Tag Archives: Sri Lanka

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest – December 19, 2022

December 19, 2022 vd@admin

Afghanistan

Afghan Traders Abroad Face Hurdles Investing in Afghanistan: Tolo News

Some Afghan traders living abroad said current problems caused by the banking system and international sanctions, as well as the closed girls’ schools, are causing obstacles to investment in Afghanistan. Obaidullah Sadar Khail, head of the Afghan trader council in the UAE, told TOLOnews in a special TV program that the problems in the banking system that began nine months ago have still not been solved. “The banking system is important for the traders and over the past nine months, this problem has not been solved,” he said. Click here to read…

Joint Committee Formed to Address Tensions along Durand Line: Tolo News

Afghan chargé d’affaires in Islamabad Sardar Ahmad Shakib said on Sunday that a joint committee has been formed to address issues between the Islamic Emirate and Pakistan along the Durand Line. The committee will address all borer problems from now on, he said. “Any tension that happens by any side needs to be solved through talks. The committee has been created by both sides to address issues,” Shakib added. Click here to read…

Pakistani Delegation of Ulema to Visit Afghanistan to Discuss Cross-Border Hostility: The Khaama Press

According to Pakistan’s Geo News, which cited Pakistani authorities, the four-member reconciliation delegation of Pakistan will visit the Afghan capital, Kabul, and Kandahar, to put an end to the clashes along the border amid news of the establishment of a joint committee to address the border tensions surface. The Afghan border forces fired indiscriminately and without provocation at the civilian area in Chaman city of Pakistan’s Balochistan, for the second time in five days, using heavy weapons.Shehbaz Sharif, the Pakistani premier, condemned the Afghan Border Forces’ “unprovoked shelling” of civilians in Pakistan’s Chaman district, in response to the first of the twin border clashes in a week and urged the Afghan side to make sure that such occurrences “not repeated again. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Experts: Bangladesh must prepare for hybrid warfare – Dhaka Tribune

Bangladesh needs to take protective measures and formulate a doctrine in order to address the growing threat of hybrid warfare amid the country’s technological advancement, said the speakers at a roundtable Sunday morningClick here to read…

Jamaat-e-Islami | Old party, new brand – The Hindu

In the backdrop of the protests led by the main Opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), authorities in Dhaka arrested Jamaat-e-Islami’s ameer Shafiqur Rahman and his son Rafat Sadik Saifullah last week. The arrests were interpreted as a move to pre-empt Jamaat, the largest Islamist party in Bangladesh, from infusing critical mass to the protest rally set to be launched by BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir. Click here to read…

China biggest source of FDI for Bangladesh in FY22 – Dhaka Tribune

China has become the largest foreign direct investment (FDI) source of Bangladesh in terms of the gross flow of $940 million for FY22. It also ranked top in foreign investors with 104 investors at eight export-processing zones (EPZs), said Song Yang, economic and commercial counsellor of Chinese Embassy in Bangladesh on Saturday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

An uplifting moment – Kuensel online

As the year near its end, there is one special day all Bhutanese look forward to. December 17, our National Day is not only the most significant day for Bhutan, but a day where Bhutanese from all walks of life come together as a big family to celebrate with pride and joy. The gathering today at Changlimethang and in all the dzongkhags and beyond is an uplifting moment for all of us. Click here to read…

Tawang clash was a deliberate PLA operation – Sunday Guardian Live

The Chinese attempt to seize a post is not a simple face-off as it is being made in some quarters. The implications of the loss of the Yangtse post would have been very costly for India. It is to the credit of the Indian Army that they thwarted this attempt very professionally. Click here to read…

Recurrent budget cut for financial prudence: FM – Kuensel online

The government cut the recurrent expenditure from the last fiscal year 2021-22 to spend the limited domestic resources judiciously, Finance Minister Namgay Tshering said. About 40 to 50 percent of the budget was cut across all agencies in the fiscal year 2022-23 compared to the pre-pandemic. The finance ministry itself saw a cut in the budget by about 60 percent. Click here to read…

Maldives

Foreign Secretary attends Human Rights Day Event organized by UN

Maldives, HRCM – Raajje

Foreign Secretary Ahmed Latheef has attended an event organized jointly by the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office and the Human Rights Commission of Maldives (HRCM). The event, held to mark the Human Rights Day 2022, also commemorated the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) under the theme “Dignity, Freedom and Justice for All.” The event saw Latheef delivering remarks, where he reaffirmed the Maldivian government’s commitment to the values of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Click here to read…

Myanmar

SL Navy rescues 104 distressed Myanmar nationals – Sri Lanka Mirror

Sri Lanka Navy rescued 104 distressed Myanmar nationals aboard a passenger vessel in Sri Lanka’s waters about 3.5 nautical miles north of Veththalakerni early morning yesterday. The distressed vessel is reported to have trespassed into Sri Lanka’s territorial waters following a mechanical failure while it was carrying the passengers from Myanmar to Indonesia. Click here to read…

81 human trafficking cases prevented in Myanmar between 2020 and 2021 – The Star

Myanmar have prevented 81 cases of human trafficking, helping 840 people between 2020 and 2021, said Brigadier General Aung Htay Myint, head of the Transnational Crime Division. He revealed the information during the 5th inter-ministerial meeting of the Coordinated Mekong Ministerial Initiative against Trafficking – COMMIT, which took on via video link at the Myanmar Police Force headquarters, state-run newspapers reported. Click here to read…

EU supports WFP’s food insecurity efforts in Myanmar – Mizzima

The European Union (EU) has contributed EUR 6.5 million to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) towards its humanitarian assistance in Myanmar, where some 15 million people are facing moderate or severe food insecurity, according to a recent press release. Click here to read…

China-Myanmar-Thailand Economic Corridor safe haven for drugs, online scams: Report – The Print

The China-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Economic Corridor along river Moei has become a safe haven for drugs, human trafficking, arms smuggling, and online casino scams, according to a report in Mekong News. The report says that most of the “unholy syndicates” along the tributary of the Salween river from Tachileik to Myawaddy, are controlled by people of Chinese origin but from different nationalities.Click here to read…

Nepal

President Bhandari calls upon parties to recommend PM by December 25 – The Khabarhub

President Bidya Devi Bhandari has called upon the parties to recommend a name for the Prime Minister within 7 days from Sunday. According to a source in the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas, the President called for the name of the Prime Minister to be recommended as per Article 76 (2) of the Constitution. As per the President’s notice, the political parties have to recommend the name of Prime Minister by 5 pm, December 25. Click here to read…

Maoist Centre to initiate govt formation process after swearing-in ceremony – Khabarhub

The Maoist Centre has decided to participate in the government formation process only after the House of Representatives (HoR) members are sworn in. The Maoist Centre came to the conclusion that it would be wise to initiate the government formation process only after the lawmakers were administered the oath of office. Maoist Centre’s leader Janardan Sharma said the leaders put their views to opt for the government formation process after the lawmakers are sworn in. Click here to read…

Pakistan

PDM mulls over options to avert dissolution of Punjab, KP assemblies: Dawn

The city remained a hub of political activities on Sunday aimed at preventing the dissolution of the Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa assemblies as Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, former president Asif Zardari and ex-premier Chaudhry Shujaat met each other separately to find a way out of the ‘quagmire’ caused by PTI Chairman Imran Khan’s announcement that the two legislatures would be dissolved on Friday. Click here to read…

FM Bilawal arrives in US capital today for talks: Dawn

As Foreign Min¬ister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari arrives in the American capital on Monday, he has a difficult mission: underlining the need for stronger ties with the United States without disturbing its close relationship with China. The foreign minister completed his four-day visit to the UN headquarters in New York on Friday and then went off-the-radar for the weekend, stirring wild speculations in the Pakistani American community. Pakistan’s diplomatic missions in Washington and New York offered no explanation on his weekend engagements. Click here to read…

When under-fire Bajwa speaks…: The News

Sources close to General Bajwa said that the recently retired former Army Chief could not respond in public to what PTI chairman alleges against him because of some codal limitations but it is insisted what Khan mostly says about Bajwa is untrue. Bajwa is now the focused target of Imran Khan who not only sees Bajwa as the sole reason for all his failures in the government but also alleges that the general had removed his government as part of a US conspiracy. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

IMF says China agrees to form global sovereign debt ’roundtable’ – Daily News

Chinese officials have agreed to form a global sovereign debt “roundtable” that would include a wide variety of stakeholders, including private sector creditors, International Monetary Fund chief Kristalina Georgieva said on Thursday. Georgieva told an event hosted by the IMF that she was feeling “a bit more optimistic” about the prospects for dealing with major debt issues facing low- and middle-income countries after high-level meetings with Chinese authorities last week. The IMF chief said last week she had a “fruitful exchange” with her Chinese counterparts on the need to accelerate debt relief for countries like Zambia and Sri Lanka, adding that she saw “space for a platform for more systematic engagement on debt issues, where China can play an active role”. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka to use Indian rupee for international trade, more countries aim to follow – WION

Days after the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) said that it was awaiting the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) approval to designate Indian Rupee (INR) as a foreign currency in Sri Lanka, reports have emerged saying banks from India’s neighbouring island nation have opened special rupee trading accounts, called Vostro accounts. Sri Lanka had requested the RBI to facilitate and promote trade and tourism in the SAARC region. Click here to read…

New Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera – Daily News

President Ranil Wickremesinghe promoted Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera to the rank of Vice Admiral and appointed him as the 25th Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy from December 18 with the retirement of former Commander Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne.Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera was accorded a Guard of Honour in accordance with Naval traditions, at the Navy Headquarters yesterday, Vice Admiral Perera a proud product of the Royal College, Colombo joined the Si Lanka Navy in the Executive Branch in 1987 as an Officer Cadet of the fifth intake of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. Click here to read…

China Digest

Chinese courts have pledged to put greater effort into solving cases concerning monopolies and unfair competition to maintain the healthy development of capital, according to China’s top court.

