Afghanistan

Female Students in Grade 12 Take Final Exam to Graduate: Tolo News

On Wednesday, female students in the 12th grade took a final exam in Kabul, as well as in other provinces. Some of them were positive about the test, but they voiced concerns over the fate of younger female students above sixth grade in the country. “We learned at the start of this week that they would give an exam on Wednesday, and we are not as prepared compared to previous years,” said Rukhsar, another studentClick here to read…

Restoration of Great Mosque of Herat Begins: Tolo News

After seven decades, Herat’s information and culture department said that it has begun the restoration of the province’s Great Mosque, also known as the “Jami Masjid of Herat.”The restoration of all of the mosque’s ancient tiles is expected.Reportedly, natural disasters in recent years have damaged the majority of the tiles of Herat’s Great Mosque.”Seventy years ago, it wasn’t really that everything was repaired, only the places that collapsed were restored, but right now, all of them are under the restoration process,” said Zalmai Safa, the head of Herat’s department of information and culture’s historical monument preservation group. Click here to read…

First Public Execution Conducted in Western Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

The de facto government of Afghanistan publicly executed a man named Tajmir convicted of a murder at a crowded football stadium in South-Western Farah province earlier today, where a number of the group’s top ministers and leaders attended the execution. Enforcing the Sharia law has been the foremost priority of the rolling government, as the verdict was issued by the Taliban’s supreme leader Haibatullah Akhundzada last month. The punishment includes public executions, public amputations, and stoning. Click here to read…

Afghan Traders Face Critical Challenges in Exporting Pine Nuts: The Khaama Press

Afghan Traders in Khost Province are wrestling with critical challenges in exporting pine nuts abroad. Hundreds of tons of pine nuts are harvested annually, however, a lack of export and a proper marketing system to transfer products to the regional markets causes massive losses to Afghan traders. The traders called on the Afghan administration to enhance trade agreements with the neighboring counties, Pakistan in particular, to facilitate the movement of commercial goods and other necessary items in a timely manner. Otherwise, the products will get rotten before reaching any commercial markets. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM Hasina: BNP, Jamaat cause misery for the people – Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday slammed the BNP and Jamaat for causing misery for the people, stressing that her government has been squarely focused on mitigating the woes of the public…She urged the people to vote for the boat symbol for the trend of development and democracy to continue in Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Next general election in first week of Jan 2024: PM – New Age

‘After 2023, in the first week of January 2024, the next national election would be held. In this election, I seek your (countrymen) vote for our electoral symbol boat,’ the prime minister said while addressing a grand public rally at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox’s Bazar, organised by the Cox’s Bazar district Awami League. Click here to read…

Bhutan

South Asian Foundation Bhutan to assist more youth in Bhutan – Kuensel Online

The 19th Governing Council Meeting of the South Asian Foundation (SAF) decided in Thimphu yesterday to make programmes vibrant in the region for youth. Dignitaries from India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal attended the in-person meeting. Click here to read…

Smilegate supports literacy education in Bhutan – The Korea Herald

Smilegate Foundation, the charity arm of South Korean gaming giant Smilegate, said Wednesday it has opened two new community learning centers on Nov. 28, to support literacy education for women and children in Bhutan. According to the foundation, the centers, which were built together with UNESCO and Bhutan’s Education Ministry, seek to provide women and children in remote areas with access to education, with the hopes of increasing their overall quality of life. Click here to read…

Maldives

50 years of tourism in the Maldives and, remarkably, it’s still the ‘ultimate island paradise’ early visitors found – SCMP

“Does it really exist?” asked Dirk Brink – a “well-known local money trader and inveterate traveller” – in the pages of the South China Morning Post in March 1976. “Is there really a country which belongs to the ‘Brotherhood of enemies’ (United Nations) which has all the qualifications of paradise?” Brink had, a headline teased, “finally found the ultimate island paradise for the jaded jet-setter looking for a place to lie down”. And he was going to tell readers all about it. Click here to read…

Maldives gov’t requests to waive Schengen Visa requirement – Avas

The Maldives has asked for ease in obtaining a visa for travel to all European Union (EU) countries — the Schengen Visa. Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid made the request to the Head of Taskforce for Electoral Campaign Bid Committee Expo 2030 Rome, Dr. Gaetano Castellini Curiel, at a meeting at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday. The meeting was held as part of the ongoing high-level engagements of Representative Curiel, who is currently undertaking a visit to the Maldives from 5 to December 7, 2022.
Click here to read…

Myanmar

WFP Says It Received $7Mln From EU To Tackle Food Insecurity In Myanmar – UrduPoint

The European Union has allocated around 6.5 million Euros ($6.8 million) for the support of the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in its efforts to tackle the humanitarian food crisis in Myanmar, the WFP said on Wedesday. “More than 800,000 people in the southeast, northwest and border areas, as well as impoverished peri-urban Yangon, will be reached thanks to the continued EU humanitarian support. The funding was made through the EU’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations,” the statement read. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Praises Young Anti-Junta Resistance Fighters – The Irrawaddy

In her first public comments about Myanmar’s ongoing ant-regime resistance movement since last year, the country’s ousted leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said she was proud of young Burmese people and all those struggling to defend and fight for democracy. She shared the message via her Australian former economic adviser, Sean Turnell, who was released by the regime three weeks ago after spending 650 days in prison.Click here to read…

How long will the world drag its feet on Myanmar – UCA News

An internationally-respected Baptist leader is arrested and detained, a Cardinal’s home village is bombed and seven students are sentenced to death — yet still the corridors of power around the world echo with silence and inaction over the tragedy in Myanmar. On Monday, Reverend Dr. Hkalam Samson, the former president of the Kachin Baptist Convention (KBC), was stopped at Mandalay International Airport, on his way to Bangkok. Click here to read…

Nepal

Investing in hydro-power projects – The Kathmandu Post

Nepal has started issuing hydro-power developers licences to mobilise domestic and foreign capital. In this line of thought, licences to so-called developers are being overwhelmingly issued. Politicians, bureaucrats to technocrats have bagged such licences to generate electricity from the ever-flowing rivers. But neither has it worked in the past, nor is there a hope to realise the anticipated output in the futureClick here to read…

Repercussions of remittance economy – The Kathmandu Post

Remittance has remained one of the largest contributors to the national economy for years, and will probably remain so for quite a while. The World Bank estimates that remittances accounted for 22 percent of the GDP this year. Informal inflows are considered to be at least 50 percent higher than official figures. The economic size of remittances is too high not to have a significant impact on the political economy of the country. Click here to read…

Officials from Nepal and India agree to course Mahakali to its original state – Khabarhub

The Nepal-India Border Coordination Meeting held at the NHPC in Dharchula on Wednesday agreed to let the Mahakali river flow in its original course. Earlier, there had been tension in the border area after India built a temporary dam to divert the flow of the Mahakali river towards Nepal. Wednesday’s meeting agreed to remove the temporary dam with wire mesh and let the river follow the natural courseClick here to read…

Nepal Elections: How Machiavellian Moves By Beijing’s Proxy In Nepal Backfired And Prompted Its Rivals To Close Ranks – Swarajya

Oli, reportedly egged on by Beijing which is desperate to install its proxy in power in Kathmandu, called up his bete noire Pushpa Kamal Dahal, the chairperson of the CPN(MC) on 24 November. Oli invited Dahal to join his alliance and form the government. The CPN(MC) then tried to leverage Oli’s offer and use it to extract more than its due from the NC. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Delay in finalising ‘dissolution’ plans bad for PTI’s cause: Dawn

As Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan reiterated his threat to dissolve the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies, the delay in securing support for and implementing his plan seems to be working against him, as the situation on the ground is changing with each passing day. Click here to read…

Pakistan seeks emergency $3b Saudi cash injection: The Express Tribune

Pakistan on Wednesday requested Saudi Arabia to urgently provide $3 billion in cash after its foreign exchange reserves fell to a critically low level, as the new army chief was also expected to play a role in bagging the bailout during his upcoming maiden visit to the Kingdom. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar made the request during a meeting with Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, the Saudi ambassador, according to his ministry’s officials. Click here to read…

Pakistan sends oil import deal draft to UAE: The News

Pakistan has sent the draft of Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) to the UAE for an official nod from authorities concerned in Abu Dhabi. Once it is approved, negotiation for a commercial agreement for the import of Mogas under GtG mode will start between officials of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). One of the top officials at the Energy Ministry confirmed the development to The News. “We have sent the IGA draft to the UAE for approval. Once it is signed, commercial talks would begin between the state entities of both the countries.”Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Country receives entire stock of MOP fertilizer required for paddy cultivation – Daily News

Sri Lanka has received the entire amount of Muriate of Potash (MOP) fertilizer required for paddy cultivation for Maha season. This stock of fertilizer has been imported from Canada at a cost of USD 40 million. The total stock of fertilizer consisting of 41,876 metric tons was officially handed over to Agriculture Minister Mahinda Amaraweera by the Secretary of the Ministry of Irrigation and Mahaweli Development. D. C. Jayalal. The Ministry had taken steps to buy MOP fertilizer by spending the money provided to the Mahaweli Water Security Investment Programme, which is funded by the Asian Development Bank. MOP fertilizer is given to the farmers for paddy cultivation in our country after two seasons as it was not imported after chemical fertilizers were banned in 2021.

Sri Lanka’s children go hungry as food prices soar – BBC

The three-year-old is losing weight and complains of leg pains and weakness. The doctor’s diagnosis is clear – Nitisha is underfed and malnourished. But the treatment suggested is difficult to come by for her family – wholesome meals. Like many people in Sri Lanka, this family from a tea estate village in Hanthana, in the centre of the country, have seen their finances collapse. “We manage two meals a day and it’s the same thing – rice with potatoes or lentils. We can’t afford anything else,” says Harshini, Nitisha’s mother. For weeks, the family has not had milk or eggs, she added. Click here to read…

Annual Sri Pada Pilgrimage Season begins – Daily News

The annual Sri Pada Pilgrimage season 2022/23 began on Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day yesterday. It will end on Vesak Full Moon Poya Day in May. The processions, carrying the Sacred Casket Relics of the Buddha, sacred objects, and the statue of God Saman from the the Sri Pada Raja Maha Viharaya temple in Galpoththaawala, Ratnapura reached the Sri Pada Maluwa yesterday morning. Large crowds came to pay homage to Sri Pada on the first day of the pilgrimage season yesterday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Ministry Reviewing Proposals for Mine Extraction: Tolo News

The Ministry of Mines and Petroleum is considering the proposals submitted by companies for the extraction of eight major mines in the western provinces of Ghor and Herat. Speaking to the owners of the companies, the acting Minister of Mines and Petroleum, Shuhabuddin Delawar, said that the proposals will be determined within 15 days. Click here to read…

Hunger, Privation in Afghanistan for Second Winter in a Row: USIP: Tolo News

The US Institute for Peace (USIP) issued a report underscoring the difficulty of the Afghan situation, saying that the country faces hunger and privation for a second winter in a row. The report said that the Afghans appear to be adapting as best they can to the “dire” situation, but this will not mitigate pervasive poverty, hunger and deprivation. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM Hasina: BNP does not believe in democracy – Dhaka Tribune

Awami League President and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said the BNP does not believe in the democratic system and does not want to participate in elections as the party intends to grab state power through murder and conspiracyClick here to read…

Opposition parties vow not to join polls under partisan government – New Age

Leaders of some opposition political parties on Sunday at a discussion meeting expressed their views that they would in no way take part in the next general election under the partisan government. They said that they would begin simultaneous programmes to compel the Awami League government to resign and hand over power to an interim government to conduct the next general election in a free and fair mannerClick here to read…

Divisive lines in Assam – Dhaka Tribune

There are concerns that the BJP may revitalize the NRC process as part of its political strategy for the 2024 general election in India. Bangladesh is scheduled to hold its general election a few months before the Indian election in either December 2023 or January 2024. If the NRC resulted in an exodus from Assam, it would jeopardize the bonhomie between Dhaka and New Delhi. Click here to read…

Chinese ships to recruit 20 marine cadets – New Age

A visiting delegation of ship owners were given guard of honour at Bangladesh Marine Academy at Rangpur on Saturday…Bangladesh Marine Academy commandant Captain Shafiqul Islam Sarkar sat for a bilateral discussion with the visiting delegation regarding short and long term placement of the cadets of the academy at Seacon Ships Management CompanyClick here to read…

Bhutan

Curbing corruption still a daunting task: ACC report– Kuensel Online

Curbing corruption still remains a daunting task despite building an informed and awakened citizenry by engaging citizens and raising anti-corruption consciousness of public officials. This is one of the key issues highlighted in the Anti-Corruption Commission’s (ACC) annual report 2021-2022. Click here to read…

Maldives

Election date expected to be announced this month: EC – Avas

The date of the upcoming presidential election is expected to be announced within this month, the Election Commission has said. According to the law, candidacy for the presidential election must be opened 120 days before the date of the swearing-in. In an interview with AVAS, Election Commission’s President Fuwad Taufeek said that preparing a schedule for the presidential election has already startedClick here to read…

Nasheed: Projects in Thinadhoo left unfinished – Sun

President of Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Speaker of Parliament, Mohamed Nasheed, has stated that there are a lot of unfinished projects in GDh. Thoddoo and that this will negatively affect many. Nasheed visited Gdh. Thinadhoo last Friday, and announced that he will be running for the presidential candidacy in the upcoming presidential elections in 2023. Click here to read…

Myanmar

‘The worry is Russia’: UN delays Myanmar representation decision – Aljazeera

The United Nations has delayed a decision on who should represent Myanmar amid concern that Russia, which has become increasingly close to Myanmar’s coup leaders, could sabotage efforts to reach an international consensus on the crisis-torn country. Click here to read…

Why And How Myanmar, Bangladesh Benefitting From Growing Economic Ties? – Eurasia Review

According to reports of pro-government media outlet of Myanmar, Global New light of Myanmar, Myanmar’s export has been surpassing imports in the cross-border trade with Bangladesh and 8,620.7 tonnes of exports to Bangladesh was estimated at US$10.733 million between April and October in the 2022-2023 financial year. Click here to read…

Military launches major assault on Kokang base on China-Myanmar border – Myanmar now

Junta forces carried out a three-day attack this week on a base of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) located in Laukkai Township on northern Shan State’s border with China, the ethnic Kokang armed organisation said in a Thursday statement. Click here to read…

Myanmar, China hold economic forum to further enhance cooperation – XinhuaNet

A forum on China-Myanmar economic cooperation was held here on Friday to further enhance economic and investment cooperation between the two countries. The forum, with the theme of “China’s New Development and China-Myanmar Cooperation,” was organized by the Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (UMFCCI). Click here to read…

