China intensifies crackdown on cryptocurrency hype, speculation: Xinhuanet

August 9, 2022

China’s internet watchdog on Tuesday said it had intensified a crackdown on illegal online information that may lead to speculation and fraud involving cryptocurrency. The move since earlier this year was aimed at protecting people’s property, according to the Cyberspace Administration of China. Click here to read…

Chongqing grants first unmanned driving permits: China Daily

August 9, 2022

Chongqing’s Yongchuan district granted China’s first unmanned autonomous driving permits to five Baidu taxis on Wednesday, allowing for no human driver or safety operator to be in the vehicle on public roads for the first time. The five autonomous driving taxis, also known as robotaxis, are operated by Baidu’s autonomous driving arm Apollo Run. Click here to read…

Media role to boost BRI cooperation highlighted at Xi’an forum against hegemonic voices: Global Times

August 9, 2022

As the world is facing mounting uncertainty and instability, 120 media representatives from more than 40 countries and international organizations attended the semi-virtual 2022 Media Cooperation Forum on Belt and Road on Tuesday in Xi’an, Northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, to discuss media’s role in enhancing cooperation and development through the vehicle of China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to battle hegemony and confrontational mind-setClick here to read…

India’s reported plan to ban certain Chinese smartphones ‘politically charged’: Global Times

August 9, 2022

China’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday urged the Indian government to provide a fair and nondiscriminatory environment for Chinese firms, after reports of India mulling a ban on Chinese smartphone makers’ sale of cheaper devices in India, a move Chinese experts say is politically charged and against market rulesClick here to read…

Websites close 12,000 accounts encouraging illicit virtual currency trading amid crackdown: Global Times

August 09, 2022

Social media platforms such as Weibo and Baidu have closed some 12,000 accounts encouraging users to invest in illegal virtual currency trading this year under the guidance of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), the regulator said on its WeChat account on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China watchdog investigates three more execs linked to chip-focused Big Fund: Reuters

August 9, 2022

China’s corruption watchdog said on Tuesday regulators were investigating three former and current executives linked to a firm that manages the country’s largest state-backed chip investment fund, widening a probe that has rattled the sector. Click here to read…

China orders audit of $3 trillion trust industry: Reuters

August 9, 2022

China’s top auditor is conducting a review of the $3 trillion trust industry, Bloomberg News reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter. China’s trust industry has been a key part of the country’s shadow banking business, which helps channel deposits into risky investments via products often designed to dodge capital or investment regulations. Click here to read…

Biden signs $52.7 bil. bill for chip production to counter China: Kyodo

August 10, 2022

U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed into law a bill that invests $52.7 billion in semiconductor production and development in a bid to secure a technological edge amid intensifying competition with China. The enactment of the law, which includes $39 billion in manufacturing incentives, also comes as the United States is accelerating cooperation with Japan, a key security ally, to build resilient semiconductor supply chains that rely less on potential adversaries. Click here to read…

China releases white paper on Taiwan question, reunification in new era: People’s Daily

August 10, 2022

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China published a white paper titled “The Taiwan Question and China’s Reunification in the New Era” on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Chinese and Taiwan navy ships stay close to Strait median line: Reuters

August 10, 2022

About 20 Chinese navy and Taiwan navy ships continued to stay close to the median line of the Taiwan Strait as of Wednesday morning, a source briefed on the matter told Reuters. Several Chinese navy ships continued to conduct missions off Taiwan’s eastern coast as of Wednesday morning, the source said. Click here to read…

Full Text: The Taiwan Question and China’s Reunification in the New Era: Global Times

August 10, 2022

The Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China published a white paper titled “The Taiwan Question and China’s Reunification in the New Era” on Wednesday. The following is the full text of the white paper: Click here to read…

China, ROK agree to jointly maintain stability of production, supply chain: Xinhuanet

August 10, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Tuesday met with Park Jin, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea (ROK), in Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, and the two sides agreed to jointly maintain the stability of production and supply chain. Click here to read…

Tibet’s Lhasa launches city-wide COVID-19 testing: Xinhuanet

August 10, 2022

Lhasa, the capital of southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, launched city-wide nucleic acid testing on Monday night after the city reported 18 positive COVID-19 tests. According to the analysis on the positive tests and the virus gene sequencing results, the current outbreak was caused by the Omicron subvariant BA.2.76. Click here to read…

China strengthens monitoring production, storage of drugs in shortage: Xinhuanet

August 10, 2022

Relevant authorities in China have demanded efforts to enhance the monitoring of production and storage of medicines that are in short supply and medicines that have been selected for centralized procurement. Click here to read…

China has world’s second largest number of nuclear power units: China Daily

August 10, 2022

China has the second largest number of nuclear power units in operation or under construction in the world, Tang Bo, an official with the National Nuclear Safety Administration, said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Two ministries welcome new heads: China Daily

July 29, 2022

Jin Zhuanglong was appointed the new secretary of the Leading Party Members Group of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology on Friday. According to an official statement issued on Thursday, Xiao Yaqing, who is being investigated by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission, has been removed from the post. Also on Friday, Wang Xiangxi was appointed as the new Party chief of the Ministry of Emergency Management of China, while Huang Ming was removed from the post, the ministry’s website said. Click here to read…

China, Africa work to build security community: People’s Daily

July 29, 2022

China has always worked to develop relations with Africa, with a commitment to upholding the greater good in the pursuit of shared interests and following the principles of sincerity, pragmatism, affinity and good faith, said Chinese President Xi Jinping in a congratulatory letter to the second China-Africa Peace and Security Forum on July 25. Click here to read…

Chinese, Pakistani FMs discuss bilateral ties, issues of mutual interests: Xinhuanet

July 29, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met here on Thursday with Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on the sidelines of the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), discussing bilateral relations and issues of mutual interests. Click here to read…

Chinese, Afghan FMs meet on cementing ties: Xinhuanet

July 29, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the Afghan interim government, here on Thursday over further strengthening the two countries’ relations. Click here to read…

Former senior provincial legislator expelled from CPC, office: Xinhuanet

July 29, 2022

Wang Minghui, a former vice chairman of the Standing Committee of Sichuan Provincial People’s Congress, has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and dismissed from public office over serious violations of Party discipline and laws, the country’s top anti-graft body announced Friday. Click here to read…

Former senior Hebei provincial legislator expelled from CPC: Xinhuanet

July 29, 2022

A former senior legislator of north China’s Hebei Province has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) over severe violations of Party discipline and the law, the country’s top anti-graft body announced Friday. Click here to read…

Ex-senior Beijing political advisor arrested for suspected bribe-taking: Xinhuanet

July 29, 2022

China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate has ordered the arrest of Yu Luming, formerly a senior political advisor of Beijing, for suspected bribe-taking. The case was transferred to procuratorial authorities for prosecution following an investigation by the National Supervisory Commission, an official statement said Friday. Click here to read…

Premier urges smart investing: China Daily

July 30, 2022

China will adopt measures to further bolster demand, promote effective investment and boost consumption, according to a decision made at the State Council Executive Meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Friday. Click here to read…

Xi stresses solidarity of Chinese at home and abroad for national rejuvenation: Xinhuanet

July 31, 2022

The Central Conference on United Front Work was held from Friday to Saturday in Beijing. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended and delivered an important speech. Click here to read…

Xi attends reception celebrating 95th founding anniversary of PLA: Xinhuanet

July 31, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on Sunday attended a reception to celebrate the 95th founding anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA), which falls on Aug. 1.The reception was held at the Great Hall of the People by the Ministry of National Defense. Click here to read…

Rocket debris fall back to Earth: China Daily

July 31, 2022

China launches its Wentian space laboratory on July 24, sending the country’s largest-ever spacecraft to Earth’s orbit to become part of the Tiangong space station. [Photo/Xinhua]
Debris of the recently launched Long March 5B carrier rocket of China fell back to the Earth and ended up in the Pacific Ocean early Sunday morning, with most of the remnants burnt up during the reentry process, the China Manned Space Agency said. Click here to read…

Air force commissions new refueling aircraft: China Daily

July 31, 2022

The People’s Liberation Army Air Force has commissioned the YY-20 large aerial refueling aircraft, which observers said will extensively enhance the service’s operational capability. Senior Colonel Shen Jinke, spokesman for the PLA Air Force, said at a news conference on Sunday in Beijing the YY-20 has recently carried out aerial refueling exercises with the J-16 strike fighter above the sea and the operations helped improve combat training. Click here to read…

