Afghanistan

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

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

Resistance Front Proposed Transitional Govt to Islamic Emirate: Tolo News

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

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

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

Bangladesh

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

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

Assign staff to help students cross roads- Daily Star

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

Momen: Rohingyas posing security risk for region- Dhaka Tribune

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

Looking back on the 1/11 era- Dhaka Tribune

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

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

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

Bhutan

GDP growth to rebound to 5.1: World Bank- Kuensel

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

The state of state owned enterprises- Kuensel

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

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

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

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

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

Maldives

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

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

Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nepal

Subedi couple released- Himalaya

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

Sri Lanka seeks new China loan: The Hindu

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

Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

Metro to be costlier than Padma bridge- Daily Star

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

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

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

Chili farmers feel threatened by imports- Kuensel

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

Samdrup Jongkhar town goes into lockdown- BBS

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

Maldives

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

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

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

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

Myanmar

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

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

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

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

KIA, MNDAA Fight Burma Army Same Day – BNI Online

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

Nepal

Gathering of 25-plus people in valley prohibited- Himalaya

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

Two major Madhes-based parties in crisis- Kathmandu Post

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

Student organizations demand medical college administration officials be arrested- Republica

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xi stresses better understanding, use of CPC’s centenary historical experience: Xinhuanet

January 11, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Tuesday called for efforts to deepen the review, study, education and promotion of the CPC’s history so as to better understand and make good use of the historical experience of the Party over the past century..Click here to read…

Vice Premier calls for more efforts to stabilize employment: Xinhuanet

January 11, 2022

Chinese Vice Premier Hu Chunhua on Monday called for stronger efforts to keep employment stable. Hu made the remarks while addressing a meeting of the leading group on employment work under the State Council in Beijing..Click here to read…

New energy car registration in China up nearly 60 pct in 2021: Xinhuanet

January 11, 2022

The number of new energy cars registered in China reached 7.84 million in 2021, up more than 59 percent year on year, data from the Ministry of Public Security showed Tuesday. The figure represents 2.6 percent of the total number of cars in the country, said the ministry, adding that China has seen the number of newly registered new energy cars increase rapidly in the past five years..Click here to read…

China working to make IPR public services more convenient, smarter: Xinhuanet

January 11, 2022

China will endeavor to provide more convenient and smarter public services in the field of intellectual property rights (IPR) during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), according to a plan issued by the National Intellectual Property Administration (NIPA)..Click here to read…

Keynote Speech by H.E. Ambassador Sun Weidong at Webinar Themed on “Together for a Shared Future”: Global Times

January 12, 2022

Mr Wan Xuejun, Deputy Director General of International Relations Department, Beijing Organising Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games，.Click here to read…

Aerial refueling-capable Z-20, stealth chopper expected in China, says chief designer: Global Times

January 11, 2022

China’s Z-20 utility tactical helicopter could get upgrades including the ability to receive aerial refueling, the chopper’s chief designer said on Tuesday, who also suggested the possible existence of a stealth helicopter and the development of the country’s domestically built heavy-lift helicopter..Click here to read…

China unveils guidelines to stabilize trade: Global Times

January 12, 2022

The State Council, China’s cabinet, on Tuesday called for efforts to ensure domestic supplies of commodities, as part of guidelines to stabilize exports and imports as a countercyclical buffer against uncertainty clouding the trade landscape..Click here to read…

Seawin makes progress in fertilizer trade dispute with Sri Lanka through negotiation: Global Times

January 11, 2022

Seawin Biotech, a Chinese company involved in a $49.7 million fertilizer trade dispute with Sri Lanka, has made progress in exporting organic fertilizers to Sri Lanka, the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka told the Global Times on Tuesday. The dispute, which started in October, centers on Sri Lankan officials’ rejection of the Chinese fertilizers, citing what Chinese sources call shady claims of quality issues. .Click here to read…

China unveils plan to safeguard water security: China Daily

January 12, 2022

China has released a plan to improve the country’s capability to safeguard its water security during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025). The plan, jointly released by the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Water Resources, is the first five-year plan for water security to be implemented on the national level..Click here to read…

14th Five-Year Plan outlines stronger online copyright protection: China Daily

January 12, 2022

The National Copyright Administration of China recently published the 14th Five-Year Plan for Copyright Protection, outlining 26 key tasks in six areas: the copyright law system; the administrative protection system; the need to crack down on infringement and piracy; the social services framework; international cooperation and exchange; and the development of related sectors. According to the plan, more than 5 million copyrights will have been registered by 2025, and the contribution of the copyright industry to GDP will have grown to 7.5 percent..Click here to read…

Chinese cities tighten COVID-19 curbs as Tianjin battles Omicron outbreak: Reuters

