Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate Introduces New Members of Caretaker Cabinet: Tolo News

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

Passport Department Resumes Services to Afghans: Tolo News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

DU likely to resume classes from October 16- Dhaka Tribune

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

Will the BNP jettison Jamaat- Dhaka Tribune?

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

Labour export market recovering as economies open again- Dhaka Tribune

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mahalaya being celebrated- The Observer

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

Bhutan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Economy growth falls to negative 10.08 percent last year- Kuensel

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

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

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

Maldives

Pres declares 3rd October as National Tourism Day – Avas

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

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

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

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

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

0.08 percent rise in inflation rate in August – Avas

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

Myanmar

Notorious Myanmar Military Commander to Lead Clearance Operations – The Irrawaddy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nepal

Cabinet expansion likely by tomorrow- Himalaya

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

National Women Commission gears up its activities- Himalaya

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

207 petty criminals arrested in police operation- Himalaya

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Restoring a piece of Nepal’s history- Nepali Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

EU hints possible changes to GSP+ – Daily FT

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

784 persons test positive for COVID-19 – Daily FT

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

President upbeat on stronger ties with India – Daily FT

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

Afghanistan

Daesh Hideout Targeted in Kabul: Mujahid: Tolo News

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

EU: Afghanistan Facing Socio-Economic Collapse: Tolo News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

Bangladesh-Bhutan business dialogue held- Dhaka Tribune

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

We are able to resist militancy: PM- Asian Age

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

His Majesty returns from Royal tour- Kuensel

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

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

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

DAMC develops strategies to address agricultural marketing challenges- Kuensel

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

Torma, the multipurpose Buddhist ritual cake- Daily Bhutan

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

A better respite for our elderlies- Bhutan Times

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

Bracing for new tourism standards- Bhutan Times

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

TCB listed world 75 most innovative organizations- Bhutan Times

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

Residents in Omchuna grapple with water shortage- BBS

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

Another leap in Bhutan’s sustainable energy endeavour- BBS

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

Nepal

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

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

CPN (US) Chair Nepal discharged from hospital- Himalaya

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

Gandhi Jayanti celebrated- Himalaya

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

Province 2 sees rise in drowning incidents-TKP

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Experts worried about negative economic indicators- Rising Nepal

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

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

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

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

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

Maldives

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

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

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

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

Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

PM Imran launches Kamyab Pakistan Programme: The Express Tribune

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

GoSL Debt Up Rs 1.63 Trillion – Ceylon Today

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

Explosion Occurs Near Kabul Mosque, Casualties Reported:Tolo News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

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

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

This day in history (04 October)- Daily Star

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

HC asks ACC to capture real money launderers- Dhaka Tribune

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PM to brief media today on UN visit- Asian Age

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

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

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

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

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

14 armed groups active in the Rohingya camps- Prothom Alo

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

Bhutan

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

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

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

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

Giving elderly their due- Kuensel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan’s debate over controlling tourism- Carwan

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

Maldives

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myanmar

Fighting rages despite unilateral ceasefire in Myanmar – UCA News

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

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

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

Karen Armed Group Ambushes Myanmar Junta Regional Commander – The Irrawaddy

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

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

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

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

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

Nepal

Nepal-India Military Training Concludes- The Rising Nepal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Directly elected prime minister idea floated at UML convention- TKP

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

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

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

The Gorkhali defeat at Kangra- Nepali Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vehicular movement resumes through Indo-Nepal border- Hindustan Times

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

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

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

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

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

Govt assailed over unilateral TTP talks: Dawn

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan-Iran border reopens for pedestrians: The Express Tribune

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

Indian foreign secretary arrives in Sri Lanka – Adaderana

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

Indian Foreign Secy inspects Trinco Oil Farm – Ceylon Today

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

Airspace Revenue Drops, Airline Industry Struggling: Tolo News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pran Gopal Dutta takes oath as MP- Observer

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

Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition begins at BSA- The Independent

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

Bhutan

Farmers lose crops to rainstorm- Kuensel

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

RNR sector sees spike in its GDP share- Kuensel

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

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

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

Ambassador to Australia presents credentials- Kuensel

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan to soon have 5G- BBS

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

Maldives

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

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

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

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

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

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

Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

SAC Suspends Internet Across Chin State – BNI Online

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

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

The Diplomat

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

Nepal

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

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

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

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

Indian grant assisted projects inaugurated- Himalaya

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helping Nepal’s Covid orphans- Nepali Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Over 70% People Vaccinated in Kathmandu Valley- Rising Nepal

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Army captain martyred, TTP commander killed: The News

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

Govt, opposition trade barbs over road projects: The News

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

Rohingya leader Mohibullah shot dead- Daily Star

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

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

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

China lets US siblings return home- Daily Star

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

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

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

Govt mulling mechanization to boost jute production- Dhaka Tribune

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

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

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

Finance Minister for merging BASIC & Padma Bank- Asian Age

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

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

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

17 new deaths 1,178 cases- Asian Age

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

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

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

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

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

Bangabandhu-Bapu digital exhibition begins at BSA- The Observer

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

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

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

Bhutan

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

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

PM underscores the importance of investing in health- Kuensel

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

Bhutan begins efforts to become a model ecotourism destination- Kuensel

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

Streamlining donation drives and crowdfunding- DLO-BBS

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

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

Maldives

Italy gives green light to travel to the Maldives – Avas

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

Bilehfahi Harbour project progressing well: MTCC – Avas

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

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

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

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

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

Myanmar

Myanmar Junta Accused of Targeting Civilians with Landmines – The Irrawaddy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nepal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

Most loans under CPEC at commercial rates: report: Dawn

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

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

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

Pakistan denies providing military support to Taliban: The Express Tribune

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

A dollar is now fetching Rs172: The News

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

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

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

Pakistan, Russia to strengthen military ties: Dawn

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

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

Xi calls for openness, cooperation in science & technology: Xinhuanet

September 24, 2021

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday called on all countries to strengthen openness and cooperation in science and technology. Xi made the remarks while delivering a speech via video at the opening ceremony of the 2021 Zhongguancun Forum (ZGC Forum), which is scheduled from Sept. 24 to 28 in Beijing.
Click here to read

China issues white paper on Xinjiang’s demographic development: Xinhuanet

September 26, 2021

China’s State Council Information Office Sunday issued a white paper detailing the demographic development in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The white paper, titled “Xinjiang Population Dynamics and Data,” said over the past 70 years, Xinjiang has seen rapid and steady population growth, improving population quality, higher life expectancy, and faster urbanization and modernization.
Click here to read

China says no to cartoons with unhealthy content: Xinhuanet

September 25, 2021

China’s broadcasting authorities have voiced absolute rejection of cartoons that contain plots or footage of violence, blood, vulgarity or pornography. Service providers of audio-visual web programs are encouraged to create, import and broadcast cartoons that feature positive values and promote virtues of the true, the good and the beautiful, said the National Radio and Television Administration on its website.
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J-16D and WZ-7 to debut at Airshow China 2021: China Military

