Tag Archives: Nepal

China: Daily Scan, March 8, 2022

Chinese president appoints new ambassadors: Xinhuanet
March 7, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping has appointed three new ambassadors in accordance with a decision by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, according to a statement from China’s top legislature on Monday. Lu Kang was appointed ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, replacing Xiao Qian. He Rulong was appointed ambassador to the Republic of Iceland, replacing Jin Zhijian. Xiao Qian was appointed ambassador to the Commonwealth of Australia, replacing Cheng Jingye. Click here to read…

Xi stresses running military in accordance with law: Xinhuanet
March 7, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday stressed running the military in accordance with the law and enhancing the rule of law in national defense and military building. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People’s Liberation Army and People’s Armed Police Force, at the fifth session of the 13th National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature. Click here to read…

China to formulate energy law: Xinhuanet
March 8, 2022

China will formulate a law on energy, according to a work report submitted Tuesday to the country’s national legislature for review. The work report of the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee was submitted to the ongoing fifth session of the 13th NPC. Click here to read…

China to make laws on tariffs: Xinhuanet
March 8, 2022

China will formulate laws on tariffs and other taxes in 2022, according to a work report submitted Tuesday to the country’s national legislature for review. The move aims at improving the “legal system supporting the development of the socialist market economy,” said the work report of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. Click here to read…

Law on Countering Foreign Sanctions highlighted in China’s national legislature’s work report: Xinhuanet
March 8, 2022

The Law on Countering Foreign Sanctions, adopted in 2021, aims to improve the legal system for opposing foreign sanctions, interference, and long-arm jurisdiction, according to a work report submitted Tuesday to China’s national legislature for deliberation. Click here to read…

Over 2 mln lawmakers elected by 1 billion voters in China: Xinhuanet
March 8, 2022

More than 2 million deputies to new people’s congresses at the county and township levels have been directly elected by more than 1 billion voters in China, top legislator Li Zhanshu said Tuesday. Click here to read…

China imposes strict punishment on corruption-related crimes: Xinhuanet
March 8, 2022

China has imposed strict punishment on corruption-related crimes in accordance with laws, according to a work report of the country’s top court made public Tuesday. Chinese courts concluded 23,000 cases related to corruption, bribery and dereliction of duty in 2021, involving 27,000 people, according to the report of the Supreme People’s Court (SPC) submitted to the ongoing session of the national legislature for deliberation. Click here to read…

China-Central Asia relations enjoy bright prospect of vibrant growth, says FM: Xinhuanet
March 7, 2022

China’s relations with five Central Asian countries, which are now at a golden age of 30, enjoy a bright prospect of vibrant growth, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Monday. Click here to read…

China, India should be partners rather than adversaries, says FM: Xinhuanet
March 7, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday expressed the hope that China and India will be partners for mutual success instead of adversaries of mutual attrition. “We must make sure that our relationship moves forward on the right track,” Wang said. Click here to read…

China unveils guidelines for standards on ‘internet of vehicles’: Xinhuanet
March 7, 2022

China has unveiled guidelines for setting the standards related to the internet of vehicles, as part of efforts to protect internet and data security of the industry. By the end of 2023, a system of network security and data security standards for the sector should be initially established, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology said. Click here to read…

China resolute to share market opportunities with rest of world: Quishi
March 7, 2022

Foreign direct investment (FDI) into the Chinese mainland, in actual use, expanded 11.6 percent year on year to 102.28 billion yuan ($16.12 billion) in January, according to statistics recently released by the country’s Ministry of Commerce. It herald another “bumper year” for China’s FDI inflow after the country’s actual use of FDI exceeded one trillion yuan for the first time and achieved the first double-digit growth in recent decade in 2021. Click here to read…

Xi stresses ensuring key agricultural products supply, building stronger social security network: China Military
March 7, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday stressed putting the improvement of comprehensive agricultural production capacity at a more prominent position, and continuing efforts on promoting the high-quality development of social security. Click here to read…

China strengthens public interest litigation to protect minors: China Daily
March 8, 2022

China has strengthened its public interest litigation to protect the lawful rights and interests of minors, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) said on Monday.

Prosecutors across the country opened 6,633 public interest cases concerning the protection of underage people in 2021, SPP prosecutor Na Yanfang said at a press conference. Click here to read…

New cargo line connects Qinghai, Nepal: China Daily

March 8, 2022

The second service of a new train and truck freight route that links Haidong in Qinghai province, Shigatse in the Tibet autonomous region, and Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, will leave Haidong soon, according to China Railway Qinghai-Tibet Group. With a length of about 2,800 kilometers, the new corridor uses trains to ship goods from Haidong to Shigatse. Trucks are then used to ship them to the land ports of Gyirong and Zhangmu in Tibet and on to Kathmandu. Click here to read…

Xi attends meeting of military delegation at annual legislative session: Global Times

March 7, 2022

President Xi Jinping on Monday afternoon attended a plenary meeting of the delegation of the People’s Liberation Army and People’s Armed Police Force, at the fifth session of the 13th National People’s Congress, China’s top legislature. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the meeting. Click here to read…

China to provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine, lays out six initiatives on Ukraine crisis: Global Times

March 7, 2022

The Red Cross Society of China will provide a batch of emergency humanitarian supplies to Ukraine as soon as possible, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said at a virtual press conference on Monday on the sidelines of the fifth session of the 13th National People’s Congress in Beijing. Click here to read…

Vice Premier urges authorities at all levels to crack down on women trafficking: Global Times
March 7, 2022

Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan urged Party committees and governments at all levels to continuously enhance Chinese women’s sense of security by strictly cracking down on women trafficking. Sun made the remarks during the online forum held on Monday by the All-China Women’s Federation. Click here to read…

Flexible employment gains increasing popularity among younger generation in China: People’s Daily
March 8, 2022

As a result of the rapid development of new business models and changes in job seekers’ ideas about employment in China, many young people are choosing to engage in flexible employment over traditional roles, with some 200 million Chinese now flexibly employed across the country, said Xiang Dong, Deputy Director of State Council Research Office at a press conference about the government work report on March 5. Click here to read…

China’s Gen Z consumers demonstrate highly personalized online shopping habits: People’s Daily
March 7, 2022

As a generation of Internet natives, China’s Gen Z, a typical consumer group consisting of youngsters born during the period between 1995 and 2009, has come to demonstrate a number of personalized online shopping habits in recent years. Click here to read…

Xi says China will improve use of law in military engagement with foreign countries – state media: Reuters
March 7, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping told the military to step up the use of law in military engagement with foreign countries, state television CCTV reported on Monday. “Improve the laws and regulations governing military engagement with foreign countries,” said Xi, who is also China’s Commander-in-Chief as Chairman of the Central Military Commission, in a meeting with military representatives in the parliament. Click here to read…

China says ‘double standard’ to conflate Taiwan, Ukraine issues: Reuters
March 7, 2022

It is a “naked double standard” to seek to conflate the issues of Taiwan and Ukraine as the island has always been part of China and is entirely a domestic matter, China’s foreign minister said on Monday, drawing an angry riposte from Taipei. Click here to read…

China cuts 2022 GDP target to around 5.5% amid Ukraine crisis: Kyodo
March 5, 2022

China cut a gross domestic product growth target for 2022 to around 5.5 percent at the opening of an annual session of parliament on Saturday, amid mounting concern that Russia’s aggression against Ukraine will put serious downward pressure on the global economy. Click here to read…

Fake news driving wedge between Chinese and foreigners, top Beijing adviser says in call for ban: South China Morning Post
March 7, 2022

The rampant spread of fake information in China is fuelling hostility against foreigners and polarising public opinion, according to a top Chinese political adviser and former academic.
Such information had further intensified confrontation between China and other countries, said Jia Qingguo, former dean of the School of International Studies at Peking University, as he called for laws against their dissemination. Click here to read…

China can’t count on global markets for food security, Xi Jinping says: South China Morning Post
March 7, 2022

China’s president has underscored food security as a top priority, ordering greater self-reliance in food production to ensure the country’s development. Addressing national advisers in the agriculture, welfare and social security sectors on Sunday, Xi said there was no room for complacency in food security in the turbulent global climate and China could not rely on international markets. Click here to read…

China wants its people to work longer, but people over 35 cannot get hired: South China Morning Post
March 6, 2022

Published: 9:00am, 6 Mar, 2022

Janice Chen used to be a mid-level employee at a multinational company in Shanghai until she was laid off in the summer of 2020 due to an economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Searching for work for over a year, she could not find a job until a few months ago, at a much smaller domestic company. Click here to read…

