Bhutan

BCCI study identifies 20 potential business opportunities- Kuensel

There are 20 potential business opportunities in agriculture, education, energy, manufacturing, information and communication technology, and tourism sectors across 20 dzongkhags according to a study initiated by the Bhutan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). Click here to read…

Bhutan to host 75th RCM- Kuensel

Bhutan will host the 75th Regional Committee Meeting (RCM-75) for the third time this year from September 5 to 9 in Paro. Click here to read…

Nepal

Efforts on to forge left ideological alliance- Himalayan Times

Five top communist leaders – Chair of CPN-Maoist Centre Pushpa Kamal Dahal, senior CPN-MC leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha, Chair of CPN (Unified Socialist) Madhav Kumar Nepal, senior CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Jhalanath Khanal, and Coordinator of CPN-Unity National Campaign Bamdev Gautam – met here today and discussed the possibility of left ideological alliance or unity. Click here to read…

MC Chair Dahal and former PM Bhattarai hold meeting- Himalayan Times

CPN (Maoist Centre) chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal and former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai have held talks today on contemporary political issues. Click here to read…

Streamline mountain tourism: NMA- Himalayan Times

Nepal Mountaineering Association, the country’s only alpine club, has asked the government to introduce a one-door policy to streamline all activities related to mountaineering tourism. Click here to read…

Leftists in Congress-led coalition discuss socialist centre idea- Kathmandu Post

Dahal, Bhattarai and Unified Socialist leaders explore possibility of a left front as observers wonder if the bid is aimed at creating a sub-alliance minus UML for the upcoming polls. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

U.S. Simplifies Application Process for Afghan Special Immigrant Visa: Tolo News

The United States will simplify the application process for Afghan special immigrant visas with applicants only needing to file one form, according to a statement issued on Monday by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Click here to read…

Qatar Foundation Reports Helping More Than 400 Families in Nimroz: Tolo News

A Qatari foreign aid organization has provided food aid to more than 400 families in Zaranj, the capital of Nimroz. The aid was provided by Hamad bin Khalifa al Thani charity, also known as the Qatar FoundationClick here to read…

Earthquakes Devastate Quake-Hit Afghanistan Again: The Khaama Press

Two relatively powerful earthquakes have been reported by local sources in the provinces of Paktika, Paktia, Logar, and Badakhshan. In the Gayan district of Paktika province, which was already severely damaged by the earthquake on June 22nd, reports of damages include the demolition of several homes and the injury of many people. Click here to read…

Taliban’s Central Bank Injects $12 Million to the Market to Maintain the Currency Value: The Khaama Press

The Central Bank will hold a foreign currency auction on Tuesday, 19 July, according to the Central Bank’s newsletter, inviting banks, money exchange dealers, and other competent parties including qualified money service companies to participate. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Economic jitters felt by stock market- The Daily Star

The jitters surrounding the state of the economy are reverberating on the stock market, with the key index dropping for the fifth day in a row. Click here to read…

Indian army chief here on a 5-day visit- The Daily Star

Indian army chief General Manoj Pande yesterday lauded Bangladesh Army’s leadership and overall high standards. Click here to read…

Bangladesh seeks time to respond to UN- The Daily Star

Bangladesh has sought a week from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) to respond to a letter wanting to know the country’s human rights issues and the government’s relations with rights bodies. Click here to read…

India for 4th Dhaka-Kolkata train service- The Daily Star

India has formally proposed to operate a fourth inter-country train service from Dhaka to Kolkata. Click here to read…

EU delegation here to talk about trade standards- The Daily Star

A six-member delegation of the European Parliament arrived in Dhaka yesterday to learn about the country’s trade with Europe and its progress in adapting to more demanding trade standards. Click here to read…

Bhutan

PM assures Autsho shopkeepers follow-up on plot allotment issue- Kuensel

The shopkeepers of Autsho town say they are hopeful of getting plots in the town after Lyonchen Dr Lotay Tshering committed to follow-up with the relevant agencies regarding the long overdue plot allotment of Austho satellite town last weekend during his visit to Lhuentse. Click here to read…

New machines to reduce TB testing time- Kuensel

The health ministry (MoH) yesterday launched VITEK MS and VITEK 2 compact services at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDNRH) that would cut turnaround time and improve service delivery with efficient and test results. Click here to read…

Bhutan to host 75th RCM- Kuensel

Bhutan will host the 75th Regional Committee Meeting (RCM-75) for the third time this year from September 5 to 9 in Paro. Click here to read…

Maldives

Indian travel agents arrives in Maldives for familiarization trip – Raajje

Travel agents from leading travel agencies from India have arrived in the Maldives on an invitation by the Maldives Marketing and Public Relation Corporation (MMPRC) on a familiarization trip. Click here to read…

President ratifies the Evidence Act – Raajje

President Solih ratified the Evidence Act on Monday. The Evidence Act bill was passed by the Parliament at the 22nd sitting of its second session on June 30, 2022. The act specifies the procedures to be followed when gathering evidence in civil and criminal proceedings. The act also specifies the processes to be followed when submitting, accepting, and evaluating evidence. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Thailand’s Myanmar Policy Is Costing Communities on Both Sides of the Border – The Diplomat

On June 30, a Myanmar air force jet, identified as a Russian-made MiG-29, violated Thai airspace while on a bombing raid in eastern Myanmar. The jet’s incursion prompted the evacuation of homes and classrooms in the Phop Phra district of Thailand’s Tak provinceClick here to read…

China-Backed Illegal Rare Earth Mining Surging in Northern Myanmar – The Irrawaddy

Illegal rare earth mining has surged in northern Kachin State since last year’s coup in areas along the border with China controlled by a militia sponsored by the Myanmar military. Click here to read…

Myanmar leader shops for support, weapons in Moscow – Aljazeera

With both regimes increasingly isolated on the world stage, Myanmar’s top general has been in Moscow to meet senior officials from Russia’s defence ministry, pledging deeper military ties and cooperation on nuclear energy. Click here to read…

Six Myanmar Regime Officials Assassinated in Yangon in Last Four Days – The Irrawaddy

At least six Myanmar junta officials including a judge and an army captain have been killed in the commercial capital Yangon in the last four days. On Monday morning, army captain Aung Naing Phyoe from the military’s weapons factory and his wife Ma Jue Jue Aung were shot dead by gunmen in Yangon’s Hlaing Township while they were drivingClick here to read…

India signs MoUs with Myanmar, other countries to increase pulses import – ZeeBiz

In a bid to ease the supply-side pressure amid rising inflation, the government has decided to increase the import of Tur and Urad for the next five years. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry on Monday issued a notification stating that New Delhi will import Tur and Urad from Myanmar, Malawi and Mozambique. Click here to read…

Myanmar central bank orders firms with up to 35% foreign ownership to convert forex – ChannelNewsAsia

Myanmar’s central bank has ordered companies with up to 35 per cent foreign ownership to convert foreign exchange into the local currency, state media reported on Monday, extending a rule aimed at relieving pressure on the kyat to include more businesses. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal Oil to pay Rs17 billion to Indian oil supplier to reduce outstanding dues- The Kathmandu Post

Despite reduced fuel cost amid decreasing fuel price internationally, the oil monopoly has kept prices unchanged. Click here to read…

Dahal receives warm welcome in Delhi as Nepal’s envoy is kept cooling his heels- The Kathmandu Post

Officials at the Nepali embassy say they are still awaiting response from the Indian ministries for formal meetings with Shankar Sharma, Kathmandu’s ambassador to India. Click here to read…

Government to provide Rs 7 billion loan to NOC- The Himalayan Times

The government is to provide a loan of Rs 7 billion to Nepal Oil Corporation to make the supply of petroleum products smooth. Click here to read…

Ban continues on import of 10 types of goods- The Himalayan Times

The government has retained the prohibition on the import of 10 various goods. Before this, the ban had been imposed until the end of Asar (July 16). It has been extended till August 30. Click here to read…

Undeterred coalition resolves not to rush into election: Dawn

Amid the opposition Pakis¬tan Tehreek-i-Insaf’s (PTI) fresh demand for early general elections after registering a thumping victory in the crucial Punjab by-elections on Sunday, the two main component parties of the ruling coalition — the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Pakis¬tan Peoples Party (PPP) — on Monday insisted the Nat¬ional Assembly will complete its term until mid-next year, and general elections be held after the government carries out electoral reforms and fixes the economy. Click here to read…

Basking in poll glory, Imran toughens line: The Express Tribune

A day after securing a resounding victory in Punjab by-polls, former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Monday reiterated his demand for holding fresh elections in the country under a new chief election commissioner (CEC). Click here to read…

US dollar soars to new high against PKR in interbank market: The News

The Pakistani rupee depreciated further in the interbank market on Tuesday hitting a new low of 216.75 in the interbank market against the US dollar.The rupee lost 1.55 during the intraday trade. It lost 4.25 rupees or 1.97% against the greenback on Monday and closed at 215.20, suffering one of the biggest single-day falls. Click here to read…

Remittances surge to record high of $31.2bn in FY2022: The News

Pakistan received $31.2 billion in remittances from overseas in July-June FY2022, a 6.1 percent increase from $29.4 billion in the previous year. Remittances increased 18.4 percent month-on-month to $2.76 billion in June. These inflows saw 1.7 percent year-on-year growth in June. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa withdraws from Presidential nomination- The Daily Mirror

Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa has decided to withdraw his presidential nomination and the SJB will support SLPP MP Dullas Allahapperuma in the Presidential election in Parliament tomorrow. Click here to read…

Israel’s Arkia considering to operate flights to Sri Lanka- The Daily Mirror

Israel’s second largest airline, Arkia is looking at expanding its operations to Sri Lanka and Thailand, following Saudi Arabia’s plan to allow unfettered access to its airspace to Israeli airlines. Click here to read…

70% of Sri Lankans believe that the Executive Presidency should be abolished- The Daily Mirror

The June 2022 syndicated survey conducted by Verité Research, revealed that 70% (± 2%) of the country’s population is of the opinion that the executive presidency should be abolished. Click here to read…

Freighted petrol undergoes quality sampling, unloading tomorrow: Minister- The Daily Mirror

One shipment of Petrol reached the country is presently undergoing quality sampling and unloading will begin tomorrow, Power and Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said. Click here to read…

RW to seek assistance of UK govt. & intelligence over Easter Sunday attacks- The Daily Mirror

Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe today stated that the absence of a proper Easter Sunday investigation has meant that this issue has still not been fully resolved and he is requesting the assistance of the UK Government and their intelligence services. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka’s ambassador urges ADB and World Bank to take bigger role in debt restructure- The Island

Sri Lanka has not reached any initial agreement with the IMF on debt relief, and its largest creditors -the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank – are urged to come up with a package that would speed up its debt restructuring process, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to China Palitha Kohona told the Global Times in an exclusive interviewClick here to read…

Afghanistan

UN Official Calls for Afghan Girls’ Access to Secondary Education: Tolo News

Markus Potzel, the UN deputy special envoy for Afghanistan, in a visit to the eastern province of Nangarhar, stressed the need for Afghan girls’ access to secondary education and said girls and boys should be provided with the same rights to educationClick here to read…