China’s Tibet reaps fruitful results in glacier protection: People’s Daily

July 31, 2022

Mount Qomolangma, also known as Mount Everest in the West, is the world’s highest peak and one of the most famous snow-capped mountains. Thanks to enhanced efforts of ecological protection, Mount Qomolangma and its surrounding areas have seen better environmental conditions in recent years. Click here to read…

25 senior Chinese officials face disciplinary actions in Jan-Jul, as anti-graft efforts intensify: Global Times

July 31, 2022

A total of 25 senior Chinese officials, or centrally administered officials, have faced disciplinary actions so far this year, equaling a record annual number in recent years, underscoring the Communist Party of China (CPC)’s zero tolerance toward corruption and its intensifying efforts to fight corruption, experts said on Sunday. Click here to read…

China, Central Asian countries enhance strategic partnership, boost connectivity, economic ties: Global Times

July 31, 2022

Following the consensus reached at the latest Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) foreign ministers’ meeting in Tashkent, China and Central Asian countries – Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have agreed to enhance their strategic partnerships and build an even closer China-Central Asia community with a shared future, particularly focusing on enhancing connectivity and boosting trade and economic cooperation. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 33 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

August 1, 2022

The Chinese mainland Sunday reported 33 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 15 in Gansu and nine in Guangxi, according to the National Health Commission’s report Monday. A total of 244 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified. Click here to read…

Chinese military begins exercises in Yellow Sea: China Daily

August 1, 2022

The Chinese military has begun to carry out exercises in the northern Yellow Sea starting Monday, according to the Maritime Safety Administration. The administration said in a navigational warning published on Sunday on its website that the exercises would last 14 days. It released geographical coordinates of the drill zone, asking ships not connected to the event not to enter the zone. The administration did not elaborate. Click here to read…

Shenzhen accelerates China’s driverless car dreams: Reuters

August 1, 2022

On a busy downtown street three delivery bikes suddenly dart over the pedestrian crossing ahead of the car. On the car’s dashboard they look like small 3D blue blocks from a 1990s video game. The steering wheel turns itself a notch and the vehicle slows to a gentle halt, while the safety driver looks on from the passenger seat. Click here to read…

China’s Nio to make power products for Europe at its first overseas plant: Reuters

August 1, 2022

Chinese electric car maker Nio plans to open its first overseas plant in September to make power products for the European market as it accelerates expansion abroad. The plant, in Pest, Hungary, will develop and manufacture power products such as battery-swapping stations to serve European users, Nio said in a statement late on Friday. Click here to read…

China to expand cash-pooling program to integrate currency management: Xinhuanet

July 22, 2022

China will expand cash-pooling services for multinational companies to integrate domestic and foreign currency management on a larger scale, the country’s monetary authorities said Friday. Shanghai, Guangdong, Shaanxi and some other regions will be added to this pilot program to facilitate the use and management of cross-border capital, said the People’s Bank of China and the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. Click here to read…

China urges Japan to stop hyping up security threats to justify its military build-up: Xinhuanet

July 22, 2022

China on Friday expressed strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to concerning content in Japan’s 2022 defense white paper, urging the country to stop arbitrarily hyping up security threats in the neighborhood to justify its military build-up. Click here to read…

China to boost effective demand for stronger economic recovery: Xinhuanet

July 22, 2022

China will adopt policy measures to expand effective demand to strengthen the driving force for economic recovery and growth, according to the decision made at the State Council’s Executive Meeting chaired by Premier Li Keqiang on Thursday. Click here to read…

Senior CPC official addresses 5th Digital China Summit: Xinhuanet

July 23, 2022

Huang Kunming, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, addressed the 5th Digital China Summit via video on Saturday. Click here to read…

Chinese leadership vaccinated against COVID-19: China Daily

July 23, 2022

The leaders of the Communist Party of China and the government have all been vaccinated with domestic COVID-19 vaccines, a senior health official said on Saturday. “This demonstrates that the leadership attaches great significance to the virus control work and has great confidence in the domestically developed COVID-19 vaccines,” Zeng Yixin, vice-minister of the National Health Commission, said during a news conference. Click here to read…

China ready to cope with imported monkeypox cases: Global Times

July 24, 2022

Although China has not reported any monkeypox cases, the country has raised its alert level and is ready to cope with the rapidly-spreading zoonotic infectious disease, health experts said on Sunday, after monkeypox was labeled by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a global health emergency, the highest level of alert. Click here to read…

Chinese senior inspector under financial watchdog CBIRC faces disciplinary action: Global Times

July 24, 2022

A senior Chinese inspector at the Henan supervision bureau of financial watchdog China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) is facing disciplinary action for alleged serious violations of laws and discipline, a statement released by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) showed. Click here to read…

China’s home-grown C919 jet nears certification as test planes complete tasks: Reuters

July 24, 2022

China’s homegrown C919 narrow-body jet, designed to challenge the Airbus-Boeing (AIR.PA)(BA.N) duopoly, is nearing certification as its test planes completed all of the test flight tasks, the company said on Saturday. The state-owned manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC) said on its official social media account that the six test planes have finished the testing tasks as the programme enters the final stage of receiving a certificate from the Civil Aviation Administration of China which is required for commercial operations. Click here to read…

Digital yuan finds root as China prompts consumption: Global Times

July 25, 2022

Chinese financial institutions have ramped up efforts in prompting wide applications of the digital yuan with a wide variety of tailor-made products to be launched, as the country is embracing the digital economy for boosting consumption, several bank representatives told the Global Times over the weekend. Click here to read…

China’s population expected to start to shrink before 2025: Reuters

July 25, 2022

China’s population has slowed significantly and is expected to start to shrink ahead of 2025, the state backed Global Times reported, citing a senior health official. Birth data released late on Sunday showed that the number of new births in 2021 was the lowest in decades in several provinces. Click here to read…

China says South China Sea not a ‘fighting arena’ for major powers: Reuters

July 25, 2022

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that the South China Sea is not a “safari park” for countries outside the region or a “fighting arena” for major powers to compete in.
The South China Sea issue should be handled by countries in the region themselves, Wang said in opening remarks at a virtual seminar commemorating the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea. Click here to read…

China launches second of three space station modules from Hainan base: Taipei Times

July 25, 2022

China yesterday launched the second of three modules required to complete its new space station, state media reported, the latest step in Beijing’s ambitious space program. The uncrewed craft, named Wentian, was propelled by a Long March 5B rocket at 2:22pm from the Wenchang launch site on the island of Hainan. Click here to read…

Community transmission chain of Omicron subvariant BA.2 in Shenzhen has not been cut, says local health authority: Global Times

July 25, 2022

The community transmission chain of the latest COVID-19 flare-up in Shenzhen, South China’s Guangdong Province, since July 15 has not been cut. The viral gene sequencing completed on all the infections showed that they have the Omicron subvariant BA.2, the local health commission announced on Sunday. Click here to read…

Woman detained for commemorating tablets to Japanese war criminals: China Daily

July 25, 2022

A woman has been put under criminal detention for commemorating Buddhist memorial tablets of Japanese war criminals in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, which has angered numerous Chinese and led to heated discussion in the country. Click here to read…

China’s auto exports on fast growth: Qiushi

July 25, 2022

Recently, an Australian consumer joined a two-week test driving activity held for MG ZS, a pure electric vehicle (EV) model produced by Chinese automaker SAIC Motor. The long range and safety performance of the Chinese EV impressed her very much. The X2, a flying car from Chinese electric vehicle producer XPeng, is exhibited at the automobile section of the fourth China International Import Expo, Nov. 6, 2021Click here to read…

Former vice chairman of China’s Tibet regional government arrested for suspected bribery: Xinhuanet

July 25, 2022

China’s Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP) has ordered the arrest of Zhang Yongze, former vice chairman of the people’s government of southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, for suspected bribe-taking. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 101 new local confirmed COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet

July 25, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Sunday reported 101 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 34 in Sichuan, 24 in Gansu and 22 in Guangxi, the National Health Commission said Monday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Noted religious scholar gunned down in Kabul- Pajhwok

Noted religious scholar Sardar Wali Saqib has been killed by unknown gunmen in the capital Kabul, an official said on Thursday. Click here to read…

Taliban to Participate in Tashkent International Conference- Afghanistan Times

he Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) delegations will participate in an International Conference on Afghanistan which will be held On July 25-26, 2022, in Tashkent with the participation of more than 20 countries and international organizations, a statement from the Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs published. Click here to read…