Click here to read…

Neighbourhood News

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest – October 18, 2022

October 18, 2022 vd@admin

Afghanistan

Plan Launched to Collect Major Debts: DABS: Tolo News

Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) said it has made a scheme through which it will collect the debts of consumers. “We have been able to identify 329 major debts. Out of them, 33 debt owners expressed readiness to pay their debts,” said Hekmatullah Maiwandu, a spokesman for DABS. Click here to read…

Afghanistan, the new blank space for a triangle super-powers: The Khaama Press

The mountainous land in the heart of Asia known as Afghanistan has always remained a major geo-political dispute among the superpowers. The great game (Tsar Russia vs Britain), Cold-War (USSR/Russia vs America) and war on global terrorism gained attention of these giant-fish to fight for supremacy, domination and securing their strategic depth in this piece of land. But on the other hand, the host nation (Afghanistan) escaped from above-mentioned disputes with one self-salvage neck-name “the graveyard of empires”. Click here to read…

ICRC: Humanitarian Needs of Afghans Growing Every Day: The Khaama Press

As more Afghans are compelled to live on the streets and struggle to find food, the International Committee of the Red Cross stated that there is an increasing need for humanitarian aid in Afghanistan. Millions of people in Afghanistan, including widows and orphans, have reportedly been forced to scavenge for food on the streets, according to the committee’s findings. Click here to read…

Continued Global Protests against Hazara Genocide; Protests in Austria, South Korea and Turkey: The Khaama Press

Since October 8, there have been widespread protests against the “genocide” of the Hazaras. Large crowds have most recently protested against the Hazara genocide in Austria, America, South Korea, and Turkey.

Protesters gathered in Vienna, Austria’s capital, on October 16th to call for an end to the Hazara genocide in Afghanistan. The demonstrators also kept screaming anti-Taliban chants. A member of the Austrian parliament, Harald Troch, also joined the protesters and offered his support. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Hasan: BNP aims to create chaos in country: Dhaka Tribune

Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said BNP wants to create a chaotic situation in the country in the name of movement. “With a view to creating anarchy, BNP is trying to wage their so called movement but they cannot execute it successfully,” he said. Click here to read…

Momen seeks Kuwaiti, Iranian support on Rohingya issue: Dhaka Tribune

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen sought support from Iran and Kuwait on the Rohingya issue as Bangladesh eyes early repatriation of the Rohingyas to their place of origin in Rakhine State. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Enhancing the country’s digital future – Kuensel Online

Around 70 participants are training on Linux administration and network or information security as part of the Bhutan Network Operators Group’s (btNOG) conference in Thimphu which began on October 14. Speaking at the opening session, Information and Communications Minister Karma Donnen Wangdi said, “As we continue our journey towards transforming Bhutan’s digital society, we need to continue building the capabilities of our ICT professionals.” Click here to read…

Chinese Ambassador to India’s visit to Bhutan ‘helps advance friendly ties’ – Global Times

Chinese Ambassador to India Sun Weidong recently paid a three-day visit to Bhutan, during which Sun met with Bhutanese leaders and the two sides vowed to promote the development of relations, the Chinese Embassy in India said in a statement on Saturday night. Click here to read…

Maldives

Xi Jinping Exchanges Congratulatory Messages with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of China-Maldives Diplomatic Relations – FMPRC

On October 14, 2022, President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Hailing the time-honored friendship between China and the Maldives, Xi Jinping pointed out that over the past 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the two countries have always respected and supported each other, setting a good example of equal treatment and mutual benefit between countries of different sizes. Click here to read…

Government of Maldives, UNICEF and young people urge climate action now – UNICEF

Leading up to COP27, the “Multi-Stakeholder Consultation with Young People on Climate Action” was hosted by the Government of Maldives in partnership with UNICEF Maldives. The pre-COP27 event provided the opportunity for young people to engage with key government stakeholders, civil society organizations, and private sector partners working around climate action in the Maldives. Through the three key themes ‘Plastic-Free Maldives’, ‘Protection and Conservation’ and ‘Energy and Innovations’, the sessions highlighted the critical role children and young people can play in leading the change to create a safer and a more resilient future for all. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Journalists go into hiding after threats by Myanmar’s military junta – RFA

Local reporters from two media outlets in Myanmar went into hiding after the country’s ruling military junta threatened to sue the news agencies for reporting that regime troops killed three civilians and wounded 19 others near a Buddhist pagoda in Mon state last week. BBC Burmese and The Irrawaddy online news journal reported that military soldiers allegedly fired random shots into crowds at the Kyaiktiyo Pagoda in Mon state, one of the most famous Buddhist sites in Myanmar, on Oct. 12. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta and Ethnic Armed Group Trade Accusations Over Fatal Pagoda Shooting – The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime and an armed ethnic Karen group have blamed each other for the fatal shooting of female pilgrims at the base of Kyaik Htee Yoe Golden Rock pagoda in Mon State last week. Three Buddhist pilgrims were killed during a firefight between regime troops and a resistance force at a junta outpost near the temple on Wednesday. Click here to read…

The arrest of former Army Captain by the AA triggers civilian arrests in the Arakan township – BNI Online

After the Arakan Army (AA) arrested a former Army Captain in Ramree Township, the Military Council retaliated by detaining seven local residents in an act of revenge. “A former Army Captain U Tun Kyi was arrested by ULA/AA at U Maung Kyaw’s pharmacy in Inndaung. That’s why the army is retaliating and arresting local people who have nothing to do with that matter”, a local resident explained. Narinjara is still trying to reach AA spokesperson U Khaing Thukha to confirm whether the former army officer was arrested by AA. Click here to read…

Nepal

Ruling alliance to protect constitution and achieve prosperity: Nepali Congress – My Republicca

Nepali Congress Spokesperson Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said that the main goal of the ruling alliance is to protect the constitution and achieve prosperity. At a press conference organised by the Nepali Congress Central Office on Monday, Dr Mahat said that the current government was formed to implement the constitution and protect democracy. He also claimed that in a short period of time the government has succeeded in moving the country towards the rule of and has also succeeded in doing important tasks related to the people’s livelihood. Click here to read…

Multidimensional poverty slumped in Nepal before Covid-19, global report says – Kathmandu Post

Nepal and India made rapid progress towards reducing multidimensional poverty in the years before the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world, a new global report on multidimensional poverty says. In 2011, 39 percent of Nepalis were multidimensionally poor and the percentage dipped to 25.7 in 2016 and 17.5 in 2019, according to the report. “It means 5.13 million Nepalis are multidimensionally poor based on Nepal’s total population of 29,192,480 as per the census 2021,” said Dharma Swarnakar, policy advisor at the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Nepal at a press briefing on Monday. The report, Global Multidimensional Poverty Index 2022, was prepared by the UNDP in coordination with the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative and was released on Monday. Click here to read…

Fuel still expensive despite fall in international prices – Kathmandu Post

Nepal Oil Corporation continues to charge high prices even when the cost of oil on the international market has tumbled, analysts say. Inflation-stricken consumers complain they are hit with a price hike every time rates on the international market go up, but the state-owned oil monopoly does not respond with the same quickness when it is the other way around. Nepal Oil Corporation says it cannot slash prices because of massive losses, but insiders point out that it is making a profit for the first time in 20 months. Click here to read…

Pakistan

US ‘confident’ Pakistan’s nuclear assets are secure: Dawn

“The United States is confident of Pakistan’s commitment and its ability to secure nuclear assets,” a US State Department spokesperson told journalists in Washington shortly after a meeting between Ambassador Masood Khan and Counselor Derek Chollet. Click here to read…

Imran gives govt few more days to announce polls: The Express Tribune

Former premier and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Monday admitted that the next general elections were linked with ex-premier Nawaz Sharif’s consent, saying elections won’t take place until the PML-N supremo took a decision. Click here to read…

WB steps in to mediate Indo-Pak water dispute: The Express Tribune

The World Bank announced on Monday the beginning of two parallel legal processes to address Pakistan’s concerns over two hydropower projects on the western rivers by India in violation of the Indus Basin Treaty, breaking a six-year-old gridlock. Click here to read…

Ready to buy fuel from Russia on ‘India rate’: Dar: The News

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, who is on an official visit to the United States (US), said on Monday Pakistan was ready to buy fuel from Russia on the rate it was providing to neighbouring country India. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Rajapaksas responsible for economic crisis in England, France? – Aluthgamage: Daily Mirror

