Afghanistan

US Should Not Interfere in Afghan Affairs: Stanikzai: Tolo News

The deputy minister of foreign affairs for political affairs, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, at a gathering on Sunday said the United States should not interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs as it is an independent country and it is making decisions independently. Click here to read…

Putin: Those That ‘Destroyed’ Afghan Economy Should Provide Aid: Tolo News

Russian President Vladimir Putin linked the recognition of the current Afghan government with ground realities, saying that “forces that are now at the helm in Afghanistan should be prepared for all ethnic groups to be represented in the country’s leadership.” Click here to read…

Co-education is reason behind closure of universities: Haqqani: The Khaama Press

Acting minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan Abdul Baqi Haqqani said that co-education in Afghanistan’s universities along with economic woes is a major reason behind the closure of universities. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Opinion: Our best and brightest?- Dhaka Tribune

The top political leadership of the country must foster rational and civil discourse within these organizations — not the plethora of hate and spite which currently infects student and youth politics. Click here to read…

Bangladesh needs higher inflow of FDI- Dhaka Tribune

FDI remains an extremely important instrument for development in Bangladesh as it can help build up significant physical capital. Click here to read…

4th Phase UP Polls: 3 killed in violence- The Daily Star

At least three people were killed in polls violence during yesterday’s fourth-phase Union Parishad election. Click here to read…

PM Hasina returning from Maldives today- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to Dhaka today after ending her maiden six-day bilateral visit to the Maldives. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Prime Minister pledges accountability- Kuensel

Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said in his self-styled report of the State of the Nation to the Joint Sitting of Parliament yesterday which made strong reference to His Majesty The King’s 114th National Day Address to the nation. Click here to read…

Addressing corruption and accountability- Kuensel

Following the Royal address on the 114th National Day, an unprecedented importance has been given to the issues of corruption and accountability in the country. Click here to read…

“One child, seven skills” already making a difference – Lhuentse- BBS

Schools in Lhuentse started the “One child, seven skills” policy this year and it is unique to the district. It is an initiative to give some skills to children that can prove valuable later in life. The policy is being piloted in 18 schools and ECCDs. And it is already making a difference. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives expects to surpass tourist arrivals target before year ends – Raajje

Latest weekly figures publicized by the Ministry of Tourism reveal that a total of 1,271,020 tourists were welcomed at the Velana International Airport between January 1 and December 22. Click here to read…

Maldives, Bangladesh review possibility of establishing direct shipping line – Raajje

Official discussions were held between President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina who is in the Maldives on a State Visit upon the invitation of the Maldivian president.

Govt to take steps to solve problems of expatriates in Maldives: PM – Rising BD

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said her government would take measures to solve the problems which the Bangladeshi expatriates are currently facing in the Maldives. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Military Helicopters rescued Tatmadaw troops trapped during the Battle of Pela – Mizzima

An official from the Pale Township People’s Defense Force said that a military helicopter rescued the soldiers trapped during clashes in Pale township, Sagaing region on December 23Click here to read…

India’s Myanmar quandary – Sentinel Assam

Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla’s two-day visit to Myanmar has put the spotlight on the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway project that are crucial for connecting the Northeast region to a vibrant ASEAN economy. Click here to read…

Myanmar statement on Shringla visit differs from Indian line on restoring democracy – The Hindu

A day after Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla met Myanmar’s military leader General Min Aung Hlaing, differences emerged in the way both sides portrayed the visit, with Myanmar official media referring to India’s line on the restoration of democracy. Click here to read…

China assisting Myanmar army to build internet firewall, has potential access into junta’s sensitive information: Report – Devi Discourse

Myanmar’s military has sought Beijing’s assistance and probably received also to build an internet firewall to curb the spread of information against the junta. But Tatmadaw is currently unaware that Chinese agencies by helping them have potential access to the junta’s sensitive information, a media report said. Click here to read…

Calls for urgent action after Christmas Eve massacre in Myanmar – Christian Today

A Christian charity is calling on the international community to take urgent action after reports of at least 35 civilians being burnt alive in Myanmar on Christmas Eve. Click here to read…

Nepal

Juvenile justice in shoddy state- Himalaya

A study conducted by Public Defender Society of Nepal reveals that a high percentage of juvenile delinquents being kept at the eight correction homes across the country were mainly from two ethnic groups, indigenous nationalities, and the Dalits. Click here to read…

Liquidity crunch likely to continue for a few months- TKP

The government will raise over Rs80 billion in income tax in mid-January, draining liquidity from the banking system. Click here to read…

Opinion: Global inflation and Nepal- Kathmandu Post

Greater electricity use can not only cut the fuel bill, but also clip a potential source of imported inflation. Click here to read…

On nature and human nature- Nepali Times

Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche teaches us the art of understanding ourselves through wisdom, compassion and balance. Click here to read…

Maoist Center Eighth General Convention: Closed session to begin at 11 AM today- Republica

The closed session of the eighth National General Convention of the CPN (Maoist Center) will start at 11 AM today in Kathmandu. The inaugural ceremony of the general convention was held at Nepal Academy in Kamaladi on Sunday. Click here to read…

Illegal goods worth Rs 15 million seized- Republica

The District Police Office, Parsa has confiscated unlawfully-imported goods worth Rs 15 million in over a month and handed over to the Customs Office and Revenue Investigation Office, Pathalaiya. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Flight of dollar continues despite FIA action: Dawn

FIA Director General Sanaullah Abbasi told Dawn that during December alone the agency had arrested 158 people and seized local and foreign currencies worth Rs300 million across the country in an effort to stabilise the rupee against the greenback. Click here to read…

NSC to review country’s first-ever national security policy today: The Express Tribune

The government spokesperson tweeted that the national security policy draft would be presented before the NSC for approval. If approved, the country will have the first-ever national security policy in a documented form since its inception as it hasn’t been codified in the last 70 years. Click here to read…

2021 ending at double-digit inflation: The Express Tribune

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows a continuous uptrend starting from 5% in January 2021 to touching a 20-month high of 11.5% in November 2021. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka to sign Trincomalee oil tank farm deal with India in a month, says Minister: The Hindu

After a year of visible strain in its ties with Colombo, New Delhi may finally have some reason for cheer. In a month’s time, Sri Lanka will ink the long-dragging deal with India to jointly develop the Trincomalee oil tank farms — a coveted project that has remained controversial for decades. Click here to read…

P. B. tenders resignation, Prez yet to accept: Daily Mirror

Secretary to the President, Dr. P. B. Jayasundara has tendered his resignation letter to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, following objections raised by the cabinet of ministers who have urged him to step down, but the resignation is yet to be accepted by the President, the Daily Mirror learns. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Turkey, Qatar Delegation Arrives in Kabul: Tolo News

A joint delegation consisting of Turkish and Qatari officials on Thursday arrived in Kabul to discuss their countries’ involvement in the operation Afghanistan’s five airports. Click here to read…

Afghan factories to go bankrupt duet to frozen assets: industrialists: The Khaama Press

Officials of Afghanistan’s Chamber of Industry and Mines in a press conference in Kabul said that the lack of cash and freezing assets by the US have put their factories on the verge of bankruptcy. Click here to read…

Taliban dissolve two ministries and electoral bodies:The Khaama Press

Cabinet of the Taliban interim government recently decided to dissolve ministry government in peace affairs, ministry of government in parliament affairs, Independent Election Commission, Independent Election Complaints Commission from their cabinet. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Government gears up to distribute textbooks on first day of 2022- Dhaka Tribune

