75th birthday of AL President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Click here to read…

Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition begins at BSA- The Observer

The Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition was opened for public viewing at Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) on Saturday. Click here to read…

Biman’s Medina, Kuwait, Kathmandu flights resume in October- Independent

Biman Bangladesh Airlines will resume its direct flights from Dhaka to three popular destinations from October. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Police investigating sexual harassment case at the Royal Tutorial Project- Kuensel

Sources said the police investigation has involved message retrieval from phones. “The case might be forwarded to court soon,” a source said. Click here to read…

PM underscores the importance of investing in health- Kuensel

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly virtually from Thimphu on September 25, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said the pandemic underlined the importance of investing in public health. Click here to read…

Bhutan begins efforts to become a model ecotourism destination- Kuensel

The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) launched “Mainstreaming Biodiversity Conservation into the Tourism Sector in Bhutan”, a new project with the beginning of a three-day inception workshop in Trashigang on September 27. Click here to read…

Streamlining donation drives and crowdfunding- DLO-BBS

To ensure that donation drives and crowdfunding are genuine, the department of law and order has now put in place certain requirements. Click here to read…

Bhutan receives three fire-fighting and two utility vehicles from Japan-
To ensure that donation drives and crowdfunding are genuine, the department of law and order has now put in place certain requirements. Click here to read…

Maldives

Italy gives green light to travel to the Maldives – Avas

Italy has removed the Maldives from its list of countries to which travel is restricted. Italians will now be allowed to travel to the Maldives without the need for quarantine either on arrival or return. In addition to Maldives, Italians can travel to Seychelles, Mauritius, Egypt, Dominican Republic and Aruba from outside EU. Click here to read…

Bilehfahi Harbour project progressing well: MTCC – Avas

Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC) has said the construction of Sh. Bilehfahi Harbour is ongoing at a fast pace. Click here to read…

President arrives in the Maldives after concluding visit to New York – Avas

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih arrived in the Maldives Tuesday morning after concluding the trip to New York City, United States, to attend the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Click here to read…

The climate change dilemma facing Maldives, Mauritius and other tourism-dependent small island nations: their livelihoods or their lives? – South China Monitoring post

Come visit the Maldives, its president entreated the world at this year’s United Nations General Assembly, moments before switching to an impassioned plea for help combating climate change. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Junta Accused of Targeting Civilians with Landmines – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s junta is laying landmines in residential areas while it conducts raids on civilian resistance forces in Kayah State. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Crony Plays Key Role in Arms Purchases From Ukraine – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s crony league welcomed new members when current coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing succeeded former dictator Senior General Than Shwe as the military chief in 2011, with relatives and business associates of newly promoted generals joining the elite. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Currency Hits Record Low as Coup Wreaks Havoc on Economy – The Irrawaddy

Almost eight months after the military coup, Myanmar’s currency depreciated to a record low this week, prompting fears of worsening social and economic instability in the country, which has been devastated by the takeover. Click here to read…

Myanmar on a military-made road to disaster – Asia Times

What began as carnival-like protests against Myanmar’s military takeover on February 1 has since morphed into a vicious nationwide insurgency that has hit areas of the nation that had seen no armed confrontations between rebels and state forces for decades. Click here to read…

Nepal

How Madhesh-based parties are using constitution amendment as a political weapon- Nepal Live Today

Six years after the promulgation, Madhesh-based political parties have continued to oppose the constitution while joining the governments whenever they like. Click here to read…

PM Calls All-Party Meet Today for Smooth House Proceedings- The Rising Nepal

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has called an all-party meeting on Thursday to remove obstructions in the parliamentary session. Click here to read…

Speaker Sapkota likely to read out letter of repeal of the ‘party-split’ ordinance in today’s House session- Republica

Speaker Agni Sapkota is likely to read out a letter of repeal of the ordinance related to the political party. Click here to read…

Beginning of the end of the Gorkha Empire (Part I)- Nepali Times

The Gorkha Empire was on a warpath, and the British East India Company saw it as a threat to its own expansionist ambitions. Click here to read…

No law on oath raises questions over rulers’ adherence to rule of law- TKP

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is working to give full shape to his Cabinet within a few days after a major obstruction to his bid to expand the Council of Ministers ended with the repealment of the ordinance on political parties on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Active caseload drops to 18193 as death toll shifts to 11123- Himalaya

