Tag Archives: WHO

China: Daily Scan, December 22, 2022

Chinese, Australian FMs hold strategic dialogue: Xinhuanet
December 21, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong held the sixth China-Australia Foreign and Strategic Dialogue in Beijing on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Chinese envoy calls for more int’l support for Afghanistan: Xinhuanet
December 21, 2022

A Chinese envoy on Tuesday called for more international support for Afghanistan as the country is at a critical stage of nation-building. Much remains to be done for the realization of peace and development in the country. Afghan people should not be forgotten. The international community should make greater efforts to provide more support and assistance, said Zhang Jun, China’s permanent representative to the United Nations. Click here to read…

China approves restructuring of two major state-owned steel enterprises: Xinhuanet
December 21, 2022

China has approved the restructuring of two state-owned giants in the iron and steel industry, the country’s top state-owned assets regulator said on Wednesday. Sinosteel Group Corporation Limited, a metallurgical and mineral resources developer and processor, will be integrated into China Baowu Steel Group Corporation, a major player in the iron and steel industry, according to the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC). Click here to read…

Testing booths turned into fever clinics as China battles COVID-19: Xinhuanet
December 21, 2022

Nucleic acid testing booths are being converted into consultation rooms for fever patients in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province. These changes are among the latest efforts by Chinese cities to cope with rising numbers of COVID-19 cases. Click here to read…

HKSAR gov’t releases Youth Development Blueprint: Xinhuanet
December 21, 2022

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Tuesday released the Youth Development Blueprint, outlining the overall vision and guiding principles for the HKSAR government’s long-term youth development work in the future. Click here to read…

Xi meets United Russia party chairman Medvedev: China Military
December 21, 2022

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chinese president, on Wednesday met with Chairman of the United Russia party Dmitry Medvedev, who visited China at the invitation of the CPC. Click here to read…

China to further facilitate cross-border personnel flow: China Daily
December 21, 2022

China will provide more convenience for cross-border personnel exchanges in light of current circumstances, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday. Spokesperson Mao Ning made the remarks at a daily news briefing when answering a question regarding whether China has any plan to optimize quarantine measures for arrivals. Click here to read…

Chinese SMEs shine on international stage: People’s Daily
December 21, 2022

As Chinese elements caught eyes at the just-concluded 2022 FIFA World Cup held in Qatar, a good number of brands owned by China’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) drew wide attention for their contributions to major venues of the world-class sporting event. Click here to read…

WHO says China may be struggling to keep a tally of COVID cases: Reuters
December 21, 2022

China may be struggling to keep a tally of COVID-19 infections as the country experiences a big spike in cases, a senior World Health Organization official said on Wednesday, amid concerns about a lack of data from the country. Official figures from China have become an unreliable guide as less testing is being done across the country following the recent easing of the strict “zero-COVID” policy. Click here to read…

First foreign COVID vaccines head to China from Germany: Reuters
December 22, 2022

Berlin has sent its first batch of BioNTech (22UAy.DE) COVID-19 vaccines to China to be administered initially to German expatriates, a German government spokesperson said on Wednesday, the first foreign coronavirus vaccine to be delivered to the country. Click here to read…

Chinese cities give out free fever drugs as COVID flares: Reuters
December 22, 2022

Cities in China began distributing free anti-fever drugs to the public, as COVID-19 sweeps through the world’s most populous country largely unchecked for the first time after an abrupt shift in the country’s containment policies. After widespread protests and a relentless rise in cases, China this month began dismantling its “zero-COVID” regime. Click here to read…

Taiwan scrambles jets to warn away Chinese air force incursion: Reuters
December 22, 2022

Taiwan scrambled combat jets to warn away 39 Chinese aircraft that entered its southeastern air defence zone, the island’s defence ministry said on Thursday. Taiwan has complained of repeated missions by the Chinese air force over the last two years, often in southern areas of its air defence identification zone, or ADIZ. Click here to read…

Invasive species directory released: China Daily
December 22, 2022

Ministry’s list aimed at maintaining healthy ecological environment. China released a directory of invasive species on Tuesday in order for departments to prioritize their control. The directory, which included 59 species, most of which are plants and insects, will come into effect on Jan 1. Click here to read…

Scientists crack virus evolution code: China Daily
December 22, 2022

Chinese scientists have discovered the mechanism behind the convergent evolution of the Omicron strains of COVID-19, a feat that could help researchers develop broad-spectrum COVID-19 vaccines and drugs, according to a study published in the journal Nature on Monday. Click here to read…

Sino-Russian joint naval exercise starts: China Daily
December 22, 2022

The Chinese and Russian navies started a weeklong joint exercise on Wednesday in the East China Sea, according to a spokesman for the People’s Liberation Army Navy. Senior Captain Gao Xiucheng said the Joint Sea 2022 naval exercise would involve operations like an area blockade, air defense, search and rescue, and anti-submarine strike. Click here to read…

Chinese cities roll out centralized quarantine service for those opting against home quarantine: Global Times
December 22, 2022

Several Chinese cities including Hangzhou, are now allowing people with COVID-19 to apply for centralized quarantine, after many expressed concern over passing the coronavirus to others under the same roof, especially the elderly and children. Click here to read…

China’s top securities regulator vows to establish regularized mechanism for audit supervision cooperation with US: Global Times
December 22, 2022

China’s top securities regulator on Wednesday vowed in a meeting to establish a regularized mechanism for cooperation in audit supervision between China and the US, in a bid to cultivate a more stable and predictable international regulatory cooperation environment. Click here to read…

CATL achieves mass production at German lithium-ion battery factory, a breakthrough in its global expansion: Global Times
December 22, 2022

China’s lithium-ion battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) announced Wednesday that its first overseas factory in Thuringia, Germany has achieved mass production of lithium-ion battery cells on schedule, marking a breakthrough in its global expansion. Click here to read…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest – December 14, 2022

Afghanistan
Attack on Kabul Hotel Sparks International Reactions: Tolo News

The attack on a hotel in the Shar-e-Naw area of Kabul on Monday has brought international condemnation and calls to action. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs asked the Islamic Emirate to identify the attackers and ensure the safety of Chinese nationals in Afghanistan. “China demands the Afghan side spare no efforts in searching for and rescuing Chinese individuals, and at the same time open a comprehensive investigation, severely punish the attackers, and earnestly strengthen the protection of Chinese citizens and organizations in Afghanistan,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. Click here to read…