September 26, 2021

The 13th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition (Airshow China 2021) will be held in Zhuhai, south China’s Guangdong Province, as scheduled from September 28 to October 3. An array of main combat equipment including the J-20 stealth fighter, Y-20 heavy transport aircraft, KJ-500 early warning aircraft, H-6K bomber, and HQ-9B air-defense missile system will appear together in the exhibition. China’s J-16D electronic warfare aircraft and WZ-7 high-altitude reconnaissance drone are to debut at the upcoming air show. The systematical display of multi-type main combat equipment of the PLA Air Force (PLAAF) demonstrates the new achievements of its strategic transformation.
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China to promote vocational training of migrant workers: People’s Daily

September 26, 2021

China will promote vocational training of migrant workers as part of the efforts to consolidate its poverty alleviation outcomes, an official said Saturday.By the end of August, China has 30.85 million migrant workers who had shaken off poverty, Liu Xiaoshan, an official with the National Administration for Rural Vitalization said at a news conference.
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Liaison office of central gov’t says anti-China group in Hong Kong cannot escape justice: China Daily

September 26, 2021

After a notorious anti-China group announced its dissolution on Saturday, the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region said it is the inevitable fate of anti-China groups in Hong Kong. The HKSAR government has started the procedure of banning the organization according to the law, a spokesperson of the liaison office said.
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Power shortage in NE China’s provinces affects local livelihood: Global Times

September 26, 2021

Three provinces in Northeast China, including Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning, reported experiencing electricity shortages in some areas caused by the high price of coal used for power generation. Multiple local residents said this has affected their daily livelihood.A resident of Jilin city, in Jilin Province, told the Global Times on Sunday that the power supply of his house has been intermittent recently, noting that “the unstable power supply started on Saturday but did not receive any notice in advance.”
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Chinese Big Tech vows to support SMEs at premier internet summit: Global Times

September 26, 2021

At the water town of Wuzhen in East China’s Zhejiang Province, a high-level annual internet forum puts China’s best and brightest tech talent on show surrounded by voices of confidence and resilience from tech luminaries from both home and abroad. The country’s platform economy is seen as gaining luster, rather than the other way around as hyped by some Western media, and the new mood has been borne amid a responsible governmental push for greater fairness and effective innovation.
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China tries to rally national pride as it paints MengWanzhou’s release as proof the US targeted an innocent woman for political reasons: South China Morning Post

September 26, 2021

The return of MengWanzhou to China without legal penalty is being used to shore up nationalist sentiment by feeding up the narrative that Huawei and China were innocent victims of the United States. Repeating Beijing’s line on the case, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying on Saturday commented in a statement that this was “an incident of political persecution against a Chinese citizen” and there were “materials that are sufficient to prove MsMeng‘s innocence”.
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The everyday liquid that could fuel China’s race to green car targets: South China Morning Post

September 24, 2021

Scientists in China and Australia have developed a catalyst which uses urea-loaded waste water to efficiently generate clean energy, paving the way for low-cost portable fuel cells that work like batteries. Fuel cells, which have been used to power electric vehicles, are a clean source of electricity. They produce power through an electrochemical reaction of hydrogen with oxygen, generating heat and water as by-products.
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Two Chinese naval vessels reportedly spotted off Taiwan’s east coast: Focus Taiwan

September 24, 2021

Two military vessels from China were seen off the east of Taiwan, in the Pacific Ocean, over the past two days, a military source said Friday. One of them, a Chinese missile frigate, was spotted 40 nautical miles, or roughly 74 kilometers, off the coast of Hualien County at around 3 a.m. Thursday, presumably heading south into the Bashi Channel, the source said.
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China Evergrande’s electric car unit’s shares tumble 26% after warning: Reuters

September 27, 2021

Shares of China Evergrande’s electric car unit plunged as much as 26% on Monday after it warned it faced an uncertain future unless it got a swift injection of cash and after it said it will not proceed with plans to issue RMB shares.The warning by China Evergrande New Energy Vehicle Group after the market closed on Friday was the clearest sign yet that the embattled property developer’s liquidity crisis is worsening in other parts of its business.
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Afghanistan

MoJ to Enforce Zahir Shah-Era Constitution: Tolo News

For an interim period, the constitution from the time of the Afghan king will be enforced, except for some articles against Sharia Law and Emirate principles. Click here to read

Afghan Businessmen Face Export Problems in Trade with Pakistan: Tolo News

Officials from Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI) said that once again Afghan exports face problems in crossing points with Pakistan as the neighboring country allows only 20 Afghan trucks a day while hundreds of trucks are stuck near crossing points between the two countries. Click here to read

Former Afghan officials announce government in exile: The Khaama Press

A number of former Afghan officials who have fled the country along with President Ashraf Ghani announced the continuation of the Afghan government in exile. Click here to read

Taliban to implement a constitution from nearly 60 years ago: The Khaama Press

Taliban’s acting minister of Justice Abdul Hakim Sharaee said that they will implement the constitution from the era of Muhammad Zahir Shah which was ratified 57 years ago. Click here to read

Will not engage in Afghanistan until establishment of inclusive government: Erdogan: The Khaama Pres

President of Turkey Recep Tayyib Erdogan has said that they will not engage in Afghanistan until and unless the Taliban forge an all-inclusive government in the country. Click here to read

Bangladesh

Turkey-Bangladesh ties get stronger as misconceptions clarified- Daily Sabah

Relations between Turkey and Bangladesh scaled up after disinformation about Bangladesh spoiling Muslim unity was proven wrong, Bangladeshi officials said. Click here to read

Crystal meth creeps up on city- Daily Star

There is a growing market for highly addictive drug crystal meth in the capital, operated mostly through encrypted messaging apps, officials have found out. Click here to read

Over 66 lakh shots given: Special Covid vaccination drive marks Hasina’s 75th birthday- Daily Star

The country more than doubled its previous record of single-day vaccinations as the government inoculated more than 66 lakh people against Covid-19 yesterday. Click here to read

No more brokers- Daily Star

The Department of Immigration and Passports (DIP) has taken a plan to introduce licenced “agents” to help people get passports and renew them. Click here to read

AL focusing on polls, BNP on election-time government- Dhaka Tribune

The ruling Awami League has already begun preparations for the next general election, to be held at the end of 2023. Click here to read

Covid-19: Bangladesh records 31 more deaths, 1,310 new cases- Dhaka Tribune

As many as 29,186 samples tested in 24 hours, yielding an infection rate of 4.49%.Click here to read

High Court extends Khaleda Zia’s bail by a year in 5 cases- Dhaka Tribune

File photo of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia Collected the BNP chief is out of prison since March last year as the govt has suspended her sentence. Click here to read

Windows of democracy and Sheikh Hasina’s birthday – Asian Age

Sheikh Hasina regards the people of Bangladesh as her closest and dearest ones. Click here to read

Bangamata Parishad observes PM’s birthday- Asian Age

Bangamata Parishad observed the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday. The organization also held a discussion program in the capital’s National Museum on the same day. Click here to read