Nepal’s coronavirus caseload reached 794,163 on Wednesday with 892 more people testing positive for the infection in the past 24 hours. Click here to read…

First casualty of the season on Manaslu as Canadian climber dies above 7,000m- Himalaya

Mt Manaslu recorded the season’s first casualty as a Canadian climber died while ascending the mountain, sources said. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Most loans under CPEC at commercial rates: report: Dawn

Shedding light on Beijing’s global development programme, the report said Chinese loans under CPEC constitute 95.2 per cent and 73pc of total commitments in energy and transport sectors, respectively. Click here to read…

Alarm over anti-Pakistan bill moved in US Senate: Dawn

The bill moved in the US Senate seeking to assess Pakistan’s alleged role in Afghanistan before and after the fall of Kabul to Afghan Taliban set alarm bells ringing in the upper house of parliament on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Pakistan denies providing military support to Taliban: The Express Tribune

Reacting to a bill seeking imposition of sanctions on the Afghan Taliban that could also potentially extend to Pakistan in US Senate, Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed on Wednesday said that the country did not provide any military support to the Taliban. Click here to read…

A dollar is now fetching Rs172: The News

The rupee hit an all-time low against the dollar on Wednesday as investors evaluated political and economic risk from upcoming IMF reviews on the bailout package. Click here to read…

FIA to probe road projects of PMLN era: PM Imran Khan: The News

Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday said that the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has been given the responsibility to investigate the money spent on roads construction during the PMLN era. Click here to read…

Pakistan, Russia to strengthen military ties: Dawn

The agreement was reached during the third round of Russia-Pakistan Joint Military Consultative Committee (JMCC) meetings held here. Click here to read…

Keywords
Afghanistan, Afghan Government in Exile, International Criminal Court, China Aid, Kallyanpul Pond, Bhutan, Bhutan Jute Production, Bangladesh, Bangladesh GDP, COVID-19, Sheikh Hasina, BNP, Royal Tutorial Project, Ecotourism, Fire-Fighting Vehicles, Japan-Bangladesh, Maldives, Maldives in UN, Climate Change, Myanmar, Military Junta, Nepal, Nepal Constitution, Constitution Amendment, Gorkha Empire, CPEC, BRI, Pakistan, Pakistan-Russia

Afghanistan

Violations of building rules continue unabated in Kabul- Pajhwok Afghan

Based on current laws, construction of more than three-storey buildings in residential areas is not permissible in Kabul.
Click here to read

Save the Children to expand activities in Kandahar: Chief- Pajhwok Afghan

The Children organization chief says they will extend their services to areas where they had no access to due the conflict.
Click here to read

Former president Ghani’s Facebook page hacked- Pajhwok Afghan

Former President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Monday said his Facebook page has been hacked and disowned recent posts on the page.
Click here to read

No One from Afghanistan Will Address UNGA: Reuters- Tolo News

No representative from Afghanistan will address the annual high-level U.N. General Assembly in New York after the ambassador for the government ousted by the Taliban – who was due to speak on Monday – withdrew his name.
Click here to read

Bangladesh

PM Hasina’s 75th birthday today- Asian Age

Today is the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Awami League (AL) and its affiliated and likeminded bodies are celebrating the day through various programs highlighting the life and achievements of Sheikh Hasina.
Click here to read

Shots for Higher Edn Students: Half yet not registered- Daily Star

Although the government said any university or its affiliated colleges could resume in-person classes if all their students completed the Covid-19 vaccine registration by yesterday.
Click here to read

25 lakh Pfizer vaccines arrive in Dhaka airport- Daily Star

Twenty-five lakh more doses of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, under the COVAX facility, arrived in Bangladesh early today.
Click here to read

Child marriage: Many girls long for a return to schools- Dhaka Tribune

Up to 70% of girls in grade 9 and 10 in many schools are yet to return to classes.
Click here to read

Rt-PCR test to start in full capacity at Dhaka airport from Tuesday- Dhaka Tribune

The Covid-19 rt-PCR laboratory set up for UAE passengers at Dhaka airport is fully prepared.
Click here to read

Minister Mannan: Corruption is a reality- Dhaka Tribune

Government does not want to curb corruption through hustle, he says.
Click here to read

Bhutan

The significance of offering seven bowls of water- Bhutan Times

The 7 bowls signify respectively: water for drinking, water for washing, flowers, incense, light, perfume, and food.
Click here to read