China Daily Digest February 24, 2022

Senior CPC official meets Panchen Lama: Xinhuanet

Senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official You Quan met with the 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu in Beijing Wednesday. You, a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, extended Tibetan new year greetings to the Panchen Lama and all Tibetan Buddhism believers. Click here to read…

China launches digital working platform for lawmakers: Xinhuanet

February 24, 2022

A digital working platform designed to assist China’s lawmakers in better performing their duties was officially launched on Wednesday. The platform enables the full cycle of online processing of the proposals and suggestions put forward by deputies to the National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s top legislature, making available information on their receipt, handling and feedback. Click here to read…

National political advisors urged to conduct in-depth study of public issues: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

China’s top political advisor Wang Yang on Wednesday urged national political advisors to conduct in-depth study of issues concerning the fundamental interests of the country and the people, and to launch discussions and offer high-quality suggestions in that regard. Click here to read…

China urges all parties involved in Ukraine issue to exercise restraint: Xinhuanet

February 23, 2022

A Chinese envoy on Wednesday called on all parties involved in Ukraine issue to exercise restraint. “In the current context, all parties concerned should exercise restraint, and avoid taking any action that may aggravate tensions,” Zhang Jun, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations, told the plenary meeting of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly on Ukraine. Click here to read…

China urges Japan to strictly discipline its diplomatic personnel in China: Xinhuanet
February 23, 2022

China has lodged solemn representations with Japan over the conduct of a Japanese diplomat in China, a foreign ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday. Spokesperson Hua Chunying made the remarks in response to a query on China’s temporary detention of a Japanese diplomat in Beijing this week. Click here to read…

China boosts support for export credit insurance: Xinhuanet
February 23, 2022

China is moving to step up support for export credit insurance as part of its efforts to spur the stable growth of foreign trade. Regulators should guide enterprises to make full use of export credit insurance policy tools and give full play to the role of export credit insurance in risk protection, according to a circular jointly released by the Ministry of Commerce and the China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation. Click here to read…

Airbus delivers 142 commercial aircraft to China in 2021: Xinhuanet
February 23, 2022

Airbus delivered a total of 142 commercial aircraft to the Chinese market in 2021, Airbus China said Wednesday. China remained Airbus’ largest single-country market globally. Commercial aircraft deliveries in the country accounted for more than 23 percent of Airbus’ global deliveries in 2021, according to Airbus China. Click here to read…

China’s major shale gas field adds 19 new wells: Xinhuanet
February 24, 2022

The Fuling shale gas field in southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality has put 19 new wells into operation this year, increasing the daily gas output by 1.06 million cubic meters, said its developer Sinopec, China’s largest oil refiner. Click here to read…

Document promotes rights protection: China Daily
February 24, 2022

It is essential to provide more care and stronger protection for women and children in rural areas while promoting village vitalization, as their spiritual demands are as important as their material needs, legal professionals said. Click here to read…

Russian, Ukrainian, French, UK embassies turn to Chinese Twitter-like Weibo for statements on Ukraine situation: Global Times
February 22, 2022

With the sudden announcement of Russia recognizing “the Lugansk People’s Republic (LPR)” and “the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR)” as independent and sovereign states, the Ukraine Embassy to China released a statement concerning the issue in Chinese on Tuesday, bringing the issue to a top trending topic on China’s Twitter-like Sina Weibo. Click here to read…

How can US ‘gift’ to Nepal be delivered by ultimatum, asks Chinese FM: Global Times
February 23, 2022

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said China opposes “coercive diplomacy” and will support the Nepalese people to choose their own development path as always, during a press conference on Wednesday. Hua made the remarks responding to the controversy that the US urged Nepal to endorse the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) by February 28, a move that some experts believe will hurt Nepal’s national security and sovereignty if the pact is accepted. Click here to read…

China vows to keep property market stable, meet demand this year: Reuters
February 24, 2022

China’s housing minister pledged on Thursday to keep the real estate market stable this year and ensure genuine demand for homes is met, after a series of regulations aimed at reining in debt in the sector unsettled buyers and prompted a marked slowdown in the key property sector. Click here to read…

China calls for restraint in Ukraine, rejects the term ‘invasion’: Reuters
February 24, 2022

China reiterated on Thursday a call for all parties involved in the situation in Ukraine to exercise restraint and rejected a foreign journalist’s description of Russia’s actions as an invasion. Click here to read…

China temporarily detains Japanese diplomat while on duty: Kyodo
February 23, 2022

A Japanese diplomat in Beijing was detained temporarily earlier this week while on duty, with China arguing Wednesday that its action was justified because the official was engaging in inappropriate activity. Click here to read…

China’s yuan ‘trading like a safe haven currency’ as Ukraine crisis roils markets: Reuters
February 24, 2022

The yuan is standing out for its resilience as global markets reel from Russia’s attack on targets across Ukraine. While major stock markets tumbled, and currencies from the euro to the Korean won declined, the yuan is still hovering near a four-year high after Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an operation to demilitarise Ukraine. Click here to read…

Party officials sacked in Inner Mongolia as local Covid-19 outbreak continues: South China Morning Post
February 24, 2022

A number of Communist Party officials in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region have been sacked for failing to contain their local Covid-19 outbreak. The ongoing outbreak prompted the dismissal of Wang Zhiqiang as secretary of the party committee of the disease control and prevention centre in Hohhot. He Lingling and Wen Yan, respectively deputy heads of the Hohhot districts of Tumut Zuoqi and Saihan, were also removed from their posts.
The northern region accounted for nearly half of the 85 local symptomatic cases that were announced nationally on Thursday. The authorities also announced 24 local asymptomatic cases and 189 imported cases, of which 101 were symptomatic. Click here to read…

China seeks action to end rising Ukraine crisis as Putin gives order for military operation: South China Morning Post
February 24, 2022

China urged action to stop tensions escalating over Ukraine and has called for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing crisis as Russian President Vladimir Putin authorised a military operation in eastern Ukraine on Thursday. China’s envoy to the United Nations Zhang Jun did not mention Russia by name and he neither endorsed nor condemned Russia’s declaration of independence for Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions or Putin’s decision to send troops. Click here to read…

Ant Group NFT platform punishes 56 accounts for reselling digital collectibles, exercising caution: South China Morning Post
February 24, 2022

Fintech giant Ant Group’s non-fungible token (NFT) platform punished 56 accounts for participating in the resale of digital collectibles for profit, highlighting a fundamental difference between the blockchain-based products in mainland China compared with the rest of the world, where they have become speculative investment assets. The platform called Topnod, which was spun off from the digital wallet Alipay, said it firmly opposes the resale in any form of digital collectibles, the term often used instead of NFTs in China to dissociate them from cryptocurrencies, which Beijing has banned. Reselling these collectibles “often carries a risk of fraud and is prone to unhealthy speculation, which is contrary to the positioning of digital collectibles”, Topnod said in a statement on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, February 10, 2022

Former Supreme court official arrested for taking bribes: Xinhuanet
February 10, 2022

Meng Xiang, former chief of the enforcement bureau of the Supreme People’s Court, has been arrested on suspicion of taking bribes, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) said Thursday. The National Supervisory Commission has completed the investigation into his case and handed it over to prosecuting agencies, the SPP added. Click here to read…

China’s former banking regulatory official arrested for suspected bribery, power abuse: Xinhuanet

February 10, 2022

Cai Esheng, former vice chairman of the now defunct China Banking Regulatory Commission, was arrested on suspicion of bribery and abuse of power, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) said Thursday. Click here to read…

China rebukes U.S. for cobbling together cliques by drawing ideological line: Xinhuanet
February 10, 2022

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Wednesday said that the United States forces other countries to accept its democratic standards and cobbles together cliques by drawing the ideological line, which is sheer betrayal to democracy. According to reports, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is going to attend the fourth ministerial-level meeting of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) foreign ministers in Australia. At a press briefing via teleconference, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink said that part of that discussion will relate to the challenges that China poses to democratic values and the international order. Click here to read…

Military issues new set of rules for honor system: China Military
February 10, 2022

China overhauled its military honor system recently by issuing a set of rules. The Regulation on the Armed Forces’ Honor System sets three major categories of honor-one for service members’ exploits during wartime, another for their work during peacetime and the third for efforts during massive noncombat operations-and also establishes special honors for commanding officers. Click here to read…