Everyone Wants a Peaceful and Progressive Afghanistan; FM Bilawal: The Khaama Press

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Tuesday stated that everyone wants peace, progress and prosperity in Afghanistan. It is not in favor of anyone to see Afghanistan becoming the hub of terrorism once more. “We are hopeful that the current caretaker government in Afghanistan will not only address the issue of terrorism but also provide security because that’s a fundamental prerequisite for peace and prosperity,” FM Bilawal said in an interview with an Indonesian television channel. Click here to read…

Further Security Measures to be Provided at the Foreign Entities in Kabul: The Khaama Press

Over the past few weeks, several people died and many were wounded in three different terrorist attacks in Kabul. The latest bombing targeted a Chinese-run hotel in which five Chinese nationals were injured according to the Chinese Ambassador to Kabul, Wang Yu. Following the attack, the Chinese government urged its citizens to leave Afghanistan immediately to avoid similar incidents. Similarly, over the past few days, a gunman attack targeted the head of the Pakistani Diplomatic Mission in the capital Kabul, injuring one of the Charge D’affaire’s security guards, while another terrorist attack targetted a jihadi leader’s office, killing one and injuring two people. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
PM stresses addressing threats for national security – New Age

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday stressed the need for addressing traditional and non-traditional threats to ensure national security as the pattern of crimes has changed with the advent of newer technology. ‘Nowadays, the security concept is changed as on the one hand, digital devices brought many advantages and on the other hand changed the pattern of terrorism, militancy and crimes. So, it is equally important to defend non-traditional and traditional threats to ensure national security,’ she said…The prime minister said they have even not engaged in any quarrel with Myanmar over repatriation of their forcibly displaced national Rohingyas to their home land. ‘We’re trying to solve the problem through discussions,’ she added. She referred to solving the land boundary issue with India through discussion and establishing rights in the vast sea areas and on its resources after winning legal battles with neighbouring India and Myanmar maintaining friendly relations. Click here to read…

Bangladesh wants Dhaka-Guwahati direct air connectivity – Daily Star

Bangladesh wants direct Dhaka-Guwahati and Sylhet-Guwahati air connectivity and direct bus service between Sylhet and Shilchar for promoting people-to-people contacts, boosting bilateral ties and ensuring collective prosperity in the region. Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen shares this idea when Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma called on him at his office yesterday. Click here to read…
A call for international recognition – Dhaka Tribune
The demand for acknowledgment of the 1971 genocide committed by Pakistan was raised in October by the Deputy Permanent Representative of Bangladesh to the United Nations in Geneva, Sanchita Haque. To this day, 51 years later, Pakistan has neither apologized to Bangladesh for the atrocities committed by its troops, nor has it brought to justice the 195 war criminals recognized by Bangladesh in 1972. The acknowledgement from the United Nations is significant not only for the families of the victims, but also for the aggrieved nation, which has now reached the age of 51 and is also an important member of the United Nations. Click here to read…

Bhutan
Bhutan opens two formal trade routes with India – Kuensel Online

As the decision to open two more formal trade routes with India has got the green light, people living near the borders in Lhamoidzingkha in Dagana and Chhuchungsa in Samtse have begun measuring their future prospects. The routes would be operational after the official inauguration next month. Click here to read…

Remittance drops by 11 percent – Kuensel Online

What was feared and a concern, inflow of remittance has dropped from Nu 5.29B to Nu 4.69B or by 11 percent from January to August. While hundreds of Bhutanese are leaving to work or study in Australia, remittance in AUD has been declining while remittance in USD has been growing. Remittance in AUD, which contributed over 50 percent in the same period last year, has gone down to 40 percent this year. Click here to read…

ADB approves $20m package to improve water management and resilience in Bhutan – Devdiscourse

he Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $20 million financing package to improve access to drinking water, irrigation services, and strengthening of climate resilience in Thimphu and the districts of Zhemgang and Wangdue Phodrang in Bhutan. The Water Flagship Program Support Project will build gravity-fed integrated drinking water supply and irrigation systems in the Hetshosamchu area of Wangdue Phodrang district and Zhemgang town and surrounding villages, which collect surface water from upstream sources. Click here to read…

Maldives
Civil servants from Bangladesh, Maldives to receive training at India’s Good Governance Centre – TBS News

India’s National Centre for Good Governance began its two-week capacity-building programmes for civil servants from Bangladesh and Maldives on Tuesday. As many as 39 civil servants from Bangladesh and 27 Maldives are participating in the two programmes, reports The Hindu. India has been helping neighbouring countries to build capacities of their civil servants to meet the emerging challenges in governance and assure public service delivery to improve the quality of life of people, a statement by the Indian government reads. The centre was set up in Mussoorie, India, in 2014. Click here to read…

WHO donates air quality monitoring stations to the Maldives – Avas

The World Health Organization (WHO) has donated two ambient air quality monitoring stations to the Maldives. One out of the two stations donated by WHO will be installed in Hulhumale’ Central Park. An agreement has been signed between the Environment Ministry and Housing Development Corporation (HDC), handing over the management of the station to HDC. The HDC and the Environment Ministry plan to use the data available through the station to raise awareness among the public and publish the data for public viewing. Click here to read…

Myanmar
Malaysian Court Lifts Stay on Deportation of Myanmar Nationals – The Diplomat

A court in Malaysia yesterday lifted a stay on the deportation of 114 Myanmar nationals, clearing the legal obstacles to their deportation and raising concerns about the likely threats to their safety if sent back to the troubled country. The court granted the request from the Malaysian government to lift the stay, which was imposed in February of last year to delay the deportation of 1,200 Myanmar nationals, and which the government ignored. Click here to read…

