Afghanistan

China to Issue Visas for Afghan Businesspeople: Tolo News

In a meeting with the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi, the ambassador of China, Wang Yu, expressed China’s readiness to facilitate visas for Afghan businesspeople in Afghanistan, MoFA announced Click here to read…

Voices Call for Inclusion of Women, All Ethnic Groups in National Gathering: Tolo News

Anticipating the “Gathering of Islamic Clerics,” expected to be held on Wednesday, a number of politicians and residents asked that the Islamic Emirate invite women as well as representatives from all Afghan ethnic groups. Click here to read…

US Pledges $55 Million in Aid for the Victims of the Deadly Earthquake in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

According to the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s announcement on Tuesday, the United States would provide Afghanistan immediate assistance amounting $55 million in response to the devastating earthquake that struck last week in a remote part of the country’s southeast. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Fuel prices may go up by at least Tk 10- The Daily Star

The government is bent on raising fuel prices by Tk 10-30 each litre, despite vehement opposition from consumer rights groups and experts. Click here to read…

Mask mandate back again- The Daily Star

As Covid-19 cases are rising steeply in the country, the Cabinet Division yesterday instructed all officials concerned to enforce the “no mask, no service” policy everywhere and ensure that everyone follows health safety rules. Click here to read…

Press freedom enjoyed like never before- The Daily Star

Newspapers and electronic media are now enjoying unrestrained freedom under the current government, Information Minister Hasan Mahmud told parliament yesterday. Click here to read…

Dhaka Tokyo ink loan and grant deeds- The Daily Star

Bangladesh and Japan have signed a loan and grant agreement worth $1.23 billion for projects including the northern route of Mass Rapid Transit Line 5. Click here to read…

“Impose sanctions on Dr Yunus, Hilary Clinton and Cherie Blair”- The Daily Star

Independent lawmaker and a presidium member of Jubo League, Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, today demanded in the parliament to impose sanctions on Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, Hilary Clinton, and Cherie Blair so that they could not hatch any further conspiracy against Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Momen seeks apology, compensation from “institution” that claimed Padma Bridge corruption- The Daily Star

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has sought apology and compensation from those who humiliated Bangladesh through accusing some top officials of a conspiracy of corruption in the Padma Bridge project. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan can become energy secure in next 3 years: Lyonpo Loknath Sharma- Kuensel

Bhutan at present is not energy secure, said Lyonpo Loknath Sharma. Adding 200MW of wind energy in the next 2 to 3 years, he said, could help the country achieve energy security. Click here to read…

Tourists who confirmed tours before June 20 can visit at old pricing- Kuensel

All tours confirmed before June 20, 2022 can avail of rates applicable under the Tourism Levy Act of Bhutan 2020, the minimum daily package rate (MDPR), which includes the royalty of USD 65. Click here to read…

Falling boulders kill two men and injure three in Samdrupjongkhar- Kuensel

Falling boulders killed two men and injured three men at Phochu in Lauri gewog, Samdrupjongkhar, on June 27. Click here to read…

NA passes Tourism Levy Bill 2022- BBS

The National Assembly passed the Tourism Levy Bill 2022 today, accepting all the Council’s recommendations. The Bill will now be submitted to His Majesty The King for Royal Assent. As per the Bill, every tourist visiting Bhutan will be levied a Sustainable Development Fee of 200 US dollars per night. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives to build one of the world’s first floating cities as response to climate change: The National News

The Maldives will soon be home to one of the world’s first floating cities. Set in a warm-water lagoon close to the capital, Male, the new district will feature thousands of waterfront residences built across a flexible, functional grid. Click here to read…

Cabinet ministers briefed on latest updates of Yoga Day violence: The Sun

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Tuesday, has briefed his cabinet on the finding of the cabinet subcommittee investigating the mob attack on event held on June 21 at the National Stadium to mark the International Day of YogaClick here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar: Response overview, June 2022 – Relief Web

Humanitarian needs in Myanmar continue to rise sharply since February 2021 as a result of political and economic upheaval and increased conflict. Click here to read…

Junta restricts food sales in Tanintharyi’s Palaw Township – Mizzima

The junta has ordered the closure of rice warehouses and restricted sales of food in Palaw Township in Myeik District, Tanintharyi Region, since 26 June, according to locals. Click here to read…

Thai authorities rescue two Burmese nationals from sinking boat – Mizzima

The Thai Border Guard Special Force carried out an emergency rescue of two Myanmar nationals when their fishing boat sank in Thai territorial waters on 26 June at around 12 p.m. Click here to read…

NLD slams junta transfer of Suu Kyi to prison in Myanmar capital – RFA

Myanmar’s deposed National League for Democracy (NLD) on Tuesday condemned the junta’s decision to move party leader Aung San Suu Kyi from detention to a prison in the nation’s capital, citing poor conditions and lack of access to health care at the facility. Click here to read…

Number of Rakhine youths gone missing after military’s arrest – Narinjara

A number of Rakhine youths have gone missing after they were arrested by the military councils during this month from the capital city of Arakan State. They were abducted by the junta soldiers from Sittwe after the Arakan Army members arrested a military captain and a soldier from the city on 23 June. Click here to read…

ASEAN Special Envoy on Second Visit to Myanmar; No Meeting With Suu Kyi – The Irrawaddy

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Special Envoy on Myanmar will start his second tour to the country on Wednesday, following up on the bloc’s peace plan and humanitarian assistance for the country that has been in social, political and economic turmoil since last year’s coup. Click here to read…

80 illegal immigrants from Myanmar held in Manipur – The Week

Eighty illegal immigrants from Myanmar were apprehended from Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Tuesday, police said. These illegal immigrants, who did not have any valid documents, were living in rented accommodations in Ngathal village and Vaal Veng of the district, they said. Click here to read…

Nepal

Government unclear on how to adjust taxes days after it slashed fuel prices- Kathmandu Post

Finance Ministry says Supply Ministry decided on price cuts; the former has made no move to revise the taxes yet. Click here to read…

Five traffic cops under probe after the incident of doctor beating- Kathmandu Post

A medical officer from Pulchowk-based health facility was beaten black and blue by a traffic official who asked him why he was ‘walking at night.’ Click here to read…

Nepal to build Budhi Gandaki hydroelectricity project through a separate company- Kathmandu Post

The storage-type 1,200 megawatt project has suffered quite some politicking over the years, with various governments allowing a Chinese firm to build it and then revoking the plan. Click here to read…

Incessant rainfall triggers floods across Tarai region- Himalayan Times

Inundation and floods triggered by incessant rainfall have killed one person and displaced hundreds of families across the Tarai. Click here to read…

UML demands resignation of Gandaki CM- Republica

The CPN-UML has demanded the resignation of CM Pokharel, saying that the ruling coalition has made the provincial assembly a prisoner of indecision by halting the discussion on the budget. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka’s economy shrinks 1.6% in the March quarter: Business Standard

Sri Lanka’s economy fell back into contraction last quarter as the country battled its worst economic problems since independence, with emergency aid to stabilise the island nation proving elusive. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka to end fuel duopoly to ease scarcity: Telegraph India

Sri Lanka will allow companies from oil-producing countries to import and sell fuel, the power and energy minister said on Tuesday, ending a duopoly as it tries to overcome a shortage of petrol and diesel that is exacerbating an economic crisis. Click here to read…

1,000 MT of Chinese Rice reach Sri Lanka: News First

44 containers of 1,000 MT rice donated by the Chinese people to Sri Lankan students arrived today. The shipment was handed over to the Ministry of Education on Tuesday (28). Click here to read…

Sri Lanka IOC restricts petrol sale amid fuel shortage: ANI

Amid the economic crisis and severe fuel shortage in Sri Lanka, Indian Oil’s subsidiary in Sri Lanka, Lanka IOC (Indian Oil Corporation) announced to restrict the sale of petrol to a maximum of Rs 7000 for four-wheelers, with immediate effect. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan needs to ‘do more’ for double IMF payout: Dawn

Pakistan will have to take at least two more “prior actions” to secure two combined tranches of about $1.85 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by the end of July or early August. Click here to read…

GST on raw material aggravates shortage of 40 drugs: The News

In the wake of 17pc GST on the import of raw material, production of medicines has considerably dropped and aggravated the shortage of, at least, 40 essential and lifesaving drugs in markets across the country. Click here to read…

Imran warns Punjab police, bureaucrats not to follow ‘illegal’ govt orders: Dawn

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday asked the Punjab police and bureaucracy not to follow “illegal orders” of the provincial government during the upcoming local government elections, claiming the PTI has been maintaining the departments’ record. Click here to read…

Power outages pose risk of ‘connectivity blackouts’: Dawn

The telecom industry has warned the government of connectivity failures if prolonged power outages continue amid high fuel costs and stringent conditions on battery imports. Click here to read…

Cabinet rolls out first policy to tackle hazardous waste: The Express Tribune

The federal cabinet approved on Tuesday country’s first-ever National Hazardous Waste Management Policy, 2022, hoping that the Centre and provinces would finalise a National Action Plan (NAP) implementation framework of the policy within three months so that the country does not become a dumping ground of hazardous disposals. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Sources: Loya Jirga of 3,000 to Be Held on Wednesday: Tolo News

Around 3,000 people from across Afghanistan have been invited to a gathering of Islamic clerics, expected to be held at the Loya Jirga Hall on Wednesday in Kabul, sources told TOLOnewsClick here to read…

Central Bank of Afghanistan: Money-Trading Through Forex Is Illegal: The Khaama Press

Da Afghanistan Bank, in a statement issued on Sunday, June 26th, announced that it has not licensed or permitted the operation of the Forex online in Afghanistan, therefore, any financial transaction through the online platform is against the law. Click here to read…

Human Rights Watch: Taliban’s Jirga Lacks Legitimacy If It Excludes Women: The Khaama Press

In reaction to the Jirga of the Taliban that will take place in the Loya Jirga tent, Human Rights Watch said that a decision-making body, such as a Jirga that excludes women and other groups is not legitimate. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Pressure on forex reserves: Govt exploring loan of up to $4.5b from IMF- The Daily Star

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

Fully profitable, but with govt subsidies- The Daily Star

Dhaka Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (Wasa) operates with the government’s “alms”, said its managing director Taqsem A Khan while talking about the price hike of water. Click here to read…

