Afghanistan

UN Defers Decision on Afghanistan Seat at the World Body: Tolo News

The UN General Assembly on Monday adopted a resolution to delay a decision on who will represent Afghanistan and Mynamar at the world body, meaning the envoys appointed by the former governments will remain in place. Click here to read…

Afghan Currency Heavily Loses Value Against Dollar: Tolo News

Afghanistan’s currency dramatically dropped in value against the US dollar on Tuesday, with one US dollar being sold for more than 100 Afghanis in the Kabul market. Click here to read…

Taliban’s provincial governors directed to resolve problems of those seeking asylum abroad: The Khaama Press

In a recent decree, supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Mullah Hebtullah Akhund directed all the provincial governors of Afghanistan to solve the problems of those who are fleeing Afghanistan and seeking asylum elsewhere. Click here to read…

Afghanistan’s central bank receives second package of humanitarian cash: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s central bank-De Afghanistan Bank- in a statement on Tuesday, December 7 said that they received a second package of cash in humanitarian aids to the bank. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangabandhu Tri-Tower: Skyscrapers made of glass and light- Dhaka Tribune

Within a decade, Bangladesh will witness a world-class business district in the capital’s Purbachal with all the country’s tallest buildings in the same compound. Click here to read…

Bangladesh-India ties ‘sweet’ despite unsolved issues- Dhaka Tribune

Pending issues like border killings and Teesta need to be addressed, Dhaka tells Indian foreign secretary. Click here to read…

Audio scandal: Murad Hassan resigns from cabinet on prime minister’s order- Dhaka Tribune

The premier wields the axe following his offensive remarks on women and scandalous audio leaks. Click here to read…

12 injured in pre-polls violence in Jashore- Daily Star

At least 12 persons were critically injured in a clash ensued between ruling Awami League-backed and independent candidates at Churamankati union under Jashore Sadar upazila yesterday. Click here to read…

Bangladesh’s liberation changed the political, ideological map of South Asia: Doraiswami- Daily Star

The liberation of Bangladesh changed the political as well as ideological map of South Asia, said Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Kumar Doraiswami today. Click here to read…

PM for united efforts to address Covid-19 challenges, impacts- Daily Observer

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday laid emphasis on united efforts to address the Covid-19 challenges and its impacts on public health as the pandemic has marked a significant setback on the nutrition initiatives. Click here to read…

India-Bangladesh ties now in ‘Golden Period’: Shringla- Asian Age

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla on Tuesday said that ties between New Delhi and Dhaka were at its best as the two South Asian neighbours celebrated 50 years of diplomatic ties. Click here to read…

Bhutan

The burden of increasing housing rents- Kuensel

In about six months, the loan deferral service extended to Bhutanese who borrowed before April 2020 to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic will be over. Click here to read…

RAA reinstates clearance for nine LG candidates- Kuensel

Royal Audit Authority (RAA) yesterday reinstated audit clearances for the nine local government candidates whose clearances were revoked last month disqualifying them from participating in the local government elections. Click here to read…

The Omicron threat to Bhutan after it arrives in neighboring India- The Bhutanese

Twenty-one COVID-19 cases of the Omicron variant have been detected in India so far. There are more suspected cases in India who are quarantined with their genome reports awaited in the coming days. Click here to read…

5G is definite and will happen soon- Bhutan Times

With Bhutan taking major strides in mobile connectivity, Bhutan Telecom Limited (BTL) and Tashi InfoComm Limited (TashiCell) are confident that they will be able to introduce 5G network services by this year end. Click here to read…

Bhutan was the first South Asian country to vaccinate children against Covid-19- Daily Bhutan

Bhutanese children aged 12 to 19 years old were vaccinated. Immunising the kids was necessary to achieve herd immunity. Click here to read…

His Majesty offers prayers and Karmi Tongchhey for late Anthony Smith- BBS

His Majesty The King offered prayers and Karmi Tongchhey at the Simtokha Dzong today morning for Anthony Smith, CBE, who passed away in London on November 28th. Click here to read…

Maldives

Pandora Papers Unveil Ex-Putin Aide, Indian Businessmen Behind Maldives Island Scandal Deals – OCCRP

A former deputy chief of staff for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, as well as a wealthy Russian businessman with reputed organized crime ties, were secretly involved in the illegal leasing of a lagoon for tourist developments in the Maldives, newly leaked documents show. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar military joining hands with Indian rebels – Asia Times

When separatist rebels launched a lethal ambush in India’s northeastern state of Manipur on November 13, the shadowy attack acted to bring India and Myanmar’s hot-and-cold bilateral relations to a new boil. Click here to read…

Former Myanmar Leader Aung San Suu Kyi Sentenced To 4 Years In Prison & Faces Further Charges – Deadline

Former Myanmar Leader Aung San Suu Kyi, who was deposed by a military coup in February this year, has been given a four-year jail term for crimes of dissent and breaking Covid rules. Click here to read…

Rohingya sue Facebook for $150bn for fueling Myanmar hate speech – Aljazeera

Rohingya refugees have sued the social media giant Facebook for $150bn over claims the social network is failing to stem hate speech on its platform, exacerbating violence against the vulnerable Myanmar minority. Click here to read…

Nepal

CJ’s resignation won’t end crisis in judiciary: Oli- Himalaya

CPN-UML Chair KP Sharma Oli told office bearers of the Nepal Bar Association that their demand for Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana’s resignation was not enough to bring the required reform in the Judiciary. Click here to read…

13 swab samples sent to capital to confirm Omicron- Himalaya

Amidst suspicion of a new coronavirus variant, 13 swab samples have been collected and sent for tests in Kathmandu. Click here to read…

13 swab samples sent to capital to confirm Omicron- Himalaya

Amidst suspicion of a new coronavirus variant, 13 swab samples have been collected and sent for tests in Kathmandu. Click here to read…

Dalits living in rented homes hesitant to reveal caste during census- TKP

Enumerators say they found many families who were not keen to disclose their last names fearing eviction. Click here to read…

Dhanusha attorney office says no need to probe Musahar’s custodial death- TKP

District attorney’s office claims Musahar committed suicide. Family members say he was tortured to death. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PDM adamant on its Pakistan Day long march protest: Dawn

“So far, we have decided to reach Islamabad. The duration of the stay will be decided [by the leadership] after reaching the capital,” PDM spokesman Hafiz Hamdullah said at a news conference after a meeting of the steering committee of the alliance. Click here to read…

Public Accounts Committee accepts NAB chief’s request for in-camera session: Dawn

Chairman of the National Accounta¬bility Bureau retired justice Javed Iqbal finally appeared before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of the parliament on Tuesday. Click here to read…

PM appoints Dr Ijaz Akram as Rehmatulil Aalmeen Authority chairman: The Express Tribune

Dr Ijaz is a prominent Islamic scholar having teaching experience in a number of international universities, the Federal Education Ministry said in a statement. Click here to read…

Majority of CPEC projects completed: envoy: The Express Tribune

During his visit to the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), the senior diplomat maintained that Pakistan-China ties were not limited to CPEC, although it was playing a key role in regional development. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Violators of ‘Amnesty Decree’ Will Be Prosecuted: MoFA:Tolo News

The Mnistry of Foreign Affairs reacted to the report recently issued by Human Rights Watch, saying that any Islamic Emirate member “found breaching the amnesty decree will be prosecuted and penalized.” Click here to read…

1000s of Displaced People Still Live in Kabul: Officials: Tolo News

Officials at the Ministry of Refugees and Repatriations (MoRR) said that there are still thousands of internally displaced and homeless people in Kabul which are in need of urgent basic humanitarian assistance. Click here to read…

Ahmad Masoud reportedly meets Blackwater Chief in Tajikistan: The Khaama Press

Leader of the so-called anti-Taliban resistance front and son of the slain Ahamd Shah Masoud, Ahmad Masoud has met with the head of the notorious private militia- Blackwater- Erik Prince in the Tajik capital Dushanbe. Click here to read…

Indonesia may reopen embassy in Kabul: The Khaama Press

Indonesian media have cited officials in the country’s Foreign Ministry saying that they will soon reopen their embassy in Kabul and commence constructive engagement with the TalibanClick here to read…

Bangladesh

Obscene remarks: PM Hasina orders State Minister Murad to resign- Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has ordered State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Md Murad Hassan to surrender his portfolio. Click here to read…

PM Hasina for further bolstering Bangladesh-India ties thru trade, connectivity- Dhaka Tribune

Relationship between the two countries at all levels remains stable and strong, the prime minister says. Click here to read…

Month of Victory: India tells Pakistan to surrender ‘or face Bengali hatred’- Dhaka Tribune

On December 7, 1971, confidence was flying high among members of the Liberation Forces. Bhutan and India had recognized Bangladesh as an independent nation just a day earlier, and most of the Pakistani occupation army had been encircled in Dhaka. Click here to read…

Hate speech: Rohingya refugees sue Facebook for $150 billion- Daily Star

Rohingya refugees sued Facebook on Monday for $150 billion over claims the social network is failing to stem hate speech on its platform, exacerbating violence against the vulnerable minorityClick here to read…

‘A lot more work to do in next fifty years’- Asian Age

Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Vikram Doraiswami has said that Bangladesh and India will have to do a lot more work to further consolidate and drive forward the friendly and historic ties between the two countries. Click here to read…