Myanmar conflict may take 5 more years to resolve: Cambodia PM – Asia News

Prime Minister Hun Sen expressed his doubts that the Myanmar crisis would be resolved any time soon and ruled out a third trip there by Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn in his capacity as the ASEAN chair’s special envoy. He made the remarks on December 12 while meeting with over 2,000 members of the Cambodian diaspora in Europe who came to see him in Brussels, Belgium, where he is slated to co-chair the ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit. The December 14 event marks the 45 anniversary of ASEAN-EU Dialogue Partnership. Click here to read…

Europe and ASEAN Should Work Together on Myanmar Crisis – The Diplomat

On December 14, leaders of European Union member states are meeting in Brussels with leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) — with one exception. Myanmar is unrepresented. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, who heads the junta put in power in Myanmar after a February 2021 military coup against a democratically elected government, was not invited. Click here to read…

Canada sanctions Myanmar jet fuel suppliers – Mizzima

Pressure group Justice For Myanmar has welcomed the latest round of Canadian sanctions in response to the Myanmar military’s illegal attempted coup, to mark Human Rights Day. Canada is the first jurisdiction to impose sanctions on Myanmar military jet fuel suppliers, designating Asia Sun Group, a Myanmar conglomerate. Asia Sun Group is a local partner of the Myanmar military and is involved in procuring, storing and distributing jet fuel. Asia Sun has been found to import aviation fuel and directly deliver it to the Myanmar military. Click here to read…

India Urged to Back ASEAN Peace Plan for Myanmar – The Irrawaddy

Indonesia, the incoming chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), says other countries including India must get behind the bloc’s peace effort for Myanmar, which has been engulfed by violence since a coup last year. Retno Marsudi, Indonesia’s foreign minister, urged other regional powers to support ASEAN’s “five-point consensus” for peace, which includes an immediate end to violence in Myanmar and dialogue among all parties. Indonesia will chair the bloc next year. Click here to read…

Nepal
Nepalese delegation visits Warangal to study sanitation – Telengana Today

A team of 29 officials including Mayors from Nepal has visited Warangal city to study sanitation practices particularly the management of the ‘Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP)’ here on Tuesday. The team has inspected the Decentralised Sewage Treatment Plant at Ambedkar Nagar in Hanamkonda , and also the FSTP at Ammavaripet. Click here to read…

Pakistan-Nepal trade relations impriving day by day: Ambassador – The National

Ambassador of Nepal to Pakistan Tapas Adhikari said yesterday that Nepal-Pakistan bilateral trade relations were very limited but they were improving day by day. “We are optimistic on recent positive trends after the Covid-19 pandemic on bilateral economic engagements and hope it will surpass pre-Covid level very soon.Click here to read…

Madhav Nepal in North Korean embassy to take part in Kim Jong Il’s memorial assembly – The Annapurna Express

CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal has reached the North Korean embassy at Jhamsikhel in Kathmandu to take part in the memorial assembly of Kim Jong-il, father of Kim Jong Un, supreme leader of North Korea. The North Korean embassy had invited Nepal as the chief guest of the memorial assembly. North Korean Ambassador to Nepal Jo Yong Man welcomed former prime minister Nepal at the Embassy. Click here to read…

Can Gagan Thapa beat Deuba in prime minister race? – The Kathmandu Post

Political observers think Thapa is well aware that he has only a slim chance of winning parliamentary party leadership and that by declaring his candidacy, he only intends to project himself as the party’s future leader. They said as much, citing the strategy experimented by Thapa at the party’s 13th general convention. Click here to read…

Investment pledges plunge amid global economic slowdown – The Kathmandu Post

Foreign direct investment (FDI) commitments to Nepal plunged by more than half in the first four months of the current fiscal year, which officials attributed to a slowdown in the global economy. An economic slump in China is the key reason behind the fall in FDI pledges, insiders said. China’s economy is decelerating after it adopted a zero-Covid strategy. Despite the steep fall in commitments, China, which has been Nepal’s top FDI source for nearly a decade, still retains the top spot, accounting for two-thirds of the total. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Cracks appear in ruling coalition over Reko Diq: Dawn

Amid fragile political situation in the country, some cracks appeared for the first time in the ruling coalition on Tuesday when two allied parties boycotted the federal cabinet meeting over a controversial bill regarding revival of the Reko Diq copper and gold mine project in Balochistan. Sources privy to the cabinet meeting, presided over by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, told Dawn that two of the allies — Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (JUI-F) and Balochistan National Party-Mengal (BNP-Mengal) — boycotted that meeting to register their protest, but later joined it. Click here to read…

FM calls for stronger ties with Indonesia: The Express Tribune

Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari expressed the desire to uplift the bilateral economic cooperation in diverse fields between Pakistan and Indonesia. During an interview with an Indonesian TV channel, the foreign minister opined that there existed a large scope of cooperation between Pakistan and Indonesia. He said that they had signed an MoU for setting up a joint ministerial commission between the two countries, adding the economic and bilateral ties between the two countries had more potential which required to be unlocked. Click here to read…

Rs 340bn flood expenditures: Pakistan asking IMF to allow budget deficit increase: The News

Informing the IMF that the expenditures on flood rescue and relief amounted to Rs 340 billion, Pakistan has requested the lender to grant an adjuster of the same amount by allowing an increase in the budget deficit for the current fiscal year 2022-23, it is learnt. To jack up the tax collection target, the government is considering slapping a Flood Levy in the current fiscal year and different proposals are under consideration for finalizing its exact modalities. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan Tamil parties to meet President Wickremesinghe to settle outstanding issues – The Print

The representatives from the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), an alliance of parties who represent Tamils from the North and East regions, the Tamil Progressive Front, the Tamil National People’s Front and the Tamil National People’s Alliance will meet Wickremesinghe this evening, sources saidClick here to read…

IMF not expected to discuss Sri Lanka before year-end, say sources – Malaymail

The executive board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is not expected to formally approve Sri Lanka’s US$2.9 billion (RM12.8 billion) bailout before year-end, a key step required for the embattled country to receive funding, two sources familiar with the matter said…Sri Lanka has to secure prior financing assurances from creditors, put its heavy debt burden on a sustainable path and increase public revenue before the global lender will disburse the funds. The IMF stressed the importance of joint talks involving three of Sri Lanka’s main bilateral creditors ― China, Japan and India. Click here to read…

VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: July 25, 2022

Afghanistan
WHO Contract With Afghan-Japan Hospital Ends- Tolo News

The officials of Afghan-Japan Hospital said it has been over a week since the contract of some employees of this hospital with the World Health Organization (WHO) has ended, and these employees are working voluntarily in the hospital. Click here to read…

Intl Favors Not Welcome if ‘Against Islam’: Hanafi- Tolo News

Acting Minister of Vice and Virtue, Khalid Hanafi, while visiting Ghazni decried sanctions and said the Islamic Emirate is ready for engagement with the international community, but its offers, if they are against Islam, are not acceptable. Click here to read…

Kabul Facing Water Shortages: AUWSSC- Tolo News

The Afghanistan Urban Water Supply and Sewage Corporation (AUWSSC) said that Kabul is facing an extreme decrease in groundwaterClick here to read…

Tashkent to Host Intl Conference on Afghanistan- Tolo News

A delegation of the Islamic Emirate led by the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, left Kabul for Tashkent to attend the international conference on Afghanistan held on July 25th and 26th. Click here to read…

Bangladesh
Energy crisis: Govt strategy to blame, not war- The Daily Star

The current energy crisis in the country has more to do with the government’s reluctance to explore natural gas than the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, observes prominent energy expert Prof Badrul Imam. Click here to read…

PM rules out Sri Lanka-like crisis- The Daily Star

The prime minister yesterday lambasted those who are making wholesale criticism that Bangladesh will face the same situation like that of Sri Lanka. Click here to read…

US envoy visits RMP headquarters- The Daily Star

US Ambassador Peter Haas visited different US-supported activities at Rajshahi Metropolitan Police headquarters yesterday. Click here to read…

Turning Brahmaputra into a dumping zone- The Daily Star

The dumping of garbage by Mymensingh municipal authorities into the Old Brahmaputra River at Kalibari Puran Gudaraghat has become a menace for residents and a serious threat to the already dying river’s health. Click here to read…

‘Economic crisis’ not ending soon- The Daily Star

Bangladesh is now facing an “economic crisis” that will not be over soon as the global economy is also going through turmoil, economists said yesterday. Click here to read…

Maintain the diplomatic norms, protocols- The Daily Star

In view of certain “recent occurrences”, the foreign ministry recently wrote to all foreign diplomats, UN representatives and international organisations in Dhaka, urging them to maintain the diplomatic norm and protocol. Click here to read…

Kenya offers vast farmland to Bangladesh for agriculture- The Daily Star

Kenya has offered Bangladesh to take advantage of the African nation’s vast farmland for food production as Bangladesh has developed good expertise and demonstrated immense success in the field. Click here to read…

Extend support in Rohingya repatriation to Myanmar: PM urges Japan- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (July 24, 2022) sought Japanese support for the repatriation of Rohingyas to Myanmar, their homeland, as the forcibly displaced people have become a burden on Bangladesh for the last several years. Click here to read…

Insulting journalist over published report: HC blasts Teknaf UNO- The Daily Star

The High Court today (July 24, 2022) slammed Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Md Kaisar Khasru for allegedly insulting a journalist with objectionable words over a story mentioning his (UNO) comments on damages to several houses gifted by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to underprivileged people. Click here to read…

Momen objects to Pakistan High Commission using merged image of flags- The Daily Star

Foreign Ministry has objected to the way Pakistan High Commission in Dhaka used the national flags of Bangladesh and Pakistan on their Facebook page. Click here to read…

‘Centralisation of power ominous sign for democracy’- The Daily Star

Pointing to the present governance system, former finance secretary and adviser to the caretaker government Akbar Ali Khan yesterday said it is necessary to nurture democracy in the country. Click here to read…

Bhutan
GoI and RGoB agree to close Kholongchhu Joint Venture- BBS

The government says the Kholongchhu project is stopped for now with the Joint Venture company being initiated to close. According to the Economic Affairs Minister, this was decided during his meeting with Indian officials in New Delhi recently. LyonpoClick here to read…

Random tests for controlled drugs in schools- Kuensel

Schools in Thimphu are asking parents to sign consent letters to allow their children to attend random tests for controlled drugs. Click here to read…

Eastern and southern dzongkhags prepare to welcome tourists amid limited infrastructure- Kuensel

Amid limited infrastructures, eastern and southern dzongkhags are preparing to welcome tourists as the country is scheduled to reopen its borders to tourists on September 23. Click here to read…

More than 3,500 holders of tourism licenses must compete- Bhutan Times

In order to compete, more than 3,500 licensed operators will need to offer high-quality services, programs, and facilities while providing tourists autonomy over their itineraries. Click here to read…

Maldives
Floating City May Protect the Maldives From High Sea Levels – youTube

A floating city may mean hope for the Maldives. Rising sea levels caused by climate change are threatening the Maldives at an alarming rate. The sea level is rising three to four millimeters every year. At the current rate, the Maldives could be uninhabitable by 2050. The government has stepped in with an idea they hope will house residents and continue to attract tourists: a floating city. By staying on top of the water, the island can rise and fall with the sea level. Click here to read…

Operational tourist facilities across Maldives rise to 1,167 – Raajje

The latest weekly statistics publicized by the Ministry of Tourism revealed that a total of 1,167 tourist accommodation establishments are currently operational across Maldives, with a total of 57,487 tourist beds. Click here to read…

Myanmar
Myanmar executes NLD lawmaker, 3 other political detainees – ABC News

Myanmar has carried out its first executions in nearly 50 years with the hangings of a former National League for Democracy lawmaker, a democracy activist and two men accused of violence after the country’s military takeover last year. Click here to read…

Myanmar building projects worth $1.3bn frozen since army took power – Asia Neikkei

Seventeen months after the military seized power in Myanmar, many real estate development projects in the country, once viewed as having great growth potential by foreign investors, stand incomplete. Until the dark cloud over the economic future of the Southeast Asian nation clears, these projects are unlikely to be restarted. Click here to read…

Myanmar military prepares for election in bid for legitimacy – Asia Nekkei

A year from its promised August 2023 deadline, Myanmar’s military government is touting progress toward a general election whose fairness has been questioned and that many voters appear likely to boycott. Click here to read…