The government is all set to distribute textbooks to students of primary and secondary levels on the first day of the 2022 academic year. Click here to read…

PM Hasina: Bangladesh-Maldives ties must grow further- Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday said the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and the Maldives must grow further to enhance trade, investment, connectivity, and people-to-people contacts. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Third LG elections concluded successfully- Kuensel

Results of the third local government elections were still being compiled for some of the gewogs when the story had to hit the press. Click here to read…

Booster doses for priority groups to begin from tomorrow- BBS

Bhutan will roll out booster doses to the priority groups beginning tomorrow. With this, Bhutan becomes the first country in the South Asian region to administer booster doses. The priority groups include residents above the age of 18 in the high-risk areas, elderly above 65 years across the country. Click here to read…

Maldives

President declares six sites of environmental significance in Laamu atoll, protected – Raajje

The decision was made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, following a meeting with his Cabinet Ministers on Tuesday. As such, deliberations were held on a paper proposed by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Maldives, Bangladesh remain committed to solidify fraternal bonds of friendship Raajje

The commitment was reaffirmed by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, during official talks held as part of the latter’s ongoing State Visit to Maldives. Senior delegates from both nations joined the official discussions held at the President’s Office on Thursday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Japanese Training Fuels Myanmar’s Military Violence – The OWP

The Human Rights Watch urged Japan last Monday to end its academic exchange program with Myanmar due to its imprisonment of democratically-elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and consequent military coup d’état on February 1st. Click here to read…

India provides 10 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccines, 10,000 tonnes of rice and wheat to Myanmar – The Print

India has provided 10 lakh doses of ‘Made in India’ coronavirus vaccines and a grant of 10,000 tonnes of rice and wheat to Myanmar as part of its continued humanitarian support for the neighbouring country, the External Affairs Ministry said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Nepal

Migration to US empties Venezuela’s once-booming oil capital- Himalaya

It took accountant Anibal Pirela six days of travel and $7,000 to reach Austin, Texas from Maracaibo, the capital of Venezuela’s once-flourishing western oil state of Zulia. Click here to read…

Nepal records 241 new Covid-19 cases, 263 discharges, 2 fatalities on Thursday- Himalaya

Nepal’s coronavirus caseload reached 826,664 on Thursday with 241 more people testing positive for the infection in the past 24 hours. Click here to read…

How the Nepali Congress finds its way depends now on how Deuba behaves- TKP

Party president has emerged as even stronger leader, he should be accommodative and more liberal, insiders say. Click here to read…

Coalition govt to continue until next elections: Madhav Nepal- Republica

Chairperson of the CPN (Unified Socialist) Madhav Kumar Nepal has claimed that the current coalition government will continue until the next elections. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PM Imran moves to avoid KP-like setback in Punjab: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed the Punjab government and Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) leadership to begin homework for the upcoming local government elections in the province, adding he would personally oversee the preparations. Click here to read…

IMF to take up sixth review of its programme on Jan 12: Dawn

Muzammil Aslam, spokesperson for the Ministry of Finance, said in a tweet on Thursday: “I am pleased to confirm 6th review will be presented to IMF Board on 12th January, 2022”. Click here to read…

Only parliament will decide mini-budget’s fate: Fawad: The Express Tribune

To the news and rumours regarding amendments to the tune of Rs360 billion to the Finance Bill through an ordinance instead of an act of parliament, the government spokesperson made it clear that the mini-budget was not being passed through an ordinance rather it would be presented before parliament. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

As more Indian fishermen are detained by Sri Lanka, hard questions need to be asked in the Palk Strait: Indian Express

The Sri Lankan Navy has detained 68 Indian fishermen and seized 21 trawlers off the Tamil Nadu coast over the last few days. Click here to read…

Record Sri Lanka Inflation As Food Crisis Looms: NDTV

Sri Lanka’s tourism-dependent economy was hammered by the pandemic and the government imposed a broad import ban to shore up foreign exchange reserves, triggering shortages of essential goods. Click here to read…

China Against US’s Afghan Sanction Exemption Plan at UN: Tolo News

Amid the economic problems in Afghanistan and while the assets of Afghanistan’s central bank remain frozen, the Biden Administration is taking steps to help Afghanistan’s economy by aiding economic “liquidity” and humanitarian assistance, the US State Department said on Monday. Click here to read…

Aid Process Not Transparent, Say Poverty-Stricken Kabul Residents: Tolo News

Several families who are struggling to survive in the capital city of Kabul said Monday that aid agencies must transparently distribute assistance to the vulnerable people in Kabul. Click here to read…

ICRC to pay salaries of 10 thousand health workers in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

International Committee of Red Crescent in Afghanistan announced that they will pay salaries of up to ten thousand health workers and doctors in the war-torn country. Click here to read…

Turkey and Qatar may control five airports in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Turkish foreign minister Mevult Cavusoglu said that Qatar and Turkey will probably control five airports together in Afghanistan after negotiations between Doha and Kabul. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

How prepared is Bangladesh for Omicron?- Dhaka Tribune

The country is yet to face the brunt of the new variant, but preparations need to be taken immediately, experts say. Click here to read…

Disrupted flight schedule: Plight of passengers continues to pile up at Dhaka airport- Dhaka Tribune

The current scene at the airport can be compared to the country’s train and launch terminals during Eid vacation, says a passenger. Click here to read…

Israel to offer 4th vaccine dose after country’s 1st Omicron death- Daily Star

Israel announced yesterday that it will offer a fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to people older than 60, amid concern about the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Samples of Karma feeds sent to India for laboratory analysis- Kuensel

The Department of Livestock dispatched 15 samples of poultry feeds that were produced by Karma Feeds towards the end of November to India yesterday. Click here to read…

Poultry farmers in Haa and Paro demand compensation- Kuensel

After Sarpang, it is now poultry farmers in Haa and Paro who are complaining of a drastic reduction in egg production and dying birds. Click here to read…

Measures enhanced at border and airport as Omicron gets closer- The Bhutanese

The security along the southern borders and Paro International Airport are being further enhanced to stop importation of Omicron variant. Various initiatives are being undertaken as preventive measures. Click here to read…

All set for the poll day of the 3rd LG Election- BBS

The Election Commission says all preparations are in place for the poll day of the third local government election, tomorrow. More than 300,000 voters are expected to cast their votes through electronic voting machines (EVM). The polls open at 8 AM and will close at 4 PM. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives makes new daily tourist arrivals’ record – Raajje

According to the latest daily figures publicized by the Ministry of Tourism, tourist arrivals topped 6,955 on December 18. Latest statistics go on to reveal that a total of 92,060 tourists had been welcomed into the Maldives between December 1 – 18. Click here to read…

President declares six sites of environmental significance in Laamu atoll, protected – Raajje

The decision was made by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, following a meeting with his Cabinet Ministers on Tuesday. As such, deliberations were held on a paper proposed by the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Technology at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

India’s marriage of convenience with Myanmar – East Asia Forum

The 13 November attack on an Assam Rifles convoy by two Manipur insurgent groups — the People’s Liberation Army and Manipur Naga People’s Front — in Churachandpur district of Manipur has the potential to further destabilise Northeast India. Insurgent groups’ links in the region to Myanmar mandate a rethink of India’s approach to the issue. Click here to read…