Bhutan

MoAF to expand export of farm produce- Kuensel

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF) is working to scale up the export of agricultural produce beyond neighbouring countries. Click here to read…

Overseas employment programme resumes- Kuensel

The Cabinet approved resuming the overseas employment programme last month with the condition that the labour ministry ensures the safety and security of those who availed of the employment opportunities. Click here to read…

Is Bhutan turning into a Remittance Economy like Nepal as Remittance overtakes Tourism, FDI, CIT and BIT- The Bhutanese

Bhutan’s remittance from Bhutanese abroad in 2020 at Nu 8.269 billion (bn) was larger than the total tariff paying tourism foreign exchange earnings of USD 88.63 million (mn) in 2019 at Nu 6.648 bn (1 USD = Nu 75) which includes the USD 27.23 mn SDF, TDS and Visa fee revenue to the government. Click here to read…

Promoting an inclusive society- Bhutan Times

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and stakeholders working for the People With Disabilities (PWDs) are ushering towards promoting inclusive societiesClick here to read…

Bhutan Integrated Taxation System to be ready by March next year- BBS

The Bhutan Integrated Taxation System (BITS) is expected to be ready by March next year. Click here to read…

Bhutan team visits NU, hails India’s democracy- Times of India

The Gen-Next Democracy Network Programme delegation from Bhutan visited the Nalanda University on Sunday to participate in an event organised to provide an overview of India’s democratic traditions, cultural heritage and development initiativesClick here to read…

Maldives

State seeks order to withhold ex-pres Yameen’s passport: Avas

The Prosecutor General’s Office has requested the Criminal Court for a travel ban order pending outcome of his money-laundering trial. Click here to read…

China retracts offer to finance housing project: Avas

The Bank of China has retracted its offer to extend a loan to finance the construction of 1,700 housing units in Hulhumale’. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Rohingya sue Facebook for £150bn over Myanmar hate speech: BBC News

Dozens of Rohingya refugees in the UK and US have sued Facebook, accusing the social media giant of allowing hate speech against them to spread. Click here to read…

Myanmar: 3 feared dead as military truck rams into group of protesters: India Today
An army vehicle barreled into a peaceful march of anti-government protesters in military-ruled Myanmar’s biggest city on Sunday, reportedly killing at least three people, witnesses and a protest organizer said. Click here to read…

Nepal

NBA to protest till CJ quits- Himalaya

The Nepal Bar Association continued its protest against Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana today demanding his resignation. Click here to read…

Locals demonstrate over accident death- Himalaya

Locals of Durga Bhagawati Municipality, Rautahat, staged a demonstration today accusing police of helping a motorbike rider involved in a fatal accident flee. Click here to read…

China MBBS graduates losing hope after being denied internship- TKP

153 students have suffered because China is not permitting them re-entry citing the pandemic while the Nepal government is not willing to allow them internship opportunities here. Click here to read…

Omicron confirmed in Nepal. Doctors call for caution and more vaccination- TKP

Public health experts say authorities should start preparations for the worst-case scenario. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Sialkot tragedy cannot be defended, Pakistani Americans say: Dawn

Wajid Hassan of the Pakistani American Congress fears that this incident will have a long-lasting effect. “Every time we go and talk about Pakistan, they will ask about the Sialkot incident.” Click here to read…

Govt decides on strategy to wipe out vigilantism: Dawn

Political and military leadership on Monday decided that the government would pursue a ‘comprehensive strategy’ to stamp out religious extremism and vigilantism. Click here to read…

PM Imran hosts Sialkot tragedy hero in Islamabad: The Express Tribune

Adnan, hailed nationwide for bravely trying to rescue factory manager Priyantha Diyawadanage from the clutches of a violent mob, arrived in Islamabad earlier today on prime minister’s invitation. He was received by Special Adviser to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Gill and other senior officials. Click here to read…

Pak currency in freefall: Rs54 lost against dollar in current govt’s tenure: The News

The value of the Pakistani rupee has fallen by 30.5 percent against the US dollar over the last three years and four months under the government of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). Click here to read…
Sri Lanka

IMF-led debt restructuring process is less painful – CBSL Ex-Governor – Ceylon Today

The Sri Lankan Government should take steps to resolve its prevailing balance of payments crisis in a manner that has a minimal impact (less painful way) on the economic and social affairs of the Country, former Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) Dr. Indrajit Coomaraswamy said yesterday (6). Click here to read…

India takes Jaffna project away from Chinese company – The Morning

A Chinese company, that had been awarded the tender to develop three hybrid power plants in the Delft, Nagadeepa, and Analthivu islands off the Jaffna peninsula, is likely to lose this contract as the project. Click here to read…

Stock market stages strong recovery after early dip – Daily FT

The Colombo stock market yesterday closed on the up, thanks to a strong recovery following a sharp dip in early morning tradeClick here to read…

BIL invests $ 114 m in Port City – Daily FT

Browns Investments PLC (BIL) on Friday revealed that it had already invested $ 114 million, or Rs. 23.2 billion, so far for multiple projects in the Port City with commitment for a further $ 86 million in the next two years. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Qatar: World Has “No Clear Policy” on Afghanistan: Tolo News

There has yet to be a “clear policy” formed by the international community on how to deal with the current situation in Afghanistan, a senior Qatari official saidClick here to read…

US’s West Welcomes Decree on Women, Says More is Needed: Tolo News

The US Special Representative for Afghanistan, Thomas West, on Friday said he welcomes the decree of Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Taliban, on women’s rights. Click here to read…

Pakistan to host OIC’s extraordinary summit on 19 December: Qureshi: The Khaama Press

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi announced that his country will be hosting OIC’s Council of Foreign Ministers’ session on Afghanistan on 19th December. Click here to read…

Taliban starts issuance of passports in all but three provinces: The Khaama Press

Taliban’s passport directorate in the ministry of interior affairs on Sunday, December 5 said the issuance of Afghan passports resumed in 14 other provinces that bringing the total number of provinces to 31. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Covid-19 and the wounds in democracy- Dhaka tribune

The pandemic situation of Covid-19 has hit the country hard since last year. While both the rate of infection and death have reduced, it has not reached zero yet. Click here to read…

Month of Victory: The day India, Bhutan recognized Bangladesh- Dhaka tribune

Within the space of just a few hours, India and Bhutan became the first two countries to recognize Bangladesh. Click here to read…

World Peace Conference: Use resources for dev, not arms: PM- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the global community to use resources for universal and sustainable development, not for arms, in this critical juncture of the Covid-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

Crushed by rising inflation

Low- and middle-income people struggle to cope as commodity prices soar; recent fuel price hike partly to blame. Click here to read…

Bangabandhu would’ve wanted formal apology for 1971 atrocities: former Pakistani diplomat- Daily Star

Had Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman lived, he would have supported the idea of formal apology from Pakistan for the tragedy inflicted upon the people of Bangladesh in 1971, said former Pakistani diplomat Husain Haqqani. Click here to read…

We don’t want to see ‘kawas’ in Awami League: Taposh- Daily Observer

Terming the opportunists as ‘kawas’ (crows), Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh has said he doesn’t want to see them (kawas) in Awami League, because these ‘kawas’ have brought ‘bad names’ to the party. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Tala shutdown to cost Nu 840M- Kuensel

As the 1,020MW Tala hydropower plant will remain shut from the end of December to the end of March, the country is likely to lose revenue of about Nu 840 million (M). Click here to read…

National Assembly passes Fiscal Incentives Bill- Kuensel

The National Assembly concluded the deliberation on the Fiscal Incentives Bill 2021 yesterday and passed it without any major changes. Click here to read…

Promoting an inclusive society- Bhutan Times

The Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and stakeholders working for the People With Disabilities (PWDs) are ushering towards promoting inclusive societiesClick here to read…

RCDC to conduct genome sequencing to monitor incursion of new variants within the country- BBS

With the completion of the installation of genome sequencing technology at the Royal Centre for Disease Control in Thimphu, it will now be easier to confirm COVID-19 new variants with a proper laboratory test. Click here to read…

Maldives

VP Naseem meets with officials from India Foundation, INSS of Sri Lanka – Raajje

On the sidelines of his ongoing visit to the middle-east to take part in the Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) 2021, Vice President Faisal Naseem held meetings with officials from the India Foundation and Institute of National Security Studies (INSS) of Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Maldives confirms first case of ‘Omicron’ Covid-19 variant – Raajje

The new and more transmissible variant of Covid-19, ‘Omicron’ has surfaced in the Maldives. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) revealed this on Sunday night, highlighting that the first case of the new variant was confirmed through genome sequencing of a tourist that arrived in the Maldives. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Kokang Armed Group Reports Escalating Fighting With Myanmar Junta – The Irrawaddy

The ethnic Kokang army said it clashed with Myanmar’s junta 126 times during November in northern Shan State. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) is fighting around Kokang, Mongkoe and Hsenwi to gain control to the west of Salween River with violence increasing last month after the arrival of junta reinforcements. Click here to read…

Civilian Resistance Group Warns People Not to Use Myanmar Junta-Backed Airline – The Irrawaddy

The Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF) has warned residents of Kayah State not to travel by air to and from Loikaw, the Kayah capital, as the Myanmar military is using the airport to deploy troops and weapons, making it a potential target for civilian resistance fighters. Click here to read…