Interior Minister Asks World to Recognize Islamic Emirate: Tolo News

“Based on international principles and our Islamic and national traditions they should recognize the Islamic Emirate, but if they don’t recognize it, I assure our people that Afghans are not without resolve. They (Afghans) have fought for 20 years without foreign resources, and with their faith and zeal, they will fight against the economic situation with the strength of their arms,” he said. Click here to read…

Gunmen Shoot a Newly Returned Man from Iran Dead in Northern Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

According to local sources in Faryab province in northern Afghanistan, unidentified assailants shot and killed a man in the district of Almar, which is located about 35 kilometers from the provincial capital. The incident, according to sources occurred in Halwa Khor village of the said district on Saturday night, July 16. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Fuel stocks dwindling- The Daily Star

Uncertainty looms over the country’s fuel stock as the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation is finding it difficult to import fuel amid a dollar shortage at local banks. Click here to read…

Stop illegal entry of Rohingyas in Bangladesh- The Daily Star

Dhaka has requested Delhi to stop the illegal entry of Myanmar nationals into Bangladesh from India. Click here to read…

Dhaka Metro Rail now set to cost 50% more- The Daily Star

With the partial launch of the country’s first ever metro rail only five months away, the project cost is set to rise by more than half, and the deadline is also going to be extended by a year and half. Click here to read…

Rice import resumes at Benapole land port after 10 months- The Daily Star

Import of rice from India resumed at Benapole land port today (July 17) after 10 months with a consignment of 512 tonnes rice entering Bangladesh side in the afternoon. Click here to read…

Indian Army chief on 3-day visit to Bangladesh- The Daily Star

Indian Army chief Gen Manoj Pande today embarked on a three-day visit to Bangladesh beginning tomorrow (July 18), his first foreign trip since assuming office. Click here to read…

Labour rights violations, red-tapism might hamper Bangladesh-EU trade: Envoy- The Daily Star

Violation of labour rights and “red-tapism” in business are the two big factors that might hamper trade between Bangladesh and Europe, said EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whitely today (July 15), stressing the need to improve on these fronts. Click here to read…

Bhutan

New tourist entry points in southern dzongkhags from September- Kuensel

When tourism formally reopens on September 23, new entry and exit points for tourists in southern dzongkhags will also open, according to the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB). Click here to read…

Will the new tourism policy impact tour guides?- Kuensel

With the new Tourism Levy Act coming into effect on June 20, tour guides are unsure about their engagementClick here to read…

Bhutan records the highest temperature at 38.5C amid global heat warning- BBS

Many around the globe are feeling extreme heat this time around. It is no different for Bhutan. The country recorded historically the highest temperature of 38.5C in Punakha yesterday. This is 0.5C higher than the historical temperature which was also recorded in Punakha in 2019. Click here to read…

(Interview) Bhutan-China ties won’t harm India’s interests: Bhutan Foreign Minister the Hindu

India’s interests on the Doklam tri-junction will not be harmed or “compromised” by the agreement between Bhutan and China for a three-step “road map” to resolve their outstanding border disputes, Bhutan’s Foreign Minister Tandi Dorji said in an interview to The Hindu. Click here to read…

Maldives

Bill to increase GST, TGST to be submitted to parliament before new session begins- The SUN

Finance Ministry, on Sunday, has stated that the bill pertaining to increase of the Goods and Service Tax (GST) and Tourism Goods and Service Tax (TGST) will be submitted to the parliament before they convene for new session. Click here to read…

Madduvari MP: Gov needs to explain hesitancy to investigate Maduvvari rape case- The SUN

Parliament representative for Maduvvari constituency and Parliamentary group leader of the opposition, MP Adam Shareef said that the government needs to explain its hesitancy towards re-kindling the investigation of the gang rape of a 14-year-old student girl in R. Maduvvari. Click here to read…

President Solih to visit India on official trip- The SUN

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is scheduled to visit India on an official trip. Click here to read…

Foreign Minister Shahid conferred Grand Cross of Order of Antonio Jose de Irisarri- The SUN

President of the 76th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has been conferred the Grand Cross of the Order of Antonio Jose de Irisarri by the Guatemalan government. Click here to read…

President ratifies amendment to Fisheries Act- The SUN

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Sunday, ratified the first amendment to the Fisheries Act. Click here to read…

President: Reopening of border led to economic revival- The SUN

The decision to reopen Maldives’ borders after the lockdown prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic was a good decision which led to economic revival, elevating the country to where it currently stands, states President Ibrahim Mohamed Soli. Click here to read…

Soldiers drain flooded streets as rain continues to batter Male’- The SUN

Officers from the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Fire and Rescue Service have been dispatched to drain the flooded streets as rain continues to batter Male’ City. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar companies with 35% ownership of foreigners must convert foreign currency to Myanmar kyat- The Global New Light of Myanmar

The Central Bank of Myanmar (CBM) made an announcement on 15 July, stating that Myanmar companies with 35 per cent ownership of foreigners must convert foreign currencies from their foreign exchange accounts to Myanmar Kyat, according to the decision of the Foreign Exchange Supervisory Committee (FESC)’s meeting No 32/2022. Click here to read…

Myawady Trade Zone handled US$ 42.262 million worth of trade volume- The Global New Light of Myanmar

According to the Ministry of Commerce, a trade volume worth US$ 42.262 million was handled at the Myawady Trade Zone in June. Click here to read…

Maximum amount of CMP garments, industrial raw materials, agricultural products exported abroad in Q1- The Global New Light of Myanmar

During the three months of the 2022-2023 Financial Year-FY, industrial raw materials, including CMP garments, were exported the most, and agricultural products were the second largest, according to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce. Click here to read…

SAC Chairman Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing holds talks with Head of Novosibirsk, arrives back from Russian Federation- The Global New Light of Myanmar

Chairman of the State Administration Council Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing currently in Novosibirsk of the Russian Federation held discussions with Head of Novosibirsk Mr Andrey Alexandrovich Travnikov at the latter’s office meeting hall yesterday. Click here to read…

Govt allocates US$16 mln for ART medicines, medical supplies in current FY – The Global New Light of Myanmar

The government allocated $16 million to buy ART medicines and medical supplies in the 2022-23 Financial Year (FY), according to the Ministry of HealthClick here to read…

Myanmar attends 32nd South East Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) Council Meeting in Cambodia- The Global New Light of Myanmar

Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs U Min Thein Zan attended the 32nd South East Asian Games Federation (SEAGF) Council Meeting held in Cambodia between 11 and 13 July together with the director-general and other four members of the Department of Sports and Physical Education. Click here to read…

Dagon University signs MoU with Gifu University of Japan- The Global New Light of Myanmar

A signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Science Departments of Dagon University and those under the Engineering Faculty of Gifu University, Japan, was held at the meeting hall of the Rector’s Office in Dagon University yesterday. Click here to read…

China-Backed Illegal Rare Earth Mining Surging in Northern Myanmar- The Irrawaddy

Illegal rare earth mining has surged in northern Kachin State since last year’s coup in areas along the border with China controlled by a militia sponsored by the Myanmar military. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Suu Kyi testifies in election fraud trial- Caledonian Record

Ousted Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi is testifying for the first time in an election fraud charge against her and two co-defendantsClick here to read…

Nepal

Ensure security personnel, staff on poll day get to vote: SC- Himalayan Times

The Supreme Court has ordered the government to ensure that security personnel, including Nepali Army soldiers in military barracks, government employees deployed on poll duty, prisoners, and detainees have the right to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections likely to be held in November. Click here to read…

Drought hits paddy in Tarai- Himalayan Times

At this time of the year, farmers should have been busy planting paddy. But, drought has left farmers in misery. They are just looking at the sky expecting rain. Click here to read…

Indian envoy Srivastava calls on HoR speaker- Himalayan Times

Newly appointed Ambassador of India to Nepal Naveen Srivastava today paid a courtesy call on Speaker of the House of Representatives of Nepal Agni Prasad Sapkota at the latter’s office in Singha Durbar.Click here to read…

‘Visit fruitful, I had candid talks with Indian leaders in Delhi’- Kathmandu Post

The Maoist Centre chair on his three-day India trip, its purpose and the outcome.
Click here to read…

India visit fruitful: Maoist Center Chairman Dahal- Republica

Talking to media persons at the Tribhuvan International Airport upon his arrival from India after concluding a three-day visit on Sunday evening, Chairman Dahal said that the conversation with the Indian side was held in a cordial atmosphere. Click here to read…

What message did Liu Jianchao bring to Kathmandu on Nepal-China relations?- Online Khabar

It was only in 2003 that the Chinese government gave its first official view on the armed conflict that started in Nepal in 1996. “A group in Nepal are defaming our respected leader Mao Zedong,” their statement read. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PTI stuns PML-N with thumping win: Dawn

The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf on Sunday routed the PML-N by winning at least 15 seats in the crucial by-elections on 20 seats that got vacated after the disqualification of PTI members who had voted for Hamza Shehbaz for Punjab chief minister’s office. Click here to read…

US terms Imran’s claim disturbing, looks ahead to strong ties: Dawn

Addressing a convention of Pakistani physicians in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Director Pakistan Desk Neil W. Hop described US-Pakis¬tan relations as “a partnership we cannot do without”. Click here to read…

Imran renews call for fair polls after PTI’s landslide victory over PML-N in Punjab: The Express Tribune

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) saw its victory in Sunday’s by-elections in Punjab as an endorsement of its demand for fresh elections in the country, with the party Chairman Imran Khan reiterating that “fair polls” were only way forward. Click here to read…

Latest party position in Punjab Assembly after by-elections: The News

The landslide victory of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in Punjab by-polls has completely changed the numbers game in the Punjab Assembly and Chaudhry Pervez Elahi is most likely to replace Hamza Shehbaz Sharif as the new chief minister of the province in coming days. Click here to read…

What now for PDM?: The News

They have for sure put an end to Hamza Shehbaz’s dreams of retaining chief ministership of Punjab. The PMLN needed to win at least 11 seats so that Hamza Shehbaz could be re-elected as Punjab chief minister while the PTI needed at least 14 for its CM candidate Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi to win the elections. The results that came in showed a triumphant PTI hitting the proverbial home run. The PMLN has conceded defeat and it is now merely a formality of a vote before the PMLQ’s Pervaiz Elahi becomes the next CM of Punjab. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

State of Emergency declared from today- The Daily Mirror

An Extraordinary Gazette has been issued declaring a State of Emergency across the island with effect from today. Click here to read…

India eclipses China to become top lender to debt-laden Sri Lanka – The Daily Mirror

India has surpassed China to become the top lender to Sri Lanka, as the former came to the rescue when Sri Lanka started experiencing some acute shortage of foreign currency from the beginning of the year which reached a breaking point in March causing a complete collapse of the country’s economy. Click here to read…

CPC to low fuel prices from tonight- The Daily Mirror

The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) has decided to reduce the retail price of their fuel from 10.00 pm today. Click here to read…

Much needs to be done to prevent falling down; Ranil- The Daily Mirror- The Daily Mirror

Whilst revealing that the G7 alliance on the global food crisis has offered Sri Lanka US$ 14 million to spend on food, Acting President Ranil Wickremesinghe said there is much to be done to avoid third-world countries such as Sri Lanka falling down on their knees in the face of the global situationClick here to read…

US organization donates medical supplies worth USD 908,547 to SL- The Daily Mirror