No alternative to Sheikh Hasina to reach desired destination: Hasan- The Observer

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday said that there is no alternative to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to reach the country in its desired destination. Click here to read

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina likely to visit India next year- Times of India

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is likely to visit New Delhi early next year. The dates for the visit expected to be in January or February 2022, will be finalised only after a formal invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi is extended to her. Click here to read

Consultancy contract signed between India & Bangladesh for a new railway line from Bogura to Sirajganj- All India Radio

A new direct rail line from Bogura to Sirajganj in Bangladesh will be developed under a government of India Line of Credit (LoC). Click here to read

Fifty years ago, remote Dimapur airstrip gave wings to fledgling Bangladesh Air Force- Economic time

By November 5, we could proudly say Bangladeshi and Indian Air forces had freed the skies over Bangladesh. The victory over land forces took 11 more days. Click here to read

Bhutan

No local Covid-19 cases for 45 straight days- Kuensel

Bhutan has not reported any positive Covid-19 cases from the community for 45 straight days. The last positive case from the community was reported on August 14: an individual from Gomtu, Samtse. Click here to read

RUB colleges establish happiness and wellbeing centres- Kuensel

Colleges under the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) are establishing happiness and wellbeing centres to address mental health problems. Click here to read

Pandemic impacts nettle fabric business- Kuensel

Like many businesses, the pandemic impacted women who make a living weaving fabric from nettle yarn in Trongsa. Click here to read

Bhutan is home to one of the most expensive mushrooms in the world- Daily Bhutan

Email There is even a festival for it, known as the Matsutake Mushroom Festival. There, you’ll get to sample various dishes prepared with this mushroom. Click here to read

PM hosts reception to mark 50th anniversary Bhutan’s membership to the UN- Bhutan Times

A limited edition collectible commemorative stamp developed in partnership with Bhutan Post to mark the 50th anniversary of Bhutan’s membership to the UN was also launched by Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering and UN Resident Representative Gerald Daly on 21 September. Click here to read

Construction of new bridge along Damchhu-Haa bypass to begin from November- BBS

A new bridge over Wangchhu along the Damchhu-Haa bypass will be constructed from November. The project DANTAK will construct the bridge. The previous bridge which was almost complete collapsed in February this year killing nine Indian workers. Click here to read

Flagship programmes make slow progress amid the pandemic- BBS

With the 12th Five Year Plan already midway, the government was able to utilise only more than Nu 2bn on the flagship programmes so far. A total budget of Nu 10bn was identified for these programmes. Click here to read

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

Cash is a relatively new construct in Bhutan. Click here to read

COVID-19 and rabies: Bhutan highlights the importance of cross-border dog vaccination- WHO

Despite the sad loss of its young citizen recently, Bhutan is on the right track to achieve this goal. Click here to read

India inks pact for joint development of small satellite for Bhutan- New Indian Express

India on Friday signed the implementing arrangement on the joint development of a small satellite for Bhutan. Click here to read

Maldives

‘Against Freedom of Expression’: Maldives Journalist Bodies Oppose Provisions in New Bill – The Wire

Journalist organisations and NGOs in Maldives have, in a joint statement issued on Tuesday, September 28, called for the country’s authorities to drop certain provisions from the Evidence Bill which is currently being debated in the country’s parliament. Click here to read

Over 100,000 arrivals recorded for the fourth month this ongoing year! – Raajje

The Ministry of Tourism, through its latest daily statistics revealed that Maldives observed a total of 102,745 arrivals between September 1 – 26. Click here to read

Maldives committed to One-China Policy, bilateral cooperation in int’l arena: FM – ECNS

Maldives’ Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to the One-China Policy and willingness to work with China in areas of mutual interest. Click here to read

India’s 228 million social housing project in Maldives and its significance- Inventiva

Maldives’ state-owned Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation signed a loan agreement with India’s state-owned National Buildings Construction Company which is also known as NBCC, along with JMC Projects India Ltd. on Thursday. Click here to read

Myanmar

Afghanistan, Myanmar left in UN meet – Manila Times

The United Nations General Assembly drew to a close on Monday without speeches by Afghanistan or Myanmar after world powers intervened in disputes over who would represent the two countries. Click here to read

Junta mouthpiece criticises NLD-led decision to disband Union Democratic Party last year – Myanmar Now

A military-run newspaper has published an op-ed criticising the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government for overseeing the decision to dissolve the Union Democratic Party (UDP) shortly before last year’s general election. Click here to read

Growing numbers of young people seek to flee Myanmar – BNI Online

Young people disheartened by life in Myanmar following the coup are trying in growing numbers to leave the country and find work to help support their families, RFA reported. Click here to read
Myanmar Junta Troops Ambushed in Shan State – The Irrawaddy

At least 20 Myanmar military soldiers were reportedly killed or wounded on Monday, after Karenni resistance fighters ambushed a convoy of junta reinforcements in Pinlaung, Shan State in southeastern Myanmar. Click here to read

Int’l Rights Experts Urge UN to Declare Myanmar Junta ‘Terrorist’ Organization – The Irrawaddy

An independent group of prominent former UN human rights experts has urged the United Nations Security Council to declare the Myanmar military junta a “terrorist organization” for its atrocities against its own civilians including public torture, executions and taking hostages, including children as young as 2. Click here to read

Nepal

Minister Sharma stresses fully proportional election- Himalaya

Finance Minister Janardan Sharma said the fully proportional electoral system is necessary to eliminate unhealthy competition and malpractices in the election. Click here to read

Government to support tourism sector, says PM Deuba- Himalaya

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that the government is committed to support country’s tourism sector which has been hit hard by the COVID -19 pandemic. Click here to read

Poorly handled Covid-19 garbage could give rise to hazardous waste crisis- TKP

Amount of coronavirus-related refuse is increasing. There are protocols to manage such items, but implementation has been weak, leaving public health in peril. Click here to read

Panel on Nepal-China border issues calls for bilateral intervention- TKP

Government committee suggests joint inspection team of experts from both sides to deal with the dispute, if any. Click here to read

MCC ball in Nepal’s court- Nepali Times

‘Take it or leave it’ is the message to Kathmandu after visit by US officials. Click here to read

Maoist leader Barshaman Pun leaves for Thailand for treatment- Republica

CPN (Maoist Center) standing committee member Barshaman Pun left for Thailand today. Click here to read

Writ filed seeking annulment of oath taken by Foreign Minister Khadka- Republica

A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court on Tuesday seeking an order to annul the oath taken by Foreign Minister Dr Narayan Khadka. Click here to read

Diplomats gather in Pokhara to revive Covid-19-hit Nepal tourism- Online Khabar

Just as the clouds were covering the Annapurna range, Park Chong-Suk, South Korean ambassador to Nepal, quickly took a selfie with his wife. This was at Naudanda, a few kilometres away from Pokhara, the tourism capital of Nepal. Click here to read

Border Roads Bring India and Nepal Closer- The Diplomat

The 35-km-long Uttarey-Chiwanbhangjyang road will link western Sikkim in India not just to areas on the Nepali side of the border but to western Nepal. Click here to read

