Bhutan

Jolted by Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan ‘taking steps to strengthen economy’, says FM Dorji – The Print

In an exclusive interview to ThePrint, Dorji said, Bhutan’s economy, though “tiny” compared to other countries, was not spared the impact of Covid-19. Hence, since the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, Thimphu implemented strict border containment measures and safety protocols that resulted in key economic sectors such as tourism, construction, and manufacturing being “severely affected”. Click here to read…

Why India should support China-Bhutan boundary agreement – First Post

India and Bhutan had signed a Treaty of Friendship on 9 August 1949 whereby the two nations agreed on non-interference in each other’s internal affairs. However, Bhutan consented to allow India to “guide” its foreign policy and that both countries would consult each other on foreign and defence matters. Click here to read…

Bangladesh gives duty-free access to 16 more Bhutanese products – TBS News

The Internal Resource Division (IRD) of the finance ministry issued an order in this regard on 4 August and it was published on Monday. In December 2020, Bangladesh granted duty-free access to 34 products of Bhutan under a preferential trade agreement (PTA). Click here to read…

Maldives

Solih’s visit: Delhi’s push to counter anti-India sentiment in the Maldives – Deccan Herald

In a statement that was unusually long and effusive, the President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih thanked India repeatedly for the various initiatives taken by New Delhi to assist his country shortly after the two sides had concluded delegation level talks. Click here to read…

Maldives Public Expenditure Review: Restoring fiscal health – World Bank Documents

The Maldives Public Expenditure Review (MPER) aims to help the government identify reforms to reduce fiscal and debt vulnerabilities and thus ensure a more secure, sustainable, and inclusive future. Although Maldives has bounced back strongly from the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the shock has illuminated longstanding vulnerabilities in the tourism-dependent economy. Click here to read…

Undocumented in Maldives: 34k Bangladeshis to get papers – The Daily Star

About 34,000 Bangladeshi undocumented migrant workers in the Maldives are in the pipeline for regularisation under an amnesty programme there, according to an estimate of Bangladesh High Commission in Malé. Click here to read…

Continuity and challenges in the India-Maldives relations – WIO News

Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s four-day visit to India has come at a time when India’s neighbourhood is in flux. The economic crisis in Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal is creating greater instability in a region that is already experiencing perpetual strategic hostilities by Pakistan and China against India. Click here to read…

Myanmar

‘The Sacrifice Zone’: Myanmar bears cost of green energy – News Channel

The AP investigation drew on dozens of interviews, customs data, corporate records and Chinese academic papers, along with satellite imagery and geological analysis gathered by the environmental non-profit Global Witness, to tie rare earths from Myanmar to the supply chains of 78 companies. Click here to read…

Spring Revolution Interfaith Network calls for victory within a year – Mizzima

The Spring Revolution Interfaith Network has offered a clarion call saying the revolution should be completed within one year from the date of the 34th anniversary of the 8888 People’s Uprising. The call came on Monday, the anniversary of the 1988 pro-democracy uprising in Myanmar and the one-year anniversary of the founding of the Network. Click here to read…

Myanmar: ASEAN approach requires a reboot to end horrific crimes by the Myanmar military – Amnesty International

As the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) marks its 55th anniversary today, Amnesty International urges the regional bloc to acknowledge the failure of its five-point plan published in April 2021 to end the violence and increasing human rights violations in Myanmar.Click here to read…

Japanese company in the spotlight for Myanmar expansion, poor labour practices – Myanmar Now

Honeys Holdings, a Japanese clothing retailer that produces much of its product line in Myanmar, has decided that cheap labour costs outweigh the risks of doing business in a country in turmoil. Click here to read…

Dragging Russia Into the Myanmar Conflict – The Irrawaddy

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin was the highest-ranking foreign dignitary at the event in Naypyitaw. Two days later, Russia called Myanmar a “reliable ally and strategic partner.” When Russia invaded Ukraine, the regime backed the Kremlin, its spokesman saying that Russia was still a powerful nation that plays a role in keeping the balance of power for world peace. Click here to read…

NUG Offers Rewards for Myanmar Regime Defectors With Anti-Aircraft Weapons — The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s parallel National Unity Government (NUG) is offering cash rewards to junta soldiers who defect with anti-aircraft weapons, as the regime increasingly uses airstrikes on both resistance fighters and civilian targets. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal gives nod to India’s NHPC to build two projects totalling 1,200MW

The Investment Board Nepal on Monday gave its nod to India’s state-owned NHPC Limited to study and develop two hydropower projects totalling 1,200MW in western Nepal. Click here to read…

Will Nepal vote for change?