Nepal

Ruling coalition to hold election review meeting on Monday – Khabarhub

The leaders of the Nepali Congress (NC)-led ruling coalition have decided to call the meeting of the ruling coalition on Monday. Speaking to the press after CPN-Maoist Center’s office bearers’ meeting, Maoist Center General Secretary Dev Gurung informed that the ruling coalition would meet tomorrow to review the election. The meeting has been called for 3 pm. Click here to read…

Nepal may never use four million COVID vaccine doses donated by China – The Print

our million doses of Chinese-based Sinovac company’s Sinovac-CoronaVac Covid-19 vaccine may not be rolled out ever. Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population officials said that they have proposed to roll out the vaccine at a meeting of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee, four times but no decision was taken in this regard, The Kathmandu Post reported. Click here to read…

‘We are looking to expand our EVs market to Nepal’ – The Kathmandu Post

Omega Seiki Mobility, an Indian electric vehicles (EVs) manufacturer, has launched its battery-operated commercial goods vehicles in Nepal. Morang Auto Works is the dealer of the company’s vehicles. The company plans to set up charging stations in different locations and provide training to technicians with regard to the repair and maintenance of their vehicles in Nepal. Click here to read…

Joining government is not our priority: RPP Chair Lingden – Khabarhub

While parties like Maoist Center and Janata Samajbadi Party have kept all options open to join the government, RPP said it was yet to decide on the issue formally. It should be noted that RPP can play a crucial role in government formation and in the parliament because of the number of seats (both under the first-past-the-post and proportional representation) it has won. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PTI chairman’s politics weakens Pakistan: PM Shehbaz: Dawn

Reacting to Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan’s remarks about former army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday lashed out at ex-premier for “undermining” the foundation of Pakistan just for his own rule. Click here to read…

FM rules out early polls on PTI chief’s demand: The Express Tribune

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said on Sunday that he did not see the need for holding early elections in the country on the demand of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman Imran Khan, as the government looked for solutions to internal problems. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka in progressive talks with China on debt restructuring, submits all details: Minister – Daily Mirror

The Central Bank has submitted all relevant information to the Chinese banks as part of talks on debt restructuring, State Minister of Finance Shehan Semasinghe said yesterday. The Minister told Daily Mirror yesterday that progressive dialogue is in place with China on the matter despite some individual MPs making ad hoc remarks otherwise. Click here to read…

‘There will be China Go Home campaign soon, and I will lead it,’ warns Lanka MP – Hindustan Times

Rasamanickam accused the Chinese government of lending money to Sri Lanka despite being aware of the economic situation of the island nation. He claimed that China knew that Sri Lanka’s economy was collapsing ‘as a guise’ to include the island nation in China’s debt trap. Click here to read…

Time to rid the country of Dependent Mentality – Daily News

It is high time to eradicate the ‘dependent mentality’ and ‘social welfare culture’. As Sri Lankans we have to look at the bitter truth we were hiding from up to now. It hurts a lot of people but we have to tell the truth. Otherwise, ‘politics based on promises’ will continue. We have to stop this now or it will never end. Sri Lanka will remain as a developing country forever. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Women Hold Protest for Right to Learn and Work: Tolo News

Following calls to reopen girls’ schools above sixth grade and employment for women, a group of women staged a protest in Kabul to express their concerns about the continued effective ban on female students over 6th grade and on female employment. Click here to read…

Save the Children: Malnourished Afghan Children Up Nearly 50% Since January: Tolo News

The number of dangerously malnourished children has spiked 47% since January this year, Save the Children said in a recent report. However, the Ministry of Public Health denied an increase in the number of children affected by malnutrition. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

World Bank: Climate change to hit Bangladesh’s poor, vulnerable hardest: Dhaka Tribune

A new World Bank report predicts that climate change will hit poor and vulnerable people the hardest. Average tropical cyclones cost Bangladesh about $1 billion annually. By 2050, a third of agricultural GDP could be lost. In case of severe flooding, GDP could fall by as much as 9%, according to the World Bank Group’s Country and Climate Development Report for Bangladesh, published on Monday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Asian Development Bank to Fund Bhutan’s First Utility-Scale Solar Project – Saurenergy

Bhutan may well be moving beyond hydropower as far as renewable energy development in the Himalayan country is concerned. In a key development, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $18.26 million financing for the construction of the first utility-scale solar photovoltaic power plant in BhutanClick here to read…

How BRO used shredded plastic to construct road in Bhutan – The Kashmir Monitor

Border Road Organisation (BRO) has used shredded plastic in resurfacing 4.5 km on Phuentsholing-Thimphu Road under Project Dantak in Bhutan. BRO has used the technology in It has been used in the resurfacing of the 5.22 km Hnahthial-Sangau-Saiha Road under Project Pushpak in Mizoram and the two km resurfacing of Hapoli-Sarli-Huri Road under Project Arunank in Arunachal Pradesh. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives govt proposes MVR42.6 bln budget for 2023 – Avas

Maldives government on Monday proposed an MVR42.6 billion state budget for next year, keeping with the increasing annual trend. Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer presenting the state budget to the parliament on Monday, said next year’s budget aims to ensure fiscal and debt sustainability while mitigating the challenges caused by the global economic crisis stemming from the Russian-Ukrainian war. Click here to read…

Maldives state debt soars to 113 billion – Edition

Forecasts show that the Maldives national debt including sovereign guarantees will reach MVR 113 billion in 2023. According to the proposed state budget, Internal borrowings are expected to rise from MVR 57 billion to MVR 62 billion in 2023. It is anticipated that external borrowing will rise from MVR 35 billion to MVR 40 billion and the sum of sovereign guarantee is expected to be reduced from MVR 12.4 billion to MVR 11.7 billion, according to the Ministry of Finance. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar rebels moving arms via Mizoram to fight junta, say security forces in Northeast – Deccan Herald

Sources in Assam Rifles said more than 20 Myanmar nationals have been arrested in the past few months in Mizoram alone. However, security agencies in the region, have been recently claiming that they have begun to witness a “reversing trend”, where rebel groups of Myanmar are now found to be using Mizoram to arrange and transport arms and equipment to aid their fight against the military junta that usurped the elected government there last year. Click here to read…

Myanmar junta bans Irrawaddy news agency after months of harassment – RFA

Myanmar’s junta has officially banned online news outlet The Irrawaddy and charged the outlet’s registered publisher for violating national security laws, state media reported over the weekend, following months of legal harassment. Click here to read…

ASEAN, EU invite Myanmar youth to express their thoughts on climate change issues – Mizzima

The European Union continues to emerge as the world’s climate trailblazer. Every year in the lead up to the Conference of the Parties (COP27), EU delegations and embassies of EU Member States around the world hold various events to foster dialogue and cooperation on climate change, showcase success stories, and inspire further action. This year, the EU delegation to ASEAN is preparing a series of events to be held from 25 to 31 October 2022 as part of the Climate Diplomacy Week. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Frees NLD Finance Minister and Two Political Prisoners – The Irrawaddy

Former planning and finance minister U Soe Win of the deposed National League for Democracy (NLD) government was among three regime opponents released from jail by the junta on Friday, sources close to the trio said. The other two political prisoners freed were singer Po Po and beauty blogger Win Min Than. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal enters full campaign mode – The Hans India

With just three weeks left for the November 20 elections, political parties in Nepal are campaigning at a feverish pitch. This is the second general election in Nepal after the country adopted its first secular republican constitution in 2015. The first elections under the new federal structure were held in late 2017. Click here to read…