Momen urges Britain to resettle 1 lakh Rohingya refugees- The Daily Star

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has requested the British Secretary of State Elizabeth Truss to resettle one lakh Rohingya refugees who are now sheltered in Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Bhutan

NC asks govt to expedite decision on delayed hydropower projects- Kuensel

The government is waiting response from the Government of India (GoI) on the issues of two hydropower projects under construction, Punatsangchu-I Hydroelectric Project and Kholongchu Hydropower Project which have been delayed. Click here to read…

Student sustains second degree burns from electrical accident- Kuensel

A 14-year-old student of Chumigthang MSS student, Pasakha is recovering at Phuentsholing General Hospital (PGH) from second degree burns he sustained from an electrical accident at Baunijhora, Pasakha on June 25. Click here to read…

Incessant rain affects work progress at Namling- Kuensel

Construction officials are advising road users to avoid travelling at night as the stretch from Yongkola to Namling area gets continuous rainfall. Click here to read…

Government outs Sung-jeon App from 12th FYP- Bhutan Today

“Sung-jeon App is for country’s security,” Lyonpo said. Adding to it, Lyonpo said internet outage outside would also impact the internet services in the country, and Sung-jeon App was planned to offset such issues. Click here to read…

Govt waiting for India’s answer to replace dam with barrage at PHPA-I- BBS

The National Assembly today redeliberated the National Council’s recommendation, to expedite the decision to avoid further delay of PHPA-I. The construction of PHPA-I began in 2008 and was scheduled for completion in 2016 with the then estimated budget of more than Nu 35bnClick here to read…

Maldives

Maldives reports over 1,000 new Covid-19 cases, five fatalities: Raajje MV

Statistics revealed that between June 19 – 25, an alarming total of 1,202 new Covid-19 infections were confirmed nationwide, including 528 from the congested capital, Greater Malé Area, 452 from residential islands outside of the capitalClick here to read…

The President concludes his official visit to Rwanda: African business

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih returned to Malé on Monday morning after concluding his official visit to the Republic of Rwanda. The President, accompanied by First Lady Fazna Ahmed and a high-level delegation, was in Kigali, Rwanda, to attend the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Army Abandons Taga, Headquarters of Northeast Insurgent Groups, after Three Years – News18

The Tatmadaw or Myanmar Army has left the Taga areas of Sagaing, Myanmar, which were captured in January 29, 2019 from the Northeast-based insurgent groups, according to sources. A top insurgent leader from Sagaing confirmed: “The Myanmar Army left the Taga areas on June 15.” Click here to read…

NUG: Burma Army Using Rape As Weapon Of War – BNI Online

Burma Army (BA) soldiers have raped at least 72 people, but sexual violence against civilians is likely to be higher since the military coup took over the country 17 months ago, according to Duwa Lashi La, acting president of the interim National Unity Government (NUG). Click here to read…

Military’s arbitrary civilian arrests are violation of human rights: Arakan activist group – BNI Online

The Arakan Human Rights Defenders and Promoters Association (AHRDPA) said in a statement on Friday that the Myanmar military’s arbitrary arrests of civilians in Arakan State are a clear violation of human rights. U Mrat Tun, an executive director of AHRDPA, told DMG that the military has arrested and tortured some civilians in Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U, Ponnagyun and Sittwe townships in recent days. Click here to read…

2022/65 “The International Community Needs to Prepare for a Post-Tatmadaw Myanmar” by Anders Kirstein Moeller – ISEAS

The Tatmadaw’s combat forces of around 100,000 are stretched thin, facing a vast array of armed resistance groups and engaging in unfamiliar cellularized warfare. Although the Tatmadaw maintains control of key urban centres, it has been unable to consolidate power in smaller towns and rural areas. Click here to read…

UK announces second round of sanctions against arms dealers – Mizzima

Campaigning group justice for Myanmar has welcomed the UKs second round of sanctions targeting arms dealers obtaining arms for Myanmar. The organisation also called for urgent and coordinated international action against the Myanmar military’s economic interests and business relationships, including from regional democracies Australia, India, Japan and South Korea. Click here to read…

Court in army-ruled Myanmar gives Suu Kyi colleague 21 years – AP News

Zaw Myint Maung is a second vice president and spokesperson of Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy party, which won a landslide victory in the 2020 general election but was prevented from returning to the office for a second five-year term when the army seized power in February last year. Click here to read…

Nepal

They worked as domestics and dishwashers. Now they are successful entrepreneurs- Kathmandu Post

Nepalis in the industrial city of Ludhiana in Punjab, India share their rags-to-riches stories. Click here to read…

Testing of third phase of Mahakali irrigation canal begins- Kathmandu Post

The Stage III of the project, which would irrigate around 33,520 hectares of land in farwestern Nepal, has been completed after 26 years. Click here to read…

Nearly 70 percent water samples in Valley contaminated- Kathmandu Post

Officials say failure to ensure safe drinking water poses a challenge to controlling outbreaks of waterborne diseases, including cholera. At least 12 people tested positive for cholera in 8 days. Click here to read…

Amid SPP confusion, home minister makes a gaffe saying pullout letter sent to the US- Kathmandu Post

Foreign Ministry is yet to write to the US. American embassy says it acknowledges Nepali Cabinet’s public statements regarding its desire not to move forward on the SPP. Click here to read…

Citizenship bill to be passed with political consensus: Minister Khand- Kathmandu Post

Home Minister Bal Krishna Khand has said the government has been taking initiative to forward the citizenship bill with consensus among the political parties. Click here to read…

Ensure voting rights for prisoners: SC- Himalayan Times

The Supreme Court has ordered the government to allow prisoners to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections likely to be held in November. Click here to read…

Germany to continue bilateral development cooperation with Nepal- Himalayan Times

The Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) of Germany has decided to continue with the bilateral development cooperation with Nepal beyond 2023. Click here to read…

Pakistan

UAE offers quid pro quo bailout deal: The Express Tribune

In response to Pakistan’s request for multibillion dollars in fresh loans, the United Arab Emirates has offered to buy minority shares in publicly-listed government-owned companies at a negotiated price and a seat on each of the firm’s boards. Click here to read…

Will rifts among allies brew distrust in the centre?: The Express Tribune

The anticipated unease and friction in the ruling coalition showed its tentacles on Monday over the local government elections in Sindh as MQM-P and JUI-F, among others, rejected results of Sindh LG poll results and accused PPP of rigging. Click here to read…

Import expensive fuel or brave long outages: Nepra chief: Dawn

At a public hearing on a petition for a Rs7.96 per unit increase in FCA for electricity consumed in May, Chairman Nepra Tauseef H Farooqui, who presided over the event, said though a formal notification would be issued later after verification of evidence, the minimum increase in FCA would be about Rs7.90 per unit for ex-Wapda Discos with a financial impact of Rs113bn during the upcoming billing month (July). Click here to read…

Imran unveils July 2 Islamabad protest plan: Dawn

Exactly a month after abruptly ending the Azadi March with a six-day ‘ultimatum’ to the PML-N government for announcement of early elections, Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan on Monday announced he would lead the July 2 protest at Islamabad’s Parade Ground against the “imported government imposed on Pakistan through a US regime change conspiracy”. Click here to read…

Ex-spymaster denies meeting Imran, joining PTI: News

Former ISI DG Lt-Gen (retd) Zaheerul Islam has said that he has neither joined the PTI nor met Imran Khan. Talking to The News, he said that he had recently held a gathering of the local elders at his house in his native village in Kahuta where the community decided to support the PTI candidate for PP-7 Rawalpindi in the upcoming by-elections. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Just days from running out of fuel, Sri Lanka halts sales for 2 weeks: Times of india

Sri Lanka will shut schools and only allow fuel supplies to services deemed essential like health, trains and buses for two weeks starting Tuesday in a desperate attempt to deal with a severe shortage. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka sends SOS message to India for fuel, suspends retail sale for 2 weeks: Hindustan Times

Sri Lanka’s high commissioner Milinda Moragoda discussed with Hardeep Singh Puri the “possibility of securing petrol and diesel supplies that are required by Sri Lanka at present on an urgent basis”. Click here to read…

US delegation meets Sri Lankan President PM discusses economic crisis: The Week

A high-level US delegation on Monday met Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and discussed measures to help the island nation cope with an unprecedented economic crisis and severe shortages of essential supplies. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

70% of Nuristan Schools Lack Buildings: Tolo News

Nuristan’s department of education said that 70 percent of schools in this province do not have buildings, and they must temporarily use tents at these schools to solve this problem. Click here to read…

UNSC Session Discusses Afghan Human Rights, Earthquake: Tolo News

On Thursday, the UN Security Council held a session to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. In the session, many of the participants called attention to the devastating earthquake, the human rights situation, restrictions on Afghan women and girls and the overall crisis ongoing since the collapse of republic government in August 2021. Click here to read…

Earthquake Survivors in Afghanistan at Risk of a Disease Outbreak: The Khaama Press

Following a UN agency’s warning of a cholera outbreak in the quake-hit area, the spokesperson of the Taliban’s Ministry of Public Health said on Sunday that thousands of people affected by the fatal earthquake in southeast Afghanistan need access to clean water, food, and are highly susceptible to diseases. Click here to read…

Kabul Optimistic about Formal Recognition amid Heightened Situation: The Khaama Press

The acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi said he is optimistic about Islamic Emirate relations with the international community, hopping for world recognition amid ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

‘Polls will be transparent’- The Daily Star

Australian High Commis-sioner to Bangladesh Jeremy Bruer yesterday said Australia hopes that Bangladesh’s next general election will go well and be transparent. Click here to read…

Acquire scientific knowledge – The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged students to acquire scientific knowledge and take the country towards development and prosperity. Click here to read…

Explore alternative power sources – The Daily Star

Capacity charges for idle power plants, theft in the name of system loss, wastage and dependency on imported gas and fuel without exploring alternatives are the main causes behind high energy costs, said speakers at a dialogue yesterday. Click here to read…

New law will be enacted for police: Home Minister – The Daily Star

Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan told the parliament today that a new law for the Bangladesh Police will be enacted keeping in view of the current situation and turning police into a more people-friendly and service-oriented organisation. Click here to read…

Saudi Arabia detains Bangladeshi hajj pilgrim for “begging” – The Daily Star

Saudi Arabian police detained a Bangladeshi hajj pilgrim on charges of begging in Madinah. Click here to read…