The election dates have finally been announced, giving much less preparation time than usual. Political parties are scrambling to find candidates, and potential candidates are already figuring out the price of an election ticket. In South Asian democracies, paying the party and its leaders to get an election ticket is an acceptable social practice, and no one will be ostracised for doing so. Click here to read…

Environment Minister Yadav pledges to free Nepal from plastic pollution

Minister for Forest and Environment Pradeep Yadav has expressed his commitment to liberate Nepal from plastic pollution.

Minister Yadav said he was effortful to free Nepal from plastic pollution.

“Plastic-induced pollution is one of the major problems in recent days. We should not make any delay in exploring its solution,” the minister added. Click here to read…

Nepalese Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka to visit China

Nepalese Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka will arrive in China today for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. This marks the first high-level Nepalese visit to China since the formation of the current government under Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba last July. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

MoD Requests Helicopters Be Returned to Afghanistan: Tolo News

The Ministry of Defense (MoD) once again asked Tajikistan and Uzbekistan to return the helicopters of the previous administration that were taken following the fall of the republic. Inayatullah Khwarazami, the Defense Ministry’s spokesman, said that Kabul will take the helicopters in the near future. Click here to read…

Kabul-Delhi Flights Resume, Flights to Urumqi to Begin in Weeks: Tolo News

The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation said once-a-week flights from Kabul to Delhi on Fridays have begun, and flights to Urumqi, China will begin in two weeks. “The flights to Delhi have started again, Ariana Afghan Airline company will have one flight a week on Fridays. And as the passengers increase, the flights will increase.” said: Imamuddin Ahmadi, spokesman for the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation. Click here to read…

Increasing Security Threats; Taliban Places Restrictions on Ashura Ceremony in Northern Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

Locals in Mazar-e-Sharif, in Balkh province of northern Afghanistan, say that the Taliban has prevented Ashura ceremony preparations at the shrine of Hazrat Ali, aka Rawza-e-Sharif, and denied permission to hold the Ashura event there for security reasons. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Padma Bridge leads to arrival of largest shipment of reconditioned cars: Dhaka Tribune

A cargo ship carrying a record number of reconditioned cars from Japan has arrived at Mongla Port directly for the first time. The Malaysian flag carrier, MV Malaysia Star, carrying 1,280 cars docked at jetty 6 of the port on Sunday morning, said Sheikh Fakar Uddin, harbour master of Mongla port. Click here to read…

Chinese embassy: Bangladesh-China ties promoting common prosperity, shared benefits: Dhaka Tribune

The long-standing friendship between Bangladesh and China is accelerating the development of both countries, promoting common prosperity and shared benefits, the Chinese Embassy in Dhaka said Sunday night. Click here to read…

Eastern refinery not expanded in 53 years: The Daily Star

The country has to regularly import diesel because of its inadequate oil refinery and storage facilities that have not been upgraded since 1968. A project proposal to raise the capacity of the country’s only state-owned Eastern Refinery Limited (ERL) was made 10 years ago. Click here to read…

Bangladesh seeks China help to repatriate Rohingya refugees: Times of India

Bangladesh on Monday sought cooperation from China to repatriate Rohingya refugees to Myanmar during a visit by foreign minister Wang Yi, who promised better trade ties, investment and support for infrastructure development in the South Asian nation. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Should Bhutan stop importing non-essential items? – Kuensel Online

With foreign currency reserves depleting, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering during his recent visit to Bumthang informed that the government could stop the import of non-essential items if the country’s economy does not improve. Click here to read…

‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ rally organized at Bhutan border – Kuensel Online

The 6th Bn SSB, stationed at Ranighuli in Kokrajhar organized a ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ rally through its Saralpara camp along Indo-Bhutan border on Saturday. Click here to read…

Confusion galore: Who will benefit from the new tourism policy, tour operators or hoteliers? – – Kuensel Online

Citing uncertainties in the hotel business because of the increased sustainable development fees to US$ 200, the head of the company which runs about four hotels decided to send away about 100 employees, to be hired on a daily wage system if the “situation” improved. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives govt reaffirms commitment to One-China policy – Awaz The Voice

Replying to media queries, the Foreign Ministry stressed on Maldives’ commitment to the “One China” policy. At the same time, it added that the Ministry will not issue an official statement on the matter, reported Avas.mv. Click here to read…

Looking forward to increase Maldives-Jamaica relationship: Shahid – Raajje

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Shahid has expressed hope that the strong relations that exist between Maldives and Jamaica will continue to grow in the days ahead. Minister Shahid stated this in his message of felicitations to Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, on the occasion of the 60th Independence Day of Jamaica. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar ambassador to China died on Sunday: Sources – Channel News Asia

Ambassador U Myo Thant Pe was last seen on Saturday meeting a local official in the southwestern Chinese province of Yunnan which borders Myanmar, according to a local news report. Click here to read…