UN court rejects Myanmar claims, will hear Rohingya case – Miami Herald

Judges at the United Nations’ highest court on Friday dismissed preliminary objections by Myanmar to a case alleging the Southeast Asian nation is responsible for genocide against the Rohingya ethnic minority. Click here to read…

Burmese Army Force Ethnic Men to Enlist as Troop Casualties Rise – VOA News

Myanmar’s military regime is struggling to find new recruits after facing heavy casualties in the first year since the coup. Nationwide, young men are fleeing their homes, and country, rather than serve under a junta renowned for its “scorched earth” campaign against the civilian population. For VOA, Steve Sandford spoke to families affected by this push for “unofficial conscription” by the Burmese junta. Click here to read…

Nepal
HoR passes prison management bill- Himalayan Times

The House of Representatives (HoR) has passed the ‘prison management bill, 2076’. Click here to read…

NEPSE on bullish trend after issuance of monetary policy- Himalayan Times

Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index closed all green today, the opening day, of the week that marked the first transactions following the issuance of a new monetary policy. Click here to read…

Households feel the heat as kitchen gets expensive with rising food prices- Kathmandu Post

People are cutting down budget for meals, as plates have become more expensive in what is termed ‘lunchflation’. Click here to read…

Panel probing tax tweak charges seeks film footage from Singha Durbar gates- Kathamdnu Post

Committee yet to find anything substantial as police take time to look into the hard drive it gave on Wednesday. Click here to read…

Pakistan
Elahi suffers shock defeat as Hamza retains Punjab CM position after deputy speaker’s contentious ruling- Dawn

In a shock result, PML-Q’s PTI-backed candidate Parvez Elahi lost the Punjab chief minister’s election to PML-N’s Hamza Shehbaz on Friday, after Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Dost Mohammad Mazari ruled that PML-Q members’ votes were not counted in light of party head Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain’s letter. Click here to read…

Opinion: Pakistan default- Dawn

WILL Pakistan actually default if the IMF, Saudi Arabia and other donors do not disburse a few billion dollars? Some are sounding the alarm bell, but others — including the government — insist that our economic ship is not about to sink anytime soon. They tell us we will not become Sri Lanka.
https://www.dawn.com/news/1700981/pakistan-default” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…

PM Shehbaz reaffirms pledge to achieve SCO goals- Dawn

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that Pakistan was keen to work with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) member countries to promote cooperation in various fields and meet its goals. Click here to read…

37-member Punjab cabinet sworn in- Dawn

A 37-member cabinet of Punjab’s “trustee” Chief Minister Hamza Shehbaz took oath of their offices here on Sunday evening, provoking the ire of the opposition PTI and PML-Q which termed it a violation of the court orders. Click here to read…

Completion of work on Rawal Dam Interchange flyover by July end ordered- Dawn

Capital Development Authority (CDA) Chairman Amer Ali Ahmed on Sunday directed the engineering wing of the civic body to wrap up construction work on the Rawal Dam Interchange project by August 30, especially the flyover that he wanted to be up and running by the end of this month. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka
Open-Air theatre at Viharamahadevi Park available for peaceful protests: Prez- The Daily Mirror

President Ranil Wickremesinghe briefed the diplomatic community that facilitates within Colombo, such as the Open-Air theatre at Viharamahadevi Park, New Town Hall, Hyde Park and Campbell Park were all being made available for non-violent protests. Click here to read…

Sri Lanka faces risk of airlines pulling out as jet fuel issue worsens- The Daily Mirror

With no credible solution in sight to resolve the jet fuel shortage and the fund repatriation issues faced by the country’s aviation industry, several airlines are contemplating on suspending their operations to Sri Lanka threatening tourism industry’s recovery, which depends on air connectivity. Click here to read…

Rights group seeks arrest of former president Rajapaksa in Singapore- The Daily Mirror

A rights group documenting alleged abuses in Sri Lanka has filed a criminal complaint with Singapore’s attorney general, seeking the arrest of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa for his role in the South Asian nation’s decades-long civil war, the Reuters reported. Click here to read…

UK minister Tariq Ahmad says will continue to support Sri Lanka- The Daily Mirror

The United Kingdom (UK) will continue to support Sri Lanka through these challenges, UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Minister Lord Tariq Ahmad said yesterday. Click here to read…

Not far from Sri Lanka moment, warns Imran- The Daily Mirror

Former prime minister and PTI Chairman Imran Khan on Saturday warned that Pakistan is not far from a Sri Lanka moment when the public will fill the streets for the ‘Haqeeqi Azadi’. Click here to read…

EU condemns unwarranted use of force against peaceful demonstrators- The Daily Mirror

While condemning the unwarranted use of force against peaceful demonstrators, the European Union (EU) has stressed the importance of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association. Click here to read…

Tamil Nadu sends INR74 crore worth rice, medicines to Sri Lanka- The Daily Mirror

Essential goods, including rice, milk powder and medicines all valued at ₹74 crore, was dispatched to Sri Lanka from the VOC Port Madurei by Lok Sabha MP K. Kanimozhi on Saturday. Click here to read…

China: Daily Scan, May 11, 2022

Xi sums up experience from CYLC successes: Xinhuanet
May 10, 2022

The Party’s leadership, firm beliefs and convictions, devotion to national rejuvenation, and its deep roots in the country’s young people are key to the past and future successes of the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC), Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday. Click here to read…

Xi stresses self-reform of youth league to maintain advanced nature: Xinhuanet
May 10, 2022

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday urged the Communist Youth League of China (CYLC) to have the courage to carry out self-reform to maintain its status as an advanced organization that closely follows the Communist Party of China (CPC) and keeps pace with the times. Click here to read…

Biden says “discussing” whether to drop hiked tariffs on Chinese products: Xinhuanet
May 11, 2022

U.S. President Joe Biden on Tuesday said the administration is discussing whether to drop the additional tariffs on Chinese imports imposed during the Trump administration, while noting that no decision has been made. Click here to read…

China calls for equal, balanced global development partnership: Xinhuanet
May 10, 2022

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called for an equal and balanced global development partnership. Wang made the remarks when addressing the high-level virtual meeting of the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative (GDI). Click here to read…