Government MP Mahindananda Aluthgamage recently asked whether the Rajapaksas were involved with the current fuel shortage in France and for the children who suffer from hunger. Addressing an event, he said the schoolchildren used to bring lunch boxes without food. “The children used to go to the playground during lunch time. The English cannot provide food for their schoolchildren. Click here to read…

Japan to organize SL creditors’ meeting by end of this year: Daily Mirror

Japan is working to organize a meeting of Sri Lanka’s creditors by the end of this year in hopes of solving that country’s debt crisis, The Yomiuri Shimbun has learned. The meeting, which will discuss such issues as finding ways to reduce debt payments, aims to curb China’s influence by helping Sri Lanka cope with its so-called debt traps, which arose after China provided huge loans to the country to fund infrastructure developments and other projects. Click here to read…

Neighbourhood News

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest- October 10, 2022

October 10, 2022 vd@admin

Afghanistan

Intelligence Head Wasiq Meets Deputy CIA Head in Doha: Source: Tolo News

A source from the Islamic Emirate confirmed that a delegation of the Islamic Emirate met with US officials in Doha on Saturday. The source said they discussed the issue of US drones in Afghan airspace and drone strikes in the country, violations of the Doha agreement and its fulfillment, restrictions on Afghan banks and the recent transfer of Afghan assets to the Swiss bank. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Urges US to Engage in ‘Positive’ Way with Kabul: Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid called on the US to engage in good relations with the current Afghan government. Speaking at a gathering held to mark the US attack on Afghanistan, Mujahid said that the way of force has not been successful. Click here to read…

Taliban Meets Members of Afghan Sikh and Hindu Community: The Khaama Press

The Taliban administration’s Kabul mayor, Mawlawi Abdul Rashid, met with some Afghan Hindu and Sikh community members. The Hindu and Sikh participants at this meeting demanded that usurpers be driven off their land. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s first 6-lane bridge over Madhumati River set to be inaugurated Monday morning: Dhaka Tribune

In a fillip to residents of the country’s north-western districts, the long-awaited Kalna Bridge, the first six-lane bridge in Bangladesh is set to be inaugurated on Monday morning, bridging the Madhumati River in Narail. Click here to read…

Brunei envoy puts direct air connectivity on table ahead of Sultan’s visit: Dhaka Tribune

Ahead of the Sultan of Brunei’s much-anticipated maiden visit to Bangladesh, the High Commissioner of Brunei Darussalam Haji Haris Bin Othman has called for direct air connectivity between the two friendly Muslim countries to boost tourism and trade.

“Bangladesh tourists are most welcome to Brunei,” he said while speaking to reporters on Sunday at the High Commission, ahead of Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Muizzaddin Waddaulah’s state visit scheduled for October 14-16. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Traditional pilgrims extended SDF waiver – Kuensel Online

The government has approved the exemption of USD 200 daily sustainable development fee (SDF) for foreigners visiting Bhutan under 22 categories other than tourists. SDF will be waived for pilgrims to Gomkora, Hindu pilgrims to Jayanti Mahakal temple, near Phuntsholing, only if the pilgrims stay within Trashi Yangtse and the pilgrimage site for the duration of the festival. According to the list of waivers, nationals of Thailand and Switzerland with diplomatic and official passports will be exempted from the SDF only if the purpose of the visit is for official business. If the purpose of the visit is tourism, then SDF would be imposed and collected at the port of entry. SDF is to be waived only if the purpose of the visit is for nationals of member states of SAARC entitled to SAARC visa exemption scheme. If the purpose of the visit is tourism, then SDF would be imposed and collected at the port of entry. Click here to read…

Bhutan all geared up to host the first-ever Snowman Race – Times of India

Bhutan is all set to host the Snowman Race, which is touted to be one of the most ultra-challenging ultra-marathons. This event will be hosted on October 13 and 17, 2022 in Bhutan.

As per the reports, the competition will witness 29 endurance athletes, nine Bhutanese runners, who will compete with each other for more than 203 km across five days at an oxygen-sparse average of 14,800 ft with the highest point of 17,946 ft. Click here to read…

Maldives

Tourist arrivals from India and Russia see increase – Avas

Statistics shared by the Tourism Ministry show that 166,030 tourists from India and 83,369 tourists from Russia visited the Maldives in 2019. However, these numbers increased this year, with the tourism-dependent archipelago seeing 172,911 tourists from India and 146,806 tourists from Russia by October 5 this year. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar army brutally arrest civilians in Mandalay – Mizzima

A civilian in Yanbetlon village (Yepyit), Kyuakse Township of Mandalay was shot and arrested by the Military Council at around 11 am on 5 October. According to local people, Kyaw Min Lwin, a male in his 40s, was shot and arrested by junta troops after 30 soldiers arriving in five vehicles raided his residence. Click here to read…

PDFs attack Myanmar junta vessels on the Chindwin River – Mizzima

On the morning of 4 October, six Military Council vessels traveling to Kalewa from Alon Sit Pin port were ambushed by the Daung Lu Lin-LPDF and other local PDFs near Pann Sai village in Kanni Township, Sagaing region. Daung Lu Lin-LPDF claimed that heavy artillery and light weapons were used in the battle by the local people’s defense forces before gunfire was exchanged. Military Council troops were reportedly injured but the exact details of the damage were not clear at the time of reporting. Click here to read…

Why Are Myanmar Resistance Offensives Yielding Limited Success – The Irrawaddy

While resistance raids on Myanmar junta outposts and police stations continue, their limited firepower means they struggle to occupy targets. The increasing availability of proper firearms among resistance groups has increased their ability to attack junta targets, forcing regime troops in some areas, especially Sagaing and Magwe regions, to retreat into defensive positions. Click here to read…

UN Mission in Myanmar is Lending Legitimacy to Genocidal Military Regime – The Irrawaddy

The traditional approach to humanitarian aid embraces principles like impartiality, neutrality, independence, and humanity. United Nations agencies and international non-profits cherish these ideals, and yet they also empower the legitimacy of a genocidal military regime. The failure to criticize military atrocities and name the junta as perpetrator tells us they fear the regime more than bereaved mothers, fathers and loved ones across the country who courageously speak out. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal loses Rs200 million in Dashain power spillage – Kathmandu Post

Even though the country’s sole distributor had long been seeking India’s approval to sell the power generated by the 456MW Upper Tamakoshi Hydropower Project, India refused to give its nod citing the involvement of Chinese contractors in the project, which is currently Nepal’s largest. Amid reduced domestic demand and India not buying more electricity, the Nepal Electricity Authority saw massive spillage of power during the Dashain festival. The authority said spillage reached as high as 800MW at times with domestic demand falling as low as 700MW against the peak demand of around 1700MW. Click here to read…

As Nepal puts Agniveer recruitment on the back burner, India must tread cautiously – Indian Express

The 200-year-old British Gorkha connection with Nepal, Indianised after Independence, is the unspoken lynchpin of bilateral relations, resulting in a big ex-servicemen community which, properly nurtured, acts as a pro-India constituency in times of political choices, especially when China’s competitive zeal is growing. General Pandey’s visit to Nepal in September to be made Honorary General of the Nepal Army (the Nepali Army Chief is similarly recognised by India) is part of a unique post-Independence tradition. He made the avoidable remarks after a successful visit. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Govt will not seek Paris Club debt restructuring: Dar: Dawn

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Sunday said Pakistan will not seek debt restructuring from Paris Club creditor nations, as he seeks to restore market confidence after a credit rating downgrade. The new rating from Moody’s raised concerns that Pakistan could default on its foreign debt as the country contends with economic turmoil and a balance of payments crisis. Click here to read…

UNDP vows to build disaster-resilient Pakistan: Dawn

The United Nations Development Programme on Saturday said Pakistan was ranked eighth among nations most vulnerable to extreme weather, it was working to build a disaster-resilient nation through the glacial lakes outburst flood (Glof-II) project. Click here to read…

Why were five precious years of our lives wasted? asks Nawaz Sharif: The News

Terming the cases lodged against him “fabricated”, PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif Sunday asked why “five precious years” of his life were wasted. Nawaz made the remarks while addressing a ‘heart-to-heart’ press conference, flanked by her daughter PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz, in London. Click here to read…

Bilawal thanks UN for reiterating support for flood-hit Pakistan: The News

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari Sunday expressed his gratitude to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Secretary General Antonio Guterres as the international body adopted a resolution that expressed solidarity with the flood-hit Pakistani people. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

CMTA raises concerns on importing used electric vehicles into Sri Lanka: Daily Mirror

The Ceylon Motor Traders Association (CMTA), the most senior automotive association in South Asia, has raised serious concerns about the importation of used electric vehicles to Sri Lanka. In order to minimise the negative impact on the consumer, environment, society, and economy, it is imperative that the country imports EVs which are directly shipped by the manufacturer with the recommendation for this tropical climate, the Association said in a statement to the media. Click here to read…

Central Bank pushes back against widespread calls for lower rates : Daily Mirror

Pushing back on growing calls by many to cut rates to ease the pain on households and businesses and thereby kick start growth in the economy, the Central Bank last week defended its tight monetary policy as necessary until it sees a meaningful deceleration in the inflation which has spiraled out of control this year. Click here to read…