Divide and rule: Myanmar junta ‘weaponising’ racial tensions – SMH

Myanmar’s military junta is resorting to old tactics, stoking anti-Muslim tension, as fears rise about more atrocities being committed in the strife-torn south-east Asian nation. Click here to read…

Coup Leader’s Wife Draws Public Ire; Suu Kyi’s New Charge and More – The Irrawaddy

The military regime on Nov. 30 postponed the announcement of a verdict in the incitement trial of deposed civilian leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, and instead filed a new corruption charge against her and former President U Win Myint. Click here to read…

Japan plays a diplomatic double game on rights in Myanmar – Myanmar Now

Since the February 1 military coup in Myanmar, the junta’s security forces have killed nearly 1,300 people, arrested more than 10,000, and continue to detain nearly 7,400. The junta-controlled courts have sentenced 65 people to death, including two children. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal woefully short on COVID vaccines- Himalaya

In the wake of rapid spread of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, the Nepal government seems to be floundering in the dark. Click here to read…

Upset in pro-Hindu and pro-monarchy party as underdog registers a win- TKP

Rajendra Lingden defeats Kamal Thapa to become the new chair of Rastriya Prajatantra Party, which could impact the national political dynamics. Click here to read…

Parliamentary hearing for ambassador nominees set for today- TKP

The parliamentary committee has already deferred the hearing twice in the absence of a quorum. Click here to read…

Laxmi-Narayan is home- Nepali Times

Nearly 40 years later, the stolen god of Patko Tole makes a historic and triumphant return. Click here to read…

87 manufacturing firms proposed to invest Rs 122 billion during mid-July and mid-October- Republica

A total of 87 firms have proposed to invest Rs 122 billion to set up their manufacturing plants in the country in the first three months of the current fiscal year. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PML-N wins back NA-133 seat amid low turnout: Dawn

According to unofficial results, PML-N’s Shaista Pervaiz Malik bagged 46,811 votes while PPP’s Chaudhry Aslam Gill could secure 32,313 ballots in a race that remained largely peaceful, except a couple of minor clashes between activists of the two major rivals. Click here to read…

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia sign deals on workers’ recruitment, skills: Dawn

It said the signing ceremony of the agreements took place during the visit of Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood to Saudi Arabia. Click here to read…

‘Ice-breaker’: Pakistan, India issue diplomatic visas to each other: The Express Tribune

Islamabad issued visas to six Indian envoys and other staffers while New Delhi issued visas to 20 Pakistani diplomats and officers. Click here to read…

No one can dare topple PTI govt, says Khattak: The Express Tribune

“There’s no chance of an in-house change,” the senior PTI minister said while addressing a ceremony in Peshawar on Sunday. “I stand firm in support of Prime Minister Imran Khan.” Click here to read…

PDM gets ready for long march, resignations: The News

The Steering Committee of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), chaired by PML-N leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has prepared recommendations regarding the long march and resignations from assemblies to protest against the incumbent government and rising inflation. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Colombo’s failure to honour agreements: India Hurt – Ceylon Today

The Indian Government has expressed its displeasure, to Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa, over Colombo’s failure in the recent past to honour most of the State level agreements signed with New Delhi, sources said. The Indian Government has stated that Sri Lanka has also reneged on its promise to fulfil many such recent Pacts signed between the two countries. Click here to read…

President rejects BOI Chairman and others’ resignations – The Morning

The Presidential Secretariat has, through letters signed by the Secretary to the President Dr. P.B. Jayasundara, informed all Board of Investment (BOI) members who resigned last week. Click here to read…

Sialkot lynching: 13 key suspects remanded to police custody – Adaderana

At least 13 key suspects were remanded Sunday to police custody in a case relating to the lynching of a Sri Lankan factory manager in Sialkot, Pakistani media reported. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka central bank foreign debt exceeds reserves by US$1.2bn – EconomyNext

Sri Lanka central bank’s foreign debt has exceeded reserves by 1.2 billion US dollars by October 2021 from around 780 million US dollars in October 2021, official data showed, amid continued low interest rates and liquidity injections. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate Reacts to UN Decision on Afghanistan: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate on Thursday reacted to the UN credential committee’s choice to defer a decision on who will represent Afghanistan at the United Nations, meaning the Islamic Emirate will not be allowed into the world body for now. Click here to read…

Muttaqi Meets 16 Foreign Envoys in Doha: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate delegates led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi today in Doha met with “16 designated ambassadors and representatives” from various countries and discussed issues related to Afghanistan, the Foreign Ministry announced. Click here to read…

Taliban need domestic legitimacy to be recognized: Karzai: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s former president Hamid Karzai in his recent interview said the Taliban’s government must represent the entire Afghan population and gain domestic legitimacy to be recognized by the International Community. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Global aid needs will surge in 2022: Says UN amid pandemic, conflict- Daily Star

The UN warned yesterday that the need for humanitarian aid was skyrocketing worldwide, as the pandemic continues to rage, and climate change and conflicts push more people to the brink of famine. Click here to read…

Quarantine for People from Africa: Stern action if rules breached- Daily Star

Stern action will be taken against both hotel authorities and the incoming passengers from southern Africa, the epicentre of the Omicron variant of coronavirus, for breaching quarantine protocols. Click here to read…

Operation Kilo Flight: The birth of Bangladesh Air Force- Dhaka Tribune

On December 3 and 4, 1971, the Bangladesh Air Force (BAF) announced its arrival in the Liberation War with the first of several daring raids. Click here to read…

Indian army and Mukti Bahini form allied force- Dhaka Tribune

On this day, in response to Pakistani air force attacks in the western sector, India officially declared war against Pakistan with full force, thereby adding impetus to the liberation war of Bangladesh. Click here to read…

‘Tokyo to continue efforts in Rohingya repatriation’- Asian Age

Japanese foreign minister Hayashi Yoshimasa has assured that his country will continue its efforts in commencing repatriation of forcibly displaced Rohingya from Bangladesh to Myanmar. Click here to read…

Key accused in Cumilla councillor murder killed in ‘gunfight’- Daily Observer

The prime accused in Cumilla ward councillor Syed Mohammad Sohel murder case was killed in a reported gunfight with police at Sadar upazila in Cumilla district early Thursday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Government did not drop most activities: PM- Kuensel

The government has not dropped most development activities, including the construction of Lhamoizingkha-Sarpang road and Nganglam hospital, according to Lyonchhen Dr Lotay Tshering. Click here to read…

Annual Audit Report submitted to Parliament before prescribed time- Kuensel

The submission of the Annual Audit Report 2020-21 to Parliament has not been in compliance with the Audit Act 2018, Members of Parliament familiar with the process of the tabling of audit reports say. Click here to read…

Something sweet is brewing: Bhutan and Indian counterparts meet to promote and share their common love for tea and coffee- Bhutan Times

Bhutanese tea and coffee importers interacted with their Indian counterparts this week to sweeten up our common love for the age-old concoctionsClick here to read…

Alleged tax evasion of about Nu 45 M by Education Consultancy and Placement Firms- BBS

Education Consultancy and Placement Firms appears to have evaded tax amounting to Nu 45 M between 2014 and 2019. This is according to a study on the Tax Compliance Strategy on Education Consultancy and Placement Firms. Click here to read…

Nepal

Active caseload increases to 7,045 on Thursday vs 6,954 a day before- Himalaya

Nepal recorded 298 new coronavirus infections in last 24 hours, pushing the nationwide tally to 821,949, while the death toll climbed to 11,535 with six fatalities today. Click here to read…

Ruling alliance advises CJ Rana to assign deputy- Himalaya

Top leaders of five-party alliance have advised Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana to stay on leave and assign an acting CJ. Click here to read…

Fertiliser crisis could spell economic disaster, experts warn- TKP

Essential farm nutrients could be in short supply in Nepal amid global shortages. Click here to read…

Deuba-led Tribhuvan University meeting decides to hire teachers without open competition- TKP

Experts say such a practice will promote incompetence and ruin students’ future. Click here to read…

The enigma of arrival of Nepal’s gods- Nepali Times

The re-consecration in Kathmandu of a sacred sculpture 40 years after it was stolen sets a precedent, but throws up new dilemmas. Click here to read…

Bagmati Province shares about half of service sector’s earnings of Nepal’s GDP- Republica

About half of the transactions in Nepal’s service sector take place in Bagmati Province, where the country’s Federal Capital Kathmandu lies. Click here to read…

Balachaturdashi: Know everything about the annual festival dedicated to lost family members- OnlineKhabar

Pashupatinath temple is thronged by people all year round. Among the many occasions that attract devotees and sightseers from everywhere to the temple, Balachaturdashi has its own charm and religious importance in people’s hearts. Click here to read…

Maldives

Discussions held on promoting Maldives tourism in South Korea – Raajje

Ambassador of Korea to Maldives, Jeong Woonjin paid a courtesy call on Vice President Faisal Naseem on Wednesday, during which the pair engaged in discussions regarding a wide array of topics, including the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, tourism cooperation, education opportunities as well as strengthening ties. Click here to read…