Heart to Heart International, a renowned global humanitarian organization in the United States made urgent medicinal supplies worth USD 908,547 (LKR 326,077,518.30) to the people of Sri Lanka following a request by Sri Lankan Ambassador for US Mahinda Samarasinghe. Click here to read…

Possible recession in eurozone likely to worsen SL’s forex woes- The Daily Mirror

Fitch Ratings this week warned that Sri Lanka’s export and tourism sectors are likely to take a hit from the possible recession in the eurozone and it could further exacerbate the country’s actuate foreign exchange shortage. Click here to read…

IMF hopes to soon resume Sri Lanka high-level discussions- The Daily Mirror

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is still in contact with the officials at technical levels within the Sri Lankan government and hopes to be able to resume discussions with higher-level officials, an IMF spokesman said on Thursday, after Sri Lanka’s president announced his resignation. Click here to read…

China to play positive role in supporting SL: Wang Wenbin- The Daily Mirror

China is ready to work with relevant countries and international financial institutions to continue to play a positive role in supporting Sri Lanka in overcoming difficulties, easing its debt burden and realizing sustainable development, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said on Friday. Click here to read…

China will agree to US$4 billion aid for Sri Lanka ’at some point’: Kohona- The Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka is continuing negotiations with China for as much as US$4 billion in aid and is confident Beijing will agree “at some point,” Bloomberg News reported on Friday (Jul 15), citing Sri Lanka’s ambassador to China. Click here to read…

India to support early solution in SL through democratic means: Indian HC- The Daily Mirror

India will continue to stand with the people of Sri Lanka as they seek to realize their aspirations for prosperity and progress through democratic means and values as well as established institutions and a constitutional framework, Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka said. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Noted religious scholar gunned down in Kabul- Pajhwok

Noted religious scholar Sardar Wali Saqib has been killed by unknown gunmen in the capital Kabul, an official said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Taliban to Participate in Tashkent International Conference- Afghanistan Times

he Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) delegations will participate in an International Conference on Afghanistan which will be held On July 25-26, 2022, in Tashkent with the participation of more than 20 countries and international organizations, a statement from the Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs published. Click here to read…

Dozens Dead as Flash Flood in Afghanistan- Afghanistan Times

Unseasonal rain and flooding has plagued Afghanistan over the past week. The UN has reported at least 39 deaths and 14 injuries. The central Afghan province of Ghazni is the hardest-hit region. Afghanistan’s eastern region has experienced three flash floods in less than a month. Click here to read…

Afghanistan Ranked Worst Country for Gender Gap- Tolo News

Afghanistan was ranked 146 — the lowest country — in the Global Gender Gap Index 2022 rankings. Click here to read…

Kabul Asks Ex-ANDSF Soldiers Studying in India to Return- Tolo News

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior Affairs asked all military students who are in India and other countries to return to Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Country first in S Asia for secondary education- Daily Star

Bangladesh has the lowest proportion of youths aged between 15 and 24 without secondary education level skills in South Asia, found a recent study. Click here to read…

Jute, jute goods exports fall for soaring shipping costs- Daily Star

Exports of jute and jute goods from Bangladesh declined in the last fiscal year due to the unprecedented surge in shipping costs and the higher price of raw fibres. Click here to read…

G20 finance leaders meet in Bali under cloud of Ukraine war- Dhaka Tribune

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which the Kremlin calls a “special military operation”, has overshadowed previous G20 meetings, including last week’s gathering of foreign ministers. Click here to read…

Foreign loans stressed to keep forex reserves in good shape- Asian Age

As a precautionary move, Bangladesh has started talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about taking a loan of $4-4.5 billion to shore up the precarious foreign currency reservesClick here to read…

Bangladesh may face Sri Lanka-like situation: GM Quader- Asian Age

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quade on Thursday warned that Bangladesh may face a Sri Lanka-like situation due to the implementation of mega projects with foreign loans. Click here to read…

Bhutan

DTT members confident of getting party registered- Kuensel

Members of the newly formed political party, Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa (DTT), are confident of getting the party registered with the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB). Click here to read…

Both countries should ensure minimum cost and avoid delays to maintain viability of future hydro projects- Kuensel

Outgoing Ambassador of India to Bhutan, Ruchira Kamboj, talks to Kuensel reporter Dechen Dolkar on issues pertaining to hydropower projects, fuel prices and railway network. Click here to read…

Nepal

Facilitating Nepal’s economic growth and strengthening trade ties are key priorities, says Dean Thompson, US Ambassador nominee to Nepal- Himalayan Times

US Ambassador nominee to Nepal, Dean R Thompson said that facilitating Nepal’s economic growth and strengthening trade ties are his key priorities during his time in Nepal, in his opening statement before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Click here to read…

National pride projects’ cost goes up- Himalayan Times

Both the cost and completion time of projects run under the national pride projects have increased, finds the report released by the Office of the Auditor General yesterday. Click here to read…

‘Eligible people deprived of Nepali citizenship’- Himalayan Times

The House of Representatives today held a debate on the Nepal Citizenship (First Amendment) Bill. Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties said that eligible citizens had been deprived of citizenship for long due to non-enactment of new federal citizenship law. Click here to read…

US envoy nominee: Nepal ratified MCC despite China’s ‘disinformation campaign’- Kathmandu Post

In his opening statement before the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate, Thompson says he is ‘well prepared’ to take up the assignment in Kathmandu. Click here to read…

Nepal, China agree to activate existing boundary mechanisms- Kathmandu Post

Mechanisms will be formed soon, either during Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka’s upcoming China visit, or at another bilateral meeting, officials say. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Imran ‘deeply hurt’ by detailed SC judgement- Dawn

PTI Chairman Imran Khan, expressing his disappointment with the detailed verdict issued by the Supreme Court in suo motu case against the ruling of the deputy speaker on Wednesday night, said the top court should have probed the issue after President Arif Alvi shared it with the chief justice. Click here to read…

Authorities across country brace for ‘rain disaster’- Dawn

Disaster management authorities are bracing for another spell of torrential rains, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan, in anticipation of a “vigorous monsoon” as rain lashed parts of Balochistan, triggering another wave of flash floods in the southwestern province on Thursday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Urea under Indian credit line arrives- Daily Mirror

Forty-six thousand metric tons of urea fertilizer under the Indian credit line reached Sri Lanka recently. The consignment was taken to government warehouses in Colombo yesterday. Click here to read…

Nod given for use of lethal force- Island

The Armed Forces had been ordered to use lethal force if it is necessary to protect public property, key installations, vulnerable points and human lives, the Army announced yesterday. Click here to read…

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation official- Ceylon Today

Gotabaya Rajapaksa has officially resigned as Sri Lanka’s President. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena made the announcement at a media briefing earlier this morningClick here to read…

Fulfill people’s expectations within democratic framework: Chief Prelates- Daily News

The country will become anarchic, through arbitrary power struggles, the Mahanayake Theras of the Three Chapters issuing a statement said yesterday (14). Click here to read…

Afghanistan

HRW Decries 300 Days of Closed Girls’ Schools: Tolo News

Human Rights Watch said that the “Taliban’s ban on secondary education” has already caused girls in Afghanistan to lose 300 days of their studies with devastating “consequences for them, their families, and the country’s future.” Click here to read…

Uzbekistan to Host Conference on Afghanistan: Tolo News

The government of Uzbekistan is to host a conference on Afghanistan on July 25-26 in which delegations from more than 20 countries will participate, a statement of the country’s foreign ministry saidClick here to read…

Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund Receives $2.2 Million Contribution from Switzerland: OCHA: The Khaama Press

UNOCHA tweeted its appreciation to Switzerland on Wednesday, July 13th, for its commitment of $2.2 million to the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF) to support the impoverished people of Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Govt takes austerity to field level- The Daily Star

In the face of growing pressure on the country’s economy, the government issued strict directives to field-level administration to practise austerity while spending from the budget allocation. Click here to read…

Many digital services exist just in name- The Daily Star

People are not getting the maximum benefit from the 761 services the government have digitalised for slow servers and poor internet speed, according to a government evaluationClick here to read…

Still a lot to do- The Daily Star

Key infrastructures around Karnaphuli tunnel yet to be completed even though deadline approaches; 28-point recommendation placed to avoid traffic congestion. Click here to read…

EU envoy meets Fakhrul- The Daily Star

European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley met BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir yesterday. Click here to read…

Bangladesh will never be like Sri Lanka- The Daily Star

Awami League joint general secretary Mahbubul Alam Hanif yesterday said the situation of Bangladesh will never be like that of Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Curbing inflation top priority- The Daily Star

Reining in inflation, stabilising the volatile exchange rate and shoring up the foreign currency reserves are among the major priorities for keeping the economy afloat, newly appointed Bangladesh Bank Governor Abdur Rouf Talukder said yesterday. Click here to read…

$4.5b loan: IMF team to arrive tomorrow- The Daily Star

A delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is set to arrive in Dhaka tomorrow on a nine-day trip to discuss the government’s request for a $4.5 billion loan in the form of budgetary supportClick here to read…

Bhutan

Trans Bhutan Trail in TIME’s annual list of World’s greatest places- Kuensel

The newly-restored Trans Bhutan Trail (TBT) has been named in TIME’s 50 extraordinary travel destinations around the world for 2022 yesterday. Click here to read…

Most PTA projects nearing completion- Kuensel

Of the 82-project-tied assistance (PTA) projects worth Nu 28 billion (B) in the 12th Plan funded by the government of India (GoI), only 16 have been completed to date. Click here to read…

Human resource shortage in LG hampers public service delivery- Kuensel

Without sufficient human resources, some gewogs in Dagana are facing difficulty to provide basic public services. Click here to read…

Flash flood damages seven acres of fields in Minjigang in Samdrup Jongkhar- BBS

Usually, at this time of the year, farmers of Minjigang chiwog in Phuntshothang Gewog transplant paddy. But this year, some families are yet to start their work. Click here to read…

Maldives

Sri Lankan president flees to Maldives, protesters demand prime minister’s ouster – Reuters

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country on Wednesday, hours before he was due to step down, after a people’s uprising over a devastating economic crisis ended his family’s powerful grip on the island nation. Click here to read…

Protests Near Maldives Prez’s House Urging To Send Gotabaya Rajapaksa Back To Sri Lanka – OmmcomNews

Maldivians and Sri Lankan expatriates are protesting near Maldives President Ibrahim Solih’s house urging the authorities to send ousted Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa out from their country’s soil, the Head of the Maldivian TV channel told Daily MirrorClick here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing visits Russia – RFA

Myanmar’s junta chief Min Aung Hlaing arrived in Moscow on Tuesday for what Russia’s Embassy in Myanmar called a “private” visit, only two days after U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken vowed to ramp up international pressure on the military regimeClick here to read…

ICJ to give verdict on Myanmar objections July 22 – New Age

The International Court of Justice on Monday set July 22 to deliver its judgment on the Myanmar preliminary objections to the case filed over the latter’s genocide against the Rohingyas in Rakhine stateClick here to read…

Bamar People’s Liberation Army receives support of major rebel groups on one-year anniversary – Myanmar Now

A coalition of three major ethnic armed armed groups on Sunday declared its support for the Bamar People’s Liberation Army (BPLA), which was formed a year ago to fight against the juntaClick here to read…