China’s shipbuilding industry keeps global lead in 2021: People’s Daily

February 10, 2022

China’s shipbuilding industry continued to take the lead globally last year, with three major indicators in the sector – completion volume of ships, new shipbuilding orders and holding order volumes – all in leading positions worldwide. The country’s completion volume of ships rose by 3 percent year on year to 39.7 million deadweight tons (dwt) in 2021, data from the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI) showed. The 2021 shipbuilding output accounted for 47.2 percent of the world’s total, 4.1 percentage points higher than that in 2020. Click here to read…

BBC’s China-Nepal border dispute hype a ‘smear campaign’: Global Times
February 10, 2022

The BBC recently hyped the baseless claim of China encroaching on Nepal’s territory, which has been repeatedly denied by both countries, with observers saying the BBC’s report is part of a smear campaign against China amid applause for the Beijing Winter Olympics. Click here to read…

Regular appearances of improved J-11B fighter indicate massive upgrade program: analysts: Global Times
February 10, 2022

The upgraded version of China’s J-11B fighter jet, characterized by its white radar dome compared with the original version’s black one, has featured in several recent official reports, with analysts saying that this could be an indication that more original J-11Bs will be upgraded to the latest variant in the near future. Click here to read…

China and Russia accelerate energy cooperation with Eastern Gas Pipeline in full swing: Global Times
February 10, 2022

The underwater shield crossing project that passes through the Yangtze River of China-Russia Eastern Gas Pipeline is in full swing, which is the key project of the southern section of the China-Russia Eastern Gas Pipeline, with a total length of 10.226 kilometers, the longest tunnel under construction across the Yangtze River. Click here to read…

China revises draft rules on data security for business sectors: Reuters
February 10, 2022

China’s industry ministry published revisions to draft rules on Thursday dictating how companies and localities should manage data, bringing more specificity to the country’s evolving data governance regime. Click here to read…

China hopes U.S. will remove tariffs, end sanctions to create conditions for trade: Reuters
February 10, 2022

China hopes the United States will remove additional tariffs on Chinese goods and end its sanctions and crackdowns as soon as possible to create conditions for trade cooperation, the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday. Gao Feng, ministry spokesman, made the comments at a regular briefing. Click here to read…

China’s digital yuan not a backup amid a financial crisis, and there’s ‘no incentive’ to move money: South China Morning Post
February 10, 2022

China will not be pressured into raising the limit on the amount of money that can be held within its central bank digital currency even in the face of a financial crisis, according to the head of its e-CNY department within the central bank. Use of the yet-to-be launched digital yuan is currently limited to 11 cities plus inside venues used for the ongoing Winter Olympics as part of a pilot programme, which will soon also include Hong Kong. Click here to read…

Race to 6G: Chinese researchers declare data streaming record with whirling radio waves: South China Morning Post
February 10, 2022

Chinese researchers say they have achieved a record data streaming speed using a revolutionary technology that could help China take the lead in the global race for next-gen wireless communication, or 6G. Using vortex millimetre waves, a form of extremely high-frequency radio wave with rapidly changing spins, the researchers transmitted 1 terabyte of data over 1km (3,300 feet) in a second. Click here to read…

China resumes R&D push with record US$441b outlay in 2021: South China Morning Post
February 9, 2022

China spent a record 2.79 trillion yuan (US$441.3 billion) on research and development last year, an increase of more than 14 per cent over 2020 – when nationwide lockdowns to contain the coronavirus pandemic saw the country post its lowest GDP growth in decades. The R&D spending growth rate in 2021 was more than 40 per cent higher than in the previous year, China’s National Bureau of Statistics said in releasing the data. Click here to read…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: January 19, 2022

Afghanistan
Minister Orders Police to Stop Unauthorized Operations: Tolo News

Acting Minister of Interior Sirajuddin Haqqani ordered Kabul police districts to avoid launching unauthorized operations and to not detain suspects or search people’s houses without consulting the ministry. Click here to read…

Earthquake in western Afghanistan kills 28, destroyed 800 homes: The Khaama Press

Deputy Minister of Information and Culture and spokesman of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Zabiullah Mujahid said that two earthquakes in the western Badghis province on Monday, January 17 killed 28 people, wounded four, and destroyed 800 homes. Click here to read…

IEA asks Norway to take lead in recognition: The Khaama Press

Deputy of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in economic affairs Maulaee Kabir meets with the Norwegian ambassador to Kabul Andreas Linedman and expressed hope that Norway would take lead in recognizing the interim government in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
President Hamid to DCs: Don’t abuse power while discharging duties- Dhaka Tribune

The president reminded the DCs that getting services is the right of people, not an act of kindness or benevolence. Click here to read…

India’s Modi urges collective global effort to deal with cryptocurrencies- Dhaka Tribune

India has been mulling virtual currency-related regulations which were widely expected to be introduced in the winter session of the parliament in December before being shelved. Click here to read…

Govt turns down DCs’ plan to oversee development projects- Dhaka Tribune

Proposal to move Sub-Registrar’s Office under Land Ministry. Click here to read…

Exporters enjoying US sales bonanza- Daily Star

US consumers expected to purchase 30pc more garment, footwear in 2022: study. Click here to read…

(Opinion) Free our universities of suppression and violence- Daily Star

It is a matter of common sense that a university is supposed to create space and opportunities to generate knowledge, open up scopes for creative ideas and thinking, invite questions against the existing knowledge and system, and raise voices against injustice, discrimination and oppression. Click here to read…

Bhutan
Gelephu reports 15 new community cases- Kuensel

Gelephu reported 15 new Covid-19 cases from the community yesterday, taking the total count of the active community cases to 20 in the past two days. Click here to read…

Primary contacts of the positive case in Mongar quarantined- Kuensel

All 16 primary contacts of the 38-year-old non-Bhutanese man, who had come from Wangdue and tested positive for Covid-19 at Gyalpoizhing, Mongar, were traced and quarantined yesterday. Click here to read…

Imports and exports in Samdrupjongkhar resume- Kuensel

Imports and exports in Samdrupjongkhar, which were suspended after one of the frontline workers at the border checkpost (BCP) tested Covid-19 positive yesterday morning, resumed at 3pm after sanitising the area. Click here to read…

MoEA minister discusses P I barrage, Sunkosh status, Vegetable exports, power export to Bangladesh, Third internet gateway in Delhi visit- Daily Bhutan

In the first ever in person meeting with Indian ministers in more than two years, the Minister of Economic Affairs Loknath Sharma went to Delhi on January 10 with a host of issues from difficulty in exporting vegetables to hydropower to the third internet gateway. Click here to read…

Opposition raise concerns over youth unemployment crisis- Bhutan Times

While the government has pledged to create more employment opportunities for youths, the Opposition Party in its meet-the-press on Friday raised a scathing criticism stating that the government failed to give priority to job creation. Click here to read…

Maldives
Maldives still one of the favourite destinations to travel for Indians – Deccan Herald

Post-Covid, tourism in 2021 saw a deluge of Indian travelers flocking to Maldives, and this upward trend has remained consistent with the start of this year as well. According to Dr. Abdulla Mausoom, Maldives’ Minister of Tourism, India has now replaced Russia as the top source market for Maldives, with the sheer number of Indian travelers surpassing that from all other countries. Click here to read…

Myanmar
Leaked memo shows Myanmar’s junta feels legally vulnerable – Arab News

An internal Myanmar army memo surfaced last week, instructing all members of the military to not answer or even accept any letter, summons or warrant from abroad, especially where it is clear they are from the International Criminal Court, the Argentinian federal court or any of the plaintiffs in either of these casesClick here to read…

Army denies operation inside Myanmar territory -The Hindu

In response to news story ‘Three killed in exchange of fire near International border’ published in The Hindu dated January 14, 2022, the Army on Monday denied that any such operation has taken place inside Myanmar territory. Click here to read…

Karen State: 2,190 Burma Army Soldiers Killed – KNU Claims Junta Now Resorting to Airstrikes as its Ground Troops Reluctant to Fight – BNI Online

A Karen National Union military tactical commander, in an interview with Karen News, said Burma Army soldiers were showing signs of not wanting to fight. Colonel Saw Htoo K’Shaw, Tactical Commander of the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) Brigade 5 said the Burma Army had suffered heavy casualties in its clashes with Karen troops and this had caused its rank and file soldiers to withdraw from battle. Click here to read…

Aung San Suu Kyi Hit With 5 New Corruption Charges – The Diplomat

According to the Associated Press, these five additional charges are connected to the granting of permits involving “the hire, purchase, and maintenance of a helicopter.” Click here to read…