Chinese firm inks deal with Maldives – Indian Express

A Chinese renewable energy firm signed an agreement with the Maldives earlier this week to provide a hybrid solar-diesel power system in the inhabited islands of an atoll south of capital Male. Sino Soar Hybrid (Beijing) Technology Co. Ltd won the bid for the mini-grid project in August. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Burmese Army Fires Weapons Targeting Churches in Chin State – persecution.org

As the Burmese Army (Tatmadaw) continues to fight opposition in various states in Myanmar, more churches in Christian-majority Chin state fall victims to the armed attacks followed by looting by the Tatmadaw soldiers. Click here to read…

Kokang Armed Group Reports Escalating Fighting With Myanmar Junta – The Irrawaddy

The ethnic Kokang army said it clashed with Myanmar’s junta 126 times during November in northern Shan State. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) is fighting around Kokang, Mongkoe and Hsenwi to gain control to the west of Salween River with violence increasing last month after the arrival of junta reinforcements. Click here to read…

At least 90 Myanmar lawmakers detained by junta, report says – LaPrensalatina

At least 90 lawmakers of Myanmar’s ousted government have been imprisoned or put under house arrest by the military junta, while dozens have fled the country, according to a report over the growing persecution of Southeast Asian lawmakers released on Thursday. Click here to read…

Japan assures repatriation of displaced citizens of Myanmar – TBS News

Japan’s Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa has said that Japan will continue to work for the repatriation of Myanmar nationals who have been forcibly displaced from Bangladesh. The Foreign Minister of Bangladesh Dr A K Abdul Momen sent a congratulatory letter to Hayashi Yoshimasa on being newly appointed as the Foreign Minister of Japan.Click here to read…

Pakistan

‘Mini-budget’ with adjustments worth Rs600bn finalised: Dawn

The steps will serve to reverse the effects of the federal government’s ‘pro-growth budget’ for Fiscal Year 2022 adopted only five months ago, according to some analysts. Click here to read…

IMF warns of ‘economic collapse’ unless G20 extends debt relief: The Express Tribune

The IMF on Thursday urged advanced economies in the G20 to extend and improve their debt relief initiative, warning that many countries face a dire crisis without the help.Click here to read…

PML-N chides govt over galloping inflation: Dawn

Speaking at a news conference on Thursday, Mr Abbasi, without mentioning his source of information, claimed that in the list of 200 countries with highest inflation, Pakistan was trailing at number three behind Argentine and Turkey. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

China pulls out of Northern hybrid power projects – Ceylon Today

China said the hybrid energy projects to be constructed on three islands in the Northern Province have been suspended. The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka tweeted that the suspension came after a third party’s security concerns. Click here to read…

Modi skips Basil meeting on scheduled day – Daily FT

A meeting between Minister of Finance Basil Rajapaksa and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which was scheduled to be held yesterday (2), has failed to materialise for what government sources indicated were scheduling issues, The Morning learnt.Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Kabul-Tehran Committees Formed on Trade, Infrastructure: Tolo News

The Ministry of Finance said Thursday that Afghanistan and Iran have created several committees to expand cooperation in various areas between the two countries.Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate, Iranian Forces Clash in Border Areas: Tolo News

Islamic Emirate forces and Iranian border forces clashed in border areas on Wednesday, officials said. Click here to read…

Russia’s second consignment of humanitarian aid arrives in Kabul-The Khaama Press

Taliban’s Ministry of Natural Disasters Management on Wednesday, December 01 said that Russia’s second consignment of humanitarian aids arrived in the Afghan capital Kabul. Click here to read…

Taliban, US conclude their two-day negotiations in Doha: The Khaama Press

The US and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have concluded their two-day talks in the Qatari capital Doha as the US has still its sanctions on the Taliban in place and Afghanistan is going through probably the biggest humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Degrees not enough, achieve standards: President tells DU students- The Daily Star

President Abdul Hamid yesterday asked students to achieve international standards along with academic degrees. Click here to read…

No bomb found in Malaysian Airlines flight: Dhaka Airport authorities- The Daily Star

A regular flight of Malaysian Airlines made an emergency landing at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (HSIA) last night, reportedly carrying explosives or bomb-like objects, prompting authorities to call out army commandos for a thorough search, officials said today. Click here to read…

Agitating students issue 96-hour ultimatum for nationwide half pass on buses- Dhaka Tribune

Police sue 300 for torching eight buses at Rampura during protest against SSC examinee’s death. Click here to read…

Bangladesh expatriates urged not to arrive in country- Observer

Health and Family Welfare Minister Zahid Maleque has requested the expatriate Bangladesh nationals not to arrive in the country to halt spread of new coronavirus variant Omicron. Click here to read…

Dhaka-Delhi ties ‘crucial for greater regional stability’- Asian Age

Bilateral issues with India need to be resolved amicably with fairness and justice as the Bangladesh-India relations are crucial for greater regional stability and development, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan records 22 new HIV cases in past five months- Kuensel

The country’s ambitious target to eliminate mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV is once again under threat as the country detected another MTCT case in the past five months. Click here to read…

Funding developmental activities from GRF not against law: FM- Kuensel

Members of the Parliament questioned Finance Minister Namgay Tshering yesterday on the legality of allocating 19 million (M) from the General Reserve Fund (GRF) to carry out the developmental activities in Paro. Click here to read…

Dorjilung hydropower DPR to be ready in seven months- Kuensel

A second detailed project report (DPR) for the 1,125-megawatt Dorjilung hydropower project in Mongar will be ready within seven months. Click here to read…

12th plan domestic revenue projection drops from Nu 217 bn to 179 bn- Bhutan Times

As per the Nu 310 billion (bn) 12th Five Year Plan (FYP) the domestic revenue was initially projected at Nu 217.728 bn. Click here to read…

New Deal: Digital Banking Dominates Financial Transactions- Bhutan Times

Domestic paymentsrecorded a total of 44.83-million (m)comprising of intra and interbank domestic transactions worth Nu 206.37-billion (b)during the 3rd quarter this yearClick here to read…

Low enrolment of children with disabilities- National Conference on Disability- BBS

If the current enrollment of the children living with disabilities in schools is any indication, then parents and the education ministry have a long way to go until everyone goes to school. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives And Bangladesh Can Benefit From Growing Trade Ties – Eurasia Review

Maldives and Bangladesh both are South Asian countries. Maldives and Bangladesh established diplomatic relations on 22 September 1978Click here to read…

Active Covid-19 cases across Maldives drop to 1,613 – Raajje

According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), Maldives confirmed 107 new Covid-19 cases and 227 additional recoveries on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

U.N. Seats Denied, for Now, to Afghanistan’s Taliban and Myanmar’s Junta – NY Times

A powerful United Nations committee deferred a decision on applications by the ruling authorities of both countries, widely regarded as pariahs, to replace envoys of the governments they had toppled. Click here to read…

The New Pattern of Conflict in Myanmar – PRIO

A new conflict pattern has appeared in Myanmar. Amidst a spiraling economic, social and health crisis, armed fighting is no longer confined to ethnic minority areas but has cropped up in cities and regions where the ethnic Bamar are in majorityClick here to read…

Myanmar army helicopter attacks ‘force thousands to flee’ – Al Jazeera

Thousands of civilians have fled their homes due to attacks by helicopter gunships in Myanmar’s Sagaing region, a hotbed of resistance to the country’s military rule, according to local media. Click here to read…

Climate danger grows in ‘vulnerable’ Myanmar after military coup – Aljazeera

There is increasing concern that Myanmar is at risk of a serious environmental crisis, as the generals who seized power in a coup on February 1 focus on cementing their control and shoring up their position by stepping up lucrative but devastating policies of exploiting the country’s vast natural wealth. Click here to read…

Nepal

Lottery-based cause list launched- Himalayav

The Supreme Court today launched the lottery-based cause list for the first time, but lawyers, did not take part in the hearing process after the Nepal Bar Association. Click here to read…

Govt warns against unnecessary foreign travel- Himalaya

The Ministry of Health and Population has urged people not to travel abroad unless necessary. Click here to read…
Political parties’ lack of concern about Covid may prove costly for the country, experts warn- TKP

Doctors say political parties should be role models for people and work for public safety and well being. Click here to read…
Democratic Recession in Nepal- Republica

There are mainly two types of democratic systems: direct democracy and representative democracy. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Smugglers, money-launderers to be punished: PM Imran: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday ordered stern action against smugglers of sugar, wheat, urea and petrol and those involved in money laundering. Click here to read…

Trade deficit hits all-time high in November: Dawn

The reversing trend in trade deficit was witnessed for the fifth consecutive month as merchandise trade deficit reached $5.107 billion in November against $1.946bn over the corresponding month last year. Click here to read…

Punjab considers using EVMs in upcoming LG polls: The Express Tribune

Deliberations were made on the proposal during a meeting held under the chair of Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar on Wednesday. Click here to read…

PM lauds FBR on 35pc increase in Nov revenues: The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday appreciated the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) for achieving an increase of 35 per cent in revenues of November 2021. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Finance Minister in economic co-oporation talks with India amid forex crisis – EconomyNext

Sri Lanka Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa on Wednesday met his Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman in New Delhi discussed steps to deepen economic cooperation with India amid expectations of support for the country’s foreign exchange crisis. Click here to read…