Nepal election is crucial for India – Deccan Herald

When China’s outgoing ambassador to Nepal, Hou Yanqi, recently penned an article in The Kathmandu Post, she made it a point to take note of the upcoming parliamentary elections and hoped bilateral relations would “continue to reach new levels”. Click here to read…

Nepal: Hindu procession attacked by an Islamist mob in Mahottari, several people including police officials injured – OpIndia

On Thursday, October 27, a Hindu procession allegedly came under attack from a Muslim mob. Reportedly, following a dispute over a flag hoisting, the procession came under attack. Police had to resort to lathicharge and tear gas to bring the situation under control. In the preceding violence, several people as well as police officials were left injured. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Imran promises revolution, through ‘ballot’ or ‘bloodshed’

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan kicked off the fourth day of his ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’ long march with an aggressive message, tweeting early on Monday that the sea of people on the roads with him indicated the dawn of a revolution, and asked “handlers and facilitators” if they would allow a soft revolution through the ballot or a destructive one through bloodshed. Click here to read…

PM hopes to revive CPEC, expand trade with maiden China visit: Dawn
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is embarking on a two-day official visit to China on Tuesday (today) in an effort to revive the multi-billion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), expand trade and investment ties with the neighbouring country by making optimal use of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Free Trade Agreement. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
SL starts discussions to join OACPS with potential EU FTA: Daily Mirror
Sri Lanka’s Presidential Envoy to Europe and Commonwealth Niranjan de Silva Deva Aditya (Nirj Deva) said this week in Brussels that he has started discussions for Sri Lanka to join the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS). Click here to read…

Colombo inflation rate eases to 66% in October: Daily Mirror
Inflation in the Colombo district made an about turn in October, bringing an end to the current spell of runaway inflation, which set off more than a year ago when the global commodities prices started rising, caused by the surge in demand amid the supply chain bottlenecks and emergence of foreign currency shortages in the domestic market. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Iran and Pakistan Officials Pledge to Act for Peace in Afghanistan: Tolo News

Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan on a trip to Iran talked about the current situation in Afghanistan with Iranian officials. Iran’s Foreign Ministry tweeted that Islamabad and Tehran will use all their capacity to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Minister: Bangladesh-India relations will further deepen: Dhaka Tribune/

India and Bangladesh share brotherly relations and it will only grow further, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan has said. He was addressing the opening ceremony of the BGB-BSF joint retreat parade at Banglabandha Zero Point in Tetulia upazila of Panchagarh on Thursday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

RCSC to conduct leadership assessment for P1 officers now: The Bhutanese

Starting November 12, 2022, the Royal Civil Service Commission (RCSC) will be conducting leadership assessment exercises for Officers in P1 Management (P1 M) position level as part of the process to identify potential candidates for Executive-level positions, according to a release, Click here to read…

Maldives

Decision to support OPEC Plus was not influenced in any way, says gov’t: Avas

The Maldives’ decision to support OPEC Plus’s decision to cut oil production was not influenced by any party, Presidential Spokesperson Miuwan Mohamed has said. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Mandalay ultranationalist and militia leader survives assassination attempt : Myanmar Now

A notorious ultranationalist and leader of the Myanmar army-backed Pyu Saw Htee militia survived an assassination attempt in Mandalay on Wednesday morning, Myanmar Now has learned. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal to talk up climate losses and seek more funding at COP27: The Kathmandu Post

Experts say the government’s apathy towards climate change is glaring, especially given the increasing incidents each year of melting glaciers, flash floods and landslides. The incidents have claimed lives and destroyed property. The numbers continue to see an alarming rise every passing year. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Axe falls on uplift spending as creditors stay aloof: The Express Tribune

The government has capped the development spending for the first half of the fiscal year at mere 20% of the annual budget because of severe economic crisis, as multilateral creditors remained reluctant to provide any major solace to Pakistan in the aftermath of the recent floods. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan security forces couldn’t pay training fees to India: Daily Mirror

Emphasising on the need to attain self-reliance, Union Minister of State for Defence and Tourism Ajay Bhatt Thursday said Sri Lanka was in such a bad economic crisis that its security forces were unable to pay the nominal fees for training exercises in India. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Iran and Pakistan Officials Pledge to Act for Peace in Afghanistan: Tolo News

Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan on a trip to Iran talked about the current situation in Afghanistan with Iranian officials. Iran’s Foreign Ministry tweeted that Islamabad and Tehran will use all their capacity to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan. “The Islamic Republic of Iran will work with all its capacities to establish peace and prosperity in Afghanistan and for the people of Afghanistan,” said Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s Foreign Minister. Click here to read…

Afghan GDP Estimated to Further Contract This Year: World Bank: Tolo News

The World Bank released a development update on Afghanistan, in which it estimated that the real GDP is projected to contract further in 2022, with an accumulated contraction of close to 30-35 percent between 2021 and 2022. The report highlighted the economic and humanitarian challenges of Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

BNP: People want end to oppressive regime: Dhaka Tribune

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan has said that the people of the country have run out of patience and want an end to the current oppressive regime. Click here to read…

Bhutan

New department to enhance economic and tech cooperation: Kuensel Online

As part of the civil service restructuring, a department for economic and technology diplomacy is created under the foreign affairs ministry to enhance, coordinate and lead all engagements related to economic diplomacy. The Department of Regional Cooperation is merged with the Department of Multilateral Affairs. Click here to read…

Maldives

Foreign Minister meets with Omani counterpart: Avas

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has met with the Foreign Minister of the Sultanate of Oman, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi as a Special Envoy of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Bomb blasts, gunfire at Myanmar’s biggest prison kills eight, including guards : Myanmar Now

At least eight people were killed and 15 injured after Yangon’s notorious Insein Prison was hit with two explosions and a shooting on Wednesday morning, according to sources at the site. At around 9:40am, two parcel bombs went off near the main entrance of the prison: one detonated in a building where staff receive care packages for prisoners and another one went off outside. Click here to read…

Nepal

Ex-Gurkha soldiers’ fight for justice to continue with tripartite talks: The Kathmandu Post

The long-awaited tripartite talks for equal pension and benefits for retired Gurkha soldiers is scheduled to take place in London on November 3, according to leaders of the agitating Gurkha veterans. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Supreme Court puzzled by forces’ exclusion from NAB ambit: Dawn

Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah of the Supreme Court on Wednesday wondered why Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan never objected to the exclusion of the armed forces from the ambit of the National Accountability Ordinance (NAO), when some of the country’s largest business entities were run by them. Click here to read…

Editorial: The chosen one: Dawn

The United States has again selected Pakistan and, after some years of abstinence, placed a white handkerchief on its shoulder. After assiduously ignoring prime minister Imran Khan for three years, the Biden administration has suddenly warmed to his successor Shehbaz Sharif. During the recent United Nations General Assembly, Biden and his wife granted a photo-op to our prime minister, flanking him in a composition not lost on avid diplomatic watchers. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Govt. ready for prudent economic management following successful debt restructuring: Prez: Daily Mirror

The Government is ready to implement prudent economic management after successful debt restructuring, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said today. He said this delivering a special statement on tax policy today. President Wickremesinghe further noted that it was not possible to strengthen the economy without increasing the revenue of the country, which will compel him to reluctantly make tough decisions in order to rebuild the nation. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate Urges Turkey to Recognize Govt: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate’s Spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid called on Turkey to engage in “deep” relations with Islamic Emirate and recognize its government. Mujahid made the remarks in an interview with a Turkish TV channel. Click here to read…

Germany New Admission Programme to Admit 1,000 Afghan Refugees Per Month: The Khaama Press