China to encourage foreign investment in more industries: Xinhuanet
May 10, 2022

China will further expand the industry catalog of sectors encouraging foreign investment, authorities said. The new list will add 238 more items, while up to 114 existing ones will be modified with expansion, said a notice issued by China’s National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Commerce (MOC). Click here to read…

Beijing reports 59 new local COVID-19 infections: Xinhuanet
May 10, 2022

Beijing reported 59 new locally transmitted COVID-19 infections between 3 p.m. Monday and 3 p.m. Tuesday, said local authorities during a press conference held Tuesday. Click here to read…

Senior Jiangxi provincial legislator expelled from Party, public office: Xinhuanet
May 10, 2022

Gong Jianhua, a vice chairman of the Standing Committee of Jiangxi Provincial People’s Congress, was expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC). He was also removed from public office over severe violations of Party discipline and laws, the country’s top anti-graft body said on Tuesday. Click here to read…

Shanghai reports 228 confirmed, 1,259 asymptomatic local COVID-19 cases: Xinhuanet
May 11, 2022

China’s Shanghai reported 228 confirmed locally transmitted COVID-19 cases and 1,259 local asymptomatic cases on Tuesday, the municipal health commission said Wednesday. Click here to read…

Chinese mainland reports 302 new local COVID-19 cases, 228 in Shanghai: Xinhuanet

May 11, 2022

The Chinese mainland on Tuesday reported 302 confirmed local COVID-19 cases, of which 228 were in Shanghai, the National Health Commission said on Wednesday. Click here to read…

China slams U.S. for changing Taiwan wording on State Department website: Xinhuanet
May 11, 2022

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Tuesday slammed the United States for changing wording related to Taiwan on its State Department website, saying the move will hollow out the one-China principle and will backfire. Click here to read…

HKSAR gov’t strongly refutes G7, EU statements on chief executive election: Xinhuanet
May 11, 2022

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government on Tuesday strongly refuted statements on the HKSAR’s sixth-term chief executive election made by the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) countries and the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. Click here to read…

Manufacturers embrace the digital economy: China Daily
May 10, 2022

High-quality development has been given fresh impetus. A workshop manufacturing home appliances in Shenyang, Liaoning province, is offering clients a chance to customize refrigerators remotely using their mobile phones. They can choose colors, functions and design styles without having to enter a bricks-and-mortar store. Click here to read…

Guideline targets consumption growth: China Daily
May 11, 2022

Measures aim to boost consumer spending amid spate of outbreaks. A recently released guideline is expected to unleash China’s consumption potential as the nation grapples with the COVID-19 epidemic to foster healthier, more sustainable growth for the overall economy, officials and experts said. Click here to read…

Renmin University pulls itself out of overseas ranking systems: China Daily
May 11, 2022

Renmin University of China has decided not to participate in any overseas university rankings, the website of China National Radio has reported, citing multiple sources familiar with the matter. Click here to read…

Academics discuss tech impact on human rights: China Daily
May 11, 2022

The Chinese academic community will enhance dialogue and collaboration with international peers to promote the use of science and technology for the benefit of human rights and mankind, officials and experts said. Click here to read…

Shanghai receives food aid from Gansu: China Daily
May 11, 2022

A train loaded with more than 600 metric tons of food aid from Gansu province arrived in Shanghai on Tuesday. The supplies, which were packed in more than 60,000 boxes, comprise 12 featured vegetables and fruits growing in the province’s plateau area. The train also transported some 7,000 boxes of beef noodles from Lanzhou. Click here to read…

Makeshift hospitals within schools closed, disinfected as COVID-19 situation improves: China Daily
May 11, 2022

Makeshift hospitals set up within schools in Shanghai have gradually been closed following disinfection and safety evaluations as locally transmitted infection numbers continue to fall. Shanghai Xijiao School, a school in Changning district to host a makeshift hospital, underwent a two-day disinfection which ended on Tuesday. Another round of disinfection will be carried out following an environmental assessment according to the report of local news portal the Paper. Click here to read…

Superpowers promising not to seek hegemony primary responsible for space security, Chinese diplomat urges: Global Times
May 11, 2022

The primary responsible behavior in space should have superpowers to promise not to seek hegemony, nor dominate the outer space, a senior Chinese diplomat said, elaborating China’s views on how to protect space security and avoid arms race in space. Click here to read…

City near Shanghai to give cash rewards for residents participating in nucleic acid testing: Global Times
May 11, 2022

Local authorities in Jiangyin, a city in East China’s Jiangsu Province, announced they will give a cash reward of 100 yuan ($15) to residents who consistently take part in five rounds of nucleic acid tests, while those who fail to participate more than two tests will be quarantined at their own expense and punished in accordance with the law. Click here to read…

Shanghai’s latest outbreak caused by Omicron’s BA.2 and BA.2.2 mutations, no new variants detected: Global Times
May 11, 2022

The gene sequencing results show the viruses that caused rapid spread in the latest outbreak in Shanghai since March 1 are Omicron’s BA.2 and BA.2.2 mutations, and no new variants have been found. Click here to read…

Xinjiang invites Muslim residents, imams via video link to debunk disinformation ahead of UN human rights chief’s visit: Global Times
May 10, 2022

Happily dancing crowds to celebrate the festival of Eid al-Fitr, clean and solemn mosques with Muslims waiting for prayer time, students in the Xinjiang Islamic Institute reading doctrine out loud … these were the scenarios displayed during an online meeting held by the government of Northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Tuesday to show the situation of religious freedom in the region. Click here to read…

PLA shadows US cruiser through Taiwan Straits, vows to counter provocations: Global Times
May 11, 2022

The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Eastern Theater Command on Tuesday shadowed a US Navy cruiser when it made a provocative transit through the Taiwan Straits. Click here to read…

China to launch pilot projects for integration of domestic and foreign trade: Global Times
May 11, 2022

China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) together with 14 government departments issued a notice on Tuesday about launching pilot projects to advance the integration of domestic and foreign trade by removing institutional barriers. The country is rolling out a replicable model to promote a more self-reliant dual-circulation economic strategy for sustainable growth in the coming years. Click here to read…