Dozens Dead as Flash Flood in Afghanistan- Afghanistan Times

Unseasonal rain and flooding has plagued Afghanistan over the past week. The UN has reported at least 39 deaths and 14 injuries. The central Afghan province of Ghazni is the hardest-hit region. Afghanistan’s eastern region has experienced three flash floods in less than a month. Click here to read…

Afghanistan Ranked Worst Country for Gender Gap- Tolo News

Afghanistan was ranked 146 — the lowest country — in the Global Gender Gap Index 2022 rankings. Click here to read…

Kabul Asks Ex-ANDSF Soldiers Studying in India to Return- Tolo News

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Interior Affairs asked all military students who are in India and other countries to return to Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Country first in S Asia for secondary education- Daily Star

Bangladesh has the lowest proportion of youths aged between 15 and 24 without secondary education level skills in South Asia, found a recent study. Click here to read…

Jute, jute goods exports fall for soaring shipping costs- Daily Star

Exports of jute and jute goods from Bangladesh declined in the last fiscal year due to the unprecedented surge in shipping costs and the higher price of raw fibres. Click here to read…

G20 finance leaders meet in Bali under cloud of Ukraine war- Dhaka Tribune

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which the Kremlin calls a “special military operation”, has overshadowed previous G20 meetings, including last week’s gathering of foreign ministers. Click here to read…

Foreign loans stressed to keep forex reserves in good shape- Asian Age

As a precautionary move, Bangladesh has started talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) about taking a loan of $4-4.5 billion to shore up the precarious foreign currency reservesClick here to read…

Bangladesh may face Sri Lanka-like situation: GM Quader- Asian Age

Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quade on Thursday warned that Bangladesh may face a Sri Lanka-like situation due to the implementation of mega projects with foreign loans. Click here to read…

Bhutan

DTT members confident of getting party registered- Kuensel

Members of the newly formed political party, Druk Thuendrel Tshogpa (DTT), are confident of getting the party registered with the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB). Click here to read…

Both countries should ensure minimum cost and avoid delays to maintain viability of future hydro projects- Kuensel

Outgoing Ambassador of India to Bhutan, Ruchira Kamboj, talks to Kuensel reporter Dechen Dolkar on issues pertaining to hydropower projects, fuel prices and railway network. Click here to read…

Nepal

Facilitating Nepal’s economic growth and strengthening trade ties are key priorities, says Dean Thompson, US Ambassador nominee to Nepal- Himalayan Times

US Ambassador nominee to Nepal, Dean R Thompson said that facilitating Nepal’s economic growth and strengthening trade ties are his key priorities during his time in Nepal, in his opening statement before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Click here to read…

National pride projects’ cost goes up- Himalayan Times

Both the cost and completion time of projects run under the national pride projects have increased, finds the report released by the Office of the Auditor General yesterday. Click here to read…

‘Eligible people deprived of Nepali citizenship’- Himalayan Times

The House of Representatives today held a debate on the Nepal Citizenship (First Amendment) Bill. Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties said that eligible citizens had been deprived of citizenship for long due to non-enactment of new federal citizenship law. Click here to read…

US envoy nominee: Nepal ratified MCC despite China’s ‘disinformation campaign’- Kathmandu Post

In his opening statement before the Foreign Relations Committee of the Senate, Thompson says he is ‘well prepared’ to take up the assignment in Kathmandu. Click here to read…

Nepal, China agree to activate existing boundary mechanisms- Kathmandu Post

Mechanisms will be formed soon, either during Foreign Minister Narayan Khadka’s upcoming China visit, or at another bilateral meeting, officials say. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Imran ‘deeply hurt’ by detailed SC judgement- Dawn

PTI Chairman Imran Khan, expressing his disappointment with the detailed verdict issued by the Supreme Court in suo motu case against the ruling of the deputy speaker on Wednesday night, said the top court should have probed the issue after President Arif Alvi shared it with the chief justice. Click here to read…

Authorities across country brace for ‘rain disaster’- Dawn

Disaster management authorities are bracing for another spell of torrential rains, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan, in anticipation of a “vigorous monsoon” as rain lashed parts of Balochistan, triggering another wave of flash floods in the southwestern province on Thursday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Urea under Indian credit line arrives- Daily Mirror

Forty-six thousand metric tons of urea fertilizer under the Indian credit line reached Sri Lanka recently. The consignment was taken to government warehouses in Colombo yesterday. Click here to read…

Nod given for use of lethal force- Island

The Armed Forces had been ordered to use lethal force if it is necessary to protect public property, key installations, vulnerable points and human lives, the Army announced yesterday. Click here to read…

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s resignation official- Ceylon Today

Gotabaya Rajapaksa has officially resigned as Sri Lanka’s President. Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena made the announcement at a media briefing earlier this morningClick here to read…

Fulfill people’s expectations within democratic framework: Chief Prelates- Daily News

The country will become anarchic, through arbitrary power struggles, the Mahanayake Theras of the Three Chapters issuing a statement said yesterday (14). Click here to read…

Bangladesh

BGB, BSF exchange Eid greetings at Panchbibi border in Joypurhat- The Daily Star

Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) personnel today exchanged greetings with India’s Border Security Force (BSF) personnel with sweets at Hatkhola border in Panchbibi of Joypurhat on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha. Click here to read…

Without land, Bangladesh’s Manta people live — and die — on boats- Arab News

More than 30 million people around the world had to relocate within their home countries due to natural disasters in 2020, nearly 4.5 million of them in BangladeshClick here to read…

Millions left destitute in northeastern Bangladesh three weeks after floods- Down to Earth

Flood victims lacking basic essentials such as rice, fuel, cooking utensils; forced to live on roads. Click here to read…

Opinion: Will Bangladesh’s garment industry find new markets in Asia as West could restrict access?- Daiji World

At present about 80 per cent of exports of RMGs are directed to the US and European countries. But with rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics, many in the industry have voiced their opinion for establishing new markets at the earliest. Click here to read…

Rising violence in Bangladesh’s hills worries Christians- UCA News

Unrest in Chittagong Hill Tracts is blamed on a turf war between ethnic groups and long-running communal tensions. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan mourns the death of former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe- Kuensel

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen offered 1,000 butter lamps in memory of the former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, at the Kuenrey of Trashichhodzong on July 9 morning. Click here to read…

NPL drops to Nu 17.56B in March- Kuensel

The non-performing loans (NPL) in the financial sector saw a drop of 29 percent in March this year from the same month last year. Click here to read…

GoI makes special trade concessions for Bhutan- Nepali Times

The Government of India (GoI) has made a special exemption for Bhutan by lifting the restriction on imports of potatoes only from Bhutan, for another year with effect from 04 July until June next year, thereby alleviating the difficulties faced by Bhutanese traders in exporting potatoes to India.
Click here to read…

US donates 33,600 doses of Pfizer’s pediatric Covid vaccine to Bhutan- Business Standard

The US government on Sunday delivered 33,600 doses of Pfizer’s pediatric COVID-19 vaccine to Bhutan. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives Covid-19 case tally exceeds 183,000 – Raajje

As such, between July 3 – July 9, 192 cases were reported from the congested capital, Greater Malé Area, 304 from residential islands outside of the capital and 275 Covid-19 cases were reported from others including industrial islands, liveaboard vessels and resorts. Click here to read…

Deputy FM meets Maldives Foreign Minister

On behalf of the Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan, the Deputy Foreign Minister, Eng. Waleed Al Khereiji met on Monday here the President of the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly and the Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Shahid. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Mizoram: Two MDF rebels held in Siaha near Myanmar border – NE Now

In another breakthrough, troopers of Assam Rifles have apprehended two cadres of a Myanmar based Maraland Defence Force (MDF) with ammunition in south Mizoram’s Siaha district near the Myanmar border, Assam Rifles said in a statement. Click here to read…

Observers say inclusive dialogue unlikely in Myanmar without added pressure on junta – RFA

Myanmar’s junta is unlikely to sign off on an all-inclusive dialogue to resolve the country’s political crisis unless additional pressure is applied, observers said Monday, following calls by both the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China to allow all stakeholders to the negotiating table. Click here to read…

Myanmar Junta Chief Perpetuates Predecessors’ Superstitious Obsession With Rubies – The Irrawaddy

Successive military dictators since the previous military regime the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) have one thing in common—being superstitious and thick-headed. Click here to read…

