Afghanistan

US Envoy on Afghanistan to Return to Doha to Meet Taliban: Tolo News

The US Special Representative for Afghanistan will visit Doha next week for two weeks of meetings with leaders of the Taliban, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Appoints 27 Senior Officials: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate officials said they appointed 27 people in senior positions to ministries as well as to other departments and to the military. Click here to read…

US-Taliban to resume talks with a focus on counterterrorism operations: The Khaama Press

The U.S and Taliban officials will resume talks in Doha, Qatar next week to discuss counterterrorism operations against ISIS-K, Al-Qaeda, humanitarian assistance and economic crisis in Afghanistan, the U.S Department of State have revealed. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

UNGA adopts resolution to graduate Bangladesh from LDC- Dhaka Tribune

In a historic move, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution to graduate Bangladesh and two other countries from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. Click here to read…

President Hamid to people: Unite to build Bangabandhu’s ‘Sonar Bangla’- Dhaka Tribune

President Md Abdul Hamid on Wednesday called for forging unity among the people, irrespective of religion, caste and creed, to implement Bangabandhu’s pledge to build ‘Sonar Bangla. Click here to read…

State-run fertiliser factories: White Elephants they’re now- Daily Star

The factories are consuming natural gas heavily, but producing urea fertilizer much less than their modern peers do. Click here to read…

Bangladesh, China not invited to Biden’s democracy summit- Asian Age

Bangladesh and China are not seen on the list of the invitees. Taiwan’s inclusion is sure to infuriate the Chinese government, which views the self-governing island as a breakaway territory and opposes any attempts to legitimize it on the international stage. Click here to read…

Bhutan

CSOs should serve society, not selves: MPs- Kuensel

The review of the CSO (Amendment) Bill 2021 by National Assembly (NA) members on November 18 highlighted widespread concerns about activities and financial operations of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in the country. Click here to read…

New road safety regulations to begin from January 2022- Kuensel

The Road Safety and Transport Authority (RSTA) came up with new regulations to cope with the emerging issues of the growing number of vehicles and new technology. Click here to read…

A Perspective on the Construction Industry- Bhutan Times

Construction is a global industry, with a total estimated annual output of US$11 trillion in 2020, and is projected to hit US$15 trillion by 2030. Click here to read…

Wungchilo marijuana field attracts miscreants- Trashi Yangtse- BBS

Wungchilo in Trashi Yangtse is a safe haven for abusing and making drugs. As the place is far from the settlement and with plenty of marijuana plants, miscreants visit the place to abuse drugs and make hashish to sell. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives reports 123 new Covid-19 cases, 139 recoveries – Raajje

Maldives confirmed 123 new Covid-19 cases alongside 139 additional recoveries by sundown on Tuesday. According to the latest figures publicized by the Health Protection Agency (HPA), 3,516 samples were tested for the virus between 6pm Monday and 6pm Tuesday. Click here to read…

Agoda Signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) With Maldives Border Miles Initiative to Boost Post-Pandemic Tourism – Business Wire

Maldives Border Miles (MBM), a loyalty program initiated by Maldives Immigration in collaboration with key government stakeholders, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global digital travel platform Agoda, (part of Booking Holdings, Nasdaq BKNG), to boost tourism in the countryClick here to read…

Myanmar

Tatmadaw Raids Catholic Institutions in Kayah State, Myanmar – persecution.org

On November 22, the Myanmar military junta known as the Tatmadaw raided a cathedral, bishop’s house, and church-run clinic in the primarily Catholic Kayah State in Myanmar. Over 200 soldiers and police officers raided Christ the King Cathedral in Loikaw, Kayah State’s capital, as well as raided the Karuna clinic and bishop’s houseClick here to read…

Myanmar’s Army Is Fighting a Multi-Front War – The Diplomat

A town of 8,000 people in Myanmar’s Chin State has been emptied of all its residents following a confrontation between the local self-defense force and the soldiers of the junta. Click here to read…

Rumbles in Rakhine amid strains between Myanmar military, rebels – Aljazeera

Since Myanmar’s military staged a coup against Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government on February 1, triggering mass unrest, the formerly restive far-western state of Rakhine has remained relatively peaceful. Click here to read…

Mizoram: Cross-border transport project nearing completion, say officials – East Mojo

Mizoram Public Works Department said over 96% “physical progress” has been already achieved in the ambitious cross-border Kaladan Multi Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP) on Mizoram side, an official said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Nepal

NBA threatens to intensify stir against CJ- Himalaya

The Nepal Bar Association and dissident justices of the Supreme Court continued to protest against Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana today as well and threatened to intensify their agitation. Click here to read…

Health Minister Khatiwada promises measures against tobacco use- Himalaya

Minister for Health and Population Birodh Khatiwada has said that appropriate measures would be taken to control and regulate the use of tobacco products. Click here to read…

Upcoming upper house polls could leave a weakened UML even weaker

A loss may be solely the UML’s but holds the potential for affecting national understanding by deepening the divide. Click here to read…

Agroecology, Nepal’s answer to climate change

The answer to addressing climate impact is to regenerate the most important ecosystem of all: the soil. Click here to read…

Population Census 2021: Data Vs Reliability- Republica

A high alert during the entire process of data collection under the census is of paramount importance to ensure the quality and reliability of the outcome of the census. Click here to read…

Pakistan

NA panel’s head disallows vote on NAB bills: Dawn

Of the 20 committee members including its chairman Riaz Fatyana, six members from the treasury and 10 opposition members were present at the meeting that had been convened to consider five bills, including the NAO (Second Amendment) Bill, 2021 and the NAO (Third Amendment) Bill, 2021. Click here to read…

Ecnec okays Rs190bn road infrastructure projects: Dawn

A meeting of Ecnec, chaired by Minister for Planning and Development Asad Umar and attended by Minister for Industries Khusro Bakhtiar and federal secretaries, approved the Pakistan Optical Remote Sensing Satellite (PRSS-02) project of Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco) worth Rs27.913bn. Click here to read…

SBP projects up to 5% economic growth despite challenges: The Express Tribune

The central bank has projected the economy to grow strongly in the range of four to five per cent in the current fiscal year 2021-22, but warned of challenges including exponentially high global commodity prices, elevated import payments, increase in utility tariffs, higher inflation and expansion in services deficit. Click here to read…

Pakistan’s debt, liabilities cross Rs50tr: The Express Tribune

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) released the debt figures till September 2021, a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan described the increasing debt as a “national security issue”. Click here to read…

COAS for global convergence on Afghanistan: The News

Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has reiterated the need for global convergence on Afghanistan for avoiding humanitarian crisis and coordinated efforts for economic uplift of the Afghan people. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Status of Economic Situation Under the Islamic Emirate: Tolo News

Afghanistan faced a severe economic crisis following the collapse of the former government when the international aid to Afghanistan ceased and the banking system was disrupted. Click here to read…

After 100 Days, Islamic Emirate Still Seeks Intl Recognition: Tolo News

Islamic Emirate officials flew to various regional countries–and further–to seek engagement and to build relations with foreign governments. In return, representatives of at least six countries visited Afghanistan and held talks with officials. Click here to read…

Pakistan pledges $28m in humanitarian aid to Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Imran Khan has announced a sum of twenty-eight million US Dollars as humanitarian aid to Afghanistan which includes food, medical, and other humanitarian assistance, Aljazeera reported citing an official from Imran Khan’s office. Click here to read…

Afghanistan tops the world ranking as the ‘least happy’ country: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan has once again been recognized as the ‘least happy’ country in the world according to the World Population Review 2021 report. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Rumours over Khaleda’s health: Police on high alert- Daily Star

Police around the country were asked to remain vigilant to prevent any kind of unrest in case of rumors on social media about the health condition of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia. Click here to read…

Killers trained, target clear: Say law enforcers on Cumilla double murder; motive still a mystery- Daily Star

The death of Haripada Das, the close aide to the councillor, was possibly a “collateral damage”, they said. Click here to read…

Case filed against Gazipur Mayor over remarks on Bangabandhu, freedom fighters- Daily Star

A case has been filed with Rajbari court against Gazipur City Corporation Mayor Mohammad Zahangir Alam over recent comments on Bangabandhu and martyred freedom fighters at a programme. Click here to read…

How replacement creates displacement in the hill tracts- Dhaka Tribune

Among the 78,000 displacement cases recorded in 2017, around five thousand took place in Rangamati. Click here to read…

Homegrown vaccine Bangavax approved for human trial- Asian Age

Bangladesh Medical Research Council, or BMRC, has given ethical clearance to the Bangavax COVID-19 vaccine of Globe Biotech for a small Phase-1 clinical trial on humans. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Phuentsholing beyond the 100 Covid-free days- Kuensel

When Phuentsholing came out of the four-month lockdown in August this year, nobody expected the pandemic to fade easily. For days people remained indoors fearing transmission.Click here to read…

Women and politics- Kuensel

A small yet encouraging development in the on-going local government (LG) elections is the improved participation of women. Although in the initial stage of nominating candidates, more women had come out to compete for the LG posts. Click here to read…

3 Ministers, NA Speaker and NC Chairman get second hybrid duty vehicle worth Nu 3.2 mn each in violation of Pay Revision Act- The Bhutanese

The 2019 Pay Revision Act is very clear that Ministers or positions equivalent to them are entitled to one chauffer driven SUV of 3,000 cc each, which means one Toyota Prado for each of them. Click here to read…

Unwise to disregard pandemic norms- Bhutan Times

New cases around the world are mounting up with even new variants invading us every now and then. Some countries are again imposing restrictions to contain the spread of virus. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives: India first or India out? – Lowly Institute

Recent protests in Maldives against India’s influence in the country calling for “Indian military out” has led the Maldives government to respond by reiterating its “India First” policy. This has highlighted the difficulties that both countries face in building a stable strategic partnership while also addressing popular sensitivities. It’s not something that India has been good at elsewhere in the neighbourhood. Click here to read…

Myanmar

96.21 per cent work on Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project completed: Mizoram PWD tells Guv – The North East Today

The Mizoram Public Works Department (PWD) has claimed to have completed 96.21 per cent work of the ambitious Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMMTTP). Informing this to the Governor on November 23, PWD officials stated that the department has completed 84.19 km of work on the project, including the construction of eight bridges on the highway, out of 87.51 km route inside Mizoram. Click here to read…