12th Five-Year Plan reprioritised to stimulate growth- Kuensel

These are a part of the three major new activities the government had to reprioritise and adopt in the 12th FYP as part of the Covid-19 interventions and Economic Contingency plan.
Click here to read

Raising healthy and resilient future- Kuensel

There is a need for schools to improve mental resilience programmes.
Click here to read

Let Climate Change not slide this time- Kuensel

The Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, requires each State to prepare, outline and communicate its NDCs.
Click here to read

Bhutan’s journey to become a model eco-tourism destination- BBS

To promote Bhutan as a model eco-tourism destination, the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) launched the ecotourism project in Trashigang.
Click here to read

Maldives

Small islands caught between tourism economy, climate change – New Indian Express

Come visit the Maldives, its president entreated the world at this year’s United Nations General Assembly, moments before switching to an impassioned plea for help combating climate change. The adjacent appeals illustrated a central dilemma for many small island developing states: their livelihoods, or their lives?
Click here to read

India Exim Bank extends Buyer’s Credit facilities under NEIA aggregating $226.95M to Republic of Maldives govt – India infonline

Export-Import Bank of India [India Exim Bank] has extended two Buyer’s Credit [BC] facilities under National Export Insurance Account [NEIA] aggregating USD 226.95 mn to Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation Ltd. (FDCL), Government of Republic of Maldives (GoM) for construction of 4000 Social Housing Units in Hulhumale, Maldives by NBCC (India) Ltd. (NBCC) and JMC Projects (India) Ltd. (JMC).
Click here to read

Maldives Telecommunications Strategic SWOT Analysis Review and Outlook to 2025-Analysis of Maldives Mobile, Fixed Telephone and Broadband Markets – Today’s Newspaper

This contemporary research presentation and detailed market research synopsis on Maldives Telecommunications market is a real time presentation of all the specific market developments that have a lingering impact on current growth trajectory, besides also harping on vital predications in the realm of future growth scope.
Click here to read

Next hearing in Yameen’s sentence appeal trial scheduled for October – Raajje

During Monday’s hearing in the money laundering trial, state prosecutors have refuted claims that they had ever decided against halting the cases linked to the suspects of the grand corruption scandal involving Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC).
Click here to read

Myanmar

Quad Leaders Call on Myanmar Junta to End Violence – The Irrawaddy

Leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) on Friday called for an end to the violence in Myanmar in a joint statement. US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday participated in the first-ever in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit, hosted by Biden in Washington.
Click here to read

Rebel Fighters From India Cooperating With Myanmar Military Regime – The Irrawaddy

After the Myanmar military’s February 1 coup, Tamu was one of the first towns to take up arms against the junta, following a bloody crackdown on anti-regime protesters.
Click here to read

‘No Future’ for Myanmar People Unless Spring Revolution Succeeds – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime has been waging war in Chin State in the mountainous far west of the country for months. Intense fighting between the junta and civilian resistance groups has forced thousands of people to flee their homes, creating a humanitarian catastrophe. soldiers also shot down a Christian pastor in the town and mutilated his corpse.
Click here to read

Myanmar’s NLD Marks 33rd Anniversary Facing Abolition Threat – The Irrawaddy

The National League for Democracy (NLD), Myanmar’s most popular political party, turns 33 years old on Monday. But a question mark hangs over its future following the military’s Feb. 1 coup.
Click here to read

China Aiding Myanmar Armed Groups in Their COVID-19 Fight – The Diplomat

Earlier this week, the news agency AFP carried an interesting report detailing the Chinese government’s support to Myanmar’s ethnic armed organizations and rebel groups.
Click here to read

Nepal

Khadka rules out amendment to MCC- Himalaya

Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka has said there can be no amendment to the Millennium Challenge Corporation agreement that Nepal has signed with the United States of America.
Click here to read

Buddha Air aircraft safely lands at TIA amid reports of ‘landing gear issue’- Himalaya

A Buddha Air aircraft safely landed in Tribhuvan International Airport after a malfunction was reportedly detected in its landing gear early on Monday.
Click here to read

Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts are vaccinating everyone above 18 years- TKP

Everyone above 18 can take the AstraZeneca vaccine from immunisation centers of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and those in the municipalities of the district can take the Vero Cell vaccine.
Click here to read

After Covid-19 pandemic, it’s price rise that is biting Nepalis hard

Click here to read

People exchanging old banknotes with new ones at NRB- Republica

Banks and financial institutions have started providing new bank notes starting Monday.
Click here to read