Minority leaders demand Momen’s resignation over remarks made in India – The Daily Star

Minority community leaders in Bangladesh today demanded resignation of Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen over statements they claimed he made while visiting India, regarding atrocities on minorities in Bangladesh. Click here to read…

“India, Pakistan, US lauded govt on Padma Bridge opening, but BNP couldn’t” – The Daily Star

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today (June 26, 2022) said India, the US and even Pakistan extended greetings to the government as Bangladesh opened the biggest self-financed Padma Bridge, yet BNP could not. Click here to read…

PM urges Kuwait to invest in Bangladesh’s Special Economic Zones – The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged the Kuwait government to invest in Special Economic Zones of Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Is Bhutan’s economy at risk?- Kuensel

Bhutanese economy has been recovering well from the pandemic after the economy contracted to 10.1 percent in 2020. Click here to read…

Understanding Tourism Industry- Kuensel

Current national discourse on the tourism industry, with all the passion and diversion of views, is educative. It is a welcome trend that there is a vigorous exchange on an issue of national concern and importance and impact. Click here to read…

Fourth phase of monetary measures provides loan restructuring options- Kuensel

Phase IV of the monetary measures will allow eight different forms of loan restructuring options to support depending on the severity of impact of the pandemic and the affordability of the borrowers. Click here to read…

Finance Minister introduces Tourism Levy Bill of Bhutan in NC- Bhutan Times

The minister for finance, the Member In-Charge of the Bill, Namgay Tshering introduced the Tourism Levy Bill of Bhutan 2022 in National Council on 24 June. Click here to read…

Indian Embassy celebrates 8th International Day of Yoga in the capital- Bhutan Times

In collaboration with Bhutanese friends and fellow Indians, the Embassy of India organized the main event of the celebrations of the 8th International Day of Yoga (IDY) at the Clock Tower Square, Thimphu on 21 June. Click here to read…

Increase bandwidth for Druk Research and Education network- Bhutan Times

In keeping with the request made by the government, Bhutan’s Druk Research and Education Network, which is connected to India’s National Knowledge Network, will be provided increased internet bandwidth from 1 GBPS to 5 GBPS. Click here to read…

NC recommends Govt. to stop extending deadlines for hydropower projects- BBS

With the ongoing hydropower projects in the country repeatedly missing deadlines, the National Council (NC) has recommended the government avoid this. Click here to read…

Maldives

The Maldives, Not entirely idyllic: The SUN

The Maldives presents unique governance problems as it is not a contiguous territorial nation state. There are 1,192 islands, of which 187 are reportedly populatedClick here to read…

Was not instructed against holding yoga event by any authority: The SUN
Youth Ministry, on Sunday, has stated that they were not instructed by the Islamic Ministry nor any other government authorities against holding the event at national football stadiumClick here to read…

Myanmar

The U.S. Can Put Sanctions on Russian Gas to Punish Putin. I’m Asking It to Do the Same in Myanmar – NY Times

Myanmar’s modern history has been marked by colonial exploitation, military repression, violence and democracy denied. Grass-roots activists like me and thousands before me have dedicated our lives and sacrificed our safety to change this. Click here to read…

Myanmar Resistance Claims 25 Junta Soldiers Killed – The Irrawaddy

A total of 25 Myanmar junta troops and allied militia members were killed by the people’s defense forces (PDFs) at a village in Tamu Township, Sagaing Region, on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Dhaka seeks Commonwealth support for Rohingya repatriation – TBS News

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has reiterated that earliest repatriation of all forcibly displaced Rohingyas back to their ancestral homeland in Rakhine in safety and dignity remains Bangladesh’s compelling priority. Click here to read…

Military is Weaker Since Coup and Momentum is With the Armed Resistance – The Irrawaddy

Ye Myo Hein, the executive director of the Tagaung Institute of Political Studies and a public policy fellow with the Woodrow Wilson International Center’s Asia Program, recently published a research report: “One Year On: The Momentum of Myanmar’s Armed Rebellion.”Click here to read…

Arakan Army Detains Myanmar Naval Officer – The Irrawaddy

The Arakan Army (AA) seized a captain from the Myanmar military’s Danyawaddy naval base in Rakhine State’s capital, Sittwe, on Thursday, according to town residents. The captain was detained near the naval base and was reportedly in uniform and armed when abducted by the AA. Click here to read…

DFA signs framework allowing Rohingya refugees to study in PH – Manilla Bulletin

Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin Jr. signed last Wednesday, June 22, the Legal Framework for the Complementary Pathways (CPath) Program for Rohingyas, which aims to provide an educational pathway to eligible beneficiaries and engage relevant government agencies and private institutions to promote durable solutions to help beneficiaries achieve self-relianceClick here to read…

Nepal

CPN (US) demand met, Cabinet reshuffled- Himalayan Times

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has, on the recommendation of Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, appointed new ministers from CPN (Unified Socialist). Click here to read…

Parliament to endorse citizenship bill: Speaker- Himalayan Times

Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota said the Parliament was preparing to pass the citizenship bill in the current budget session. Click here to read…

‘Identify competencies to enhance students’ performance’- Himalayan Times

India’s renowned behavioural scientist Prof of Eminence Sanjeev P Sahni has emphasised ‘maximising potential through behavioural competencies and performance enhancement of students’. Click here to read…

Forex reserves down to fund imports for just a little over six months raises alarm- Kathmandu Post

Questions arise if import control measures have worked and government is doing much to address economic woes. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Putin to the rescue? Sri Lanka seeks discounted oil from Russia & Qatar: Indian Express

Sri Lanka announced sending ministers to Russia & Qatar to try and secure cheap oil. 2 ministers will visit Russia & discuss getting more oil, after the purchase of 90,000 tonnes of Siberian crude in May. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka to use foreign companies to distribute fuel: Prensa Latina

The Sri Lankan government will allow foreign companies to distribute fuel in a measure aimed at alleviating the shortage of gasoline and diesel due to the country’s economic crisis, media reported on Sunday. Click here to read…

Top US officials in Sri Lanka to help resolve the economic crisis: Tribune India

A high-level US delegation arrived in Sri Lanka on Sunday to hold talks with the country’s top leadership and explore the “most effective ways” to help the island nation resolve its unprecedented economic crisisClick here to read…

Pakistan

Terrorism increased as provinces’ role in NAP ignored: PM: Dawn

Chairing a meeting on law and order here, the prime minister lamented that the role of the provinces in the implementation of NAP had been ignored during the last four years [when PTI was in power] which led to an increase in acts of terrorism in the country. Click here to read…

Turkiye keen to expand trade with Pakistan: Dawn

As Pakis¬tan and Turkiye prepare to conclude the Trade in Goods Agreement (TGA) next month, Ankara is keen on increasing the number of flights from the three existing cities and adding two more destinations in Pakistan while a power distribution company wants to invest in Lahore. Click here to read…

Pakistan to approach G20 against India’s plan: The Express Tribune

Pakistan will reach out to the G20 countries particularly with which it has close ties in an attempt to stop India from holding any event or meeting of the grouping in the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Click here to read…

ANP cries foul as PTI snatches PK-7 seat in Swat by-poll: The Express Tribune

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) candidate, Fazal Maula on Sunday won the Swat by-election in PK-7 constituency of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly by defeating the Awami National Party (ANP) rival. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Earthquake Death Toll in Paktika, Khost Rises to 1,100: Tolo News

Islamic Emirate officials said that the death toll from Wednesday’s devastating earthquake in Paktika and Khost provinces has risen to about 1,100 and the number of injured has risen to 1,600.The Ministry of State for Disaster Management said that more than 1,000 of the injured are in critical condition. The number of victims and injured is increasing day by day, as some people are still trapped in the wreckage. Click here to read…

MoRR Calls on UNHCR to Address Problems of Refugees: Tolo News

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation (MoRR) called on the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to address the problems of Afghan refugees abroad. Talking to the gathering held to mark World Refugee Day, the acting Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, Khalil Rahman Haqqani, expressed concerns over the mistreatment of Afghan refugees abroad. Click here to read…

The EU Allocates €1 Million for the Victims of Earthquake in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

The European Commission is allocating €1 million in humanitarian assistance in response to the devastating earthquake that struck southern Afghanistan early on June 22. This funding will be used to meet the most urgent needs of those impactedClick here to read…

Bangladesh

A leap for Asian connectivity- The Daily Star

This is a dream bridge which will not only establish the long-awaited direct road and rail communications between the capital city and south-western parts of Bangladesh but also contribute to greater connectivity and trade among Asian countries. Click here to read…

Hasina proposes joint river dredging with India to tackle floods- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday (June 23, 2022) proposed conducting dredging of rivers jointly with India which are shared by the two neighbouring countries for their mutual interest. Click here to read…

AL web team receives overwhelming greetings from grassroots on founding anniversary- The Daily Star

A huge number of people extended greetings to the Bangladesh Awami League on its 73rd founding anniversary by sending short messages and audio-visuals responding to call of the party. Click here to read…

‘Invest more in research’- The Daily Star

Scholars from different universities have stressed the need for increasing funds and research activities on digital technologies for preparing for the fourth industrial revolutionClick here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan to adopt Torts Law- Bhutan Today

Civil Liability law will provide monetary compensation or damages for harm or injury as a result of commission or omission (negligence by either organization- government or private or by an individual, also, it will provide relief to the injured parties for harms caused by others and deter others from committing harmful acts. Click here to read…

Immigration officials come under ACC’s radar for misusing funds- Bhutan Today

Upon investigation of all the suspected immigration staff, the investigation led to further interrogation of these three officials and they were detained. Click here to read…

Bhutan fights back against water crisis- DW

Bhutan is increasingly struggling with the consequences of climate change as droughts and floods destroy local cropsClick here to read…

Maldives

Price of petrol rises to MVR 16.55 per liter: The SUN

State Trading Organization (STO) has raised the price of fuel sold in Maldives following the hike in global fuel prices. Click here to read…

Acts that harm foreign interests to be criminalized: Avas MV

The Attorney General’s Office has sent a bill to the President’s Office seeking to criminalize acts that are harmful to the country’s foreign interests. Click here to read…

Myanmar

ADB okays $41.4m grant for Rohingyas – The Daily Star

The Asian Development Bank yesterday approved a $41.4 million grant to help improve infrastructure and manage the basic needs of Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Burma Army Extends Deadline For SSPP In Southern Shan State – BNI Online