Myanmar opposition raises $6.3 mln on launch of ‘revolution’ bonds – Reuters

A shadow government in Myanmar said it has raised $6.3 million on the opening day of its inaugural bonds sale, in its biggest move yet to generate funds for its “revolution” to topple the ruling military junta. Click here to read…

Myanmar Army stint beefed up Manipur PLA: intelligence report – The Hindu

Fighting the Myanmar army’s war against pro-democracy resistance groups may have emboldened the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), a Manipur-based extremist group, to ambush an Assam Rifles convoy killing seven, including a colonel, his wife and minor son, on November 13. Click here to read…

Are Ukrainian Weapons Fueling State Repression in Myanmar? – The Defence Post

After Myanmar’s armed forces seized control of the country in February, the Southeast Asian nation was thrown into chaos. At least 1,000 civilians were killed in demonstrations, and thousands of others fled to neighboring India and Thailand. Click here to read…

Nepal

EC warns NC, UML against using govt staff- Himalaya

The Election Commission issued a press release today warning parties against giving membership to teachers, professors, or government employees.
https://thehimalayantimes.com/nepal/ec-warns-nc-uml-against-using-govt-staff” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

NBA protest against chief justice continues- Himalaya

The Nepal Bar Association and dissident justices of the Supreme Court continued to protest against Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana today as well. Click here to read…

Oli looks firmly in charge as he bids to placate UML office bearer hopefuls- TKP

A contest is likely for office bearer posts where party chair, however, would make efforts to install leaders of his choice. Click here to read…

Kinship, karma, and kung fu- Nepali Times

Nepali nuns from a centuries-old Buddhist order redefine what it means to be of service. Click here to read…
Revenue collection at Birgunj Customs Office surpasses target by Rs 5 billion- Republica

The Birgunj Customs Office collected customs revenue worth Rs 70.12 billion in the first four months of the current fiscal year, around eight percent more than its target of Rs 65.11 billion for the period. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Ministerial body set up to hold 2023 polls through EVMs: Dawn

The federal cabinet on Tuesday established a ministerial committee for holding the 2023 general elections through electronic voting machines (EVMs), in which over nine million overseas Pakistanis will exercise their right of franchise for the first time. Click here to read…

PM orders inquiry against senior bureaucrat for mocking PTI govt on social media: Dawn

According to a statement of allegations issued by the Establishment Division on Monday, a copy of which is available with Dawn.com, BS-21 officer Hammad Shamimi had posted a comment on a social media page/platform that was tantamount to misconduct under the Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 2020. Click here to read…

IMF rejects borrowing request: The Express Tribune

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has rejected Pakistan’s request to keep a door open for borrowing from the central bank and also did not agree on any meaningful accountability of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Click here to read…

Rising debt, low revenue ‘national security’ issue: PM: The Express Tribune

He also maintained that the country’s very sustainability was at stake because of the absence of a “tax culture” and hoped that the use of technology would take revenue collection to Rs8 trillion per year. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Cash-strapped govt. seeks Indian lifeline: Basil to visit New Delhi – The Island

Declaring that Sri Lanka was experiencing the worst ever post-independence economic crisis, Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris yesterday said Finance Minister Basil Rajapaksa’s forthcoming visit to New Delhi might give the country an opportunity to explore ways and means of overcoming the overwhelming challenges.

Prof. Peiris, who is also the Chairman of the ruling SLPP, emphasised that the Finance Minister’s visit was meant to seek not only loans but also wider cooperation on a range of other matters, including investment, trade and tourism. Click here to read…

SL-Pakistan private sector steps up collaboration to boost trade, investment – Daily FT

Having shared a deep-rooted strong political, cultural and economic relationship for decades, Sri Lanka and Pakistan private sectors yesterday stepped up efforts to boost business and investment opportunities.

The Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) of Pakistan inked a number of Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) between the Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (CCC) and Federation of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka (FCCISL) and few individual firms, to enhance trade ties between the two countries. Click here to read…

The Ambassador of Italy to Sri Lanka Rita Manella met Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris on Monday 22 November – MFA Sri Lanka

The discussion focused on issues of mutual interest including political relations; further consolidation of bilateral trade, investment and tourism ties; Sri Lanka – EU cooperation; and the exchange of visits. The Italian Ambassador also referred to the promotion of cultural cooperation between Sri Lanka and Italy ina range of spheres including architecture, fashion design and Italian cuisine.

The Foreign Minister expressed his deep appreciation to the Italian Ambassador for the support extended in facilitating the successful visit of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to Italy to participate as a special guest in the G20 Interfaith Forum 2021 in Bologna, in September. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

US to Pursue ‘Over-the-Horizon’ Mission in Afghanistan: Tolo News

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said the US will pursue an “over-the-horizon” mission in Afghanistan in response to counterterrorism. Click here to read…

UAE Reopens Its Embassy in Kabul: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, on Saturday evening said the UAE had reopened its diplomatic mission in Kabul. Click here to read…

Over 1M Afghan Children ‘At Risk of Death’: UN: Tolo News

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says that more than three million Afghan children are struggling with malnutrition and that if their situation is not considered, over one million of them will be at risk of dying.Click here to read…

United Kingdom must engage with Taliban in Afghanistan: Boris Johnson: The Khaama Press

United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that his country must engage with Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to tackle current humanitarian situation in the country. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Army should be people’s: PM says on Armed Forces Day- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the members of the Armed Forces to uphold the glory of the country by contributing to its development activities alongside protecting the sovereignty. Click here to read…

It’s time to talk about sustainability and finance in RMG sector- Daily Star

One thing that our industry people appear to be the best at is explaining, often in great detail, the problems and challenges that Bangladesh face. Click here to read…

Fakhrul: Let Khaleda go abroad else face movement for ousting govt- Dhaka Tribune

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday threatened to wage a one-point movement seeking the fall of the government if Khaleda Zia is not allowed to go abroad for treatment. Click here to read…

BNP to hold rallies Monday demanding Khaleda’s treatment abroad- Daily Observer

Party Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced the programme on Saturday afternoon while concluding their hunger-strike programme in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan central office, reports UNB. Click here to read…

7.5 crore people to be fully vaccinated by Jan: Health Minister- Independent

Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Saturday said the government will administer 6 crore more Covid-19 vaccine doses by January next across the country. Click here to read…

Bhutan

89 percent of capital budget of 12th FYP to be exhausted this fiscal year- Kuensel

About 89 percent of the 12th Five-Year Plan (FYP) capital budget will be exhausted at the end of the fiscal year 2021-22 if all the estimated capital budget of the ongoing fiscal year is spent. Click here to read…

Sibjam: A platform for local farm products- Bhutan Times

With an aim to address food self-sufficiency and security in the future, Sibjam or bees, was launched by Kinley Wangchuk, a businessman in Thimphu last week. Click here to read…

Smart solutions for better lives- Bhutan Times

Bhutan Professional Services (BPS), a private company launched their experience centers showcasing smart building solutions on 4 November this week. Click here to read…

Government procurement perceived as major area of fraud and corruption: Audit Report- BBS

The government procurement is still being perceived as a major area of fraud and corruption, inefficiencies and wastage involving huge public resources. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives inches closer to tourist arrival target for 2021 as figure reaches 1,092,105 – Raajje

Maldives is inching closer to its tourist arrival target of 1.3 million as the country records 1,092,105 arrivals so far. According to the latest figures publicized by the Ministry of Tourism, tourist arrivals between January 1 – November 17 were at 1,092,105 which is a 147.6 percent increase from the arrivals recorded in 2020, a sluggish year for Maldives tourism due to border-closure. Click here to read…

Indian HC, VP Naseem discuss challenges facing Maldives health sector – Raajje

The new High Commissioner of India to Maldives, Munu Mahawar has engaged in discussions regarding challenges facing the Maldives’ heath sector, with Vice President Faisal Naseem. The Indian HC paid a courtesy call on the vice president at the President’s Office on Sunday. Click here to read…

Gov’t will prioritize expanding religious teachings across Maldives, says president – Raajje

The government will place high priority to expand religious knowledge and teachings of Islam across the entire nation, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Taking the podium at the graduation ceremony of students enrolled at the National Centre for the Holy Quran, President Solih revealed that it is a pledge of his administration, to do so. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Military Launches Crackdown On Urban Guerrilla Forces – Eurasia review

Myanmar security forces are deploying large numbers of forces to crack down on dissident groups in various townships in Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city, as anti-coup forces continue to intensify attacks against military assets and affiliates. Click here to read…

Junta uses attack helicopters against resistance fighters in Magway Region – Myanmar Now

The Myanmar military sent two attack helicopters to a battle in Magway’s Saw Township on Friday after resistance fighters killed 20 junta soldiers, the local People’s Defence Force (PDF) said. A column of about 60 junta soldiers left the village of Taw Ma at around 6am and were quickly met by defence forces from Saw, Kyaukhtu, Kanpetlet, and Mindat townships, a battalion commander from the Saw PDF said.Click here to read…

Myanmar devotees climb mountain for full moon festival Devotees – UCA News

In predawn darkness in western Myanmar, thousands of devotees scramble to the top of a mountain said to be home to a spirit guarding 500 mythical ducks to mark the Tazaungdaing festival of lights. Click here to read…

Thailand’s Deputy PM Says he had Constructive Talks With Myanmar Coup Leader – The Irrawaddy

Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai finally revealed that he travelled to the Myanmar capital Naypyitaw last Sunday, to deliver humanitarian aid and to hold talks with coup leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Click here to read…

National Unity Government calls on Interpol to review junta’s invitation to 89th General Assembly – Myanmar Now

A Myanmar junta delegation is participating in the 89th Interpol General Assembly in Istanbul, Turkey next week as the country’s official representatives, Myanmar Now has confirmed. Click here to read…

NUG warns of plans to escalate attacks in Yangon and neighbouring regions – Myanmar Now

A wave of explosions and shootings in Yangon on Monday was just part of a wider operation that is set to see an increase in attacks on regime targets in Yangon, Bago, and Ayeyarwady regions, Myanmar’s underground government has warned. Click here to read…

United Nations adopts resolution on Rohingyas by consensus – Dhaka Tribune

The United Nations has adopted a resolution on Rohingyas by consensus for the first time. The resolution, titled “The Situation of Human Rights of Rohingya Muslims and Other Minorities in Myanmar”, maintained its strong focus on the ongoing justice and accountability processes, ,according to a media statement by the Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the UN in New York. Click here to read…