The PDFs marching to their own tune – Frontier Myanmar

The Anti-Dictatorship People’s Revolutionary Army was formed with 100 members in April of last year, after the military’s brutal crackdowns on peaceful protesters left hundreds dead. Since then, it has swelled to nearly 1,000 fighters, most of which operate in the war-torn Sagaing Region, while some stage urban guerrilla attacks in Yangon and Mandalay. Click here to read…

Children, Not Soldiers – UN Children and Armed Conflict

Launched in 2014, the campaign Children, Not Soldiers, an initiative of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, and UNICEF, aimed to bring about a global consensus that child soldiers should not be used in conflictClick here to read…

Nepal

Ruling alliance backs Pushpa Bhusal for deputy speaker- Himalayan Times

The ruling alliance has decided to field Nepali Congress whip Pushpa Bhusal for the post of deputy speaker. Click here to read…

Heavy rainfall forecast in four provinces, public urged to remain alert- Himalayan Times

According to Meteorological Forecasting Division, the weather will be generally cloudy throughout the country today while light to moderate rain with thunder. Click here to read…

HoR passes two bills- Himalayan Times

A meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today endorsed two bills that were tabled in the National Assembly. Click here to read…

Nepal, China crucial talks today, with aim to revive mechanisms to settle boundary row- Kathmandu Post

Two countries have failed to conduct joint inspection of the border since 2011. Recent reports suggest disputes in some places, including Humla. Click here to read…

No closure after Nepal’s insurgency- Nepali Times

Sixteen years after the conflict ended, families still struggle for transitional justice. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Flight From Pakistan Takes 181 Afghans to the Netherlands: The Khaama Press

The Dutch government announced Wednesday that a group of 181 Afghans had flown to safety following the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan last year. They landed in the Netherlands on a chartered flight from Pakistan, according to Dutch media. Click here to read…

Editorial: Lankan meltdown lessons: Dawn

THE spectre of the Sri Lankan situation has come to haunt many a developing nation facing serious economic challenges. After an economic meltdown, the South Asian country is now witnessing the unravelling of its political system. A mass uprising triggered by rising commodity prices has forced the government out. But the crisis is far from over. Click here to read…

Ambassador Masood Khan meets key US Senate committee’s chief: The Express Tribune

Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan held a meeting with Senator Jack Reed, chairman of the powerful US Senate Armed Services Committee, during which he expressed Pakistan’s interest in building on the existing relationship with respect to security between the two countries. Click here to read…

Imran vows to win July 17 by-polls despite rivals ‘enjoying support of umpires’: The Express Tribune

Former prime minister and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday vowed to win the much-hyped July 17 Punjab by-poll despite the opponents enjoying the support of the “umpires”.
Click here to read…

Global Gender Gap report released: Pakistan is second-worst country in terms of gender parity: The News

Pakistan, with a population of 107 million women, is the second-worst country in terms of gender parity. This key finding was shared by the World Economic Forum in its Global Gender Gap Report, released on Wednesday. The report ranks Pakistan 145 out of 146 countries. Click here to read…

Pakistan reaches staff-level agreement with IMF: The News

Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have reached a staff-level agreement to complete the combined 7th and 8th reviews of Pakistan’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) with an increased size of $7 billion. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Prospects of SL securing IMF bailout remain bright despite political unrest-The Daily Mirror

Despite the current leadership vacuum in the country, a reputed economist remains optimistic of the prospects of Sri Lanka securing a rescue package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by September-October and following a staff-level agreement expected in about three weeks. Click here to read…

Ukrainian President blames Russia for causing the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka-The Daily Mirror

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed Russia for causing the ongoing crisis in Sri Lanka as he pointed out that blocking of food products during the invasion of Ukraine has resulted in unrest all around the world. Click here to read…

75 admitted to NHC following clashes today-The Daily Mirror

At least 75 persons including members of the security forces were injured during clashes which erupted today, hospital sources said. Click here to read…

GR does not depart Maldives, awaits private jet-The Daily Mirror

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has not departed for Singapore on the scheduled Singapore Airlines flight from Male to Singapore but instead will now await to travel on a private aircraft, the Daily Mirror exclusively learns. Click here to read…

Security forces want a political solution- The Island

Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva yesterday said that he along with the heads of the tri-forces had requested the Speaker to convene a party leaders’ meeting to resolve the current political turmoil. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

BGB, BSF exchange Eid greetings at Panchbibi border in Joypurhat- The Daily Star

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel today exchanged greetings with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) personnel with sweets at Hatkhola border in Panchbibi of Joypurhat on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. Click here to read…

Without land, Bangladesh’s Manta people live — and die — on boats- Arab News

More than 30 million people around the world had to relocate within their home countries due to natural disasters in 2020, nearly 4.5 million of them in BangladeshClick here to read…

Millions left destitute in northeastern Bangladesh three weeks after floods- Down to Earth

Flood victims lacking basic essentials such as rice, fuel, cooking utensils; forced to live on roads. Click here to read…

Opinion: Will Bangladesh’s garment industry find new markets in Asia as West could restrict access?- Daiji World

At present about 80 per cent of exports of RMGs are directed to the US and European countries. But with rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics, many in the industry have voiced their opinion for establishing new markets at the earliest. Click here to read…

Rising violence in Bangladesh’s hills worries Christians- UCA News

Unrest in Chittagong Hill Tracts is blamed on a turf war between ethnic groups and long-running communal tensions. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan mourns the death of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe- Kuensel

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen offered 1,000 butter lamps in memory of the former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, at the Kuenrey of Trashichhodzong on July 9 morning. Click here to read…

NPL drops to Nu 17.56B in March- Kuensel

The non-performing loans (NPL) in the financial sector saw a drop of 29 percent in March this year from the same month last year. Click here to read…

GoI makes special trade concessions for Bhutan- Nepali Times

The Government of India (GoI) has made a special exemption for Bhutan by lifting the restriction on imports of potatoes only from Bhutan, for another year with effect from 04 July until June next year, thereby alleviating the difficulties faced by Bhutanese traders in exporting potatoes to India.
Click here to read…

US donates 33,600 doses of Pfizer’s pediatric Covid vaccine to Bhutan- Business Standard

The US government on Sunday delivered 33,600 doses of Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine to Bhutan. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives Covid-19 case tally exceeds 183,000 – Raajje

As such, between July 3 – July 9, 192 cases were reported from the congested capital, Greater Malé Area, 304 from residential islands outside of the capital and 275 Covid-19 cases were reported from others including industrial islands, liveaboard vessels and resorts. Click here to read…

Deputy FM meets Maldives Foreign Minister

On behalf of the Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan, the Deputy Foreign Minister, Eng. Waleed Al Khereiji met on Monday here the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and the Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Mizoram: Two MDF rebels held in Siaha near Myanmar border – NE Now

In another breakthrough, troopers of Assam Rifles have apprehended two cadres of a Myanmar based Maraland Defence Force (MDF) with ammunition in south Mizoram’s Siaha district near the Myanmar border, Assam Rifles said in a statement. Click here to read…

Observers say inclusive dialogue unlikely in Myanmar without added pressure on junta – RFA

Myanmar’s junta is unlikely to sign off on an all-inclusive dialogue to resolve the country’s political crisis unless additional pressure is applied, observers said Monday, following calls by both the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China to allow all stakeholders to the negotiating table. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Chief Perpetuates Predecessors’ Superstitious Obsession With Rubies – The Irrawaddy

Successive military dictators since the previous military regime the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) have one thing in common—being superstitious and thick-headed. Click here to read…

Communities defy bombs to keep schools running in Myanmar – The New Humanitarian

The New Humanitarian spoke with educators and students in three areas of the country where ethnic revolutionary organisations and so-called “people’s administration teams” are running education systems in the midst of war, serving tens of thousands of students. Click here to read…

Tightened security checks reported in Arakan State – BNI Online

The Myanmar military has been tightening security checks on locals and travellers in some Arakan State townships since June, according to residents. The military arrested at least 50 locals in Sittwe, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun and Mrauk-U townships last month after the Arakan Army detained 14 junta soldiers and police personnel. Click here to read…

Chinese Foreign Minister Snubs Myanmar Junta Chief – The Irrawaddy

It must be embarrassing for Myanmar regime chief Min Aung Hlaing when the top diplomat from the foreign country he relies upon most declines to pay him a visit—particularly if the diplomat is already in Myanmar. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal’s retail inflation hits near six-year high in June- Himalayan Times

Nepal’s annual retail inflation accelerated to 8.56% for the month ending mid-June, central bank data showed on Monday, pushed by a spurt in food and fuel costs amid pressure on the country’s currency. Click here to read…

Bill giving victims more time to report rape passed- Himalayan Times

The House of Representatives today unanimously passed the Bill to Amend Some Acts against Sexual Violence, extending statute of limitation in rape cases. Click here to read…

HoR passes Nepal Police-Province Police coordination bill for Kathmandu Valley’s security- Himalayan Times

The House of Representatives (HoR) has passed the ‘Nepal Police and Province Police (Work Operation, Supervision and Coordination) First Amendment Bill, 2022. Click here to read…

Inflation close to double-digit mark- Kathmandu Post

Central bank report shows year-on-year inflation hit 8.56 percent in the first 11 months of this fiscal year. Click here to read…

Deuba under fire— from a section of Congress, and opposition- Kathmandu Post

UML charges prime minister with failing in governance. Congress group questions party president’s performance. Click here to read…

Unified Socialist Chairman Nepal directs cadres to build organization- Republica

Chairman of the CPN (Unified Socialist) Madhav Kumar Nepal has directed cadres to build party organization by reaching every village. Click here to read…

Pakistan

In Lodhran power show, Imran urges supporters to defeat ‘turncoats, nexus of ECP and PML-N’: Dawn

Former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday urged his workers and supporters to defeat the “turncoats” as well as the “nexus” of the Election Commission of Pakistan and the PML-N by voting for his party in the upcoming by-polls in Lodhran. Click here to read…

Like Sri Lanka, two ruling families taking Pakistan towards crisis: Imran: The Express Tribune

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan has expressed fear that Pakistan is heading towards a similar situation to that of Sri Lanka due to the dynastic rule of two families – Sharif and Zardari. Click here to read…

Severe urban flooding in Karachi after record heavy downpour: The Express Tribune

The southern areas of Karachi, including DHA, Clifton, Kemari, Saddar and other localities reportedly received the highest amount of rainfall after a slow-moving thunderstorm stalled over the city during early morning hours. Click here to read…

‘Biggest relief package’ to be announced by PM Shehbaz, reveals Maryam Nawaz: The News

Announcing “good news” for the nation, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz Monday said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will soon unveil the “biggest relief package” for the people of Pakistan. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Immigration officers withdraw from Silk Route operations at BIA- Daily Mirror

The Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration Officers’ Association (SLIEOA) has decided to withdraw from functioning at the Silk Route Passenger Clearance Terminal at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) from this morning until further notice. Click here to read…

UAE’s flydubai suspends operations to Sri Lanka- Daily Mirror

United Arab Emirates carrier flydubai has suspended operations to Colombo in Sri Lanka until further notice, a spokesperson for the budget airline said on Monday. Click here to read…

Parliament to elect new President on July 20: Speaker- Daily Mirror

Party leaders have decided to elect a new President on July 20 through a vote in Parliament in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhane said today. Click here to read…