Under a new admission programme for Afghan refugees, Germany will admit people deemed most at risk following the Taliban takeover last August, the foreign ministry said in a statement Monday. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM Hasina inaugurates installation of second reactor of Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant: Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday inaugurated the installation of the second and final reactor of the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant. The reactor pressure vessel was installed at the second unit of the 2,400MW power plant. Click here to read…

MoU on e-visa inked between Bangladesh-UAE: Dhaka Tribune

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Bangladesh and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a bid to implement ‘e-Visa/e/-TA’ in the capital on Tuesday. Security Services Division under Home Ministry Md Abdullah Al Masud Chowdhury and UAE Ambassador to Bangladesh Abdulla Ali Abdullah Khaseif Al Hamoudi signed the MoU on behalf of the respective countries with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan in the chair at a program at the conference room of the ministry. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan becomes a voice of vulnerable mountain countries on the frontlines of climate change – Kuensel Online

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, IPCC, report 2021 paints an alarming picture of melting Himalayan glaciers in the face of the climate crisis and the strains this is placing on the hundreds of millions of people globally who rely on glaciers for water, agriculture and power. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, ICIMOD, says the Third Pole or High Mountain Asia, which spans Asian 12 countries will continue to warm by at least 1.8 to 2.2 degree Celsius even if the global average temperatures stable at 1.5 degrees over pre-industrial levels and is projected to lose a third of the glacier volume by the end of the century. Click here to read…

Documenting Bhutan’s vanishing cultures – Kuensel Online

The initiative led by Loden Foundation was supported by the International Information and Networking Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region under the auspices of UNESCO in South Korea. The documentaries under the initiative captured Lhop Festivals, Local Teeth Healing, Subba and Mongar’s Marriage System, Sang: A Women Festival, Yak Lha, Namkha Namsey Festival, Bjawa Kam Nyaru, Jomja: A Local Cuisine, Story of Pawos, and Mani: The Hymn. Click here to read…

Maldives

No difficulty in paying Maldives’ debt: Finance Minister Ameer – Edition MV

Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer said on Monday that there is no difficulty in repaying the debt the government is under. In response to questions asked by parliament members regarding the economic status of Maldives, Ameer said the nation’s economy is going better than expected. He said that the National Bureau of Statistics had estimated that Maldives’ economy would see a 37 percent improvement by the end of 2021. However, the latest data from the bureau indicate that the economy had improved by 41.6 percent. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar signs Middle Paunglaung Hydropower project with Russia – The Star

Myanmar has signed the Notice to Proceed (NTP) with PTG Energy Company for the development of the Middle Paunglaung Hydropower project, said the Ministry of Electric Power. Union Minister for Electric Power U Thaung Han and Union Minister for Energy Myo Myint Oo who attended the Russian Energy Week International Forum held in Moscow, Russia met with General Director Alexey Yakovlev from Inter RAO-Export Company, which is a major, power Generation Company in Russia. Click here to read…

Lieutenant Colonel Among Over 50 Regime Forces Killed by Myanmar Resistance in Two Days – The Irrawaddy

A military lieutenant colonel was among over 50 regime forces killed by People’s Defense Force groups (PDFs) and ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) during their attacks and ambushes on regime targets in the last two days. Incidents were reported in Chin, Shan and Kayah states and Sagaing, Magwe and Yangon regions. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Democrats Must Strive to Win Over China: Analyst – The Irrawaddy

President Xi Jinping is due to be confirmed as president and CCP general secretary for a third term and head of the powerful Central Military Commission. The 20th national congress of the Chinese Communist Party in Beijing runs until October 22. China is a major investor in Myanmar and has important projects as part of the Belt and Road Initiative that will give it access to the Indian Ocean. Xi visited Myanmar in 2020 and signed 33 memorandums of understanding, agreements, exchange letters and protocols with the then National League for Democracy government. Click here to read…

Smuggled drugs from Myanmar worth Rs 31 cr seized in Mizoram, 1 held – Hub Network

With the continuation of seizure of drugs smuggled from Myanmar, the Assam Rifles troopers on Tuesday seized 92,550 highly addictive Methamphetamine tablets worth around Rs 31 crores and arrested one person in this connection in Mizoram, officials said. Click here to read…

UN agencies’ Myanmar PR campaign raises more questions than it answers – Myanmar Now

Faced with growing criticism over their push to normalise relations with Myanmar’s illegal military junta, United Nations agencies have embarked on an effort to justify their actions. Using social media, they have deployed infographics and other tools to demonstrate just how indispensable international aid organisations are in a country wracked with conflict. Click here to read…

Final corruption cases filed against Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi – RFA

Detained State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi’s last five remaining cases of corruption were filed at Naypyidaw Prison Court Tuesday, sources close to the court, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, told RFA. The trial is set for next Tuesday and its believed that four witnesses will attend including the plaintiff, Aung Khant, who is an officer of the State Administration Council’s (SAC) Anti-Corruption Commission. Suu Kyi’s lawyers made submissions to the court to examine the recalled witnesses. Click here to read…

Nepal

UML Chair Oli challenges PM Deuba for live debate – The Himalayan Times

Considering the upcoming Provincial Assembly and House of Representatives elections, many have suggested on social media that PM Deuba and Chairman Oli participate in a live debate and Chair Oli has agreed. Posting a status on Facebook this afternoon, former PM Oli said such debates were held in Western countries during elections and said he was ready for it. In the upcoming elections, KP Sharma Oli is contesting from Jhapa Constituency-5. Oli stated that “Many friends on social media have requested to come to the ‘live debate’. Most of them have suggested an agenda-based debate between me and NC Chairman Sher Bahadur Deuba. Click here to read…

Election fever grips Madhes Province – The Himalayan Times

With the November 20 polls for the House of Representatives and Provincial Assembly just a month away, election fever has gripped Madhes Province. A few candidates, including independents and the incumbent chief minister, have projected themselves as possible future chief minister of the province. Incumbent Chief Minister Lalbabu Raut had won the last polls from Parsa Constituency-1 B with a margin of 2,975 votes. Click here to read…

Pakistan

President Alvi seeks SC’s opinion on new Reko Diq deal: Dawn

In a voluminous reference submitted to the court on Tuesday, the president also asked the apex court whether the proposed Foreign Investment (Protection and Promotion) Bill 2022, whenever enacted, would be a valid law under the Constitution. Click here to read…

Pakistan sides with Saudi Arabia over its tension with US: The Express Tribune

Saudi Arabia and Russia, which lead the OPEC + cartel, recently decided to cut crude oil supply by 2 million barrels a day in order to avoid a plunge in the oil prices in the international markets because of fear of global economic recession. Click here to read…

US wants ‘sustained action’ from Pakistan against terrorist groups: The News

Talks between the authorities in Islamabad and Washington are routine and part of standard bilateral protocol, said the US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel amid the recent stir in light of President Joe Biden’s statement on Pakistan’s nukes. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Most of the migrants at British Indian Ocean Territory are Sri Lankans – UK: Daily Mirror

Most of the migrants at the British Indian Ocean Territory located in the south Indian Ocean, are Sri Lankans, the British Government said. “There are 127 migrants, most of whom are Sri Lankan nationals, on the British Indian Ocean Territory. 25 are children,” Minister of State – Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Jesse Norman informed UK Parliament. Click here to read…

Supreme Court rules Chinese law firm is not entitled to engage in legal professional work in Sri Lanka: Daily Mirror

The Supreme Court today held that Baqian Law Group Lanka Pvt. Ltd, a Chinese law firm is not entitled in law to engage in any legal professional work within Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Plan Launched to Collect Major Debts: DABS: Tolo News

Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) said it has made a scheme through which it will collect the debts of consumers. “We have been able to identify 329 major debts. Out of them, 33 debt owners expressed readiness to pay their debts,” said Hekmatullah Maiwandu, a spokesman for DABS. Click here to read…

Afghanistan, the new blank space for a triangle super-powers: The Khaama Press

The mountainous land in the heart of Asia known as Afghanistan has always remained a major geo-political dispute among the superpowers. The great game (Tsar Russia vs Britain), Cold-War (USSR/Russia vs America) and war on global terrorism gained attention of these giant-fish to fight for supremacy, domination and securing their strategic depth in this piece of land. But on the other hand, the host nation (Afghanistan) escaped from above-mentioned disputes with one self-salvage neck-name “the graveyard of empires”. Click here to read…

ICRC: Humanitarian Needs of Afghans Growing Every Day: The Khaama Press

As more Afghans are compelled to live on the streets and struggle to find food, the International Committee of the Red Cross stated that there is an increasing need for humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. Millions of people in Afghanistan, including widows and orphans, have reportedly been forced to scavenge for food on the streets, according to the committee’s findings. Click here to read…

Continued Global Protests against Hazara Genocide; Protests in Austria, South Korea and Turkey: The Khaama Press

Since October 8, there have been widespread protests against the “genocide” of the Hazaras. Large crowds have most recently protested against the Hazara genocide in Austria, America, South Korea, and Turkey.

Protesters gathered in Vienna, Austria’s capital, on October 16th to call for an end to the Hazara genocide in Afghanistan. The demonstrators also kept screaming anti-Taliban chants. A member of the Austrian parliament, Harald Troch, also joined the protesters and offered his support. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Hasan: BNP aims to create chaos in country: Dhaka Tribune

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said BNP wants to create a chaotic situation in the country in the name of movement. “With a view to creating anarchy, BNP is trying to wage their so called movement but they cannot execute it successfully,” he said. Click here to read…

Momen seeks Kuwaiti, Iranian support on Rohingya issue: Dhaka Tribune

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen sought support from Iran and Kuwait on the Rohingya issue as Bangladesh eyes early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Rakhine State. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Enhancing the country’s digital future – Kuensel Online

Around 70 participants are training on Linux administration and network or information security as part of the Bhutan Network Operators Group’s (btNOG) conference in Thimphu which began on October 14. Speaking at the opening session, Information and Communications Minister Karma Donnen Wangdi said, “As we continue our journey towards transforming Bhutan’s digital society, we need to continue building the capabilities of our ICT professionals.” Click here to read…

Chinese Ambassador to India’s visit to Bhutan ‘helps advance friendly ties’ – Global Times

Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong recently paid a three-day visit to Bhutan, during which Sun met with Bhutanese leaders and the two sides vowed to promote the development of relations, the Chinese Embassy in India said in a statement on Saturday night. Click here to read…

Maldives

Xi Jinping Exchanges Congratulatory Messages with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-Maldives Diplomatic Relations – FMPRC

On October 14, 2022, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Hailing the time-honored friendship between China and the Maldives, Xi Jinping pointed out that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have always respected and supported each other, setting a good example of equal treatment and mutual benefit between countries of different sizes. Click here to read…

Government of Maldives, UNICEF and young people urge climate action now – UNICEF

Leading up to COP27, the “Multi-Stakeholder Consultation with Young People on Climate Action” was hosted by the Government of Maldives in partnership with UNICEF Maldives. The pre-COP27 event provided the opportunity for young people to engage with key government stakeholders, civil society organizations, and private sector partners working around climate action in the Maldives. Through the three key themes ‘Plastic-Free Maldives’, ‘Protection and Conservation’ and ‘Energy and Innovations’, the sessions highlighted the critical role children and young people can play in leading the change to create a safer and a more resilient future for all. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Journalists go into hiding after threats by Myanmar’s military junta – RFA

Local reporters from two media outlets in Myanmar went into hiding after the country’s ruling military junta threatened to sue the news agencies for reporting that regime troops killed three civilians and wounded 19 others near a Buddhist pagoda in Mon state last week. BBC Burmese and The Irrawaddy online news journal reported that military soldiers allegedly fired random shots into crowds at the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Mon state, one of the most famous Buddhist sites in Myanmar, on Oct. 12. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta and Ethnic Armed Group Trade Accusations Over Fatal Pagoda Shooting – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime and an armed ethnic Karen group have blamed each other for the fatal shooting of female pilgrims at the base of Kyaik Htee Yoe Golden Rock pagoda in Mon State last week. Three Buddhist pilgrims were killed during a firefight between regime troops and a resistance force at a junta outpost near the temple on Wednesday. Click here to read…

The arrest of former Army Captain by the AA triggers civilian arrests in the Arakan township – BNI Online

After the Arakan Army (AA) arrested a former Army Captain in Ramree Township, the Military Council retaliated by detaining seven local residents in an act of revenge. “A former Army Captain U Tun Kyi was arrested by ULA/AA at U Maung Kyaw’s pharmacy in Inndaung. That’s why the army is retaliating and arresting local people who have nothing to do with that matter”, a local resident explained. Narinjara is still trying to reach AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha to confirm whether the former army officer was arrested by AA. Click here to read…

Nepal

Ruling alliance to protect constitution and achieve prosperity: Nepali Congress – My Republicca

Nepali Congress Spokesperson Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said that the main goal of the ruling alliance is to protect the constitution and achieve prosperity. At a press conference organised by the Nepali Congress Central Office on Monday, Dr Mahat said that the current government was formed to implement the constitution and protect democracy. He also claimed that in a short period of time the government has succeeded in moving the country towards the rule of and has also succeeded in doing important tasks related to the people’s livelihood. Click here to read…

Multidimensional poverty slumped in Nepal before Covid-19, global report says – Kathmandu Post

Nepal and India made rapid progress towards reducing multidimensional poverty in the years before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, a new global report on multidimensional poverty says. In 2011, 39 percent of Nepalis were multidimensionally poor and the percentage dipped to 25.7 in 2016 and 17.5 in 2019, according to the report. “It means 5.13 million Nepalis are multidimensionally poor based on Nepal’s total population of 29,192,480 as per the census 2021,” said Dharma Swarnakar, policy advisor at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Nepal at a press briefing on Monday. The report, Global Multidimensional Poverty Index 2022, was prepared by the UNDP in coordination with the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative and was released on Monday. Click here to read…

Fuel still expensive despite fall in international prices – Kathmandu Post

Nepal Oil Corporation continues to charge high prices even when the cost of oil on the international market has tumbled, analysts say. Inflation-stricken consumers complain they are hit with a price hike every time rates on the international market go up, but the state-owned oil monopoly does not respond with the same quickness when it is the other way around. Nepal Oil Corporation says it cannot slash prices because of massive losses, but insiders point out that it is making a profit for the first time in 20 months. Click here to read…

Pakistan

US ‘confident’ Pakistan’s nuclear assets are secure: Dawn

“The United States is confident of Pakistan’s commitment and its ability to secure nuclear assets,” a US State Department spokesperson told journalists in Washington shortly after a meeting between Ambassador Masood Khan and Counselor Derek Chollet. Click here to read…

Imran gives govt few more days to announce polls: The Express Tribune

Former premier and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Monday admitted that the next general elections were linked with ex-premier Nawaz Sharif’s consent, saying elections won’t take place until the PML-N supremo took a decision. Click here to read…