FM urges west to impose economic sanctions on Myanmar – New Age BD

Foreign minister AK Abdul Momen has urged Western leaders to impose tough economic sanctions on Myanmar in order to speed up the repatriation of Rohingyas. He also urged the ASEAN leaders to strengthen their ongoing efforts to help create a conducive environment within Myanmar to help the forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals return to their homeland. Click here to read…

Myanmar shadow embassy opens in Canberra to champion Aung San Suu Kyi’s ousted government – The Guardian

In Myanmar, a resistance armed with homemade weapons is trying to take down the ruling military junta. In Canberra, the fight has begun to get the Australian government to recognise Myanmar’s democratically elected national unity government (NUG). Click here to read…

Japan’s top envoy promises Tokyo will help ASEAN with Myanmar issue – Japan Times

Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi on Saturday pledged to Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen that Japan will support efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to improve the situation in junta-controlled Myanmar. Click here to read…

Myanmar military shows how long it had planned its genocide – Arab News

An investigation by the Commission for International Justice and Accountability, an independent war crimes investigator, indicates that documents exist from as far back as 2014 describing a “national project” of demonization and eventual expulsion. Click here to read…

Bangladesh Seeks China Help to Repatriate Rohingya Refugees – VOA News

Bangladesh on Sunday sought cooperation from China to repatriate Rohingya refugees to Myanmar during a visit by Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who promised better trade ties, investment and support for infrastructure development in the South Asian nation. Click here to read…

ASEAN special envoy to Myanmar warns on further executions – ABC News

Efforts by Myanmar’s neighbors to help restore peace and normalcy to the strife-torn Southeast Asian nation were hindered by the country’s recent executions of four political activists, Cambodia’s foreign minister said SaturdayClick here to read…

Nepal

Storm over teacup: Nepal concerned about possible Indian levies on its tea – New Indian Express

“Diplomatically India says that Nepal for India is like a younger sister, however, they are threatening us with heavy levies which will lead to a crisis in the sector and endanger livelihoods of thousands of workers,’’ says former Vice Chairman, Tea and Coffee Board of Nepal, Santosh C Kunwar. Click here to read…

Nepal Prepares to Issue Digital Currency, Drafts Necessary Amendments – bitcoin.com

A task force in Nepal has proposed legal changes allowing the country’s central bank to issue its own digital currency. The move comes after a study indicated that such an initiative is feasible and recommended certain provisions that would authorize the regulator to proceed with its realization. Click here to read…

Landslides affect seven hydropower projects in Myagdi – The Himalayan Times

Seven hydropower projects in Myagdi district have been affected by landslides. Landslides have caused road blockage thus making it difficult to supply construction materials and fuels for the projects, said projects officials. Click here to read…

Nepal Mental Health Initiative launches its website – The Annapurna Express

Nepal Mental Health Initiative launched its website containing a publically generated directory of mental health professionals amidst a program organized at the National College Auditorium Hall on Sunday. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Imran to spell out ‘counter-fascism’ strategy on Aug 13: Dawn

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Sunday said that in order to counter the “fascist” government led by coalition parties, he will announce a strategy to “counter this fascism” during a rally at Islamabad’s Parade Ground on August 13. Click here to read…

Pak-India ‘backchannel’ talks hit dead end: The Express Tribune

Backchannel contacts between Pakistan and India have met a dead end as both sides have struggled to agree on the moves that may pave the way for slow but gradual improvement in the relationshipClick here to read…

Pakistan supports China’s ‘all efforts’ in safeguarding its sovereignty, says Ambassador Haque: The Express Tribune

Pakistan’s Ambassador to China Moinul Haque on Saturday said that Islamabad firmly believes in the one-China principle and supports ‘all efforts’ of the neighbouring country in safeguarding its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Click here to read…

PM thanks UAE president for investment; phones Emir of Qatar: The News

In a tweet on social media platform Twitter, he said, “Grateful to my brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and Mohamed Bin Zayed for the investment that the UAE is going to make in various sectors of Pakistan. Both brotherly countries are very keen to further strengthen their multifaceted relationship. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

RW making an effort to resolve crisis- Maithripala: Daily Mirror

The Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) will support anyone who is committed to resolve the crisis which Sri Lanka is facing today, its Chairman Former President Maithripala Sirisena said yesterdayClick here to read…

Chinese embassy seeks urgent meeting with Sri Lankan authorities; Report: Daily Mirror

China’s embassy has sought an urgent meeting with senior Sri Lankan authorities after Colombo sought a deferment of the planned docking of a high-tech Chinese research vessel at the strategic Hambantota port over which India raised concerns, sources said. Click here to read…

JVP: Both President and ruling party MPs must be sent home: The Island

The Aragalaya protest must unite all its forces to pressure the Executive and the legislature, and the protesters should not shy away from that task, JVP trade union wing leader, KD Lalkantha, said, addressing a rally at the Ananda Samarakoon Open Air Theatre, in Nugegoda, on Saturday. Click here to read…