Basil’s exit from country foiled after protests by passengers- Daily Mirror

An attempt by former Minister Basil Rajapaksa to leave the country through the Silk Route Passenger Clearance Terminal was foiled due to airport immigration officials refusing to let him leave the country following the protests by passengers. Click here to read…

Adani power projects delayed- The Island

Two renewable energy projects by India’s Adani Group to generate 500 MW at a cost of USD 500 million will be further delayed due to conflicts of interest here, a senior official saidClick here to read…

US envoy calls for democratic transition of power- The Island

US Ambassador in Colombo Julie Chung has called on all political parties to ensure democratic transition of power. Click here to read…

Sonia Gandhi urges international community to support Sri Lanka- The Island

Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi has urged the international community to extend all support and assistance to Sri Lanka.In a statement she said that the Indian National Congress has been following with concern the evolving political situation in Sri Lanka.Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Afghan Coal Sold to Companies Linked to Pakistan Army: Analyst: Tolo News

Owners of coal factories in Afghanistan said the Afghan coal is being sold to three Pakistani companies: Fauji Fertilizer Power Station, Cherat Cement Factory and Lucky Cement and Coal. Economists said these companies are connected with the Pakistan Army. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Leader Vows to Enforce Islamic Law Across Country: Tolo News

The supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate, Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada, vowed to enforce the Islamic system in Afghanistan. In audio recorded from Eid prayers in Eid-Gaah Mosque in Kandahar, Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada, the Islamic Emirate’s leader, said that the laws which were not based on Sharia in the previous government will be demolished.Click here to read…

Kabul Sees Hike in Customs Revenue amid Hunger Strikes: The Khaama Press

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) said it has collected more than 24 billion Afs in revenue from customs offices within the first three months of the fiscal year – a promising figure for a country that has been suffering from financial loose since the fall last August. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Commit to country’s wellbeing with spirit of sacrifice: PM- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on the eve of the holy Eid-Ul-Azha, has urged all to devote themselves to the welfare of the country while being imbued with the spirit of sacrifice. Click here to read…

Forfeit leaseholders’ deposits if they don’t clean up cattle markets: Mayor Atiqul- The Daily Star

Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam today said deposit money of leaseholders will be declared forfeit if they do not clean up cattle markets under DNCC. Click here to read…

Over 12 crore Bangladeshis can’t afford a healthy diet- The Daily Star

It is roughly Tk 286 ($3.064) in Bangladesh whereas the global average is about Tk 331 ($3.54), according to the UN’s flagship report styled “The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2022: Repurposing Food and Agricultural Policies to Make Healthy Diets More Affordable.” Click here to read…

Dhaka cattle markets finally booming- The Daily Star

After seeing a scarcity of customers, Dhaka’s cattle markets have started gaining momentum after Juma prayers yesterday, as a huge number of buyers rushed to the markets. Click here to read…

“Recall with gratitude Abe’s contributions to elevating Bangladesh-Japan relations”- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (July 8, 2022) expressed deep shock at former Japanese premier Shinzo Abe’s assassination, calling his sudden demise a great loss for Japan and the world.Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan embarks on small hydropower projects for energy security- Kuensel

The Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) will begin construction of three small hydropower projects, one each at Lhuentse, Zhemgang and Haa, with a total generation capacity of 104 megawatts (MW). Click here to read…

Are managed-out civil servants eligible to contest elections?- Kuensel

With the next parliamentary elections approaching, the political ambitions of the executives who have been managed out through the leadership assessment exercise hinges on what the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) decides. Click here to read…

Walups question legality of land, owner refutes- Kuensel

There are about 30 households in Walungna. Villagers said they were never consulted nor knew that a new settler had bought 14 acres of land above the village, once their tsamdro (grazing land). Click here to read…

Their Majesties offer prayers and butter lamps for late former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe- Bhutan Times

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen offered prayers and butter lamps at Tashichhodzong yesterday for the late former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community and the Japanese community in Bhutan attended the ceremony. Click here to read…

Sudhakar Dalela appointed as next Ambassador to Bhutan- The Print

Sudhakar Dalela, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1993 batch has been appointed as the Ambassador of India to the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives seeks loan from Bangladesh – The Daily Star

In another show of the growing strength of Bangladesh’s economy, the government might give loans to the Maldives after the Island nation sought funds. If the government agrees to the request, it will mark the second time that Bangladesh has lent money to another country. Click here to read…

Bilateral ties between Maldives and South Sudan will continue to flourish: FM Shahid – Raajje

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has expressed confidence that the bilateral ties of friendship between Maldives and South Sudan will continue to develop and flourish in the years ahead. Minister Shahid stated this in his message of felicitations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan, Mayiik Ayii Deng, on the occasion of their Independence Day. Click here to read…

Myanmar

UN rights body adopts resolution urging Myanmar to repatriate Rohingyas – TBS News

The resolution on the “Situation of human rights of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar” was adopted without a vote at the 50th Session of the UN Human Rights Council. Click here to read…

Junta forces overrun resistance base in northwestern Myanmar – Myanmar Now

A base belonging to the anti-junta Yaw Defence Force (YDF) in Magway Region’s Htilin Township was attacked by junta troops last week, forcing resistance fighters to abandon the site and some 20m kyat (US$10,800) worth of supplies. Click here to read…

Blinken hits at ASEAN for lack of pressure on Myanmar – Federal News Network

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is criticizing Southeast Asian nations for not doing enough to press Myanmar’s military government to return the country to the path of democracy following last year’s power seizure. Click here to read…

India running out of options in Myanmar as a civil war rages and China backs the junta – National Herald India

The military junta in Myanmar, which seized power in a coup in February last year, have had luck and China on their side, making them far less vulnerable to external pressure than the Taliban in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Junta Watch: Coup Leader Says Military Still Needed in Politics; Another ASEAN Snub, and More – The Irrawaddy

Offering a view that is the complete opposite of that held by the Myanmar people, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said during a meeting with military personnel and their families in Pulaw Township, Ayeyarwady Region on Monday that the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) must continue to take a leadership role in the country’s politics and maintain its oversight position as the “guardian” of the country. Click here to read…

Nepal

NRB seeks suggestions for monetary policy- Himalayan Times

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has sought suggestions for the monetary policy. Click here to read…

New citizenship bill does away with 7 years wait- Himalayan Times

The government registered a new citizenship bill last night proposing to continue the provision that allows foreign women married to Nepali men to obtain matrimonial naturalisation immediately after they take steps to renounce the citizenship of their mother country. Click here to read…

CPC foreign department chief Liu arrives in Kathmandu- Himalayan Times

Foreign Department Chief of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Liu Jianchao, arrived here this morning, leading an eight-member delegation. Click here to read…

Deuba government taking a leaf out of Oli’s book in obscene fashion, experts say- Kathmandu Post

A bill to amend Constitutional Council Act comes as the latest case to demonstrate current administration is no different from the previous one in disregarding rule of law. Click here to read…

Tax waiver sets off investment rush in automobile assembly plants- Kathmandu Post

Six motor vehicle assembly companies with a combined capital of Rs6.83 billion have been registered with the Industry Department in the current fiscal year. Click here to read…

Govt holds discussion with UML leader Nembang on citizenship bill- Republica

The government has expedited consultation with the main opposition party to endorse the citizenship bill through parliament. Click here to read…

Deuba protested Oli’s intent to change Constitutional Council rules. But, he is proposing the same changes now- OnlineKhabar

KP Sharma Oli issued the same ordinance between 2019 and 2021 introducing changes in the rules of the operation of the Constitutional Council. The ordinance was never endorsed in parliament as the then main opposition Nepali Congress was against it. Click here to read…

No closure after Nepal’s insurgency- Nepali Times

Sixteen years after the conflict ended, families still struggle for transitional justice. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Severe urban flooding in Karachi after record heavy downpour: The Express Tribune

The port city is facing severe urban flooding and continuous torrential rainfall since Sunday night with predictions that heavy downpour will continue for hours to come on Monday. Click here to read…

Deadline extended for energy standards: The Express Tribune

The government has extended the deadline for implementing the minimum energy performance standards for electric fans in an effort to minimise
power outages. Click here to read…

PM Shahbaz Shaarif extends Eid greetings to Erdogan, King Hamad: The News

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held a telephonic call with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, conveyed warm greetings to the government and people of Türkiye on the happy occasion of Eidul Azha. Click here to read…

Editorial: CPEC resumption: Dawn

Work has reportedly resumed on the Main Line 1 (ML-1) upgradation project, the largest component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Pakistan and the centrepiece of the second phase of CPEC. Click here to read…

Two PMLN ministers resign to participate in by-poll campaign: The News

Former speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and former provincial health minister Khwaja Salman Raffique resigned from their posts. PMLN Deputy Secretary Information and Punjab Law Minister Atta Tarar said that both the PMLN leaders had resigned from their posts to participate in the by-election campaign. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

GR confirms to resign on Wednesday; Presidential Polls before March- The Daily Mirror

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will end his presidency on Wednesday after handing in his resignation to the Parliament Speaker after which a decision has been taken to hold a presidential and parliamentary election before March next year, senior political sources told Daily Mirror last evening. Click here to read…

Slain Japanese PM’s funeral tomorrow; SL declares day of mourning- The Daily Mirror

Tomorrow, the country will observe a state of mourning as a mark of respect to the longest served late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Click here to read…

More than 1.5mn litrs of fuel distributed so far: LIOC MD- The Daily Mirror

More than 1.5 million litres of petrol and diesel have been released for distribution so far from the oil terminal at Trincomalee, Manoj Gupta, Managing Director, Lanka IOC PLC said. Click here to read…

India denies report of sending Indian troops to SL- The Daily Mirror

The Indian High Commission in Colombo categorically denied speculative reports in sections of media and social media about India sending her troops to Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Pope Francis appeals for peace for SL- The Daily Mirror

Pope Francis has renewed his appeal for peace in Sri Lanka today. “I unite myself to the sorrow of the Sri Lankan people, who continue to suffer the effects of political and economic instability,” Pope Francis said on Sunday, following the weekly prayers. Click here to read…

India always stands with Sri Lanka, no refugee crisis at the moment: Jaishankar- The Daily Mirror

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that India has been providing assistance to Sri Lanka and is monitoring the developments in the island nation adding that there is no refugee crisis now. Click here to read…

EU calls on all parties to focus on a peaceful, democratic transition in SL- The Daily Mirror

The European Union (EU) today called on all parties to cooperate and focus on a peaceful, democratic and orderly transition in Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

US urges SL leaders to work ‘quickly’ to address ‘discontent’- The Daily Mirror

As President Gotabaya Rajapaksa prepares to step down, the United States calls on “the Sri Lankan Parliament to approach this juncture with a commitment to the betterment of the nation – not any one political party,” a State Department spokesperson said as Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Thailand. Click here to read…

IMF hopes for resolution of SL crisis to allow bailout talks- The Daily Mirror

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it is hoping for a resolution to Sri Lanka’s political turmoil that will allow a resumption of talks for a bailout package after a violent day of protests. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Recent Floods Inflicted Human, Financial Losses Nationwide: Tolo News

The fatal floods flowed recently across Afghanistan Inflicted human casualties and financial losses with hitting thousands of acreses of agricultural land. Click here to read…