The regime has extended the deadline for the Shan State Progress Party (SSPP) to withdraw from three camps in southern Shan State, but a representative of the ethnic armed group told SHAN they aren’t going anywhere. Click here to read…

Myanmar military junta confirms Suu Kyi’s imprisonment – LaPrensLatina

Myanmar’s military junta confirmed Thursday the entry into prison of deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi, under house arrest since the February 2021 coup. Click here to read…

AA urges Arakanese people to be wary of potential for sectarian strife – BNI Online

The Arakan Army (AA) has called on the people of Arakan State to be wary of the military junta, which it accused of stoking racial and religious tensions in the region following the disappearance and apparent kidnapping of two educators in Maungdaw Township. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Suu Kyi moved to prison from undisclosed location – Reuters

Myanmar’s ruling military authorities have transferred deposed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi to prison from the undisclosed location she has been held at since last year’s army coup, news outlets including the BBC reported on Thursday. Click here to read…

End of Mission Statement: Thomas Andrews, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar (23 June 2022) – Relief Web

The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar, Tom Andrews, today expressed his appreciation for Malaysia’s increasing leadership on the crisis in Myanmar, and urged States in the region to adopt a similar approach to the human rights catastrophe unfolding under military ruleClick here to read…

Nepal

Crusher industry rules amendment stayed- Himalayan Times

The Supreme Court has stayed amendment made to the Standard on Extraction, Sale, and Management of Stones, Pebbles, and Sand- 2020 by the government on May 22. Click here to read…

Former govt official held for amassing illegal assets- Himalayan Times

The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority today filed a charge-sheet at the Special Court against a former Nayab Subba (non-gazetted first class officer) for allegedly accumulating disproportionate assets worth around Rs 24.5 million during his service term at various offices of the Government of Nepal. Click here to read…

Shrestha appointed Nepal’s ambassador to China- Himalayan Times

President Bidya Devi Bhandari on Thursday appointed Bishnu Pukar Shrestha as Nepal’s residential ambassador to the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Click here to read…

Madhav Nepal’s tale of woe continues with ministers defying party decision- Kathmandu Post

Unified Socialist chair wants Cabinet reshuffle but Deuba is reluctant, stoking blame gameClick here to read…

Government is in a fix. It has decided to shun SPP but is not clear how to do that- Kathmandu Post

Foreign Ministry officials say they’ve got Cabinet decision ‘not to move ahead’, which they find too vague to pursue. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Editorial: Parliament’s imprimatur: Dawn

IT may be a given that the country’s security establishment would take the lead in talks with the banned TTP, but it was important that this hugely consequential issue be part of a more inclusive process. And that is the direction in which matters at last seem to be moving. Click here to read…

43pc foreign-funded projects found to be ‘problematic’: Dawn

The Ministry of Economic Affairs said on Thursday that 43 per cent of about $35 billion worth of foreign-funded projects were problematic — either not progressing well or unable to deliver the desired outcomes. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

India team in Lanka: Ready to aid recovery via investments: Indian Express

MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said Kwatra, accompanied by Seth and Nageswaran, held “productive discussions” with President Rajapaksa “on the current situation in Sri Lanka and India’s ongoing support”.Click here to read…

India to extend full support to Sri Lanka, says Foreign Secy: Tribune India

In a surprise visit to Sri Lanka, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra has assured that India will extend its full support to the economically beleaguered country in overcoming its difficult situation as a close friend. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Hundreds Reported Killed in Southeast Afghanistan From 6.1 Earthquake: Tolo News

Hundreds of people were killed and wounded in an earthquake that occurred early Wednesday morning in southeastern Afghanistan, according to a statement of the Ministry of State for Disaster Management. Mawlawi Sharafuddin Muslim, deputy Minister of State for Disaster Management, told a news conference that “920 people were killed and 610 were injured” in the earthquake that hit several provinces of AfghanistanClick here to read…

Iran Shares Afghanistan’s Grief Over the Deadly Earthquake and is Prepared to Aid the Victims: The Khaama Press

The Iranian media also reported that Mohammad Hassan Nami, the head of Iran’s Crisis Management Organization, stated that the Iranian agency was completely prepared to aid earthquake victims in Afghanistan. Khatibzada conveyed his sincere condolences to his Afghan people and hoped for the victims’ departed souls to find eternal peace while also wishing for the well-being of those who had been wounded. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

ADB okays $41.4 m grant for Rohingyas- The Daily Star

The Asian Development Bank yesterday approved a $41.4 million grant to help improve infrastructure and manage the basic needs of Rohingyas sheltered in Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Fear of flood looms over Dhaka’s low-lying areas- The Daily Star

“For the last one week, the water has been rising here. It’s increased by, like, two feet. We’re fearing that we may get flooded, at a time when the water in Sylhet is receding.” Click here to read…

Matarbari plant: Govt won’t implement phase-2- The Daily Star

The government has decided not to implement the second phase of the Matarbari coal-fired power plant, a cabinet member confirmed yesterday hours after Japan announced the cancellation of funding for the project. Click here to read…

Bangladesh seeking wheat from Russia, officials say- The Daily Star

Bangladesh is trying to secure wheat supplies from Russia in a government-to-government deal after its biggest supplier India restricted exports of the grain last month to contain local prices, government and trade officials told Reuters on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bourgeoning fiscal deficits a concern – Kuensel

Bhutan’s fiscal deficit has increased to more than Nu 22.88 billion or 11.25 percent of the GDP in the fiscal year 2022-23. Click here to read…

Govt. building foundations for the economic road map- Kuensel

The government is building foundations for the 21st century economic road map which is still a draft. Click here to read…

Bhutan has enough foreign currency reserve: PM – Kuensel

The government maintains that there is foreign currency reserve to last for more than one and a half years. Click here to read…

Editorial: Let’s give reform a chance- Kuensel

With details emerging from the Tourism Levy Bill, 2022, there are concerns, recommendations, and even pleas to stop, rethink, and postpone revising the sustainable development fee (SDF) of USD 200 per tourist per day. Click here to read…

Maldives

The Maldives are building a floating city to address rising sea levels and population: CBC

The Maldives is in the early stages of building an elaborately designed floating city in an effort to ensure future livable spaces, as sea levels continue to rise, and provide new affordable spaces for the densely populated island nationClick here to read…

Police make four additional arrests in Yoga Day violence, including Sheikh Nishan: The Sun

Maldives Police Service on Wednesday made four additional arrests in connection to the mob attack on the Yoga Day event at the national football stadium, including Al-Sheikh Adam Nishan bin Ali Adam. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Junta Searches Homes After Arakan Army Seizures – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar junta troops have been searching houses and detaining residents in Kyauktaw Township, Rakhine State, after the Arakan Army (AA) seized three police officers on Monday, according to residents. Click here to read…

Why Myanmar Military Should Repatriate Rohingyas From Bangladesh As Soon As Possible – Eurasia Review

Rohingyas organized demonstrations under the slogan “Let’s go home” just a day before World Refugee Day, with 19 demands, including their prompt and dignified repatriation to Myanmar and the involvement of international organizations in the repatriation. Click here to read…

Myanmar minister joins Southeast Asian defense meeting – AP News

Myanmar’s defense minister, under sanctions from the United States, Britain and other countries for abuses committed by his country’s military, was welcomed Wednesday to an annual meeting with his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Armed Resistance Groups Ready to go on Offensive: NUG – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s parallel National Unity Government (NUG) says its armed wing the People’s Defense Forces (PDF) have matured and are getting closer to the level of a professional army, over a year after they were first formed. Click here to read…

Pakistan

No choice other than IMF-dictated budget, NA told: Dawn

Accusing the previous Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) regime of bringing the country on the verge of bankruptcy, Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman on Wednesday said the present coalition government had no choice but to present the budget on the dictation and terms of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Click here to read…

Experts oppose expansion of gas, LNG infrastructure in Pakistan: The Express Tribune

International and local experts raised alarm on expansion of gas and LNG infrastructure in Pakistan in a webinar on Wednesday, saying it would pose threat to Paris Agreement goals and lead to a climate change crisis in the country. Click here to read…

$2.3b loan deal inked with China: The News

China has signed a $2.3 billion commercial loan deal with Pakistan to boost its sliding foreign exchange reserves, as the government waits for the rollover of three more maturing loans totalling $2 billion. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Lanka’s economy has collapsed, IMF only hope: Tribune India

Sri Lanka’s economy has “completely collapsed” and it is facing a far more serious situation beyond the mere shortages of fuel, gas, electricity and food, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe warned on Wednesday, underscoring the urgency of arriving at an early agreement with the IMF to obtain an additional credit facility. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka’s prime minister says economy has ‘completely collapsed’: The Guardian

Sri Lanka’s debt-laden economy has “collapsed” after months of shortages of food, fuel and electricity, the prime minister told lawmakers in comments that underscored the country’s dire situation as it seeks help from international lenders. Click here to read…

FM Sitharaman assures ‘fullest support’ to Sri Lanka, hopes for its economic recovery: ZEE News

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has assured Sri Lanka of her “fullest support” and cooperation for its recovery from the ongoing economic crisis. Sitharaman conveyed the assurance to Sri Lankan High Commissioner Milinda Moragoda when the envoy met her on Monday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

MoRR Calls on UNHCR to Address Problems of Refugees: Tolo News

The Ministry of Refugees and Repatriation (MoRR) called on the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to address the problems of Afghan refugees abroad. Talking to the gathering held to mark World Refugee Day, the acting Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, Khalil Rahman Haqqani, expressed concerns over the mistreatment of Afghan refugees abroad. Click here to read…

Kabul, Tashkent to Conduct Survey of Trans-Afghan Railway Project: Tolo News

Afghanistan and Uzbekistan are set to conduct a survey of the trans-Afghan railway project, the Afghanistan Railway Authority (ARA) said. The head of the ARA, Bakht Rahman Sharafat, said that the Islamic Emirate is committed to ensuring the security of the trans-Afghan projectClick here to read…

Afghanistan and Iran Strike an Agreement Over Helmand River Water-Sharing: The Khaama Press