Shringla to visit Myanmar, in first outreach to military regime – The Hindu

In the first such outreach to Myanmar’s military-backed regime, Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla flew for a two-day visit to Naypyitaw and Yangon on Tuesday evening, to meet the State Administration Council (SAC) chaired by General Min Aung Hlaing, who toppled the elected government in February last. Click here to read…

Scores of Myanmar Junta Troops Die in Failed Attack on MNDAA Base, Kokang Fighters Say – The Irrawaddy

Almost 100 junta soldiers including several army captains were killed or wounded in fierce fighting with the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) in northern Shan State on Sunday, according to The Kokang, an MNDAA information page. Click here to read…

Nepal

After weeks of silence, Chief Justice Rana starts asserting his role- TKP

Rana has called a meeting of the Judicial Service Commission for Wednesday to select district court judges. Members have yet to decide whether to attend the meeting. Click here to read…

NC jamboree fails to give message of inclusion- Himalaya

The 14th general convention of the Nepali Congress gave mandate to Sher Bahadur Deuba to run the party for the second time, but analysts and political leaders argue that the jamboree failed to give a strong message of inclusion, as no Madhesi or Tharu is either vice-president or general secretary. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Mini-budget likely to be tabled in winter session: Dawn

The Ministry of Finance has already reportedly prepared the draft of the Finance (Supplementary) Bill 2021, but it is not part of the agenda of the National Assembly on the opening day. Click here to read…

PM Imran takes veiled swipe at US for Afghan turmoil: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday made veiled criticism of the United States for creating in Afghanistan a humanitarian crisis that is affecting millions of people and allowing it to worsen. Click here to read…

Fawad concerned over rise of ‘extremist parties’ like JUI-F and TLP: The Express Tribune

“I am dismayed at Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam’s win in K-P… it was our mistakes that led to their victory,” he said, adding, “The country will plunge deeper into turmoil in the absence of PTI and if parties like Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) and JUI-F come into power.” Click here to read…

Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight train inaugurated: The Express Tribune

The Islamabad-Tehran-Istanbul freight train was inaugurated by Swati along with the Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Turkish Ambassador Ahsan Mustafa and Adviser to Prime Minister for Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak DawoodClick here to read…

Sri Lanka

Australian Home Minister holds wide ranging talks with the Foreign Minister Peiris: NewsIk

The Australian Minister for Home Affairs Karen Andrews met Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on 20 December 2021 at the Foreign Ministry during her official visit to Sri Lanka and discussed avenues for enhanced cooperation on a broad spectrum of areas. Click here to read…

Estonian President Alar Karis receives Credentials of Sri Lanka’s Envoy: Newsik

The Letter of Credence conveyed by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa appointing Ambassador Dharshana M. Perera as Sri Lanka’s Envoy to the Republic of Estonia was presented to President Alar Karis of Estonia at the President’s Palace, ‘Kadriorg’ in Tallinn, Estonia on 14 December 2021. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Muttaqi Downplays Pakistan PM Khan’s Remarks: Tolo News

“It was a summit, everyone has an opinion,” Muttaqi told reporters in Kabul when asked about his stance toward Prime Minister Khan’s remarks. “Imran Khan criticized the former (Afghan) governments. I think officials of the former governments felt obligated to react, I don’t see (Khan’s remarks) as insulting.” Click here to read…

MoF Sends “Non-Foreign Aid’ Budget Proposal to Cabinet: Tolo News

The Ministry of Finance says that the draft budget for solar year 1401 has been prepared and will be sent to the cabinet for approval. Click here to read…

Taliban destroys Pakistan’s barbed-wire erected on Durand Line: The Khaama Press

Special Forces of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in the Gushta district of eastern Nangarhar province destroyed the barbed wire erected by Pakistani forces on Durand Line. Click here to read…

US may ease financial restrictions on Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

A US official has been cited as the Biden administration is considering easing financial restrictions on Afghanistan and the country will issue a license to allow financial aids to Afghanistan, reported BBC. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

50 years of Bangladesh: The making of a polycratic state- Dhaka Tribune

In contemporary Bangladesh, the use of physical force is not restricted to a central authority, but exercised throughout the land by individual political bosses at different levels. Click here to read…

Rapes in madrasas: Breaking the silence- Dhaka Tribune

Dhaka Tribune’s Kohinur Khyum Tithila won the top prize at the Unicef Meena Media Awards for this ground-breaking work of journalism. Click here to read…

Talks over Election Commission: JP names 1 for EC, 4 for search panel- Daily Star

President hopes new commission to be formed on political consensus. Click here to read…

‘Bangladesh keeps friendly relations with all countries’- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that Bangladesh keeps friendly relations with all countries including the neighbors as the country has been following the foreign policy adopted by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ‘Friendship to all, malice to none’. Click here to read…

No Rohingya learning center faces closure: Govt- Observer

Bangladesh government has said the report on the closure of learning centers in Rohingya camps as reported in a few international media is ‘fabricated’ and ‘false’ as no such kind of step has been taken. Click here to read…

Bhutan

More questions over dredging site allotment to DMPL- Kuensel

ACC is not issuing authority, says those in dredging business. Click here to read…

His Majesty awards Druk Thuksey to former Dasho Zimpon- Bhutanese

His Majesty The King granted the Druk Thuksey Medal to Dasho Dorji Gyeltshen, Zimpon to His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo. Click here to read…

Bhutan to roll out booster shots next week for priority groups- Daily Bhutan

Kingdom of Bhutan has thus far organized two vaccination campaigns in March and July 2021. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives active Covid-19 cases drop to 1,972 – Raajje

According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), a total of 4,540 samples were tested for the virus between 6pm Saturday and 6pm Sunday. Click here to read…

Japanese ambassador showered with praise for commitment to boost Maldives-Japan ties – Raajje

Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Keiko Yanai has been showered with praise from President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, for her “tremendous” commitment to enhance the long-standing ties between Maldives and Japan. The Japanese ambassador paid her farewell call on the Maldivian president at the President’s Office on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Bangladeshi PM to be invited to address People’s Majlis – Raajje

The People’s Majlis has passed to extend an invitation to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina to address the parliament. Click here to read…

Myanmar

NUG says about 50 Tatmadaw killed in clashes in Karen State – Mizzima

Fighting broke out between the military council and Karen Revolutionary joint forces at around 1PM today between Metta Lin Myaing and Mae Htaw Talay villages, Lay Kay Kaw area, south of Myawaddy town, Kayin State and about 50 people, including two battalion commanders, were killed. Click here to read…

Japan: Cut Defense Ties with Myanmar Military – HRW

The Japanese government should cut ties with the Myanmar military and immediately suspend a military study-abroad program involving Myanmar cadets, Human Rights Watch said today. On February 1, 2021, the Myanmar military, known as the Tatmadaw, staged a coup and installed a junta that overturned democratic elections. Click here to read…

BBC probe: Myanmar army carried out series of mass killings of civilians – Dhaka Tribune

The Myanmar military killed at least 40 civilians in a series of mass killings in July this year, a BBC investigation has revealed. Survivors and eyewitnesses said soldiers, some of them as young as 17-year-old, separated men from their families and killed them, according to the report. Click here to read…

Junta Meets FPNCC In Mongla – BNI Online
The regime met with most of the armed groups of the Federal Political Negotiation Consultative Committee (FPNCC) on 15 December in Mongla, the headquarters of the National Democratic Alliance Army in eastern Shan State. Click here to read…

Nepal

Ruling alliance to forge one stance on MCC deal- Himalaya

The ruling coalition led by Sher Bahadur Deuba will move the Millennium Challenge Corporation deal in the Parliament only on the basis of consensus. Click here to read…