Nepal
Constitutional and legal contradictions surface amid local election talks- Kathmandu Post

Some parties in the ruling coalition appear to be in bid to exploit the loopholes to delay local level polls, which have been proposed by the poll body for April-May. Click here to read…

(COLUMNS) Redrawing the map: CK Lal- Kathmandu Post

Territorial issues between countries are as challenging to resolve as claims over land ownership between squabbling siblings. Click here to read…

Ruling Parties Agree On Local Elections In April- Rising Nepal
A meeting of the ruling political parties’ joint mechanism, the High Level Political Coordination Committee on Tuesday discussed holding local election. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Bilawal sees probability of opposition parties working together: Dawn

“If they (PDM) are ready to withdraw their stance on the issue of en mass resignations and consider my proposal of bringing a no-confidence motion, then certainly there is a possibility that we can work together,” said the PPP chairman while talking to reporters outside the Parliament House on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Editorial: Vicious cycle of politics: Dawn

While the PTI government is riven by internal discord, the opposition parties are too much in a state of disarray to present any serious threat to the current dispensation. But nothing is certain given the ever-shifting sands of Pakistani politics. If conspiracy theories are to be believed the game is on. Click here to read…

Pakistan to pay Dasu attack Chinese victims: The Express Tribune

A total of 10 Chinese national lost their lives and another 26 were hurt in a suicide attack on a bus that was carrying them to the work site of the Dasu Hydropower Project in July last year. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Tamil MPs seek PM Modi intervention on political solution: The Hindu

Prominent Tamil legislators from Sri Lanka’s north and east have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking India’s help in ensuring that Colombo addresses the island’s long-pending Tamil question with a lasting political solution. Click here to read…

India extends $500 million line of credit to help Sri Lanka purchase fuel: Money Control

India on Tuesday announced a $500 million credit line to help Sri Lanka purchase petroleum products as the island nation struggles with a massive fuel and energy crisis. Click here to read…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: January 18, 2022

Afghanistan
Pakistani NSA to Visit Kabul Tuesday: Tolo News

A high-level delegation of Pakistan, led by the country’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf, is due to visit Afghanistan on Tuesday, Pakistani media reported. Click here to read…

IEA assures transparent distribution of humanitarian aids: The Khaama Press

Officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan have reacted and denied that claims over humanitarian assistance are being squandered and not delivered to the people in need. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
Discard after use: Why Washington parted ways with RAB- Dhaka Tribune

Should the fact that sanctions against RAB came only months after de-prioritization of counterterrorism by the Biden administration be taken as a mere coincidence? Click here to read…

EC dialogues close with Awami League- Dhaka Tribune

President praised the ruling party for taking initiative on EC law. Click here to read…

Grading eateries loses appetite- Daily Star

Plans to bring the country’s restaurants and bakeries under a grading system according to their standards have seen little progress in three years. Click here to read…

AL places proposals, including enacting law, to President- Asian Age

Bangladesh Awami League, during the talks with President M Abdul Hamid on Monday placed some proposals, including enacting new law, strengthening the Election Commission (EC) and using EVM like technologies in the polls.Click here to read…

Bhutan
Bajo, Lobesa, Khuru towns cordoned off- Kuesel

To rule out any residual Covid-19 cases in the community, Bajo and Lobesa towns in Wangdue and Khuruthang town in Punakha and the areas surrounding them would be cordoned off and movement restricted. Click here to read…

Schools gear up to implement coding curriculum- Kuensel

‘Alien Attacks,’ a game developed by eight-grader Chencho Namgyel Ghalley, won the mini-coding contest held in Thimphu yesterday. Click here to read…

Opposition says govt’s. chili and egg import lift not sustainable- Bhutan Times

The opposition party is concerned with the government’s interim measure in allowing the import of chilies and eggs to overcome the shortage in the country as it will affect the food self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and sustainable growth rate of the country. Click here to read…

Booster dose for all eligible population to begin this month- BBS

The health ministry will roll out the COVID-19 booster dose for the eligible population on 24 of this month. The Health Minister said the country received 150,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine yesterday. The doses will be enough for approximately 300,000 people. The ministry will announce the booster rollout plan in the coming days. Click here to read…

Maldives
Over 500 new Covid-19 cases confirmed across Maldives capital in 24 hours – Raajje

According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), a total of 954 new Covid-19 cases and 1,958 additional recoveries were confirmed across the archipelago nation between 6pm Friday and 6pm Saturday. Click here to read…

With #IndiaOut, Maldives opposition expanding links to China – Sunday Guardian Live

Just about a year ago, on 28 August 2020, the Opposition coalition of Progressive Party of Maldives and People’s National Congress held a number of rallies across the nation to protest the so-called “selling off of Maldives” to India. Click here to read…

Myanmar
ASEAN to invite Myanmar’s non-political representative to meetings until ‘meaningful progress’ is made on five-point consensus: PM Lee – The Bharat Express News

Until there is “meaningful progress” in implementing the five-point consensus, ASEAN should stick to its decision made at the 38th and 39th ASEAN summits to invite an apolitical representative from Myanmar at ASEAN meetings, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on January 15. Click here to read…

More could be done to restore peace as invitation already extended for peace talks resumption: Snr Gen Min Aung Hlaing – Eleven Myanmar

Chairman of the State Administration Council and Prime Minister Senior General Min Aung Hlaing has expressed his belief that more could be done to restore internal peace as the invitation has been extended to peace talks for the resumption of new paces of peace.Click here to read…

Fight between military and rebels intensifies as hundreds of monks flee Myanmar: Report – WioNews

Intense fighting between the military junta and rebel groups have forced hundreds of monks to flee temples in eastern Myanmar as crackdown intensifies, according to media reports. The United Nations (UN) estimates that almost 90,000 people have fled, with local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) placing that figure far higher at 170,000. Click here to read…

Pay your power bill or pay with your life, Myanmar soldiers warn citizens – First Post

The schoolteacher had just gotten out of bed when four Myanmar army soldiers pounded on her door. Her electricity payment was overdue, they said, and ordered her to pay it immediately at the government power company office. Click here to read…

Philippines says ‘indispensable’ Suu Kyi must be involved in Myanmar peace process – Reuters

Deposed Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi is “indispensable” in restoring democracy to the military-ruled country and must be included in any peace talks, regardless of her conviction, the Philippines’ foreign minister said on Sunday. Click here to read…

Nepal
Nepal’s active Covid-19 caseload advances to 30,877 as 5747 more test positive- Himalaya

The national active Covid-19 caseload of Nepal climbed to 30,877 on Monday as 5,747 people tested positive for the infection in past 24 hours. Click here to read…

Province 2 named Madhes Pradesh, Janakpur capital- Himalaya

The long-standing debates on naming Province 2 and designating its capital have been eventually settled as the province has been named Madhesh, while Janakpur was chosen as its permanent capital. Click here to read…

Oxygen may not be an issue like last year, but experts stress preparedness- Kathmandu Post

Shortages of the life-saving gas during the second wave prompted hospitals to step up capacity. Doctors say there is a need to keep a close eye on the virus situation. Click here to read…

Kathmandu’s temple restoration after 1934 quake- Nepali Times

Monuments were rebuilt using Moghul style, and structural elements were interchanged. Click here to read…

Major U.S. airlines warn 5G could ground some planes, wreak havoc- Republica

The chief executives of major U.S. passenger and cargo carriers on Monday warned of an impending “catastrophic” aviation crisis in less than 36 hours, when AT&T (T.N) and Verizon (VZ.N) are set to deploy new 5G service. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Pakistan keen to work on gas project, PM Imran assures Putin: Dawn

PM Khan and President Putin spoke by phone about the progress in relations between the two countries, regional situation, Islamophobia and justification of blasphemy by some of the western countries as freedom of expression. Click here to read…

Editorial: The establishment pivot: Dawn

INFORMATION Minister Fawad Chaudhry has claimed that four senior members of the PML-N have met some important people and offered themselves as replacement for the Sharif family. The PML-N has rubbished this claim contemptuously. Click here to read…

Pakistan ‘successfully completes’ trial of Chinese herbal medicine to fight Covid:The Express Tribune

The Chinese medicine, Jinhua Qinggan Granules (JHQG) manufactured by Juxiechang (Beijing) pharmaceutical Co Ltd, is already being used in treatment of Covid-19 patients in China. Lanka invites Indian investments in infra, energy & manufacturing as Jaishankar & Basil Rajapaksa review status of loan request: Economic Times

