Yuan Jiajun elected Party chief of China’s Zhejiang: Xinhuanet

June 23, 2022

Yuan Jiajun has been elected secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Yuan was elected to the post at the first plenary session of the 15th CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee on ThursdayClick here to read…

Remarks by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the 14th BRICS Summit: Xinhuanet

June 23, 2022

On the evening of June 23, Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted the 14th BRICS Summit in Beijing via video link. Following is the full text of the remarks by President Xi at the Summit: Click here to read…

Chinese, Iranian FMs holds phone conversation on ties: Xinhuanet

June 23, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday held a phone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian at the latter’s request. Click here to read…

China commends Nepal’s decision not to move ahead on SPP with U.S.: Xinhuanet

June 23, 2022

China commends the Nepali government’s decision not to move ahead on the State Partnership Program (SPP) with the United States, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Thursday. Click here to read…

China to establish national demonstration zones for IPR protection: Xinhuanet

June 23, 2022

China will establish a batch of demonstration zones for intellectual property rights (IPR) protection by 2025, according to a notice recently published by the National Intellectual Property Administration. Click here to read…

China aims to boost digital government construction: Xinhuanet

June 23, 2022

China has detailed measures to enhance the building of a digital government in tandem with the country’s efforts to promote digital transformation. By 2025, the country will strive to improve the top-level design and coordination mechanism of a digital government that matches the modernization of the national governance system, according to a guideline released by the State Council, China’s cabinet. Click here to read…

Senior official of south China’s Guangxi expelled from CPC, office: Xinhuanet

June 23, 2022

Liu Hongwu, former vice chairman of the people’s government of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws, the country’s top anti-graft body announced Thursday. Click here to read…

Former manager of China’s state grain group expelled from Party: Xinhuanet

June 23, 2022

Xu Baoyi, former deputy general manager of China Grain Reserves Group (Sinograin), has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office for grave violations of Party discipline and laws, said the country’s top anti-graft body Thursday. Click here to read…

China launches crackdown against crimes involving illegal occupation of farmland: Xinhuanet

June 23, 2022

China’s Ministry of Public Security has urged police nationwide to strike hard on crimes involving the illegal occupation of farmland and the production and sale of fake or substandard agricultural materials amid efforts to safeguard national food security. Click here to read…

Patent applications being reviewed more quickly: China Daily

June 23, 2022

The time for reviewing high-value patent applications in China was shortened to 13.3 months by the end of last year, achieving the goal set by the central government ahead of schedule, an official for the country’s intellectual property regulator said. Click here to read…

Chinese FM reveals meeting with Taliban-affiliated Afghan Chargé d’affaires for first time: Global Times

June 23, 2022

Chen Song, deputy director-general of the Department of Asian Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, met with Afghan Embassy Chargé d’affaires in Beijing Sayed Mohiuddin Sadat on Wednesday, with Sadat thanking China for the sincere sympathy over the deadly earthquake. Click here to read…

China delivers 2nd Type 054A/P frigate to Pakistan: Global Times

June 23, 2022

China delivered the second of four powerful Type 054A/P frigates to the Pakistan Navy on Thursday, highlighting the friendship between the two neighboring countries, which serves as a pillar of peace and stability in the region. The PNS Taimur was commissioned at the Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai, the Global Times learned from the Pakistan Navy on Thursday. Click here to read…

PLA vessels join aircraft in large-scale drills around Taiwan: Global Times

June 23, 2022

A large number of warships of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy reportedly sailed to waters east of the island of Taiwan and south of Japan as dozens of PLA warplanes carried out drills on Tuesday and Wednesday, with analysts saying on Thursday that the joint maritime and aerial exercise could greatly enhance combat readiness against “Taiwan independence” and foreign interference forces. Click here to read…

China’s coastal provinces pushing sustainable fisheries development: Global Times

June 23, 2022

Negotiations on fisheries subsidies were launched at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference held in Doha from June 12 to 17, and an agreement was made to limit over-fishing in order to secure the sustainable development of global marine resource. China’s agricultural and financial ministries launched a similar campaign in 2021. Click here to read…

Chinese companies strive to help alleviate Pakistan’s power shortages: Global Times

June 23, 2022

China’s energy infrastructure developers and operators are striving to help ensure the timely delivery and smooth operation of power facilities in Pakistan, which is coping with severe power shortages amid extreme weather and high coal prices. Click here to read…

China’s CATL to produce next-generation EV battery in 2023: Reuters

June 23, 2022

Chinese battery giant CATL will start mass production next year of its latest generation product, with greater efficiency that lets electric cars drive longer distances on each charge, the company said on Thursday. Click here to read…

China’s coastal ecosystems still unhealthy despite recent progress, official says: Reuters

June 23, 2022

Most of China’s marine ecosystems are still in poor health despite recent improvements, and more efforts are needed to restore, protect and monitor coastal waters, an environment ministry official said on Thursday. Click here to read…

More trust urged for Sino-Indian relations: People’s Daily

June 24, 2022

State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China’s and India’s common interests far outweigh their differences and the two countries should support rather than undermine each other, as he met with Pradeep Kumar Rawat, India’s new ambassador to Beijing. Click here to read…

China adopts amendment to anti-monopoly law: Xinhuanet

June 24, 2022

Chinese lawmakers on Friday voted to pass an amendment to the Anti-monopoly Law, which will take effect on Aug. 1, 2022, at a session of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress. Click here to read…

President Xi calls for peace, development, openness, innovation to build high-quality BRICS partnership: Xinhuanet