‘Political alliance relevant till elections’- Himalaya

Former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai has said the existing political alliance in the government should be given continuity till the upcoming election. Click here to read…

ADB blacklists top Chinese construction firms

China CMC Engineering, Northwest Civil Aviation Airport Construction Group and China Harbour Engineering have been blacklisted for violating integrity rules, barring them from participating in Nepal’s key airport infrastructure development project, officials said. Click here to read…

Tri-Chandra’s run-down state is a microcosm of Nepal- Nepali Times

The country’s oldest college is falling apart, an apt symbol of neglect and apathy. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Current account deficit hits $7bn in five months: Dawn

At $1.91bn, November saw the highest monthly current account deficit since July 2018 when it reached $2.1bn. This was the year when the country faced a record $20bn current account deficit. Click here to read…

Zardari makes cryptic remarks about appeal for his ‘help’: Dawn

Without naming anyone, the former president said that he was asked to offer assistance and share some formula but he told them that first this government should be sent packing and then talks could be held. Click here to read…

Fawad says Imran, PTI’s popularity in K-P still intact: The Express Tribune

The poll results are significant as they represent the will of the people at the grassroots level and are seen as a prelude to the next national election. Yet, it seems, the LG poll results haven’t fully jolted the PTI as the government spokesperson still feels that the prime minister and PTI’s popularity in K-P still intact. Click here to read…

Sialkot tragedy: CII vows to stop violent environment: The Express Tribune

On December 3, a Sri Lankan national, Priyantha Kumara, who worked as a factory manager in Sialkot, was brutally lynched and his body was set on fire by a mob on the allegations of blasphemy. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Fuel prices increased: Daily Mirror

Accordingly,the price of a litre of Petrol (92 Octane) has been increased by Rs 20 (from Rs 157 to 177), Petrol (95 Octane) increased by Rs. 23 (from Rs 184 to 207), Click here to read…

The Government Strongly Disputes the Hurried Rating Action by Fitch Ratings: NewsIK

Fitch Ratings (Fitch), in a rather hasty move, downgraded Sri Lanka’s international sovereign rating on 17 December 2021, demonstrating its failure to recognise the positive developments taking place in Sri Lanka, in an environment in which the entire world is grappling with multiple waves of the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Pakistan Must Not Interfere in Afghan Affairs: Karzai: Tolo News

On Sunday, Khan at the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting on Afghanistan said Daesh threatens Pakistan from Afghanistan, adding that stability in Afghanistan is necessary. “We have had attacks from (the) Afghan border, from ISIL, into Pakistan,” he said.Click here to read…

India-Central Asia Dialogue: Prevent Terrorism in Afghanistan: Tolo News

Foreign Ministers of India and the five Central Asian Republics – Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan – on Sunday held the 3rd India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi. .Click here to read…

Tariq Ali Bakheet appointed OIC’s special representative to Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Organization of Islamic Cooperation in a statement said that the organization’s Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha announced Tariq Aali Bakheet’s appointment as his special envoy to Afghanistan. .Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM to visit Maldives from Dec 22- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will visit the Maldives from on December 22 at an invitation of Maldivian president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih where Dhaka and Male are likely to sign four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on different issues including overseas employment. .Click here to read…

The climate crisis is also a water crisis- Dhaka Tribune

The hype of COP26 is fading and it will be another year’s wait before we can truly comprehend the outcome of the draft.Click here to read…

President’s talks with political parties over new EC starts Monday with Jatiya Party- Dhaka Tribune

The outgoing election commissioners were similarly appointed through a search committee after president’s dialogue with parties. .Click here to read…

Resolution to Rohingya crisis is in Myanmar, not Bangladesh- Dhaka Tribune

Nearly all Rohingya refugees at the camps in Cox’s Bazar and Bhasan Char wish to return to their home country when it is safe, according to UN official. .Click here to read…

‘Never break the chain of command’: Hasina tells BGB personnel- Daily Star

Stressing the importance of following the chain of command, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday directed the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel to perform their responsibilities with patriotism, honesty and discipline. Click here to read…

BNP takes out colorful Victory Day rally- Asian Age

Vowing afresh to “awaken people for the restoration of democracy”, BNP on Sunday took out a colorful rally in Dhaka city, marking the 51st Victory Day. .Click here to read…

Bhutan

“Accountability!”- Kuensel

The 114th National Day celebrations yesterday brought the Bhutanese society together once again to celebrate its blessings and rejoice the achievements. .Click here to read…

Govt. working to trim down internet charges- Bhutan Times

With consumers continuing to make a beeline of complaints on social media platforms that their data gets exhausted so fast without using much of it, the government is now working to reduce internet prices and make services more affordable to the consumers. .Click here to read…

Corruption and incompetency must be snubbed: HM- Bhutan Times

Increasing accountability and reducing corruption through stronger enforcement of laws and regulations remains a serious concern as His Majesty the King addressed the nation at the 114th National Day celebrations on 17 December from TrashichhoDzong, Thimphu. .Click here to read…

Bhutanese red rice and honey, crowd-pullers at the ongoing World Expo in Dubai- BBS
The Bhutanese red rice and honey have been attracting many people at the ongoing World Expo in Dubai. The two products are among more than a 100 other items being displayed by the Bhutan pavilion at the Expo. .Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives confirms 131 new Covid-19 cases, 168 recoveries – Raajje

According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), a total of 4,434 samples were tested for the virus between 6pm Friday and 6pm Saturday. Of these, 22 were confirmed from the Maldives congested capital, Malé City, 87 were detected from residential islands and 22 from operational resorts. .Click here to read…

In the Maldives: Time to walk the talk on terror – MENAFN

The Maldives has been named, by the country’s current Speaker of Parliament no less, the nation with the highest per capita fighters in foreign terror wars. .Click here to read…

Japanese ambassador showered with praise for commitment to boost Maldives-Japan ties – Raajje
Ambassador of Japan to the Maldives, Keiko Yanai has been showered with praise from President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, for her “tremendous” commitment to enhance the long-standing ties between Maldives and Japan. The Japanese ambassador paid her farewell call on the Maldivian president at the President’s Office on Wednesday. .Click here to read…

Myanmar

Two pastors killed; Christians targeted by Burmese Army – The Alabama Baptist

Two pastors died in December in Chin state as the Burmese Army continues its assault on Christians and churches, according to International Christian Concern. .Click here to read…

Thailand warns Myanmar it will return fire if more artillery shells land in its territory again – Mizzima

According to a source from the Karen National Union (KNU), Thailand has warned that it will return fire if more artillery shells by the Myanmar Military Council landed again in Thailand. A KNU official said the warning came after the artillery shells fired by the Military Council exploded on the Thai side of the border on December 16 and 17. .Click here to read…

Thailand sends refugees back to Myanmar as clashes continue – Reuters

Thailand has sent over 600 Myanmar refugees who fled fighting between the military and ethnic rebels back across the border, according to a senior Thai official who said on Sunday clashes were continuing. .Click here to read…

UN expert underscores importance of human rights for Rohingya – UN News

“Bangladesh saved untold numbers of lives when it opened its arms and hearts to Rohingya people who survived these most unspeakable of horrors inflicted on them by the Myanmar military”, said Tom Andrews, Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in Myanmar at the end of his first official visit to the Bangladesh. .Click here to read…

Japan: Cut Defense Ties with Myanmar Military – HRW

The Japanese government should cut ties with the Myanmar military and immediately suspend a military study-abroad program involving Myanmar cadets, Human Rights Watch said today. .Click here to read…