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a virtual meeting with Finance Minister of Sri Lanka Basil Rajapaksa on Saturday. This interaction follows Rajapaksa’s visit to India last month. Click here to read…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: January 13, 2022

Afghanistan
Aid Must Be Coordinated With Islamic Emirate: Hanafi: Tolo News

The Second Deputy of the Prime Minister, Abdul Salam Hanafi, said that humanitarian aid must be distributed in coordination with the Islamic Emirate to the vulnerable people in Afghanistan.  Click here to read…

Resistance Front Proposed Transitional Govt to Islamic Emirate: Tolo News

A member of the negotiating team of the Resistance Front (RF) says they proposed the establishment of a transitional government in Afghanistan in their two-day meeting with officials of the Islamic Emirate hosted by Tehran.Click here to read…

US to send $308 million in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

The United States has announced that they will send to Afghanistan $308 million and one million doses of “Covax” vaccines as part of their humanitarian aids to the country.Click here to read…

Bangladesh
Jan 16 NCC polls: Voters fear chaos, CEC pledges fairness- Daily Star

With the Narayanganj city polls only two days away, voters fear there may be chaos on election day over taking control of polling centres by supporters of some ward councillor candidates.Click here to read…

Assign staff to help students cross roads- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said educational institutions up to higher secondary level must assign their own staff to make sure their students cross roads safely.Click here to read…

Momen: Rohingyas posing security risk for region- Dhaka Tribune

The foreign minister urges Vietnam, Asean to speed up Rohingya repatriation.Click here to read…

Looking back on the 1/11 era- Dhaka Tribune

The reputation of the caretaker regime may precede itself, but it still has a legacy to hold on to.Click here to read…

US-Bangla Airlines has signed a contract with Comilla Victorians in BPL- Asian Age

US-Bangla Airlines, one of the private airlines of the country, has signed a travel partnership agreement with Comilla Victorians for the eighth edition of Bangabandhu Bangladesh Premier League (BPL).Click here to read…

Bhutan
GDP growth to rebound to 5.1: World Bank- Kuensel

The Bhutanese economy is expected to grow by 5.1 percent in the financial year 2021-22, according to the World Bank’s “Global Economic Prospects” report, released on January 11.Click here to read…

The state of state owned enterprises- Kuensel

The country’s state-owned enterprises (SoEs) are not in a good state. At a meeting between the finance ministry that governs SoEs and the heads of SoEs, what came out was that there are more challenges than opportunities.Click here to read…

RSTA’s Iron Horses to Help Monitor Traffic- Bhutan Times

RSTA will procure 13 Royal Enfield 500ccs’ to monitor and meet the demand of ever-growing vehicle numbers and accidents.Click here to read…

Outstanding individuals, schools and clubs awarded for their contributions to grassroots football- Daily Bhutan

On December 22, 2021, the Bhutan Football Federation (BFF), a bronze member of the AFC Grassroots Charter, presented awards to unsung heroes who have contributed to the growth of the football scene in the kingdom.Click here to read…

Maldives
Covid-19: Maldives expects to receive syringe shipment within the week – Raajje

The decision to administer booster shots to frontliners and those at high-risk of complications from Covid-19 who have received both doses of Covid-19 vaccine, comes following recommendations from the Maldives Technical Advisory Group on Immunization and they are currently being administered in categories.Click here to read…

Myanmar
Myanmar Army becoming more and more oppressive on civilians – The North Lines

A Myanmar junta court in Naypyitaw found 76-year-old civilian leader and Nobel Peace laureate Aung San SuuKyi guilty on at least three charges and sentenced her to four more years in prison- two years for the possession of unlicensed walkie-talkies, and two years for breaching coronavirus curbs, according to legal sources. Click here to read…

As Myanmar’s Military Junta Starts Suffering Huge Losses, India Needs To Reset Ties With Pro-Democracy Forces – Swarajyamag

Myanmar’s military, which seized power on February 1 last year, is bleeding profusely from attacks by pro-democracy resistance forces and the country’s ethnic rebels.Click here to read…

Junta’s Coup Was Declaration of War Against the Myanmar People – The Irrawaddy

The Irrawaddy speaks to David Scott Mathieson, an independent researcher on conflict and peace in Myanmar, about the junta’s decision to stage its coup and how the Myanmar people are resisting the military’s takeover by both non-violent protest and armed resistance.Click here to read…

IDP camps in Chin State’s Paletwa town see food supplies dwindle – BNI Online

Camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) in Chin State’s Paletwa town have been running low on food for weeks, said managers of the camps. The World Food Programme (WFP) mainly provides food for the IDP camps and they have not received food since the second week of December 2021.Click here to read…

Nepal

Subedi couple released- Himalaya

Ram Kumar Subedi and his wife Madhavi, who were arrested by the Central Bureau of Investigation on the charge of preparing fake government documents in the Lalita Niwas land grab case, have been released after 21 days in judicial custody.Click here to read…

World Bank’s GDP growth projection for Nepal unchanged at 3.9pc for this fiscal- Himalaya

In its latest Global Economic Prospects report, the World Bank has forecast Nepal’s economy will grow 3.9 per cent in the current fiscal year ‘supported by better agricultural output and rebounding services activity on improving vaccine coverage’.Click here to read…

Nepal’s blossoming honey industry crushed by wild weather- Himalaya

In the 15 years Chitra Bhan Khatri has been keeping bees in west Nepal, he never had trouble providing food for his insects – until last year, when unseasonally heavy rain left his honeybees hungry.Click here to read…

Deuba’s six months in office: A poor show of governance- Kathmandu Post

There is not much for the government to boast about on any front, observers and analysts say.Click here to read…

(Opinion) Supporting Africa’s small farmers- Kathmandu Post

With climate volatility set to continue, farmers need support to adapt to the changes.Click here to read…

Tourism ministry writes to police and CIAA seeking action against Narayanhiti Palace Museum Chief- Republica

The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation at the direction of Tourism Minister Prem Bahadur Ale, has sent a circular seeking action against those involved in the Narayanhiti Palace Museum restaurant scandal. Click here to read…

Pakistan
PDM meeting on 25th to discuss no-confidence option: Dawn

This was announced by the Maulana while talking to reporters after his meeting with Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif who visited the PDM chief’s residence here on Wednesday.Click here to read…

Pakistan urges Spain to help prevent humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

Pakistan has urged Spain to play its role within the European Union (EU) to engage interim government of Afghanistan to avoid the impending humanitarian crisis.Click here to read…

Another IMF loan may be on the cards: The Express Tribune

The domestic economy is facing three major challenges — low export earnings, declining saving rate and the spike in global commodity prices.Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka seeks 1 billion dollar loan from India: The Financial Express

Sri Lanka is negotiating a USD one billion loan from India to import goods from the country, the governor of the Central Bank Ajith Nivard Cabraal said on Wednesday, amidst a shortage of almost all essential commodities.Click here to read…

Sri Lanka seeks new China loan: The Hindu

Sri Lanka ruled out an IMF bailout on Wednesday and said it plans to seek another loan from China to address an economic crisis that has led to food and fuel shortages.Click here to read…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: January 12, 2022

Afghanistan
Taliban says won’t allow any country to use Afghanistan military aircraft – Business Standard

Acting Defense Minister Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid on Tuesday at a ceremony in Kabul, during which the Air Force held an exercise, said the military aircraft that were taken abroad should be returned, according to Tolo News.Click here to read…

Afghanistan crisis: Taliban expands ‘food for work’ programme – BBC

The Taliban has said it is expanding its “food for work” programme, in which donated wheat is used to pay tens of thousands of public sector workers. It comes as the United Nations (UN) has appealed for $4.4bn (£3.2bn) in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan.Click here to read…

Bangladesh
Metro to be costlier than Padma bridge- Daily Star

The eagerly-awaited Dhaka metro rail project is set to witness huge cost escalation and time extension after a new drawback has shown up in the design: inconvenient entrance and exit points at the stations.Click here to read…

High-tech vessel shines hope on hilsa research- Daily Star

Researchers now have gotten an opportunity to promote hilsa production in the country, thanks to the introduction of a high-tech vessel by the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute.Click here to read…

Taka devalued again due to declining reserves, high import costs- Dhaka Tribune

Economists say although exports have picked up significantly in recent months, it has failed to offset the imbalance created in the forex market by the low remittance and high imports.Click here to read…