Stanekzai Calls for Inclusion of Women in Govt Departments: Tolo News

The deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, said that the inclusion of women in government departments is necessary.
Speaking at an inauguration ceremony of a trade exhibition of domestic products, Stanekzai said that women make up half the population and that they are “not neglected” and “they should be involved in all areas of life including the economy, politics, and the nation’s reconstruction.” Click here to read…

US: It is “Too Early” to Recognize the Taliban’s Government: The Khaama Press

The US says no foreign government is considering recognizing the Taliban administration in Afghanistan, despite the fact that the group will complete a year in power in Kabul next month.Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Lift sanctions against Russia- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the Western countries to lift the sanctions on Russia, saying that millions of people across the world were suffering as the sanctions impacted global supply chains and increased prices food and other commodities. Click here to read…

More steps mulled to cut power demand- The Daily Star

The power outages the people are enduring nationwide could go on until September, and the government may change office and school hours and reintroduce home office to reduce electricity demand. Click here to read…

Don’t take their source of livelihood- The Daily Star

Eight environmentalist organisations yesterday collectively sent a letter to 10 government agencies, urging them to refrain from acquiring 300 acres of agricultural land at Banishanta union of Khulna’s Dacope upazila. Click here to read…

Cattle markets near Rohingya camps buzzing- The Daily Star

With Eid getting ever closer, Rohingya camps have been in a festive mood lately, as many were seen buying animals for sacrifice in nearby cattle markets. Click here to read…

Govt to implement nationwide Religious Harmony, Awareness Project- The Daily Star

The government will implement a nationwide “Religious Harmony and Awareness Project” through education and cultural activism involving women, youth, civil society, community, and faith leaders to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and inclusiveness. Click here to read…

“Globally accepted methodologies of social science research were followed”- The Daily Star

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman has appreciated Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki’s expectations of evidence-based arguments and said there is no scope of treating any aspect of its research on fossil fuel-based power plants in the country as unfounded. Click here to read…

‘Lowering age limit not a solution’- The Daily Star

Lowering the legal age of what defines a minor will not solve a problem as complex as juvenile delinquency, said a coalition of NGOs that work with child rights. Click here to read…

Unicef voices concern over attacks on teachers- The Daily Star

Expressing concerns over the recent attacks on teachers in Bangladesh, Unicef has called for ensuring their safety and security. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Government to continue rationalisation measures in this fiscal year- Kuensel

As the country’s domestic revenue is adequate to only meet recurrent expenditure, the government will continue implementing rationalisation measures in this fiscal year. Click here to read…

Second phase of cancer screening underway- Kuensel

Some 70,000 people are on triple therapy medication after testing positive to H.Pylori bacteria during the ongoing nationwide screening campaign. Click here to read…

India issues special trade concessions for Bhutan- Fresh Palza

India has decided to make special trade concessions to Bhutan in view of the close trade and economic ties with the Himalayan Kingdom. Click here to read…

India-Bhutan hydropower cooperation: Assessing the present scenario- ORF India

Despite the strong bilateral ties between Bhutan and India, unfavourable opinions about India’s involvement in the hydropower sector are emerging. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Lift sanctions against Russia- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the Western countries to lift the sanctions on Russia, saying that millions of people across the world were suffering as the sanctions impacted global supply chains and increased prices food and other commodities. Click here to read…

More steps mulled to cut power demand- The Daily Star

The power outages the people are enduring nationwide could go on until September, and the government may change office and school hours and reintroduce home office to reduce electricity demand. Click here to read…

Don’t take their source of livelihood- The Daily Star

Eight environmentalist organisations yesterday collectively sent a letter to 10 government agencies, urging them to refrain from acquiring 300 acres of agricultural land at Banishanta union of Khulna’s Dacope upazila. Click here to read…

Cattle markets near Rohingya camps buzzing- The Daily Star

With Eid getting ever closer, Rohingya camps have been in a festive mood lately, as many were seen buying animals for sacrifice in nearby cattle markets. Click here to read…

Govt to implement nationwide Religious Harmony, Awareness Project- The Daily Star

The government will implement a nationwide “Religious Harmony and Awareness Project” through education and cultural activism involving women, youth, civil society, community, and faith leaders to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and inclusiveness. Click here to read…

“Globally accepted methodologies of social science research were followed”- The Daily Star

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman has appreciated Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki’s expectations of evidence-based arguments and said there is no scope of treating any aspect of its research on fossil fuel-based power plants in the country as unfounded. Click here to read…

‘Lowering age limit not a solution’- The Daily Star

Lowering the legal age of what defines a minor will not solve a problem as complex as juvenile delinquency, said a coalition of NGOs that work with child rights. Click here to read…

Unicef voices concern over attacks on teachers- The Daily Star

Expressing concerns over the recent attacks on teachers in Bangladesh, Unicef has called for ensuring their safety and security. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Lift sanctions against Russia- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the Western countries to lift the sanctions on Russia, saying that millions of people across the world were suffering as the sanctions impacted global supply chains and increased prices food and other commodities. Click here to read…

More steps mulled to cut power demand- The Daily Star

The power outages the people are enduring nationwide could go on until September, and the government may change office and school hours and reintroduce home office to reduce electricity demand. Click here to read…

Don’t take their source of livelihood- The Daily Star

Eight environmentalist organisations yesterday collectively sent a letter to 10 government agencies, urging them to refrain from acquiring 300 acres of agricultural land at Banishanta union of Khulna’s Dacope upazila. Click here to read…

Cattle markets near Rohingya camps buzzing- The Daily Star

With Eid getting ever closer, Rohingya camps have been in a festive mood lately, as many were seen buying animals for sacrifice in nearby cattle markets. Click here to read…

Govt to implement nationwide Religious Harmony, Awareness Project- The Daily Star

The government will implement a nationwide “Religious Harmony and Awareness Project” through education and cultural activism involving women, youth, civil society, community, and faith leaders to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and inclusiveness. Click here to read…

“Globally accepted methodologies of social science research were followed”- The Daily Star

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman has appreciated Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki’s expectations of evidence-based arguments and said there is no scope of treating any aspect of its research on fossil fuel-based power plants in the country as unfounded. Click here to read…

‘Lowering age limit not a solution’- The Daily Star

Lowering the legal age of what defines a minor will not solve a problem as complex as juvenile delinquency, said a coalition of NGOs that work with child rights. Click here to read…

Unicef voices concern over attacks on teachers- The Daily Star

Expressing concerns over the recent attacks on teachers in Bangladesh, Unicef has called for ensuring their safety and security. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Lift sanctions against Russia- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the Western countries to lift the sanctions on Russia, saying that millions of people across the world were suffering as the sanctions impacted global supply chains and increased prices food and other commodities. Click here to read…

More steps mulled to cut power demand- The Daily Star

The power outages the people are enduring nationwide could go on until September, and the government may change office and school hours and reintroduce home office to reduce electricity demand. Click here to read…

Don’t take their source of livelihood- The Daily Star

Eight environmentalist organisations yesterday collectively sent a letter to 10 government agencies, urging them to refrain from acquiring 300 acres of agricultural land at Banishanta union of Khulna’s Dacope upazila. Click here to read…

Cattle markets near Rohingya camps buzzing- The Daily Star

With Eid getting ever closer, Rohingya camps have been in a festive mood lately, as many were seen buying animals for sacrifice in nearby cattle markets. Click here to read…

Govt to implement nationwide Religious Harmony, Awareness Project- The Daily Star

The government will implement a nationwide “Religious Harmony and Awareness Project” through education and cultural activism involving women, youth, civil society, community, and faith leaders to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and inclusiveness. Click here to read…

“Globally accepted methodologies of social science research were followed”- The Daily Star

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman has appreciated Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki’s expectations of evidence-based arguments and said there is no scope of treating any aspect of its research on fossil fuel-based power plants in the country as unfounded. Click here to read…

‘Lowering age limit not a solution’- The Daily Star

Lowering the legal age of what defines a minor will not solve a problem as complex as juvenile delinquency, said a coalition of NGOs that work with child rights. Click here to read…

Unicef voices concern over attacks on teachers- The Daily Star

Expressing concerns over the recent attacks on teachers in Bangladesh, Unicef has called for ensuring their safety and security. Click here to read…

Maldives

India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Mauritius jointly deliberate on national security – United News of India

India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Mauritius concluded a joint meeting to discuss importance of national security in a conclave held on ThursdayClick here to read…

Australia has been a longstanding partner of Maldives: VP Naseem

The High Commissioner of Australia to the Maldives, David Holly, paid his farewell call on Vice President Faisal Naseem.

The Australian High Commissioner paid his farewell call to the VP on Wednesday. The meeting was held at the President’s Office. Click here to read…

“I look forward to strengthening the friendly relations between Maldives and Solomon Islands”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid has expressed his wish to strengthen the friendly relations between the Maldives and Solomon Islands.

Foreign Minister Shahid expressed this in his message of felicitations to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Solomon Islands Jeremiah Manele, on the occasion of the Independence Day of Solomon Islands. Click here to read…

Maldives and Comoros will continue to collaborate closely: FM Shahid

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives, Abdulla Shahid has stated that the Maldives and Comoros will continue to collaborate closely.

Minister Shahid stated this in his message of felicitation to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Comoros, Dhoihir Dhoulkamal, on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day. Click here to read…

You’re Not Imagining It, This Maldives Floating City Concept Does Look Like a Brain

This is the Maldives Floating City concept, a fascinating collection of houses, hotels and restaurants floating among some islands.

As a picturesque island nation, the Maldives is extremely vulnerable to climate change and rising sea levels. Click here to read…

Maldives advances its disaster and climate resilience agenda

As a small island developing state, the Maldives is among the most at-risk countries to the impacts of climate change. With 80% of its population living less than one metre above sea level, the climate emergency is an existential threat for the Maldives, driving increasingly severe hazards such as floods, strong winds, swells, and storm surgesClick here to read…

Myanmar

Insecurity Growing in Rohingya Refugee Camps – International Policy Digest

5 years have passed since the Rohingya refugee influx in 2017. More than a million Rohingya refugees are living in squalid conditions in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh making it the largest refugee settlement in the world. The increasing rate of trans-border crime in those camps is not only making the Rohingya vulnerable but also threatening the security of the region. Click here to read…

Myanmar army soldiers defect to KNU to side with anti-coup protesters – Myanmar Now

Twelve soldiers serving in the Myanmar military have deserted and turned themselves over to the Karen National Union (KNU) in a show of solidarity with anti-coup protesters, the ethnic armed group has reported. Click here to read…

Manipur : Security Tightened In Moreh; After Mob Torches ‘Myanmar Army Sentry Post’ Over Killing Of 2 Tamils – NorthEast Today

Security has been tightened in Moreh, after mob from Manipur entered neighbouring Myanmar and torched a small army sentry post, marking protest against the killing of two Tamil men in the nation. Click here to read…

Vox Pop: Reactions from Arakan State to deadly junta air raid on AA camp near Thai-Myanmar border – BNI Online

Six members of the Arakan Army were killed when the Myanmar military carried out airstrikes on an AA outpost in territory of the Karen National Liberation Army’s Brigade 5, near the Myanmar-Thai border in Kayin (Karen) State. Some members were also injured, and a handful of buildings in the area were damaged or destroyed. The AA has vowed retaliation for the attack. Click here to read…