January 11, 2022

Cities across China are imposing tougher restrictions to try to control new outbreaks of COVID-19, with Tianjin battling the highly contagious Omicron variant which has been detected to have been transmitted locally in two other provinces. A Tianjin official told a Tuesday press briefing that 49 domestically transmitted cases with confirmed symptoms have been detected during the latest outbreak. The city of 14 million people, around 100km (62 miles) from Beijing, is now implementing tough controls to stop the coronavirus from spreading, especially to neighbouring Beijing..Click here to read…

China’s civil servants ordered to tighten their belts: South China Morning Post

January 12, 2022

For Timothy Tian, like millions of other Chinese civil servants, the forthcoming Lunar New Year promises to be an austere one as government workers face the toughest round of belt-tightening in a decade.Even if Covid restrictions allow it, the city government worker from the eastern province of Zhejiang cannot afford to travel after his monthly pay packet was cut by about 2,000 yuan (US$315) to 5,000 yuan..Click here to read…

China buys sanctioned oil from Iran: Taipei Times

January 12, 2022

China last year doubled down on imports of Iranian and Venezuelan crude, taking the most from the US-sanctioned regimes in three years, as refiners brushed off the risk of penalties to scoop up cheap oil. Crude processors in the world’s biggest importer were observed to have bought 324 million barrels from Iran and Venezuela last year, about 53 percent more than a year earlier, data from market intelligence firm Kpler showed. That is the most since 2018, when China took 352 million barrels from the two nations..Click here to read…

Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

Afghan ambassador to China steps down: The Khaama Press

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

Bangladesh Bank to weaken taka in phases- The Daily Star

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

Covid curbs return from Thursday- Daily Star

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

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

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

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

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

Bhutan

Tala plant shut down increases electricity import- Kuensel

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

Chili farmers feel threatened by imports- Kuensel

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

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

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

Bhutan to import eggs from India next week- BBS

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

Maldives

Five key agreements signed between Maldives, China – Raajje

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

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

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

Myanmar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nepal

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

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

Communications minister Karki in home-isolation- Himalaya

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

Most wanted TTP commander killed in Afghanistan: The Express Tribune

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

Sri Lanka

Prez scraps state ministry held by Susil: Daily Mirror

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

A win for India in Sri Lanka: Deccan Herald

Decades of Indian diplomatic efforts have finally borne fruit with India

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

Former senior provincial legislator expelled from CPC: Xinhuanet

January 10, 2022

Song Taiping, a former senior legislator in north China’s Hebei Province, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) for grave violations of Party discipline and laws, authorities announced here Monday. The announcement came after an investigation into Song’s case conducted by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission upon the approval of the CPC Central Committee. .Click here to read…

Chinese VP stresses exchanges, mutual learning among civilizations: Xinhuanet

January 10, 2022

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan said Monday that promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations is a major task to achieve world peace and development, as well as a better life for the people. Wang made the remarks when delivering a video speech to the opening ceremony of the 2nd Dialogue on Exchanges and Mutual Learning among Civilizations. .Click here to read…

China to accelerate key projects in 14th Five-Year plan: Xinhuanet

January 11, 2022

China will accelerate the implementation of major projects outlined in the 14th Five-Year (2021-2025) plan for social and economic development with expanded investment, the State Council, or the cabinet, has decided. .Click here to read…

China’s steel output declines in 2021: Xinhuanet

January 10, 2022

China’s steel output declined in 2021 amid the country’s endeavor to achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals. The country produced an estimate of 1.03 billion tonnes of steel last year, down 35 million tonnes from 2020, said the China Iron and Steel Association on Monday. .Click here to read…

Ministry maps out plans for sci-tech for 2022: Quishi

January 10, 2022

China will carry out major research projects, support the growth of science and technology companies, train more quality talents and contribute more to global science projects and governance this year, the Ministry of Science and Technology said on Thursday.Click here to read…

China, Sri Lanka to restart FTA talks using RCEP and double engines of Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port projects, says Chinese FM: Global Times

January 10, 2022

During a meeting with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Colombo on Sunday, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi called on China and Sri Lanka to discuss the restart of talks on free trade agreement by tapping the opportunities of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement and China’s vast market. Wang said the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port projects could be engines for pushing forward bilateral cooperation. .Click here to read…

PLA Navy’s 2nd Type 055 large destroyer holds New Year drills, ‘forms operational capability’: Global Times

January 10, 2022

The Lhasa, the second Type 055 10,000 ton-class large destroyer of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, has been holding intensive maritime drills since the start of 2022, with experts saying on Monday that the warship has formed operational capability and is expected to join important missions this year. .Click here to read…

Chinese PV suppliers ponder market potential in Afghanistan: Global Times
January 10, 2022