Communities defy bombs to keep schools running in Myanmar – The New Humanitarian

The New Humanitarian spoke with educators and students in three areas of the country where ethnic revolutionary organisations and so-called “people’s administration teams” are running education systems in the midst of war, serving tens of thousands of students. Click here to read…

Tightened security checks reported in Arakan State – BNI Online

The Myanmar military has been tightening security checks on locals and travellers in some Arakan State townships since June, according to residents. The military arrested at least 50 locals in Sittwe, Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun and Mrauk-U townships last month after the Arakan Army detained 14 junta soldiers and police personnel. Click here to read…

Chinese Foreign Minister Snubs Myanmar Junta Chief – The Irrawaddy

It must be embarrassing for Myanmar regime chief Min Aung Hlaing when the top diplomat from the foreign country he relies upon most declines to pay him a visit—particularly if the diplomat is already in Myanmar. Click here to read…

Nepal

Nepal’s retail inflation hits near six-year high in June- Himalayan Times

Nepal’s annual retail inflation accelerated to 8.56% for the month ending mid-June, central bank data showed on Monday, pushed by a spurt in food and fuel costs amid pressure on the country’s currency. Click here to read…

Bill giving victims more time to report rape passed- Himalayan Times

The House of Representatives today unanimously passed the Bill to Amend Some Acts against Sexual Violence, extending statute of limitation in rape cases. Click here to read…

HoR passes Nepal Police-Province Police coordination bill for Kathmandu Valley’s security- Himalayan Times

The House of Representatives (HoR) has passed the ‘Nepal Police and Province Police (Work Operation, Supervision and Coordination) First Amendment Bill, 2022. Click here to read…

Inflation close to double-digit mark- Kathmandu Post

Central bank report shows year-on-year inflation hit 8.56 percent in the first 11 months of this fiscal year. Click here to read…

Deuba under fire— from a section of Congress, and opposition- Kathmandu Post

UML charges prime minister with failing in governance. Congress group questions party president’s performance. Click here to read…

Unified Socialist Chairman Nepal directs cadres to build organization- Republica

Chairman of the CPN (Unified Socialist) Madhav Kumar Nepal has directed cadres to build party organization by reaching every village. Click here to read…

Pakistan

In Lodhran power show, Imran urges supporters to defeat ‘turncoats, nexus of ECP and PML-N’: Dawn

Former prime minister Imran Khan on Monday urged his workers and supporters to defeat the “turncoats” as well as the “nexus” of the Election Commission of Pakistan and the PML-N by voting for his party in the upcoming by-polls in Lodhran. Click here to read…

Like Sri Lanka, two ruling families taking Pakistan towards crisis: Imran: The Express Tribune

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan has expressed fear that Pakistan is heading towards a similar situation to that of Sri Lanka due to the dynastic rule of two families – Sharif and Zardari. Click here to read…

Severe urban flooding in Karachi after record heavy downpour: The Express Tribune

The southern areas of Karachi, including DHA, Clifton, Kemari, Saddar and other localities reportedly received the highest amount of rainfall after a slow-moving thunderstorm stalled over the city during early morning hours. Click here to read…

‘Biggest relief package’ to be announced by PM Shehbaz, reveals Maryam Nawaz: The News

Announcing “good news” for the nation, PML-N Vice President Maryam Nawaz Monday said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will soon unveil the “biggest relief package” for the people of Pakistan. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Immigration officers withdraw from Silk Route operations at BIA- Daily Mirror

The Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration Officers’ Association (SLIEOA) has decided to withdraw from functioning at the Silk Route Passenger Clearance Terminal at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) from this morning until further notice. Click here to read…

UAE’s flydubai suspends operations to Sri Lanka- Daily Mirror

United Arab Emirates carrier flydubai has suspended operations to Colombo in Sri Lanka until further notice, a spokesperson for the budget airline said on Monday. Click here to read…

Parliament to elect new President on July 20: Speaker- Daily Mirror

Party leaders have decided to elect a new President on July 20 through a vote in Parliament in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhane said today. Click here to read…

Basil’s exit from country foiled after protests by passengers- Daily Mirror

An attempt by former Minister Basil Rajapaksa to leave the country through the Silk Route Passenger Clearance Terminal was foiled due to airport immigration officials refusing to let him leave the country following the protests by passengers. Click here to read…

Adani power projects delayed- The Island

Two renewable energy projects by India’s Adani Group to generate 500 MW at a cost of USD 500 million will be further delayed due to conflicts of interest here, a senior official saidClick here to read…

US envoy calls for democratic transition of power- The Island

US Ambassador in Colombo Julie Chung has called on all political parties to ensure democratic transition of power. Click here to read…

Sonia Gandhi urges international community to support Sri Lanka- The Island

Indian National Congress President Sonia Gandhi has urged the international community to extend all support and assistance to Sri Lanka.In a statement she said that the Indian National Congress has been following with concern the evolving political situation in Sri Lanka.Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Afghan Coal Sold to Companies Linked to Pakistan Army: Analyst: Tolo News

Owners of coal factories in Afghanistan said the Afghan coal is being sold to three Pakistani companies: Fauji Fertilizer Power Station, Cherat Cement Factory and Lucky Cement and Coal. Economists said these companies are connected with the Pakistan Army. Click here to read…

Islamic Emirate Leader Vows to Enforce Islamic Law Across Country: Tolo News

The supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate, Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada, vowed to enforce the Islamic system in Afghanistan. In audio recorded from Eid prayers in Eid-Gaah Mosque in Kandahar, Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada, the Islamic Emirate’s leader, said that the laws which were not based on Sharia in the previous government will be demolishedClick here to read…

Kabul Sees Hike in Customs Revenue amid Hunger Strikes: The Khaama Press

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) said it has collected more than 24 billion Afs in revenue from customs offices within the first three months of the fiscal year – a promising figure for a country that has been suffering from financial loose since the fall last August. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Commit to country’s wellbeing with spirit of sacrifice: PM- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, on the eve of the holy Eid-Ul-Azha, has urged all to devote themselves to the welfare of the country while being imbued with the spirit of sacrifice. Click here to read…

Forfeit leaseholders’ deposits if they don’t clean up cattle markets: Mayor Atiqul- The Daily Star

Dhaka North City Corporation Mayor Md Atiqul Islam today said deposit money of leaseholders will be declared forfeit if they do not clean up cattle markets under DNCC. Click here to read…

Over 12 crore Bangladeshis can’t afford a healthy diet- The Daily Star

It is roughly Tk 286 ($3.064) in Bangladesh whereas the global average is about Tk 331 ($3.54), according to the UN’s flagship report styled “The state of food security and nutrition in the world 2022: Repurposing Food and Agricultural Policies to Make Healthy Diets More Affordable.” Click here to read…

Dhaka cattle markets finally booming- The Daily Star

After seeing a scarcity of customers, Dhaka’s cattle markets have started gaining momentum after Juma prayers yesterday, as a huge number of buyers rushed to the markets. Click here to read…

“Recall with gratitude Abe’s contributions to elevating Bangladesh-Japan relations”- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (July 8, 2022) expressed deep shock at former Japanese premier Shinzo Abe’s assassination, calling his sudden demise a great loss for Japan and the world. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan embarks on small hydropower projects for energy security- Kuensel

The Druk Green Power Corporation (DGPC) will begin construction of three small hydropower projects, one each at Lhuentse, Zhemgang and Haa, with a total generation capacity of 104 megawatts (MW). Click here to read…

Are managed-out civil servants eligible to contest elections?- Kuensel

With the next parliamentary elections approaching, the political ambitions of the executives who have been managed out through the leadership assessment exercise hinges on what the Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) decides. Click here to read…

Walups question legality of land, owner refutes- Kuensel

There are about 30 households in Walungna. Villagers said they were never consulted nor knew that a new settler had bought 14 acres of land above the village, once their tsamdro (grazing land). Click here to read…

Their Majesties offer prayers and butter lamps for late former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe- Bhutan Times

His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Gyaltsuen offered prayers and butter lamps at Tashichhodzong yesterday for the late former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe. Cabinet ministers, senior government officials, members of the diplomatic community and the Japanese community in Bhutan attended the ceremony. Click here to read…

Sudhakar Dalela appointed as next Ambassador to Bhutan- The Print

Sudhakar Dalela, an Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer of the 1993 batch has been appointed as the Ambassador of India to the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Saturday. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives seeks loan from Bangladesh – The Daily Star