Japanese envoy Sasakawa says he told AA to hold its fire in wake of brief clash last week – BNI Online

The chairman of Nippon Foundation and Japan’s special envoy for national reconciliation in Myanmar, Yohei Sasakawa, said he told the Arakan Army to maintain a situation of no armed conflict in Arakan State during an online meeting with the ethnic armed group. Click here to read…

Nepal

Rawal to challenge Oli for CPN-UML chairmanship- Himalaya

CPN-UML Vice-chair Bhim Rawal organised a press conference and announced his candidature for party presidency. Click here to read…

Protest against CJ Rana continues- Himalaya

The Nepal Bar Association and dissident justices of the Supreme Court continued to protest against Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana today. Click here to read…

Nepal Bibeksheel Party registered in Election commission- Himalaya

A meeting of the Election Commisson held on November 16, 2021 has decided to register the Nepal Bibeksheel Party. Click here to read…

After poor response from priority group, government opens Pfizer jabs for all children above 12- TKP

Some 7,000 people with comorbidities took the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine in one week. Around 1,500 children were given the shots on Sunday. Click here to read…

Parties’ opaque finances are cause for concern as they fuel corruption- TKP

Poll body plans to implement ‘accounting format’ to ensure transparency, but experts are not hopeful. A strong law is a must to make parties accountable, observers sayClick here to read…

(Opinion) Restructuring Nepali Army- TKP

We must make security forces more inclusive and effective to make them more attractive for peacekeeping. Click here to read…

Farmers likely to face shortage of chemical fertilizers in upcoming plantation season- Republica

Farmers are likely to face a shortage of chemical fertilizers this year too as the importers turn reluctant to purchase adequate quantities of the agricultural input citing soaring prices in the international market. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan, IMF reach staff-level agreement on steps for revival of package: Dawn

The agreement is subject to approval by the Fund’s Executive Board, following the implementation of prior actions, notably on fiscal and institutional reforms, the IMF said. Click here to read…

Saad Rizvi urges people to vote for TLP in next polls: Dawn

He was addressing an event termed the Shuhada-i-Namoos-i-Risalat Conference on Sunday. Hundreds of people who had come to attend the concluding ceremony of the three-day Urs of Khadim Hussain Rizvi were in attendance. Click here to read…

Digital data reveals land worth Rs5.59tr encroached: The Express Tribune

The premier shared the survey on Twitter, according to which the value of encroached land in three major cities – Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore — stood at Rs2.63 trillion. Click here to read…

TTP wants ‘political office’ in third country: The Express Tribune

The Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) wants to open a political office in a third country is part of one of the three demands the terrorist groups made to Pakistani authorities during their initial talks. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka moves to relax fertilizer ban for some crops as food prices soar – EconomyNext

Sri Lanka is progressively relaxing a sudden ban on chemical fertilizer and allowing urea and ‘plant nutrients’ for several crops, a top official has said, while the minister of agriculture has denied any relaxation for paddy or vegetables. Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Udith K Jayasinghe has told media that it was not possible to meet all fertilizer needs from domestically produced fertilizer. “The nitrogen content of organic fertilizer is about 3 to 4 percent,” Jayasinghe explained. “For paddy 80,000 metric tonnes of nitrogen is needed for this season.” Click here to read…

SL needs to increase GDP growth: Hans Timmer – The Island

World Bank Chief Economist for South Asia Hans Timmer says it is imperative for Sri Lanka to maximize debt service, with least resources possible. Timmer said so at a webinar organised by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka recently under the theme, ‘Impact of the Pandemic on South Asian Economies and How Digitisation And Services Led Growth Can Help Sri Lanka to Rebound’. Click here to read…

CPC plenum passes landmark resolution: Xinhuanet

November 11, 2021

A high-profile meeting of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has adopted a landmark resolution on the major achievements and historical experience of the CPC’s 100 years of endeavors, according to a communique released on Thursday. The resolution was reviewed and adopted at the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, held in Beijing from Nov. 8 to 11, said the communique of the plenum. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, made an important speech at the session, which was attended by 197 members and 151 alternate members of the CPC Central Committee.Click here to read…

Full Text: Communique of 6th plenary session of 19th CPC Central Committee: Xinhuanet

November 11, 2021

The sixth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) released a communique on Thursday. The 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China convened its sixth plenary session in Beijing from November 8 to 11, 2021. A total of 197 members and 151 alternate members of the Central Committee attended the session. Members of the Standing Committee of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and leading officials of other relevant departments were present at the meeting in a non-voting capacity. Some of the colleagues working at the primary level who were delegates to the 19th National Party Congress, along with a number of experts and scholars, also attended the meeting in a non-voting capacity. Click here to read…

PLA Air Force’s new combat equipment put into realistic combat training: China Military

November 11, 2021

It’s learnt from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) on Wednesday that as an important piece of equipment of the PLAAF in building unmanned aerial combat system, the WZ-7 high-altitude reconnaissance drone has been put into realistic combat training. During a recent exercise involving multi-type aircraft, by giving full play to its advantages of high-altitude and long-endurance capability, the WZ-7 recon drone quickly captured target traces based on battlefield situation, and uploaded the acquired information to the command post, thus provided strong support for the airborne fighter groups to carry out penetration and assault operations. Click here to read…

China, U.S. issue joint declaration on enhancing climate action: People’s Daily

November 12, 2021

China and the United States on Wednesday released the China-U.S. Joint Glasgow Declaration on Enhancing Climate Action in the 2020s here at the ongoing 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP26) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Noting that they have further recognize the seriousness and urgency of the climate crisis, the two countries said in the declaration that they are committed to tackling the crisis through their respective accelerated actions in the critical decade of the 2020s, as well as through cooperation in multilateral processes, including the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) process, to avoid catastrophic impacts. Click here to read…

Ultra-low energy consumption buildings emerging in China: People’s Daily

November 12, 2021

In recent years, China has been vigorously promoting ultra-low energy consumption buildings, including passive house. “Passive house,” originating from the German term “passivhaus,” refers to a standard for energy efficiency in a building through a design process integrated with architecture. Passive house combines the advantages of energy conservation, environmental protection, comfort and livability. Gaobeidian, about 100 km south of Beijing, boasts a passive building construction area of 1.2 million square meters, the world’s largest passive complex. Click here to read…

HK man sentenced to over 5 years in jail for inciting secession: Global Times

November 11, 2021

Ma Chun-man, a 31-year-old man dubbed as the “Captain America 2.0” who repeatedly advocated for “Hong Kong independence” in anti-government movements two years ago, was sentenced to five years and nine months in prison on Thursday, which was hailed by local legal experts as a “rightful sentence” compatible with the Basic Law. From August to November 2020, Ma, who usually dressed as the Marvel Comics character in street protests in Hong Kong, shouted slogans in public places many times including “Hong Kong independence” and “Hong Kong people to establish a nation,” which had incited others to commit secession, according to a local ruling in October. Click here to read…

Pakistan urges US to unfreeze Afghanistan assets at Troika Plus: Global Times

November 11, 2021

Pakistan on Thursday hosted the Troika Plus meeting on Afghanistan in Islamabad, with the participation of special envoys from China, Russia and the US, discussing issues like the humanitarian crisis and the future path of the war-torn country. Although Taliban diplomat Amir Khan Muttaqi was not in Thursday’s meeting, he arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday and was expected to talk with Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Thursday. China’s Special Envoy for Afghan Affairs Yue Xiaoyong attended the meeting. The Troika Plus mechanism is viewed as a balanced combination of countries with different interests in various directions on the Afghan issueClick here to read…

China’s rare earth price exceeds a historic high amid booming demand and tight supplies: Global Times

November 12, 2021

Rare earth prices have broken a 10-year high on Thursday, driven by the development of emerging industries, tight supplies and the consolidation of industries at the national level. Insiders said that this could be an indication that marks the end of the era of the irrationally low prices of China’s rare earth. Within 3 minutes after the opening of the market at the 85th High-Tech auction by the China Northern Rare Earth (Group), the four targets of 20 tons of neodymium praseodymium all reached the alarm price and were sold at a price of 930,000 yuan ($145,452) per ton, according to Baotou Rare Earth Products Exchange on Thursday. This price has broken a 10-year high record. Click here to read…

China’s first metaverse industry group inaugurated, looking into the new industry potentials: Global Times

November 12, 2021

China’s first metaverse industry group held its unveiling ceremony on Thursday, marking an important first step for the country’s pursue of healthy and sustainable development of the metaverse industry. The Metaverse Industry Committee under the China Mobile and Communications Association (CMCA) officially announced its establishment on Thursday, after receiving approval on October 15. During the announcement it released a new book called Metaverse, expressing the new logic for the development of the next generation internet and the future digital economy in which metaverse is deeply involved. Click here to read…

Chinese chipmaker says top executive, board members, quit: Reuters

November 12, 2021

China’s largest chipmaker, Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp (0981.HK), said its vice-chairman has resigned in a leadership reshuffle less than a year after he took the role. Chiang, a former research director at Taiwan’s TSMC (2330.TW), joined SMIC in late December. The company said he had resigned from his vice-chairman position as well as from the board with effect from Thursday in order to spend more time with his family. His departure comes just two months after SMIC’s chairman, Zhou Zixue, also resigned citing health reasons. Besides Chiang, three other members also resigned from the board, including co-chief executive officer Liang Mong Song who had threatened to quit in December last year. He would remain in his executive role, SMIC said. Click here to read…

China adopts pivotal resolution on history to boost Xi’s clout: Kyodo

November 11, 2021

China’s ruling Communist Party adopted a pivotal resolution on the country’s modern history on Thursday, state-run media reported, in an apparent move to pave the way for President Xi Jinping to serve a controversial third term as leader. The resolution on the major achievements and historical experiences of the party during its 100-year history marked the first such declaration in 40 years and only the third of its kind since it was founded in 1921. Click here to read…

China Coast Guard holds first high-level meeting with Pakistani counterpart: Xinhuanet

November 10, 2021

The China Coast Guard (CCG) and the Pakistan Maritime Security Agency have held their first high-level meeting, via video link, with both sides vowing further cooperation for maritime law enforcement. During their virtual meeting on Monday, both sides reviewed the gains from their cooperation in recent years, discussed the direction for future cooperation and exchanged views on issues of mutual concern, according to a CCG statement. Click here to read…