June 24, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping hosted the 14th BRICS Summit via video link on Thursday evening in Beijing, calling on BRICS countries to safeguard world peace and tranquility, boost development, and unleash the potential and vitality of cooperation. Click here to read…

Full text of 14th BRICS Summit Beijing Declaration: Xinhuanet

June 24, 2022

The 14th BRICS Summit on Thursday issued the Beijing Declaration. Following is the full text of the declaration. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 18 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

June 24, 2022

The Chinese mainland Thursday reported 18 locally transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 14 in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and two in Shanghai, the National Health Commission said Friday. Click here to read…

Nation makes big advances in battle against illicit drugs: China Daily

June 24, 2022

China made 58 additions to the list of controlled drugs last year, resulting in all fentanyl and synthetic cannabinoid substances being put under control. The nation now has 449 kinds of narcotics and psychotropic substances on the list, Liang Yun, head of the narcotics control bureau of the Ministry of Public Security, announced on Thursday, three days ahead of the 35th International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking. Click here to read…

Probe into overseas cyberattack underway: China Daily

June 24, 2022

Police are investigating a cyberattack launched from overseas on the email system of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, Shaanxi province. Key evidence of the attack has been secured, local police said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Entertainment venues closed, dine-in services banned in Macao after Omicron cases surge to 110: Global Times

June 24, 2022

Entertainment venues were ordered to close and dine-in services at restaurants were banned from Thursday afternoon in the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) after the city’s COVID-19 infections increased to 110 in the latest flare-up. The chief executive of the Macao SAR assured the public that the outbreak would be curbed soon. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

Bourgeoning fiscal deficits a concern – Kuensel

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

Govt. building foundations for the economic road map- Kuensel

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

Bhutan has enough foreign currency reserve: PM – Kuensel

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

Editorial: Let’s give reform a chance- Kuensel

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

Maldives

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

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

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

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

Myanmar

Myanmar Junta Searches Homes After Arakan Army Seizures – The Irrawaddy

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

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

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

Myanmar minister joins Southeast Asian defense meeting – AP News

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

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

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

$2.3b loan deal inked with China: The News

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

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

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

Rain stopped, sufferings did not- The Daily Star

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

His Majesty returns from tour of southern dzongkhags- Kuensel

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

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

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

Bhutan and Nepal to sign bilateral trade agreement- Kuensel

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

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

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

Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

Parallel government in Myanmar creates own digital currency – Laprensalatina

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

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

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

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

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

Nepal

Flight disruption averted, talks on- Himalayan Times

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

NC seeks voting rights for migrant Nepalis- Himalayan Times

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

Journalist Rabi Lamichhane announces new political party- Himalayan Times

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

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

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

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

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

Sublimation of the subaltern- Kathmandu Post

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

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

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

Pakistan

‘Lifeline’ IMF deal secured: Dawn

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

2 killed, 28 wounded in Nangarhar explosion- Pajhwok News

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

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

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

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

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

Senior Delegation from Uzbekistan Visits Afghanistan- Tolo News

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

Durand Line Fencing Has Divided Families: Residents- Tolo News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

Universal pension: Govt Okays draft act- The Daily Star

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

Padma Bridge: Envoys laud Sheikh Hasina- The Daily Star

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

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

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

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

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

His Majesty returns from tour of southern dzongkhags- Kuensel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maldives

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

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

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

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

Nepal

Unified Socialist Politburo and Central Committee meeting in Kathmandu- Republica

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

Government decides to stay away from SPP- Kathmandu Post

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

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

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

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

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

Nepal for early seat sharing talks- Himalayan Post

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

Myanmar

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

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

Digital contention in post-coup Myanmar – New Mandala

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

Refineries’ shutdown imminent as LC crisis deepens: The News

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

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

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

Major challenges ahead: speakers- The Daily Star

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

Country gets its first female finance secy- The Daily Star

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

Bhutan needs big investment in right sector- Business Bhutan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maldives

President decides to establish Maldives Health Services: Edition Mv

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

Nepal

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fuel prices increase in new list sent by IOC- Republica

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

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

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

Ruling, opposition parties disown SPP- Himalayan Post

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

Myanmar

Prison Department spokesperson denies execution rumours- Myanmar Now

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Union Construction Minister receives Indian Ambassador- GNLM

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

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

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

Pakistan

Oil prices add fuel to raging fire of discontent- Dawn

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

SBP forex reserves hit lowest since November 2019- The News

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

Kabul Marks World Blood Donor Day: Tolo News

In honor of World Blood Donor Day, the Central Blood Bank of Afghanistan called on citizens of the country to donate. “The Central Blood Bank carried out 88,536 blood tests in that year, and also provided blood to 126,876 persons in need,” said Mohammad Nasser Sadiq, the director of the Central Blood Bank. Click here to read…

Panjshir Highway Closes to Traffic: The Khaama Press

The Panjshir highway has been closed to traffic due to a landslide, according to the Taliban’s Public Works Directorate for Panjshir. According to Bakhtar News Agency, a mountain landslide happened in the Pashghur area of Khenj district of Panjshir public highway on Wednesday, June the 15th, citing the Taliban’s Directorate of Public Works. Click here to read…

Putin’s Spokesman Denies the Allegations That Russia Might Recognize the Taliban: The Khaama Press

Dmitry Sergeyevich Peskov, the Russian presidential spokesperson, said at a press conference on Wednesday, June 15, that Moscow had not discussed recognizing the Taliban interim government. Click here to read…

India expresses concern about discriminatory, inferior status accorded to women in Afghanistan: India Today