Nepali Youth Protest in Capital Kathmandu Against Chinese Land Encroachment- NDTV

A youth association affiliated with Nepal’s Democratic Socialist Party led by Mahantha Thakur staged a protest against China on Tuesday for allegedly encroaching Nepal’s land. Click here to read

India MEA official reaches Nepal, to hold series of discussions- Wion

India MEA official reaches Nepal, to hold series of discussions Read more At: Click here to read

Pakistan

Qureshi again urges world to engage with ‘new reality’ in Afghanistan: Dawn

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has once again urged the international community to engage with the “new reality” in Afghanistan and unfreeze the country’s assets so that things do not fall apart. Click here to read

Mazari rebukes US for introducing bill targeting Pakistan for Afghan failure: The Express Tribune

Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari has warned that Pakistan will be made to “pay heavy price” for being an ally of the United States in its ‘war on terror’Click here to read

Shehbaz can be sent to prison for 25 years over corruption: Fawad: The Express Tribune

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has said that Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) President Shehbaz Sharif would be sentenced to at least 25 years in prison “if hearing of his corruption case is conducted on merit” Click here to read

US senators want Pak role probed in Taliban win: The News

A bill was Monday introduced in the US Senate requiring assessments and imposition of sanctions on the Taliban and persons assisting them in Afghanistan. Click here to read

NCOC for vaccination of children aged 12-years, above: The News

The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) has decided to vaccinate children aged 12 years and above. “In today’s meeting of NCOC, it has been decided to vaccinate all above 12 years and above,” Click here to read

Sri Lanka

932 persons test positive for COVID-19 – Daily FT

Daily COVID-19 detections remained below 1,000 for the second consecutive day with 932 persons testing positive for COVID-19 yesterday. Click here to read

Ensure workers’ rights before extending GSP+: EPZ workers write to EU Ambassador – The Morning

The Stand Up Movement Lanka organisation has written to the European Union (EU), requesting that it intervene to ensure that the rights of workers in the Export Processing Zones (EPZs) are addressed prior to deciding on whether or not to extend the grant of the EU’s Generalised Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) trade concessions to Sri Lanka. Click here to read

Sri Lanka Govt. suspends order placed to procure Oxygen from India – Daily Mirror

The Government has decided to suspend the order placed to purchase 1,080 tonnes of liquid oxygen from India, required for the next three weeks. Click here to read

National Issues Haunt GoSL at UNGA 2021 – Ceylon Today

Sri Lanka’s long-standing problem of seeking justice for the Tamils, and Catholics after the Easter Sunday attacks, has reached the United Nations Headquarters. Click here to read

Afghanistan

Violations of building rules continue unabated in Kabul- Pajhwok Afghan

Based on current laws, construction of more than three-storey buildings in residential areas is not permissible in Kabul.
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Save the Children to expand activities in Kandahar: Chief- Pajhwok Afghan

The Children organization chief says they will extend their services to areas where they had no access to due the conflict.
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Former president Ghani’s Facebook page hacked- Pajhwok Afghan

Former President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani on Monday said his Facebook page has been hacked and disowned recent posts on the page.
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No One from Afghanistan Will Address UNGA: Reuters- Tolo News

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

PM Hasina’s 75th birthday today- Asian Age

Today is the 75th birthday of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Awami League (AL) and its affiliated and likeminded bodies are celebrating the day through various programs highlighting the life and achievements of Sheikh Hasina.
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Shots for Higher Edn Students: Half yet not registered- Daily Star

Although the government said any university or its affiliated colleges could resume in-person classes if all their students completed the Covid-19 vaccine registration by yesterday.
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25 lakh Pfizer vaccines arrive in Dhaka airport- Daily Star

Twenty-five lakh more doses of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, under the COVAX facility, arrived in Bangladesh early today.
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Child marriage: Many girls long for a return to schools- Dhaka Tribune

Up to 70% of girls in grade 9 and 10 in many schools are yet to return to classes.
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Rt-PCR test to start in full capacity at Dhaka airport from Tuesday- Dhaka Tribune

The Covid-19 rt-PCR laboratory set up for UAE passengers at Dhaka airport is fully prepared.
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Minister Mannan: Corruption is a reality- Dhaka Tribune

Government does not want to curb corruption through hustle, he says.
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Bhutan

The significance of offering seven bowls of water- Bhutan Times

The 7 bowls signify respectively: water for drinking, water for washing, flowers, incense, light, perfume, and food.
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12th Five-Year Plan reprioritised to stimulate growth- Kuensel

These are a part of the three major new activities the government had to reprioritise and adopt in the 12th FYP as part of the Covid-19 interventions and Economic Contingency plan.
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Raising healthy and resilient future- Kuensel

There is a need for schools to improve mental resilience programmes.
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Let Climate Change not slide this time- Kuensel

The Paris Agreement, a legally binding international treaty on climate change, requires each State to prepare, outline and communicate its NDCs.
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Bhutan’s journey to become a model eco-tourism destination- BBS

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

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

Come visit the Maldives, its president entreated the world at this year’s United Nations General Assembly, moments before switching to an impassioned plea for help combating climate change. The adjacent appeals illustrated a central dilemma for many small island developing states: their livelihoods, or their lives?
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India Exim Bank extends Buyer’s Credit facilities under NEIA aggregating $226.95M to Republic of Maldives govt – India infonline

Export-Import Bank of India [India Exim Bank] has extended two Buyer’s Credit [BC] facilities under National Export Insurance Account [NEIA] aggregating USD 226.95 mn to Fahi Dhiriulhun Corporation Ltd. (FDCL), Government of Republic of Maldives (GoM) for construction of 4000 Social Housing Units in Hulhumale, Maldives by NBCC (India) Ltd. (NBCC) and JMC Projects (India) Ltd. (JMC).
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Maldives Telecommunications Strategic SWOT Analysis Review and Outlook to 2025-Analysis of Maldives Mobile, Fixed Telephone and Broadband Markets – Today’s Newspaper

This contemporary research presentation and detailed market research synopsis on Maldives Telecommunications market is a real time presentation of all the specific market developments that have a lingering impact on current growth trajectory, besides also harping on vital predications in the realm of future growth scope.
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Next hearing in Yameen’s sentence appeal trial scheduled for October – Raajje

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

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

Leaders of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) on Friday called for an end to the violence in Myanmar in a joint statement. US President Joe Biden, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday participated in the first-ever in-person Quad Leaders’ Summit, hosted by Biden in Washington.
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Rebel Fighters From India Cooperating With Myanmar Military Regime – The Irrawaddy

After the Myanmar military’s February 1 coup, Tamu was one of the first towns to take up arms against the junta, following a bloody crackdown on anti-regime protesters.
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‘No Future’ for Myanmar People Unless Spring Revolution Succeeds – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime has been waging war in Chin State in the mountainous far west of the country for months. Intense fighting between the junta and civilian resistance groups has forced thousands of people to flee their homes, creating a humanitarian catastrophe. soldiers also shot down a Christian pastor in the town and mutilated his corpse.
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Myanmar’s NLD Marks 33rd Anniversary Facing Abolition Threat – The Irrawaddy