According to an official from the Ministry of Energy and Water, Afghanistan and Iran have resolved their water-sharing disagreement and struck an agreement on the Helmand water pact. The Ministry of Energy and Water said that the water of the Helmand River will be shared with Iran this year, in accordance with the Helmand Water Treaty signed between the two countries in 1973. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Govt responded immediately to tackle flood: PM tells EU ambassador- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday (June 21, 2022) said the government took immediate measures to cope with the flood situation. Click here to read…

Rain stopped, sufferings did not- The Daily Star

Even though the torrential rain took a break in the port city, the sufferings of residents did not. Many low-lying areas in the city are still under knee-deep water. Click here to read…

Hasina likely to visit India in early Sept- The Daily Star

Bangladesh and India are in discussion to finalise a date in early September for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to New Delhi, says Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen. Click here to read…

“Country ready for take-off, policymakers must ensure a secure launching pad”- The Daily Star

As Bangladesh enters the new phase of its development, it must deal with the twin challenges of sustaining economic growth and managing the changes that comes with it, said CRI Trustee and Bangabandhu’s grandson Radwan Mujib Siddiq. Click here to read…

France, Germany express concern over scrapping of NGO Odhikar’s registration- The Daily Star

France and Germany have expressed deep concern over the scrapping of non-government organisation (NGO) Odhikar’s registration by the Government of Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Bhutan

His Majesty returns from tour of southern dzongkhags- Kuensel

His Majesty The King arrived in Thimphu yesterday, following a Royal tour of the Southern dzongkhags. During the tour, His Majesty visited Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Tsirang, Sarpang, Phuentsholing and Samtse. Click here to read…

Tourism Levy Bill proposes USD 200 a day in SDF- Kuensel

Tourists visiting Bhutan shall be liable to pay a sustainable development fund (SDF) of USD 200 per night. Click here to read…

Bhutan and Nepal to sign bilateral trade agreement- Kuensel

The governments of Bhutan and Nepal are expected to sign a formal bilateral trade agreement in three months to promote and strengthen trade and commerce. Click here to read…

Loan repayment period for education loan could be extended: Finance Minister- BBS

The Finance Minister said there is a possibility of extending the loan repayment period for students who took education loans from the financial institutions. The minister said this in the National Council. Presently, the students have to repay the loans within ten years. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Sellouts and false prophets: Cinema in the Myanmar revolution – Frontier Myanmar

Prior to February 1, 2021, decades of military rule had already ravaged Myanmar’s film industry; since the coup, the wounds have only accrued. When the National League for Democracy government ordered cinemas across the country to close in March 2020 due to the pandemic – a decision that plunged the entire film industry into stasis – they had been promoting the gun-wielding gangster flick Original Gangster 3 as their next feature. Click here to read…

Cambodian Defence Minister, Myanmar Defence Minister holds bilateral talks – Khmertimeskh

The meeting was held on the night of June 21 at Sokha Hotel in Phnom Penh after the Minister of Defence of Myanmar led a delegation of the Ministry of Defence of the Union of Myanmar to Cambodia to attend the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting. Click here to read…

A daily walk to school, from Myanmar to India – Hindustan Times

That bridge, that sign, the gate, and the river are significant milestones. Because they are the international border between India and Myanmar, that Manguii and her mother cross it every day — to go to school. Click here to read…

Parallel government in Myanmar creates own digital currency – Laprensalatina

The self-proclaimed legitimate government of Myanmar, made up of politicians and pro-democracy activists after the military coup of 2021, announced Tuesday the creation of its own digital currency, available through its own mobile payment system. Click here to read…

Arakan Army making retaliatory detentions of junta soldiers: AA spokesman – BNI Online

The AA spokesman, however, refused to provide details about how many and where the AA members were detained. Following the AA’s detention of a junta soldier in Ponnagyun Township on June 16, the Myanmar military detained at least five residents in the town on suspicion of having ties to the ethnic armed group. Click here to read…

Myanmar junta peace talks seek to keep ethnic armed groups at bay – BNI Online

The Myanmar junta calls them “peace talks” but the aim appears to be to keep potential enemies at bay. When the State Administration Council (SAC) recently announced peace talks, offering an olive branch to the Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAO), junta leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing said the talks are for the benefit of Myanmar’s people “to enjoy the essence of peace and development”. Click here to read…

Nepal

Flight disruption averted, talks on- Himalayan Times

A late night meeting between the domestic airline operators and the aviation sector regulator held today ended inconclusively, but the earlier announced flight disruption from tomorrow has been withdrawn. Click here to read…

NC seeks voting rights for migrant Nepalis- Himalayan Times

Nepali Congress general secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma today met Chief Election Commissioner Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya and urged him to ensure voting rights for Nepalis staying abroad. Click here to read…

Journalist Rabi Lamichhane announces new political party- Himalayan Times

Former TV anchor Rabi Lamichhane has announced a new political party: the National Independent Party, ending his career as journalist, and begun his new journey as politician from today. Click here to read…

Ad-hoc decisions put Nepal’s aviation—and tourism—in disarray- Kathmandu Post

The civil aviation body is not the only one wreaking havoc on the industry, the tourism minister has done his share of the damage too, insiders say. Click here to read…

Congress leaders call for letting Nepalis away vote. Poll body says not feasible- Kathmandu Post

Despite Supreme Court order in 2018, no initiatives taken for out-of-country voting. Debate on the issue when polls near seems to be more for public consumption. Click here to read…

Sublimation of the subaltern- Kathmandu Post

Chasing the chimaera of emancipation through political ideologies is exhausting and meaningless. Click here to read…

‘Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train’ arriving in Janakpur on Thursday- Republica

The ‘Bharat Gaurav Tourist Train’ carrying Indian tourists on board is arriving in Janakpurdham on June 23.
https://myrepublica.nagariknetwork.com/news/bharat-gaurav-tourist-train-arriving-in-janakpur-on-thursday/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Pakistan

‘Lifeline’ IMF deal secured: Dawn

In a breakthrough, Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Tuesday night reached an understanding on the federal budget for 2022-23, leading to revival of the extended fund facility (EFF) after authorities committed to generate Rs436 billion more taxes and increase petroleum levy gradually up to Rs50 per litre. Click here to read…

EU mission in Islamabad to decide on GSP+ status: The Express Tribune

The European Union’s Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP +) monitoring mission has reached Pakistan to review the country’s compliance with its requirements in order to ensure extension of the GSP+ status. Click here to read…

Rupee continues free fall as USD hits Rs212: The Express Tribune

The rupee has crossed the threshold of 212 for the first time despite Finance Minister Miftah Ismail’s assurance on Monday that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme would resume “in a day or two”.Click here to read…

Important progress made over budget 2022-23: IMF: The News

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday confirmed that a breakthrough has been achieved in talks with Pakistan for the revival of the $6 billion loan facility stalled since months due to policy breaches by the previous government. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

2 killed, 28 wounded in Nangarhar explosion- Pajhwok News

Two civilians were killed and 28 others wounded as a result of an explosion in the Shinwari district of eastern Nangarhar province. Click here to read…

MoRR Calls on UNHCR to Address Problems of Refugees- Tolo News

Talking to the gathering held to mark World Refugee Day, the acting Minister of Refugees and Repatriation, Khalil Rahman Haqqani, expressed concerns over the mistreatment of Afghan refugees abroad. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Says Situation of Afghans in Iran has Improved- Tolo News

The situation of Afghan refugees has become better since negotiations were conducted between the Islamic Emirate and Iranian officials, the Foreign ministry announced. Click here to read…

Senior Delegation from Uzbekistan Visits Afghanistan- Tolo News

A senior delegation of Uzbekistan, led by the country’s National Security Advisor Abdul Aziz Kamilov, visited Afghanistan and met with several leaders of the Islamic Emirate. Click here to read…

Durand Line Fencing Has Divided Families: Residents- Tolo News

The residents living along the Durand Line in Naari district in Kunar province said that the fencing erected by the Pakistani military has separated the relatives living on either side of the line. Click here to read…

U.S. to Decide Whether Extend Taliban Travel Ban- Khaama Press

Former US President Donald Trump lifted travel sanctions on the Islamic Emirate’s leaders for a temporary period of time, which will end on Monday, to facilitate peace negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban. Click here to read…

Employees at an Airport in Southern Afghanistan Resign Due to Non-Payment of Their Salaries- Khaama Press

Due to non-payment of salary and remuneration, the staff at the Ahmad Shah Baba International Airport in southern Afghanistan’s Kandahar province have resigned. Click here to read…

Explosion in Eastern Afghanistan Kills Two and Injures At Least Twenty-Eight People Khaama Press

A huge explosion in Nangarhar province, the east of Afghanistan, killed two people and wounded at least 28 others present at the explosion site, according to the local sources. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Universal pension: Govt Okays draft act- The Daily Star

The cabinet yesterday gave the final approval to the draft of Universal Pension Management Act, 2022. Click here to read…

Padma Bridge: Envoys laud Sheikh Hasina- The Daily Star

Three foreign envoys in Dhaka have lauded Bangladesh for constructing the Padma Bridge. Click here to read…

Farmers forced to sell paddy at low price- The Daily Star

Bikas Mandol of Sikdermollic village in Pirojpur Sadar upazila cultivated Boro paddy on his one bigha land spending over Tk 20,000, which he took on credit from different people and NGOs. Click here to read…

PM Hasina’s mango diplomacy: Now Mamata gets 1 tonne Amrapali after Modi, Kovind- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has sent seasonal fruit mango as gift to India’s West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Tourism Levy Bill to re-promote Bhutan as a destination for exclusive tourism- BBS

The Finance Minister introduced the Tourism Levy Bill in the National Assembly today. The Bill aims to re-promote Bhutan as a destination for exclusive tourism. Click here to read…

Tourism Levy Bill proposes USD 200 a day in SDF- Kuensel

Tourists visiting Bhutan shall be liable to pay a sustainable development fund (SDF) of USD 200 per night. Click here to read…

His Majesty returns from tour of southern dzongkhags- Kuensel

His Majesty The King arrived in Thimphu yesterday, following a Royal tour of the Southern dzongkhags. During the tour, His Majesty visited Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Tsirang, Sarpang, Phuentsholing and Samtse. Click here to read…

National CSI Bank Board Director detained for issuing 5 mn loan to son- The Bhutanese

The Board Director of the National Cottage and Small Industries Development Bank Limited (NCSIDBL) Tshewang Tashi, who is the Deputy Chief Planning Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF) was detained last week by the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC). Click here to read…