Chinese photovoltaic (PV) suppliers are eyeing opportunities in Afghanistan amid the growing expectation of more cooperation from the Afghan government and businesses there, where electricity supplies are uncertain. The Chinese business representative group called Chinatown in Kabul is in close contact with several domestic PV companies about doing business in the Central Asian country, the Global Times learned. .Click here to read…

Chinese private tutoring giant New Oriental sees revenues shrink by 80%, dismissal of 60,000 employees, says founder: Global Times

January 10, 2022

New Oriental’s market value evaporated by 90 percent, alongside an 80 percent slump in its operating revenues and a dismissal of 60,000 employees, Yu Minhong, founder of the Chinese private education giant disclosed on Saturday, attributing the fallout to the regulatory toughening over private tutoring and other uncertainties. .Click here to read…

As China’s Covid-19 test kit orders surge globally, manufacturers are hiring en masse to meet demand: South China Morning Post

January 10, 2022

China’s manufacturers of Covid-19 testing kits are racing to keep up with surging demand, both domestically and abroad, as the world grapples with a spike in cases caused by the highly infectious Omicron and Delta variants. “We’ve hired more than 200 temp workers in the past two months to keep up with the robust amount of orders we got from Europe and Bangladesh,” said Zhang Shuwen, general manager at Nanjing-based Liming Bio, which makes and exports the testing kits. .Click here to read…

Chairman of Tibet regional government elected: Xinhuanet

January 8, 2022

Yan Jinhai was elected chairman of the people’s government of southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region at a session of the regional legislature on Friday. Click here to read…

Vice chairman of Tibet regional government under probe: Xinhuanet

January 8, 2022

Zhang Yongze, vice chairman of the people’s government of southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, has been put under disciplinary and supervisory investigation by the country’s top anti-graft body for suspected severe violations of disciplines and laws. Click here to read…

China, Sri Lanka promise to boost ties, carrying forward spirit of Rubber-Rice Pact: Xinhuanet

January 10, 2022

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Sri Lankan leaders pledged here on Sunday to further develop bilateral relations, carrying forward the spirit of the Rubber-Rice Pact. Wang, during his visit, met with Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris, and attended a ceremony to launch a series of events marking the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Sri Lanka, and the 70th anniversary of the signing of the Rubber-Rice Pact. Click here to read…

China, Maldives pledge cooperation on Belt & Road, post-pandemic recovery: Xinhuanet

January 9, 2022

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid here on Saturday, with both sides pledging to jointly build the Belt and Road and focus on post-pandemic recovery. Wang said that looking back at the past 50 years since China and the Maldives established diplomatic relations, one can see that the two countries have always been mutually respectful, treating each other equally and sincerely, and firmly supporting each other on issues of core interests. Click here to read…

China’s first PPP high-speed railway put into operation: Xinhuanet

January 8, 2022

China’s first high-speed railway controlled by private capital was put into operation on Saturday in east China’s Zhejiang Province. Two trains departed from Taizhou Station and Shengzhou Xinchang Station, marking the official opening of the Hangzhou-Shaoxing-Taizhou intercity railway. It is among China’s first group of high-speed railway projects funded by a public-private partnership (PPP), with the private sector having a holding status. Click here to read…

China sees growth in loans to small businesses: Xinhuanet

January 8, 2022

China issued more inclusive loans to small and micro firms by the end of November in 2021, official data showed. The outstanding inclusive loans to small and micro businesses totaled 18.7 trillion yuan (about 2.94 trillion U.S. dollars) at the end of November, up 24.1 percent year on year, according to the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission. Click here to read…

Chairman of China Life Insurance under probe: Xinhuanet

January 8, 2022

Wang Bin, Party chief and chairman of China Life Insurance (Group) Company, has been put under disciplinary and supervisory investigation by the country’s top anti-graft body for suspected severe violations of disciplines and laws. Wang is being investigated by the Communist Party of China Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission. Click here to read…

16 dead in canteen collapse in China’s Chongqing: Xinhuanet

January 8, 2022

Sixteen people were killed and 10 injured, one critically, after a blast rocked a canteen of a subdistrict office in Wulong District, southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality at noon Friday. The accident took place at 12:10 p.m. as suspected gas leakage triggered the explosion and caused the collapse, trapping 26 people inside. Click here to read…

China’s economic outlook: What to watch in 2022: Quishi

January 10, 2022

For China, the year 2021 has been a milestone and a fresh start. Upon completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, the world’s second-largest economy embarked on a new journey to build itself into a modern socialist country.It has also been a bumpy ride. Faced with unexpected challenges and uncertainties, the country secured a stable recovery and progressed in high-quality development. Click here to read…

China could provide assistance, support to help Kazakhstan restore order, develop economy: Global Times