Bhutan
ACC receives 451 complaints from January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021- The Bhutanese

According to the Anti-Corruption Commission’s Annual Report 2020-2021, a total of 451 complaints were received over the 18-month reporting period, from 1 January 2020 to 30 June 2021.Click here to read…

Chili farmers feel threatened by imports- Kuensel

As the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests temporarily lifted the ban on chili import to “ensure availability, stabilise prices, and curb illegal import”, commercial chili farmers in Tsirang and Dagana are questioning the impact of such decisions on sustaining chili production in the country.Click here to read…

Samdrup Jongkhar town goes into lockdown- BBS

Samdrup Jongkhar town went into a three-day lockdown after two loaders and two frontliners tested positive for COVID-19 today. They were tested positive during the routine enhanced surveillance. Click here to read…

Maldives
With an Ex-President at the Helm, the Maldives’ ‘India Out’ Campaign Gains Steam – StartFor

Former Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s recent support for the “India Out” campaign could elevate the opposition movement’s profile, threatening Indian investment and influence in the strategic island nation. The India Out campaign is a loosely organized series of protests and propaganda objecting to India’s involvement in the Maldives.Click here to read…

V. Aarah case: two more hearings slated for January in Yameen’s money laundering trial – Raajje

Two more hearings have been scheduled for January in the money laundering trial of Abdulla Yameen, former president of Maldives over the leasing of Aarah island in Vaavu atoll to a foreign party for resort development.Click here to read…

Myanmar
2,300 Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Last Month: NUG – The Irrawaddy

An estimated 2,380 Myanmar junta soldiers were killed and around 600 wounded during the last month, according to the parallel National Unity Government. Between Dec. 7 and Jan. 6, 1,077 blasts and attacks targeting junta forces were reported across the country, except in Rakhine State.Click here to read…

UN urges Myanmar military to stop attacks on town – Business Live

Myanmar’s military must halt attacks on the town of Loikaw and lift a blockade on those trying to flee, a UN human rights investigator said on Monday, as a shaken resident described constant shelling and air strikes in the area.Click here to read…

KIA, MNDAA Fight Burma Army Same Day – BNI Online

In northern Shan State, fierce fighting broke out between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Burma Army (BA) in the Mongpaw area and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and regime soldiers in Muse District. A local told SHAN that the KIA fought against the BA in the mountains near Mongpaw on Wednesday morning, but could not say if there were any casualties.Click here to read…

Nepal
Gathering of 25-plus people in valley prohibited- Himalaya

Authorities concerned of the three districts in Kathmandu valley have put a restriction on gathering of more than 25 people in public places to curb the rising cases of COV- ID-19. The restriction will come into force from midnight today.Click here to read…

Two major Madhes-based parties in crisis- Kathmandu Post

Disputes deepen in Upendra Yadav’s Janata Samajbadi Party and Mahantha Thakur’s Loktantrik Samajbadi Party over key appointments.Click here to read…

Student organizations demand medical college administration officials be arrested- Republica

Seven different student organizations issued a public statement regarding “the fact that three medical colleges have charged higher fees than stated by the government.”Click here to read…

Pakistan
Pakistan’s economic condition better than India: Imran Khan – Money Control

On Tuesday, Khan said that Pakistan is in a better economic condition than many countries in the region, especially India, speaking at the inaugural session of the International Chambers Summit 2022 in Islamabad. Click here to read…

BSF Seizes Drugs Worth ₹100 Crores From India-Pakistan Border In Punjab’s Ferozepur – Republic World

Amid ongoing investigation on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s security breach incident where he was forced to skip the Ferozepur rally, the Border Security Forces (BSF) recovered 22 kilograms of heroin from the district in three separate incidents. Click here to read…

Pakistan refuses IMF’s proposal to renegotiate loan fearing new conditions – Business Standard

Pakistan Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin has said that he has refused to agree with the International Monetary Fund’s new proposal to the cash-strapped country to renegotiate its loan programme, fearing that the global lending agency might impose new conditions.Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will repay all debt due in 2022, gradually build reserves-cenbank gov – Market Screener

The Sri Lankan government will meet all debt repayments in 2022 and work on a more comprehensive plan to address the dwindling foreign exchange reserves, its central bank Governor Ajith Nivard Cabraal said on Wednesday.Click here to read…

Skyrocketing inflation! Sri Lanka may go bankrupt – English News Track

Sri Lanka is currently facing serious financial and humanitarian threats. Here, inflation has gone up to a record level and it is being said that this could lead to bankruptcy in the country. Earlier, on 30th August last year, after the sharp fall in Sri Lankan currency and the rise in food prices, the Government had declared a National Financial Emergency.Click here to read…

Is There Any Going Back From The China-Sri Lanka Ties Over ‘Development’ Projects? – Youth ki Awaaz

Sri Lanka is looking to levy concessions from China, whose interest in the island-country go quite far, from the development of ports to the expansion of trade and commerce. The superpower winking and wooing its Sri Lankan audience for its debt diplomacy is a ploy to checkmate the ascendancy of India in this region.Click here to read…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: January 11, 2022

Afghanistan
Muttaqi Meets Ismail Khan, Ahmad Massoud in Tehran: Tolo News

An Islamic Emirate delegation currently in Iran, led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, has met with Ahmad Massoud, leader of the Resistance Front, and Ismail Khan, the former governor of Herat province.Click here to read…

UN Official: Dialogue With Islamic Emirate ‘Important’: Tolo News

Filippo Grandi, the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees, told the Washington Post that it is important to maintain dialogue with the Islamic Emirate, saying that this will ensure that Afghanistan is “viable.” Click here to read…

Afghan ambassador to China steps down: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s ambassador to Peking Jawed Ahmad Qaim resigned from his post on Sunday, January 10, 2022. Click here to read…

Bangladesh Bank to weaken taka in phases- The Daily Star

The Bangladesh Bank is considering to follow the path of a gradual depreciation of the taka against the US dollar in order to protect the interests of exporters and remitters. Click here to read…

Covid curbs return from Thursday- Daily Star

The Covid curbs are back five months after relaxation as the government looks to stem the tide of Covid-19 cases that can potentially cripple the economy and overwhelm hospitals once again. Click here to read…

(Op-Ed) How smart energy tech can curb soaring energy prices- Dhaka Tribune

Energy tech is a key driver behind improving energy efficiency in grids and accelerating the decarbonization of the energy sector. Click here to read…

Manju’s Jatiya Party wants law to form next EC- Dhaka Tribune

‘EC must get proper cooperation from the executive bodies of the government for holding a free and fair election,’ he says. Click here to read…

Bhutan
Tala plant shut down increases electricity import- Kuensel

Electricity imports from India this winter will increase owing to the shutdown of 1,020MW Tala hydropower plant this year. Click here to read…

Chili farmers feel threatened by imports- Kuensel

As the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests temporarily lifted the ban on chili import to “ensure availability, stabilise prices, and curb illegal import”, commercial chili farmers in Tsirang and Dagana are questioning the impact of such decisions on sustaining chili production in the country. Click here to read…

Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom is one of the 15 shortlisted films for Oscars 2022 International Feature Film Category- Daily Bhutan

Premiered in London in 2019, the Bhutanese film, “Lunana: A Yak in the Classroom” was forced to withdraw from the 2020 Oscars due to technicality related to the formal nomination process. Click here to read…

Bhutan to import eggs from India next week- BBS

To resolve the egg shortage in the country, eggs will be imported from India. The Bhutan Livestock Development Corporation Limited (BLDCL) will import more than a million eggs next week. Click here to read…

Maldives
Five key agreements signed between Maldives, China – Raajje

As part of State Councilor and Minister of Foreign Affairs of China Wang Yi’s ongoing official visit to Maldives, the signing ceremony took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, where the Chinese foreign minister was joined by Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid. Click here to read…

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih Meets with Wang Yi – Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the PRC

On January 8, 2022 local time, Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih met in Malé with State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who was visiting the Maldives upon invitation.
On the same day, Wang Yi also held talks with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. Both sides witnessed the signing of bilateral cooperation documents and attended the launching ceremony of the official logo for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Maldives. Click here to read…

Myanmar
Junta Court Sentences Myanmar’s Aung San Suu Kyi to Another Four Years – The Irrawaddy

A special court set up by the Myanmar junta in Naypyitaw sentenced detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to an additional four years’ imprisonment on Monday in three cases against her, including alleged illegal possession of walkie-talkies and breaching COVID-19 restrictions. Click here to read…

