Afghanistan
Assembly of Religious Scholars Calls to Reopen Girls’ Schools: Tolo News
Following domestic and international reactions to the closing of schools for girls above the sixth grade, the Assembly of Religious Scholars in Afghanistan issued a statement calling for the lifting of all restrictions on girls’ education and the reopening of girls’ schools. Click here to read…
Iran Asks for Security of its Diplomatic Agencies in Afghanistan: The Khaama Press
Following the protests of Afghan people in Kabul, Khost, and the burning of the door of Iran’s consulate in western Herat province, the Foreign Ministry of Iran has asked the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to ensure the security of their embassy in Kabul and consulates. Click here to read…
Bangladesh
Difficult to adjust ties with Russia: Foreign secretary- The Daily Star
Bangladesh continues to maintain very close relations with Russia and it is “very difficult” for the country to try to “adjust” the relationship, even if anyone would like it to amid the current situation in Ukraine. Click here to read…
Golam Mosih political secy of Raushan Ershad- The Daily Star
Former ambassador Golam Mosih has been appointed political secretary of Leader of the Opposition Raushan Ershad. Click here to read…
Dhaka, Tokyo to work together- The Daily Star
Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa has said that his country would continue to assist Bangladesh in the efforts to repatriate Rohingyas to Myanmar. Click here to read…
PM laments lack of strong opposition- The Daily Star
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday expressed her frustration for not having a strong opposition in the country as the two main opposition parties, created by military rulers, don’t have a base among the mass people. Click here to read…
Wait for wages lingers- The Daily Star
Most of labourers in Lalmonirhat and Kurigram have yet to receive wages even after the completion of the government’s 40-day job scheme project. As a result, the labourers have run into debt to run their families. Click here to read…
HC says ACC can’t keep sacked Sharif Uddin’s reinstatement application pending- The Daily Star
The High Court today said the application submitted by former official of Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), Md Sharif Uddin, seeking reinstatement of his job cannot be kept pending for indefinite period. Click here to read…
Bhutan
Bhutan may have lost billions due to overcharging by Oil Companies in India- The Bhutanese
Last week, this paper did a story showing the vast differences in prices between what Indian Oil Companies charge fuel pumps in India as compared to Bhutan including cheaper fuel being sold to Nepal. Click here to read…
BHEL and MHPA resolve issues amicably as two Governments step in- The Bhutanese
Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), an Indian Public Sector Undertaking (PSU), had taken Mangdechu Hydro electric Project (MHPA) to Delhi High Court after MHPA said it would deduct Nu 250 mn of BHEL’s Nu 700 mn bank guarantee after MHPA had to conduct extensive repairs to a BHEL supplied faulty third turbine unit. Click here to read…
Fourth booster dose for vulnerable to be provided in April- The Bhutanese
The Ministry of Health (MoH) will provide the fourth booster dose to vulnerable groups of population tentatively in the second half of April. Vulnerable groups are those at 60 and above and anyone with comorbid conditions. Click here to read…
High Bhutanese oil fuel prices linked to large and hidden profit margins by Indian Oil companies- The Bhutanese
The price of petrol in Thimphu is 95.21 and diesel is 100.5 while it is 92.79 for petrol in Phuentsholing and Nu 98.40 for diesel as of 31 March 2022. Click here to read…
Bhutan on path to graduate from LDC- Kuensel
Bhutan is on track to graduate from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group by June 2023, according to senior government officials. Click here to read…
Third internet gateway rests on negotiation table- Kuensel
Bhutan’s push for a separate international gateway since 2011 remains on the negotiation table. Click here to read…
Many Bhutanese duped through online businesses- Kuensel
While the Office of the Consumer Protection (OCP) cautioned Bhutanese consumers not to do business with unknown online businesses and deal only with registered businesses, many are becoming victims. Click here to read…
GDP to grow at 4.5 percent in 2022- Bhutan Times
According to the Asian Development Outlook (ADO), 2022 released on 6 April, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) states that Bhutan has to create a strong footing for economic recovery. Click here to read…
Maldives
Maldives GDP growth surges 31.6 percent in 2021: Edition MV
The survey conducted by Asian Development Bank (ADB) identified that the significant increment in tourist arrivals; as well as the overall growth in the tourism sector paved way for a GDP growth increment by 31.6 percent last year. Click here to read…
“New connections” — China bridges the gap in Maldives’ hottest growth spot: XINHUANET
It all started a few years ago with the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge. Built with support from China, the opening of the bridge meant that for the first time, people could walk from capital Male to the neighboring island of Hulhumale. Click here to read…
Myanmar
Smuggled Sketches Offer Glimpses into Harsh Myanmar Prison – VOA News