Her Majesty The Queen inaugurates the Pema Center Secretariat for Mental Health- The Bhutanese

On the Royal Command of Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen, the Pema Center Secretariat, an agency to spearhead our national response for mental health, has been established. Click here to read…

Airlines hit hardest by Nepal’s fuel hike- Nepali Times

Nepal Oil Corporation’s announcement on Sunday of an across the board increase in fuel prices is expected to have a knock-on effect on inflation, aviation and tourism and on prospects of an economic rebound post-pandemic. Click here to read…

Maldives

A floating city in the Maldives begins to take shape: CNN

Acity is rising from the waters of the Indian Ocean. In a turquoise lagoon, just 10 minutes by boat from Male, the Maldivian capital, a floating city, big enough to house 20,000 people, is being constructed. Click here to read…

Permit to hold ‘Yoga Day’ event at Rasfannu cancelled, National Stadium chosen as new location: The Sun

Male’ City Council, on Monday, has cancelled the permit issued to hold ‘Yoga Day’ event at Rasfannu; an event being hosted by Youth Ministry in collaboration with Indian Cultural Centre. Click here to read…

Nepal

Unified Socialist Politburo and Central Committee meeting in Kathmandu- Republica

The meeting of the Politburo and Central Committee of the CPN (Unified Socialist) is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu on June 24 and 25. Click here to read…

Government decides to stay away from SPP- Kathmandu Post

Confusion remains though whether Nepal is indeed part of the US scheme and how it can get out of it. Click here to read…

Inflation-ridden Nepalis hit by record hike in petroleum prices- Kathmandu Post

Rising inflation has played havoc with household budgets causing anguish to the provider of the family, experts say. Click here to read…

Petrol, diesel per litre near Rs 200 as Oil Corporation hikes fuel prices heavily- Himalayan Post

Nepal Oil Corporation has heavily revised the price of fuels, leading to an all-time record high cost of petrol, diesel and kerosene in the country. Click here to read…

Nepal for early seat sharing talks- Himalayan Post

CPN (Unified Socialist) Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal today said the current coalition would remain intact till the upcoming provincial and parliamentary elections and the alliance partners would try to keep the alliance intact even after the polls. Click here to read…

Myanmar

What Message Did Myanmar Military Get From Massive Rohingya Rally? – Eurasia Review

International media attention has returned to Rohingya refugee repatriation to Myanmar from Bangladesh this week following a news. On Sunday (June 19 2022), tens of thousands of Rohingya refugees protested in Bangladesh, demanding their repatriation to Myanmar, where they fled a deadly military crackdown five years ago. Click here to read…

Digital contention in post-coup Myanmar – New Mandala

In the digital manifestation of coup-related contention in Myanmar, the military both projects an image of itself as championing “true democracy” and reframes resistance activities as destructive for political stability. Click here to read…

Hell Hounds Are Loose in Myanmar; Who Can Stop Them? – The Irrawaddy

The debate over what to call the Myanmar military—while it might seem of secondary importance—is in fact timely and appropriate, as every day brings reports of fresh brutality and atrocities committed by the regime against its own noncombatant civilians. Click here to read…

Local leader of Myanmar military’s proxy party shot dead in southern Shan State – Myanmar Now

The vice chair of a local branch of the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) was shot and killed in southern Shan State’s Pindaya Township on Saturday, local sources reported. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Australia provides emergency food assistance to crisis-hit Sri Lanka: Business Standard

Australia will provide a 22 million Australian dollar for emergency food assistance to economic crisis hit Sri Lanka, a release said. Click here to read…

Sri Lankan Cabinet passes 21st Amendment aimed at cutting President’s power: Business Standard

Sri Lankan cabinet on Monday passed the 21st Amendment to the Constitution aimed at empowering Parliament over the executive presidentClick here to read…

Adani Group to further expand footprint in Sri Lanka: Tribune India

The Adani Group plans to further expand its operations in Sri Lanka through Adani Green Energy Limited (AGEL) which bagged a 500 MW wind and solar plant project. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Miftah tries to reassure country as clock ticks on IMF deal: Dawn

Finance Minister Miftah Ismail on Monday sounded confident about reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in a day or so for the revival of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and vowed to provide income tax relief to those with up to Rs1.2 million annual earnings. Click here to read…

Talks with TTP yet to conclude as Parliamentary NSC to discuss progress: The Express Tribune

Talks between Pakistan and the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) have not yet been concluded as contrary to reports the two sides have yet to find a common ground on key issues. Click here to read…

Refineries’ shutdown imminent as LC crisis deepens: The News

Refineries once again shook up the government to resolve their lingering trade credit issues as in the absence of crude oil imports the industry was facing a shutdown next month, resulting in an acute shortage of petroleum products, The News learnt on Monday. Click here to read…

Punjab, Sindh, KP: ECP seeks army’s help in by-polls, LG elections: The News

In a major development, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Monday wrote to Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa for complete assistance in the form of security in the conduct of by-elections and local government polls in Punjab and Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

UK Not Supporting Violent Actors Against Kabul: Shorter: Tolo News

The UK does not support anyone, including Afghan nationals, seeking to achieve political change through violence, or any activity inciting violence for political purposes in Afghanistan, the Chargé d’Affaires at the UK Mission to Afghanistan in Doha, Hugo Shorter said. Click here to read…

Kabul Wants Good Relations with Neighbors, World: Stanekzai: Tolo News

Abbas Stanekzai, the political deputy of the Foreign Minisitry, stated that Kabul wants good relations with its neighbors as well as the world, at a gathering titled “The Future of Afghanistan’s Relations with Neighboring Countries” which was organized by the Afghanistan International Strategic Studies Center (AISSC). Click here to read…

“Afghan Invest” Company Inaugurates with a $250M Capital in Kabul: The Khaama Press

According to the state-run Bakhtar News Agency’s report, the newly inaugurated company is established with an investment of $250 million.The company presently has 13 investors from various regions of Afghanistan, but the number of the investors, according to the sources, is expected to grow to 50. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Rohingya return: Talks get nowhere- The Daily Star

Nearly five years into the largest Rohingya influx, the process of repatriation remains confined only to talks with the international funding declining for the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals. Click here to read…

Bangladesh, India for strengthening cooperation in water management, cyber, food security- The Daily Star

Bangladesh and India yesterday (June 19, 2022) agreed to work closely together to further strengthen cooperation in the areas of common rivers and water resources management and pledged to expand collaboration in cyber security, IT and food security. Click here to read…

‘Let’s go home; let’s go to Myanmar’- The Daily Star

Thousands of Rohingyas yesterday held a rally in Ukhia of Cox’s Bazar — to tell the world that they want to go back to their homeland Myanmar, marking World Refugee Day. Click here to read…

Dhaka may get flooded too- The Daily Star

In the context of Sylhet and Sunamganj’s flood situation, Local Government and Rural Development and Co-operatives (LGRD) Minister Md Tazul Islam yesterday said even the capital, especially its low-lying areas, could inundate rapidly due to heavy rainfall and water from upstream. Click here to read…

All set for grand opening- The Daily Star

No truck or covered van would be allowed to operate on highways connected to the Padma Bridge — from the morning of June 24 to that of June 26 — to facilitate the inauguration of the Bridge on June 25. Click here to read…

Flood damaged Aush paddy of 22,000 hectares cropland so far- The Daily Star

About 22,000 hectares cropland of Aush paddy have been damaged so far due to recent flood situation in the country, Agriculture Minister Abdur Razzaque said yesterday. Click here to read…

Jatiya Party opposes use of EVMs in national election- The Daily Star

Main opposition in the parliament Jatiya Party today said that they do not want national election using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Click here to read…

Bhutan

Walk the Talk: Reduce salt, beat NCDs- BBS

The Bhutan Youth Development Fund in collaboration with the Health Ministry and the World Health Organization observed the Walk the Talk event for the first time today. It is to create awareness on the importance of physical activity and dietary habits with a focus on reducing salt consumption. Click here to read…

Sweeping cuts of Parliament budget impacts committee duties- Kuensel

With reduced budget allocation, the National Assembly (NA) secretariat had to seek financial support from external donors to facilitate committee meetings, public consultation and review. Click here to read…

ACC detains three immigration officials in P’ling for alleged embezzlement- Kuensel

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) is currently investigating an alleged case of embezzlement at the Phuentsholing immigration office. Click here to read…

Maldives

SOEs are instrumental in implementing govt. policies: The Sun

Vice President Faisal Naseem said on Sunday that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) were instrumental in implementing the government’s policies and alleviating the difficulties facing atolls. Click here to read…

Covid fatalities reach 300 in Maldives: Edition Mv

Health Protection Agency (HPA) said a 66 year old Maldivian man being treated for Covid in Orange Facility in Hulhumale’ passed away today. The most recent Covid death prior to this was on May 26. A 71 year old Maldivian man had passed away in Addu. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Insurgents from India add fuel to fire in Myanmar’s restive north – Asia Nikkei

Violence is spiraling in northern Myanmar, as ethnic Chin rebels fight not only the country’s military regime but also armed insurgent groups from India. Click here to read…

Situation critical in Myanmar with mounting resistance to military junta – TBS News

Situation has gone critical behind the Bamboo Curtain in Myanmar with anti-military junta forces intensifying their operations across the country and sentiments against China running high for exploiting mineral reserves and supporting the military dictatorship. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s Military Targeting Children – Persecution.org

In the intervening year and a half, the Buddhist nationalist junta has disproportionately targeted religious minorities, including Christians, in order to suppress the opposing people’s defense forces. According to a recently released UN report, the military junta has also brutally attacked and killed hundreds of childrenClick here to read…

Myanmar junta arrests 10 civilians following AA arrest of soldier in Rakhine – Mizzima

In what appears to be a tit-for-tat action, the Myanmar junta military arrested 10 civilians in Ponnagyun Township in Rakhine State on 16 June. The action happened after the Arakan Army (AA) arrested a Military Council soldier at a construction materials store near Sanpya Ward in Ponnagyun Township at around 3 p.m. Click here to read…

Post junta soldier’s arrest civilians detained by the military – Narinjara

Dozens of civilians were reportedly detained by the military personnel after the Arakan Army (AA) arrested one junta soldier on 16 June in Ponna Kyun, a few miles north of Sittwe, the capital city of Rakhine State. Till Saturday morning, more than 30 local people were picked up near Aye Zedi pagoda and the sports school, said an eyewitness. Click here to read…