China reiterates crackdown on advertising off-campus tutoring: Xinhuanet

November 10, 2021

Chinese authorities have issued a notice on regulating the advertisement of off-campus tutoring, making clear work plans on the issue, according to the State Administration of Market Regulation (SAMR) on Tuesday. The notice was jointly published by nine regulators, including the SAMR, the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, the Cyberspace Administration of China and the Ministry of Education. Click here to read…

New-type militia groups in Xizang help enhance defense capabilities: China Military

November 9, 2021

In late autumn, a joint search and rescue task was carried out on Kuoqiong Gangri glacier in Southwest China’s Xizang Autonomous Region. At an altitude of 5,500 meters, members of the Snow Wolf Mountaineering Expedition, a new-type militia group founded just one year ago, collaborated with the mobile rescue troops under the Xizang Contingent of the People’s Armed Police Force (PAP) and an aerial rescue squadron of an army aviation brigade for a joint search and rescue task. Click here to read…

Companies respond to US chip survey but withhold key data: People’s Daily

November 10, 2021

More than 30 foreign and domestic chip companies have submitted data as requested by the United States government to address a chip shortage crisis, but they withheld key information that they consider sensitive. In September, the US Commerce Department, in a move described by one observer as “counterproductive”, asked major semiconductor manufacturers and buyers, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, or TSMC, Samsung, Intel and Apple, to provide information on inventories and sales of chips by Monday. Click here to read…

PLA at China-India border has upgraded logistics to brave winter: Global Times

November 9, 2021

Chinese frontline troops at the China-India border are getting prepared in logistics for the upcoming winter, with several new measures and facilities revealed for the first time to improve the living and working condition of officers and soldiers, which have further boosted their morale as well as the capability to patrol and execute tasks in the high-altitude region during harsh weather.Click here to read…

Hydrogen cars to take off despite high costs, lack of infrastructure: Global Times

November 9, 2021

As electric car companies continue to grow rapidly in China, another type of new-energy vehicle (NEV) – hydrogen-powered vehicles, are also starting to join the race. Alongside a silver-colored NEXO car at the Hyundai booth during the fourth China International Import Expo (CIIE), a representative from the South Korean car giant is besieged by all kinds of questions from a gathering crowd of onlookers. Click here to read…

Beijing responds to US lawmakers’ Taiwan visit with joint forces patrol: South China Morning Post

November 10, 2021

Beijing staged a joint combat readiness patrol towards Taiwan on Tuesday, coinciding with the arrival of a US congressional delegation – on board a military aircraft – to the self-ruled island. According to a brief notice issued by the PLA’s Eastern Theatre Command, the patrol was conducted near the Taiwan Strait to further improve the joint combat capability of “multiple military services and branches”. Click here to read…

COP26: China says it does not want climate solutions held up by disagreement over global warming goal: South China Morning Post

November 9, 2021

China does not want differences over specific climate targets to hold up action on bigger issues at COP26, according to Chinese climate envoy Xie Zhenhua. Xie said a major hurdle at the talks had been the suggestion by some countries to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of this century. That target is more ambitious than the one laid out in the 2015 Paris Agreement – to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius and pursue efforts to control it within 1.5 degrees. Click here to read…

Taiwan defense report focuses on China’s “grey zone” coercion: Kyodo News

November 9, 2021

China is becoming more diversified in its threat against Taiwan through military and nonmilitary means such as the “grey zone” threats to secure a strategic advantage, Taiwan’s defense ministry said in its biennial defense white paper. The 2021 National Defense Report was referring to Chinese activities that involve military and nonmilitary forms of assertiveness and coercion aimed at achieving strategic goals without provoking actual conflict. Click here to read…

Cross-strait education exchanges must adhere to Taiwan law, says MOE: Focus Taiwan

November 10, 2021

Minister of Education Pan Wen-chung on Tuesday warned all Taiwan-based colleges and universities that they are not permitted to engage in activities with Chinese individuals, groups or agencies outside the confines of Taiwan law. Citing the Act Governing Relations Between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, the Ministry of Education (MOE) has warned tertiary institutions that any exchanges with China deemed as non-academic are unlawful, Pan said. Click here to read…

China’s factory inflation hits 26-year high as power crunch bites: Reuters

November 10, 2021

China’s factory gate inflation hit a 26-year high in October as coal prices soared amid a power crunch in the country’s industrial heartland, further squeezing profit margins for producers and heightening stagflation concerns. The producer price index climbed 13.5% from a year earlier, faster than the 10.7% rise in September, the National Bureau of Statistics said in a statement. Click here to read…

19th CPC Central Committee holds sixth plenary session: Xinhuanet

November 8, 2021

The 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) started its sixth plenary session in Beijing on Monday. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a work report on behalf of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and made explanations on a draft resolution on the major achievements and historical experience of the CPC’s 100 years of endeavors. Click here to read…

China’s passenger car sales down, but new-energy sector thrives: Xinhuanet

November 8, 2021

China’s passenger car production declined 4.1 percent year on year in October while sales fell 13.9 percent from a year earlier, data from an industry association showed Monday. Bucking the trend, the country’s sales of new-energy passenger vehicles soared 141.1 percent year on year to 321,000 units in October, according to the China Passenger Car Association. Click here to read…

China’s central bank rolls out new lending tool for carbon reduction: Xinhuanet

November 8, 2021

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC), the nation’s central bank, said on Monday that it has rolled out a supporting tool for carbon reduction as part of efforts to facilitate the country’s goal of carbon neutrality. The bank will provide low-cost loans for financial institutions through the carbon-reduction supporting tool, and will guide those institutions to provide loans to firms in key carbon-reduction fields on the premise of independent decision-making and risk-taking, according to a statement released by the PBOC. Click here to read…

China to promote TCM accessibility for children: Xinhuanet

November 8, 2021

China’s health authority has issued a document on plans to promote children’s health over the next five years. The document includes measures to provide better traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) services for kids at community clinics and home. The document, issued and published by the National Health Commission, said medical and health institutions have been encouraged to use TCM techniques in basic medical treatment, disease prevention and healthcare services for children. Click here to read…

Nation to share its Beidou expertise: China Daily

November 9, 2021

China and Africa will strengthen their communication and cooperation in promoting and using the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, according to participants at an international forum that was held in Beijing on Friday. Officials, industry leaders and researchers from China, several African nations and the African Union shared their thoughts at the First China-Africa Beidou System Cooperation Forum and agreed to take advantage of the Beidou system to further social and economic development in Africa. Click here to read…

New COVID cases surpass 1,000 in less than one month: China Daily

November 9, 2021

After 65 new locally transmitted COVID-19 cases were reported on Monday, the overall number of locally transmitted confirmed coronavirus patients during the latest outbreak that started on Oct 17 on the Chinese mainland has reached 1,067, according to the Beijing Daily newspaper. The new locally transmitted cases reported by the National Health Commission were scattered across 11 provincial-level regions, including 20 reported in Liaoning province. During the latest outbreak, all the local cases in Liaoning were reported in the port city of Dalian, according to the provincial health commission. Click here to read…

China delivers largest, most advanced warship to Pakistan: Global Times

November 8, 2021

China on Monday delivered to Pakistan the largest and most advanced warship China has ever exported, in a move that highlights the friendship between the two countries and will contribute to the two countries’ all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. Designed and built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited (CSSC), the frigate was delivered to the Pakistan Navy in a commissioning ceremony in Shanghai, CSSC announced in a statement on Monday. The Type 054A/P frigate was named the PNS Tughril, according to a statement the Pakistan Navy sent to the Global Times on Monday. Click here to read…

PLA conducts multiple drills in western plateau after India’s exercises ‘targeting China’: Global Times

November 8, 2021

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) revealed it conducted multiple drills in its western plateau over the past week. This comes after the Indian military launched a major exercise along the border with China at the start of the month. Chinese experts said on Monday that the response displays the PLA’s capabilities in safeguarding national sovereignty and security as it faces India’s provocations. An artillery regiment affiliated with the PLA Xinjiang Military Command recently conducted a comprehensive, cross-day-and-night exercise in a high-altitude region, involving live-fire shooting of PCL-181 155mm self-propelled howitzers and PHL-11 122mm multiple rocket launchers, as the drill tested the troops’ fire strike efficiency and combat capabilities under the harsh cold in plateau regions, China Central Television (CCTV) reported on Saturday. Click here to read…

China’s new J-16D electronic attack jet joins combat training with other warplanes: South China Morning Post

November 9, 2021

China’s new J-16D electronic attack jet has begun combat training alongside other advanced warplanes, according to state television, a dogfight strategy said to be inspired by that of the US Air Force. The J-16D – an electronic warfare version of the J-16 multirole strike fighter – was part of a joint combat drill soon after it made its public debut at the Zhuhai Airshow in late September, CCTV reported on Saturday. Wang Mingliang, a researcher at the PLA Air Force Command College in Beijing, told the state broadcaster that the new aircraft – which can carry a range of weapons, interference and surveillance devices – would be more effective when working with other warplanes like the J-20 stealth fighter jet. Click here to read…

China’s ruling party begins key meeting with Xi aiming to boost clout: Kyodo News

November 8, 2021

China’s Communist Party kicked off a key four-day meeting in Beijing on Monday to discuss a pivotal resolution on the nation’s history, state-run media reported, as President Xi Jinping has been paving the way for a controversial third term as its leader. The sixth plenary session of the 19th Central Committee of the ruling party is expected to end Thursday after a resolution is adopted on the major achievements and historical experiences of its 100 years of endeavors. Such a resolution would mark the first declaration on Chinese history in 40 years and only the third by the party founded in 1921. Click here to read…

China state council think-tank met developers, banks, says source, as debt woes mount: Reuters

November 9, 2021

A think-tank of China’s powerful state council met real estate developers and banks in Shenzhen city, a source with direct knowledge of the meeting told Reuters, amid intensifying worries over a liquidity crisis in the country’s property sector. Participants at the meeting, which took place on Monday, included China Vanke, Kaisa Group, Ping An Bank, China Citic Bank , China Construction Bank and CR Trust, according to the source. Investors are concerned about liquidity woes spreading in China’s property sector, with a string of offshore debt defaults, credit rating downgrades and sell-offs in some developers’ shares and bonds in recent weeks. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Tehran to Host Regional Meeting on Afghanistan: Tolo News