In one drawing, dozens of men sit crammed into a single room, hunched with their knees together, every inch of space occupied. In another, they lie back to back on the floor, their faces straining with discomfort. Click here to read…
India, China in competition for Myanmar’s affections – Sentinelassam
The geostrategic significance of Myanmar intersects Chinese and Indian interests, and the contest between the two Asian giants over this would continue to shape the balance of power in this region. Click here to read…
How the Military Junta of Myanmar Killed the Free Voices – india.com
On Jan 7, 2022, Pu Tuidim, the founder and editor of “Khonumthung Media Group” was covering some clashes between Tatmadaw (Myanmar Army) and local rebels when he along with 9 other civilians were abducted by the military. His body was found after two days in Matupi Township bordering India. Click here to read…
Myanmar army launches air strikes against rebels near Thai border – Channel News Asia
Myanmar’s military conducted air strikes on Sunday (Apr 10) targeting ethnic rebels in Karen state, as fresh fighting broke out for control of the town of Lay Kay Kaw near the Thai border, according to a spokesman at the rebel group and media reports.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/myanmar-army-launches-air-strikes-against-rebels-near-thai-border-2619531″ target=”_blank”>Click here to read…
Myanmar’s military reportedly suffers heaviest casualties since coup – RFA
Heavy fighting between junta troops and a joint force of ethnic fighters and prodemocracy paramilitaries in Myanmar’s Kayin state resulted in the largest number of casualties the military has suffered in clashes since it seized power last year, according to sources. Click here to read…
AA handed over three Burmese army prisoners on anniversary day – Narinjara
On the occasion of Arakan Army’s 13th anniversary, three prisoners of war were handed over by the organization to the Burmese army officials. They were handed over in front of village-elders at Sin Ingyi village under Ponnagyun township on 10 April at around 2:30 pm, said a villager while talking to Narinjara News. Click here to read…
Nepal
Nepal bans luxury items’ imports amid dwindling forex reserves: Report- Business Today
The biggest challenge at hand for the Nepalese government is the proper management of forex reserves, said Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) spokesperson Gunakar Bhatta. Click here to read…
(Blog) Global poverty- The Himalaya
The global poverty rate (at the US$1.90 poverty line) in 2018 is 8.6 percent, down from 9.1 in 2017, equivalent to a decline by 28 million poor people between the two years.
https://thehimalayantimes.com/blogs/global-poverty” target=”_blank”>Click here to read…
(Blog) Challenges of remittance- The Himalaya
Nepal is a nation afflicted by low income, poverty, rising unemployment and unsound dependence on agriculture. According to the Economic Survey of 2077/78, about 66 percent of the population rely on agriculture, but that population is invisibly quasi-unemployed or seasonal unemployed. Click here to read…
Men make financial decisions despite rising female literacy, experts say- Kathmandu Post
Women panellists highlight the challenges faced by women in being financially independent at a programme entitled Nirvik Nari. Click here to read…
Action against governor may put Nepal in IMF’s bad books- Kathmandu Post
One of the IMF’s conditions for approving $396 million credit facility is that central bank and its personnel’s autonomy should be strengthened further. Click here to read…
(Opinion)The tug of tradition- Nepali Times
Annual Biska Jatra of Bhaktapur begins even as locals struggle to pass down the ancient craft of making a chariot.Click here to read…
Pakistan
Pakistan’s policy continuity in doubt amid political turmoil, says Moody
’s: Dawn
While the Pakistan Stock Exchange and the rupee made a steep recovery, Moody’s Investors Service on Monday highlighted Pakistan’s “significant uncertainty over policy continuity” and falling foreign exchange reserves. Click here to read…
Shehbaz Sharif elected PM, unveils relief package: The News
Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, soon after his election as the 23rd Prime Minister of Pakistan, announced various relief measures, including fixation of minimum wages at Rs25,000, subsidised wheat flour and 10 per cent raise in pensions as well as salaries of the government employees getting less than one lakh monthly salaries, with an immediate effect. Click here to read…
New govt’s foreign policy to focus on peace: The Express Tribune
The new government would maintain relations with the United States on the basis of equality with a “clear principle of no do more” and take parliament into confidence on all important decisions on foreign affairs. Click here to read…
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s former PM has a message for President Gotabaya Rajapaksa: Quit or explain why you won’t: Indian Express
Speaking to The Indian Express, Wickremesinghe also said that to tide over the current food shortage, Sri Lanka must tap its friends in South Asia–India, Pakistan and Bangladesh — to “borrow” foodgrains that could be returned after two or three years. Click here to read…
Inside Sri Lanka’s worst economic crisis, people are dying in line for fuel: ABC News
As the sun rises over Colombo, vendors set up their stalls, hoping to sell enough goods — but they’re on the frontline of the worst economic crisis in Sri Lanka’s history. Click here to read…