Nepal

Govt to evaluate economic development of local levels- Himalayan Times

The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has issued the ‘Local Economic Development Evaluation Procedure, 2022’ to assist the local governments in promoting local economic development through evaluation of overall aspects in their respective areas. Click here to read…

Deuba skips House committee meeting. Lawmakers decide to summon him again- Kathmandu Post

Nepal’s prime ministers often ignore such calls, just as questions remain about parliamentary panels also. Click here to read…

Visiting US general urges Nepal to join State Partnership Program, promises aid- Kathmandu Post

Prime Minister Deuba and Nepal Army chief Sharma want political consensus before Nepal joins the program, a component of the Indo-Pacific Strategy, officials say. Click here to read…

Holidays at whim: That’s the way for local governments- Kathmandu Post

Local units often come up with own ways of declaring holidays, at times with reasons that defy logic. Click here to read…

Potential foreign investors put off by Nepal’s lax law enforcement- Kathmandu Post

FDI pledges in IT sector plunged 409 percent year-on-year in the first 11 months of the current fiscal year ended mid-June. Click here to read…

New provision makes it mandatory for 34 aircrafts to night-stop park outside Kathmandu- Republica

The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has unveiled a mandatory provision for the night-stop parking to 34 aircrafts including 14 helicopters outside Kathmandu Valley citing lack of sufficient space at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Click here to read…

National Assembly members for common stand on SPP- Republica
National Assembly members have stressed that both the ruling and opposition parties must have a common stand on the US’ State Partnership Program (SPP). Click here to read…

What goes on in Nepal’s elections- Nepali Times

A poll observer in Kaski in both 2017 and 2022 compares the May local polls to previous one. Click here to read…

Pakistan

No-deal-yet-with-imf-for-revival-of-loan-programme: Dawn

Pakistan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have not yet been able to reach close to a staff-level agreement for revival of the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), leaving authorities in a tight spot to bridge the gap and get the updated federal budget for the fiscal year 2022-23 passed by the National Assembly. Click here to read…

PTI stages nationwide protests against inflation: The Express Tribune

Large screens were installed at major protest venues for Imran Khan’s virtual address with local party leaders galvanising rallies with speeches and slogans against the “imported government”.Click here to read…

PAKISTAN PAYS A RUSSIAN PRICE: The Express Tribune

Banning Russian energy is directly proportional to increasing LNG demand in the EU and US. Meaning no cheaper LNG for Pakistan; an idea which Pakistan worked on to get cheap energy. It is pertinent to mention here that Pakistan spends roughly $100 million for a single LNG cargo from the spot market, a record for the cash-strapped country. But, what’s a spot market? Let’s discuss about spot market later in the piece. Click here to read…

Hold polls or face anarchy, Imran addresses from home: The News

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Chairman Imran Khan warned that any bid to rig elections would push the country towards anarchy as PTI activists and supporters took to the streets on Sunday night in almost all the major cities of the country against the runaway inflation, on the call of the party chairman. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Envoys of US & UN urge Sri Lanka’s security forces to understand people’s frustration: Times Now News

The appeal from the two envoys came a day after a clash between people and army personnel in a queue for fuel in Vishvamadu, Mullaitivu. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka troops open fire as protest over fuel turns to riot: Aljazeera

Sri Lanka’s military opened fire to contain rioting at a fuel station as unprecedented queues for petrol and diesel were seen across the bankrupt country, officials said. Click here to read…

Where does China, US aid-talk leave India?: First Post

Colombo-based envoys of China and the US, Qi Zhenhong and Julie Chung, met recently. At their meeting, the two ambassadors discussed common approaches to an economic recovery plan for the host nation. Click here to read…

Is Sri Lanka Seeking Russia’s Help Amid Oil Shortage?: NDTV

Sri Lanka has reached out to several companies suggested by Russia’s embassy in Colombo to buy crude oil, Energy Minister Kanchana Wijesekera said on Sunday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Estimated Afghan Job Loss 700,000 to 900,000: SIGAR: Tolo News

The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said that the total job losses since the Taliban takeover is projected to reach between 700,000 and 900,000 by mid-2022. Click here to read…

Taliban: No Police Has the Right to Stand at a Police Checkpoint Wearing Civilian Attire: The Khaama Press

The Taliban’s chief of police in Kabul, Wali Jan Hamza, said the process of distributing uniforms to the group forces had begun and that once the it was completed, no one in plain, local and civilian clothes would be allowed to check the people. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Govt took profits of Petroleum Corporation, left it in lurch- The Daily Star

Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation made huge profits for seven years through import of petroleum at low prices but the government took that money, leaving the BPC ill-equipped to cope with the current international market volatility. Click here to read…

Major challenges ahead: speakers- The Daily Star

As the world order is changing with the global powers being more polarised, Bangladesh will be facing more challenges in maintaining balance and securing its national interests in the coming days. Click here to read…

Country gets its first female finance secy- The Daily Star

The government yesterday appointed Fatima Yasmin as the secretary to the Finance Division under the finance ministry. Click here to read…

Prophet remarks: Police block march to Indian High Commission- The Daily Star

Police blocked the march heading towards the Indian High Commission in Dhaka at Shantinagar intersection around 12:20pm today. Click here to read…

“Yunus got highest opportunities from AL govt but betrayed Bangladesh”- The Daily Star

Lambasting Dr Muhammad Yunus, PM Sheikh Hasina once again said the World Bank’s funding to the Padma multipurpose bridge project was stopped due to a person who got the highest opportunities from the Awami League government but betrayed the people of Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan needs big investment in right sector- Business Bhutan

With the economy at a crossroads, big investment in the right economic sector is the only way forward for the government to revive the economy of the country, according to an economist, Dr. Damber S. KharkaClick here to read…

Customers complain about increasing prices of commodities in Phuentsholing- Business Bhutan

The wholesale price of one carton of Koka noodles was Nu 675 in the past and now it costs Nu 775. The retail price for one carton of Koka is Nu 820 in Phuentsholing. Click here to read…

Fiscal year 2021-22 budget revised to Nu 84B- Kuensel

The finance minister has presented a supplementary budget of more than Nu 3.866 billion (B) for fiscal year 2021-22 in Parliament. Click here to read…

His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo awarded the prestigious Blue Planet Prize- Kuensel

The Asahi Glass Foundation has recognised His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo as one of the two recipients of the Blue Planet Prize, the international environmental award for this year. Click here to read…

Maldives

President decides to establish Maldives Health Services: Edition Mv

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided to establish Maldives Health Services to strengthen primary health care system in the nation. Click here to read…

Nepal

Deuba avoids House that awaited response on some pressing issues- Kathmandu Post

Amid calls for answers from him on defence budget and SPP, prime minister plays truant. Click here to read…

On SPP, no party looks clean— all lying, playing to the gallery- Kathmandu Post

A Nepal Army letter shows Nepal applied for the State Partnership Program in October 2015. While the national defence force finds itself in the dock, politicians are equally answerable. Click here to read…

Nepali importers using southern route due to fickle Chinese transit policy- Kathmandu Post

Traders say they are tired of the frequently changing Chinese transit rules and promises which have caused them massive losses. Click here to read…

Fuel prices increase in new list sent by IOC- Republica

The price of fuel has increased in the latest revised price list sent by the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the sole supplier of fuel to the Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC). Click here to read…

Seven South African women held with 51 kgs of narcotics worth over Rs 1 billion- Republica

Nepal Police on Thursday made public seven South African women in Kathmandu who were nabbed along with 51 kilograms of heroin worth more than Rs 1 billion. Click here to read…

Ruling, opposition parties disown SPP- Himalayan Post

The United States’ State Partnership Programme has become a political hot potato, with the ruling and the opposition parties eager to wash their hands off it. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Prison Department spokesperson denies execution rumours- Myanmar Now

The official said that no execution order had been issued for the hanging of veteran activist Ko Jimmy or former MP Phyo Zayar Thaw. Click here to read…

Elderly villagers killed in junta raids in Magway’s Pakokku Township- Myanmar Now

One of the victims was beaten to death, while the other, a paralysed woman in her seventies, died in her home after it was set on fire. Click here to read…

Participants in Civil Disobedience Movement found murdered following junta raid in central Myanmar- Myanmar Now

Two resistance fighters, a nurse, headmaster and a teacher—who was pregnant—are captured together before being killed and burned by the military in Magway’s Yesagyo Township. Click here to read…

Ultranationalist monk calls for pro-resistance villages to be ‘erased’- Myanmar Now

U Warthawa, a monk who has played a leading role in recruiting members to junta-backed militias in Sagaing Region, also accused PDF groups of carrying out arson attacks.

(Editorial) Once Again, Military Rule Sparks a Brain Drain in Myanmar- The Irrawaddy

Since the coup, Myanmar has witnessed a mass exodus. Myanmar citizens are once again fleeing the country, and this time entrepreneurs, businessmen, professionals, IT technicians and media personnel are among those who have left or are planning to do so. Click here to read…

(Books) No Place to Call Home in the Junta’s Myanmar- The Irrawaddy

Reading Jessica Mudditt’s new book Our Home in Myanmar: Four Years in Yangon challenges concentration, with its emotionally mendicant millennial obsessions. The plodding prose turned my thoughts to the meaning of home in Myanmar in the aftermath of the 2021 coup and the military regime’s campaign of destroying individual homes, villages, communities and seemingly an entire country. Click here to read…

Union Construction Minister receives Indian Ambassador- GNLM

U Shwe Lay, Union Minister for Construction, received Mr Vinay Kumar, Ambassador of the Republic of India to Myanmar, at the Ministry of Construction in Nay Pyi Taw yesterday. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s foreign trade soars to $5.5 bln over past two months- The Global

MYANMAR’s external trade between 1 April and 3 June of the 2022-2023 Financial Year tremendously rose to US$5.5 billion, reflecting a sharp increase of $546 million as against the year-ago period, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Oil prices add fuel to raging fire of discontent- Dawn

Amid widespread criticism from friends and foes over the government’s decision to increase oil prices for the third time in as many weeks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday defended the move. Click here to read…