Tehran will host a ministerial meeting with Afghanistan’s neighboring countries on Wednesday and hold talks on inclusivity within the Afghan government and stability inside the country. Click here to read…

US Was Losing War So It Negotiated: Khalilzad: Tolo News

The former US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad said the US was losing the war to the Taliban so it chose peace negotiations as an alternative. Click here to read…

US Nearing Deal with Pakistan for Use of Airspace: Tolo News

The United States is nearing a formalized agreement with Pakistan for use of its airspace to conduct over-the-horizon military and intelligence operations in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

We are holding Taliban accountable on counterterrorism: NATO: The Khaama Press

NATO chief Gens Stoltenberg said that NATO allies and partners are trying to hold the Taliban accountable for all the pledges they made on terrorism. Click here to read…

Biden administration to resettle over 55 thousand Afghan refugees: The Khaama Press

The US administration in an unprecedented decision wants to permanently resettle 55,600 Afghan evacuees from the military bases of the US to permanent houses. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

South Korea to provide $700m soft loan to Bangladesh- Daily Observer

South Korea will provide Bangladesh with $700 million soft loan support to help the latter’s economy recover from Covid-19 shocks. Click here to read…

Joining election depends on atmosphere: BNP- The Asian Age

BNP will go to polls if an environment conducive to election is created, said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday. Click here to read…

PM greets Modi as India administers 1bn Covid jabs- The Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today congratulated her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on achieving the historic milestone of administering “One Billion” Covid-19 vaccine doses on October 21, 2021 by his government. Click here to read…

Comilla carnage: Quran desecration case against Iqbal, 3 others transferred to CID- Dhaka Tribune

Police have handed over the Holy Quran desecration case against Iqbal Hossain and three others to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Click here to read…

Rumours spread after clash breaks out near Buddhist temple in Teknaf- Dhaka Tribune

Buddhists and Muslims of Katakhali in Howaikhyong under Teknaf clashed over a trivial issue resulting in injuries to at least eight people on Sunday afternoon. Click here to read…

Form panels to maintain harmony: LGRD minister asks mayors, local representatives- The Daily Star

Local representatives have been directed to form committees at the ward level across the country to identify anyone involved in spreading rumours and creating anarchy. Click here to read…

Op-Ed: What is eclipsing our communal harmony? – Daily Star

The government should also not give the radical groups of other religious communities the chance to exploit this situation to their advantageClick here to read…

Rohingya Camps: It’s all sinister after sundown- Daily Star

According to officials of different law enforcement agencies, at least 10 Rohingya groups are involved in at least 12 types of crimes, including killing, abduction, rape, drug trafficking and robbery. Click here to read…

AL Rebels in Local Body Polls: They will stop at nothing- Daily Star

Repeated show-cause notices, warnings of punitive actions and even expulsions from the organisation have failed to deter Awami League leaders from participating in the local government polls without the party tickets. Click here to read…

Vested quarters at it again: PM- Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said vested quarters are out there to stage various types of incidents in the country to tarnish its image before the world. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Funds sanctioned for town near Bhutan border- The Telegraph

The state municipal affairs and urban development department has sanctioned a sum of Rs 12 crore for infrastructure development of Jaigaon, the town in Alipurduar district on the India-Bhutan border. Click here to read…

Action plan needed to beef up economy: PSDC- Kuensel

Committe recommends doing away with driver switching system, reducing quarantine period,and importing workers. Click here to read…

TCB gearing to receive tourists- Kuensel

The Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) will not accept tourist visa applications until the Council is ready with its preparations for a safe, healthy and enjoyable experience for the tourists. Click here to read…

Bhutan and Japan signs document to digitally map various parts of the country- Kuensel

Ambassador of Bhutan to Japan V Namgyel and Ambassador of Japan to Bhutan Satoshi Suzuki signed the exchange of notes for the Project for the Development of Digital Topographic Map yesterday in New Delhi, India. Click here to read…

Winter could trigger new Covid-19 cases: Experts- Kuensel

Around this time last year, experts warned of a surge in the number of Covid-19 cases as the cold weather is best for the virus to thrive and transmit itself. Click here to read…

Top three business ideas win university’s business idea competition- Kuensel

Three business ideas pitched by the college students from nine colleges under the Royal University of Bhutan (RUB) were declared winners at the university business idea competition held in Thimphu on October 21. Click here to read…

Second dose for children aged 12-17 to begin from 26th October- BBS

The health ministry will roll out the vaccination drive for children who are yet to receive the second dose of COVID vaccines from Tuesday. It constitutes about 45,000 children between the ages of 12-17 years in 15 districts. Click here to read…

Maldives

Border miles ambassador arrives in the Maldives – Avas

The first ambassador of the Maldives’ border miles program arrived in the Maldives on Friday. Former Liverpool FC and Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique was appointed as the Brand Ambassador of the world’s first destination loyalty program, the Maldives Border Miles, in September this year. Click here to read…

Maldives might end in 2100, government urges rich nations to meet emissions target | WION Climate – Youtube

Experts have warned that the Maldives might disappear in the next 100 years, its existence is threatened by rising sea levels. Click here to read…

Is Maldives’ troubled history with terrorist elements & radicalisation rearing its ugly head again? – Youtube

Most people understand the island country of Maldives as a top tourist spot in South Asia. However, the return of former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed after surviving a bomb blast in Male five months ago, underscores the island country’s troubled history with terrorist elements and radicalisation. Click here to read…

Myanmar

UN Envoy Calls for Myanmar Junta Chief to Step Down – VOA News

The U.N. special envoy for Myanmar called Friday for that country’s military leader to step down and return power seized in a February 1 coup to the democratically elected government. Click here to read…

Time for ASEAN to Give Myanmar’s Opposition a Seat at the Table – The Irrawaddy

Nearly nine months after its forceful takeover of the country from a legitimately elected civilian government, Myanmar’s military has shown that it is one thing to seize power but an entirely different reality to consolidate and impose control. Click here to read…

Thousands flee Myanmar for India amid fears of a growing refugee crisis – Who News

Terrified farmers and families with children in Myanmar are fleeing into India as the military junta that seized power in a February coup continues to seek out and eliminate resistance along the country’s border. Click here to read…

Nepal

100,620 doses of Pfizer arriving Nepal today- Khabarhub

As many as 162,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine coming to Nepal from America today. US Embassy in Kathmandu informed about it via its official Twitter. Click here to read…

‘China has put up fences, wires in Nepal’s territory in Humla distt’- The Hitavada

The Chinese side was also trying to build a permanent canal 145 metres inside the Nepali territory. Click here to read…

Nepal’s Chief Justice says will stop allocating cases to benches at his discretion- The Indian Express

Cholendra Shumsher Rana is likely to face an impeachment motion in parliament amid controversy regarding his interactions with politicians and allegations that he pushed for a family member to be on Nepal’s council of ministers. Click here to read…

US to donate 100,620 more COVID-19 doses to Nepal- ANI

The United States is set to donate 100,620 doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to Nepal, the Embassy of the United States in Nepal announced on Sunday. Click here to read…

Experts Warn of Breakout of Diseases In Rain Disaster Areas- The Rising Nepal

As the torrential post-monsoon rains that occurred recently across the country had adversely affected normal life in different parts of the country, including eastern Nepal, health experts have warned of the spread of various infectious diseases there. Click here to read…

Personalities split Nepal’s communist parties- East Asia Forum

The alliance between the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist and Leninist) (CPN-UML) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) (CPN-MC), which won a landslide victory in the elections three years ago, has now fractured into three different political parties. Click here to read…

Apex court justices to boycott full court meeting- Himalaya

Chief Justice Cholendra Shumsher JB Rana, who has been embroiled in a controversy for allegedly lobbying to get his brother-in-law appointed to the Cabinet, now faces challenge from within the judiciary. Click here to read…

Paddy damage by freak rains estimated at Rs8.26 billion- TKP

According to preliminary estimates by the agriculture ministry, 325,258 tonnes of ready-to-harvest paddy on 85,580 hectares have either submerged or swept away in seven provinces. Click here to read…

Congress may appoint deputy Speaker, leaving state minister seat for Janata Samajbadi- TKP

A senior Janata Samajbadi Party leader, who is in the Deuba Cabinet, said the scenario has changed after Hamal’s resignation. Click here to read…

Supreme Court justices to boycott full court meeting called by Rana- TKP

Pressure is mounting on chief justice, who has run into controversies, to step down from his post. Click here to read…

Consult Delhi for census in Kalapani, census bureau asks Foreign Ministry- TKP

The Central Bureau of Statistics has yet to decide on sending enumerators to the region, which Nepal has brought within its borders but India claims as its own. Click here to read…

Non-government of Nepal- Nepali Times

A distracted government’s apathy magnifies the impact of disasters and injustice on citizens. Click here to read…

From slave to entrepreneur- Nepali Times

Freed from indentured servitude, a former kamaiya builds back her life to support family and community. Click here to read…

Floods damage ready-to-harvest paddy worth Rs 7.22 billion in three provinces- Republica

Farmers faced a loss of paddy worth an estimated Rs 7.22 billion due to massive floods triggered by the torrential rain last week. Click here to read…

Plastic briquettes in Nepal: Addressing pollution and sustainable energy need with one technique- Online Khabar

The negative impacts of plastics and their use have been advertised and talked about a lot in Nepal in recent years. Click here to read…

Province 1 confidence vote put off till Oct 31- Himalaya

The meeting of the Province 1 Assembly, which was slated to be held today, was put off till October 31. Click here to read…

Pakistan

This time, won’t go home till demands met: TLP leaders: Dawn

The government has gone back on its word thrice. This time we will sit and wait said, a statement issued by the proscribed group’s leadership council on Sunday. Click here to read…

US colluding with India to sabotage CPEC: PM’s aide Khalid Mansoor: Dawn

Addressing the CPEC Summit at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), the special assistant to the prime minister (SAPM) on CPEC affairs accused the United States of conniving in cahoots with India against the economic lifeline of Pakistan. Click here to read…

Balochistan CM steps down amid political turmoil: The Express Tribune

According to PRO to Balochistan governor, Kamal had submitted his resignation to Governor Syed Zahoor Ahmad Agha, which he accepted. Click here to read…

IMF seeks closure of public entities’ accounts in banks: The Express Tribune

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has placed a condition on Pakistan to close all the bank accounts maintained by public sector entities and the defence ministry in commercial banks. Click here to read…

Work on Dasu project to resume in stages starting Oct 25: Chinese firm: The News

The Chinese firm working on the Dasu hydropower project has announced it is resuming construction work that had been halted due to “security concerns”, Geo News reported on Sunday. Click here to read…

No pact with US on airspace: FO: The News

The Foreign Office (FO) Saturday rejected western media reports that Pakistan had formalised an agreement with the United States (US) that Pakistan’s airspace could be used to conduct operations inside Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Agriculture Department DG says: Indian Nano Nitrogen Is Neither Synthetic Nor Organic – Ceylon Today

Amid this crisis, the Chinese bulk organic fertiliser cargo dispute is sending mixed signals between China and Sri Lanka. Director General of the Department of Agriculture, Dr. Ajantha de Silva says the decision of the Government to go organic is based on the mandate the President received from his voters, hence it was not rushed. He also explains that fertiliser would reach the farmers on time and there is no need to panic. Click here to read…

Renewable energy projects in Northern Province: Adani to enter northern power sector? – The Morning

Adani among Indian businesses interested in SL renewable energy sector
Chinese bid for northern renewable energy projects take a backseat
Govt. considering extending deadline for renewable energy generation projects Click here to read…

Sri Lanka blocks payment to China Qingdao Seawin Biotech over fertilizer with bugs – Economynext

Sri Lanka-based Ceylon Fertilizer Company Limited had got a court order to block payment to Qingdao Seawin Biotech over shipment of organic fertilizer which was contaminated with bugs.