The army sniper who put Myanmar’s dictatorship in his sights – Myanmar Now

In April 2019, Zwe Mahn, a lance corporal in the Myanmar army, was fighting in Rakhine State’s Ann Township when a member of his unit was shot during a clash with the Arakan Army (AA). .Click here to read…

UN Security Council members complicit in arms sales to Myanmar military junta: NGO – Mizzima

NGO Justice For Myanmar is calling for an investigation and global arms embargo over arms and military aircraft being sold to the Myanmar junta that illegally grabbed power in a coup in February. .Click here to read…

Nepal

PM calls all-party meeting- Himalayan Times

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has called an all-party meeting at 4:00pm tomorrow to discuss the stalemate in both the houses of Parliament and the Millennium Challenge Corporation agreement that Nepal has signed with the United States. .Click here to read…

Medical equipment of Rs 20 million handed to Parbat hospital- Himalayan Times
Health equipment and appliances amounting to around Rs 20 million were handed to the Parbat District Hospital. .Click here to read…

On MCC, UML sits on the fence as issue threatens coalition

Oppositions skips Deuba-called meeting, where majority voices oppose immediate tabling of US grant in the House. .Click here to read…

Committee formed to mark Prithvi Jayanti and National Unity Day- Republica

A committee comprising representatives from Nepal Academy, Nepal Academy of Music and Drama, Nepal Academy of Fine Arts and Cultural Corporation has been formed to mark the 300th Prithvi Jayanti and national Unity Day. .Click here to read…

Let’s only buy bio-degradable prayer flags- Nepali Times

Buddhist prayers for virtousness and compassion are getting a green makeover in Nepal
https://www.nepalitimes.com/here-now/lets-only-buy-bio-degradable-prayer-flags/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

Pakistan

KP local govt polls seem swinging away from PTI: Dawn

In the first local government elections since the merger of tribal districts with Khyber Pakhtun¬khwa, the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) appeared to be losing ground as Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) was leading on many fronts. .Click here to read…

PM Imran meets OIC head, ministers of several member states: Dawn

During the conference it was agreed that all Muslim states would actively confront Islamophobia in all its forms and a wing similar to Pakistan’s Rehmatul-lil-Alameen (PBUH) Authority would be set up at the OIC level for the purpose. .Click here to read…

Power hike of Rs4.33 per unit on cards: The Express Tribune

In case, the national regulator approves the application, power consumers would be burdened with an amount of Rs40 billion. .Click here to read…

OIC sets up ‘humanitarian fund’ for Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

The announcement of the fund was part of the measures the 57-member Islamic bloc agreed upon after the 17th Extraordinary Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) hosted by Pakistan. .Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka arrests 55 Tamil Nadu fishermen; Stalin urges Centre to act: Mint

As many as 55 Tamil Nadu fishermen were arrested and 8 boats seized by Sri Lankan Naval personnel on Sunday following which Chief Minister M K Stalin took up the matter with the Centre to secure their release and all the 73 boats captured so far by the neighbouring country. .Click here to read…

Govt in a sinister move to deny the country’s bankrupt status: Ruwan: Daily Mirror

Government is in a sinister move to deny the bankrupt status which the country is facing, UNP Deputy Leader Ruwan Wijewardene said yesterday. .Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Ghani Fled to Save His Life: Mohib: Tolo News

The former national security adviser, Hamdullah Mohib, made the remarks in an interview with Radio Liberty. According to Mohib, the fall of the republic started after the US and the Islamic Emirate signed an agreement on February 29, 2020. Click here to read…

Amnesty Intl Says ICC Must Probe All Sides in Afghan Conflict: Tolo News

Amnesty International in report released on Wednesday said that “repeated war crimes and relentless bloodshed” have marked the collapse of the former Afghan government, adding that all the warring parties–the Taliban, US soldiers, and the former government security forces–are responsible for the war crimes that occurred in Afghanistan.Click here to read…

Collapse of Afghan government started after Doha agreement: Former Afghan NSA: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s former National Security Advisor Hamdullah Muhib finally appeared on media and disclosed the causes of the collapse of the former Afghan government and the reasons behind their escape from the country.Click here to read…

Engaging with the Taliban is the Ultimate Solution to Move Forward: Pakistan: The Khaama Press

In his remarks, Mansoo Ahmad Khan reiterated Pakistan’s active engagement and economic initiatives for Afghanistan in the coming years. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Standing together: Viva Bangladesh!- Dhaka Tribune

From my perspective, living in India’s smallest state, even in this season of big anniversaries — 75 years since 1947, and 60 years after the end of Portuguese rule in Goa — the occasion of 50 years of independence for Bangladesh stands out as a uniquely well-deserved celebration.Click here to read…

US report: Bangladesh saw a decline in terrorist activity in 2020- Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh government continued to articulate a zero-tolerance policy towards terrorism, says the report.Click here to read…

Goal of independence not materealised yet: Fakhrul- Observer

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Thursday alleged that the goal of the country’s independence has not been materealised yet.Click here to read…

Victory Day celebrated- Asian Age

The 51st Victory Day was celebrated on Thursday across the country in a befitting manner as the day had a special significance for two giant celebration.Click here to read…

Bangladesh makes a name in suit export- Daily Star

A decade ago, the number of export-oriented suit-making factories in Bangladesh was one or two, and China and Vietnam were the main sourcing destinations for brands and retailers globally.Click here to read…

Bhutan

Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen returns from Royal tour- Kuensel

Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen and Their Royal Highnesses Gyalsey Jigme Namgyel and Gyalsey Ugyen Wangchuck arrived in Thimphu yesterday, after visiting Trongsa and Bumthang on December 9.Click here to read…

3 Bhutanese women trafficked 21 female victims to Iraq- Daily Bhutan

Of the 30 registered cases with the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), in connection to Human Trafficking, a total of 4 cases have been charge sheeted to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).Click here to read…

Youths call for mountain preservation- Bhutan Times

A youth declaration drafted by the youth for the protection of Bhutan’s natural resources.Click here to read…

Labour Ministry launches E-Learning Management System for TVET institutes- BBS

From acute labour shortage to soaring material costs, the country’s construction sector faced growing challenges amid the pandemic. Click here to read…

Nepal

Gagan Thapa, Bishwaprakash Sharma are the newly elected NC general-secretaries- Himalaya

Nepali Congress leaders Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have been elected the general-secretaries of the party.Click here to read…

Bhatta appointed NRB spokesperson- Himalaya

Gunakar Bhatta has been appointed the spokesperson for Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).Click here to read…

Global community steps up with $93 billion support package to boost resilient recovery- Himalaya

The World Bank on Wednesday announced a $93 billion replenishment package of the International Development Association (IDA) to help low-income countries respond to the COVID-19 crisis and build a greener, more resilient, and inclusive future.Click here to read…

Covid jabs to be given from over 16,000 immunisation centres across the country- TKP

Public health experts say authorities should launch a door-to-door campaign to immunise the unvaccinated population against the coronavirus.Click here to read…

NWPP Chair Bijukchhe directs party leaders to carry out activities with a sense of service to people- Republica

Chairman of Nepal Workers and Peasants Party (NWPP) Narayan Man Bijukchhe (Rohit) has directed the party leaders and cadres to carry out the activities of the party actively with more sense of service among people.Click here to read…