Government Fails to Tame Inflation- Ceylon Today

The main pivot to uplift a country’s real growth that spawns employment and doesn’t overburden its debt profile is investor confidence. If that confidence is lacking, a low interest rate regime in place by chance or by design is not going to uplift real growth. Click here to read…

CB lures ‘white’ inflows with 10-for-1 offer- Daily FT

To boost inflow of workers› remittances via official channels, the Central Bank yesterday announced a time-bound incentive scheme offering Rs. 10 per each US dollar remitted and converted. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

5 injured in blast near school in Kabul- Afghanistan Times

At least five people were injured after a powerful magnetic bomb went off near a school in Kabul city. Click here to read…

Saudi Arabia Calls for OIC Meeting on Afghanistan- Tolo News

Saudi Arabia on Monday called on members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to convene an extraordinary meeting on Afghanistan to discuss the humanitarian situation in the country. Click here to read…

Doha Talks: Islamic Emirate Insists on Release of Assets- Tolo News

Delegations from the United States and the Islamic Emirate held two-day talks in Doha and discussed a range of issues, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. . Click here to read…

Bangladesh

More deaths, more outrage- Daily Star

Young protesters won’t leave streets as demand for safe roads get louder; another student dies in crash. Click here to read…

2 shot in AL infighting in Narayanganj after UP polls, 8 injured- Daily Star

At least 10 persons were injured, including two sustaining bullet wounds, in the post polls violence between two factions of Awami League in Narayanganj’s Rupganj upazila last night. Click here to read…

Special drive against buses without route permits from Wednesday- Dhaka Tribune

1,847 buses currently operating without route permits in Dhaka. Click here to read…

‘240 travellers from S Africa traceless’- Asian Age

Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said that Bangladesh reported the arrival of 240 individuals from South Africa, where the new coronavirus variant Omicron was found, but authorities are unable to track down any of them. Click here to read…

Dhaka University’s centenary celebration begins Wednesday- Daily Observer

Dhaka University, the highest echelon of academic excellence, is set to begin the celebration of its hundredth founding anniversary and the golden jubilee of the country’s independence tomorrow. Click here to read…

LG candidates turn to High Court after last-minute bizarre disqualification- Kuensel

Seven of the nine local leaders, whose audit clearances were revoked after Dhamngoi Zomdu, appealed to the High Court yesterday. Click here to read…

Remittance rush continues with record breaking Nu 5.139 bn till Aug 2021- The Bhutanese

In 2020 Bhutan saw the highest ever remittance flow of Nu 8.269 billion (bn). This was higher than the combined remittance of Nu 2.901 bn in 2019 and 3.032 bn in 2020. Click here to read…

New Deal: Digital Banking Dominates Financial Transactions- Bhutan Times

The Department of Payment and Settlement System’s Quarterly Payment System Report Q3, 2021 (July-September). Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives’ ex-president Yameen walks free after graft conviction overturned – Reuters

Maldives’ former president Abdulla Yameen was freed from house arrest on Tuesday after a top court overturned a money-laundering and embezzlement conviction, allowing him to potentially make a return to politics. Click here to read…

Maldives defends defence pact with India – Economic Times

The Parliament Committee on National Security (241 Committee) of Maldives recently stated that agreements between Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) and the Indian military do not contain any clauses that cause concern to the island nation. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar court postpones verdict for ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi – New Indian Express

A court in Myanmar postponed its verdict on Tuesday in the trial of ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi to allow testimony from an additional witness, a senior member of her political party. Click here to read…

Chronicling Four Decades of Separatist Activity by Manipur’s PLA in Myanmar The Irrawaddy

The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in India’s northeast is in the news again for orchestrating an ambush that killed seven people including a commanding officer of the Assam Rifles in the state of Manipur, which borders Myanmar. Click here to read…

Arakan People’s Authority investigating violent altercation at Sittwe KTV venue – BNI Online

The Arakan People’s Authority, under the United League of Arakan/Arakan Army (ULA/AA) has indicated that some people involved in a brawl at the Eain Phyu Taw (White House) KTV in Sittwe’s Anaut Sanpya ward, along with the owner of the KTV venue, are being investigated. Click here to read…

Drug use a concern in shadow of Mrauk-U’s ancient pagodas – BNI Online

Illicit drug use in the vicinity of the ancient pagodas, walls and temples of the Mrauk-U cultural zone and its Let Sel Kan ward is on the rise significantly, according to some locals in the Arakan State township. Click here to read…
Myanmar military seizes boat carrying 228 Rohingyas – LaPrensalatina

Myanmar has arrested 228 members of the oppressed Rohingya minority after seizing the boat in which they were traveling near the waters of Sittwe in the northwest of the country, state media reported Tuesday. Click here to read…
Nepal

Oli elected UML chair yet again as party’s general convention concludes- Himalaya

KP Sharma Oli was elected chairman of the CPN-UML for another term today after he defeated Bhim Rawal in a one-sided contest. Click here to read…

Top court resumes business from today after over a month of crisis

Lottery system to come into force, stripping Chief Justice Rana of prerogative to assign cases. There, however, are still problems galore. Click here to read…

What to do with Pokhara’s ‘extra’ airport?

As the new international airport nears completion, the fate of the old one is up in the air. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Speaker blasts ministers who often skip sittings- Island

Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena expressed his displeasure over ministers skipping Parliament sessions while there were questions that they should be answering. Click here to read…

New health guidelines issued; multiple restrictions eased- Daily Mirror

The Health Ministry today issued a set of new guidelines easing several restrictions effective from December 01 to 15. Click here to read…

PM directs preparations for 74th Independence Day- Daily News

The first meeting of the organizing committee of the 74th Independence Day Celebrations – 2022 was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at Temple Trees yesterday. Click here to read…

EU, UNODC gift narcotic detection machines to SL Navy- Ceylon Today

Deputy Head of Mission of the European Union Thorsten Bargfrede and representatives of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) handed over four portable backscatter X-ray Machines to Commander of the Navy. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s tumultuous year and uncertain future – RFI

The Taliban’s astonishing return to power caught everyone on the wrong foot — not least the hardline Islamists themselves — and Afghans are stumbling to make sense of what happened, and what the future holds. Click here to read…

India, Pak struggling to reach consensus on providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan: Report – Devidiscourse

Islamabad and New Delhi are at loggerheads over the modalities of shipment of Indian wheat to Afghanistan via Pakistan as the two countries are struggling to find a common strategy for humanitarian assistance for the people of Afghanistan, officials here told Pakistani newspaper Express Tribune. Click here to read…

Pakistan lists conditions for allowing Indian wheat to reach Afghanistan: Report – The Week

After allowing India to transfer 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan as humanitarian assistance, Pakistan has set some conditions for the same. According to a report by news agency PTI, Pakistan has insisted that the consignments of wheat and medicines to Afghanistan be transported on Pakistani trucks from the Wagah border point; however, India favours using its own transport. Click here to read…

World Bank mulls sending humanitarian aid to Afghanistan – India Today

The bank’s management will discuss the proposal at an informal board meeting on Tuesday to re-direct funds from the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF) “to support humanitarian efforts through UN and other humanitarian agencies with presence and logistic capabilities in the country,” the source said, without providing further detailsClick here to read…

Bangladesh

Union Parishad Chairman Posts: AL men bag 53pc, independents 45pc- Daily Star

Awami League candidates performed not as well in the third phase of the union parishad elections compared to previous two phases. Click here to read…

Khaleda’s Health: No bleeding in 2 days but risk remains- Daily Star

The health condition of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, now undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital, is still unpredictable, say doctors. Click here to read…

The cost of the country’s most ambitious rail project- Dhaka Tribune

The construction of the rail line is moving fast, as the government intends to open it at the end of 2022. Click here to read…

Omicron: Bangladesh on India’s ‘at risk’ list- Dhaka Tribune

Passengers travelling from or transiting through listed countries must undergo an RT-PCR test on arrival in India. Click here to read…

Expectations and gains- Asian Age

The celebration of the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the independence golden jubilee of Bangladesh began from March 2021. Click here to read…

Nine buses torched in city after student run over- Observer

Angry mob torched nine buses after a SSC examinee was ran over by a bus of Anabil Paribahan in the capital’s Rampura area on Monday night. Click here to read…

Bhutan

His Majesty enters quarantine after a Royal tour of the south.