“The enjoining order has prevented the People’s Bank from making any payment under a Letter of Credit opened in favour of the Chinese company, Qingdao Seawin Biotech Group Co., Ltd,” a statement from the President’s office said. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Qureshi’s Visit on Afghan-Pakistani Trade: Officials: Tolo News

The Pakistani foreign minister paid an unexpected visit to Kabul on Thursday, where he held talks with the head of the Islamic Emirate cabinet and other top officials. Click here to read…

Afghan Women Protest Lack of Representatives in Moscow: Tolo News

A number of women activists expressed criticism over the lack of women within the Afghan delegation of the Moscow conference. Click here to read…

NATO to convene meeting on Afghanistan in Brussels: The Khaama Press

NATO chief Gens Stoltenberg said that the organization plans to convene a summit of defense ministers of the state members in which Afghanistan will be concentrated upon. Click here to read…

We will respectfully interact with Taliban as new Afghan authorities: Moscow Format: The Khaama Press

Third Moscow Format on Afghanistan released a joint statement after concluding the meeting saying that the Taliban are now new authorities in Afghanistan and acknowledged that the member states will interact with them respectfully. Click here to read…

Taliban pledge strengthening diplomatic, economic ties with India, Iran: The Khaama Press

Afghanistan’s delegation led by Deputy PM Abul Salaam Hanafi met with special representatives of Iran and India to Afghanistan in the sideline of Moscow Format. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Comilla attacks: Prime suspect Iqbal arrested from Cox’s Bazar- Dhaka Tribune

Police have arrested Iqbal Hossain, the person responsible for keeping the Quran at a Durga Puja venue in Comilla, from Cox’s Bazar. Click here to read…

Covid-19: Bangladesh records lowest single-day caseload in 1.5 years- Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh recorded 243 new Covid-19 cases in the 24 hours to 8am on Thursday, which is the lowest in 18 months. Click here to read…

Temple vandalized in Bogra- Dhaka Tribune

Locals on Thursday found the idols vandalized at the Durga Mandir at Sadar upazila’s Shabgram union’s Nathpara area, said police. Click here to read…

OP-ED: Assert leadership, restore 1972 constitution- Dhaka Tribune

Let us be under no illusion. The reality before us, before the multitudes who constitute this republic, is that Bangladesh is under threat from within. Click here to read…

Hajiganj communal attack: Jamaat leader confesses involvement- The Daily Star

Jamaat-e-Islami leader Md Kamal Uddin Abbasi has given a confessional statement before a court over his involvement in the vandalism at puja mandaps and clash with police in Chandpur’s Hajiganj. Click here to read…

‘Defaming’ Bangabandhu: Complaint filed against Prof Serajul Islam Choudhury- The Daily Star

A complaint has been filed with a Chattogram court accusing Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury of Dhaka University and two others of defaming Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in an article. Click here to read…

Attack on JM Sen Hall puja mandap: 3 Chhatra Jubo Odhikar Parishad leaders arrested- The Daily Star

In a drive last night, police arrested three leaders of Chhatra Jubo Odhikar Parishad’s Chattogram unit in a case filed over attacking the JM Sen Hall puja mandap on October 15 in the port city’s Andarkillah area. Click here to read…

PM: Focus on fostering communal harmony- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has called on Awami League leaders and activists to organise peace rallies and conferences across the country aimed at fostering communal harmony, while remaining alert to the threat of disruptive elements. Click here to read…

India’s guarded reaction over attacks on Hindus in BD- Asian Age

Reactions from the Indian government over the attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh have been guarded and cautious. Click here to read…

Khaleda Zia’s appearance in 11 cases on Nov 22- Observer

A Dhaka court set November 22 for the appearance of BNP Chairperson Begum Khaleda Zia before it in 11 cases lodged against her. Click here to read…

172 Bangladeshi workers held in Malaysia- Observer

Some 172 Bangladeshi nationals among the 213 undocumented migrant workers have been detained in a joint operation in Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur. Click here to read…

‘Communal violence in Noakhali could be avoided if those in power took steps’- Prothom Alo

As a sequel to the Cumilla incident, miscreants carried out attacks on members of the Hindu community and vandalised 12 temples, and looted and damaged a few shops and homes for three hours in Chowmuhani of Begumganj, Noakhali on Friday. Click here to read…

Dhaka-Beijing political trust continues to deepen: Li Jiming- Prothom Alo

Terming China the largest trading partner of Bangladesh, Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming on Wednesday said the Bangladesh-China relations have achieved a rapid development, reports UNB. Click here to read…

Macron writes to Hasina over French photographer Riboud’s exhibition in Dhaka- The Independent

French President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his happiness over the exhibition of photographs taken in December 1971 by French photographer Marc Riboud that is taking place at the Liberation War Museum in Dhaka. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan PM congratulates India for crossing 1 billion COVID vaccine doses- ANI News

Bhutan Prime Minister Lotay Tshering congratulated Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for achieving one billion COVID-19 vaccination doses on Thursday morning. Click here to read…

Bhutan’s attitude toward China is changing, while India still a great challenge: Global Times

Whether Bhutan and China could yield any results on the border negotiations, there needs to be a full-scale improvement in China-India relations, Zhang Jiadong, professor at the Center for American Studies of Fudan University, told the Global Times. Click here to read…

China may push Bhutan for ‘definitive response’ on border dispute: Ex-envoy Nambiar on MoU- The Print

Former Indian envoy to China Vijay K. Nambiar was speaking at a webinar hosted by Institute of Chinese Studies on linkages between Tawang region in Arunachal Pradesh, and Bhutan. Click here to read…

Wishes pour in from WHO, Bhutan, Sri Lanka as India achieves 100 crore Covid vaccine dose landmark- Times of India

Wishes poured in for India from the World Health Organisation and the leadership of Bhutan and Sri Lanka after it scripted history on Thursday with the cumulative Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country surpassing the 100-crore milestone. Click here to read…

South Asia Diary | Bhutan opens first Judo dojo- Wion

Bhutan inaugurated its first judo school, months after making an Olympic debut in the same sport. The project, funded by Japan, could make martial art more popular in Bhutan. Maiam Wardak gets you a report. Click here to read…

MoE reviewing policy to enhance tertiary education- Kuensel

To bring changes in line with the 21st Century higher education system, the Ministry of Education has begun reviewing the decade-old Tertiary Education Policy 2010. Click here to read…

Rains damage about 1,945MT of rice in Paro- Kuensel

The continuous rainfall in the past three days damaged about 793 acres of paddy fields damaging an estimated 1,945 metric tonnes of rice production in Paro. Click here to read…

His Majesty’s Kidu mobile medical camp for highlanders- Kuensel

Covering one of the remotest parts of the country, His Majesty’s Kidu mobile medical unit completed a 13-day medical camp in Soe and Lingzhi gewogs of Thimphu dzongkhag. Click here to read…

Truckers struggle living on the road- Namling block- BBS

More than 30 truckers transporting goods from Sorchen in Chhukha to eastern districts are stranded at Namling block along the Bumthang-Monggar highway for over a week now. Click here to read…

His Majesty to grant kidu to paddy growers affected by the continuous rainfall- BBS

Under the Royal Kidu, His Majesty the King will compensate the families whose paddies were damaged by continuous rain in the last few days. Click here to read…

Incumbent SJ Thrompon to not contest in the upcoming election- BBS

As the tenure of the current Thrompon of Samdrup Jongkhar Thromde completes at the end of this month, the constituents will get to choose a new representative. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives Defence Minister Says Country’s Relationship With India Today Is Stronger Than Ever – Republic World

The relationship between the Maldives and India today is “stronger than ever” and New Delhi has been the first and best responder to Malé in all times of need, the island nation’s Defence Minister Mariya Didi has said. Click here to read…

Experts of Committee on Elimination of Discrimination against Women Ask Maldives about how Radicalised Religious Groups – Mirage News

The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today concluded its review of the sixth periodic report of Maldives on measures taken to implement the provisions of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women with Committee Experts inquiring about how radicalised religious groups and discriminatory practices affected women. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar Situation – Inter-Agency Operational Update – October 2021 – Relief Web

The volatile situation in Myanmar following the 01 February 2021 coup has resulted in increased displacement both within the country and across borders, including into Thailand. Click here to read…

Bhasan Char: The Need For Rohingya Relocation In The Current Context – OpEd – Eurasia Review

Of the nearly 80 million displaced people in different parts of the world, 1.1 million Rohingyas are living in 34 Rohingya camps in the more densely populated Cox’s Bazar district of Bangladesh. Click here to read…

UN Envoy: Myanmar Is Now in Conflict, Could Be Failed State – US News

The U.N. special envoy for Myanmar warned Thursday that the country already faces “an internal armed conflict” and if power isn’t returned to the people in a democratic way “we will go in the direction of a failed state.” Click here to read…