Bound, gagged, shot: Myanmar’s military massacre women, children, charity workers as activists call for arms embargo against junta – SCMP

In 2021 there were a raft of reports about the Myanmar military regime’s mass killings, and the massacre in Hpruso, Kayah state, on Christmas Eve ranks as one of the deadliest attacks of the year. Click here to read…

Anger as Cambodia’s Hun Sen meets Myanmar military leader – The Hindu

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen’s visit to Myanmar seeking to revive peace efforts after last year’s military takeover has provoked an angry backlash among critics, who say he is legitimizing the army’s seizure of power. Click here to read…

Myanmar: 5 Killed In Military Helicopter Attack In Embattled Sagaing Region – Republic World

At least 5 people were killed on Thursday after the Myanmar military launched a helicopter attack near the embattled Sagaing region. The ambush took place in Gahe village, Indaw township in northwestern Myanmar, killing four siblings aged between 5 to 26 years. Click here to read…

Tun Mrat Naing attempts to erase Rohingya identity and history – Prothomalo

Prothom Alo’s interview with Tun Mrat Naing, the commander-in-chief of the Arakan Army which spearheads Buddhist Rakhine population’s openly pro-independence movement, comes across as strategically thought-through, determined and sensitive to the discourse of human rights. Click here to read…

Nepal
Prithvi Jayanti being observed today, President extends tribute- Nepal Live Today

The 300th birth anniversary of King Prithvi Narayan Shah is being celebrated across the country today by organizing a variety of programs. The event is celebrated every year on Poush 27 of the lunar calendar. Click here to read…

Communications minister Karki in home-isolation- Himalaya

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki is in home isolation after CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal and leader Narayan Kaji Shrestha contracted COVID-19. Click here to read…

Province 2 on high alert as COVID-19 cases surge- Himalaya

With COVID-19 infection taking its toll in neighbouring India, its impact has been seen in the districts of Province 2. Till the end of last month, the infection rate was stagnant here, but now the graph is going up. Click here to read…

Nepal, India firms sign first private power trade deal of the two nations- KTP

Nepali private sector flags concern over the new Electricity Bill, which has envisaged granting legal permission for energy trade, but is pending in Parliament. Click here to read…

Govt preparing to allow private sector to trade electricity: Minister Bhusal- Republica

Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Pampha Bhusal has said that the government is preparing to allow the private sector to trade electricity. Click here to read…

(Opinion) Why Nepalis should unite to commemorate King Prithvi Narayan Shah- Nepal Live Today

The primary motive for King Prithvi to launch the battle for Nepal’s unification was to save the country from the threat of annexation by the powerful British East India Company which was looking to subjugate Nepal. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Opposition narrative of civil-military rift ‘dead and buried’: PM Imran: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan has once again said that his government’s relationship with the military was ‘exceptional’ and the opposition’s narrative regarding a rift between the government and the military was ‘dead and buried’. Click here to read…

FM Qureshi discusses Afghan, Kashmir issues with Romanian PM: Dawn

Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday met Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciuca and discussed with him bilateral matters, the situation in Afghanistan and human rights violations in India-held Kashmir. Click here to read…

Most wanted TTP commander killed in Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

Muhammad Khurassani, the operational commander and the spokesperson for the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has been killed in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province, sources confirmed on Monday, who offered no further details. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
Prez scraps state ministry held by Susil: Daily Mirror

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has brought about changes in ministerial subjects in an extraordinary gazette notification. Click here to read…

A win for India in Sri Lanka: Deccan Herald
Decades of Indian diplomatic efforts have finally borne fruit with India

Signing three agreements with the Sri Lanka government on jointly developing the Trincomalee oil tank farm in eastern Sri Lanka. The oil tank farm will be managed by a 51-49% . Click here to read…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: December 29, 2021

Afghanistan
7,000 CCNPP Projects Remain Unfinished: MoF: Tolo News

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) said on Monday that at least 7,000 projects of the Citizens’ Charter National Priority Program (CCNPP) remained unfinished across Afghanistan. Click here to read…

No threat from Afghanistan’s borders to region: Taliban reacted to Putin’s concerns: The Khaama Press

A spokesperson of the Taliban Inamullah Samangani reacted to the recent concerns of Russia’s President Vladimir Putin and added that there is no threat from Afghanistan’s borders to regional countries. Click here to read…

Shi’ite people ask Taliban to formalize their sect: The Khaama Press

Shi’ite people in Afghanistan in a statement asked the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to formalize their sect and protect their citizenship rights in the framework of an inclusive government. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
Rethinking Bangladesh: A special issue- HIMAL: SOUTH ASIAN

Rethinking Bangladesh, which brings together over a dozen writers and artists, many of them based in Bangladesh, and all of them with expertise and informed insights on the country. Click here to read…

Two more omicron cases found- Asian Age

Bangladesh has identified two more cases of omicron, taking the tally of new variant infections to four. Click here to read…

‘Don’t lecture us about democracy while sheltering murderers’- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has hit back at the United States for criticizing democracy and human rights in Bangladesh while giving shelter to a killer of Father of Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Click here to read…

Awami League activist killed in post-polls violence in Pabna- Dhaka Tribune

n Awami League activist was killed in post-polls violence that broke out in the Nazirpur Hatpara area of Hemayetpur union in Pabna Sadar on Tuesday evening. Click here to read…

Banks’ call centres failing to live up to expectations- Daily Star

Al Hossain Chisty, a client of a private commercial bank, tried to talk to the bank’s call centre executives to get some explanation about statement related to his credit card. Click here to read…

Bhutan
Inconsistencies in court rulings over State land encroachment cases?- Kuensel

The Supreme Court, it was learnt, had summoned both the appellants and prosecutors in the Trongsa controversial land case days after the appellant’s daughter appeared in a video with an allegation of a miscarriage of judgment went viral. Click here to read…

Anam appointed Asia News Network’s next Chairman- Kuensel

Thailand: Respected Bangladeshi journalist Mahfuz Anam, who is the editor and publisher of Bangladesh’s largest selling English daily – The Daily Star – has been elected Asia News Network’s (ANN) next Chairman. Click here to read…

Finance Minister fires warning letter to landlords over rental income- Daily Bhutan
A notification signed by the finance minister Namgay Tshering notified all the ‘real’ property owners to declare the annual rental income correctly while filing the PIT returns for the Income Year 2021. Click here to read…

MoAF makes steady head ways in 2021- Bhutan Times

The year 2021 saw the Ministry of Agriculture and Forests (MoAF) assisting the sourcing excess of vegetables, fruits and livestock products from the dzongkhags to Thimphu during the lockdown. Click here to read…

Maldives
Economic growth is important to boost capacity-building efforts: VP Naseem – Raajje

Economic growth goes hand-in-hand with increasing capacity building efforts, particularly in the aviation industry, says Vice President Faisal Naseem. VP Naseem took the podium at the event to officially inaugurate the Maldivian Aviation Academy, held at the Maldives National University (MNU) on Tuesday. Click here to read…

VP Naseem inaugurates ‘Manta Wings’ programme – Raajje

Highlighting that Manta Air has achieved a lot over the years, VP Naseem stated that the it is important to develop human resources in the field, in a bid to cater to the growing demand at a time the global airline industry is growing. Click here to read…

Maldives meets tourist arrival target for 2021 – Raajje

The country’s target for the year was 1.3 million, which was met with the arrival of Romanian national Constantin Stelian Emil on Monday. Click here to read…

Myanmar
Myanmar’s military coup redux – East Asia Forum

For the fourth time since Myanmar’s independence in 1948, the Tatmadaw (military) has reasserted its control. Click here to read…

Save the Children confirms staff killed in Myanmar massacre – Aljazeera

Save the Children has confirmed that two of its staff were killed in a Christmas Eve massacre blamed on the military that left more than 30 people dead on a highway in eastern Myanmar. Click here to read…

Reporter killed in Myanmar military attack near Thai border – RSF

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) calls on the international community to toughen its sanctions on Myanmar’s military junta after a journalist who was covering the plight of refugees in the southeastern state of Kayin was killed during an army artillery attack near the border with Thailand on 25 December. Click here to read…

Ethnic Armies Condemn Myanmar Junta’s Kayah Massacre – The Irrawaddy

Three allied ethnic armed organizations in Myanmar have strongly condemned the military junta’s massacre of 35 civilians in Hpruso Township, Kayah State, last week, calling the international community to bring justice. Click here to read…