Pakistan

US notes Islamabad’s efforts to meet FATF demands: Dawn

Pakistan continued to experience terrorist attacks last year, said the report. Pakistani military and security forces undertook counterterrorism operations against groups that conducted attacks within Pakistan, such as the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the militant Islamic State (IS) group and Balochistan Liberation Army.Click here to read…

OIC meeting to help bridge gap between Taliban, world: minister: Dawn

The foreign minister, flanked by Information Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain in interaction with journalists and anchorpersons, said by hosting the event, Pakistan was playing a positive role by bridging the communication gap between the world and the Taliban.Click here to read…

Govt to slap 17% GST on 140 goods: The Express Tribune

The plan was shared with Adviser to the PM on Finance Shaukat Tarin on Thursday which, once approved by parliament, would make everything expensive.Click here to read…

Gwadar residents call off sit-in after ‘successful negotiations’ with govt: The Express Tribune

A government negotiating committee comprising federal ministers Asad Umar and Zubaida Jalal met the protesters and assured them of addressing their grievances.Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

UN Experts Urge Reform of Sri Lanka’s Counterterrorism Law: Human Rights Watch

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa carries little credibility when he tells foreign diplomats he will reform the country’s Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA). After all, earlier this year, he acted to make the law, which permits long-term detention without trial, more repressive, not less.Click here to read…

Beijing bares it in Jaffna, warms up to Tamils in Sri Lanka: The Indian Express

Days after announcing on Twitter that a Chinese solar company had found a new client in the Maldives because security concerns” of a “third party” had led to the suspension of its project on three islands off Jaffna peninsula, Ambassador Qi is touring Sri Lanka’s Tamil-dominated Northern Province, wooing an ethnic minority that has traditionally been close to India.Click here to read…

Xi meets with role models for building peaceful China

December 16, 2021

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday afternoon met with representatives of a meeting commending role models in implementing the country’s Peaceful China initiative in Beijing. Click here to read…

Former vice mayor of Haikou expelled from CPC, office: Xinhuanet

December 17, 2021

Feng Honghao, former vice mayor of Haikou, capital of south China’s Hainan Province, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office for grave legal and disciplinary violations, said a statement by the provincial anti-graft body Thursday. An investigation found that Feng violated political discipline, forged and concealed evidence, and confronted investigations. Click here to read…

China to crack down on illegal coal mining: Xinhuanet

December 16, 2021

Chinese authorities on Thursday launched a nationwide campaign to crack down on illegal mining. The high demand for coal has shored up prices, prompting the resurgence of illegal coal mining, according to the Office of the Work Safety Committee of the State Council and the Ministry of Emergency Management. Click here to read…

China adjusts tariffs on imported commodities: Quishi

December 16, 2021

China will implement provisional tariffs that are lower than the most-favored-nation rates on 954 imported commodities, according to a circular issued by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council on Wednesday. The adjustment, involving commodities including cancer drugs, aquatic products and baby clothing, will take effect on Jan. 1, 2022. Click here to read…

China rolls out websites to improve services for small businesses: People’s Daily

December 17, 2021

China has ramped up support for small businesses, especially individual ones, by launching new websites that extend better services, according to the State Administration for Market Regulation. The latest data from the administration showed that among China’s over 150 million market entities, 102 million are individual or home businesses and 43.17 million are small and micro firms. They depend on accessible services and information to survive. Click here to read…

Hydrogen fuel cell core component put into production in central China: China Daily

December 16, 2021

A production line of proton-exchange membranes, a core component of the hydrogen fuel cell, has been put into operation in Wuhan, capital of Central China’s Hubei province.The production line at the Hydrogen Energy Co., Ltd. is expected to churn out about 300,000 square meters of the material annually, said a report by Science and Technology Daily. Click here to read…

China reveals upgraded J-15 fighter jet; key aircraft carrier roles expected: Global Times

December 16, 2021

China recently revealed an upgraded version of the J-15 ship-borne fighter jet that has just wrapped up test flights, with reports saying the new aircraft received enhancements in its missile pylons, the infrared search and track system, the radar and the wings. The upgraded J-15, potentially capable of operating with catapults, will play key roles on both China’s old and new aircraft carriers, experts said on Thursday. Click here to read…

China-Nepal freight train service launched, links Qinghai, Kathmandu: Global Times

December 16, 2021

The China-South Asia freight train service linking Haidong, Northwest China’s Qinghai Province and Nepal has been launched, beefing up the country’s ever-expanding rail freight network, which has made the China-Europe freight train service a calling card of the country’s logistics prowess despite the pandemic. Click here to read…

China to curb new ‘hidden debt’ in 2022 to fend off systemic financial risks: Global Times

December 16, 2021

China will firmly curb the increase of new “hidden debt” and stabilize the mechanism that settles existing “hidden debt” to guard against systemic financial risks, while speeding up preliminary work for special-purpose bond issues next year, Chinese authorities said on Thursday, after the tone-setting Central Economic Work Conference last week put a heavy emphasis on economic stability. Click here to read…

China envoy urges Japan not to join diplomatic boycott of Olympics: Kyodo
December 16, 2021

Chinese Ambassador to Japan Kong Xuanyou on Thursday urged Japan not to join U.S.-led diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics over human rights issues, likening it to a “political performance.” “Unfortunately, some people in Japan have been attacking China’s political system based on their biased views and spreading rumors and lies about the human rights situations in Xinjiang and Hong Kong to call for a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Games,” the envoy said in a meeting held at Kyodo News. Click here to read…

China will ‘exhaust all means’ to lure global talent, despite push for tech self-sufficiency, Xi Jinping says: South China Morning Post

December 16, 2021

China is calling for more global talent to bolster technological innovation and national power, amid growing concern from foreign investors that Beijing’s “dual-circulation” strategy might turn it further inward and hamper international collaboration. China will “exhaust all means” to recruit intelligent and innovative professionals from around the world, President Xi Jinping said in a speech to a key national talent work conference in September. Click here to read…

Beijing moves to slow rush for Afghanistan’s resources by Chinese miners: South China Morning Post

December 17, 2021

Chinese mining companies have been warned against “blindly” organising inspection trips to sites in Afghanistan, after reports that some of them are looking for opportunities in the Central Asian nation since the withdrawal of US troops in August. A statement issued by the Chinese embassy in Kabul said Afghanistan’s interim government had regulations regarding the examination of mineral resources, and a permit was needed. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Amnesty Intl Says ICC Must Probe All Sides in Afghan Conflict: Tolo News

Amnesty International in report released on Wednesday said that “repeated war crimes and relentless bloodshed” have marked the collapse of the former Afghan government, adding that all the warring parties–the Taliban, US soldiers, and the former government security forces–are responsible for the war crimes that occurred in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

WFP Says Afghans Face ‘Avalanche of Hunger and Destitution’: Tolo News

Almost all Afghans do not have enough to eat and a failing economy could tip Afghanistan’s increasingly dire situation under Islamic Emirate rule into catastrophe next year, the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Fourth batch of $19.2 million arrives in Kabul: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s central bank (Da Afghanistan Bank) announced that Afghanistan International Bank (AIB) received the fourth batch of dollars in cash that contained $19.2 million. Click here to read…

Turkmenistan’s over $1 million worth of humanitarian aids arrive in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

A spokesperson of the Taliban Ahmadullah Wasiq said that Turkmenistan provided Afghanistan’s people with $ one million and 200 thousand worth of humanitarian aids. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Kovind seeks enhanced joint efforts to promote BD-India relations- Asian Age