India on Wednesday expressed its concern about the discriminatory inferior status accorded to women in Afghan society which has adversely impacted the education of girls in the war-torn country, while underlining the need for the Security Council to focus its attention on consequences of terrorism on the rights of women. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Govt mulls fuel price hike- The Daily Star

The government is considering raising the fuel prices to cut losses of Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation amid a price hike of crude oil and diesel in the global market. Click here to read…

Mega projects will not adversely affect economy: PM- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday ruled out the possibility of mega projects adversely impacting the balance of foreign currencies and the country’s economy. Click here to read…

Insulting other religions initiates communal conflict: Eminent citizens- The Daily Star

Seventeen prominent citizens today called upon all to maintain harmony in society by upholding religious values and respecting other religions following the protests over derogatory comments on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) made by two suspended BJP leaders. Click here to read…

Remittance inflow started returning to pre-Covid state: PM- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today told the parliament that the remittance inflow to the country has started to return to the normal trend as it was in pre-Covid times. Click here to read…

Bhutan

No fuel shortage: Economic affairs ministry- Kuensel

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

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

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

Complainant and accused arrested in alleged prostitution case- Kuensel

While many in Phuentsholing are questioning how the complainant of an alleged prostitution case could be arrested as she informed the police to seek protection, police officials said that she was a part of the racket. Click here to read…

Government sets fuel price without discussing with country’s PoL dealers- Bhutan Today

To bring down the fuel price in the country, the government adopted a price-fixing-module – this, the Petroleum, Oils and Lubricants (PoL) dealers said it is a decision taken arbitrarily. Click here to read…

Maldives

Almost 350 development projects currently underway’- The Sun

Three hundred forty-five projects are currently underway in different parts of the country, Planning Minister Mohamed Aslam has said. Click here to read…

Myanmar not part of ASEAN meet- The Hindu

The Foreign Minister of Myanmar is unlikely to be part of the 24 th ASEAN-India Ministerial here on Thursday, an official source indicated. Click here to read…

Prison Department spokesperson denies execution rumours- Myanmar Now

Rumours that four condemned prisoners, including prominent political figures Ko Jimmy and Phyo Zayar Thaw, are about to be hanged are untrue, according to a Prison Department spokesperson. Click here to read…

Nearly 3,000 Civilians Flee Myanmar Regime’s Aerial Bombing in Sagaing- The Irrawaddy

Around 3,000 civilians from Sagaing Region have left their homes because of Myanmar junta air bombardment and arson attacks in Wetlet Township on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Nepal

JICA commences five years project on Climate Change Adaptation through Sustainable Forest Management- Himalayan Times

JICA Nepal and Ministry of Forest and Environment (MOFE) concluded an agreement on the Technical Cooperation Project on Climate Change Adaptation through Sustainable Forest Management in Nepal on Tuesday. Click here to read…

US scotches rumours about SPP agreement- Himalayan Times

There is no proposed SPP agreement. Any claim to the contrary is false. Nepal applied for SPP in 2015 and again in 2017. The United States accepted Nepal’s application in 2019. Click here to read…

Attention drawn towards SPP draft in HoR- Himalayan Times

The major opposition party CPN (UML) has drawn serious attention of the government towards draft of the USA’s State Partnership Programme (SPP) that Nepal is supposed to sign. Click here to read…

PM Deuba and Finance Minister Sharma to respond to lawmakers’ queries today- Republica

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other ministers concerned are scheduled to respond to the questions raised by lawmakers on the budget allocation bill related to the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Finance, Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Office of the President and Office of the Vice President in the House of Representatives meeting today. Click here to read…

Madhesh govt presents budget of 46.88 billion- Republica

The Madhesh Provincial Government has made public a budget of Rs. 46.88 billion for the coming Fiscal Year 2022/23. Click here to read…

Lumbini govt presents budget of Rs 42.63 billion- Republica

The Lumbini provincial government has presented a budget of 42.63 billion for fiscal year 2022/23. Click here to read…

Gandaki unveils budget of Rs 35.90 billion- Republica

andaki Province has announced a budget of Rs 35.90 billion for fiscal year 2022/23, underscoring the development of agriculture, tourism and health sectors. Click here to read…

Sudurpaschim Province unveils a budget of Rs 36.74 billion- Republica

The Sudurpaschim province government on Wednesday unveiled an estimated budget of Rs 36.746 billion for the upcoming fiscal year 2022/23. Click here to read…

Pakistan

BUDGET 2022-23: Tax relief to salaried class ‘sacrificed at IMF altar’: Dawn

The government has decided, in principle, to reverse the drastic tax relief provided to the salaried class in its proposed federal budget for 2022-23, official sources told Dawn. Click here to read…

Petrol price up by Rs24.03, diesel Rs59.16: The News

Federal Finance Minister Miftah Ismail Wednesday announced that the government was not in a position to bear subsidies on petroleum products anymore, therefore, it has decided to increase the prices of petrol by Rs24.03 per litre, taking it to a record high of Rs233.89 per litre. Click here to read…

Imran foresees PML-N-led govt failing in handling economic crisis: The Express Tribune

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Wednesday predicted that the coalition government led by Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) will completely fail in steering the country out of the prevailing economic crisis, saying he had advised “neutrals” – a tacit reference to the establishment – to not let the economy derail. Click here to read…

Musharraf’s return a fait accompli: Gilani: The Express Tribune

PPP leader Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wednesday maintained that the return of ex-military ruler Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf to Pakistan due to his “frail” health was not in the hands of the lawmakers as the decision would be made “somewhere” else. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