Saptapatal Pokhari: A motivating case for Kathmandu heritage conservation- OnlineKhabar

The pond, which had a lot of religious significance, gradually got lost during the Kathmandu valley’s urbanisation drive.
Click here to read

Pakistan

Govt, PML-N clash over UK court’s order on Sharifs- The Dawn

A UK court has ordered unfreezing of the bank accounts of PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and his son Suleman Shehbaz after the country’s National Crime Agency (NCA) did not find evidence regarding ‘suspicious bank transactions’ against them.
Click here to read

Pakistan discussing expansion of CPEC to Afghanistan: envoy- The Dawn

Pakistan has discussed the Taliban-led Afghanistan joining the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure project, the Pakistan’s ambassador to the country said on Monday.
Click here to read

No problem if country gets rule of law through reconciliation, says Nawaz Sharif- The News

MLN leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has said that if the country will get rule of law and implementation of the Constitution through reconciliation then there is no need to fight.
Click here to read

Pakistan supports inclusive govt in Afghanistan: Moeed Yousaf- The News

National Security Adviser to Prime Minister Moeed Yousaf has said Pakistan has always been supportive to the concerns and legitimate demands of the international community regarding an inclusive government in Afghanistan.
Click here to read

‘Don’t blame Pakistan for the outcome of the war in Afghanistan’- The News

Let me put it plainly. Since 2001, I have repeatedly warned that the Afghan war was unwinnable.
Click here to read

PML-N will ‘bury’ PTI in 2023 polls: Shehbaz- The Tribune

PML-N President Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday said his party, under the leadership of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, would “bury for good” the politics of the ruling PTI in the 2023 general elections.
Click here to read

Sri Lanka

Why Sri Lanka is losing many European tourists- Island

The tourist season, in Sri Lanka, will comence in November.
Click here to read

Self-Employed Traders petition SC over govt. favouring liquor dealers- Island

The Supreme Court has decided take up, on 04 Oct. for hearing a petition filed by the Association of Self-Employed Traders against the opening of liquor stores during the current lockdown.
Click here to read

Australia’s richest woman warns Australia will end up impoverished like Sri Lanka- Island

Gina Rinehart, Australia’s richest woman worth $31billion, has warned Australia is on the same track as Sri Lanka and Argentina in falling from prosperity to poverty due to a big-spending, regulation-heavy government.
Click here to read

CMC members launch Satyagraha- Daily Mirror

Some Members of the Colombo Municipal Council staged a Satyagraha yesterday against the alleged move by the Municipal Treasurer to delay funds to purchase dry rations for the needy people in the city who have been affected by the lockdown.
Click here to read

Iran, Sri Lanka pledge to boost ties- Daily News

Emphasized on taking new steps in developing economic, trade relations with the South Asian Island nation.
Click here to read

Afghanistan

UNSC P5 Seek Stable Afghanistan with Inclusive Govt: Tolo News

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday at a press conference said all five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) are united in seeking a stable Afghanistan and an inclusive government. Click here to read

Afghan Newspapers Stop Printing, Go Online: Tolo News

Watchdog organizations recently said the Afghan media outlets are running out of funds and face a lack of information under the Taliban. Click here to read

It’s general amnesty, don’t defame IEA: Taliban’s acting defense minister to his fighters: The Khaama Press

The acting defense minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Mullah Mohammad Yaqoob called on foot soldiers that general amnesty has been announced and no one should defame the IEA with their arbitrary actions. Click here to read

Pakistan asks Intl-Community to be lenient with Taliban, release reserves: The Khaama Press

Pakistani foreign minister Mahmoud Qureshi has asked the US, IMF, and other countries to release billions of dollars frozen by them so that the situation gets better in Afghanistan. Click here to read

Utmost poverty, former Afghan policeman commits suicide: Tolo News

A former Afghan policeman commits suicide in eastern Kunar province after he was left without a job and the previous government did not pay his three months’ salary. Click here to read

Bangladesh

Time for action, not words, rhetoric- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the global community to turn their “words and rhetoric” over the Rohingya crisis into actions to reach a desired solution to the protracted problem. Click here to read

Maritime Disputes with India: Bangladesh asks UN to settle issues- Daily Star

Bangladesh has made a formal objection to the UN Secretary-General over certain maritime issues with India that are continuing even after their settlement in 2014. Click here to read