Neighbourhood News

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: September 29, 2022

September 29, 2022 vd@admin

Afghanistan

Potzel Expects Further ‘Fragmentation’ if Needs of Afghans Not Met: Tolo News

Speaking to the UN Security Council session on the Afghanistan situation, the deputy head of UNAMA, Markus Potzel, said that if the Islamic Emirate does not respond to the needs of all elements of Afghan society and constructively engage within the very limited window of opportunity with the international community, “it is unclear what would come next.” Click here to read…

Taliban and Russia Agree to ‘Special Discount’ on Purchase of Gas, Oil, and Wheat: The Khaama Press

The Taliban Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that an agreement was inked to purchase and import wheat, gas, and oil from Russia to Afghanistan. According to Abdul Salam Jawad Akhundzada, a spokesman for the Taliban Ministry of Commerce and Industry, products including gasoline, diesel, gas, and wheat will be purchased at a “special discount” in Russian currency. Click here to read…

Afghan Envoy at UNSC: ‘Systematic’ Exclusion of Women Under Taliban: The Khaama Press

Speaking at the UN Security Council convened to discuss the situation in Afghanistan, Naseer Ahmad Faiq, the Chargé d’Affaires of the Afghan Permanent Mission to the UN, said that Afghan women are denied their fundamental freedoms and rights in Afghanistan under the Taliban rule. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM Hasina in Washington: Election Commission is free to hold fair polls: Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said the Election Commission in Bangladesh is completely free and independent, and a system has been established through an independent EC to hold free and fair elections in the country. Click here to read…

Cabinet approves India-Bangladesh MoU on withdrawal of water from Kushiyara river: The Print

Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday has given its ex-post facto approval for a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Bangladesh on withdrawal of upto 153 cusecs of water each from common border river Kushiyara, a government press release read. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Govt allows import of 17,000 ton/yr green areca nut without MIP condition from Bhutan – Economic Times

The government on Wednesday allowed the import of 17,000 tonnes of green areca nut without minimum import price (MIP) condition from Bhutan every year. In 2017, the government imposed MIP at Rs 251 per kg with an aim to safeguard domestic farmers. In 2018, the imports of areca nut in any form were allowed if the price is over Rs 251 per kilogram. Click here to read…

Maldives

Japan-Maldives Foreign Ministers’ Meeting -Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan

On September 28, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with H.E. Mr. Abdulla Shahid, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Maldives, who is visiting Japan to attend the state funeral for former Prime Minister Abe as Special Envoy of President of the Maldives. The two ministers concurred that Japan and the Maldives, as countries which share the fundamantal values such as the rule of law and the freedom of navigation, will cooperate even more closely to realize a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.” Click here to read…

Myanmar

In Myanmar, the Tatmadaw’s Frustration Fuels a Cycle of Violence – Foreign Policy

Officials from the United States and Malaysia met on the sidelines with representatives from Myanmar’s National Unity Government, a cabinet formed by elected lawmakers ousted when the military seized power in February 2021. As diplomacy sputters, violence in Myanmar is spiraling. At least 11 children were killed on Sept. 16 when military helicopters fired on a school in Sagaing region, a resistance stronghold. The killing of students was shocking, but extreme violence has come to characterize the junta. Last month, the military allegedly rampaged through a village in Kachin State, burning down homes and killing civilians. These attacks followed a trend: The monitoring group Data for Myanmar said the military has torched more than 28,000 civilian homes since the coup, and August was the worst month on record. Click here to read…

Chinese envoy, acting FS discuss early Rohingyas repatriation, border incidents – TBS News

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Li Jiming has met acting foreign secretary Rear Admiral (retd) Md Khurshed Alam and discussed the ways for early repatriation of the Rohingyas and the recent incidents along Bangladesh-Myanmar border. Talking to a small group of reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after the meeting on Monday, Ambassador Li said they discussed a lot of issues including “early repatriation” of the Rohingya people and cooperation in other areas between the two countries. There is a tripartite mechanism among Bangladesh, Myanmar and China to discuss and find ways to resolve the Rohingya issue. Click here to read…

Over 6,000 Myanmar children enrolled in Mizoram schools – Eat Mojo

More than 6,000 children of Myanmar nationality taking refuge in Mizoram are currently enrolled in various schools across the state, an official said on Wednesday. State school education department director Dr H. Lalthlangliana said a majority of the Myanmar children are studying in government schools, while several are also enrolled in private schools. Click here to read…

The meteoric fall of the Myanmar military junta – Global Village Space

The military junta in Myanmar, which took control in February 2021 after overthrowing the elected government, appears to be in serious peril. They disapproved of the outcomes of the national election that took place in 2020 and was organized under their direction. They rewrote Myanmar’s history, in actuality. When the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by Aung Sun Suu Kyi, took office in 2011, they began a limited process of democratization long after their direct military dominance in the nation. Click here to read…

Nepal

Backing India’s bid for permanent membership, Nepal calls for UN Security Council reforms – Economic Times

Backing India’s long-standing demand, Nepal has called for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms, making it more representative, inclusive, and transparent. Addressing the general debate of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Wednesday, Nepal’s foreign secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal said, ‘Nepal supports UN reform initiatives, including revitalising the General Assembly and reforming the Security Council, to make it more representative, inclusive, and transparent.’ Click here to read…

Pakistan

Bilawal wants Taliban rulers to use their influence on TTP for peace: Dawn

Speaking at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, the foreign minister also urged the United States to take lead in dealing with the devastating effects of the changing climate, which he called a ‘man-made disaster’Click here to read…

Dar favours currency market intervention: The Express Tribune

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar said on Wednesday that some changes would be made in the central bank law at “an appropriate time”, advocating intervention in the currency market that signalled a needed shift in the International Monetary Fund (IMF)-backed policies. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

RW, Modi discuss Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in Tokyo: Daily Mirror

President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed Sri Lanka’s debt restructuring when the two held informal discussions in Tokyo last evening, on the sidelines of the funeral of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Click here to read…

Colombo port set to lose out from new direct container shipping service between Chattogram and Dubai: Daily Mirror

A direct container shipping service is to be launched between Chattogram, Bangladesh and Dubai avoiding the Colombo Port, a Bangladeshi media report said. Imports from Dubai now come to Chattogram via Sri Lanka’s Colombo port. The consignments are unloaded from the mother vessel and then loaded into smaller feeder vessels in Colombo. Export consignments are also sent to Dubai via Colombo. Click here to read…

Neighbourhood News

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: September 28, 2022

September 28, 2022 vd@admin

<h5>Afghanistan </h5>

<h5>Islamic Emirate Signs Deal for Russian Oil Products, Gas and Wheat – Tolo News </h5>

The Islamic Emirate has signed a provisional deal with Russia to supply gasoline, diesel, gas and wheat to Afghanistan, Acting Afghan Commerce and Industry Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi told Reuters. Azizi said his ministry was working to diversify its trading partners and that Russia had offered the Islamic Emirate administration a discount to average global commodity prices. The move, the first known major international economic deal struck by the Islamic Emirate since they returned to power more than a year ago, could help to ease the Islamist movement’s isolation that has effectively cut it off from the global banking system. <a href=”https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-180048” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

<h5>UN issues warning on warfare and increase poverty in Afghanistan – The Both Side News </h5>

The Taliban’s attack on the rights of girls and women, according to a senior U.N. official, demonstrates disregard for more than 50% of Afghanistan’s population and a willingness to risk international isolation, as well as a potential internal conflict and deepening poverty in the country. Some of the Taliban’s “claimed and recognised achievements,” Markus Potzel, the U.N. deputy representative for Afghanistan, told the Security Council, are also deteriorating. <a href=”https://thebothsidenews.com/un-issues-warning-on-warfare-and-increased-poverty-in-afghanistan/world/09/28/2022/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

<h5>Bangladesh</h5>

<h5>Bangladesh wants to mark March 25 as International Genocide Day – The Print </h5>

Describing the horrors of the 1971 genocide by the Pakistani military, Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has said that Bangladesh is working to get recognition of March 25 as International Genocide Day by all the countries in the world. “The Genocide of Bangladesh committed in 1971 by the Pakistani military is one of the most heinous crimes in human history … we do not know of another instance of such barbarism of such intensity and mayhem,” he said, reported The Daily Star. <a href=”https://theprint.in/world/bangladesh-wants-to-mark-march-25-as-international-genocide-day/1144656/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

<h5>Bangladesh aims for yuan trade as cushion against mighty dollar- Nikkei Asia </h5>

Hit by a strong dollar and fearful of shrinking foreign reserves, Bangladesh is turning to alternative currency arrangements including the use of the Chinese yuan in international transactions. Bangladesh Bank, the central bank, in mid-September said that authorized dealer banks (ADs) can carry out transactions in yuan for trade with China. <a href=”https://asia.nikkei.com/Economy/Bangladesh-aims-for-yuan-trade-as-cushion-against-mighty-dollar