SL requests China to amend the agreement: Daily mirror

Sri Lanka is in engagement with China to amend the terms and conditions of the US 1.5 billion currency swap deal so that it can be used, a top source said. Click here to read…

“Stop Adani” Trends For Sri Lanka Project, Protests Planned Tomorrow: NDTV

Social media in Sri Lanka is abuzz with plans for a “massive protest” against Indian industrialist Gautam Adani’s group over allegations that an energy project was awarded to the group after Prime Minister Narendra Modi pressured President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

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

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

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

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

Scale up Rohingya repatriation efforts- The Daily Star

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

PM orders building a Padma Bridge museum- The Daily Star

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

Bhutan

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

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

No fuel shortage: Economic affairs ministry- Kuensel

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

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

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

Maldives

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

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

Myanmar

Myanmar Resistance Rejects Junta Calls to Surrender – The Irrawaddy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nepal

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

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

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

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

Khadka defends Uzra Zeya’s visit- Himalayan Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Maternal mortality rate still high in Banke- The Republica

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

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

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

Nepali reaps peace dividend 17 years after war- Nepali Times

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

Punjab political crisis shows no signs of abating: The News

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

Kabul Struggling with High Fuel Prices, Municipality Imposes Price Cap: Tolo News

The price of fuel, and also the price of taxi fares, have surged, causing a strain for many who are struggling to make ends meet amid an economic crisis. The taxi drivers said that the price of one liter of diesel is 100 Afs, which caused a surge in the taxi fare as well. Click here to read…

Stanekzai Meets Save the Children Official Visiting Kabul: Tolo News

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sher Mohammad Abas Stanekzai, met with the International Program Director of Save the Children, Nora Ingdal, and her accompanying delegation. The delegation of Save the Children told TOLOnews that Stanekzai assured them that children’s access to education and health facilities is the priority of the Islamic Emirate. Click here to read…

The Taliban Claims Killing a Prominent ISIL Commander: The Khaama Press

In an operation by the Taliban security forces in Kabul province’s Bagrami district, a key ISIL commander was killed and another was arrested, according to Taliban officials. Click here to read…

UN: Millions of Afghans Require Immediate Assistance: The Khaama Press

A senior UNHCR official during her visit to Kabul stated that millions of people in Afghanistan had been displaced and needed immediate assistance. On Sunday, UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner Kelly Clements, with a delegation, visited KabulClick here to read…
Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Projects delayed for poor preparations, coordination- The Daily Star

About 76 percent of the government officials involved with preparing, processing and evaluating development projects think the projects get approved without an adequate feasibility study and stakeholder consultations, found recent research. Click here to read…

Climate Change: Learning to be resilient- The Daily Star

Many people, particularly rural women of 13 districts, have been learning how to be resilient against climate change through a programme titled “REECALL”, led by Oxfam in Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Why only 25 Bangladeshi agencies allowed- The Daily Star

A Malaysian MP and two migrant rights bodies have urged Human Resources Minister M Saravanan to explain his decision for allowing only 25 Bangladeshi agencies to recruit workers for Malaysia, reported Malaysian daily Malay Mail yesterday. Click here to read…

Russian employee of Rooppur nuke plant dies- The Daily Star

Another Russian national working in Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant project died in Pabna’s Ishwardi upazila, police said yesterday. Click here to read…

4th Covid-19 vaccine dose free for opposition MPs: Health Minister- The Daily Star

Health Minister Zahid Maleque today said the opposition lawmakers will be provided with fourth dose of Covid-19 vaccine for free. Click here to read…

“India’s citizenship act can’t ease Bangladeshi Hindus’ ordeals”- The Daily Star

A prominent leader of Bangladesh’s Hindu community has said the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in India is not being helpful to the Hindus in Bangladesh in overcoming the ordeals they are facing, the Hindustan Times reported. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Govt. is exploring more hydropower projects- Bhutan Times

The annual budget report for Financial Year (FY) 2022-23, which was tabled by Finance Minister Namgay Tshering in the National Assembly on 6 June, states the government is exploring and developing more hydropower projects for which various studies have been initiated. Click here to read…

NA repeals three sections under the Forest and Nature Conservation Bill- BBS

The National Assembly continued their deliberations on the Forest and Nature Conservation Bill today. The house decided to repeal three sections regarding Forestry officials’ power to seize, confiscate livestock, vehicles, equipment and machinery used during forest offences, and conditions on the allotment of timber from State Reserved Forest Land along the roads. Click here to read…

Maldives

“China loans are not debt traps”: Avas MV

Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer has said no loans borrowed from foreign parties put state assets at risk of mortgage. He made the statement while speaking at the Parliament’s Public Finance Committee on Monday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar’s multidimensional crises have ‘deepened and expanded dramatically’ – UN News

Noeleen Heyzer said that since she took up the job six months ago, Myanmar has “continued to descend into profound and widespread conflict”. Already one of the world’s largest refugee emergencies, she reminded that multidimensional crises there have left over one million internally displaced people (IDPs) across the country with “serious regional and international ramifications”. Click here to read…

Over 300 Myanmar Military Troops Killed in Karen State in May: KNU – The Irrawaddy

Some 303 junta troops and members of the pro-regime Border Guard Force (BGF) were killed in 448 clashes with ethnic Karen fighters in southeast Myanmar’s Karen State in May, taking the total death toll among junta forces in Karen State in the first five months of the year to about 1,800. Click here to read…

Nearly 90 Myanmar Junta Soldiers Killed in Clashes With Resistance in North – The Irrawaddy