PM Hasina to address UNGA general debate on Friday- Dhaka Tribune

The prime minister’s speech will dominate the issues of Rohingya, climate change and post Covid-19 economic recovery. Click here to read

Law minister: Will allow Khaleda to go abroad if that’s what the people want- Dhaka Tribune

BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia will be allowed to go abroad for treatment if that is what the people of Bangladesh want, says Law Minister Anisul Huq. Click here to read

US to give $178m in aid for Rohingya- Asian Age

The United States will provide $178 million in humanitarian aid to Rohingya refugees and their host communities in Bangladesh and Myanmar. Click here to read

Grameen Bank sued for Tk 670m VAT ‘evasion- Asian Age

The National Board of Revenue (NBR) has lodged a case against Grameen Bank for allegedly evading value added tax (VAT) of around Tk 67 crore. Click here to read

PM proposes developing ‘global resilient food system’- The Observer

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday called for developing a “resilient food system” globally by producing more food for growing population of the world as she placed a five-point recommendation at a summit in New York. Click here to read

Bhutan

Apple growers turn to Bhutan Agro as export options grow slim- Kuensel

Finding it difficult to sell their apples and with lower export prices this year, farmers are selling apples to Bhutan Agro Industries Limited (BAIL) at Nu 20 per kilogramme (kg). Click here to read

BHSL manufactures turbines- Kuensel

Bhutan Hydropower Service Limited (BHSL) in Jigmeling, Sarpang has started manufacturing runners (turbines) for the hydropower plants in the country and also for the hydropower projects in India and Turkey. Click here to read

Solar water heating system benefits public institutions- Kuensel

A 1,000-litre solar water heating system (SWHS) installed in 2018 at Bjishong Central School (BCS) in Gasa gave boarding students the luxury of bathing with hot water. Click here to read

Bhutan to pilot a central bank digital currency (CBDC) project with Ripple- Daily Bhutan

Email In a recent press release by the Royal Monetary Authority of Bhutan (RMA), Bhutan will be collaborating with Ripple Labs, Inc. to pilot a project on central bank digital currency (CBDC). Click here to read

HH appoints Principal and Lam- BBS

His Holiness the Je Khenpo appointed a new Principal for Rinchenling Shedra in Wangdue Phodrang and a new Lam for the Phuentshogling Zangtopelri in Chhukha. Click here to read

Maldives

New advisory committee formed under Education Act- AVAS

An advisory committee to offer counsel to the Education Ministry during emergency situations has been established. Click here to read

Monitoring mechanisms lifted from Dhuvaafaru after 120 days- AVAS

The Health Protection Agency (HPA)’s monitoring mechanisms have been lifted from Raa Dhuvaafaru island after 120 days. Click here to read

‘Hope to have King Salman Mosque inaugurated by Crown Prince’- AVAS

Maldives’ Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Khaleel has said the government hopes to have the ‘King Salman Mosque’ officially opened by Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohamed Bin Salman. Click here to read

Man arrested for posting threats against Nasheed jailed again- AVAS

The man arrested for posting death threats against the Parliament Speaker Mohamed Nasheed has been sentenced to jail for one month for contempt of court. Click here to read

HDC seeking party to install CCTVs at Hiyaa towers-AVAS

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) is seeking a party to procure and install CCTV cameras at the Hiyaa social housing towers. Click here to read

Pres Solih meets Portuguese pres on UNGA sidelines- AVAS

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has met with the President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, on the sidelines of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Click here to read

Myanmar

Mandalay youth leader killed in Kayah State battle- Myanmar Now

A 20-year-old protest leader dies in Demoso Township after arriving in Kayah State in early September to join the armed resistance against the coup regime. Click here to read

Eight Myanmar army soldiers defect to Chinland Defence Force- Myanmar Now

The Chinland Defence Force (CDF) claims that there are now eight soldiers who have deserted the Myanmar army and joined their resistance group over the last two months. Click here to read

Court hearings around Official Secrets Act charge commence for Aung San Suu Kyi and Sean Turnell- Myanmar Now

Suu Kyi, Turnell and three former cabinet members face up to 14 years in prison if convicted by the junta of violating the colonial-era law. Click here to read

Junta forces in Kalay arrest and kill man accused of making guns for resistance fighters- Myanmar Now

A family friend said Kyaw Min Oo, who owned a welding and lathing workshop, had never made weapons or been involved in armed resistance to the coup regime. Click here to read