China unveils draft new version of catalogue for foreign investment in ‘encouraged’ sectors: Global Times
May 10, 2022

China on Tuesday unveiled a draft version of the “encouraged industry” catalogue for foreign investment, continuing to incentivize foreign businesses toward making commitments in manufacturing and services in the less-developed regions of the country. Click here to read…

China speeds up green, low-carbon transformation of data centers: People’s Daily
May 11, 2022

The rapid proliferation of green data centers in China may be attributed to the rapid development of the country’s digital economy, which is driving a wave of green transformation among traditional data centers and resulting in the continual expansion of newly developed ones. Click here to read…

Second 2022 BRICS Think Tank Symposium Held: People’s Daily
May 11, 2022

On May 6, 2022, the second BRICS Think Tank Symposium was held in Chongqing both online and offline. The theme of this conference is “BRICS Cooperation and Global Development: New Era, New Mission, New Plan”, which was hosted by China Council for BRICS Think-tank Cooperation(CCBTC), the Chinese coordinator for BRICS think tank cooperation, and organized by Sichuan International Studies University, the vice-chairman organization of CCBTC. Think tank scholars and business representatives from BRICS countries carried out in-depth exchanges and discussions under the theme. Click here to read…

WHO chief says China’s zero-COVID policy not ‘sustainable’: Reuters
May 10, 2022

The head of the World Health Organization said on Tuesday China’s zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy is not sustainable given what is now known of the virus, in rare public comments by the U.N. agency on a government’s handling of the pandemic. Click here to read…

COVID-19 outbreak hobbles Chinese demand for cobalt, nickel, lithium: Reuters
May 11, 2022

China’s COVID-19 outbreak is suppressing the country’s consumption of cobalt, nickel and lithium by disrupting transportation and cutting battery manufacturing, state-backed research house Antaike said. Click here to read…

WHO chief’s remarks on China’s COVID policy blocked on country’s social media: Reuters
May 11, 2022

A United Nations Weibo post on the World Health Organization chief’s comments that China’s zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy is not sustainable was removed from the Chinese social media platform on Wednesday morning shortly after being published. Click here to read…

Spy boss hints unhappy China officials aiding Australia: Taipei Times
May 11, 2022

The head of Australia’s foreign intelligence service has used a rare public address to suggest that an increasing number of disillusioned Chinese officials are willing to cooperate with the agency. Click here to read…

Chinese media unveils details of US-inspired military logistics system: South China Morning Post
May 11, 2022

Chinese state media has released details of the country’s military logistics supply networks and how they are operating under the concept of joint operations in a system analysts said was inspired by the US military’s transport command. State-owned China Central Television’s WeChat social media account on Monday published a report about the operations of the five logistic support centres of the People’s Liberation Army five theatre commands in the Central, West, East, South and North. Click here to read…

How China-backed projects made Sri Lanka’s economic meltdown worse: South China Morning Post
May 11, 2022

An airport without planes, a revolving restaurant with no diners, a debt-laden seaport – Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has been exacerbated by Chinese-funded projects that stand as neglected monuments to government extravagance. The South Asian island nation borrowed heavily to plug years of budget shortfalls and trade deficits, but squandered huge sums on ill-considered infrastructure projects that have further drained public finances.
It is now in the grip of its worst financial crisis since independence from Britain in 1948, with months of blackouts and acute shortages of food and fuel plaguing its 22 million people. Click here to read…

China will boost ties with Russia in military tech, energy and space, top envoy says: South China Morning Post
May 09, 2022

China will continue to deepen cooperation with Russia on military technology, energy and space, according to its top envoy in Moscow, amid speculation that Beijing might help its neighbour evade sanctions over the war in Ukraine. In an interview with Russian state news agency Tass, Zhang Hanhui said energy had been the “most important, fruitful and extensive area of pragmatic cooperation between Russia and China”. He said such cooperation would be strengthened but – as Europe tries to reduce its dependence on Russian fuel – Zhang stopped short of promising to buy more oil and gas from Russia.
Zhang said there were difficulties in bilateral trade with Russia but the two sides would enhance settlements in their national currencies to ensure stable trade that they hoped would reach US$200 billion by 2024. Click here to read…

Chinese smart satellite tracks US aircraft carrier in real time, researchers say: South China Morning Post
May 11, 2022

When USS Harry S. Truman was heading to a strait transit drill off the coast of Long Island in New York on June 17 last year, a Chinese remote sensing satellite powered by the latest artificial intelligence technology automatically detected the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier and alerted Beijing with the precise coordinates, according to a new study by Chinese space scientists. The live-fire exercise that day involved a joint action of seven warships and many planes to simulate a fight against a powerful enemy while passing a narrow passage of water. The fleet tested numerous tactics such as changing formation and making emergency manoeuvres to deter enemy submarines and other threats, according to the US Navy. Click here to read…

Africa Now – Weekly Newsletter (Week 10, 2022)

Welcome to Africa Now, your weekly newsletter for Africa, presenting the most important developments in the continent – news that matters.

COMMENTARY

Explaining Israel’s Africa policy

In February 2022, the annual summit of the African Union (AU) took place in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, also headquarter of the African Union. The principal objective of the meeting was to evaluate AU’s achievements over the past year, particularly in the context of the recent surge of military coups and the ways to recover from the pandemic. Click here to read…

NEWS

Somalia enters transition as Amisom gives way to ATMIS

After one and a half-decade of operation, the African Union Mission in Somalia, Amisom, will, starting end of this month, transition to the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). Click here to read…

Burkina Faso appoints interim government after January coup

The new government of 25 ministers includes Defence Minister General Barthelemy Simpore, who has retained the position he held under Kabore, according to the decree. Click here to read…

Malian army says dozens of its soldiers killed in jihadist attack

A jihadist attack on a military camp in central Mali on Friday killed 27 soldiers and 47 “terrorists” were “neutralised”, the country’s army said. Click here to read…

Ethiopia Brings Nile River Dam Online as Sudan, Egypt Object

Ethiopia has begun generating electricity at its new 5,000-MW roller-compacted concrete gravity-type dam on the Nile River. The first 375 MW went to the national grid on Feb. 20. Click here to read…