Several hours-long intense shootouts between the military detachment of Infantry Battalion 415 and the combined forces of the Kachin Region People’s Defense Force-Myohla and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) broke out near a village in Shwegu Township, Kachin State on SundayClick here to read…

Kyaukphyu duo accused of raising funds for AA face incitement charge – BNI Online

A man and woman in Kyaukphyu who were detained on suspicion of raising funds for the Arakan Army (AA) have been charged with incitement under Section 505(a) of the Penal Code. Lieutenant Ye Thet Zaw from a Kyaukphyu-based military battalion on Friday filed a lawsuit against the pair at the township court, and the plaintiff will be questioned at a hearing on June 23, a lawyer with Legal Remedy Group (Kyaukphyu branch) told DMG. Click here to read…

Junta Watch: Defying the World on Executions; Splashing Cash While Urging Frugality; and More – The Irrawaddy

Min Aung Hlaing continues to squander public funds on vanity projects; most recently in an attempt to portray himself as the country’s supreme sports patron. On June 3, he awarded more than 1.32 billion kyats (over US$700,000) to Myanmar athletes who won medals at the 31st Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam in May—quite a sum considering Myanmar finished seventh in a region with just 11 countries. Click here to read…

Nepal

House directs govt to ensure fertilisers for farmers- Himalayan Times

The House of Representatives today unanimously passed a special motion directing the government to provide fertilisers to farmers at the earliest. Click here to read…

LSP delegation reminds PM of party demands- Himalayan Times

A delegation of Loktantrik Samajbadi Party today called on Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba to remind the latter about the party’s demands. The delegation was led by party chair Mahantha Thakur. Click here to read…

Call to amend Foreign Employment Policy- Himalayan Times

Civil society members have said that the Foreign Employment Policy 2012 needs to be amended to ensure safe, orderly, and regular migration of Nepali workers. Click here to read…

Finance minister in dock again ‘for using outsiders’ to tweak taxes- Kathmandu Post

Lawmakers demand clarification from Sharma and investigation into allegations that he involved unauthorised people in the budget-making process. Click here to read…

‘Truth-seeking should be the first priority of the transitional justice process’- Kathmandu Post

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Govinda Bandi says there is a consensus among stakeholders that there can be no amnesty in cases of serious violations of human rights. Click here to read…

Cyber security bill to be prepared after consultation with stakeholders- Republica

Minister for Communications and Information Technology Gyanendra Bahadur Karki has said a ‘Bill on Cyber Security’ will be finalized on the basis of recommendations from the stakeholder organizations and experts. Click here to read…

US State Partnership Program: Here’s the draft of the deal that lets US personnel stay in Nepal indefinitely- Online Khabar

The United States government has floated a proposal for a State Partnership Program to be signed between the US Department of Defense and the Nepali Ministry of Defence that also includes letting some members of the US security forces stay in Nepal for an indefinite period. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

US, China pledge help to Sri Lanka: Tribune India

In a significant development, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong met his US counterpart Julie Chung here on Monday. Click here to read…

Blinken discusses economic, political challenges with Sri Lanka’s PM: Business Standard

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday (local time) discussed the current economic and political challenges with Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka official who alleged pressure to award project to Adani Group resigns: Indian Express

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had “pressured” President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to award a power project to the Adani Group, the Chairman of Sri Lanka’s Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB), M M C Ferdinando, resigned on Monday. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Punjab budget session put off after ‘day-long drama’: Dawn

The Punjab Assembly on Monday witnessed a daylong drama as Speaker Chaudhry Parvez Elahi refused to conduct the session and allow the provincial budget to be presented, demanding the inspector general of police (IGP) first tender an apology to him and all cases lodged against the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and PML-Q workers and parliamentarians be withdrawn. Click here to read…

US all set to rebuild ties: ambassador: Dawn

Ambassador Blome, who arrived in Pakistan late last month, has taken over the charge of the US mission at a time of unique challenges and opportunities. Though anti-American sentiments run deep in Pakistani society, the feelings got inflamed after former prime minister Imran Khan alleged that he was ousted through a US conspiracy for regime change and ran a mass campaign calling for ‘freedom’ from ‘slaves of foreign powers’. Click here to read…

Pakistan to default if subsidies not abolished till July: Miftah: The Express Tribune

Finance Minister Miftah Ismail has said abolishing the subsidies on petroleum products till July was imperative to prevent the country from going bankruptcy, hinting at another increase in the prices of fuel that whizzed past records earlier this month. Click here to read…

Diesel may jump Rs53, petrol Rs18/litre: The News

The prices of diesel and petrol may go up by Rs53 and Rs18/litre, respectively, if the government passed on the full impact of global oil markets to consumers, rolling back the subsidy completely in a push to redeem the IMF loan, industry officials said on Monday. Click here to read…

Pakistan launches diplomatic effort to get out of FATF grey list: The News

Pakistan has launched a massive diplomatic effort to get out of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list, according to official sources.