Nepal

Finance Minister Sharma resigns- Himalayan Times

Finance Minister Janardan Sharma, who has been accused of changing tax rates to benefit business houses and deleting CCTV footage of May 28 night from his office, resigned from his post today. Click here to read…

Deuba’s US visit, initially proposed for mid-July, appears uncertain- Kathmandu Post

Foreign Ministry officials say the prime minister’s visit is ‘still on the plan’ but they are yet to hear from Washington. Click here to read…

Import explosion and trade deficit pushing Nepal into economic crisis- Kathmandu Post

Feverish consumption has been a bonanza for the trading sector, but the phenomenon brought disaster to manufacturing and agriculture sectors, experts say. Click here to read…

SC paves the way for Adhikari to continue office as NAC Executive Chair- Republica

The Supreme Court (SC) has issued an interlocutory order, asking the government to give continuity to Yubaraj Adhikari as Nepal Airlines Corporation’s (NAC) Executive Chairperson. Click here to read…

Sajha starts e-bus service in Kathmandu- Nepali Times

Nepal needs to shift to electric transport to reduce trade gap and reach net-zero target. Click here to read…

Pakistan

ECC okays up to 335pc gas price increase: Dawn

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet approved up to 335 per cent increase in consumer-end gas prices on Thursday with effect from July 1 to generate about Rs666 billion in revenue for two gas utilities during the current fiscal year. Click here to read…

Key CPEC projects back on track as confidence restored: Dawn

Pakistan and China’s ties are back on track after Pakistani security forces successfully smashed the terrorist cell and nabbed the mastermind involved in an attack that killed three Chinese teachers at Karachi University, a source told Dawn on Thursday. Click here to read…

Fawad seeks an end to ‘threatening calls’: The Express Tribune

PTI leader and Fawad Chaudhry on Thursday sought an end to “threatening calls” from “unknown numbers” saying chief of the army staff (COAS) and the DG ISI had assured that their institutions would not get involved in any political activity. Click here to read…

PLL’s $1bn LNG tender flop to worsen energy crisis: The News

The country’s energy agonies will further soar in August as it will only have 700mmcfd imported gas —six cargoes from Qatar and one from ENI- amid a shortfall of 500mmcfd in the system as it did not receive a single offer in a $1 billion LNG purchase tender, The News learnt on Thursday. Click here to read…

SBP’s forex reserves fall to $9.8 billion: The News

The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves again fell below $10 billion in the week that ended June 30 on foreign debt and import payments, it said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Church of Ceylon calls on Prez, PM to resign immediately- The Daily Mirror

The Church of Ceylon has called on President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to immediately resign and form a truly representative interim administration which can regain the confidence of the Sri Lankan people and the international community. Click here to read…

SLTB TUs threaten to withdraw from service if authorities don’t respond- The Daily Mirror

The Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) trade unions have decided to withdraw from all their operations from 10:00 am today if the authorities do not provide adequate fuel for their employees to report to workClick here to read…

Court rejects AG’s request to prevent protesters entering close proximity to President’s House- The Daily Mirror

A request made by Fort Police through the Attorney General to issue an order preventing the protesters from entering in close proximity to the President’s house premises on Friday (8) and Saturday (9) was yesterday rejected by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. Click here to read…

It is inaccurate that some countries await change of Govt to offer aid or assistance- The Daily Mirror

U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung said yesterday it is inaccurate that some countries are waiting for the change of government to offer aid or assistance to Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Probe the huge profit margins CPC makes on imports, sales of fuel: PUCSL Head- The Daily Mirror

The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) Chairman, Janaka Rathnayake, today urged the government to investigate the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) for making huge profit margins on fuel imports and sales. Click here to read…

Korea to issue E-7 visas to Lankan workers- The Daily Mirror

Korean Ambassador to Sri Lanka Santhush Woonjin Jeong promised to draw attention of the Korean government over providing ‘E7 visa facility’ for Sri Lankan workers have worked in Korea for more than ten years and returned. Click here to read…

Two representatives of Russian Oil Company arrive in SL- The Daily Mirror

Two representatives of a Russian Oil Company arrived in Sri Lanka to discuss the fuel supply to Sri Lanka. National Freedom Front (NFF) Leader Wimal Weerawansa and several others were present at the Airport to welcome them. Click here to read…

SL looks to Indian visitors to restore battered tourism sector- The Daily Mirror

Sri Lanka will hold road shows in five key Indian cities to attract more visitors from its populous northern neighbor in a bid to bring more foreign currency into the crisis-hit island, the Tourism Minister said yesterday. Click here to read…

Interruption to water supply in many parts of Colombo- The Daily Mirror

Water supply to Colombo 12, 13, 14 and 15 was interrupted due to a water supply pipeline rupture, the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWSDB) said. Click here to read…

6.26 mn people in Sri Lanka are food insecure: WFP- The Daily Mirror

The World Food Programme (WFP) in its latest report said that 6.26 million people in Sri Lanka are food insecure and it targets 3 million people to receive emergency food, nutrition and school meals until December. Click here to read…

US ambassador speaks glowingly of JVP- The Island

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung yesterday said the JVP’s popularity was growing because the party resonated with the public. Click here to read…

Monetary Board increases interest rates drastically to tackle runaway inflation; highest levels in 21 years- The Island

The Monetary Board on Wednesday (06) increased the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 100 basis points to 14.50 per cent and 15.50 per cent, respectively. Click here to read…

No MCC arrangement again – Ambassador Chung- Daily News

US Ambassador Julie Chung said the US was not considering to have an arrangement from the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) at this time for Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Defense Min. Mawlawi Yaqoob Mujahid Visits Qatar- Tolo News

The acting Minister of Defense, Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, is on an official visit in Qatar, where he will meet the country’s senior officials, the Islamic Emirate’s Qatar-based political office said.Earlier, Qatari officials expressed criticism of the Islamic Emirate’s policies regarding girls’ schools beyond grade sixClick here to read…

Islamic Emirate Leader Seeks Good Relations with Intl Community- Tolo News

The supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate, Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada, in an Eid message said that the Islamic Emirate seeks good relations with the international community including the USClick here to read…

’13 Billion Afs’ Allocated for Disabled: Ministry of Martyrs- Tolo News

The Ministry of Martyrs and Disabled said it has allocated more than 13 billion Afghanis to pay six-months’ worth of compensation for the nation’s disabled people. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Country may face deep economic crisis: BNP- The Daily Star

BNP senior leader Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain yesterday warned that Bangladesh is likely to face a deep economic crisis like Sri Lanka though the government is now trying to hush up the reality. Click here to read…

EC dialogue starts July 17- The Daily Star

The Election Commission is going to start sitting with political parties on July 17 as part of a series of dialogues with a cross-section of people, seeking recommendations on how to hold free and fair elections. Click here to read…

Barapukuria plant: Shortage of coal may halt power generation- The Daily Star

The Barapukuria 525MW coal-fired power plant may be mothballed once its current stock of coal is depleted later this month due to uncertainty over the resumption of coal supply from the nearby mine for underground development works. Click here to read…

Gas crunch, power cuts: No sign of relief now- The Daily Star

A day after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said she was thinking of asking authorities concerned to temporarily reduce electricity to save fuel, she categorically said yesterday that it has become a financial burden to run power plants with imported gas, oil and coal. Click here to read…

Govt believes in transparency, freedom of speech: Momen- The Daily Star

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has urged journalists to uphold the country’s interest and dignity while exercising their right to free expression. Click here to read…

Preventing child marriage in Bangladesh: Momen seeks help from UN agencies- The Daily Star

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has requested UN agencies to assist Bangladesh government in curbing early marriages in Bangladesh. Click here to read…

“Buying US lies on Xinjiang may hurt Bangladeshi RMG industry”- The Daily Star

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has claimed that Washington is spreading “lies” about “forced labour” in China’s Xinjian, and warned that if Bangladesh is not cautious enough, the “lies” may hurt the Bangladeshi RMG industry. Click here to read…

Digitalisation in govt services saved time, money: Study finds- The Daily Star

The digitalisation of 66 percent of the services offered by six ministries/divisions has saved both time and money of the ordinary people and also ensured service delivery, found a recent study by the Implementation Monitoring and Evaluation Division. Click here to read…

Load shedding at specific times likely- The Daily Star

The government is considering reducing electricity production to save the fuel for producing power, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Nu 45B worth of transformation initiatives begin- Kuensel

The government is set to implement “transformation initiatives” worth more than Nu 45 billion (B) in the next 10 years. Click here to read…

Export restriction on potatoes from Bhutan to India lifted- Kuensel

The government of India (GoI) has given a one-year extension of exemption on the export of potatoes from Bhutan to India. Click here to read…

India makes special trade concessions for Bhutan- East Mojo

The Indian government had recently revised the import policy to allow import of fresh wholly produces ginger from Bhutan with effect from May 19, 2022. Click here to read…

NC accuses the NA Speaker of not following due procedure while deciding the fate ACC’s HR independence- BBS

The Joint Committee’s recommendation to give human resource independence to the ACC failed to get a two-thirds majority for endorsement on Monday. The members of the National Council said this happened because of the voting procedure the Speaker initiated for that particular recommendation. Click here to read…

Maldives

Immigration extends passport service hours: The Sun

Maldives Immigration on Wednesday announced that its passport services have been extended until 00:00 hours on Thursday, July 7. Controller General (CG) of Immigration Maldives said that this extension is because of the high number of people preparing to travel during the upcoming public holidays in July. Click here to read…

GST bump will propel Maldives inflation rate: Edition MV

The Maldives inflation rate is expected to surge in the upcoming year with the government’s decision to bump both Goods and Services Tax (GST) components in 2023. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Wang Yi’s Myanmar trip could derail Asean’s peace plan by legitimising junta, analysts say – SCMP

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s trip to Myanmar this week has received mixed reactions by analysts, with some welcoming China’s willingness to keep dialogue channels open and others saying it had undermined Asean’s efforts to help resolve the country’s crisis. Click here to read…

Myanmar receives first Su-30SME fighters from Russia – Shephard Media

The Myanmar Air Force received its first pair of twin-engine Su-30SME fighters from Russia in March this year, according to local press reports. These Su-30SME fighters had been ordered from Moscow in January 2018 during a visit by Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu. These fighters now constitute the air force’s most advanced combat aircraft. Click here to read…

ASEAN Chair’s Special Envoy welcomes Myanmar’s Year for Peace in 2022 – Khnertimeskh

The Special Envoy of the ASEAN Chair on Myanmar Prak Sokhonn has announced to welcome the State Administration Council (SAC) ‘s declaration of Myanmar’s Year for Peace in 2022. Click here to read…

India shuts Myanmar border as anger over pro-junta militia killings rises – RFA

Authorities in India’s Manipur state have temporarily closed the Indo-Burmese border after pro-military militiamen killed two Indian nationals in Myanmar’s war-torn Sagaing region, prompting Indian protesters to attack a junta border checkpoint on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Protest over Indian youths’ death in Myanmar – Telegraph India

The border town of Moreh in Manipur on Wednesday erupted in protest following the killing of two Indian youths in Myanmar’s Tamu town on Tuesday afternoon, when they had gone visiting a friend. Tension had been running high in Moreh since Tuesday afternoon following reports of the killings in coup-hit MyanmarClick here to read…