Sudan welcomes military base agreement with Russia in the Red Sea

Deputy Chairman of Sudan Sovereignty Council, General Mohammed Hamdan Dagalu Hmidti, reported that he discussed cooperation with Russian officials on national security and political issues. Click here to read…

Libyan parliament swears in new PM as crisis deepens

A standoff between two rival governments in Libya risks resulting in the territorial division as the parliament in the east swore in a new administration while the incumbent in Tripoli refused to cede power. Click here to read…

Tanzania president, freed opposition leader vow to ‘build trust’

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan and opposition leader Freeman Mbowe pledged to heal rifts and buttress democracy as they met hours after Mbowe was freed from jail in a surprise move. Click here to read…

Anti-junta and anti-France protest rallies hundreds in Chad

Some 500 people demonstrated on Saturday in response to a call from the opposition against the ruling military junta in Chad. Click here to read…

Tensions flare in Eswatini

Eswatini’s King Mswati III has suppressed unrest for now. But opposition voices will continue to push for democracy, possibly leading to a transition of power. Click here to read…

Mozambique announces new prime minister after cabinet reshuffle

Mozambique President Filipe Nyusi has appointed a new prime minister and filled several other posts, including the finance minister, as part of a cabinet reshuffle. Click here to read…

China’s Huawei in troubled waters in South Africa over Employment Equity Policy

The Department of Employment and Labour of South Africa last month filed court papers against Huawei Technologies South Africa for not complying with the Employment Equity Policy of the country. Click here to read…

President Kenyatta endorses Raila Odinga in upcoming presidential election

During an address before his Jubilee party supporters on Wednesday, President Uhuru Kenyatta said Raila Odinga “meant well for the country”.Click here to read…

More than 200 gunmen killed in Nigeria security operation

At least 200 gunmen were killed in the past three days in Nigeria’s central-northern state of Niger during a security operation to clear armed gangs from the area. Click here to read…

Algeria is Prepared to Fulfil Europe’s Gas Demand

Algerian oil and gas giant, Sonatrach, announced that it is prepared to supply Europe with an increased supply of oil and gas should Russia’s exports not meet Europe’s demand. Additional gas will be exported through the TransMed pipeline, which connects Algeria and Italy. Click here to read…

Ghana’s 65th Independence anniversary – The journey so far

Former Gold Coast, now Ghana is today, March 6, celebrating its 65th anniversary after attaining independence in 1957 from the British. Click here to read…

Chinese Company Removed as Operator of Cobalt Mine in Congo

A court has given the Congolese control of one of the world’s largest sources of cobalt while allegations against the mine’s Chinese owners are investigated. Click here to read…

Cameroon blast: At least five people killed, including senior official and mayor

A senior state official and a mayor were among five people killed by a road mine in a restive anglophone region of Cameroon on Wednesday, local sources said. Click here to read…

In a first, a female judge chairs a hearing in Egypt’s top court

In a first, Radwa Helmi on Saturday sat as the first female judge on the bench of Egypt’s state council. It is a top court in the Arab country. Helmi was among the 98 women who were appointed last year to join the council, after a decision by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. Click here to read…

Shunned by Others, Russia Finds Friends in Africa

Africa’s largest arms dealer, Russia has ties to the continent that stretch back to the Cold War and helped Mr. Putin win rare support over the invasion of Ukraine. Click here to read…

Ivory Coast’s hope: Digital agriculture

Climate change, land degradation and deforestation have severely damaged Côte d’Ivoire’s natural surroundings. Many farmers are worried about their future. But Digitalization is bringing new hope. Click here to read…

Timber giant quietly converts Congo logging sites to carbon scheme

A major European logging firm may have illegally converted more than a dozen of its timber concessions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo into so-called conservation concessions, a new investigation can reveal. Click here to read…

History, politics and mercenaries: why so many African nations are quietly standing by Putin

President Putin’s authoritarian allies in Africa have given their quiet support to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine at the United Nations. Click here to read…

New Amazon Headquarters Sparks Feud Among Indigenous South Africans

The development, still under construction, sits on sacred land in Cape Town. But some Indigenous leaders have allied with the developers, prompting a debate over who speaks for First Nations people. Click here to read…

Hage Geingob: Is oil discovery off Namibia a blessing or a curse?

Namibia’s president discusses the recent discovery of an estimated one billion barrels of oil off his country’s coast. Click here to read…

WHO sees little impact on Covid-19 vaccine supplies to Africa from Ukraine war

The World Health Organization does not expect any immediate impact on vaccine supply to Africa from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Click here to read…

INDIA IN AFRICA

Second India-Africa defence dialogue on March 12 in Gujarat

The second India Africa defence dialogue is set to take place on March 12 on the sidelines of the DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Click here to read…

EAM Jaishankar extends greetings to Ghana on its national day

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday extended greetings to his Ghanaian counterpart Shirley Ayokor and his people on their national day. Click here to read…

Uganda to sign MoU with Naruvi Hospitals

The Ugandan government would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Vellore-based Naruvi Hospitals, said Grace Akello, Uganda Ambassador to India. Click here to read…

India, South Africa, Namibia oppose talks at WTO on e-commerce, investment, MSMEs

New rules cannot be introduced without fulfilling mandate of agreement by consensus, they argue. Click here to read…

Namibia wants ivory trade clause in deal for sending cheetahs to India

Namibia wants India’s support for lifting a United Nations ban on commercial trade of wildlife products, including ivory, for translocation of cheetahs to Kuno Palpur Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh, a condition New Delhi is unlikely to be able or want to meet, Indian and Namibian officials familiar with the matter said on Thursday. Click here to read…

The lip-sync siblings from Tanzania, and why PM Modi praised them

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has praised a brother-sister duo from Tanzanian, now social media stars, for lip-syncing to the Indian national anthem on Republic Day and paying tribute to Lata Mangeshkar. Who are Kili and Neema Paul? Click here to read…

Event Report

The African Continental Free Trade Area and Opportunities for India

On 23rd February 2022, the Vivekananda Foundation organised a lecture on “The African Continental Free Trade Area and Opportunities for India”. The Continental Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) is a critical African project to accelerate the continent’s long-term integration and economic goal.Click here to read…