Afghanistan
Islamic Emirate, Iranian Officials Discuss Current Issues: Tolo News
The 26-member delegation of the Islamic Emirate held meetings with Iranian officials on political, economic, transit, security and trade issues, officials said on Sunday. Click here to read…
UN Official: Dialogue With Islamic Emirate ‘Important’: Tolo News
Filippo Grandi, the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees, told the Washington Post that it is important to maintain dialogue with the Islamic Emirate, saying that this will ensure that Afghanistan is “viable.” Click here to read…
Taliban stuck banners across Kabul to recommend hijab for women: The Khaama Press
After recommending drivers across Afghanistan not to seat women who are not observing hijab, the Ministry of Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice stuck banners on walls and trees across Kabul recommending women to wear hijab. Click here to read…
Bangladesh
Khaleda Zia shifted to cabin from CCU at Evercare Hospital- Daily Star
BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia who is currently undergoing treatment at Evercare Hospital in Dhaka was transferred to a cabin from the Coronary Care Unit (CCU) last night. Click here to read…
(Opinion) Gender Sensitivity: Judiciary not trained enough- Daily Star
Rights activists have long been demanding effective gender sensitivity training for judges and lawyers dealing with cases of sexual violence so the victims, especially rape survivors, are treated with gender responsiveness and sensitivity throughout the legal process. Click here to read…
Bangabandhu’s Homecoming Day today- Asian Age
The historic Homecoming Day of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the greatest Bangalee of all time, is being observed today across the country in a befitting manner. Click here to read…
Bhutan
Bhutan hit with massive Covid-19 cases- Kuensel
The country registered 82 new cases, its highest one-day Covid-19 cases ever in 24 hours, yesterday as authorities placed Phuentsholing town under a three-day lockdown starting yesterday morning. Click here to read…
Bhutanese going abroad is a concern- Kuensel
As a result of more Bhutanese citizens living abroad, the country has recorded a sharp increase in foreign remittance, which strengthens the foreign currency reserve and reduces the current account deficit. Click here to read…
Parched fields in water-abundant nation- Kuensel
Three years after the construction of an irrigation canal began, and many days of free labour contribution, more than 40 farming households in Tsamang, Mongar, with over 80 acres of farmland, are waiting for water to reach their fields. Click here to read…
Fighting corruption still an uphill task- Bhutan Times
Lack of evidence deter naming and shaming, favoritism, nepotism, and abuse of authority. Click here to read…
Maldives
Explained: Why political parties in Maldives are pushing back against ‘India Out’
protests – Indian Express
Anti-India protests have been going on in the Maldives for weeks now, and the acquittal of former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom has only intensified these. Yameen’s acquittal was expected to impact Maldives-India relations, particularly in context of his open support for these protests, that have been occurring under the ‘India Out’ movement. Click here to read…
Maldives, China ink key deals, agree on visa exemption – The Hindu
Maldives and China on Saturday signed key bilateral agreements during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit, on developing and maintaining infrastructure in the Indian Ocean archipelago, besides agreeing on a visa-free travel arrangement for Maldivians intending to travel to China. Click here to read…
Myanmar
Myanmar Junta’s ‘Secret Deal’ With Indian Rebels Could Seriously Damage Bilateral Security Ties With New Delhi – Eurasia Times
It is reliably learned that Tatmadaw or the Myanmar military has reached a “secret deal” with northeast India’s separatist rebel outfits operating from the country, a development which could be a serious setback for New Delhi’s efforts to strengthen defense and security cooperation with the current regime in Naypyidaw. Click here to read…
Four civilians killed as military continues bid to ‘annihilate’ resistance fighters in Loikaw – Myanmar Now
Four men were killed and more than 1,000 civilians were forced to flee their homes during clashes between resistance fighters and the military in the Kayah State capital of Loikaw on Friday. The fighting started at about 6am and followed a day of clashes on Thursday in which several junta soldiers were killed. Click here to read…
Karen National Union ‘killed 267’ junta soldiers in December clashes – Myanmar Now
The Karen National Union (KNU) has said its armed forces killed 267 junta soldiers last month, and injured another 184, as intense fighting raged across areas under the rebel group’s control. Click here to read…
Cambodia defends leader’s trip to Myanmar as ‘positive step’ – AP News
Cambodia’s foreign minister on Saturday defended Prime Minister Hun Sen’s trip to Myanmar, the first by a foreign leader since the military takeover last year plunged the country into turmoil, though there was little evidence the mission yielded any immediate breakthrough. Click here to read…
Myanmar Junta Aircraft Attack Near Thai Border – The Irrawaddy
Myanmar’s junta has launched air attacks against a Karenni Army (KA) camp following clashes near Hway Pu Laung on the Thai border. Click here to read…
ALP vows to cooperate with other Arakan armed groups, political parties – BNI Online
The Arakan Liberation Party (ALP) said in a January 6 statement that it will join forces with other Arakan armed organisations and political parties to fight for wins in various ways until a final victory is achieved. Click here to read…
Rise in COVID-19 cases continues with 841 entries logged on Sunday- Himalaya
Nepal recorded 841 new coronavirus infections in last 24 hours, pushing the nationwide tally to 832,589 while the death toll reached to 11,604 as two fatalities were recorded on Sunday. Click here to read…
Continuous snowfall disrupts lives in mountainous regions of Sudupaschim, Karnali provinces- Himalaya
Continuous snowfall has affected lives of the people in the hilly and mountainous regions of the Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces. Click here to read…
Nepal’s industrial capacity utilisation hampered by Covid-19, report says- TKP
The country’s industrial sector continues to face uncertainty due to raw material and manpower shortages during the pandemic. Click here to read…
Who looted Nepal’s gods?- Nepali Times
Focus on antiquities in museums in West detracts from role of Nepalis who stole and sold them. Click here to read…
(Opinion) Prithvi Narayan Shah, an Astute Strategist- Republica
An insightful strategist knows how to juggle between ends, means, and ways. The outcome of Nepal’s unification campaign demonstrates that King Prithvi Narayan Shah was a seasoned military leader and a veteran strategist. Click here to read…
Pakistan
Afghanistan’s future hinges on Pakistan ties, western aid: reports: Dawn
Funding by the United States and other nations and the Taliban regime’s relations with Pakistan will shape Afghanistan’s future, say two recent reports by a US federal institution. Click here to read…
Pakistan asks Afghan Taliban to take TTP ‘as test case’: The Express Tribune
“We are telling the Taliban leadership consider the TTP as a test case,” the official familiar with the development told The Express Tribune while requesting anonymity. Click here to read…
Pakistan’s economy can’t afford political instability: SAARC CCI chief: The Express Tribune
SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) President Iftikhar Ali Malik on Sunday said that Pakistan’s economy can neither endure political turmoil nor afford political instability at this crucial juncture of time. Click here to read…
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s President asks China to ..
restructure debt repayments: Times of India
Sri Lanka’s President Gotabaya Rajapaksa asked China to help restructure debt payments. Click here to read…
Sri Lanka Looking To China To Bolster Its Economy During Talks With Wang Yi: Outlook
China’s foreign minister Wang Yi was in Sri Lanka on a two-day visit at a time when the island nation is facing acute economic distress. The crisis, triggered by dwindling foreign exchange reserves has led to soaring prices, acute shortages and long queues in front of provision stores. The tough economic situation has battered the image of the all-powerful ruling Rajapaksa family. Click here to read…