Afghanistan

UN Official in Kabul to Address Afghan Refugee Issues: Tolo News

UN Deputy High Commissioner for Refugees Kelly T. Clements, during her visit to Kabul, said she will meet with Islamic Emirate officials to discuss resolving Afghan refugee issues and establishing grounds for their return to Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Two Factories Start Operating in Herat Industrial Park: Tolo News

Amid the country’s economic crisis, the private sector established two plants at Herat Industrial Park costing almost $4 million, creating tens of thousands of jobs. These factories operate in the textile and oxygen production sectors. Click here to read…

Three Explosions Occur Simultaneously in Afghanistan’s Three Provinces: The Khaama Press

Three simultaneous explosions have been reported in Afghanistan’s Badakhshan, Kunduz, and Kunar provinces, according to sources. On Sunday morning, June the 12th, an explosion took place on a vehicle carrying Taliban forces in the Kari area of Faizabad, Badakhshan province. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Reshuffle in ACC to hurt high-profile probes- The Daily Star

The recent reshuffle in the Anti-Corruption Commission would hamper investigation of many high-profile corruption cases, said officials who have been transferred. Click here to read…

Graft in Bangladeshi labour recruitment to Malaysia?- The Daily Star

After a meeting with Expatriates’ Welfare Minister Imran Ahmed on June 1, Malaysian Human Resources Minister M Saravanan said the migration cost for the Bangladeshis going to Malaysia under the new deal would be zero. Click here to read…

Jet fuel price goes up- The Daily Star

Local airlines are about to face a blow both at home and abroad as the price of jet fuel increased again in the domestic market. Click here to read…

Need to unite for int’l recognition- The Daily Star

The country will need to be united once again for international recognition of the genocide carried out by the Pakistani army during the 1971 Liberation War, said speakers at a meeting yesterday. Click here to read…

Ensure inclusive national election- The Daily Star

If the next general election is not joined by all political parties, it would not be accepted nationally and internationally, a number of former chief election commissioners, election commissioners and election officials said yesterday. Click here to read…

Move to return workers to Bahrain underway- The Daily Star

Bahrain has agreed to allow 161 stranded Bangladeshi workers back to Bahrain under a special arrangement after six months of Bangladesh’s request. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Nu 4B bond offers for public subscription- Kuensel

The government has offered a 12-year bond worth Nu 4 billion (B) for public subscriptions to be allocated using a yield-based auction, the Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) notified on June 10. Click here to read…

His Holiness the Je Khenpo appoints Tshog-ki Lopon- Kuensel

His Holiness the Je Khenpo appoints the Tshog-ki Lopon of Zhung Dratshang. Click here to read…

Govt. is exploring more hydropower projects- Bhutan Times

The annual budget report for Financial Year (FY) 2022-23, which was tabled by Finance Minister Namgay Tshering in the National Assembly on 6 June, states the government is exploring and developing more hydropower projects for which various studies have been initiated. Click here to read…

Yoga reaches RENEW-Gawaling Happy Home- Bhutan Times

Indian Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj and officials of the Embassy of India in Bhutan visited RENEW Gawaling Happy Home in Wangsisina to commemorate the celebrations of the 8th International Day of Yoga (IDY) on 9 June this week. Click here to read…

Reopening of border gates to depend on COVID-19 risk: Foreign Minister

The Member of Parliament from Khamaed Lunana during the question hour session asked the foreign minister about the country’s border reopening plans. Click here to read…

Maldives

The Maldives launches pro-India campaign on social media: Indian Express

The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has initiated a social media campaign in favour of India in a bid to counter the ‘India Out’ campaign in the country. Click here to read…

Prolonged internet shut down in Paletwa puts locals in difficulties – Narinjara

In Paletwa township of Chin State, the internet has been blocked by the military council for a long time and hence the local people find it difficult to communicate accordingly. The internet service came to a halt in Paletwa locality for the first time in more than two years from June 2019 to February 2021. It was the time when the Arakan Army (AA) members clashed with the Burmese army personnel. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta to Move Forward With Trial of Australian Economist – The Diplomat

Myanmar’s military junta said yesterday that it will push ahead with the prosecution of the Australian economics professor Sean Turnell, after a military tribunal formally charged him with breaching the country’s Official Secrets Act. Click here to read…

Resistance Force Raids Army Checkpoint, Kills 13 Myanmar Junta Soldiers – The Irrawaddy

Three PDFs from Yesagyo and Myaing townships in Magwe and Salingyi Township in Sagaing Region raided a checkpoint at Sin Phyu Shin Bridge in the north of the township, said Yesagyo PDF. Click here to read…

Cambodia’s Hun Sen asks Myanmar to call off political executions – Asia Nikkei

Cambodia’s prime minister urged military-ruled Myanmar to reconsider the death sentences against four political opponents, suggesting that executing them will draw strong international condemnation and complicate efforts to restore peace to the strife-torn nation. Click here to read…

SHE TALKS PEACE: Myanmar community army – MindaNews

On “She Talks Peace,” I had an enlightening and encouraging conversation with Emma Leslie, the founder director of the Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, supporting peace processes and conflict transformation in Asia. Click here to read…

Myanmar junta can’t beat rebels, should restore democracy, U.S. diplomat says – Reuters

Myanmar’s junta likely cannot to defeat the rebels fighting its rule and should restore democracy after seizing power last year, a senior U.S. diplomat said. Click here to read…

Nepal

Deuba’s July US visit kicks up a row- Himalayan Times

CPN-UML’s Pradeep Kumar Gyawali has demanded that Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba immediately inform the House of Representatives about his impending visit to the United States of America. Speaking from the rostrum of the HoR today, he said the PM must clarify about his visit to the US. Click here to read…

Forest minister seeks collective support in conservation efforts- Himalayan Times

Minister of Forest and Environment Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav has urged the province and local governments to incorporate climate change and environment conservation-related programmes in their policies and programmes and implement them. Click here to read…

Budget sought for climate change adaptation- Himalayan Times

Lawmakers of Karnali Province have demanded that the government to bring a budget that can address the issues of climate change adaptation and social inclusion. Click here to read…