WB steps in to mediate Indo-Pak water dispute: The Express Tribune

The World Bank announced on Monday the beginning of two parallel legal processes to address Pakistan’s concerns over two hydropower projects on the western rivers by India in violation of the Indus Basin Treaty, breaking a six-year-old gridlock. Click here to read…

Ready to buy fuel from Russia on ‘India rate’: Dar: The News

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who is on an official visit to the United States (US), said on Monday Pakistan was ready to buy fuel from Russia on the rate it was providing to neighbouring country India. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Rajapaksas responsible for economic crisis in England, France? – Aluthgamage: Daily Mirror

Government MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage recently asked whether the Rajapaksas were involved with the current fuel shortage in France and for the children who suffer from hunger. Addressing an event, he said the schoolchildren used to bring lunch boxes without food. “The children used to go to the playground during lunch time. The English cannot provide food for their schoolchildren. Click here to read…

Japan to organize SL creditors’ meeting by end of this year: Daily Mirror

Japan is working to organize a meeting of Sri Lanka’s creditors by the end of this year in hopes of solving that country’s debt crisis, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. The meeting, which will discuss such issues as finding ways to reduce debt payments, aims to curb China’s influence by helping Sri Lanka cope with its so-called debt traps, which arose after China provided huge loans to the country to fund infrastructure developments and other projects. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Taliban denounce Pak PM Sharif’s ‘terror in Afghanistan’ remarks in UNGA address – Hindustan Times

Taliban has hit out at the U.S and Pakistan for claiming that terrorism exists in Afghanistan during the UN General Assembly address. In a scathing statement, the Afghanistan Foreign Ministry termed the claims as incorrect and pitched for UNGA seat handover to the Afghan government, who can then counter these ‘unsubstantiated’ concerns. Watch this video for more details. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Visit of Bangladesh Navy Operational Sea Training Group to SNC – Indian Navy

An eight member delegation from the Bangladesh Navy Operational Sea Training Group (BNOSTG) visited Headquarters Sea Training at Kochi to witness Operational Sea Training at Southern Naval Command. As part of the orientation training, interactive session along with practical classes on seamanship, firefighting, damage control, first aid and safety at sea were conducted. The interactive sessions also provided an opportunity to exchange the best practices followed. Click here to read…

No room to cut: Rising inflation traps Bangladesh climate migrants – Thomas Reuters Foundations

The rising cost of living is taking a heavy toll on the world’s poorest and most vulnerable, including many already struggling to survive after climate change-fuelled disasters have claimed their homes and land. Bangladesh’s inflation rate is now about 7.5%, according to the country’s central bank, after the government dramatically boosted fuel prices in the face of rising global fossil fuel costs, in part as a result of the Ukraine conflict. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Vaccine Maitri: Bhutan and Nepal expressed their gratitude to India in UNGA, India sent vaccine to more than 100 countries – The Weekly Mail

Bhutan and Nepal expressed their gratitude to India at the United Nations General Assembly on Monday. During this, he has expressed his gratitude for the significant support in the supply of covid-19 vaccines under the ‘Vaccine Maitri’ initiative of the Government of India. Let us tell you that under India’s Vaccine Friendship Initiative, neighbouring countries got a lot of help in vaccinating their population. Click here to read…

Maldives

Kyrgyzstan and Maldives sign agreement on the establishment of visa-free regime – Azer News

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubaev met with his Maldivian counterpart Abdullah Shahid on September 23, Trend reports citing the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry’s press service. Click here to read…

The Maldives received 100,000 more Pfizer vaccine doses from the United States – The Paradise

The US government has provided the Maldives with an additional 100,620 doses of Pfizer vaccines as part of the COVAX deal. The latest shipment comes after the United States sent 439,920 Pfizer vaccine shots to the Maldives in January 2021 and January 2022.Click here to read…

Myanmar

India should negotiate with Myanmar military, ethnic groups to restore peace: Mizoram CM – Indian Express

India should negotiate with military authorities in trouble-torn Myanmar and various ethnic groups there to restore peace in the neighbouring country, Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga has said. India shares an over 1,600-km-long international border with Myanmar. Click here to read…

Recruitment Crisis Bites as Myanmar Junta Scrambles to Fill Gaps in Ranks – The Irrawaddy

“The Tatmadaw wants you,” used to be a familiar slogan on recruitment posters across Myanmar. Propaganda songs, like one which began: “Support the great Tatmadaw in every way to help it gain strength, never should we forget comrades who are our kin,” were played on the television and radio. But recruitment has broken down, forcing the regime to buy recruits since before the 2021 coup. Officers are being offered promotions and other incentives to find recruits, according to analysts. Click here to read…

Oral update on the human rights situation in Myanmar to the Human Rights Council – OHCHR

Military tactics increasingly involve indiscriminate attacks and weaponry. The growing use of air power and artillery during the monsoon season is significantly impacting civilians and residential areas. In Magway and Sagaing regions as well as Kachin, Shan, Kayah, and Kayin states, residential buildings – as many as 30,000 – schools and other civilian infrastructure have been burnt to the ground during military ground operations. Click here to read…

Nepal

‘Rapid demography change happening, Islamists getting help from Pakistan’: MP from Kapilvastu discusses growing security concerns at the India-Nepal border – OpIndia

There have been several reports in the recent past highlighting the rapidly changing demography in the sections of India near the Indo-Nepal border. The number of mosques and madrasas is constantly increasing. From August 20 to 27, 2022, an OpIndia team visited Nepal areas bordering India to take an account of the ground situation on that side of the border. This is the 23rd report in a series of articles documenting the facts discovered by the OpIndia team. Click here to read…

Pakistan

US asks Pakistan to better manage ties with India

The US has advised Pakistan to improve its ties with India even as it sidestepped New Delhi’s concerns over an upgrade assistance for Islamabad’s F-16s. “In our discussions today, we talked about the importance of managing a responsible relationship with India,” said US Secretary of State Antony Blinken during an event with Pakistan Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari. Click here to read…

Pakistan FM replaced, veracity of audio tapes established – Tribune India

Rumours over the bugging of the Pakistan Prime Minister’s Office were vindicated after the ruling coalition government replaced its Finance Minister as was discussed in a viral audio tape of conversation between PML-N vice-president Maryam Nawaz and her uncle and PM Shehbaz Sharif. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka keen to restart cancelled Japanese projects; Japan willing to lead creditor talks – Economy Next

Sri Lanka President Ranil Wickremesinghe has told Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi that his government is keen to restart Japan-funded projects cancelled by the previous administration, while Minister Hayashi has expressed his country’s willingness to take a leading role in Sri Lanka’s negotiations with her creditors. Click here to read…

HNB allocates Rs. 10Mn to assist MSMEs affected by the economic crisis – Colombo Page

Sri Lanka’s most MSME-friendly bank, HNB PLC, once again allocated Rs. 10 million to assist entrepreneurs affected by the ongoing economic crisis as a part of its flagship ‘Oba Venuwen Api’ initiative to rebuild and revive the economy. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Blast kills 1, wounds 3 in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province – Dajji World

One person was killed and three others injured as a blast rocked Faizabad city, the capital of Afghanistan’s northern Badakhshan province, Provincial Head of Information and Culture Department Qari Maazudin Ahmadi said. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Boat on way to Mahalaya festival sinks in Bangladesh, killing 24; at least 30 missing – Dajji World

At least 24 people have died after a boat capsized in the Koratoya river in Bangladesh’s Panchagarh district with passengers to a temple on board on the Mahalaya festival ahead of Durga Puja. Click here to read…