Visiting Indian President Ram Nath Kovind on Wednesday expressed his eagerness to increase the existing trade and business ties with Bangladesh through joint-efforts as he paid courtesy call on his Bangladeshi counterpart M Abdul Hamid at Bangabhaban in the capital in the evening. Click here to read…

Bangladesh at 50: The story of a rising economic juggernaut- Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh now ranks as world’s 41st largest economy and second-largest one in South Asia, and forecasts suggest that size of its economy may double by 2030. Click here to read…

Making the first flag of Bangladesh- Dhaka Tribune

The story of the creation of the first flag of Bangladesh is both attractive and exciting. It’s the fruit of a team spirit and a creative expression of the fertile brains of rebellious Chhatra League leaders and workers. Click here to read…

Partners in progress- Daily Star

Dhaka-Delhi ties comprehensive, vibrant, Kovind tells Hasina. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Dredging site allotment: Possible policy corruption?- Kuensel

Government denies allegations of favouritism and nepotism. Click here to read…

Penjore rebuts defamation charges- Kuensel

In the first hearing on November 23, the police charged Penjore of accusing the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) of not charging the Bhutan National Bank (BNB) officials in question, despite their official misconduct during staff recruitment. Click here to read…

One ban, other lifts- The laws in Bhutan sometimes become a trivial matter- Bhutan Times

With the advent of democracy, one political party coming into power frames one law and the next party changes it or roots out. Currently, this is a matter of concern with the lift of the alcohol ban. Click here to read…

Nepal

Khadka, Gurung elected NC vice-presidents- Himalaya

Nepali Congress leaders Purna Bahadur Khadka and Dhanaraj Gurung have been elected as the vice-presidents of the party. Click here to read…

Won’t let ‘powers’ spoil India’s relation with Nepal: Indian Defence Minister- Himalaya

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has shared a willingness to mend India-Nepal relations at a gathering in Dehradun on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Deuba’s comeback as party chief reassuring for ruling alliance, but concerns remain- TKP

Coalition members want long-term partnership, but much will depend on how the Congress president, also prime minister, deals with issues like MCC and House obstruction. Click here to read…

Nepali Congress party time- Nepali Times

It’s the turn of the leading party in the ruling coalition to have its own tamashaClick here to read…

Nepal’s foreign currency reserves declined further in first four months of current FY- Republica

Nepal’s balance of payments (BoP) further plunged to negative Rs 150.38 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year, thanks to falling remittance earnings and widening trade deficit. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PM Imran stresses green urbanisation to reduce pollution, smog: Dawn

While chairing a meeting on the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Project and Central Business District (CBD) Lahore, the prime minister emphasised the use of environment-friendly material, including smart trees, blue roads and energy-efficient construction material, on these projects. Click here to read…

Govt reduces petrol, diesel prices by Rs5 per litre: Dawn

The government slashed the prices of petrol and high speed diesel by Rs5 per litre on Wednesday in an effort to provide relief to the people. Click here to read…

Deadlines for 5 projects extended: The Express Tribune

The commercial operations dates of 884MW Suki Kinari Hydropower Project, 720MW Karot Hydropower Project, 330MW Tel project at Thar block-II, 330MW ThalNova Thar block-II and 1,320MW Thar block-I have been extended. Click here to read…

Anarchy in Afghanistan will strengthen terror outfits: FM: The Express Tribune

In a statement ahead of a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers (OIC-CFM) in Islamabad next Sunday, Qureshi further warned that if the situation deteriorated in Afghanistan, it would not only affect Pakistan, but also the other countries of the region and beyond. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Forex crisis hits pharmaceutical imports: Daily Mirror

The present foreign exchange crisis has affected the establishment of Letters of Credit(lc) for import of essential pharmaceuticals including the ones used in the treatment of people suffering from some non-communicable diseases, Daily Mirror learns. Click here to read…

Vessel with 2,000 MT of gas reaches Colombo: News1st

Sri Lanka’s Consumer Affairs Authority on Thursday (16) confirmed that a vessel with 2,000 MT of gas has reached the Colombo Port. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Baradar Criticizes Intl Silence Over US’s Hold on Afghan Assets: Tolo News

The deputy prime minister Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar on Tuesday sharply criticized foreign countries for remaining silent about the US’s freezing of Afghanistan’s banking assets amid the increasing economic problems in the country. Click here to read…

No Plans for Release of Afghan Assets: Psaki: Tolo News

The US White House press secretary Jen Psaki on Monday said there are no immediate plans to release Afghanistan’s central bank assets, which were frozen following the collapse of the former Afghan government on August 15. Click here to read…

We won’t release Afghanistan’s assets for three reasons: US: The Khaama Press

White House has again denied the release of over $9.5 billion of Afghanistan’s frozen fund and said that this was a complicated process and will not allow the Taliban to access the money. Click here to read…

We have enough money to address needs and pay salaries of civil servants: Hanafi: The Khaama Press

Deputy Prime Minister of the Taliban Abdul Salaam Hanafi said that Afghanistan’s current economic and currency situation is stable and that they have enough amount of money to pay the salaries of civil servants of the government. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Covid vaccination: Bangladesh above only Afghanistan in South Asia- Daily Star

Bangladesh is above only Afghanistan among South Asian countries in Covid-19 vaccination, according to data of Asian Development Bank (ADB) Outlook Supplement as of December 2 this year. Click here to read…

Sanctions on Rab Officials: Time for Dhaka to correct course- Daily Star

Say experts, think the move doesn’t mean US giving up on Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Month of Victory: Pakistan decides to surrender- Dhaka Tribune

December 15, 1971, marked a critical point in the Liberation War of Bangladesh as it was on this day that Pakistan decided to surrender. Click here to read…

Bangladesh-Nepal bilateral PTA at final stage- Observer

A Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between Bangladesh and Nepal is in the final stage, said the Commerce Secretary of Bangladesh Tapan Kanti Ghosh. Click here to read…

Dhaka expects Washington to change its position- Asian Age

Dhaka expects the United States will change its position over the imposition of sanctions on some incumbent and former officials of the Rapid Action Battallion (Rab), said Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan defers malaria elimination deadline to 2022- Kuensel

Bhutan aims at eliminating malaria by 2022 after it failed twice, once in 2018 and the other in 2020. Click here to read…

Omicron may pose high risk in the young unvaccinated children and vulnerable population: Health Minister- Daily Bhutan

Bhutan has seen two national lockdowns due to COVID-19 pandemic, and a 100-day lockdown in Phuentsholing where the Delta variant was detected in the community. Click here to read…

Spirituality and religious involvement benefit mental health in school settings- Bhutan Times

While efforts are currently underway on unpacking and tackling growing mental health challenges, religious and spiritual interventions can contribute real benefits for mental health in school settings.
https://bhutantimes.bt/index.php/2021/12/13/spirituality-and-religious-involvement-benefit-mental-health-in-school-settings/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

His Holiness the Je Khenpo launches prayer book- BBS

His Holiness the Je Khenpo launched a prayer book at the Namdroling Goenzin Dratshang in Lhuntse today. His Holiness compiled the book of 738 pages. Click here to read…

Nepal

Construction of houses, huts on encroached land continues unabated- Himalaya

Construction of houses and huts on encroached forest land continues unabated in Rautahat’s forest area. Click here to read…

Sher Bahadur Deuba defeats Shekhar Koirala to reclaim Congress president post- TKP

The leader is faced with a host of challenges—from giving a direction to the party to leading it to the next elections. Click here to read…