MPs from ruling parties asked not to play ‘minister’- Himalayan Times

In a meeting of the House of Representatives today, main opposition party lawmaker Bhanubhakta Dhakal has urged lawmakers representing the ruling parties not to be defensive in relation to issues raised by the opposition in the House. Click here to read…

People mulling independent runs for federal seats begin consultations- Kathmandu Post

Members of a network named ‘Swatantra Ummedwar Abhiyan’ are holding national consultations in Kathmandu on July 1 and 2. Click here to read…

Ruins of Maurya-era wall unearthed in Tilaurakot, Kapilvastu- Kathmandu Post

The recent finding is crucial to help enlist Tilaurakot in UNESCO’s world heritage list. Click here to read…

EPG was formed to remove irritants. Its report risks being a source of irritation- Kathmandu Post

Plan to unilaterally make public the report, prepared jointly be Nepali and Indian experts, is shelved for now. Click here to read…

Ministers to respond to MPs’ questions on Appropriation Bill from today- My Republica

Deliberations on Appropriation Bill, 2079 BS by the lawmakers concluded on Sunday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka may have to buy more Russian oil: Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe: CNN

Sri Lanka may be compelled to buy more oil from Russia as the nation faces shortages amid an unprecedented economic crisis, its prime minister has said. Click here to read…

Lanka official says PM wanted Adani to get project; retracts, Gotabaya denies: Indian Express

A senior Sri Lanka official claimed before a Lankan parliamentary panel that Prime Minister Narendra Modi allegedly pressured President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to award a power project to the Adani Group. Click here to read…

There is a man-made economic crisis in Sri Lanka, says PM Ranil Wickremesinghe: WION Newes

Sri Lanka is currently going through the worst economic crisis since gaining their independence in 1948 and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe believes that it is the fault of the previous governments and the politicians. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Uncertainty, Ukraine war major risks to Pakistan’s economic outlook: Dawn

In an integrity statement to parliament required under the Public Finance Act as part of the federal budget, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail and Secretary Finance Hamed Yaqoob Sheikh have also highlighted a possible increase in expenditures because of higher subsidies and interest payments and an anticipated setback to revenue collection owing to import and demand contraction, posing substantial risks to the economic growth and sustainability of fiscal and monetary projections. Click here to read…

Pakistan, China vow to step up defence cooperation despite challenges: The Express Tribune

A high-powered Pakistani delegation comprising senior military officials from all three services – army, navy and air force – visited China from June 9 to 12 as part of the meeting of Pakistan China Joint Military Cooperation Committee (PCJMCC), which has an apex committee. Pakistan’s army chief and vice chairman of China’s Central Military Commission are part of the committee. Click here to read…

Govt to review salary tax relief after IMF objection: The News

The proposed tax relief in Personal Income Tax (PIT) to the tune of Rs47 billion is totally unacceptable to the IMF and the government is left with no option but to consider bringing changes in it. Click here to read…

PTI case about prohibited funding, ECP tells IHC: The Express Tribune

The IHC, while dealing with the PTI’s plea to stop the commission from giving an immediate verdict, noted in its judgment that an ECP representative had told the court that the electoral body was carrying out proceedings against the party under sub-rule 6 of the Rules of Political Parties 2002. Click here to read…

Xi calls for creating a new chapter in Sichuan’s development: Xinhuanet

June 10, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made an inspection tour of southwest China’s Sichuan Province. Xi stressed resolute implementation of the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, carrying forward the great founding spirit of the Party, and being firm in the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability. Click here to read…

Senior CPC official underscores studying, implementing Xi Thought: Xinhuanet

June 10, 2022

Huang Kunming, a senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official, on Friday underscored the necessity of studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Click here to read…

Chinese, U.S. defense chiefs agree to enhance strategic mutual trust, properly manage differences: Xinhuanet

June 10, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin agreed on Friday to enhance strategic mutual trust and properly manage differences between the militaries of the two countries. Click here to read…

Major water transfer project to start construction in China: Xinhuanet

June 10, 2022

The construction of a project to channel water from China’s Yangtze River to the Hanjiang River will start by the end of this month, the Ministry of Water Resources said on Friday. With a total investment of 59.8 billion yuan (about 8.93 billion U.S. dollars), the project is a supplement to the middle route of the country’s South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Click here to read…

Tycoon sentenced to death with reprieve for bribery: China Daily

June 10, 2022

Yun Gongmin, a former tycoon in China’s electricity industry, was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for accepting more than 468 million yuan ($70.2 million) in bribes, a court in Northeast China’s Jilin province ruled on Thursday. Click here to read…

Drug negotiations saved Chinese patients billions: China Daily

June 10, 2022

The National Healthcare Security Administration said recently that Chinese patients saved nearly 150 billion yuan ($22.4 billion) in costs last year as a result of its price negotiation program with drug manufacturers and reimbursement through national medical security funds. Click here to read…

Yangquan in N China’s Shanxi shifts to green development through burgeoning automated driving industry: People’s Daily

June 10, 2022

Once having thrived on its local coal industry, Yangquan city, in north China’s Shanxi Province, has successfully blazed a new trail in the automated driving industry. Since 2012, the city has shifted to a green development path, and has become China’s first city to carry out autonomous driving in all of its administrative areas, having meanwhile served as a pilot city for the application of the Internet of Things in China. Click here to read…

U.S., China defense chiefs trade barbs over Taiwan situation: Kyodo

June 10, 2022

U.S. and Chinese defense chiefs on Friday traded barbs over the situation surrounding self-ruled democratic Taiwan on the fringes of a key security meeting in Asia, with both sides warning against actions that they view as destabilizing. Click here to read…