In another show of the growing strength of Bangladesh’s economy, the government might give loans to the Maldives after the Island nation sought funds. If the government agrees to the request, it will mark the second time that Bangladesh has lent money to another country. Click here to read…

Bilateral ties between Maldives and South Sudan will continue to flourish: FM Shahid – Raajje

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has expressed confidence that the bilateral ties of friendship between Maldives and South Sudan will continue to develop and flourish in the years ahead. Minister Shahid stated this in his message of felicitations to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan, Mayiik Ayii Deng, on the occasion of their Independence Day. Click here to read…

Junta forces overrun resistance base in northwestern Myanmar – Myanmar Now

A base belonging to the anti-junta Yaw Defence Force (YDF) in Magway Region’s Htilin Township was attacked by junta troops last week, forcing resistance fighters to abandon the site and some 20m kyat (US$10,800) worth of supplies. Click here to read…

Blinken hits at ASEAN for lack of pressure on Myanmar – Federal News Network

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is criticizing Southeast Asian nations for not doing enough to press Myanmar’s military government to return the country to the path of democracy following last year’s power seizure. Click here to read…

India running out of options in Myanmar as a civil war rages and China backs the junta – National Herald India

The military junta in Myanmar, which seized power in a coup in February last year, have had luck and China on their side, making them far less vulnerable to external pressure than the Taliban in Afghanistan. Click here to read…

Junta Watch: Coup Leader Says Military Still Needed in Politics; Another ASEAN Snub, and More – The Irrawaddy

Offering a view that is the complete opposite of that held by the Myanmar people, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said during a meeting with military personnel and their families in Pulaw Township, Ayeyarwady Region on Monday that the Tatmadaw (Myanmar’s military) must continue to take a leadership role in the country’s politics and maintain its oversight position as the “guardian” of the country. Click here to read…

Nepal

NRB seeks suggestions for monetary policy- Himalayan Times

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has sought suggestions for the monetary policy. Click here to read…

New citizenship bill does away with 7 years wait- Himalayan Times

The government registered a new citizenship bill last night proposing to continue the provision that allows foreign women married to Nepali men to obtain matrimonial naturalisation immediately after they take steps to renounce the citizenship of their mother country. Click here to read…

CPC foreign department chief Liu arrives in Kathmandu- Himalayan Times

Foreign Department Chief of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Liu Jianchao, arrived here this morning, leading an eight-member delegation. Click here to read…

Deuba government taking a leaf out of Oli’s book in obscene fashion, experts say- Kathmandu Post

A bill to amend Constitutional Council Act comes as the latest case to demonstrate current administration is no different from the previous one in disregarding rule of law. Click here to read…

Tax waiver sets off investment rush in automobile assembly plants- Kathmandu Post

Six motor vehicle assembly companies with a combined capital of Rs6.83 billion have been registered with the Industry Department in the current fiscal year. Click here to read…

Govt holds discussion with UML leader Nembang on citizenship bill- Republica

The government has expedited consultation with the main opposition party to endorse the citizenship bill through parliament. Click here to read…

Deuba protested Oli’s intent to change Constitutional Council rules. But, he is proposing the same changes now- OnlineKhabar

KP Sharma Oli issued the same ordinance between 2019 and 2021 introducing changes in the rules of the operation of the Constitutional Council. The ordinance was never endorsed in parliament as the then main opposition Nepali Congress was against it. Click here to read…

No closure after Nepal’s insurgency- Nepali Times

Sixteen years after the conflict ended, families still struggle for transitional justice. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Severe urban flooding in Karachi after record heavy downpour: The Express Tribune

The port city is facing severe urban flooding and continuous torrential rainfall since Sunday night with predictions that heavy downpour will continue for hours to come on Monday. Click here to read…

Deadline extended for energy standards: The Express Tribune

The government has extended the deadline for implementing the minimum energy performance standards for electric fans in an effort to minimise
power outages. Click here to read…

PM Shahbaz Shaarif extends Eid greetings to Erdogan, King Hamad: The News

Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday held a telephonic call with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan, conveyed warm greetings to the government and people of Türkiye on the happy occasion of Eidul Azha. Click here to read…

Editorial: CPEC resumption: Dawn

Work has reportedly resumed on the Main Line 1 (ML-1) upgradation project, the largest component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative in Pakistan and the centrepiece of the second phase of CPEC. Click here to read…

Two PMLN ministers resign to participate in by-poll campaign: The News

Former speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and former provincial health minister Khwaja Salman Raffique resigned from their posts. PMLN Deputy Secretary Information and Punjab Law Minister Atta Tarar said that both the PMLN leaders had resigned from their posts to participate in the by-election campaign. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

GR confirms to resign on Wednesday; Presidential Polls before March- The Daily Mirror

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will end his presidency on Wednesday after handing in his resignation to the Parliament Speaker after which a decision has been taken to hold a presidential and parliamentary election before March next year, senior political sources told Daily Mirror last evening. Click here to read…

Slain Japanese PM’s funeral tomorrow; SL declares day of mourning- The Daily Mirror

Tomorrow, the country will observe a state of mourning as a mark of respect to the longest served late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Click here to read…

More than 1.5mn litrs of fuel distributed so far: LIOC MD- The Daily Mirror

More than 1.5 million litres of petrol and diesel have been released for distribution so far from the oil terminal at Trincomalee, Manoj Gupta, Managing Director, Lanka IOC PLC said. Click here to read…

India denies report of sending Indian troops to SL- The Daily Mirror
The Indian High Commission in Colombo categorically denied speculative reports in sections of media and social media about India sending her troops to Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

Pope Francis appeals for peace for SL- The Daily Mirror

Pope Francis has renewed his appeal for peace in Sri Lanka today. “I unite myself to the sorrow of the Sri Lankan people, who continue to suffer the effects of political and economic instability,” Pope Francis said on Sunday, following the weekly prayers. Click here to read…

India always stands with Sri Lanka, no refugee crisis at the moment: Jaishankar- The Daily Mirror

Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday said that India has been providing assistance to Sri Lanka and is monitoring the developments in the island nation adding that there is no refugee crisis now. Click here to read…

EU calls on all parties to focus on a peaceful, democratic transition in SL- The Daily Mirror

The European Union (EU) today called on all parties to cooperate and focus on a peaceful, democratic and orderly transition in Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

US urges SL leaders to work ‘quickly’ to address ‘discontent’- The Daily Mirror

As President Gotabaya Rajapaksa prepares to step down, the United States calls on “the Sri Lankan Parliament to approach this juncture with a commitment to the betterment of the nation – not any one political party,” a State Department spokesperson said as Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Thailand. Click here to read…

IMF hopes for resolution of SL crisis to allow bailout talks- The Daily Mirror

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it is hoping for a resolution to Sri Lanka’s political turmoil that will allow a resumption of talks for a bailout package after a violent day of protests. Click here to read…

Climate change: melting Tibetan glaciers could unleash potentially dangerous bacteria, scientists say: South China Morning Post

July 3, 2022

Scientists have found nearly 1,000 species of bacteria – many of them new – in glacier samples taken from the Tibetan Plateau, which they say could pose health risks downstream if climate change causes the ice to melt. More than 80 per cent of the microbes identified had not been seen before, according to the team from China, Australia and Denmark, led by scientists from Lanzhou University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
Their genetic analysis found that the microorganisms had more than 27,000 molecules that could help the bacteria to make plants, animals or people ill, and nearly half of those molecules were previously unknown. Click here to read…

Chinese FM announces 6 measures to benefit Mekong countries: Xinhunaet

July 4, 2022

Visiting Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday announced six measures in the next phase of Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) to share with the Mekong countries benefits of cooperation and add momentum to their development. The measures were unveiled at the seventh LMC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting chaired by the Chinese foreign minister. Click here to read…

Enhanced currency swap agreement signed between PBOC, HKMA: Xinhunaet

July 4, 2022

The People’s Bank of China (PBOC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced Monday that the Currency Swap Agreement has been enhanced. It has become a long-standing arrangement with no need for renewal. Its size has also been expanded from 500 billion yuan (about 75 billion U.S. dollars) to 800 billion yuan. Click here to read…

Former Everbright official under corruption investigation: China Daily

July 4, 2022

Zhang Huayu, former deputy head of China Everbright Bank, is under investigation for serious violation of Communist Party of China discipline and the national law, according to the country’s top anti-graft bodies. The CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission issued a statement on Monday saying Zhang had been expelled from the Party and removed from his public post, and his case and illegal gains had been transferred to the procuratorial organ for prosecution. Click here to read…