The National League for Democracy (NLD), Myanmar’s most popular political party, turns 33 years old on Monday. But a question mark hangs over its future following the military’s Feb. 1 coup.
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China Aiding Myanmar Armed Groups in Their COVID-19 Fight – The Diplomat

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

Khadka rules out amendment to MCC- Himalaya

Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka has said there can be no amendment to the Millennium Challenge Corporation agreement that Nepal has signed with the United States of America.
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Buddha Air aircraft safely lands at TIA amid reports of ‘landing gear issue’- Himalaya

A Buddha Air aircraft safely landed in Tribhuvan International Airport after a malfunction was reportedly detected in its landing gear early on Monday.
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Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts are vaccinating everyone above 18 years- TKP

Everyone above 18 can take the AstraZeneca vaccine from immunisation centers of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City and those in the municipalities of the district can take the Vero Cell vaccine.
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After Covid-19 pandemic, it’s price rise that is biting Nepalis hard

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People exchanging old banknotes with new ones at NRB- Republica

Banks and financial institutions have started providing new bank notes starting Monday.
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Saptapatal Pokhari: A motivating case for Kathmandu heritage conservation- OnlineKhabar

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

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

A UK court has ordered unfreezing of the bank accounts of PML-N president Shehbaz Sharif and his son Suleman Shehbaz after the country’s National Crime Agency (NCA) did not find evidence regarding ‘suspicious bank transactions’ against them.
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Pakistan discussing expansion of CPEC to Afghanistan: envoy- The Dawn

Pakistan has discussed the Taliban-led Afghanistan joining the multibillion-dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) infrastructure project, the Pakistan’s ambassador to the country said on Monday.
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No problem if country gets rule of law through reconciliation, says Nawaz Sharif- The News

MLN leader and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif has said that if the country will get rule of law and implementation of the Constitution through reconciliation then there is no need to fight.
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Pakistan supports inclusive govt in Afghanistan: Moeed Yousaf- The News

National Security Adviser to Prime Minister Moeed Yousaf has said Pakistan has always been supportive to the concerns and legitimate demands of the international community regarding an inclusive government in Afghanistan.
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‘Don’t blame Pakistan for the outcome of the war in Afghanistan’- The News

Let me put it plainly. Since 2001, I have repeatedly warned that the Afghan war was unwinnable.
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PML-N will ‘bury’ PTI in 2023 polls: Shehbaz- The Tribune

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

Why Sri Lanka is losing many European tourists- Island

The tourist season, in Sri Lanka, will comence in November.
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Self-Employed Traders petition SC over govt. favouring liquor dealers- Island

The Supreme Court has decided take up, on 04 Oct. for hearing a petition filed by the Association of Self-Employed Traders against the opening of liquor stores during the current lockdown.
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Australia’s richest woman warns Australia will end up impoverished like Sri Lanka- Island

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

Some Members of the Colombo Municipal Council staged a Satyagraha yesterday against the alleged move by the Municipal Treasurer to delay funds to purchase dry rations for the needy people in the city who have been affected by the lockdown.
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Iran, Sri Lanka pledge to boost ties- Daily News

Emphasized on taking new steps in developing economic, trade relations with the South Asian Island nation.
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Afghanistan

Female Leaders at UNGA Call for Afghan Women’s Rights: Tolo News

A number of women leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly in New York are vocally advocating for Afghan women and girls, saying their rights should not be taken away and the Taliban should refrain from violence.
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Imran Khan Seeks World’s Support to Taliban: Tolo News

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York urged the international community to engage with and support the Taliban instead of isolating them.
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Impossible for us to recognize Taliban: Italian FM: The Khaama Press

The foreign minister of Italy Luigi Di Maio strongly reacted to the Taliban’s caretaker cabinet and said that it is impossible for the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to be recognized by them.
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Strengthening banking system, economic growth is of utmost importance: Taliban: The Khaama Press

Taliban say that the strengthening of the banking system, growth of commerce, and economy of Afghanistan is vital and will do their best in this regard.
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Bangladesh

80 lakh Covid shots in a single day!- Daily Star

The premises of a vaccination centre in Khulna Sadar Hospital is crammed with people waiting for their Covid shot. Volunteers at the centre said it is almost impossible to maintain social distancing when the crowd is so large.
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2 arrested for torturing teenager- Daily Star

Police have arrested two persons for brutally torturing a teenage boy for ransom in Natore on Saturday night.
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2002 attack on Hasina’s motorcade in Satkhira: Fugitive convict arrested in Dhaka- Daily Star

Detectives have arrested a convict in a case filed over the attack on the motorcade of the then opposition leader and current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Satkhira 19 years ago.
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Experts wary of importing LNG- Dhaka Tribune

Three cargoes of LNG are being procured from the spot market to increase the country’s gas supply.
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World Sindhi Congress held protest in Geneva against human rights violations in Pak’s Sindh- Asian Age

The World Sindhi Congress (WSC on Thursday held a protest here against human rights violations in Pakistan’s Sindh province.
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BNP sees no success in PM’s US visit- Asian Age

Stating that the Prime Minister’s visit to the USA has ‘no success’, BNP on Sunday alleged that the government wants to take international advantage by keeping the Rohingya problem alive.
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Sedition case: Three Rajshahi BNP leaders granted bail- Daily Observer

The three leaders are BNP Chairperson’s adviser and former Rajshahi City mayor Mizanur Rahman Minu, Rajshahi City BNP president Mosaddek Hossain Bulbul and general secretary Shafiqul HuqueMilon.
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UNGA ends without speeches by Afghan, Myanmar delegates- New Age

The United Nations General Assembly in New York ends Monday but without speeches by those in power in Afghanistan and Myanmar.
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‘Bangabandhu’s historic UNGA speech in Bangla was greatest day of Bangabandhu’s life’- The Independent

Father of the Nation of Bangladesh Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was the first Bangalee who made history by delivering the first Bangla speech, for the first time in its history, at the 29th the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on September 25, 1974.
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LPG pricing by BPC faces opposition from energy regulator, rights groups- Financial Express

A government move allowing BPC monopoly on pricing its liquefied petroleum gas, bypassing scrutiny, came under a broadside from both the country’s energy regulator and rights group.
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Bhutan

Are we normalising sexual harassment?- Kuensel

Playful age-old culture, many say, is being used to normalise sexual harassment today. The work place has changed from fields to offices and many now question if Bhutanese society is normalising sexual harassment in the name of culture.
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Let Climate Change not slide this time- Kuensel

The National Determined Contributions (NDC) synthesis report, published last week, reports on NDCs from all 191 Parties to the Paris Agreement.
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LG members to resign in the last week of October- Kuensel

The second local governments (LGs) will complete their terms in the last week of October.
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LDCs call for more climate finance- Kuensel