<h5>Bhutan </h5>

<h5>BoB imposed Nu 6.2M for system failure – Kuensel Online </h5>

The Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) has imposed Nu 6.2 million (M) on Bank of Bhutan (BoB) for the system failure for about three days earlier this month. An official from the bank said that the bank is still negotiating the penalty amount with the authority. The bank’s both offline and online banking services could not be accessed because of the system failure. <a href=”https://kuenselonline.com/bob-imposed-nu-6-2m-for-system-failure/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

<h5>Maldives </h5>

<h5>India Supports Hanimaadhoo Airport Project In Maldives – The WatchDog </h5>

After the contract for the largest infrastructure project to be undertaken outside the Greater Male’ region in the history of Maldives was signed, the High Commission of India in the Maldives on September 26 stated that it supports the nation in the project. The aim of the Hanimaadhoo International Airport Development Project is to transform the economic image of the North Maldives. An Indian company named JMC Projects Limited has signed the pact with the Maldives government to develop the Hanimaadhoo International Airport. <a href=”https://thewatchdog.news/national-e/india-supports-hanimaadhoo-airport-project-in-maldives/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

<h5>Myanmar </h5>

<h5>The Two Hands of Washington’s Myanmar Policy – The Irrawaddy </h5>

Bilateral relations from the perspective of the Department of State are well-described by Murphy, the occupant of the Central Intelligence Agency’s Burma desk from 2007-12. As she relates this, US policy is about democracy, humanitarianism and free-market values that both nations share. And citizens pass on information in exchange for cash and vague promises of a US visa should things become difficult. <a href=”https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/guest-column/the-two-hands-of-washingtons-myanmar-policy.html” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

<h5>Intensifying pressure on Myanmar military – New Age BD </h5>

NOLEEN Heyzer, the special envoy of the UN secretary general, claimed that she would not return to Myanmar unless she could meet with former leader Aung San Suu Kyi during her brief visit there for discussions with the military leadership. According to Reuters, Suu Kyi has been detained since the February 1 coup last year and has been kept in solitary confinement since June. She has not been permitted visitors, and in August, a military spokesperson declared that the dictatorship would not permit anyone to meet with those who were charged with crimes. Suu Kyi is currently on trial for charges ranging from corruption to the disclosure of state secrets. The total maximum sentence for the crimes she is charged with is more than 190 years. <a href=”https://www.newagebd.net/article/182228/intensifying-pressure-on-myanmar-military” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

<h5>Myanmar-Thailand border point where 150 Indian techies are trapped in control of rebel group – New Indian Express </h5>

The software engineers, mostly from Tamil Nadu and Kerala, were entrapped in a job racket that four companies, primarily managed by some Dubai-based Chinese nationals, ran The Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), a heavily-armed Myanmar rebel group fighting the military junta in that country, is suspected to be providing “protection” to an organised Malayasian-Chinese gang which continues to hold at least 150 Indian IT professionals trapped at a location on the Myanmar-Thailand border. <a href=”https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2022/sep/27/myanmar-thailand-border-point-where-150-indian-techies-are-trapped-in-control-of-rebel-group-2502492.html” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

<h5>Nepal </h5>

<h5>Energising India-Nepal ties, the hydropower way – The Hindu</h5>

Nepal’s move to involve India in completing the West Seti and Seti River (SR6) joint storage project has the potential to enhance much-needed cross-border power exchanges. On August 18, 2022, the Investment Board Nepal signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India’s National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) Limited to develop the West Seti and Seti River (SR6) projects — a total of 1,200 MW. <a href=”https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/energising-india-nepal-ties-the-hydropower-way/article65943114.ece?homepage=true” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

<h5>Nepal President Blocks Citizenship Law – Human Rights Watch </h5>

Nepal’s ceremonial president, Bidiya Bhandari, has refused to endorse a Citizenship Bill passed by parliament, denying an estimated 500,000 people access to citizenship documents and threatening to plunge the country into a constitutional crisis. A deadline for her to sign the law expired last week. <a href=”https://www.hrw.org/news/2022/09/26/nepal-president-blocks-citizenship-law” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

<h5>Pakistan </h5>

<h5>Pakistan’s Vicious IMF Cycle – The Diplomat </h5>

On August 29, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released the last remaining $1.1 billion in funds for Pakistan, following a combined seventh and eighth review of the extended fund facility provided to the country. The $6 billion bailout agreed upon in 2019 conditioned the IMF loan to market-determined exchange rate and rebuilding of official reserves in order to reduce public debt, ensure fiscal growth, and increase the country’s per capita income. The fund facility, extended until June 2023, is the 23rd IMF program that Pakistan has received in its 75-year existence. <a href=”https://thediplomat.com/2022/09/pakistans-vicious-imf-cycle/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

<h5>After Jaishankar swipe at US over Pakistan F-16s, Antony Blinken says only to fight terror – Indian Express </h5>

Antony Blinken said it was a programme for F-16s that Pakistan already had, and it was Washington’s “obligation” to provide military equipment to ensure that the aircraft are maintained and sustained to bolster Islamabad’s capability to deal with “clear terrorist threats” from Al Qaeda and ISIS. A day after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the US decision to provide a $450-million sustenance package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet was “not fooling anybody”, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said it is not a new programme. <a href=”https://indianexpress.com/article/india/after-jaishankar-swipe-at-us-over-pak-f-16s-blinken-says-only-to-fight-terror-8176851/” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

<h5>Sri Lanka </h5>

<h5>Asia’s ticking debt bomb: Sri Lanka crisis sounds alarm bells across region – Asia Nikkei </h5>

Every day after 4 p.m., residents in this quiet, leafy village listen for the putt-putting of motorbikes on the sandy road next to their homes. When they hear it, they know to shut their doors and turn off their lights. Their children are instructed to run inside and not let anyone in. A motorbike is the vehicle of choice for local debt collectors, who fan out through places like Chandana Pokuna, some 500 brick-faced, rundown houses in Sri Lanka’s rice-farming north central district of Polonnaruwa. The motorcycle men, agents of microlending companies, start work in the late afternoon, when they know residents will be at home. <a href=”https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/The-Big-Story/Asia-s-ticking-debt-bomb-Sri-Lanka-crisis-sounds-alarm-bells-across-region” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

<h5>High-security zones in Sri Lanka to ensure stability – Tribune India </h5>

The Sri Lankan Government on Monday defended its decision to declare several key locations in Colombo as high-security zones, saying the move was aimed at ensuring stability and not curbing freedom of expression. President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday declared several locations, including Parliament, the Supreme Court complex and the President’s Secretariat among others, as high-security zones (HSZs), banning any kind of protest or agitation in their vicinity. <a href=”https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/world/high-security-zones-in-lanka-to-ensure-stability-435805” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…</a>

Neighbourhood News

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: September 23, 2022

September 23, 2022 vd@admin

Afghanistan

Cargo Leaves China For Afghanistan On New Route Bypassing Russia – Oil Price

China has dispatched a first load of freight to Afghanistan on a new road and rail route transiting Central Asia which will cut travel time by several weeks.The multimodal route starts in China’s northwestern Xinjiang province then passes through Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan before entering Afghanistan. Click here to read…

21 years after 9/11, where does Afghanistan stand today – Economic Times

On May 2, 2011, the U.S. Special Forces killed Al Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden in Pakistan’s Abbottabad in operation Neptune Spear. The fact that Bin Laden was hiding out in Pakistan exposed Islamabad’s failure to track down, or failure to reveal the hideout of America’s most wanted terrorist. The U.S. led NATO forces left Kabul in 2021, but the war against terror continues in Afghanistan and neighbouring Pakistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Bangladesh, Cambodia to sign FTA for boosting trade cooperation – New Age BD

During a bilateral meeting between Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina and her Cambodian counterpart Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen in New York on Thursday night, they agreed to do it, said foreign minister AK Abdul Momen while briefing reporters about the activities of the PM on the sidelines of the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Click here to read…

Traders worried as India top bank suspends dollar transaction with Bangladesh – TBS News

The public sector lender State Bank of India (SBI), which has been operating for four decades in Dhaka, has suspended export-import transactions in dollars with Bangladesh, raising concern among the business community of both countries as India is the second highest import source for Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan Reopens with New Sustainable Tourism Strategy – Travel Pulse

The Kingdom of Bhutan officially reopens to international travelers since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic today, September 22, unveiling a new tourism strategy focusing on sustainable development, infrastructure upgrades and more. Click here to read…vv

Maldives

Maldives is proud to have demonstrated leadership at the UN General Assembly: FM Shahid – Raajje

Maldives is proud to have demonstrated leadership at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), says Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid. FM Shahid said this in a message on the 57th Anniversary of the Maldives Membership at the UN, extended on Thursday. As such, FM Shahid highlighted on the fact that Maldives joined the UN at a time a small state joining the UN was questioned, 57 years ago. Click here to read…

Myanmar

US seeks action, possible UN resolution, on Myanmar junta – Channel News

The United States is seeking more pressure on Myanmar’s junta through the United Nations (UN) and is urging the international community not to recognize upcoming elections, a senior official said Thursday. Click here to read…

Mizoram chief minister meets Shah, discusses influx of refugees from Myanmar – Hindustan Times

Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga on Thursday met Union home minister Amit Shah in New Delhi to discuss the influx of refugees from neighbouring Myanmar. In an Instagram post, Zoramthanga said Shah took stock of the situation at the meeting. Click here to read…

Tatmadaw, ARSA, Arakan army, Yaba economy – News Age BD

BANGLADESH is in a spot as far as Myanmar is concerned. Not that Myanmar is doing much better having to fight just about every ethnic group in the country. Given the truncated reality of its cartography, Myanmar probably does not qualify as a state, certainly not as a single unit or even a federation. A half of the map is under rebel control. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal’s NDC on climate change – Kathmandu Post

The last three decades of the international climate regime have shown positive accomplishments. The establishment of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) with the goals of mitigating and adapting to the impacts of climate change, the Kyoto Protocol with legally binding emissions targets for developed countries, the Paris Agreement with a temperature threshold of 2 degrees Celsius (and pursue best efforts to limit it to 1.5 degrees Celsius), and establishment of the net-zero target are three key milestones of past 30 years of climate change negotiation. Click here to read…

Two Nepal projects selected under China’s GDI – Kathmandu Post

At a time when not a single project under the Beijing-led Belt and Road Initiatives has commenced in Nepal, two projects from Nepal have been selected under China’s another initiative called, the Global Development Initiative. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Death toll in devastating Pakistan flooding reaches 1,596

The overall death toll in Pakistan from the devastating floods has increased to 1,596, with 12,863 others injured, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said. In the last 24 hours, 20 new fatalities were reported, reports Xinhua news agency citing the NDMA as saying. Click here to read…

China blocks action against Pakistan-based terrorist in ‘favour’ to close ally – Siasat

China has again blocked action in UN Sanctions Committee against Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) leader and 26/11 Mumbai attacks accused Sajid Mir, drawing strong criticism from India. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Foreign ambassadors assure support to recover Sri Lanka from the economic crisis – Colombo Page

The foreign ambassadors to Sri Lanka have assured President Ranil Wickremesinghe their support to get the assistance of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to recover the island nation from the worst economic crisis in its history. Click here to read…

New resolution on Sri Lanka tabled in Geneva – Colombo Gazette

The draft resolution, which was formally handed over to the Human Rights Council Secretariat on Wednesday, has been sponsored by the UK, US, Germany, Canada, Malawi, Montenegro and North Macedonia. Click here to read…

Neighbourhood News

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: September 15, 2022

September 15, 2022 vd@admin

Afghanistan

UK Donates £24M to UNICEF to Help Afghan Children: Tolo News

The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has contributed an additional GBP 24 million towards UNICEF’s $2 billion Humanitarian Action for Children appeal for Afghanistan, UNICEF said in a report.The funds will help UNICEF provide “lifesaving nutrition, water and sanitation, and child protection services to over 1.6 million people affected by the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis. Around 1.3 million – 77 per cent – are children.” Click here to read…

Afghanistan Tipping ‘Towards Authoritarianism’ Says UN Rights Expert: Tolo News

A UN expert said on Monday that human rights had deteriorated under the Islamic Emirate, describing a “staggering repression” of women and girls and a “descent towards authoritarianism”, while Afghan women urged the global body to act. Click here to read…

Pakistan Seeks Taliban to Arrest JeM Jihadist Militant Group Chief: The Khaama Press

Pakistan, in a letter to the Taliban in Afghanistan, demanded the arrest of Maulana Masood Azhar, the leader of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), a Jihadist militant group based in Pakistan, hinting that he is in Afghanistan, Pakistani media reported. Click here to read…

US Transfers $3.5 Billion in Afghan Assets to Swiss Trust: The Khaama Press

The US reportedly says it would transfer $3.5 billion in Afghan Central Bank assets frozen when the Taliban took power last year to a new Swiss-based trust fund. According to international media reports, Afghan central bank assets will be moved to a new Swiss-based trust fund that will be protected from the Taliban and utilized to assist stabilize Afghanistan’s collapsing economy. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

PM Hasina leaves Dhaka to attend 77th UNGA: Dhaka Tribune

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left Dhaka on Thursday for the United Kingdom en route to New York to attend the 77th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Click here to read…

Bangladesh, Bhutan to finalize transit agreement, protocol: Dhaka Tribune

The two-day commerce secretary level meeting between Bangladesh and Bhutan ended today in the capital with a set of decisions including to finalize transit agreement and protocol in a bid to strengthen implementation of the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) signed between the two countries. Click here to read…

Bhutan

PM Modi meets Bhutan King – Tribune India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Bhutan King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and the two dignitaries discussed various ideas to further strengthen the close and unique India-Bhutan friendship. Click here to read…

Transit deal with Bhutan edges closer to reality – The Daily Star

A transit agreement between Bangladesh and Bhutan was finalised yesterday with senior officials of both countries agreeing to draft terms and conditions at a secretary level meeting in DhakaClick here to read…

Maldives

Bangladeshi Workers in the Maldives: The Thin Line between Migration and Trafficking – Asia Foundation

Dreaming of better fortune for his family, “Hasan” left his remote Bangladeshi village for a job in Saudi Arabia. To pay for his trip, his family sold their only resource, a small piece of land, and borrowed from relatives and a local welfare association. They handed the money—roughly 5,500 U.S. dollars—to a local dalal (broker) who promised Hasan an office job for 50,000 Bangladeshi taka per month. Click here to read…

Health Sector: Good performance, high costs, says the World Bank – Avas

The World Bank’s Maldives Public Expenditure Review (PER) shows that infant mortality in the Maldives fell by 2.8 percent from 2014 to 2019. The report said maternal mortality was also reduced by three percent during the period. Click here to read…

Myanmar

An illegitimate junta can’t fix Myanmar’s broken economy – Frontier Myanmar

The country’s economic predicament is inseparable from its political crisis. To help resolve it, foreign nations must go beyond the old playbook of symbolic sanctions and empty statements. Click here to read…

Myanmar Military Must Stop Shelling at Bangladesh Border – Daily Times

Myanmar’s Rakhine state, bordering Bangladesh and India, has been in conflict for two months, affecting neighbouring countries as well. Especially, the residents of Ghumdhum and Tambru border areas of Bandarban are in a panic. On the other hand, many people of these states fled and took refuge in India. Ammunition from the Myanmar army is coming to our borderClick here to read…

RI confirms Myanmar’s absence from upcoming New York meeting – Jakarta Post

Myanmar will not participate in the upcoming ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with the United Nations secretary-general and the president of the 77th UN General Assembly (AUMM), Indonesia says. Click here to read…

Junta arrests 15 demanding UN extend term of Myanmar rep – RFA

Authorities in Myanmar’s commercial capital Yangon arrested 15 people on Tuesday evening after breaking up an anti-junta protest calling on the United Nations to extend the tenure of the shadow National Unity Government’s (NUG) envoy to the world body. Click here to read…

Myanmar’s workers left vulnerable as junta crushes unions – RFA

Myanmar’s labor unions have been all but crushed amid a crackdown by the junta in the more than 19 months since the military seized power in a coup, according to union officials and the workers who they represent. Click here to read…

Nepal

Vacancies for Nepalese under Agnipath may be withdrawn for time being if Kathmandu does not act soon: Army chief – Times of India

India may be forced to withdraw vacancies for enlisting soldiers from Nepal under its new Agnipath scheme in the ongoing recruitment cycle if the landlocked country does not take a decision in time, Army chief Gen Manoj Pande said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

EAM Jaishankar meets Nepal’s foreign secretary for bilateral cooperation – Business Standard

Nepalese Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday and apprised him of his talks with his Indian counterpart, Vinay Kwatra. “Pleased to receive Nepal’s Foreign Secretary Bharat Raj Paudyal. Glad to learn from him that his discussions in India have been productive,” Jaishankar said in a tweet. Click here to read…

Is Nepal on track to attract climate finance to meet the challenge – My Republica

Endorsed by the cabinet in October 2021, Nepal’s national adaptation plan that covers the period of 2021 to 2050 has identified various adaptation programs to be implemented under three phases–immediate, mid-term and long term. Click here to read…

United States on mind, China steps up bid to cultivate ties with Nepal’s parliament – Dajji World

In a bid to cultivate ties with Nepal’s parliament, China’s top legislator Li Zhanshu signed an agreement with Agni Prasad Sapkota, speaker of the House of Representatives, the lower house of parliament, on Monday. Li and his Nepali counterpart Sapkota inked the six-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) following their hour-long delegation-level talks at the Federal Parliament Building, New Baneshwar. Click here to read…

Pakistan

$150m pledged, but only $38m received so far: Dawn

Responding to a flash appeal jointly launched by Pakistan and the United Nations for an initial funding of $160 million, pledges amounting to $150 million have been made and, so far only $38.35 million of this amount has been converted into assistance, the United Nations’ Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Julien Harneis said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Even friendly countries ‘fatigued’ by our aid seeking: PM: Dawn

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday presented a dismal picture of the country’s economy and regretted that friendly countries had started looking at Pakistan as a country that was always asking for money. Click here to read…

India concerned about US package for Pakistan F-16 jets: The Express Tribune

India is concerned about a US decision to provide a sustenance package for Pakistan’s fleet of F-16 fighter aircraft, the Indian defence minister told his US counterpart on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Panic grips Swat after spurt in TTP activities: The Express Tribune