Delegate-votes give Deuba a second term as NC president- Himalaya

Sher Bahadur Deuba has defeated Shekhar Koirala, reclaiming his post, in the second round of polls held to elect President of Nepali Congress at the ongoing general convention of the party. Click here to read…

Three Sherpa siblings on a mission to conquer all seven summits across seven continents- Republica

As professional mountaineers in their own right, Mingma Sherpa, Chhang Dawa Sherpa, and Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, three siblings from Makalu Rural Municipality-1 of Sankhuwasabha district, have embarked on a journey to the South Pole in Antarctica in a bid to summit Mt Vinson. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Govt hails ECP’s move to use EVMs for Islamabad LG polls: Dawn

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry on Tuesday said the federal cabinet welcomed the decision of the Election Commission Pakistan (ECP) to use electronic voting machines (EVMs) during the local government (LG) elections in Islamabad and asked the commission to issue tender (with required specifications) for purchasing the machines. Click here to read…

Punjab Gender Parity Report: Lahore reported most rape, domestic violence cases in 2020: Dawn

Rape was the most reported crime against women with the highest number of 4,732 cases coming from Lahore in 2020Click here to read…

Rs230b payments to Chinese power plants still pending: The Express Tribune

Officials from the finance and energy ministries and CPEC Authority held a meeting on Monday, chaired by Finance Adviser Shaukat Tarin, but did not make a decision on the timing of clearing the outstanding dues and opening a revolving account, at least three participants told The Express Tribune. Click here to read…

Shehbaz assails govt over gas shortage, inflation: The Express Tribune

In a statement, he took a jibe at the government and said the people in new Pakistan were deprived of even basic facilities such as gas. “The poverty-stricken masses are facing difficulties due to this increasing inflation,” he added. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Dangerous to call for foreign intervention to pressurize SL Govt- TULF Leader: Daily Mirror

Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) Leader V. Anandasangari said the call for foreign intervention in the resolution of Sri Lanka’s problem is dangerous. Click here to read…

Govt. denies prorogation of Parliament aimed at dissolving watchdog committees: The Island

Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris has denied accusations that the sudden prorogation of Parliament was meant to terminate investigations undertaken by parliamentary watchdog committees, the Committee on Public Enterprises (COPE), the Committee on Public Accounts (COPA) and the Committee on Public Finance (COPF). Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Value of Afghani Plunges, Price of Goods Spikes: Tolo News

The alarming drop in value of Afghanistan’s currency, the Afghani, against the dollar happens amid an economic and humanitarian crisis that has also led to a sharp increase in the price of goods, including essential items like food and fuel. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate to Consult Ulema on Govt Affairs: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate is to hold a meeting with the Islamic Ulema to consult on how to manage the government in the country.Click here to read…

No US official will be punished for carrying out drone attack in Kabul: Pentagon: The Khaama Press

US Department of Defense has decided not to hold accountable any US troops or officials that carried out a drone attack on a house in Kabul killing ten civilians. Click here to read…

Taliban asks China to help them get recognized: The Khaama Press

Deputy Minister of Information and Culture and spokesperson of the Taliban Zabiullah Mujahid said that they (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan) need recognition and the world countries especially China must help them in this regard. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM pays tributes to martyred intellectuals- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina paid tributes to the martyred intellectuals by placing wreath at the Martyred Intellectuals Memorial in Mirpur this morning, marking Martyred Intellectuals Day. Click here to read…

Economy’s three looming challenges- Daily Star

Experts point to high inflation, exchange rate pressure and liquidity crunch. Click here to read…

Intellectual killings in 1971: A genocide in the works before the war even began- Dhaka Tribune

Just two days before their surrender, the Pakistan military launched a killing spree to annihilate the Bengali intellectuals. Click here to read…

President, prime minister pay tributes to martyred intellectuals- Dhaka tribune

Pakistani forces, with help of their local collaborators, killed most prominent intellectuals of Bangladesh on this day in 1971. Click here to read…

Bangladesh reports 385 fresh cases from Covid- Observer

Bangladesh on Monday reported 385 Covid-19 cases while the coronavirus claimed overnight three lives. Click here to read…

BD to get first official visa application centre in Kolkata- Asian Age
Marking the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and the year of digitalization of Bangladesh, country’s Deputy High Commission in Kolkata has decided to open its first official visa application centre (VAC) in Kolkata. Click here to read…

World Bank approves USD 3.51M grant for climate resilience- Kuensel

Bhutan and the World Bank signed a USD 3.51 million grant financing agreement to improve risk-informed decision making and development planning in targeted sectors, leading to better public service delivery. Click here to read…

20-bed Nganglam hospital construction remains uncertain- Bhutan Times

Following the government’s re-prioritization exercise for the current 12th Five-Year-Plan activities during the Covid-19 pandemic, the construction of a 20-bedded hospital in Nganglam, Pema Gatshel has remained uncertain. Click here to read…

Karmi Tongchoed for India’s CDS, his wife and 11 armed forces members- The Bhutanese

His Majesty The King and His Majesty The Fourth Druk Gyalpo offered prayers and Karmi Tongchoed at the Kuenrey of the Tashichhodzong for General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of Defence Staff of the Indian Armed Forces, his wife Mrs. Madhulika Rawat, and 11 armed forces personnel who lost their lives in a helicopter accident on 8th December 2021. Click here to read…

Nepal

NC General Convention: Second round of polls for top post as leading contestant fails to secure over 50% votes- Himalaya

The polls for election of president of Nepali Congress during the party’s ongoing General Convention is headed for second round as the leading candidate, Sher Bahadur Deuba, failed to secure over 50% of total votes. Click here to read…

Parliament’s winter session starts today- Himalaya

The winter session of the Parliament will begin at 2:00pm today. Click here to read…

Can Congress elect new leadership to bring the party back into the reckoning?- KTP

As delegates vote, insiders and observers say the grand old party must reinvent and revamp itself—both on ideological and organisational fronts. Click here to read…

No one is safe from Nirmal Niwas: Thapa warns Lingden- Republica

Outgoing Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Kamal Thapa has written a letter to newly elected Chairman Rajendra Lingden expressing strong indignation towards former King Gyanendra Shah. Click here to read…

Deuba fails to get more than 50 pc vote, second round of voting for NC president to be held today- Republica

Despite Prime Minister and NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba maintaining the lead, he failed to get more than 50 percent of the votes as per the statute. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Centre to stop financing provincial uplift projects: Dawn

This is part of a new National Development Framework (NDF) under which the federal government wants to restrict its investment priorities to the areas of federal responsibilities and ensure that the provinces take full fiscal responsibility of all devolved subjects. Click here to read…

Remittances rise 10pc to $13bn in five months: Dawn

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) data issued on Monday showed that the inflow of remittances was $2.35bn in November against $2.517bn in October. The country had received $2.7bn remittances in September. Click here to read…

People squeezed by inflation face more pain from tax hikes: The Express Tribune

When the country’s annual inflation rate hit 11.5% in November, the statistics office put a number on a phenomenon that was already painfully clear to the poor and the salaried middle-class voters. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa suspends Parliament; leaves for Singapore: The Hindu

In an unusual move, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has prorogued Parliament for one week and left for Singapore on an unscheduled visit. Click here to read…

Travel restrictions lift for several African countries, no PCR required for travellers below 12 – Health Services Director-General: News.Ik

The travel restrictions for those arriving from South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Eswatini have been removed with immediate effect, Health Services Director General Dr Asela Gunawardana has informed. Click here to read…