UN Climate Change published a report last week. Following the report, the Least Development Countries (LDC) called for deep emission cuts and scaled-up climate finance.
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Trucks ferrying boulders from Gelephu barred from plying via Meghalaya, India- Kuensel

Thirty-three trucks carrying boulders from Gelephu were stranded at the Assam-Meghalaya border in India for three weeks after being barred from entering Meghalaya on August 26.
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Dairy farmers start first yoghurt production firm in Dagana- Kuensel

Dagana’s deputy chief livestock officer, Pema Wangchuk, said that the 19-member dairy group was formed in 2014 to meet market demand for local milk, butter, and cheese.
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Bhutan is home to one of the most expensive mushrooms in the world- Daily Bhutan

Email There is even a festival for it, known as the Matsutake Mushroom Festival. There, you’ll get to sample various dishes prepared with this mushroom.
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Bhutan takes dog population management to another level- BBS

Today there are more than 72,000 dogs in the country and the number is only increasing. With it, there is an increase in dog bite cases and rabies outbreaks every year. To address this issue, the Livestock Department has come up with a strategy to achieve a hundred per cent sterilization of stray dogs.
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Implementing transformative pedagogy in schools effectively- Monggar- BBS

Transformative pedagogy is a teaching method that focuses more on engaging students in the learning process rather than a teacher giving lectures.
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Maldives

789 Covid-19 vaccination doses administered on Saturday – Raajje

According to the Health Protection Agency (HPA), Saturday’s vaccinations included 156 first doses administered to 104 atoll residents and 52 residents of the Greater Malé Region, as well as 633 second doses.
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India remains top source market for Maldives tourism as total arrivals top 843,552 – Raajje

With 191,824 visitors by the end of the third month of the ongoing year, neighboring India remains the top source market for Maldives tourism.
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Myanmar

Forever ‘engaging’ the Tatmadaw? – The Star

THE suffering of millions of our neighbors in Myanmar is fading from our radar, as the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan has raised fears of homegrown terrorists and lone wolves.
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Military assigns civilians administrative duties without its direct involvement: SAC chairman – Eleven Myanmar

Myanmar’s Tatmadaw (military) has assigned respective civilian administrative bodies without direct involvement with State administration as ruling over the public through armed bullying and fear is unacceptable, said Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing.
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Military cuts off internet connection in 11 more townships in northwestern Myanmar -Myanmar Now

The junta cut off mobile internet access and most Wi-Fi services to 11 townships in war-torn areas of Chin State and Magway Region at 6pm on Thursday evening, according to locals and members of the local resistance forces in the area.
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It’s virtually certain no one will speak for Myanmar at U.N. – The Hindu

The dispute between Myanmar’s military rulers and the civilian government led by Aung San Suu Kyi that they ousted about who should represent the country at the United Nations hasn’t been resolved.
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Risks of India getting sucked into Rakhine conflict – North East Now

A new book – “Irrawaddy Imperatives” by a serving Indian army brigadier Jaideep Chanda has pointed to the risks involved in Delhi getting militarily ‘sucked’ into the Rakhine conflict in Myanmar.
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Nepal

730 new Covid-19 cases surface on Sunday, active caseload drops to 19142- Himalaya

Nepal’s coronavirus caseload reached 791,392 on Sunday with 730 more people testing positive for the infection in the past 24 hours.
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‘CPN-UML will be defeated in polls’- Himalaya

Nepal Communist Party-Unified Socialist Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal said that the CPN-UML would face defeat in the upcoming general elections.
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Schools to run classes in-person- Himalaya

A large number of urban migrants’ kids are back in their villages and are virtually attending classes in their schools based in Kathmandu valley.
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PM directs NA to identify security challenges- Himalaya

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed commitment not to let the Nepali Army suffer on account of inadequacy of resources.
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Deuba is struggling. But what is Maoist Centre up to?- Kathmandu Post

It has intrigued many as to why Dahal, the leader of the key coalition partner, is not providing a list of ministers to the prime minister to help him expand the Cabinet.
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No need to disclose investment source raises money laundering risk- Kathmandu Post

A new provision in the Financial Act for this fiscal year that it would not seek source of income from investors if they are investing in infrastructure projects and businesses has raised a question of policy reversal.
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Indra Jatra observed amid fanfare- Kathmandu Post

The eight-day festival, celebrated mainly in the three districts of Kathmandu Valley, Dhulikhel and Dolakha, formally began with the installation of lingo (a sacred wooden pole) at Hanumandhoka Durbar Square on Saturday morning.
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(Opinion) Helping Nepal’s Covid orphans- Nepali Times

Nearly 11,000 Nepalis have lost their lives to Covid-19 since the outbreak began in January 2020, most of them in the age group 20-50, but there are also children under 18. Hundreds of children have become orphans in the wake of the pandemic.
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Red tax: Everything you should know about Nepal protest over sanitary pad price- OnlineKahabar

The budget subsequently increased the price of sanitary pads in the market, creating a hullaballoo on social media and the country.
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NC 14th general convention: Myagdi and Mustang District Committees get new leadership- Republica

New leadership has been elected in all local levels of Myagdi and Mustang districts under the 14th General Convention of the Nepali Congress (NC).
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Make arrangements for students who returned from China due to COVID-19 to go back: Parliamentary committee- Republica

A parliamentary committee has directed the government to immediately make arrangements for students who returned from China due to COVID-19 to back and continue their studies.
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Border Study Committee Submits Report to Home Minister- Rising Nepal

The Committee formed to study the border issue between Nepal and China submitted its report to the government on Sunday.
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PM welcomes inclusion of Karachi coastal uplift plan in CPEC: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday lauded the inclusion of Karachi’s coastal development plan in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and said the move would bring the city on a par with developed port cities of the world.
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FM Qureshi arrives in London on three-day official visit: The Express Tribune

Upon arrival at the Heathrow Airport, Pakistan’s High Commissioner to the UK Moazzam Ahmad Khan and Deputy High Commissioner Dr Faisal Aziz and other senior officials of the High Commission welcomed the foreign minister.
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Pakistan allows Afghan airline to operate Islamabad-Kabul flights: The Express Tribune

Pakistan has allowed an Afghan airline to operate its flights from Islamabad to Kabul, a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) official said on Sunday.
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‘Pakistan seeks trade deals with Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman’: The News

Pakistan will pursue individual trade deals with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Razak Dawood said on Sunday, as talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council remain stalled, foreign media reported.
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It has been six months since the declaration of the military coup, protests and demonstrations have continued. During the month, week, anti-coup demonstrations were reported in Kachin and Shan states, Magway, Mandalay, Sagaing, Tanintharyi, and Yangon regions. The protests on 08 August referred to the “8-8-88” democracy uprising on 08 August1988, which the then-military regime crushed.

On 01 August, Senior Army General Min Aung Hlaing announced himself as the Prime Minister and pledged to hold elections by 2023. However, Ms Schraner Burgener stated that Myanmar’s Permanent Representative in New York, Kyaw Moe Tun, remains its legitimate UN Ambassador, while Ms Suu Kyi and President Myint are its leaders. Recently, international media reported a plot was uncovered to kill Ambassador Tun, who denounced the coup in the General Assembly Hall in New York.¹ Ms Burgener also said the situation in Myanmar “is still very worrisome”. The third wave of COVID-19 infections has also hit the country.