Himalayan land port becomes regional success: China Daily

July 4, 2022

Born and raised near Gyirong Port, Basang is a beneficiary of the development of one of the largest land ports in the Tibet autonomous region. Located in the Himalayas, the port is 800 kilometers from the regional capital, Lhasa, and about 130 km from the Nepali capital, Kathmandu. Click here to read…

China opens more than 5,000 free blood sampling sites to help family reunions: Global Times

vJuly 4, 2022

China’s Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has released a list of more than 5,000 free blood sampling sites across the country on Monday with the aim to help abducted children and women reunite with their families, as China is launching a national crackdown on human trafficking crimes. Click here to read…

Huawei debuts more new products in summer, as firm still seeks growth areas amid US ban: Global Times

July 4, 2022

Chinese tech giant Huawei on Monday launched a series of new products ranging from phones, smart watches, smart home systems and an electric car named the AITO M7 SUV, as it is still seeking to diversify its sources of revenue amid the years-long US sanctions. Click here to read…

Eastern China cities tighten COVID curbs as new clusters emerge: Reuters

July 4, 2022

Cities in eastern China tightened COVID-19 curbs on Sunday as coronavirus clusters emerge, posing a new threat to China’s economic recovery under the government’s strict zero-COVID policy. Click here to read…

Hacker claims to have stolen 1 bln records of Chinese citizens from police: Reuters

July 4, 2022

A hacker has claimed to have procured a trove of personal information from the Shanghai police on one billion Chinese citizens, which tech experts say, if true, would be one of the biggest data breaches in history. The anonymous internet user, identified as “ChinaDan”, posted on hacker forum Breach Forums last week offering to sell the more than 23 terabytes (TB) of data for 10 bitcoin , equivalent to about $200,000. Click here to read…

Chinese warship chases Russian frigate near Japan-controlled Senkakus: Kyodo

July 4, 2022

A Chinese naval ship chased a Russian warship on Monday just outside Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, the government said, in an apparent attempt to demonstrate to others that Beijing has sovereignty over the Tokyo-controlled isletsClick here to read…

Chinese ships enter Japanese waters near Senkakus, 15th this year: Kyodo

July 5, 2022

Two Chinese coast guard vessels entered Japan’s territorial waters near the Senkakus on Tuesday, a day after a Chinese naval ship was spotted near the China-claimed islands, as tensions heighten between Tokyo and Beijing despite the approaching 50th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties. Click here to read…

Chinese-Canadian tycoon on trial in China: Taipei Times

July 5, 2022

Chinese-Canadian billionaire Xiao Jianhua who went missing in Hong Kong five years ago, was due to go on trial in China yesterday, the Canadian embassy in Beijing said. China-born Xiao, known to have links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) elite, has not been seen in public since 2017 after he was investigated amid a state-led conglomerate crackdown. The specifics of the probe have not been disclosed by officials. Click here to read…

US-China relations: economic chief Liu He, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen hold ‘pragmatic, frank’ exchange: South China Morning Post

July 5, 2022

Top economic officials from China and the United States held a long-awaited meeting on Tuesday, with the Biden administration reportedly mulling the rolling back of tariffs on Chinese products to help curb America’s 40-year-high inflation. During the virtual conference at the request of the United States, Chinese Vice-Premier Liu He had a “pragmatic and frank” exchange with US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen on economic and tariff issues, the official Xinhua News Agency reported. Click here to read…

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

July 5, 2022

The Chinese mainland Monday reported 69 locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases, 52 of which were in Anhui Province, the National Health Commission said Tuesday. A total of 266 local asymptomatic carriers were newly identified on Monday in eight provincial-level regions, including 179 in Anhui and 66 in Jiangsu. Click here to read…

Xi calls for putting development front and center on international agenda: China Military

July 5, 2022

China is willing to work with countries around the world to put development front and center on the international agenda, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Monday. Xi made the remarks in a congratulatory letter to a forum on global development attended by think tank and media representatives in Beijing. Click here to read…

Massive science facilities drive innovative research: China Daily

July 5, 2022

Zhangjiang Science City in Shanghai’s Pudong New Area has been strengthening its innovative abilities and developing a cluster of massive photon science facilities over the past several years, serving as an interdisciplinary research platform. The Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, a public scientific experimental platform that has been running since 2009, is a synchrotron light source with 27 beamlines in operation to date, compared with 15 beamlines four years ago. Click here to read…

China’s Tibet builds over 620 prosperous border villages: People’s Daily

July 05, 2022

By the end of 2021, over 620 prosperous border villages were built in southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region as a campaign to vitalize the country’s border areas in addition to bringing prosperity to residents in Tibet. There are 21 counties in Tibet along the national border. To effectively build and develop these border counties is of great significance to the long-term peace and stability of Tibet. Click here to read…

China to set up infrastructure fund worth $75 bln to revive economy: Reuters

July 5, 2022

China will set up a state infrastructure investment fund worth 500 billion yuan ($74.69 billion) to spur infrastructure spending and revive a flagging economy, two people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

Afghans Hope Gathering of Clerics Will Solve Nation’s Problems: Tolo News

Residents of the provinces of Ghazni, Maidan Wardak, Kunduz, and Baghlan speaking to TOLOnews expressed hopes that the “Gathering of Islamic Clerics” will find a basic solution for the country’s current economic crises and job shortages. Click here to read…

US and Taliban to Meet in Qatar to Talk About Unfreezing Afghanistan Funds: The Khaama Press

Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Taliban, led a delegation that left for Qatar on 29th June to continue discussions with US officials over releasing $9 billion in withheld Afghan assets as the country struggles with a famine and poverty crisis. Click here to read…

Moscow Trying to ‘Build Relations’ With Kabul: Putin: Tolo News

Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Moscow is attempting to build relations with the Islamic Emirate and that Russia wants to see all the ethnic groups in Afghanistan take part in running the country. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Navy detains 135 Indian fishermen on Bay- The Daily Star

Bangladesh Navy detained 135 Indian fishermen, including eight trawlers, from the Bay of Bengal on Monday night. Click here to read…

‘We have won’- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday told parliament that construction of Padma Bridge had been delayed for two years due to conspiracy. Click here to read…

Bangladesh-US relations to flourish further- The Daily Star

Bangladesh heartily believes that its relationship with the US will flourish in the coming days as the bond between the two nations is strong not only at the government level but also at the people’s level, Law Minister Anisul Huq said yesterday. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Confusions over Money and Financial Bills- Kuensel

Even though it is the third Parliament, there are confusion and lack of clarity on what construes a Money Bill and a Financial Bill. Click here to read…

Bhutan’s borders to reopen in September- Kuensel

Bhutan will reopen its borders to tourists on September 23, 2022, the Tourism Council of Bhutan announced yesterday. Click here to read…

29 percent of irregularities from AAR 2010-2020 pertains Hydropower Projects- Kuensel

Of the total irregularities amounting to Nu 4,979.098 million (M) from Annual Audit Report (AAR) 2010-2020, Nu 649.714M was resolved as of March 31 this year. Click here to read…

PAC recommends govt to mainstream unresolved irregularities in the APA- BBS

Audit observations have been increasing over the years. And this according to the Public Accounts Committee could be resolved if the government incorporate non-compliance to laws, rules and regulations, and financial lapses in the Annual Performance Agreement or APA. Click here to read…

Nepal

Top court quashes all decisions related to Nijgadh airport- Kathmandu Post

In a 3-2 ruling, the Supreme Court, however, keeps options open for building an international airport, with strict conditions of minimal environmental damage. Click here to read…

Bhattarai faction frets as Yadav goes solo with Cabinet reshuffle proposal- Kathmandu Post

Deuba calls for consensus proposal. Observers say JSP dispute could impact the coalition. Click here to read…

Official raises some hackles by saying local units are unfit to handle school education- Kathmandu Post

During grilling by a parliamentary panel over delay in federal education bill, the education secretary said local units don’t have capability and expertise to ensure quality of education. Click here to read…

Incessant rainfall triggers floods across Tarai region- Himalayan Times

Inundation and floods triggered by incessant rainfall have killed one person and displaced hundreds of families across the Tarai. Click here to read…

On high monsoon alert in Nepal- Nepali Times

The flood in Sindhupalchok a year ago on 15 June swept away Asha Gurung’s dreams. The mother of three was swift enough to save her children but lost her house, cattle, eatery and all other valuables to the disaster. Click here to read…