The scenic Swat valley remained tense on Wednesday after a sudden spurt in the attacks by the militants from the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), the latest being an attack on a police post in the Matta Tehsil of the district. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Leading US Senators unveil a resolution calling for int’l approach to address SL’s crisis: Daily Mirror

Leading US senators, including the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Bob Menendez have introduced a Senate resolution calling for a comprehensive international approach to address Sri Lanka’s current political and economic crisis, including challenges related to poor governance and economic policy under the Rajapaksa family’s ruleClick here to read…

Sri Lanka’s economy at ‘absolute bottom’ after debt default, political tailspin: Hindustan Times

Sri Lanka’s economy likely shrank the most in two years amid a debt crisis that triggered a default and widespread protests that brought the nation to a standstill leading to the ouster of the president. Click here to read…

Neighbourhood News

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: September 14, 2022

September 14, 2022 vd@admin

Afghanistan

Transfer of Goods Across Afghanistan Has Increased: MoF: Tolo News

The transfer of commodities between South Asian Nations and Central Asia via Afghanistan has increased threefold compared to previous years, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) said. According to the MoF, the Islamic Emirate has earned a good income from transit between South Asia and Central AsiaClick here to read…

Pakistan Snubs Flood Donation from Bangladesh amid Economic Crisis: The Khaama Press

Pakistan rejected Bangladesh’s offer to supply humanitarian aids worth of Tk 14 million (roughly $145,000) according to local media, as the country continued to suffer great lose during monsoon floodings. Click here to read…

Taliban Failed to Uphold any Promises Made: Tomas Niklasson at HRC 51: The Khaama Press

At the 51st session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC 51) in Geneva Monday, the Special Envoy of the European Union for Afghanistan Tomas Niklasson said the Taliban have failed to uphold any promises made, recalling Afghanistan is a party to the Rome Statute. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Floating exchange rate takes effect, finally: Daily Star

Bangladesh has finally embraced a floating exchange rate as the central bank adjusted its interbank foreign exchange rate yesterday in line with market realities. As a result, the taka lost its value by 11.73 per cent, the sharpest depreciation faced by the currency in the country’s history. It has fallen by 25 per cent in the past year against the dollar. Click here to read…

Bangladesh can be the global lab for climate solutions: Daily Star

Over the last 50 years, Bangladesh has been recognised in South Asia as well as around the world as a laboratory for development success in alleviating poverty, girls’ education and inclusion in the workforce, and unlocking the potential of the private sector in banking, industries and commerce, among others. Click here to read…

Momen hails PM Hasina’s India visit: Dhaka Tribune

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Tuesday said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent state visit to New Delhi has added a “significant momentum” to Bangladesh-India bilateral ties which bears the testimony of time tested friendship. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan ratifies International Solar Alliance Framework Agreement – The Print

“Ambassador of Bhutan to India Maj Gen Vetsop Namgyel handed over the instrument of ratification to Secretary ER Dammu Ravi, in the presence of DG International Solar Alliance,” tweeted the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi. The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is an action-oriented, member-driven, collaborative platform for increased deployment of solar energy technologies. Click here to read…

India imposes 20 percent export duty on rice – Kuensel Online

The price of staple food rice could shoot up 20 percent if the Government of India’s (GoI) new rice export policy is applicable to Bhutan. The Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, GoI, announced on September 8 of imposing a 20 percent export duty on rice. It came into effect on September 9. Click here to read…

Maldives

Changes to Maldives foreign policies bolster sovereignty: President – Edition

The changes to Maldivian foreign policies have further bolstered independence and national sovereignty, says President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. The Maldivian head of the state made the remark at the commemoration event to celebrate 130th anniversary of the country’s military. According President Solih, the Maldivian foreign policy is formed on the backbone of unison. Click here to read…

Prison-Based Radicalization to Militant Jihadism in the Maldives – Homeland Security Today

With fewer than 400,000 people living on approximately 200 islands, the Maldives has tended to be overlooked in terrorism research, often overshadowed by its neighbors like Pakistan and Indonesia. In recent years, however, the Maldives has garnered increased focus. According to some measures, the Maldives was the nation with the highest per capita number of foreign terrorist fighters [FTF] joining ISIS and al Qaeda in recent yearsClick here to read…

Illegal Supply of Explosives to Myanmar: NIA Conducts Searches in Mizoram – News 18

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday conducted searches at two locations in Mizoram in a case related to illegal supply of huge quantities of explosives from India to Myanmar, an official said. Three accused, including one Myanmarese national, were arrested and charge-sheeted in the case by the federal agency on April 19. Click here to read…

UN investigator says Facebook provided vast amount of Myanmar war crimes information – ABC Net

The head of a UN investigation team on Myanmar says Facebook has handed over millions of items that could support allegations of war crimes and genocide. UN investigators said hate speech spread on Facebook fuelled the violence in Myanmar. The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar (IIMM) aims to build case files for proceedings in national, regional or international courts. Click here to read…

Myanmar: Death of Activists in Custody – Human Rights Watch

Myanmar’s military and police are responsible for scores of deaths in custody since the February 1, 2021 military coup, Human Rights Watch said today. Human Rights Watch documented the deaths of six detained activists that involved apparent torture or the denial of adequate medical care. The junta authorities have not seriously investigated these deaths or taken action against those responsible. Click here to read…

China-backed Port in Western Myanmar Depriving Locals of Land and Jobs – The Irrawaddy

Despite the efforts of Myanmar’s military regime to expedite the development of the Kyaukphyu Special Economic Zone (KPSEZ) and deep sea port in western Myanmar’s Rakhine State, the project is facing significant delays due to local protests and the impact of last year’s coup. Click here to read…

A lot has to be done in India-Myanmar trade, says Myanmar envoy Moe Kyaw Aung – The Print

India and Myanmar share good relations and a lot has to be done in the field of trade and investment, said the Ambassador of Myanmar to India, Moe Kyaw Aung on Monday. Speaking at a roundtable session on Bilateral Trade Opportunities between India and Neighbouring countries, Moe Kyaw Aung said, “India and Myanmar enjoy good relations. We’ve strong cultural ties and share a long land border. A lot has to be done pertaining to trade and investment.” Click here to read…

India’s Cooperation With Myanmar’s Junta is not Yielding Results – The Irrawaddy

India’s foreign minister S Jaishankar defended his country’s ties with Myanmar’s military regime last month, arguing that a working relationship with the junta is needed because of issues such as organized crime, COVID-19 and Indian insurgents based in Myanmar. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal-India discuss crucial bilateral issues at foreign secretary-level talks held in New Delhi on Tuesday – Kathmandu Post

Nepal and India held a foreign secretary-level meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday wherein officials from the two governments discussed bilateral issues ranging from boundary matters to energy cooperation. The meeting also discussed a review of the Treaty of Trade and Transit and the construction of a liquefied petroleum gas pipeline from Motihari, India to Chitwan among others. Click here to read…

Nepali students coming to Russia due to allurement in trouble, says Nepali Embassy – Khabar Hub

The Nepali Embassy in Moscow, the Russian Federation, has said the Nepali students going to Russia for various allurements are getting in trouble due to lack of knowledge of language and the situation there. The Embassy, through a press release, appealed to all the Nepali students and parents concerned not to be lured by any kind of false promise or allurement, except only for study, while going to Russia on student visa. Click here to read…

Nepal backs ‘One China’ policy – Tribune India

China’s top legislator and third-ranked leader in the country’s political hierarchy Li Zhanshu today held wide-ranging talks with Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other top political leaders of Nepal during which they discussed matters of mutual interests, including bilateral trade, investment and connectivity. Click here to read…

Lack of a tripartite deal and transmission line may delay power export to Bangladesh – Kathmandu Post

Although Bangladesh has shown interest to import Nepali electricity, it will not be easy for Nepal to export power without an official nod from India. As Nepal and Bangladesh do not share borders and India lies between the two countries, India’s cooperation will be crucial to enable trading of electricity between Nepal and Bangladesh. Experts say a tripartite agreement is essential for this. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Festering food crisis worries Red Cross; Guterres terms floods ‘unnatural’: Dawn

International agencies have sounded the alarm over the acute food crisis expected to hit Pakistan in the wake of catastrophic floods as the UN chief declared that climate change impacts were “heading into uncharted territories of destruction”. Click here to read…

No plans for Shehbaz-Modi meeting: Dawn

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has no plans to meet his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) being held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan on September 15 and 16. Click here to read…

Proposal of army chief’s extension is subject to snap polls: Imran: The Express Tribune

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan has clarified that he did not talk about giving extension to the army chief but suggested deferring the new appointment till after the next general elections. Click here to read…

Cabinet rejects increase in medicine prices: The Express Tribune

The federal cabinet rejected a summary moved by the Ministry of National Health Services for increasing the retail price of 10 medicines, as the prime minister directed the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to take steps to keep banks open on holidays in the flood-ravaged areas. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Ranil’s exit will be more fearsome than Gota’s: Hirunika: Daily Mirror