Political Situation

Senior General Min Hlaing announced the formation of a caretaker government and took on the role of Prime Minister. He also announced that the elections would be held by 2023. ² The “Provisional Government” replaces the State Administration Council (SAC) chaired by Min Hlaing that has run Myanmar since the coup. The National League for Democracy (NLD) members shadow government, National Unity Government (NUG) condemned the military ruler’s decision to take on the role of the Prime Minister in a caretaker government and said the move was designed to win legitimacy.³ Later on 03 August, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken dismissed the military’s elections plan.⁴

Military authorities forced one of the lawyers representing Aung San Suu Kyi to sign a non-disclosure agreement. This was done to stop statements of Suu Kyi from reaching the public. Suu Kyi has a five-member defence team, out of which one was forced to sign the agreement promising not to talk to local or international media. The court hearings were postponed at the start of July as the third wave of COVID-19 infections hit the country.⁵ Further, columnist Sithu Aung Myint and BBC Burmese presenter Htet Htet Khine were tracked down and arrested on 15 August. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemned these latest arbitrary arrests, and called for their immediate release.⁶

During the month, the military faced protests, strikes and a resurgence of armed conflicts. The military authorities have branded their opponents as terrorists. In the Karen state, fighting between the military and the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU), known as the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), occurred on a near-daily basis in Hpa-pun Township. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) said the military was responsible for all the shootings between 03 to 08 August. The KIA opposed the regime and attacked junta troops and police stations in Kachin and northern Shan states since 11 March.⁷

On the other hand, at least 1,130 Myanmar soldiers were killed and 443 wounded in more than 700 clashes between junta forces and local militias across the country from June 1 to July 31, Myanmar’s shadow NUG said in a report. Moreover, more than 350 civilians were killed and nearly 140 wounded during the same period.⁸ In a letter to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Myanmar’s UN envoy Kyaw Moe Tun — described the incidents as “clearly amounting to crimes against humanity,” calling on the UN Security Council and the international community to impose a global arms embargo on Myanmar’s military.⁹

During the month, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing signed an amendment to the Counterterrorism Law, introducing harsher penalties for supporting anti-regime activities. Under the amendment, the jail term is increased from three to seven years for “acts of exhortation, persuasion, propaganda and recruitment of any person to participate in any terrorist group or activities of terrorism”.¹⁰

The United League of Arakan (ULA) is advancing steadily towards its objective of assuming administrative control in Rakhine State, and has seen a high level of compliance from the state’s residents with the stay-at-home order it issued on 20 July in response to the third wave of COVID-19. The ULA has also announced that it will set up a judiciary in Rakhine State. Since the coup the ULA and its armed wing, the Arakan Army, have accelerated their effort to expand their ability to govern the state and be seen as its legitimate governing body. Further, on 05 August, it announced plans to implement household registrations throughout the state and introduction of day and night patrols as a response to the COVID-19 outbreak and its state’s security. The ULA has also been punishing people for flouting the stay-at-home order.¹¹

The latest wave of COVID-19 has made the country vulnerable to a health crisis. Myanmar’s army has carried out at least 252 attacks and threats against health workers since the coup. More than 190 health workers have been arrested and 86 raids on hospitals carried out since the coup, said the report by Insecurity Insight, Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), and Johns Hopkins University Center for Public Health and Human Rights (CPHHR). In addition, they identified 15 incidents in which the response to the COVID-19 outbreak had been obstructed – including confiscation of personal protection equipment and oxygen supplies for the exclusive use of the army. ¹²

International Scenario

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) appointed Brunei’s Erywan Yusof, as a special envoy. The appointment of a special envoy is part of a five-point consensus between ASEAN and Myanmar military leader Min Aung Hlaing in April. However, the decision has invited criticism. Aaron Connelly, an analyst with International Institute for Strategic Studies, stated that Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore had “pushed for tougher language”, though it was vetoed by the military representative Wunna Maung Lwin.¹³ ASEAN also failed to recognise NUG formed CPRH. As a result, the body was excluded from the ASEAN 42nd assembly Inter Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) held in Brunei. The NUG members condemned ASEAN for excluding it and inviting a military representative as an observer. In April, the NUG’s representative was not invited to ASEAN’s special summit on Myanmar. Instead, the military leader attended the meeting.¹⁴ ASEAN has to date, not recognised the NUG government and representatives.

Another international investor retreated from Myanmar and sold all its businesses to a local partner finding it challenging to operate under military rule. Australian mining company Myanmar Metals Limited (MYL) has divested its entire stake in a mining project in Myanmar’s northeast. The company stated that the political situation in Myanmar had undermined the confidence of markets. MYL disposed of its 51-percent stake in the Bawdwin project to its local partner Win Myint Mo Industries Co Ltd for a total of USD 30 million.¹⁵ However, Indian Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) have claimed that the company believes that its investment in a port in Myanmar is not in violation of any sanction guidelines issued by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of Treasury and therefore, continued its investments.¹⁶

Nevertheless, few countries continued to provide emergency aid. The US announced USD 50 million to support relief groups dealing with the fallout from a surge in Covid-19 cases. The US funding will aid “those forced to flee violence and persecution” as well as help groups provide healthcare services in addition to essentials such as food, shelter and water, the State Department said.¹⁷

China has continued to provide its support by entering into agreements and helping the country via vaccines. China will transfer around USD 6 million to Myanmar’s government to fund 21 development projects. A Myanmar Foreign Ministry statement said the funds would be transferred from China for projects within the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation framework. It said those included animal vaccines, culture, agriculture, science, tourism, and disaster prevention.¹⁸ Since the military coup, the mining of rare-earth metals has increased in the Kachin state. Multiple sources told Frontier and Danwatch, a Danish investigative outlet that collaborated on this investigation, that the rare earth mining in Kachin is extracted illegally by Chinese or Chinese-backed companies in areas of Chipwi Township under the de facto control of an armed group and militia led by Kachin warlord Zahkung Ting Ying.¹⁹

The two countries, China and Myanmar also faced issues due to increased incidents in the bordering area with China. The Chinese authorities have sent a complaint letter to the Myanmar military demanding an investigation. In the letter, Chinese authorities said they were highly concerned about the recent incidents, describing them as breaches of the China-Myanmar border agreement. China also warned the incident repeats, it would “make the necessary response”. Moreover, the Chinese Foreign Ministry summoned Myanmar Ambassador U Myo Thant Pe on 05 August and urged the regime to stop immediately fighting in border areas. In response, the regime claimed the artillery shell and bullets were fired by the MNDAA. The military rather stated that the military would attack armed groups that threatened the lives of people and the stability of the border areas. It urged China to collaborate with the Myanmar military to fight against armed groups and prevent them from occupying bases in border areas.²⁰