Nepal
Karki counters Dahal’s document- Himalayan

A day after CPN-Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal called for ensuring identity-based federalism in his political document that he presented in the party’s eighth general convention, another party leader, Ram Karki, presented a document countering Dahal. Click here to read…

Maoist delegates find Dahal’s document lacking in clarity

As discussions start on the chairman’s political paper, many say a concrete policy and time-bound programme is needed to transform the once-revolutionary party. Click here to read…

Nepal’s first electric vehicle charging station opens- TKP

The powerhouse in Lumbini generates 154 kilowatts of electricity, making it the largest solar charging station in Nepal, officials say. Click here to read…

Farmers dismayed by govt delay in fixing this year’s floor price of sugarcane- Republica

The government has failed to fix the minimum support price of sugarcane despite the harvesting season of the farm product reaching its end for this year. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Nawaz won’t return, he will be brought back: Fawad: Dawn

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday said the government would bring back self-exiled former prime minister Nawaz Sharif to the country as he would never return himself, insisting that the opposition was incapable of toppling the present setup led by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). Click here to read…

Tabling of mini-budget in parliament deferred: Dawn

The federal cabinet on Tuesday approved the first-ever National Security Policy (NSP) of the country but deferred approval of the supplementary finance bill [mini-budget] which was scheduled to be tabled in the National Assembly on Wednesday (today). Click here to read…

Summary to grant industry status to rice forwarded to ECC: The Express Tribune

The federal government has decided to grant industry status to rice processing mills to boost the commodity’s exports and solve other problems, sources said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
Lanka readies oil tank farm deal with India; Wang to visit Colombo after spat, may offer sweeteners: The Indian Express

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi will visit Sri Lanka next week in the midst of a crippling economic crisis that has seen Colombo turn to Delhi for help and fast pedal the long-delayed India-Sri Lanka plan for joint development of the Trincomalee oil tank farm. Click here to read…

Govt braces for food shortage: Daily Mirror

The government is bracing for a possible food shortage in the coming months by initiating plans to secure around US $ 100-150 million from the Central Bank a month to import essentials such as rice, sugar, chilli, dhal and wheat flour from the regional countries, a minister said. Click here to read…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: December 28, 2021

Afghanistan
Anas Haqqani Calls on ‘Unqualified Officials’ to Step Down: Tolo News

A top member of the Islamic Emirate, Anas Haqqani, called on “unqualified officials” to step down from their positions and allow professional individuals to fill their posts. Click here to read…

High Taxes on Mining in Afghanistan Deter Investors: Tolo News

The high rate of taxes on mine extraction has affected the mining process in Afghanistan, the investors said on Sunday, adding that they are not willing to invest in mines. Click here to read…

Iran interested to meditate talks between Afghan factions: Qomi: The Khaama Press

Iran’s president special representative to Afghanistan Hassan Kazzemi Qomi said that Tehran has good relations with all factions in Afghanistan and can mediate talks between them for stability and peace in the war-torn country. Click here to read…

Afghanistan Tajikistan inked power agreement: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s electricity body (Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat) on their official Facebook page announced that they signed an agreement of power with Tajikistan for 2022. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
$500b economy by next fiscal- Daily Star

As per the finance division’s projection, the size of the Bangladesh economy would be $510 billion in fiscal 2022-23 after growing at 10.7 percent. Click here to read…

Metro Rail employee killed in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Road accident- Daily Star

An employee of the Metro Rail project died after a bus ran him over at the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar yesterday. Click here to read…

Should we consider a bad cold as a Covid symptom?- Dhaka Tribune

Researchers, healthcare experts and physicians say catching a cold at this time may not be caused by minor allergies, which is very common in the winter. Click here to read…

‘Rising inflation hurts rural people’- Asian Age

The BBS report said the average inflation in rural areas rose to 6.20 per cent in November. At the same time, the average inflation in the city stood at 5.59 percent. Click here to read…

PM Hasina returns home- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina arrived in Dhaka on Monday afternoon wrapping up her maiden six-day bilateral visit to the Maldives. Click here to read…

Arms, ammo recovered from Habiganj Satchhari forest- Observer

The Counter-Terrorism and Transnational Crime Unit (CTTC) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police recovered 15 grenades, 25 boosters and 510 bullets of machineguns from Satchhari forest in Chunarughat upazila of Habiganj district on Monday. Click here to read…

Bhutan
His Majesty graces winter Parliament session- Kuensel

His Majesty The Druk Gyalpo graced the closing ceremony of the winter session of Parliament on December 25. Click here to read…

For a cleaner and beautiful Bhutan- Bhutan Times

With the inspiring words from His Majesty the King; “Tendrel for Environment,” a nationwide cleaning competition with the underlying message for a safe and healthy environment was launched. Click here to read…

A summary of Bhutan’s 114th National Day- Daily Bhutan

Every year Bhutan celebrates its most historically significant day – the National Day (Gyalyong Duechen) on 17th December. Click here to read…

Maldives
Active Covid-19 cases across Maldives rise to 2,032 – Raajje

According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), 132 new infections and 119 additional recoveries were reported between 6pm Saturday and 6pm Sunday. Click here to read…

EEEP will pave way to improve, deliver public services: president – Raajje

The Executive Enhancement and Enrichment Programme (EEEP) will greatly assist in the administration’s efforts to reform, improve and deliver public services, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Click here to read…

More parties in Maldives oppose ‘India Out’ campaign led by Abdulla Yameen – Hindustan Times

More political parties in the Maldives have opposed an “India Out” campaign led by former president Abdulla Yameen following his release from house arrest, saying the leader is recklessly inciting hatred among the people towards India. Click here to read…

Myanmar
Myanmar Navy commissions Type 35B Ming-class submarine – Naval Technology

Myanmar has announced the commissioning of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy’s (PLAN) former Type 35B Ming-class submarine. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Court Postpones Suu Kyi Verdict for Second Time – The Irrawaddy

A junta court in Naypyitaw has again postponed giving a verdict in the trial of detained State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on two charges of the possession and illegal importation of walkie-talkies. Click here to read…

United Nations Condemns Myanmar Junta’s Massacre of Civilians – The Irrawaddy

The United Nations has called for an investigation into a massacre of displaced civilians in Kayah State, eastern Myanmar, and condemned the incident. Click here to read…

Nepal
Opinion: Nepal Begins Hydropower Export to India- The Diplomat

The Himalayan country needs Chinese investment and the Indian market to tap the full potential of its hydropower sector. Can Nepal walk the fine line? Click here to read…

‘RTI a must for promoting good governance’- Himalaya

Minister of Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki has said the Right to Information is necessary for durable peace, good governance, and development in the country. Click here to read…

Dahal proposes three-front fight for identity-based federalism- Himalaya

CPN-Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal tabled his ideological and political report in the closed session of the party’s eighth general convention. Click here to read…

Dahal’s political document leaves delegates confused- TKP

Maoist leaders struggle to get a copy, and wonder what discussions they can hold with not much time to read it. Click here to read…

Civil Aviation Authority passes budget after half-year delay- TKP

The delay in the passage of the budget could set back infrastructure development, as funds that need to be spent on projects will be held up, officials at the authority said. Click here to read…

NC to conduct convention in 16 districts by Jan 11- Republica

The Nepali Congress has decided to hold the party conventions in the remaining 16 districts by January 11. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Security policy sees economy as pivotal to stability: Dawn

The National Security Committee (NSC) on Monday approved the National Security Policy that puts economic stability at the core of a comprehensive national security. Click here to read…

Finance ministry paints rosy economic picture: The Express Tribune

According to the average Monthly Economic Indicator (MEI) report issued by the finance ministry, there is demand for Pakistani exports by the trading partners despite the spread of Omicron – the new Covid-19 variant. Click here to read…

Pakistan’s biggest fight is against ‘retrogressive’ thinking: Fawad: The Express Tribune

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Monday said the biggest fight of the Pakistani state is against the “retrogressive thinking” that poses a danger to the country. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
Temporary Closure of Identified Sri Lanka Missions / Posts Overseas: News.ik

The Foreign Ministry, following careful consideration, has taken a decision to temporarily close three of its Missions / Posts overseas, i.e., the Sri Lanka High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria; the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Frankfurt, Germany; and the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Nicosia, Cyprus; with effect from 31 December 2021. Click here to read…

Better if ministers resign before criticising collective Cabinet decisions –President: The Island

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday said it would have been better if ministers Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila and Vasudeva Nanayakkara had resigned as ministers before challenging a collective Cabinet decision on the Yugadanavi power plast agreement. Click here to read…