His Majesty The King arrived in Thimphu yesterday after a Royal tour of the south, and entered facility quarantine. Click here to read…

Court presents charges against Penjore in defamation case- The Bhutanese

The ‘Penjore Penjore’ sedition and defamation case against Penjore was dismissed by the Thimphu District Court on 18 July. But Penjore is again back in the court as he is charged with defaming the Office of Attorney General (OAG) by the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP). Click here to read…

Opposition and PDP whip govt. on recent budget allocation fiasco- Bhutan Times

The Opposition Party has alleged that the Government has diverted disproportionate amount of budget to the Prime Minister’s and Bye-Election Candidate’s Constituencies. Click here to read…

Bhutan banned mountaineering out of respect for the local spiritual beliefs- Daily Bhutan

More than 20 peaks in Bhutan reach above 7,000m (23,000ft). For context, Mt Everest, the highest mountain in the world, is 8,848m (29,031ft). Click here to read…

WFP Bhutan Country Brief, October 2021- WFP

WFPs capacity strengthening, and technical assistance continued in agriculture (enterprise promotion, linking farmers to schools and hospitals), emergency preparedness (telecommunications and logistics preparedness) and nutrition. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives bans travellers from 7 African nations due to Omicron COVID variant – Reuters

Maldives said it was barring travellers from seven African countries from Sunday over concerns about the new Omicron variant of COVID-19. Click here to read…

Maldives reports 114 new Covid-19 cases, 139 recoveries – Raajje

According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), the new cases included 25 from the Maldives congested capital, Greater Malé Region, 73 from islands outside of the capital and 16 from operational resorts. Click here to read…

First round of bilateral consultations held between Maldives, Bangladesh – Raajje

Held as prescribed under the Memorandum of Understanding on the ‘Establishment of Bilateral Consultations’ signed between the two countries earlier this year, the consultations were joined by the Maldives Foreign Secretary Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed and the Bangladeshi Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s army is weaponizing starvation against its own people – Arab News

The Myanmar army, the Tatmadaw, appears to be weaponizing mass starvation in order to beat back resistance to its February coup. The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar, an international group of Myanmar observers, reports that military forces have targeted food supplies, including killing livestock, while also destroying distribution infrastructure. Click here to read…

Australia’s Future Fund invested in weapons manufacturers that have sold arms to Myanmar military – The Guardian

Australia’s sovereign wealth fund, the Future Fund, has invested in a Chinese state-controlled weapons manufacturer that has sold combat aircraft to the Myanmar military, which is accused of crimes against humanity. Click here to read…

Asian, European nations call on Myanmar military to return to democracy – Business Standard

At least 50 Asian and European countries on Friday called on Myanmar to return to the democratic transition that was halted by the coup in February. As reported by Radio Free Asia, the countries asked to release arbitrarily detained prisoners, and accept a Southeast Asian envoy to mediate the 10-month-old political crisis. Click here to read…

Military deploys Russian-made fighter jets against KIA targets – Myanmar Now

Myanmar’s military used two newly-acquired Su-30 fighter jets from Russia against Kachin Independence Army (KIA) targets in Kachin State’s Mohnyin Township last week, according to KIA information officer Col. Naw Bu. Click here to read…

Argentina court to investigate Myanmar war crimes against Rohingya Muslims – The Guardian

Argentina’s justice system will investigate allegations of war crimes committed by the Myanmar military against that country’s Rohingya minority under a court ruling upholding the principles of “universal justice”. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal records 243 fresh COVID-19 cases, one fatality on Monday.

Nepal recorded 243 new coronavirus infections in last 24 hours, pushing the nationwide tally to 821,121 while the death toll climbed to 11,524 with one fatality today. Click here to read…

UML 10th General Convention: Polls for top spots to commence tonight- Himalaya

The election for top posts of the CPN-UML at the party’s ongoing General Convention being conducted at Chitwan, is set to begin Monday night. Click here to read…

Oli’s consensus bid fails, but he manages to prove he rules the roost- TKP

Vice-chairs, secretaries and central members to be voted in as Oli installs his men in key positions—Ishwar Pokhrel as senior vice-chair, Shankar Pokhrel as general secretary. Click here to read…

Experts fault Deuba for prioritising domestic politics over foreign policy- TKP

As the MCC’s ratification hangs in the balance, questions arise over the fate of projects under the BRI. Click here to read…

Nepal’s rudderless political leadership

The country’s three major parties are duelling on the deck, while the ship of state drifts away.Click here to read…

CJ Rana infected with COVID-19- Republica

Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher JB Rana has been admitted to hospital after he tested positive for COVID-19. Click here to read…

Pakistan

SBP signs agreement for $3bn Saudi fund: Dawn

The agreement was signed by SFD Chief Executive Officer Sultan Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Marshad and SBP Governor Dr Reza Baqir at the State Bank in Karachi, according to a statement issued by the SBP. Click here to read…

A convict was invited to moot attended by judges, deplores PM Imran: Dawn

The prime minister feared that another blasphemous attempt would be made by the West against Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) and said this time a well-calculated and unanimous response should come from the Muslims so that the false impression could not come to the fore that the Muslims were against freedom of expression. Click here to read…

Rupee slides to new low as deficit widens: The Express Tribune

According to the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the rupee had closed at Rs175.46 on Friday.A report of Arif Habib Limited stated that the rupee fell 0.42% day-on-day while it had been down 13.58% since hitting the high of Rs152.28 on May 14, 2021. Click here to read…

Pakistan offers to host OIC FMs on Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

“Pakistan fully endorses the initiative. We have also offered to host the meeting, in Islamabad, on December 17, 2021. We are confident that OIC member states will endorse the offer,” Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said in a statement on Monday. Click here to read…

Foreign reserves plunge to historic low of $ 1.2 b: SJB – Daily FT

The main Opposition Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday claimed that the country’s net foreign reserves had plunged to an all-time low of $ 1.2 billion and warned of a looming dark future.

SJB MP Eran Wickramaratne revealed the precariously low reserves figure – excluding gold reserves of $ 300 million – in Parliament yesterday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Doha: Islamic Emirate, EU Talk Aid, Safety for Departing Afghans: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate and EU delegates held a two-day meeting in Doha to discuss the situation in Afghanistan and particularly the way forward, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said. Click here to read…

Afghan Exports to Iran Increase by 50%: ACCI: Tolo News

Afghanistan’s Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said on Saturday that this year Afghanistan’s exports to Iran has reached $17 million, which is a 50% increase in the country’s exports compared to last year. Click here to read…

Media freedom at risk as Taliban censors news reports in northern Afghanistan: Report: The Khaama Press

The local authorities in northern Badakshan province have asked media outlets to publish their reports after a review and censorship, the Afghanistan journalists safety committee reported. Click here to read…

An underground network of intelligence operatives helped Taliban seize Kabul: The Khaama Press

The Taliban have had an underground network of intelligence operatives that helped them seize power from inside, parallel to their military victory. Click here to read…

The future of higher education in Bangladesh- Daily Star

Universities in Bangladesh have begun to reopen their campuses since October 2021 but in different capacities. In particular, many public universities are opting to revert to pre-pandemic learning modes, considering what’s best for their student body. Click here to read…

Covid-19: Bangladesh yet to take impactful measures against Omicron- Dhaka Tribune

The Bangladesh government has yet to formulate a plan specific to the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus despite almost a week having passed since the new variant was first reported in South Africa. Click here to read…

Anguish over family missing since Channel tragedy- Asian Age

She called him from northern France to say she was about to board a boat with her mother, sister and brother. Hadia was excited at the prospect of finally making it to the UK. Click here to read…

Khaleda Zia suffers from liver cirrhosis: Medical Board- Daily Observer

Former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been diagnosed with liver cirrhosis, said the medical board formed for her treatment on Sunday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Talking rice self-sufficiency again- Kuensel

The steady decline in production and sufficiency status over the years call for our attention, especially when our projections are bases on wrong data for whatever reasons. Click here to read…

Semjong Celebrates- Kuensel

Approximately 600 people from 72 families in Tsirang celebrated a major transformation of their lives yesterday with the launch of the country’s first and largest integrated water supply pilot project. Click here to read…

Political mudslinging will lead us nowhere- Bhutan Times

The political psychology and political behaviors reflect the overall image of the country. It is the pre-requisite of every democratic system. Click here to read…

Their Majesties grace opening of third parliament’s winter session- Bhutan News

His Majesty the King, accompanied by Her Majesty the Gyaltsuen, graced the opening ceremony of the sixth session of the third parliament on 24 November at Gyelyong Tshokhang in Thimphu. Click here to read…

Maldives

India remains top source market for Maldives tourism as year draws to a close – Raajje

As the year draws to an end and at a time the Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom had revealed that arrivals from India are expected to grow to top the markets by the end of the year, Maldives recorded a total of 252,551 arrivals from India between January 1 – November 24. Click here to read…

New Covid-19 variant triggers fear, Maldives shuts doors for seven countries – Raajje

Maldives has imposed a ban on travel from seven countries in Africa, triggered by the threats of a newly surfaced, more transmissible variant of Covid-19. According to an announcement issued by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) after sundown on Saturday, the measure was taken as a precautionary measure under the Public Health Protection Act (No. 7/2021), to come into effect at 12am, Sunday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s military rulers fail to quash resistance – The Times

The ambush came just after the tourism minister had declared at a luxury beachfront hotel owned by the son of the junta chief that Myanmar was open and safe for foreign travellers. Click here to read…

Chin State Town Blames Myanmar Junta for Arson Attacks – The Irrawaddy

Thantlang, a mountain-top town in Chin State, has suffered from eight fires and lost around 254 houses in two months, according to residents, who blame Myanmar’s military. Click here to read…

U.S. and others concerned about Myanmar army operations in northwest – Reuters

The United States on Friday issued a joint statement along with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, South Korea and Britain expressing concern over a military offensive in Myanmar that they say is disproportionately harming civilians. Click here to read…

Myanmar junta accused of forcing people to brink of starvation – The Guardian

Myanmar’s military junta has been accused of forcing people to the brink of starvation with repeated offensives since it seized power in a coup earlier this year. The Special Advisory Council for Myanmar said the junta had destroyed food supplies and killed livestock while cutting off roads used to bring in food and medicine. Click here to read…