India Myanmar Engagements

On 10 August, few members of the Manipur extremist group, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), were killed in a factional fight in Myanmar. The incident occurred near the Nanyang Wakathan camp of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang-Yung Aung) in the Sagaing region of Myanmar. According to intelligence officials, tensions rose because the Myanmar military was forced to either pay for lying low in the country or join the soldiers in fighting the pro-democracy forces. Moreover, the PLA cadre, short of money was also being pressured to fight the People’s Defence Force, the armed wing of Myanmar’s NUG in exile.²¹

On the other hand, Myanmar has conveyed its apprehension over the deployment of the Border Road Organisation (BRO) for the completion of the India-Myanmar-Thailand trilateral highway and Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport (KMTT) project, the Union government informed the parliamentary committee on home affairs.²²

In a successful operation, Assam Rifles recovered a huge cache of arms, ammunition and other war-like stores in Mizoram’s southernmost Lawngtlai district near the Indo-Myanmar border. The operation was carried out jointly by Assam Rifles troopers posted at Zorinpui, the southern tip of Mizoram on the Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) road and state police from Bungtlang. However, no person was arrested in connection with the recoveries. In another major achievement, Assam Rifles and Customs department also seized 502 cases of smuggled foreign cigarettes on Ruantlang and Kelkang- Khaungleng road in Champhai district near the Myanmar border during a joint operation.²³

The issue of Rohingya was again raised in Lok Sabha. Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai, informed that Rohingya Muslim migrants indulge in illegal activities for which the respective governments have been asked to take action. Rai also said that instructions had been issued to capture their biographic and biometric particulars and cancel fake Indian documents. Furthermore, steps have been taken to initiate deportation proceedings under provisions of law.²⁴

Rohingya Crises

As the Rohingya crisis enters its fifth year, it is essential to reflect on the dismal situation of the refugees living and their continued repression. For the first time in five years, Rohingya refugees expelled from Myanmar testified in court on 17 August. According to activist group Burmese Rohingya Organisation UK, five survivors of sexual violence testified to the Federal Criminal Appeal Court in Buenos Aires remotely from refugee camps in Bangladesh, according. However, the details of it were not shared.²⁵

Bangladesh has been hosting over 1.1 million Rohingya since military crackdowns in 2017. Recently, World Bank initiated talks with Bangladesh to integrate Rohingya into the Bangladesh community. However, Bangladesh was against any long-term programme by the World Bank (WB) to integrate Rohingya into Bangladesh. Bangladesh has raised concerns as it faces problems of drug dealing, illegal human trafficking, prostitution, expansion of illegal markets. Also, serious damage to resources, lands, deforestation is now common in Chittagong. Bangladesh also claimed that such proposals hamper the initiatives taken by Bangladesh for Rohingya repatriation.²⁶

Despite the NUG unveiling plans to amend the country’s constitution, and give citizenship to the Rohingya, the authorities in Myanmar currently have no plan to include minority Rohingya Muslims living in camps as they begin vaccinating priority groups against COVID-19 in western Rakhine State. Local administrator Kyaw Lwin told Reuters from Sittwe township that the rollout had begun with 10,000 vaccinations for priority groups such as the elderly, healthcare workers, government staff and Buddhist monks. However, he said there were no current plans for vaccinating any Muslims living in camps in Sittwe. Following an outcry from the human rights group, the Myanmar military backtracked on its plans to withhold Covid-19 vaccinations from the Rohingya minority in Rakhine. Instead, the military’s spokesman said in a news conference on 27 August that vaccinations will be offered to Rohingya in Rakhine.

The Way Forward

The fighting between Myanmar’s military and ethnic armed groups increased in August and is expected to intensify in the coming days as the military has sent reinforcements to rebel-held territories. The military has asked its unit commanders and other senior officers to be combat ready in a recent order. On the other hand, around 1500 soldiers have defected from Myanmar’s military since the coup and have joined the troops created by the political opposition to fight the military. The number of vulnerable refugees has increased. It is time to bring all stakeholders to the table and resolve the current crisis. Furthermore, it is important to cease all attacks from the side of the military and gain the trust of the citizens.

Endnotes

1. https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/08/1097452
2. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/fears-of-another-long-dictatorship-as-myanmar-coup-maker-appoints-himself-pm.html
3. https://www.euronews.com/2021/08/03/us-myanmar-politics
4. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/us-dismisses-myanmar-juntas-election-plan.html
5. https://www.myanmar-now.org/en/news/suu-kyis-lawyer-forced-to-sign-pledge-not-to-speak-to-the-media
6. https://rsf.org/en/news/two-more-journalists-arrested-myanmars-military-junta-0
7. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-military-shells-kachin-civilians.html
8. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/myanmar/killed-08132021181109.html
9. https://edition.cnn.com/2021/08/06/asia/myanmar-bodies-found-army-crackdown-intl-hnk/index.html
10. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-coup-chief-amends-counterterrorism-law.html
11. https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/arakan-army-extends-administrative-grip-on-rakhine-state/
12. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-army-attacks-medics-hampering-covid-response-rights-groups-say-2021-08-10/
13. https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/politics/article/3143809/asean-appoints-brunei-diplomat-erywan-yusof-envoy-myanmar
14. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmars-ousted-mps-condemn-asean-for-inviting-junta-to-parliamentary-summit.html
15. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/australian-mining-company-sells-stake-in-myanmar-project.html
16. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/australian-mining-company-sells-stake-in-myanmar-project.html
17. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/beijing-to-transfer-82m-to-myanmar-junta-to-fund-development-projects
18. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/beijing-to-transfer-82m-to-myanmar-junta-to-fund-development-projects
19. https://www.frontiermyanmar.net/en/weapons-power-and-money-how-rare-earth-mining-in-kachin-enriches-a-tatmadaw-ally/
20. https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/china-complains-after-shell-gunfire-from-myanmar-hit-border-town.html
21. https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/six-of-manipur-extremist-group-killed-in-myanmar-say-officials/article35872422.ece
22. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/infrastructure/myanmar-objects-to-bro-presence-in-trilateral-road-project/articleshow/85282213.cms
23. https://nenow.in/north-east-news/mizoram/mizoram-security-forces-recover-arms-and-ammunition-from-lawngtlai-near-india-myanmar-border.html
24. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/govt-says-rohingyas-indulging-in-illegal-activities-101628601441879.html
25. https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/rohingya-to-give-first-testimony-in-push-for-myanmar-army-probe
26. WB has undertaken a long-term program for 16 countries hosting refugees and they will provide money from a Tk2,000 ( Bangladesh Taka) crore fund. https://www.eurasiareview.com/04082021-world-banks-proposal-local-integration-of-rohingyas-in-bangladesh-possible-oped/
27. https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/myanmar-covid-vaccination-rollout-leaves-rohingya-waiting-2021-08-11/
28. https://www.ucanews.com/news/rohingya-receive-covid-jabs-as-myanmar-junta-extends-rollout/93922#
29. https://www.laprensalatina.com/some-1500-soldiers-have-deserted-myanmar-army-since-coup-media/