January 8, 2022

China can offer support in the fields of economic cooperation and assistance, as well as counter-terrorism, to help neighboring Kazakhstan restore stability and realize effective reforms and long-term economic development, according to Chinese analysts, as Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and the government thanked Russia and China, as well as other leaders worldwide and heads of international organizations for support offered to the country amid domestic unrest. Click here to read…

Huawei raises 4b yuan through 3-year notes in another self-rescue effort: Global Times

January 9, 2022

Chinese telecom giant Huawei is taking actions ranging from issuing debts to a management overhaul, as the company continues to cope with lingering challenges such as the US’ crackdown and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka’s president asks China to restructure debt repayments: Reuters

January 9, 2022

Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa asked China to help restructure debt repayments as part of efforts to help the South Asian country weather a worsening financial crisis, his office said in a statement on Sunday. Rajapaksa made the request during a meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Colombo on Sunday. Click here to read…

China targets 2023-2025 for recovery in international air travel: Reuters

January 7, 2022

China will focus on expanding domestic flights and restoring international air travel in 2023-2025, the country’s aviation regulator said on Friday, as it issued a new five-year development plan for a sector heavily battered by COVID. Click here to read…

China appoints former paramilitary chief as new Hong Kong garrison commander:Reuters

January 10, 2022

China has appointed a former paramilitary chief, Peng Jingtang, as the new commander of the People Liberation Army’s (PLA) garrison in Hong Kong, state broadcaster CCTV reported late on Sunday citing the PLA’s spokesman. Click here to read…

Beijing authorities warn residents not to try to help Olympic vehicles if they are involved in a road accident because of strict Covid controls: South China Morning Post

January 10, 2022

The Beijing city authorities have told residents to avoid all contact with Olympic vehicles, not even trying to help after a road accident, as the Chinese capital tightened its Covid-19 rules ahead of next month’s Winter Games. The city’s traffic management bureau said on Sunday that residents who are involved in an accident with one of the vehicles ferrying athletes, coaches and officials should not ask drivers and passengers to get out but wait for “professionals” to arrive on the scene. Click here to read…

The powerful Chinese megawatt laser ‘small enough for a satellite’: South China Morning Post

January 7, 2022

A Chinese team said it had developed a small but powerful laser device that could be used on a satellite, but would only be deployed for non-destructive purposes. The device could be used in a wide range of applications, including identifying a target, tracking, imaging and high-speed communication, said project lead scientist Liu Chong, of the college of optical science and engineering at Zhejiang University, in a paper published in the domestic peer-reviewed journal Aerospace Shanghai last month. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Ghani Fled to Save His Life: Mohib: Tolo News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

Standing together: Viva Bangladesh!- Dhaka Tribune

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

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

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

Goal of independence not materealised yet: Fakhrul- Observer

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

Victory Day celebrated- Asian Age

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

Bangladesh makes a name in suit export- Daily Star

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

Bhutan

Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen returns from Royal tour- Kuensel

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

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

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

Youths call for mountain preservation- Bhutan Times

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

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

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

Nepal

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

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

Bhatta appointed NRB spokesperson- Himalaya

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

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

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

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

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

Making the first flag of Bangladesh- Dhaka Tribune

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

Partners in progress- Daily Star

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

Bhutan

Dredging site allotment: Possible policy corruption?- Kuensel

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

Penjore rebuts defamation charges- Kuensel

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

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

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

Nepal

Khadka, Gurung elected NC vice-presidents- Himalaya

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

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

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

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

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

Nepali Congress party time- Nepali Times

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

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

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

Deadlines for 5 projects extended: The Express Tribune

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

Forex crisis hits pharmaceutical imports: Daily Mirror

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

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

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

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

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

Month of Victory: Pakistan decides to surrender- Dhaka Tribune

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

Bangladesh-Nepal bilateral PTA at final stage- Observer

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

Dhaka expects Washington to change its position- Asian Age

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

Bhutan

Bhutan defers malaria elimination deadline to 2022- Kuensel

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

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

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

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

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

His Holiness the Je Khenpo launches prayer book- BBS

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

Nepal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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

Afghanistan

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

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

Islamic Emirate to Consult Ulema on Govt Affairs: Tolo News

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh

PM pays tributes to martyred intellectuals- Daily Star

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

Economy’s three looming challenges- Daily Star

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

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

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

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

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

Bangladesh reports 385 fresh cases from Covid- Observer

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

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

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

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

20-bed Nganglam hospital construction remains uncertain- Bhutan Times

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

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

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

Nepal

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

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

Parliament’s winter session starts today- Himalaya

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistan

Centre to stop financing provincial uplift projects: Dawn

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

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

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

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

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

Sri Lanka

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

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

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

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