Pakistan

Tarin leaves US without concluding IMF negotiations: Dawn

The minister, however, leaves behind Finance Secretary Yousaf Khan to further pursue the talks for the resumption of a $6 billion loan facility that would bring an immediate relief to the cash-starved government by delivering a suspended tranche of $1bn. Click here to read…

Pakistan to remain on FATF grey list: Dawn

Pakistan has been on the grey list for deficiencies in its counter-terror financing and anti-money laundering regimes since June 2018. Click here to read…

Pakistan desires durable peace, stability in Afghanistan: Qureshi: The Express Tribune

The foreign minister, who reached Kabul today on a one-day visit, held a meeting with Afghanistan’s interim Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund. Click here to read…

Economist reports Pakistan inflation fourth highest out of 42 country index: The News

In its latest edition, the Economist magazine tracked inflation in 42 countries plus the Euro region and found that Argentina was on the top with inflation, standing at 51.4 percent, Turkey on the second with 19.6 percent, Brazil at third position with 10.2 percent and then on the fourth position was Pakistan with inflation standing at 9 percent. Click here to read…

Govt may increase gas tariff by 10-22pc on November 1

The government is set to increase the local gas tariff by 10-22 percent by November 1, 2021 as per the undertaking extended to the IMF. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Namal meets Modi, gifts him Bhagwad Gita Sinhala version – Ceylon Today

Minister Namal Rajapaksa today (20) met with Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and gifted him a Sinhala version of Bhagwad Gita. Click here to read…

555 persons test positive for COVID-19 – Daily FT

Sri Lanka’s COVID-19 detections rose to 533,860 with the detection of 555 COVID-19 patients yesterday. Click here to read…

E-sport driver and athlete training programme by Mandarin Reid – The Sunday Times

Globally, eGaming is considered a whopping $2.4 billion USD industry. In Sri Lanka, eSports are now taking centre stage, with the country being estimated to have approximately 3.2 million gamers; true numbers, however, extend far beyond that. Meanwhile, enriching and uplifting the gaming community has only just begun. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Lavrov Calls for Inclusive Afghan Govt: Tolo News

The Russian Federation’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov called for the formation of an inclusive government that “truly reflect the interests of all ethnic and political forces” in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

‘250’ Daesh Members Arrested in 1 Month: Officials: Tolo News

More than 250 fighters affiliated with Daesh were arrested within the past month, officials said, adding that many of them are the prisoners who had fled from the prisons across the country. Click here to read…

Afghanistan’s current situation is not stable: Russia: The Khaama Press

Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said that lack of recognition of the Taliban, socio-economic and finance sphere, and humanitarian challenges that the de-facto authorities in Kabul are confronted with, is not a stable situation. Click here to read…

War is over in Afghanistan but this is not final chapter: Zalmay Khalilzad: The Khaama Press

US’s outgoing special representative for Afghan peace Zalmay Khalilzad said that war in Afghanistan ended but warned that this is not the final chapter as the people of Afghanistan will confront economic and security challenges. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Man placing Holy Quran at Cumilla puja mandap identified as Iqbal Hossain- Daily Star

From CCTV footage, police have identified the person who placed the Holy Quran at Nanua Dighir Par puja mandap in Cumilla city. Click here to read…

Bangladeshi travellers to India will need post-arrival Covid-19 tests- Daily Star

India today came out with revised guidelines for international arrivals into the country with effect from October 25 under which mandatory RT-PCR report showing samples tested as negative is required for passengers to board an international flight to India. Click here to read…

Police: Comilla resident Iqbal placed the Quran on a Puja idol- Dhaka Tribune

Police have identified the man behind the Comilla incident that sparked nationwide communal violence for the past week. Click here to read…

Fake photos, videos flood social media amid communal tension- Dhaka Tribune

There has been a steep rise in the spread of fake news, photos and videos on social media following the recent incidents of alleged desecration of the Holy Quran and the subsequent attacks on Durga Puja venues across the country. Click here to read…

Death toll passes 100 in Nepal-India floods- Asian Age

More than 100 people have died after heavy rainfall triggered flash floods in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand and parts of Nepal. Click here to read…

PM to open newly built exhibition center at Purbachal tomorrow- Asian Age

Newly built ‘Bangabandhu Bangladesh-China Friendship Exhibition Center’ at Purbachal will be inaugurated tomorrow. Click here to read…

PM for stern action over attack on Hindu community- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday asked Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to take immediate action against the perpetrators involved in the recent vandalism at puja mandaps and arson attack on the houses of the Hindu community. Click here to read…

B’desh learning a lot from China in poverty alleviation: Minister- The Observer

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni on Wednesday said Bangladesh has been learning a lot from its biggest development partner, China, in poverty alleviation. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Incessant rain damages paddy crops across the country- Kuensel

Heavy rain since October 17 has damaged harvested paddies and ripe standing paddy crops in many parts of the country. Click here to read…

67 days without a new Covid-19 community case; Phuentsholing is hopeful- Kuensel

It may take a long time for Phuentsholing to return to pre-pandemic times, but without a single community case for the last 67 days since August 12, the journey has already begun. Click here to read…

Elephants rampaging paddy fields in Pelrithang every night- Kuensel

Farmers in Pelrithang Khatoed in Gelephu have to spend sleepless nights guarding their paddy fields from elephants. Click here to read…

DHI BizAP digital skill-up freelancing for de-suups- Kuensel

The Druk Holding and Investments Limited’s (DHI) second round of the Business Acceleration Programme (BizAP) on digital skill-up freelancing, exclusively for the de-suups, kicked off on October 18 in Thimphu. Click here to read…

Observing and documenting climate change- Kuensel

A team of officials from the tourism, environment, and forest sectors are at Jumolhari, observing and documenting the impact of climate change on communities and their resilience to it. Click here to read…

There is a yeti preserve in Bhutan that is bigger than the size of Singapore- Daily Bhutan

The yeti is a mythical ape-like creature that is believed to roam the Himalayas, known in western pop culture as the Abominable Snowman. Click here to read…

Visitors can look forward to a brand new experience at Paro International Airport- Daily Bhutan

Paro Airport now boasts a new look. Visitors flying into Bhutan can look forward to a fresh experience at its national aviation facility. Click here to read…

Swollen Amochhu washes away 26 cattle- BBS

The swollen Amochhu due to the incessant rainfall washed away 26 cattle in Bangaley village under Denchukha Gewog in Samtse, yesterday. However, the Drungkhag disaster team rescued three cattle as of today. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives Tourism Report 2021: Emerging as a Dream Vacation Destination for the International Tourists – Businesswire

Maldives will attract more than 2.5 million international tourists and generated more than US$ 5 billion in revenues by 2027. Click here to read…

Maldives minister: Failure to limit warming a death sentence – ABC News

A failure to limit global warming could mean a “death sentence” for small island nations like the Maldives, including the end of their livelihoods and cultures, the country’s environment minister said Wednesday. Click here to read…

Myanmar

ASEAN summit without Myanmar leader significant, but not enough – U.S.- Reuters

The United States sees the decision by Southeast Asian nations to exclude Myanmar’s leader from a regional summit as very significant but more needs to be done to address the challenges the country is facing after the military coup there, a senior U.S. official said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Thousands flee Myanmar for India amid fears of a growing refugee crisis: The Economic Times

Terrified farmers and families with children in Myanmar are fleeing into India as the military junta that seized power in a February coup continues to seek out and eliminate resistance along the country’s border. Click here to read…

Pagodas Damaged in Myanmar’s Temple City: The Irrawaddy

Fourteen pagodas in Bagan, Myanmar’s temple city, have been damaged by heavy rain, according to the Bagan branch of the Department of Archaeology and the National Museum. Click here to read…

Ethnic Minority Student Killed in Myanmar Junta Custody: The Irrawaddy

A final-year engineering student who led anti-regime protests in Naypyitaw and Mandalay has died in military custody, his friends told The Irrawaddy. Click here to read…

Nepal

Sixty killed, 27 missing in floods, landslides- Himalayan

Sixty people were killed and 27 were missing in landslides and floods triggered by rainfall across the country in the last 24 hours. Click here to read…

Dahal for setting up agriculture aid fund- Himalayan

CPN-Maoist Centre Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal has urged the government to set up an agriculture assistance fund to provide relief to flood and landslide-hit farmers. Click here to read…

NA engaged in rescue, relief efforts- Himalayan

The Nepali Army has been involved in rescue and relief distribution efforts for flood and landslide survivors. Click here to read…

PM Deuba directs immediate rescue, relief and rehabilitation- Himalayan

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has directed the authorities concerned to work for rescue, relief distribution, and rehabilitation of those displaced by the recent series of landslides, floods, and inundation. Click here to read…

Centre mulls mechanism to ‘help’ its ministers

The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre), which is a major partner in the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led coalition, is preparing to form a mechanism purportedly to help its ministers perform better. Click here to read…

Climate change is a disaster in the Nepal Himalaya- Nepali Times

October is buckwheat harvest time in the distant highlands of Dolpo. In the village of Tso, Namdak Sangmo watches other women from her village fling their sickles, stoop over to sling the sheaves on their shoulders, and bring the crop in. Click here to read…

Rains inflict 30 percent loss to paddy crops output in Chitwan- Republica

Incessant rains have inflicted 30 percent loss to the expected paddy crops output in Chitwan. The rainfall with wind storm caused damages to harvest-ready paddy plantation. Click here to read…

Finding a ray of hope in Nepal’s gloomy politics- Nepal Live Today

In many respects, what is tarnishing Nepali democracy at the national level is a generational problem with leaders too old to really imagine a different way of doing politics. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Govt plans subsidy on petrol for bikes, rickshaws: Dawn

Days after raising the petrol prices to a record level, the federal government has decided in principle to provide subsidised petrol to motorcycle and rickshaw owners. Click here to read…

15-day PDM protest against inflation begins: Dawn

Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) on Wednesday kicked off its 15-day nationwide protest from Rawalpindi against continuous rise in prices of petroleum products and edibles. Click here to read…

Issues stymying CPEC projects remain unresolved: The Express Tribune

Third meeting of the Pak-China Relations Steering Committee reviewed the status of CPEC projects and found that a majority of its directives given in the first week of August had remained unimplemented. Click here to read…

Gen Qamar urges global efforts to avert humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

The meeting took place at GHQ, Rawalpindi, said a statement by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). Click here to read…