Nepal

As Omicron looms, Nepal grapples with indecision, bureaucratic inertia- Himalaya

The Government of Nepal does not appear to be fully prepared to deal with the challenge, least of all vaccinate all of its citizens quickly. Click here to read…

Ghimire coordinator of NC poll panel- Himalaya

Senior Advocate Gopal Krishna Ghimire has been nominated as coordinator of the Nepali Congress Central Election Committee. Click here to read…

Two weeks after launching e-passport, government goes on issuing machine-readable ones- TKP

With districts ‘temporarily’ halting applications, people crowd the Passport Department. Click here to read…

Nepal’s graduation to developing country hinges on political stability- TKP

Experts stress taking measures at reducing the cost of doing business by improving the country’s infrastructure connectivity and human resources. Click here to read…

Nepal’s rudderless political leadership- Nepali Times

The country’s three major parties are duelling on the deck, while the ship of state drifts away. Click here to read…

Democratic Recession in Nepal- Republica

There are mainly two types of democratic systems: direct democracy and representative democracy. Click here to read…

Pakistan

President Alvi calls for steps to integrate ECO region: Dawn

President Dr Arif Alvi has said the Economic Cooperation Organisation’s (ECO) member states, despite having all elements for economic growth, are among the least integrated in terms of trade and investment, stressing the need for unlocking their potential for growth and development. Click here to read…

PTI issues notice to Riaz Fatyana for ‘vilifying’ two cabinet members: Dawn

The notice was issued to the MNA from Toba Tek Singh by the PTI’s Standing Committee on Accountability and Discipline (SCAD) on the complaint of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Climate Change Malik Amin Aslam. Click here to read…

Pakistan, India at odds over wheat transit modalities: The Express Tribune

Last week, Pakistan decided to allow India to transport 50,000 metric tonnes of wheat and other humanitarian goods to Afghanistan through the Wagah border in a move Islamabad said was made on “exceptional basis” keeping in view the humanitarian crises in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Peace in Afghanistan key to regional connectivity: Alvi: The Express Tribune

The president made these remarks while addressing the 15th Summit of the heads of states of the ECO in Turkmenistan. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

India, Maldives, Sri Lanka conduct maritime drills – The Hindu

India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka on Sunday, November 28, 2021, concluded a two-day maritime operation in the Indian Ocean region to keep it safe and secure including for international trade, officials said. Ships and aircraft of the navies of the three countries participated in the maiden ‘Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) Focused Operation’, the Indian Navy said. Click here to read…

Chemical fertiliser price to be regulated but not fixed – The Morning

The Ministry of Agriculture does not expect to introduce a fixed price for chemical fertilisers and other agrochemicals, including pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides/weedicides, which would be imported by the private sector, but will soon formulate a mechanism to regulate their prices, The Morning learnt. When contacted by The Morning, Agriculture Ministry Secretary Prof. Udith K. Jayasinghe-Mudalige said that this mechanism would be formulated with the involvement of all relevant institutions. Click here to read…

Chargé d’affaires of the United Arab Emirates to Sri Lanka Ibrahim Ali Ibrahim Al Gergawi calls on Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka Prof. G.L. Peiris – Sri Lanka MFA

In his opening remarks, the Chargé d’affaires extended greetings from the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Al Nahyan and expressed the UAE government’s willingness to enhance bilateral trade and economic relations with the government of Sri Lanka. Further, he also recalled the recent bilateral meeting held between Foreign Minister G.L Peiris with the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Dr Sultan Al Jaber, at the sidelines of the 76 Session of the UNGA, New York. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Delegates Leave Kabul for Doha Meeting with US Envoy: Tolo News

A delegation of the Islamic Emirate led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi flew to Qatar’s capital Doha on Thursday afternoon, the foreign ministry said. Click here to read…

UN Calls for Solidarity to End Violence Against Women and Girls: Tolo News

In a statement, UNAMA said gender-based violence continues to be a serious threat to women and girls and a major obstacle in the way of achieving lasting sustainable development and peace. Click here to read…

Conflicts in Afghanistan leaves over half a million internally displaced in 2021: Report: The Khaama Press

According to a newly released report by the UN IOM, over half a million people in Afghanistan have been internally displaced as a result of conflicts and insecurity in 2021. Click here to read…

Italy gives asylum to National Geographic’s famous ‘green-eyed’ Afghan girl: The Khaama Press

Sharbat Gula, the Afghan ‘green-eyed’ girl whose photo went viral after being printed on the cover of the National Geographic magazine in 1984, has now been given asylum by Italy, the Italian government announced on Thursday. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Earthquake felt in Dhaka, CTG originated in Myanmar- Daily Star

A strong earthquake jolted Dhaka, Chattogram and some other cities this morning. The tremor was felt around 5:45am. Click here to read…

‘Misogyny embedded in the legal system has to be addressed’- Daily Star

There is no doubt that it is generally due to the culture of impunity enjoyed by men connected to power that we have failed to bring down the rate of sexual violence against women. Click here to read…

US embassy: Not everyone could attend summit for democracy- Dhaka Tribune

UN’s definition of democracy used by the State Department during the planning of the summit. Click here to read…

US invited weak democracies to its summit: Momen- Asian Age

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen said that the US might have invited countries with weak democracies to its Democracy Summit. Click here to read…

Bhutan

ECB repeats dhamngoi zomdus in three chiwogs- Kuensel

Voters in Changyul-Loongsilgang-Tashijong chiwog in Punakha, Shingchongri chiwog in Pemagatshel, and Sergithang-Nye chiwog in Tsirang will attend the dhamngoi zomdu once again to re-nominate candidates for gup and mangmi. Click here to read…

Fixing the tax leakage- Kuensel

The revenue and customs department is banking on what is called an integrated system and the much-talked about Goods and Services Tax, which will come into force from next June. Click here to read…

The endangered majestic black-necked cranes are highly honoured in Bhutan- Daily Bhutan

The black-necked cranes are a sight to behold. Awe. Memorable. Delightful. These are just three of the many adjectives that tourists to Bhutan have used to describe the magnificent cranes. Click here to read…

Study finds almost 37 per cent rise in domestic violence cases- BBS

COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in domestic violence (DV) cases across the globe. And Bhutan is no exception. Click here to read…

Maldives

Money laundering charges raised against Yameen over V. Aarah case – Raajje

Abdulla Yameen, former president of Maldives has been charged with money laundering, over the leasing of Aarah island in Vaavu atoll to a foreign party for resort development. The Prosecutor General’s Office revealed that Yameen is accused of misusing his official authority to launder USD one million in connection to the lease of Aarah, to Noonu atoll Velidhoo native Yoosuf Naeem for resort development, the latter has also been charged. Click here to read…

Discussions held on ways to further solidify ties between Maldives, Bangladesh – Raajje

Discussions held on ways to further solidify ties between Maldives and Bangladesh. As part of his three-day official visit to Bangladesh, Vice President Faisal Naseem met with the President of Bangladesh, Md. Abdul Hamid at the Presidential Palace, Bangabhaban. Click here to read…

Discussions held on increasing cooperation with Senegal, on human rights, counter-terrorism – Raajje

Discussions have been held on expanding cooperation between Maldives and Senegal, in the areas of human rights and counter-terrorism. The discussions were held following a ceremony held at the President’s Office where the new Ambassador of Senegal Abdoul Wahab Haidara presented his Letters of Credence to Maldivian President, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Monday morning. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Five-point road map will continue: SAC’s Chair – Eleven Myanmar

The Armed Forces has taken over the responsibilities of the State and is working on five-point road map to be taken. This five-point road map is in line with the situation in our country, so we are determined to succeed, said Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, Prime Minister and Chairman of the State Administration Council (SAC) in Nay Pyi Taw on November 24. Click here to read…

Militancy woes wooing Manipur? – East Mojo

Churachandpur, a district in Manipur, became a central topic of discussion overnight on the 13th November, so much so it was trending on Twitter. The new-found fame, however, was not something the local people could rejoice for; the trend, unfortunately, relates to the highly condemnable killing of seven people, including an Assam Rifles Commanding Officer (CO), along with his wife and son, and four jawans. Click here to read…

Myanmar troops arrest 18 medics for treating members of anti-junta groups – Edition

Myanmar’s military has arrested 18 medics for providing treatment to patients who were members of “terrorist organizations,” a state-run newspaper said Wednesday, referring to outlawed anti-junta groups. Click here to read…

Karenni resistance forces report four clashes with military in one day – Myanmar Now

At least four clashes broke out between Karenni anti-junta resistance groups and the Myanmar army in Kayah State’s Demoso and Loikaw townships on Tuesday, reportedly causing multiple military casualties. Click here to read…

Thousands Flee as Myanmar Regime Resumes Raiding Resistance Groups – The Irrawaddy

Since November 17, Myanmar military reinforcements have randomly bombarded villages along the Demoso-Loikaw Highway, forcing several thousand residents to flee from around 30 villages between Demoso and Loikaw, the Kayah State capital, according to the Demoso command of the Karenni Nationalities Defense Force (KNDF). Click here to read…

Nepal

Opinion: Party conventions of NC, UML: Competition of old and new leadership- Himalaya

Nepal is going to experience a double political whammy soon in the wake of the twin party conventions being held by the Nepali Congress, the party in power, and the UML, the opposition in the Parliament, over a month’s time. Click here to read…