Brother of Slain Myanmar Pastor Says Regime Fails to Take Accountability for Atrocities- Irrawaddy

When junta forces launched heavy artillery strikes on his hometown in western Myanmar’s Chin State on Saturday afternoon, setting fire to many houses, Christian Pastor Cung Biak Hum couldn’t stand still—he felt compelled to try to save his town. Click here to read

More Volunteers and Civilians Detained in Myanmar’s Anti-Regime Stronghold- Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime has detained two volunteers who are aiding displaced people in Kayah State, as well as two residents of Loikaw Township in Kayah. Click here to read

Australian adviser to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi appears in military court- Eleven

An Australian adviser to Myanmar’s ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi appeared in a military court to face immigration and official secrets charges, a lawyer involved in the case said on Thursday (Sept 23). Click here to read

Urgent action needed to end catastrophe in Myanmar: UN report- The Observer

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Thursday said urgent action is needed to prevent the situation in Myanmar from spiraling into a full-blown conflict. Click here to read

Nepal

National Assembly passes Appropriation Bill-2021- Himalaya

National Assembly has passed the Appropriation Bill-2021 BS, on 23 September. Click here to read

KMC allows schools to open conditionally- Himalaya

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has decided to allow all the schools inside the metropolis to conduct in-person classes conditionally, with effect from September 26. Click here to read

Unmanaged border crossings may expose Nepal’s Achilles heel in stemming Covid-19- Kathmandu Post

Tens of thousands of people enter the country daily through checkpoints set up at various land crossings with India. Click here to read

‘Death sentence’: low-lying nations implore faster action on climate at U.N.- Republica

The failure by developed economies to effectively curb their greenhouse gas emissions contributes to rising sea levels and especially imperils island and low-lying nations at the mercy of water. Click here to read

NC to hold district convention in mountainous districts before Dashain. – Republica

The Nepali Congress has decided to conduct the district conventions of the party in the mountainous region before Dashain festival. Click here to read

Climate change in agriculture: Nepal food security at stake due to apathetic govt, unaware farmers- OnlineKhabar

Today, no one except those producing and selling vegetables on a large scale cultivates onions in the village. Click here to read

Pakistan

Qureshi meets Blinken, urges engagement with Taliban: Dawn

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in New York on Thursday on the sidelines of the 76th United Nations General Assembly sessioClick here to read

Pakistan, China agree not to alter tariff on power deals: Dawn

Pakistan and China on Thursday agreed to keep unchanged the tariff and tax policies relating to power sector contracts and arrest and prosecute the attackers of July 14 Dasu bus tragedy at the earliest. Click here to read

Pakistan urges OIC to take concrete steps for resolution of Kashmir issue: Dawn

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has called upon members states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take concrete steps to resolve the long-standing Kashmir dispute, saying “Kashmiri people counted on the OIC and the Muslim Ummah more than ever”. Click here to read

EVMs a plot to rig next general elections, says Maryam: The Express Tribune

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Maryam Nawaz termed on Thursday the government’s proposal to use the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) a plot for rigging the next general elections. Click here to read

If population grows at current pace, Pakistan may face issues of hunger, poverty: PM: The News

Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday said if food crops production did not increase and the population explosion continued, the country might face famine and poverty in the years to come. Click here to read

Pak, Saudi leadership capable of leading world: President Alvi: The News

President Dr Arif Alvi Thursday, while lauding their approach on international issues, said the leadership of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia was capable to lead the world through their vision. Click here to read

Sri Lanka

Questionable deal with US energy firm: Professionals’ National Front asks whether govt. received AG’s consent – The Island

Professionals’ National Front (PNP) Spokesperson Kapila Renuka Perera yesterday warned of dire consequences of going ahead with the government’s controversial agreement with the US energy firm New Fortress Energy. Click here to read

PM to head CoL meeting today – Daily FT

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will lead the Cost-of-Living (CoL) Committee meeting today which will decide on the essential goods price hike and resolve certain issues related to import containers stuck at Colombo Port. Click here to read

1,368 persons test positive for COVID-19 – Daily FT

Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 detections rose to 510,040 with 1,368 persons testing positive for COVID-19 yesterday. Click here to read

National Peace Council Welcomes President’s speech at UN; says joint effort key for reconciliation – Daily FT

The National Peace Council in a statement yesterday welcomed President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s speech at the UN General Assembly but emphasised a joint effort is required for reconciliation to become a reality. Click here to read