Tesla cancels three June online hiring events for China: Reuters

June 10, 2022

Tesla Inc (TSLA.O) has cancelled three online recruitment events for China scheduled this month, the latest development after Chief Executive Elon Musk threatened job cuts at the electric car maker, saying it was “overstaffed” in some areas. Click here to read…

U.S., China defense chiefs trade barbs over Taiwan situation: Kyodo

June 10, 2022

U.S. and Chinese defense chiefs on Friday traded barbs over the situation surrounding self-ruled democratic Taiwan on the fringes of a key security meeting in Asia, with both sides warning against actions that they view as destabilizing. Click here to read…

Chinese local governments speed up implementation of policy to stabilize economy in crucial quarter: Global Times

June 11, 2022

Senior leaders of several Chinese provinces have recently made field trips to coordinate on the solution to problems encountered by the local economy, the latest efforts by China’s local authorities to promote the implementation of various policies and measures aimed at stabilizing the economy. Click here to read…

Beijing warns of ‘explosive’ COVID outbreak, Shanghai conducts mass testing: Reuters

June 11, 2022

China’s capital Beijing is experiencing an “explosive” COVID-19 outbreak connected to a bar, a government spokesman said on Saturday, as the commercial hub, Shanghai,conducted mass testing to contain a jump in cases tied to a hair salon. Click here to read…

Chinese fighter crash kills civilian: Taipei Times

June 11, 2022

A Chinese air force jet crashed into houses during a training mission in central China, killing one person on the ground and injuring two others, state media said. The report was unusual because China generally keeps military accidents under wraps or emphasizes the heroic role of the pilot in avoiding casualties on the ground. Click here to read…

Chinese local governments speed up implementation of policy to stabilize economy in crucial quarter: Global Times

June 11, 2022

Senior leaders of several Chinese provinces have recently made field trips to coordinate on the solution to problems encountered by the local economy, the latest efforts by China’s local authorities to promote the implementation of various policies and measures aimed at stabilizing the economy. Click here to read…

China’s Xiamen to build 5G-powered telemedicine platform for eye diseases: Xinhuanet

June 12, 2022

Xiamen, a coastal city in east China’s Fujian Province, will build a 5G-based telemedicine platform for eye diseases, as part of its efforts to promote smart medicine and health. Approved by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the project is one of the “5G plus medical and health” application pilot projects in the country. Click here to read…

Senior military officials of China, Pakistan advocate more coordination and cooperation: China Military

June 12, 2022

Vice Chairman of China’s Central Military Commission (CMC) General Zhang Youxia met with the visiting Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa in Qingdao, capital city of east China’s Shandong province, on the morning of June 12, 2022. Click here to read…

China bears no responsibility for border conflicts with India: Chinese Defense Minister: Global Times

June 12, 2022

The merits of the China-India border conflicts are very clear, and the responsibility does not lie with China, said China’s State Councilor and Defense Minister Wei Fenghe at the International Institute for Strategic Studies’ 19th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Sunday morning. Click here to read…

China bids to strengthen vocational education amid a new wave of industrial transformation: Global Times

June 12, 2022

China has ramped up efforts to promote the development of its vocational education system, aiming to expand the nation’s employment channels while cultivating more targeted talent for emerging high-tech industries, which is in line with the country’s economic transformationClick here to read…

Chinese defense minister elaborates China’s Vision for Regional Order at 19th Shangri-La Dialogue: China Military

June 12, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe delivered a speech on “China’s Vision for Regional Order” at the 19th Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on June 12, 2022. General Wei pointed out that the human society is undergoing multiple crises rarely seen in history, and the right course lies in maintaining and implementing multilateralism and promoting the establishment of a community with a shared future for mankind. Click here to read…

What’s fuelling China’s lithium rush in Zimbabwe? The long game on zero carbon: South China Morning Post

June 13, 2022

Zimbabwe holds Africa’s largest lithium reserves, the fifth-largest globally, with its province of Masvingo home to the Bikita mine – site of the world’s largest-known deposit of the metal at around 11 million tonnes. The resource, however, has remained largely untapped for decades due to a lack of investment. But the growing global demand for electric vehicles has seen Bikita and other Zimbabwean mines attract more Chinese companies in recent years, turning the southern African nation into China’s next frontier for the key EV battery component. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 69 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

June 13, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Sunday reported 69 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 29 in Beijing, 27 in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, and 11 in Shanghai, the National Health Commission said Monday. Click here to read…

Smart expressway in China makes travel more convenient, faster, safer: Quishiv

June 13, 2022

Thanks to intelligent transformation, a section of the Beijing-Taipei expressway, a partially completed smart expressway that will connect Beijing and Taipei, southeast China’s Taiwan, has seen its monthly average number of traffic accidents decrease by 40.9 percent from 66 to 39, and the average handling time of accidents drop from 28 minutes to 19 minutes, with the accident handling efficiency increasing by 32.1 percent. Click here to read…

Digital technology helps narrow regional divides: China Daily

June 13, 2022

The development of digital technology is expected to narrow the economic gap between eastern and western China, according to a new report on the digital countryside released by Peking University’s New Rural Development Research Institute and AliResearch, the research arm of Alibaba Group. Click here to read…

China to fight at all costs for its sovereignty: China Daily

June 13, 2022

China will have no choice but to go to war and fight to the end if anyone dares to separate Taiwan from the motherland, said State Councilor and Defense Minister General Wei Fenghe at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore. Click here to read…