CPN-UML general convention commences in Sauraha today- Himalaya
The main opposition CPN-UML will inaugurate its 10th general convention in Sauraha, Chitwan, at 12:00pm tomorrow. Click here to read…

With lottery system, chief justice loses the master of roster role- TKP

A system of drawing lots for assigning cases will come into effect starting December 1, but the judiciary crisis may not end anytime soon. Click here to read…

Oil Price Hike in Nepal: Some Critical Observations- Republica

In this context, the market for petroleum products is so sensitive that fluctuations in the international market price may not take long to make a profit or loss in crores of rupees. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Trade deficit compelled govt to approach IMF: PM Imran: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday said that the country’s trade deficit was the basic compulsion for the government to go to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Click here to read…

Saudi Arabia to lift ban on direct flights from Pakistan, says minister: Dawn

According to reports in the media, Saudi authorities have decided to withdraw a ban on flights from six countries — Pakistan, India, Indonesia, Egypt, Brazil and Vietnam — and passengers from these countries will no longer be required to undergo a 14-day quarantine in a third country. Click here to read…

Internal, external challenges demand national response: Gen Qamar: The Express Tribune

According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), General Qamar expressed these remarks in his interactions with participants of the 8th National Workshop Balochistan at the General Headquarters. Click here to read…

SC raises questions on NAB’s performance: The Express Tribune

A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Gulzar Ahmad, was hearing the case of occupation of welfare plots in Al-Habib Cooperative Housing Society at the SC Karachi Registry. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka targets US$3.5bn forex reserves by end 2021 – EconomyNext

Sri Lanka is expecting to boost the island’s foreign exchange reserves which had fallen to 2.3 billion US dollars by October to 3.5 billion US dollars by the year-end, Central Bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said. Sri Lanka has lost forex reserves steadily from around August 2019 as inflation policy involving liquidity injections began despite having a pegged exchange rate. Click here to read…

IMF ready to discuss loan on request – The Morning

As the debate between government ministers on whether to seek financial assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) deepens, the IMF told The Morning Business that its staff stands ready to discuss options with the Sri Lankan Government, during the upcoming visit of the Fund’s representatives to Sri Lanka. The IMF, Wednesday (24) night, disclosed this in response to a media inquiry regarding an upcoming Article IV mission to Colombo, next month. Click here to read…

Govt. showcases $ 6 b worth real-estate offerings – Daily FT

The Government yesterday unveiled the country’s biggest real-estate push with plans to attract over $ 6 billion in local and foreign investments to promote the post-COVID growth trajectory of Sri Lanka. The key planning and implementation body — the Urban Development Authority (UDA), listed out around 50 projects in nine sub-categories providing equal opportunities to both foreign and local investments. Real Estate and Township, Hospitality and Leisure, Logistics and Business Parks and Residential Apartments are the main clusters that will be implemented hand-in-hand with investors on the basis of 99-year, 55-year and 30-year lease or Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) in the coming years. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

US Envoy on Afghanistan to Return to Doha to Meet Taliban: Tolo News

The US Special Representative for Afghanistan will visit Doha next week for two weeks of meetings with leaders of the Taliban, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Appoints 27 Senior Officials: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate officials said they appointed 27 people in senior positions to ministries as well as to other departments and to the military. Click here to read…

US-Taliban to resume talks with a focus on counterterrorism operations: The Khaama Press

The U.S and Taliban officials will resume talks in Doha, Qatar next week to discuss counterterrorism operations against ISIS-K, Al-Qaeda, humanitarian assistance and economic crisis in Afghanistan, the U.S Department of State have revealed. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

UNGA adopts resolution to graduate Bangladesh from LDC- Dhaka Tribune

In a historic move, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution to graduate Bangladesh and two other countries from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. Click here to read…

President Hamid to people: Unite to build Bangabandhu’s ‘Sonar Bangla’- Dhaka Tribune

President Md Abdul Hamid on Wednesday called for forging unity among the people, irrespective of religion, caste and creed, to implement Bangabandhu’s pledge to build ‘Sonar Bangla. Click here to read…

State-run fertiliser factories: White Elephants they’re now- Daily Star

The factories are consuming natural gas heavily, but producing urea fertilizer much less than their modern peers do. Click here to read…

Bangladesh, China not invited to Biden’s democracy summit- Asian Age

Bangladesh and China are not seen on the list of the invitees. Taiwan’s inclusion is sure to infuriate the Chinese government, which views the self-governing island as a breakaway territory and opposes any attempts to legitimize it on the international stage. Click here to read…

Bhutan

CSOs should serve society, not selves: MPs- Kuensel

The review of the CSO (Amendment) Bill 2021 by National Assembly (NA) members on November 18 highlighted widespread concerns about activities and financial operations of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country. Click here to read…

New road safety regulations to begin from January 2022- Kuensel

The Road Safety and Transport Authority (RSTA) came up with new regulations to cope with the emerging issues of the growing number of vehicles and new technology. Click here to read…

A Perspective on the Construction Industry- Bhutan Times

Construction is a global industry, with a total estimated annual output of US$11 trillion in 2020, and is projected to hit US$15 trillion by 2030. Click here to read…

Wungchilo marijuana field attracts miscreants- Trashi Yangtse- BBS

Wungchilo in Trashi Yangtse is a safe haven for abusing and making drugs. As the place is far from the settlement and with plenty of marijuana plants, miscreants visit the place to abuse drugs and make hashish to sell. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives reports 123 new Covid-19 cases, 139 recoveries – Raajje

Maldives confirmed 123 new Covid-19 cases alongside 139 additional recoveries by sundown on Tuesday. According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), 3,516 samples were tested for the virus between 6pm Monday and 6pm Tuesday. Click here to read…

Agoda Signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) With Maldives Border Miles Initiative to Boost Post-Pandemic Tourism – Business Wire

Maldives Border Miles (MBM), a loyalty program initiated by Maldives Immigration in collaboration with key government stakeholders, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global digital travel platform Agoda, (part of Booking Holdings, Nasdaq BKNG), to boost tourism in the countryClick here to read…

Myanmar

Tatmadaw Raids Catholic Institutions in Kayah State, Myanmar – persecution.org

On November 22, the Myanmar military junta known as the Tatmadaw raided a cathedral, bishop’s house, and church-run clinic in the primarily Catholic Kayah State in Myanmar. Over 200 soldiers and police officers raided Christ the King Cathedral in Loikaw, Kayah State’s capital, as well as raided the Karuna clinic and bishop’s houseClick here to read…

Myanmar’s Army Is Fighting a Multi-Front War – The Diplomat

A town of 8,000 people in Myanmar’s Chin State has been emptied of all its residents following a confrontation between the local self-defense force and the soldiers of the junta. Click here to read…

Rumbles in Rakhine amid strains between Myanmar military, rebels – Aljazeera

Since Myanmar’s military staged a coup against Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government on February 1, triggering mass unrest, the formerly restive far-western state of Rakhine has remained relatively peaceful. Click here to read…

Mizoram: Cross-border transport project nearing completion, say officials – East Mojo

Mizoram Public Works Department said over 96% “physical progress” has been already achieved in the ambitious cross-border Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) on Mizoram side, an official said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Nepal

NBA threatens to intensify stir against CJ- Himalaya

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

Health Minister Khatiwada promises measures against tobacco use- Himalaya

Minister for Health and Population Birodh Khatiwada has said that appropriate measures would be taken to control and regulate the use of tobacco products. Click here to read…

Upcoming upper house polls could leave a weakened UML even weaker

A loss may be solely the UML’s but holds the potential for affecting national understanding by deepening the divide. Click here to read…

Agroecology, Nepal’s answer to climate change

The answer to addressing climate impact is to regenerate the most important ecosystem of all: the soil. Click here to read…

Population Census 2021: Data Vs Reliability- Republica

A high alert during the entire process of data collection under the census is of paramount importance to ensure the quality and reliability of the outcome of the census. Click here to read…

Pakistan

NA panel’s head disallows vote on NAB bills: Dawn

Of the 20 committee members including its chairman Riaz Fatyana, six members from the treasury and 10 opposition members were present at the meeting that had been convened to consider five bills, including the NAO (Second Amendment) Bill, 2021 and the NAO (Third Amendment) Bill, 2021. Click here to read…

Ecnec okays Rs190bn road infrastructure projects: Dawn

A meeting of Ecnec, chaired by Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar and attended by Minister for Industries Khusro Bakhtiar and federal secretaries, approved the Pakistan Optical Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-02) project of Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) worth Rs27.913bn. Click here to read…

SBP projects up to 5% economic growth despite challenges: The Express Tribune

The central bank has projected the economy to grow strongly in the range of four to five per cent in the current fiscal year 2021-22, but warned of challenges including exponentially high global commodity prices, elevated import payments, increase in utility tariffs, higher inflation and expansion in services deficit. Click here to read…

Pakistan’s debt, liabilities cross Rs50tr: The Express Tribune

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) released the debt figures till September 2021, a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan described the increasing debt as a “national security issue”. Click here to read…

COAS for global convergence on Afghanistan: The News

Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has reiterated the need for global convergence on Afghanistan for avoiding humanitarian crisis and coordinated efforts for economic uplift of the Afghan people. Click here to read…