SBP forex reserves hit lowest since November 2019- The News

The State Bank of Pakistan’s (SBP) foreign exchange reserves have dropped by $241 million or 2.6 percent to $9.0 billion as of June 10, central bank data showed on Thursday, hitting their lowest level since November 2019 on the back of lack of external financing amid stalled IMF programme, high payments for oil imports, and pressure on foreign debt. Click here to read…

Pakistan seeks US help to revive IMF deal- The Express Tribune

Pakistan has sought the United States support for the revival of the International Monetary Fund programme, as the global lender has yet to agree to a staff level pact despite the government having taken many difficult steps. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

U.S. to give $6 million in emergency aid to crisis-hit Sri Lanka: CGNT

The United States on Thursday announced that it will provide $6 million in emergency assistance to Sri Lanka to address the needs of the marginalized and vulnerable communities impacted by the country’s economic crisis. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka Left With Fuel Stocks For Around Five Days: NDTV

Chronic fuel shortages have worsened this week with kilometres-long lines at some gas stations countrywide, leading to sporadic protests as vehicle owners wait, sometimes overnight, for petrol and diesel. Click here to read…

WFP ramps up emergency support, beginning with pregnant mothers in need: UN News

The World Food Programme (WFP) on Thursday began distributing food vouchers to pregnant women in underserved districts of the Sri Lankan capital, Colombo, marking the start of the UN agency’s emergency response in the country, which is facing its gravest political and economic crisis since independence. Click here to read…

Protest held in Sri Lankan capital against proposed wind mill project by Adani Group: Indian Express

The protestors in Colombo held placards questioning the lack of transparency in the awarding of the project to the Adani Group while shouting slogans against the Indian business conglomerateClick here to read…

Afghanistan

Islamic Scholars in Badghis Call to Reopen Girls’ Schools: Tolo News

Islamic scholars at a gathering in the western province of Badghis urged the Islamic Emirate to reopen schools for female students in grades 6-12Click here to read…

The World Bank Announces a Critical $150 Million Lifeline for Afghanistan’s Rural Families: The Khaama Press

The World Bank has provided $150 million in aid to Afghan farmers to help them improve their agricultural products, according to the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). According to the FAO, this is the first tranche of World Bank assistance, with the second installment, totaling $45 million, expected to be released within the following 24 months. Click here to read…

UN: Millions of Children Under the Taliban Rule Have Been Deprived of Education: The Khaama Press

The UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner, Kelly Clements, traveled to Afghanistan and stated during a visit to a school in Herat province that the majority of the children without the right to education were girls. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

EVM not working at many places: Sakku- The Daily Star

Monirul Haque Sakku, former mayor and independent candidate of Cumilla City Corporation polls, claimed that EVM machines are not working at many places. Click here to read…

Govt taking steps to close dodgy news portals- The Daily Star

Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud yesterday told parliament that a letter was sent to the Department of Posts and Telecommunications to block the links and cancel the domain registrations of 179 online news portals that spread confusion among people. Click here to read…

Scale up Rohingya repatriation efforts- The Daily Star

Bangladesh has urged the UN to scale up its programme and create conducive conditions in the Rakhine State of Myanmar for Rohingya repatriation, arguing that the efforts on Bangladesh’s side alone will not bring about any lasting solution to the problem. Click here to read…

PM orders building a Padma Bridge museum- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday directed the authorities concerned to set up a museum at the Bhanga end of the Padma bridge to commemorate the country’s landmark achievement. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Govt. to discuss legal aid after NC completes Civil Liability Bill discussion- Kuensel

Five years after sending a resolution to the government on the need to provide legal aid services to indigent persons as mandated by the Constitution, the National Council (NC) members questioned the Prime Minister on the status of the service. Click here to read…

No fuel shortage: Economic affairs ministry- Kuensel

The country has fuel reserves to last for two weeks in the worst-case scenario. This is the message from the economic affairs ministry following a rumour of fuel shortage that forced many to the fuel stations. Click here to read…

(Editorial) Bhutan a bleak destination for foreign investors?- Bhutan Times

A study conducted on economic freedom by an American research and educational institution and think tank based in Washington DC, Heritage Foundation, has ranked Bhutan the 94th freest country with a economic freedom score of just 59.3 in the 2022 index. Click here to read…

Maldives

President Solih decides to establish ‘Maldives Health Services’: The Sun

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Tuesday, has decided to establish ‘Maldives Health Service’. The decision was taken by President Solih followi at the recommendation of his cabinet. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Resistance Rejects Junta Calls to Surrender – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s people’s defense forces (PDF) and other resistance fighters have rejected junta proposals to lay down arms and join them, saying they will never surrender to killers. In a June 11 announcement, the regime asked resistance fighters to surrender and return to civilian lives, saying they will be “welcomed” to rejoin society. Click here to read…

Rohingyas: Dhaka asks Nay Pyi Taw to expedite verification for early repatriation – Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh and Myanmar on Tuesday held “substantive discussions” on all issues related to the voluntary, safe, dignified and sustainable repatriation of the Rohingyas to their homeland. Click here to read…

UN envoy on Myanmar urged to work towards early repatriation of Rohingyas – Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh has called upon the Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General to Myanmar to work towards an early implementation of the bilateral return arrangements for the RohingyasClick here to read…

Over 100 Junta Soldiers Defect to Arakan Army in Western Myanmar – The Irrawaddy

Over 100 soldiers including officers have defected from the Myanmar military to the Arakan Army (AA) since last year’s coup, said AA spokesperson Khaing Thukha on Tuesday during a press conference held by the Rakhine State-based ethnic armed organization. Click here to read…

NUG Acting President Calls for People to put an end to Junta’s Planned Election – The Irrawaddy

Acting president of Myanmar’s National Unity Government (NUG) Duwa Lashi La called on Tuesday for people to prepare to put an end to the fraudulent election planned by the junta for next year, which the country’s democratic forces see as an attempt to prolong military rule. Click here to read…

50th Session of the Human Rights Council Oral update on Myanmar – OHCHR

Since my last update to this Council in February this year, the human rights situation in Myanmar has continued to rapidly decline. Still suffering from the devastating consequences of the February 2021 military coup, the people of Myanmar remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and displacement, human rights violations and abuses. Click here to read…

Nepal

UML stalls House proceedings over ‘budget manipulation’- Himalayan Times

Main opposition CPN-UML today obstructed proceedings of the House of Representatives over alleged manipulation in the new fiscal budget, a day before the budget was presented in the Lower House. Click here to read…

(Opinion) FY 79/80 budget: From the perspective of energy balance- Himalayan Times

Due to the discrepancy in electricity production in the dry and wet season, turbines are not going to operate in their optimum condition – in the dry season, because of inadequate discharge, and in the wet season, because of excess energy. Operating turbines in part load conditions and frequent start-up and shut down might also reduce their life-span. Click here to read…

Khadka defends Uzra Zeya’s visit- Himalayan Times

Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka today defended the recent visit by Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights and US Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues Uzra Zeya to a Tibetan refugee camp. Click here to read…

Arrangements made to provide budget in 171 local units for sports development- Himalayan Times

Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Devendra Paudel, has said an arrangement has been made to provide budget to 171 units in the coming fiscal year for the construction of sports infrastructures. Click here to read…

A US programme triggers new debate on the heels of MCC pact’s passage- Kathmandu Post

American embassy calls a purported SPP draft circulating online as ‘fake’, as questions arise if Nepal is falling into a geopolitical quagmire amid rising global tensions. Click here to read…

Poll body eyeing general, provincial elections in November in one phase- Kathmandu Post

Officials say they are set to meet the prime minister within a week with their plans. Click here to read…

Nepal’s foreign debt liability swells as rupee plunges to an all-time low against dollar- Kathmandu Post

Rupee’s fall due to steady depreciation of Indian rupee to which it is pegged, insiders say. Click here to read…

Maternal mortality rate still high in Banke- The Republica

Despite the government spending billions of rupees on maternal safety programs, the maternal mortality rate has not decreased in Banke. According to the District Public Health Office, 14 women lost their lives in the first six months of the current fiscal year 2021/22 while 35 people each had died in the last fiscal year 2020/21 and 2019/20. Click here to read…

After protests, Deuba clarifies he won’t sign the US-proposed State Partnership Program- Online Khabar

As the draft agreement for the US-proposed State Partnership Program got criticised by several political parties and the public, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has clarified he will not sign the deal during his visit to Washington, DC, to be held next month. Click here to read…

Nepali reaps peace dividend 17 years after war- Nepali Times

How a former teacher is far ahead of Nepal’s politicians in turning wild cannabis into a cash crop. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan, IMF agree ‘social protection’ is top budgetary priority: Dawn

On Friday, Pakistan unveiled a $47 billion budget for 2022-23, which includes several fiscal consolidation measures that Islamabad hopes will convince the IMF to resume the much-needed bailout payments to the country. Click here to read…

Defence budget shrinking in GDP terms: DG ISPR: The Express Tribune

The chief military spokesperson has sought to quash the perception that the defence budget has been hiked for the next fiscal year, saying that defence allocations have actually been reduced if inflation and rupee depreciation are factored in. Click here to read…

President Biden for building strong basis for moving Pak-US ties forward: The News
US President Joe Biden, in a brief conversation with Pakistan’s Ambassador Sardar Masood Khan, expressed his desire to build a strong basis for moving ties between the two countries forward. According to a statement issued by Pakistan’s Embassy in Washington, Ambassador Masood Khan visited the White House to meet and greet the US president on MoClick here to read…

Punjab political crisis shows no signs of abating: The News

The crisis in the Punjab Assembly deepened on Tuesday after the government failed to present the annual budget 2022-23 even on the second day due to the deadlock with PA Speaker Chaudhry Pervaiz Elahi. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka gives government workers extra day off a week: BBC

Sri Lanka is giving government officials an extra day off a week to encourage them to grow food, amid fears of a food shortage. The country has around one million public sector employees. Click here to read…

Adani Enterprises wind power project caught in Lankan political crossfire: Business Standard

The controversy over the Adani investment in the neighbouring nation stems from domestic power politics in which a bureaucrat has become collateral damage. Click here to read…

New Indian Credit Line to Help Buy Fuel for Another 4 Months: NDTV

Sri Lanka Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesighe on Tuesday said that a new Credit Line provided by India will support the cash-strapped island nation’s fuel purchase for another four months from July even as an LPG shipment of 3,500 MT reached Sri Lanka. Click here to read…