FATF’s plenary meeting scrutinises Pak compliance report: The News

The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has been scrutinising Pakistan’s compliance report on two action plans and a total of eight points in its ongoing plenary meeting held in Paris. Click here to read…

No-confidence motion: 33 out of 65 vote against Balochistan CM: The News

A no-confidence motion against Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal Khan was tabled in the Balochistan Assembly, Geo News reported on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

18,790 persons vaccinated against COVID-19 on Tuesday – Daily FT

Sri Lanka has thus far administered the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine to 14,788,141 persons and the second dose to 12,839,638 persons. Click here to read…

Trade deficit tops $ 5.5 b by August – Daily FT

The country’s trade deficit topped the $ 5.5 billion mark by end-August as imports remained high despite many curtailing efforts. Click here to read…

India lays emphasis on culture diplomacy with Sri Lanka – Daily Mirror

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wanted to inaugurate the Kushinagar International Airport with the landing of an aircraft from Sri Lanka with a high profile delegation on board. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Leaders, Citizens Say Khalilzad Involved in Afghan Collapse: Tolo News

Former US peace envoy Zalmay Khalilzad’s resignation on Monday drew sharp reactions from both Afghan politicians and citizens. Click here to read…

IMF predicting 30% shrink in Afghanistan’s economy after Taliban takeover: The Khaama Press

International Monetary Fund in its latest regional economic report said that the gross domestic products of Afghanistan could see a 30% contraction after the Taliban took over the country and foreign aids halted. Click here to read…

Russia to end its diplomatic presence in NATO: The Khaama Press

Russia’s foreign minister Sergey Lavrov said that his country will terminate its diplomatic mission in NATO and will end its diplomatic status in the organization in November. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Delegates Prepare for Moscow Meeting: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate’s delegation led by Andul Salam Hanafi, second deputy PM, left Kabul on Tuesday to attend the Moscow meeting on Afghanistan scheduled for Wednesday. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Near 16 million people waiting for Covid-19 vaccine- Dhaka Tribune

Nearly 16 million people have completed registration on the Surokkha website and are still waiting for their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Click here to read…

NHRC to investigate Pirganj incident- Dhaka Tribune

The probe body will investigate human rights violations or negligence in duty. Click here to read…

Pakistan ISPR claims blocking Indian submarine from entering- Daily Star

The Pakistan Navy detected and blocked an Indian submarine from entering Pakistani waters on October 16, the military’s media wing revealed on Tuesday. Click here to read…

OP-ED: Are we a secular society?- Dhaka Tribune

Human rights treaties propagate three core obligations — respect, protect, and fulfill — to ensure human rights in different national jurisdictions. Click here to read…

PM for stern action over attack on Hindu community- Asian Age

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday asked Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan to take immediate action against the perpetrators involved in the recent vandalism at puja mandaps and arson attack on the houses of the Hindu community. Click here to read…

10,000 families marooned as Teesta flows above danger level- The Observer

Over 10,000 families in char areas at three upazilas–Patgram, Hatibandha, and Kaliganj– became marooned after the water level started rising from 8:00pm on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

China hails MoU with Bhutan, blames India for souring ties with Thimphu- Hindustan Times

China on Friday said the signing of a Sino-Bhutan memorandum of understanding (MoU) on the bilateral boundary dispute will make “significant contributions”. Click here to read…

Incessant rain affects paddy growers- BBS

Paddy growers are facing a tough time as continuous rain lashed in most parts of the country’s western and central regions causing damage to the matured crop ready for harvest. The continuous rain in the last two days has dashed the hopes of farmers. Click here to read…

Will India’s looming power crisis affect the country’s power import during the lean season?- BBS

With the possibility of the 1020 MW Tala Hydropower Plant having to undergo major maintenance this winter, the limited power generation during the lean season will hit hard the country. Click here to read…

Tala Plant could be temporarily shut down in winter- BBS

The Tala Hydropower Plant (THP) in Chhukha could be shut down for three months in winter. A group of international experts is currently analysing an inspection report of the plant’s headrace tunnel. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives achieves 90 pct of tourism target for 2021 – Xinhuanet

The Maldives has achieved 90 percent of the projected tourism arrivals for 2021, state-owned PSM News citing data from the Ministry of Tourism reported here. Click here to read…

ITB China announces the Maldives as Official Island Travel Partner 2021 – Travel Daily

In 2021 they will be the Official Island Travel Partner for the upcoming ITB China, set to take place from 24 – 26 November as a physical event in Shanghai, with a virtual extension from early November until the end of December. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar military prepares an onslaught for the ages – Asia Times

Sooner or later Myanmar’s military was bound to wheel out the big guns. Since March, when peaceful protest against the February 1 coup turned to armed resistance, the generals in Naypyidaw have watched too much go too wrong in too many places for too long. Click here to read…

Myanmar leader says ASEAN blind to opposition’s violence – Daily Herald

The leader of Myanmar’s military-installed government said Monday that other Southeast Asian countries should share responsibility for failing to help quell the violence that has engulfed his nation since the army seized power in February. Click here to read…

Myanmar to send ‘non-political, high-level’ envoy to ASEAN Summit – Benar News

Myanmar will send a “non-political, high-level” envoy to next week’s summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), an official said Tuesday, after the bloc barred junta chief Snr. Gen. Min Aung Hlaing from attending, citing a lack of cooperation by the military regime. Click here to read…

ASEAN Downgrades Myanmar Presence in Summit in Major Rebuke – The OWP

In their most pointed dismissal of Myanmar’s military junta yet, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has agreed to exclude Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, from an upcoming summit. Click here to read…

Myanmar blames economic turmoil partly on foreign-backed sabotage – Business Live

Myanmar’s military-appointed authorities are doing their best to stabilise the kyat currency and support an economy in turmoil since a February coup, a minister said on Tuesday, blaming the crisis partly on foreign backers of its opponents. Click here to read…

Nepal

Three killed, 23 missing in Sudurpaschim- Himalaya

Three persons were killed and 23 went missing in landslides and floods triggered by incessant rainfall for the past three days in Sudurpaschim Province. Click here to read…

https://thehimalayantimes.com/environment/three-killed-23-missing-in-sudurpaschim

China to provide two million more doses of COVID vaccines- Himlaya

Minister of Foreign Affairs Narayan Khadka and Wang Yi, state councillor and minister of foreign affairs of the People’s Republic of China, held an hour-long telephone conversation this morning. Click here to read…

PM Deuba directs bodies concerned to gear up rescue, relief efforts- Himalaya

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has directed the authorities concerned to make arrangements for immediate rescue and relief of those affected by flood, landslide, and inundation following heavy rainfall in various regions of the country. Click here to read…

CPN-UML prepares new party statute- Himalaya

The new statute of the CPN-UML prepared after incorporating all the inputs received from the participants of the recently held first statute convention. Click here to read…

Himalayan floods a sign of worse to come- Nepali Times

Nepal’s trans-Himalayan district of Manang is located in the rain-shadow, and is a high altitude desert. Its average annual rainfall is barely 300mm, but it got nearly double that rain in just one week in June. Click here to read…

Early elections are in talks, but there are complications galore- The Kathmandu Post

A sizeable section of Nepali Congress leaders has been batting for “early” elections in April-May, proposing local and provincial elections in October-November 2022. Click here to read…

Govt Committed To Protect Democracy, Rule Of Law, Good Governance : Minister Karki- Rising Nepal

For three and a half years, Nepali Congress fulfilled the role of a responsible opposition and did not intend to form or join the government. But the situation necessitated it. Click here to read…

Three-Tier Elections Govt’s Top Priority: PM Deuba- Rising Nepal

Formed after prolonged political crisis, the government has the priority to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, provide relief to the victims of floods and landslides and hold elections of federal, provincial and local governments in time. Click here to read…

Flood sweeps away a vehicle in Dang- Republica

Chief District Officer of Dang Ram Bahadur Kurungwang said the swollen Khaura Khola in Gadhawa Rural Municipality-2 in the district swept away the vehicle. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Shaukat Tarin returns to Washington as IMF talks move forward: Dawn

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance and Revenue Shaukat Tarin returned to Washington to join the ongoing discussion with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), his office announced on Tuesday. Click here to read…

PM, President say Riyasat-e-Madina protected poor, minorities: The Express Tribune

The remarks were made in separate messages issued to mark the birth of the Prophet (PBUH) – a day being celebrated across Pakistan with religious zeal and fervour. Click here to read…

PM Imran to attend Green Initiative Summit in Riyadh: Dawn

Prime Minister Imran would attend the ‘Middle East Green Initiative Summit’ in Riyadh being held on Oct 25. Click here to read…

Military commanders promoted on basis of performance in state of Madina: PM: The Express Tribune

Addressing the Rahmatul lil Aalameen Conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, the premier vowed to turn the country into Madina-like welfare state to ensure merit and supremacy of law in the society. Click here to read…

Govt decides to reduce taxes on food items: The News

The government has decided to reduce taxes on the prices of food items amid rising inflation, sources told Geo News on Monday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

First batch of Nano Nitrogen liquid fertilizer arrives from India – Adaderana

Sri Lanka has received the first shipment of 100,000 litres of Nano Nitrogen liquid fertilizer, imported from India for cultivation in Maha Season. A special cargo flight chartered by Sri Lankan Airlines carrying the consignment left Hyderabad International Airport in India yesterday. Click here to read…

Flight from Sri Lanka to flag-off Kushinagar airport in India – Economynext

A flight from Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo carrying politicians and monks will be the first to land at Kushinagar International Airport in India, which will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narenda Modi. Kushinagar is the city where Buddhist believe Lord Buddha passed away known as Mahaparinirvana. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka imports top three year high by Sept 2021 amid money printing – Economynext

Sri Lanka’s imports hit 1.68 billion US dollars in September 2021, amid record money printing the highest since 2018 when money was also printed losing forex reserves, data show. The surge in imports came despite import controls. Up to August imports were 13.4 billion rupees, up from 10.25 billion rupees in 2020 and also up from 12.88 billion rupees in the pre-pandemic 2019. Click here to read…

‘SL faces substantial credit risk, default a real possibility’ – Ceylon Today

Sri Lanka’s economy faces substantial credit risk, with default ‘a real possibility’, Fitch Ratings said today (19). The Singapore-based ratings agency also revised Sri Lanka’s growth forecast for 2021 to 3.3 per cent from 3.8 pc, due to the surge in coronavirus cases in July-August. Click here to read…