Barred again: Myanmar Junta FM not allowed to attend upcoming Asean meetings i Khmertimeskh

The Myanmar Junta’s Foreign Minister U Wunna Maung Lwin will again be barred from attending an upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and related meetings in Cambodia because there has been little progress on a “Five-Point Consensus (5PC)”, agreed on by the bloc leaders last year. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Exiled Government Calls for Religious Freedom – Persecution.org

A member of Myanmar’s government-in-exile, Maung Taing San, recently gave a speech demanding religious freedom. The military coup that occurred in February 2021 deposed Myanmar’s democratically elected government and replaced it with a violent military regime. Click here to read…

Myanmar conducts naval exercise off Rakhine coast – The Star

The Myanmar navy, the naval warfare branch of the armed forces of Myanmar, has conducted a naval exercise in the Myanmar seas off Rakhine State, according to the military-owned newspaper Myawady Daily on Wednesday (July 6). Click here to read…

Nepal

Finance minister resigns after public outcry and probe panel- Kathmandu Post

Main opposition UML boycotts the House meeting where Janardan Sharma announced his resignation. Parliamentary panel has 10 days to submit its investigation report. Click here to read…

(Op-Ed) Towards an even brighter future- Kathmandu Post

China-Nepal relations have achieved significant progress since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Click here to read…

FinMin Sharma steps down following tax-rate controversy- Kathmandu Post

Finance Minister Janardan Sharma has announced that he is stepping down from his post to ease the investigation around his alleged involvement in a recent controversy. Click here to read…

Indian Ambassador pays courtesy call on Energy Minister Bhusal- Himalayan Times

Newly-appointed Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava paid a courtesy call on Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal today. Click here to read…

Govt to accept World Bank’s concessional loan- Republica

The government has decided to accept the concessional loan of 59.6 million SDR to be provided by the World Bank for governance of drinking water sector and infrastructure assistance. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PTI tells masses to take to streets, snatch rights- Dawn

Alleging that the current situation was not even observed during martial laws in the country, the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday urged the masses to come out of houses and snatch their rights from the government. Click here to read…

Govt mulling policy to reduce palm oil imports- Dawn

The government is working on a policy that will not only reduce dependence on imported palm oil but also facilitate and support farmers to grow oilseed crops, Minister for National Food Security and Research, Tariq Bashir Cheema, said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Call to resume business activity at Taftan border- Dawn

The Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI) has called upon the authorities to start business activities at the Bazarcha border terminal at the Taftan border to bring trade and job opportunities to residents. Click here to read…

Bilawal, Blinken discuss economic ties, food crisis- Dawn

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari spoke with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday and the two talked about expanding the partnership on economic stability and Pakistan’s food security. Click here to read…

Govt urged to reduce LPG price as citizens cut down trees for firewood- Dawn

The government must do something about reducing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices, especially for people deprived of piped gas supply, as higher prices are leading residents in many areas to cut down trees in their own backyards for firewood, stakeholders said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka further tightens Monetary Policy Stance: News First

The Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, at its meeting held on 06 July 2022, decided to increase the Standing Deposit Facility Rate (SDFR) and the Standing Lending Facility Rate (SLFR) of the Central Bank by 100 basis points to 14.50 per cent and 15.50 per cent, respectively. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka is ‘bankrupt,’ Prime Minister says: CNN News

Sri Lanka is “bankrupt,” Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Tuesday, as the country suffers its worst financial crisis in decades, leaving millions struggling to buy food, medicine and fuel. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka to send minister-led team to Russia for deals on oil discounts: Economic Times

Sri Lanka will send a ministerial delegation to Russia next week to negotiate discounted oil deals amid a crippling fuel shortage that has cast a long shadow on a debt-laden economy, ET has learnt from Colombo-based sources. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Karzai Calls Clerics’ Gathering ‘Symbolic’: Tolo News

Former President Hamid Karzai called the gathering of the Islamic clerics held in Kabul “symbolic,” saying that this was more a gathering of the “Taliban movement themselves.” Click here to read…

Unknown Disease Strikes 50 Children in Southern Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

The disease that has affected 50 children in the Siori region of the province of Zabul has cholera-like symptoms, according to the state-run Bakhtar news agency. A mobile medical team has reportedly been sent to the region to examine and attend to the sick children and prevent the spread of the unknown disease, according to Dr. Abdul Hakim Hakimi, the Taliban’s head of the public health department in Zabul province. Click here to read…

China Envoy in Kabul Says Humanitarian Aid is Priority: Tolo News

China says that the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan is critical and noted that the United States has not released the frozen assets of Afghanistan. Wang Yu, China’s ambassador to Kabul, expressed concerns over the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan at an event which was held to hand over Chinese aid to needy people in Afghanistan, making remarks that held the US responsible for this situation. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Load shedding at specific times likely- The Daily Star

The government is considering reducing electricity production to save the fuel for producing power, said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday. Click here to read…

PM Hasina’s mango diplomacy: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif gets 1 metric tonne Amrapali- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sent 1000kg of famed Amrapali mango to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as gift in a gesture of goodwill. Click here to read…

Bangladesh Ambassador to Poland, Japanese Ambassador to receive ‘Bangabandhu Medal for Diplomatic Excellence’- The Daily Star

Bangladesh Ambassador to Poland, Sultana Laila Hossain, and Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ito Naoki, will receive the ‘Bangabandhu Medal for Diplomatic Excellence’ – for their significant contributions. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Ngawang Dramtoe lhops struggle to save maize- Kuensel

Lhops (Doyas) of Ngawang Dramtoe in Tading, Samtse are struggling to save their maize from wild animals. Click here to read…

Water flagship programme to address water shortage in Tangmachhu- Kuensel

Catering to Maenbi gewog, Tangmachu school and other government offices like the basic health unit and RNR office, Tangmachu town is growing. Click here to read…

Export restriction on potatoes from Bhutan to India lifted – Kuensel

The government of India (GoI) has given a one-year extension of exemption on the export of potatoes from Bhutan to India. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives to introduce an unemployment benefit scheme: Edition MV

Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer signed the agreement on behalf of the government while Country Director for Maldives Faris Hadd-Zavos signed the agreement on behalf of the World Bank. Click here to read…

Government announces measures to decrease expenditure, increase revenue: The Sun

The government, on Tuesday, has announced measures which will be taken to decrease state expenditure and increase state revenue in order to improve the fiscal situation of Maldives. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s SAC refuses to allow Sokhonn to meet Aung San Suu Kyi – Asia News Network

Foreign minister and ASEAN special envoy on Myanmar Prak Sokhonn was unable to meet with former civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi due to unspecified “judicial procedures” cited by the ruling State Administration Council (SAC). Click here to read…

Two Indians shot dead in Myanmar near border: Report – Hindustan Times

Two people of Tamil origin were shot dead in the Tamu area of Myanmar, bordering Manipur, on Tuesday, according to media reports in the neighbouring country that Indian authorities were trying to corroborateClick here to read…

Beijing wants instability in Myanmar: Southeast Asia expert Bertil Lintner – India Blooms

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in Myanmar on Saturday to attend a regional conference that the opposition views as a “violation of peace efforts”. For his first visit since the military seized power in Myanmar ousting the elected government, Chinese FM Wang Yi will look to secure Beijing’s long-term interests. Click here to read…

Further clashes break out between resistance and junta forces in southern Shan, Karenni states – Myanmar Now

The anti-junta Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF) launched a lethal attack on a military vehicle southeast of Loikaw last week, causing multiple casualties, a spokesperson for the resistance group said. Click here to read…

A Toothless International Response to a Merciless Myanmar Regime – The Irrawaddy

The world sees Myanmar’s generals and their military as “a bunch of thugs”. The problem, however, is that it doesn’t treat them as thugs. In a recent interview with The Irrawaddy, US State Department Counselor Derek Chollet called the ruling military “a bunch of thugs” Click here to read…

Myanmar military’s proxy party convenes central assembly – Myanmar Now

The proxy party of Myanmar’s military convened its annual central committee meeting in Naypyitaw on Wednesday amid tight security and expectations of a shakeup of senior leaders. Click here to read…

Nepal

Govt to withdraw citizenship bill, pass new one- The Himalayan Times

The government today decided to withdraw the Citizenship Act (Amendment) Bill from the Parliament. It will register a new citizenship bill and seek its passage through a fasttrack process. Click here to read…

Malaysia’s Weston Company to hire Nepali workers on zero investment- The Himalayan Times

Malaysia-based Information Technology (IT) Company is all set to hire Nepali workers on zero investment. Click here to read…

Federal government overlooks statute as it wants to oversee Valley’s security- The Kathmandu Post

Nepali Congress and CPN-UML are in favour while the Maoists are against the proposed arrangement. Click here to read…

Gender-responsive budgeting: Good on paper, poor on implementation- The Kathmandu Post

In the absence of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, existing gender financing policies of Nepal have failed to yield desired results. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Parliamentary body to keep eye on talks with TTP: Dawn

The military on Tuesday secured the nod of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security’s for peace talks with the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) after conceding to the Pakistan Peoples Party’s demand for the process to be overseen by a parliamentary committee. Click here to read…

Pakistan turns net importer of Afghan goods: Dawn

As Pakistan’s exports to Afghanistan saw a deeper drop since the Taliban took control of Kabul in August 2021, the government on Tuesday took a major decision to allow trade of all products to Kabul in the rupee via land routes owing to the non-availability of tradable currency through banking channels. Click here to read…

Army budget trimmed to pave way for IMF deal: The Express Tribune

Pakistan has slashed the armed forces development programme by Rs72 billion or one-fifth of the allocation made on June 10 in order to meet a major condition of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about achieving primary budget surplus in the new fiscal year. Click here to read…

Power subsidy dilemma: Govt reluctant to approve proposed hike in tariff: The News

Despite making a commitment with the IMF for raising the electricity tariff by Rs7.92 per unit, the federal cabinet has not yet approved the recent proposed increase of the power tariff by the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) in a phase-wise manner. Click here to read…

Imran Khan warns of spilling beans if pushed to wall: The News

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf Chairman and former prime minister Imran Khan said Tuesday he would spill the beans if pushed to the wall, adding he was silent only for the sake of the country. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Bankrupt Sri Lanka’s inflation jumps beyond 50 percent: ABS-CBN News

Sri Lanka’s inflation hit a ninth consecutive record in June, official data showed Friday, rising to 54.6 percent a day after the IMF asked the bankrupt nation to rein in galloping prices and corruption. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka is ‘bankrupt,’ says PM Wickremesinghe: DW News

Sri Lanka is bankrupt and its unprecedented economic crisis is set to last until at least the end of next year, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told lawmakers in parliament on TuesdayClick here to read…

India to Supply Fuel to Sri Lanka Only After Advance Payment: Bloomberg

India is seeking payment in advance for supply of fuel to Sri Lanka after credit lines were exhausted, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The larger South Asian neighbor stopped supplying gasoline and diesel on credit after the island nation ran out of dollars to purchase fuels amid its worst economic crisis. Click here to read…

UK reinstates warning against travel to Sri Lanka: BBC

A shortage of basic necessities including medicines, cooking gas, fuel and food has sparked protests and violence in the Asian country. Sri Lanka’s government said it only had enough petrol to last one day as it faces its worst crisis in 70 years. Click here to read…