Inflation hits a 6-year high in Nepal. What next?- Online Khabar

“Some time ago, the price of an egg increased from Rs 15 to Rs 17 and now the eggs per crate costs around Rs 500. A few days ago, jar water became more expensive. Click here to read…

Maldives

No plans to lockdown Maldives again: Minister Naseem: Edition Mv

Health Minister Ahmed Naseem said on Wednesday that there were no plans to put Maldives under lockdown again despite increased Covid cases in the country. Click here to read…

Health Ministry requests to submit ventilator case for arbitration to recover payment: The Sun

Health Ministry has requested with Attorney General’s Office (AGO) to file an arbitration case to recover the monies paid by the government to Dubai-based Executors General Trading to procure ventilators for COVID-19 patients in 2020. Click here to read…

Myanmar

Three more bodies found near Letpadaung copper mine- Myanmar Now

The tortured bodies were discovered just days after junta forces murdered and dismembered two other local men in the area. Click here to read…

Members of Myanmar army-backed militia shot dead at Mon State checkpoint- Myanmar Now

A local resistance force claims responsibility for an ambush that reportedly killed five Pyu Saw Htee guards. Click here to read…

Heavy fighting reported as KNU continues assault on junta outpost near Thai border- Myanmar Now

Regime forces deploy airstrikes and heavy artillery in a bid to prevent another base from falling into KNU hands. Click here to read…

Myanmar maritime trade surges by $1.3 mln as of 17 June- GNLM

The value of Myanmar’s maritime trade between 1 April and 17 June in the current financial year 2022-2023 soared to US$5.38 billion, reflecting a sharp rise of $1.3 billion, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Click here to read…

All possible means should be applied to control illegal trade along the trade routes in states and regions: Vice-Senior General- GNLM

State Administration Council Vice-Chairman Deputy Prime Minister Vice-Senior General Soe Win addressed the coordination meeting 3/2022 of the Anti-Illegal Trade Steering Committee in the meeting room of the Ministry of Commerce in Nay Pyi Taw at 2 pm yesterday. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa calls Vladimir Putin, to visit UAE to seek fuel imports: WION News

Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has been exploring options of buying oil from Russia and he is already in conversation with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, a minister said according to PTI. Click here to read…

Quick Passports for Foreign Employment: News First

Sri Lanka’s new Minister of Investment Promotion Dhammika Perera has taken a series of measures to address the longstanding issues at the Department of Immigration and Emigration. Click here to read…

Doctors, bankers protest ‘impossible situation’ as Sri Lanka runs out of fuel: Times Of India

Doctors and bankers were among hundreds of Sri Lankans who marched on Wednesday to demand the government resolve a severe fuel shortage at the heart of the Indian Ocean island’s worst economic crisis in decades or step down. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Finance ministry sees more tough times ahead: Dawn

Hinting at a further increase in the policy rate by the State Bank of Pakistan, the Ministry of Finance anticipates ‘blurred growth prospects’ for the economy, which could be marred by the prevailing inauspicious global environment and higher domestic inflation, going beyond 15 per cent, in the upcoming fiscal year set to begin on Friday. Click here to read…

TTP refuses to budge from demand for Fata merger reversal: Dawn

The proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has categorically stated that the insurgent group would not back down from its demand for the reversal of the merger of erstwhile Fata with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Click here to read…

Afghanistan

China to Issue Visas for Afghan Businesspeople: Tolo News

In a meeting with the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi, the ambassador of China, Wang Yu, expressed China’s readiness to facilitate visas for Afghan businesspeople in Afghanistan, MoFA announced Click here to read…

Voices Call for Inclusion of Women, All Ethnic Groups in National Gathering: Tolo News

Anticipating the “Gathering of Islamic Clerics,” expected to be held on Wednesday, a number of politicians and residents asked that the Islamic Emirate invite women as well as representatives from all Afghan ethnic groups. Click here to read…

US Pledges $55 Million in Aid for the Victims of the Deadly Earthquake in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press

According to the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s announcement on Tuesday, the United States would provide Afghanistan immediate assistance amounting $55 million in response to the devastating earthquake that struck last week in a remote part of the country’s southeast. Click here to read…

Bangladesh

Fuel prices may go up by at least Tk 10- The Daily Star

The government is bent on raising fuel prices by Tk 10-30 each litre, despite vehement opposition from consumer rights groups and experts. Click here to read…

Mask mandate back again- The Daily Star

As Covid-19 cases are rising steeply in the country, the Cabinet Division yesterday instructed all officials concerned to enforce the “no mask, no service” policy everywhere and ensure that everyone follows health safety rules. Click here to read…

Press freedom enjoyed like never before- The Daily Star

Newspapers and electronic media are now enjoying unrestrained freedom under the current government, Information Minister Hasan Mahmud told parliament yesterday. Click here to read…

Dhaka Tokyo ink loan and grant deeds- The Daily Star

Bangladesh and Japan have signed a loan and grant agreement worth $1.23 billion for projects including the northern route of Mass Rapid Transit Line 5. Click here to read…

“Impose sanctions on Dr Yunus, Hilary Clinton and Cherie Blair”- The Daily Star

Independent lawmaker and a presidium member of Jubo League, Mujibur Rahman Chowdhury, today demanded in the parliament to impose sanctions on Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus, Hilary Clinton, and Cherie Blair so that they could not hatch any further conspiracy against Bangladesh. Click here to read…

Momen seeks apology, compensation from “institution” that claimed Padma Bridge corruption- The Daily Star

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has sought apology and compensation from those who humiliated Bangladesh through accusing some top officials of a conspiracy of corruption in the Padma Bridge project. Click here to read…

Bhutan

Bhutan can become energy secure in next 3 years: Lyonpo Loknath Sharma- Kuensel

Bhutan at present is not energy secure, said Lyonpo Loknath Sharma. Adding 200MW of wind energy in the next 2 to 3 years, he said, could help the country achieve energy security. Click here to read…

Tourists who confirmed tours before June 20 can visit at old pricing- Kuensel

All tours confirmed before June 20, 2022 can avail of rates applicable under the Tourism Levy Act of Bhutan 2020, the minimum daily package rate (MDPR), which includes the royalty of USD 65. Click here to read…

Falling boulders kill two men and injure three in Samdrupjongkhar- Kuensel

Falling boulders killed two men and injured three men at Phochu in Lauri gewog, Samdrupjongkhar, on June 27. Click here to read…

NA passes Tourism Levy Bill 2022- BBS

The National Assembly passed the Tourism Levy Bill 2022 today, accepting all the Council’s recommendations. The Bill will now be submitted to His Majesty The King for Royal Assent. As per the Bill, every tourist visiting Bhutan will be levied a Sustainable Development Fee of 200 US dollars per night. Click here to read…

Maldives

Maldives to build one of the world’s first floating cities as response to climate change: The National News

The Maldives will soon be home to one of the world’s first floating cities. Set in a warm-water lagoon close to the capital, Male, the new district will feature thousands of waterfront residences built across a flexible, functional grid. Click here to read…

Cabinet ministers briefed on latest updates of Yoga Day violence: The Sun

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, on Tuesday, has briefed his cabinet on the finding of the cabinet subcommittee investigating the mob attack on event held on June 21 at the National Stadium to mark the International Day of YogaClick here to read…

Myanmar

Myanmar: Response overview, June 2022 – Relief Web

Humanitarian needs in Myanmar continue to rise sharply since February 2021 as a result of political and economic upheaval and increased conflict. Click here to read…

Junta restricts food sales in Tanintharyi’s Palaw Township – Mizzima

The junta has ordered the closure of rice warehouses and restricted sales of food in Palaw Township in Myeik District, Tanintharyi Region, since 26 June, according to locals. Click here to read…

Thai authorities rescue two Burmese nationals from sinking boat – Mizzima

The Thai Border Guard Special Force carried out an emergency rescue of two Myanmar nationals when their fishing boat sank in Thai territorial waters on 26 June at around 12 p.m. Click here to read…

NLD slams junta transfer of Suu Kyi to prison in Myanmar capital – RFA

Myanmar’s deposed National League for Democracy (NLD) on Tuesday condemned the junta’s decision to move party leader Aung San Suu Kyi from detention to a prison in the nation’s capital, citing poor conditions and lack of access to health care at the facility. Click here to read…