President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s exit from office will be more fearsome than former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s, former MP and Samagi Wanitha Balawegaya Head Hirunika Premachnadra said today. “Ranil’s exit will happen soon and it will be more fearsome than that of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. He will be removed instantly and may end up in prison,” Ms. Premachandra told a press conference. Click here to read…

Govt. to review suspended imports list every fortnight: Daily Mirror

The government is reviewing the suspended imports list every fortnight to lessen the impact on industries, a Cabinet Minister said. As per recommendations of the Central Bank, the government imposed a temporary ban on a wide range of goods with effect from August 23 under the Import and Export Control Act in order to manage the limited forex reserves. Click here to read…

Sri Lankan president under fire over govt expansion amidst economic crisis: Indian Express

Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe has come under fire from the Opposition over his government expansion with 37 state ministers and with moves underway to appoint at least 12 more Cabinet ministers soon at a time when the island nation is facing bankruptcy. Click here to read…

Neighbourhood News

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: September 13, 2022

September 13, 2022 vd@admin

Afghanistan

Education Minister’s Remarks Trigger Strong Reactions: Tolo News

The remarks of the education minister regarding girls’ schooling has faced a strong reaction inside and outside Afghanistan. In a visit to Uruzgan province, the, acting Minister of Education, Noorullah Munir, said that people do not want their girls to attend school in the current situation. Click here to read…

Pakistan Increases Tariff on Afghan Fruits, Concerning Traders: The Khaama Press

Afghan fruiterer and exporters worried about their gross income amid increasing tariffs by Pakistan, according to sources, as the country announced looking for new markets to export coals out of Afghanistan. According to farmers, Pakistan increases customs tariffs in fresh fruit exports every year, when most harvest their best products – mainly fruits. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Report: A grim picture of human rights in Bangladesh: Dhaka Tribune

Citing numerous cases of sexual assault, violence against women and children, murder after rape, deaths by law enforcement agencies, and political violence, the monthly human rights violations monitoring report of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has painted a grim picture in Bangladesh during January-August this year. Click here to read…

Prolonged Rohingya stay impacts Bangladesh’s stability, says PM Sheikh Hasina: The Hindu

In August, the refugees marked the fifth anniversary of a mass exodus of more than 700,000 Rohingyas into Bangladesh who were fleeing a harsh crackdown by Myanmar’s military Bangladesh’s Prime Minister said on Monday that the prolonged stay of more than 1 million Rohingya refugees in crowded camps in the country has become a serious security and stability concern. Click here to read…

Bhutan

“

Carbon Negative” — The First of Its Kind – Harvard International Review

As the world’s richest countries fail to meet emissions reductions targets year after year, the small kingdom of Bhutan, tucked away in the Himalayas with a population of less than one million people, became the first country to reach carbon neutrality. In fact, Bhutan is now actually carbon negative—a term coined by former Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay that refers to the fact that Bhutan currently offsets over four times as much carbon as its economy emits. Click here to read…

Royal Friendships connect Bhutan and the UK – The Statesman

Relations between Bhutan and the United Kingdom is characterised by historical contact since the 18th century, recent cooperation in Bhutan’s development process, the education of many Bhutanese students in the United Kingdom, and the friendship between members of the Royal families of the two countries. Click here to read…

Maldives

Simplifying the process of developing land use plans is important: President – Raajje

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that it is important to simplify the process of developing land use plans of outer islands. The President made this remark at the second session of the third Viavathi Raajje Conference, on Sunday. During the session, President Solih noted that amending laws, if necessary to address recurring issues that arise while formulating the plans is also important. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives stand neck-deep in Chinese debt: Forbes – The Print

Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Maldives are among the biggest debtors of China. Pakistan owes USD 77.3 billion of external debt to China, according to Forbes. Maldives’ debt to 31 per cent of its Gross National Income (GNI). Maldives’ total debt amounts to MVR 86 billion by the end of 2020, MVR 44 billion of which is external debt, reported The Island Online. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Military Crony Linked to New Ownership of Ooredoo’s Myanmar Unit – The Irrawaddy

Qatari telecom Ooredoo’s operation in Myanmar is now de facto owned by Zaw Win Shein, a military crony and the adopted son of a general who served as a minister in the military proxy Thein Sein administration, which ran Myanmar from 2011 to early 2016. Click here to read…

Geopolitics keeps Myanmar’s junta close to India, China – New Indian Express

Notwithstanding the growing level of intolerance against dissenters that has led to executions, unwarranted jail terms and arrests, the military junta-led government in Myanmar due to geopolitics and its strategic location has managed to retain its clout with India, China and Russia. Click here to read…

Prolonged Rohingya stay impacts Bangladesh’s stability, says PM Sheikh Hasina – The Hindu

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister said on Monday that the prolonged stay of more than 1 million Rohingya refugees in crowded camps in the country has become a serious security and stability concern. Click here to read…

Rare Earths Supply Stifled By Controversy In Myanmar – OilPrice.com

In last month’s MMI, MetalMiner reported how nations all around the globe were searching for alternatives to rare earth exports from China. After all, the ongoing Chinese property crisis and limited industrial output continue to strain the country’s rare earths industry. Aside from the supply problems, many nations simply want to break their dependence on Chinese rare earth elements. Click here to read…

Human Rights Council Discusses Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar and in Sri Lanka – OHCHR

The Human Rights Council this morning held an interactive dialogue with Nicholas Koumjian, Head of the Independent Investigative Mechanism on Myanmar, followed by an interactive dialogue with Nada Al-Nashif, Acting High Commissioner for Human Rights, on the situation of human rights in Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Myanmar: Military’s Real Weak Spot Is Economic Ineptitude – Eurasia Review

Sept. 7 marked the first anniversary of the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) of Myanmar’s declaration of a defensive war against the military. Few at the time gave them much hope against a well-armed and brutal military that had ruled the country for all but seven of the past 60 years. Click here to read…

Myanmar Set For Blacklisting by Financial Watchdog – The Diplomat

Military-ruled Myanmar could soon join North Korea and Iran on a key international financial blacklist, dealing a blow to the military junta’s hopes of stabilizing the country’s economy. Nikkei Asia, citing four Western and Asian government officials familiar with the matter, reported yesterday that the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is expected to approve Myanmar’s addition to its “call to action” blacklist next month. Click here to read…

Fresh Influx of Myanmar Nationals Into India’s Mizoram State – The Diplomat

The Indian government and civil society organizations are engaged in hectic efforts in the border state of Mizoram to rehabilitate refugees who have crossed over from Myanmar following a recent eruption of violent conflict between government troops and a rebel outfit. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal mocks green pledges by approving new oil pipelines – Kathmandu Post

Nepal has proposed to switch from petrol-powered automobiles to electric vehicles by 2031, and pursuant to this policy, the 2020-21 budget unveiled by the then KP Sharma Oli administration contained a strategic plan to lower oil imports, and with it, the resulting air pollution. Click here to read…

Nepal and China agree to enhance cooperation on multiple fronts under the BRI framework -Kathmandu Post

Nepal and China on Monday agreed to increase their engagements and exchanges on governance, legislative and supervisory practices under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiatives (BRI). The understanding was reached between Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota and visiting head of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People’s Congress Li Zhanshu after delegation-level talks in the parliament building on Monday evening. Click here to read…

Nepal moves one spot up in Human Development Index, ranks 143rd- Kathmandu Post

Though the country climbed up one position in the ranking, the Human Development Index (HDI) value declined from 0.604 to 0.602 due to continued turbulence caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, according to the Human Development Report 2021-22 unveiled in Kathmandu on Monday. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Flood dashboard launched as govt warns of more rains: Dawn

The government on Monday launched its ‘Digital Flood Dashboard’ to ensure transparency in the allocation of funds and to keep the nation informed about the rescue and relief activities in the flood-hit areas. Click here to read…

Pakistan lacking ‘effectiveness’ on four FATF-linked goals: Dawn

The Asia-Pacific Group (APG) on Money Laundering has rated Pakistan’s level of effectiveness as ‘low’ on 10 out of 11 international goals on anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terror (AML/CFT), even though the country is now compliant on 38 out of 40 technical recommendations. Click here to read…

Ties with France to be deepened: PM: The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday said that Pakistan was committed to further deepen its relations with France across all areas of mutual interest, saying continued engagement would further deepen mutually beneficial relations. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka situation fragile, called for accountability- UNHRC: Daily Mirror

Presenting a report on SriLanka, acting High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Nashif told the Human Rights Council that the situation here was fragile and called for accountability. The report says Sri Lanka’s new Government should embark on a national dialogue to advance human rights and reconciliation. Click here to read…

Govt. declare next Monday holiday and mourning day: Daily Mirror

The government to declare a special public holiday for government institutions on September 19 on account of the royal funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. The Secretary, Ministry of Public Administration has issued a letter to the ministry secretaries and head of government institutions. Click here to read…

India raises Sri Lankan Tamil issue in U.N.: The Hindu

India on Monday voiced concern over the “lack of measurable progress” in Sri Lanka’s promised political solution to the long-pending Tamil national question, while making an unusual reference to the crisis-hit island nation’s “debt-driven” economy in the context of its current crisisClick here to read…