Rupee-Taka trade: Rupee loan facility to Bangladesh may be under consideration to lessen strain on its forex kitty – Times Now

Soon, India could extend a rupee loan line to Bangladesh and see trade happening in local currency as the neighbouring country faces a dollar crunch, decline in it’s foreign exchange reserves and a weakening taka.Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan unveils new national brand: ‘Believe’ – Kuensel Online

The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) launched the new brand Bhutan ‘Believe’ yesterday. The country unveiled a new tourism strategy, underpinned by transformations in three key areas: enhancements to its sustainable development policies, infrastructure upgrades, and the elevation of the guest experience. Bhutan’s new tagline, Believe, reflects this determined focus on the future, as well as the transformative journeys experienced by its guests. Click here to read…

Maldives

‘Bharat ko badhaai’: At UN-India event, Maldives FM begins address on a special note – Hindustan Times

Maldives foreign minister Abdulla Shahid further said that India has been a valuable partner in helping meet challenges from disaster relief to addressing the Covid-19 pandemic and accessing vaccines to economic development and recovery. Click here to read…

Myanmar

US ‘Exploring Ways to Ramp Up Support’ for Myanmar Opposition: State Dept – The Irrawaddy

Earlier this week US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet met with representatives of Myanmar’s civilian parallel National Unity Government and some ethnic armed organizations. On Friday, he spoke with The Irrawaddy about those discussions, as well the ongoing US and international responses to the crisis in Myanmar. Click here to read…

Junta Watch: Drones Put Military on Edge; Nuclear Plans Proceed; and More – The Irrawaddy

The Myanmar military regime is installing anti-drone guns at important buildings and places, junta spokesman Major General Zaw Min Tun said at the regime’s regular press conference on Tuesday, an indication that the resistance’s drone warfare against the regime is working effectively. Click here to read…

Nepal

OpIndia Impact: Thermal cameras to be installed on the Indo-Nepal border, operators of Madarsas in border villages missing, pujari’s killer held after 2 years – OpIndia

The OpIndia team visited the Indo-Nepal border from August 20 to August 27, 2022, to learn about the ground realities of the demographic change amid the growing Muslim population and media reports of Islamic places of worship along the border. During this time, we obtained information about the Indian districts of Shravasti, Balrampur, Maharajganj, and Siddharthnagar, as well as the Dong and Kapilvastu districts in Nepal. Click here to read…

Pakistan

US’s $450 million F-16 package for Pakistan: A message for India, China factor, or quid pro quo – Times of India

America’s recent decision to approve a $450 million sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet has signalled a marked shift in Washington’s stand on Islamabad and stoked valid concerns in India. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi meets with Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry – CGTN

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Sri Lankan Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry on the sidelines of the general debate of the UNGA 77 in New York on September 23. Wang Yi said that China and Sri Lanka established the relations of strategic partnership of cooperation, and the two countries have always shared weal and woe and treated each other in all sincerity. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of China-Sri Lanka diplomatic relations and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact, which is of great significance to inherit the past and usher in the future. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Cargo Leaves China For Afghanistan On New Route Bypassing Russia – Oil Price

China has dispatched a first load of freight to Afghanistan on a new road and rail route transiting Central Asia which will cut travel time by several weeks.The multimodal route starts in China’s northwestern Xinjiang province then passes through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan before entering Afghanistan. Click here to read…

21 years after 9/11, where does Afghanistan stand today – Economic Times

On May 2, 2011, the U.S. Special Forces killed Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden in Pakistan’s Abbottabad in operation Neptune Spear. The fact that Bin Laden was hiding out in Pakistan exposed Islamabad’s failure to track down, or failure to reveal the hideout of America’s most wanted terrorist. The U.S. led NATO forces left Kabul in 2021, but the war against terror continues in Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh, Cambodia to sign FTA for boosting trade cooperation – New Age BD

During a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and her Cambodian counterpart Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen in New York on Thursday night, they agreed to do it, said foreign minister AK Abdul Momen while briefing reporters about the activities of the PM on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Click here to read…

Traders worried as India top bank suspends dollar transaction with Bangladesh – TBS News

The public sector lender State Bank of India (SBI), which has been operating for four decades in Dhaka, has suspended export-import transactions in dollars with Bangladesh, raising concern among the business community of both countries as India is the second highest import source for Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan Reopens with New Sustainable Tourism Strategy – Travel Pulse

The Kingdom of Bhutan officially reopens to international travelers since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic today, September 22, unveiling a new tourism strategy focusing on sustainable development, infrastructure upgrades and more. Click here to read…vv

Maldives

Maldives is proud to have demonstrated leadership at the UN General Assembly: FM Shahid – Raajje

Maldives is proud to have demonstrated leadership at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), says Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid. FM Shahid said this in a message on the 57th Anniversary of the Maldives Membership at the UN, extended on Thursday. As such, FM Shahid highlighted on the fact that Maldives joined the UN at a time a small state joining the UN was questioned, 57 years ago. Click here to read…

Myanmar

US seeks action, possible UN resolution, on Myanmar junta – Channel News

The United States is seeking more pressure on Myanmar’s junta through the United Nations (UN) and is urging the international community not to recognize upcoming elections, a senior official said Thursday. Click here to read…

Mizoram chief minister meets Shah, discusses influx of refugees from Myanmar – Hindustan Times

Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga on Thursday met Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss the influx of refugees from neighbouring Myanmar. In an Instagram post, Zoramthanga said Shah took stock of the situation at the meeting. Click here to read…

Tatmadaw, ARSA, Arakan army, Yaba economy – News Age BD

BANGLADESH is in a spot as far as Myanmar is concerned. Not that Myanmar is doing much better having to fight just about every ethnic group in the country. Given the truncated reality of its cartography, Myanmar probably does not qualify as a state, certainly not as a single unit or even a federation. A half of the map is under rebel control. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal’s NDC on climate change – Kathmandu Post

The last three decades of the international climate regime have shown positive accomplishments. The establishment of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with the goals of mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change, the Kyoto Protocol with legally binding emissions targets for developed countries, the Paris Agreement with a temperature threshold of 2 degrees Celsius (and pursue best efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius), and establishment of the net-zero target are three key milestones of past 30 years of climate change negotiation. Click here to read…

Two Nepal projects selected under China’s GDI – Kathmandu Post

At a time when not a single project under the Beijing-led Belt and Road Initiatives has commenced in Nepal, two projects from Nepal have been selected under China’s another initiative called, the Global Development Initiative. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Death toll in devastating Pakistan flooding reaches 1,596

The overall death toll in Pakistan from the devastating floods has increased to 1,596, with 12,863 others injured, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said. In the last 24 hours, 20 new fatalities were reported, reports Xinhua news agency citing the NDMA as saying. Click here to read…

China blocks action against Pakistan-based terrorist in ‘favour’ to close ally – Siasat

China has again blocked action in UN Sanctions Committee against Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader and 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Sajid Mir, drawing strong criticism from India. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Foreign ambassadors assure support to recover Sri Lanka from the economic crisis – Colombo Page

The foreign ambassadors to Sri Lanka have assured President Ranil Wickremesinghe their support to get the assistance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to recover the island nation from the worst economic crisis in its history. Click here to read…

New resolution on Sri Lanka tabled in Geneva – Colombo Gazette

The draft resolution, which was formally handed over to the Human Rights Council Secretariat on Wednesday, has been sponsored by the UK, US, Germany, Canada, Malawi, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Click here to read…