Number of Rakhine youths gone missing after military’s arrest – Narinjara

A number of Rakhine youths have gone missing after they were arrested by the military councils during this month from the capital city of Arakan State. They were abducted by the junta soldiers from Sittwe after the Arakan Army members arrested a military captain and a soldier from the city on 23 June. Click here to read…

ASEAN Special Envoy on Second Visit to Myanmar; No Meeting With Suu Kyi – The Irrawaddy

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Special Envoy on Myanmar will start his second tour to the country on Wednesday, following up on the bloc’s peace plan and humanitarian assistance for the country that has been in social, political and economic turmoil since last year’s coup. Click here to read…

80 illegal immigrants from Myanmar held in Manipur – The Week

Eighty illegal immigrants from Myanmar were apprehended from Manipur’s Churachandpur district on Tuesday, police said. These illegal immigrants, who did not have any valid documents, were living in rented accommodations in Ngathal village and Vaal Veng of the district, they said. Click here to read…

Nepal

Government unclear on how to adjust taxes days after it slashed fuel prices- Kathmandu Post

Finance Ministry says Supply Ministry decided on price cuts; the former has made no move to revise the taxes yet. Click here to read…

Five traffic cops under probe after the incident of doctor beating- Kathmandu Post

A medical officer from Pulchowk-based health facility was beaten black and blue by a traffic official who asked him why he was ‘walking at night.’ Click here to read…

Nepal to build Budhi Gandaki hydroelectricity project through a separate company- Kathmandu Post

The storage-type 1,200 megawatt project has suffered quite some politicking over the years, with various governments allowing a Chinese firm to build it and then revoking the plan. Click here to read…

Incessant rainfall triggers floods across Tarai region- Himalayan Times

Inundation and floods triggered by incessant rainfall have killed one person and displaced hundreds of families across the Tarai. Click here to read…

UML demands resignation of Gandaki CM- Republica

The CPN-UML has demanded the resignation of CM Pokharel, saying that the ruling coalition has made the provincial assembly a prisoner of indecision by halting the discussion on the budget. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka

Crisis-hit Sri Lanka’s economy shrinks 1.6% in the March quarter: Business Standard

Sri Lanka’s economy fell back into contraction last quarter as the country battled its worst economic problems since independence, with emergency aid to stabilise the island nation proving elusive. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka to end fuel duopoly to ease scarcity: Telegraph India

Sri Lanka will allow companies from oil-producing countries to import and sell fuel, the power and energy minister said on Tuesday, ending a duopoly as it tries to overcome a shortage of petrol and diesel that is exacerbating an economic crisis. Click here to read…

1,000 MT of Chinese Rice reach Sri Lanka: News First

44 containers of 1,000 MT rice donated by the Chinese people to Sri Lankan students arrived today. The shipment was handed over to the Ministry of Education on Tuesday (28). Click here to read…

Sri Lanka IOC restricts petrol sale amid fuel shortage: ANI

Amid the economic crisis and severe fuel shortage in Sri Lanka, Indian Oil’s subsidiary in Sri Lanka, Lanka IOC (Indian Oil Corporation) announced to restrict the sale of petrol to a maximum of Rs 7000 for four-wheelers, with immediate effect. Click here to read…

Pakistan

Pakistan needs to ‘do more’ for double IMF payout: Dawn

Pakistan will have to take at least two more “prior actions” to secure two combined tranches of about $1.85 billion from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) by the end of July or early August. Click here to read…

GST on raw material aggravates shortage of 40 drugs: The News

In the wake of 17pc GST on the import of raw material, production of medicines has considerably dropped and aggravated the shortage of, at least, 40 essential and lifesaving drugs in markets across the country. Click here to read…

Imran warns Punjab police, bureaucrats not to follow ‘illegal’ govt orders: Dawn

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan on Tuesday asked the Punjab police and bureaucracy not to follow “illegal orders” of the provincial government during the upcoming local government elections, claiming the PTI has been maintaining the departments’ record. Click here to read…

Power outages pose risk of ‘connectivity blackouts’: Dawn

The telecom industry has warned the government of connectivity failures if prolonged power outages continue amid high fuel costs and stringent conditions on battery imports. Click here to read…

Cabinet rolls out first policy to tackle hazardous waste: The Express Tribune

The federal cabinet approved on Tuesday country’s first-ever National Hazardous Waste Management Policy, 2022, hoping that the Centre and provinces would finalise a National Action Plan (NAP) implementation framework of the policy within three months so that the country does not become a dumping ground of hazardous disposals. Click here to read…

Chinese vice premier meets exemplary groups, individuals of government offices administration: Xinhuanet

June 27, 2022

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng on Monday met with exemplary groups and individuals working in government offices administration. Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, extended his congratulations to the honored ones and greetings to those working in government offices administration on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State CouncilClick here to read…

Over 17,000 to be relocated in Tibet for better life, ecological conservation: Xinhuanet

June 27, 2022

A total of 17,555 people will be relocated away from high-altitude places in Nagqu City, southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region, thanks to a local program to improve people’s living and protect the plateau region’s fragile ecosystem. Click here to read…

China punishes 11,299 officials for violating frugality rules in May: Xinhuanet

June 27, 2022

A total of 11,299 Chinese officials were punished in May for violating frugality rules, said the top anti-graft body Monday. The officials were involved in 7,778 cases, said the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission in a statement. Click here to read…

CCG cracks major cross-border drug smuggling case in Fujian: China Military

June 27, 2022

Recently, a large-scale cross-border drug smuggling case was busted by the China Coast Guard (CCG) forces in East China’s Fujian Province, with seven suspects arrested, about 600 kg of the ketamine seized, and one ship involved detained at the scene. Click here to read…

6-month-long nationwide campaign launched to crack down on internet water army: Global Times

June 27, 2022

A six-month-long nationwide campaign was launched by the Bureau of Network Security Protection under the Ministry of Public Security on Sunday to crack down on internet water armies, who have been attempting to control or disrupt online public opinions through releasing fake and harmful information. Click here to read…

China promotes green, intelligent transformation of its shipbuilding industry: People’s Daily

June 27, 2022

China has been promoting the green and smart transformation of its shipbuilding industry by replacing traditional fuel with clean energy and applying intelligent systems to various kinds of vessels. The “Yangtze River Three Gorges 1,” the world’s largest electric cruiser with the largest battery capacity, has been used for Yangtze River sightseeing trips near Yichang city, in central China’s Hubei Province. Click here to read…

China vows timely policy measures to cope with economic risks: Reuters

June 28, 2022

China will roll out tools in its policy reserve in a timely way to cope with more economic challenges, as COVID-19 outbreaks and risks from the Ukraine crisis pose a threat to employment and price stability, a state planner official said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

China extends anti-dumping tariffs on EU, UK steel fasteners imports:
Reuters

June 28, 2022

China’s commerce ministry said on Tuesday it would extend anti-dumping tariffs on certain steel fasteners imported from the European Union and United Kingdom for five years. The anti-dumping tariffs will be imposed from June 29, the ministry said in a statement. Click here to read…

Chinese FM talks with Afghan acting FM over phone: Xinhuanet

June 28, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday held a phone conversation with Acting Foreign Minister of the Afghan Interim Government Amir Khan Muttaqi. In his message, Wang once again expressed sincere condolences to Afghanistan over a recent earthquake disaster, and emphasized that as a friendly neighbor and sincere friend of Afghanistan, the Chinese side empathizes with the Afghan people for the difficulties they are facing. Click here to read…

New rules on internet accounts to take effect in Aug: China Daily

June 28, 2722

A new regulation released by the country’s top internet watchdog on Monday calls for better management of user accounts to safeguard national security and the public interest. Internet service providers have the obligation to verify the identity of users and show their IP addresses, according to the regulation on the management of internet user accounts, released by the Cyberspace Administration of China. Click here to read…

Local govts step up to boost night economy: China Daily

June 28, 2022

Tens of thousands of people crowded a culture and tourism area close to the Yangtze River in Wuhu, Anhui province, for an outdoor concert on Saturday night. After the concert ended at around 9:30 pm, the night seemed to have just begun in Wuhu Old Town Block. Click here to read…

Shenzhen bans drones and small aircraft during celebrations on Hong Kong SAR’s 25th anniversary: Global Times

June 28, 2022

To ensure safety of the upcoming celebrations on 25th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland, Shenzhen has banned drones and other small aircraft in the city for six days, the local public security bureau said Monday. Click here to read…