Indian FM: People-to-people ‘Foundation’ of Afghanistan ties
The Khaama Press | 16th July
India’s Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar emphasized the foundational role of people-to-people connections in India’s relationship with Afghanistan during an interview with Kazinform News Agency in Astana, Kazakhstan.
He underscored India’s commitment to supporting Afghan people through humanitarian aid, including food, essential medicines, and pesticides.
Jaishankar highlighted the historical ties between India and Afghanistan, noting that these connections are the bedrock for bilateral relations.
He pointed out that India has been addressing concerns raised during the SCO summit over several years, ..
China visit a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s diplomatic endeavours: PM
Bangladesh Post | 14th July
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said her recent visit to China is a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s diplomatic endeavours.
“My visit will be marked as a significant part of Bangladesh’s diplomatic activities,” she said during a press conference at Ganabhaban today, reflecting on her trip.
Sheikh Hasina emphasized that enhanced communication and cooperation in research, education, ICT, technology, and culture would strengthen bilateral relations between Bangladesh and China, aiding in the realization of the Sonar Bangla and a modern, smart Bangladesh, as envisioned by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
IMF deal to improve funding prospects for Pakistan: Moody’s
Dawn | 16th July
Global rating agency Moody’s on Tuesday said that Pakistan’s staff-level agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF)“ improves funding prospects, but ability to sustain reforms key to easing liquidity risks“.
The Shehbaz Sharif-led government and the IMF reached a three-year, $7 billion aid package deal on Saturday, the Washington-based institution said, giving much-needed respite to the nation.
In a comment regarding the new deal with the IMF, Moody’s said, “the new IMF programme will improve Pakistan’s (Caa3 stable) funding prospects.
PAKISTAN
Govt aims to reactivate Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project
The News | 14th July
The federal government has commenced efforts to reactivate the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project which stopped generating power due to “defects in design”.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday directed to form a committee on an urgent basis for reactivating the hydropower project.
The premier was chairing a meeting to review the progress of the project at the PM House.
During the key huddle, he was briefed that power generation from the project was reduced on April 29, 2024, due to the pressure drop in the right and left headrace tunnels (HRT) of the hydropower project which was completed stopped on May 2, 2024.
A preliminary investigation report was presented in the meeting by former federal interior secretary Shahid Khan, who is the head of the committee investigating the recent faults in the project.
Climate Change Fund established to combat environmental degradation in Islamabad
The Nation | 14th July
In a landmark move, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has established a Climate Change Fund, the first of its kind in Islamabad, aimed at mitigating the impacts of climate change in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
This initiative, driven by Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi, marks a significant step towards addressing environmental concerns in the region.
Commending the efforts, Interior Minister Naqvi praised CDA Chairman Muhammad Ali Randhawa and his team for their proactive approach. “The CDA team deserves accolades for this initiative,” he stated.
SRI LANKA
Govt. to revive colonial-era waterways to manage Colombo traffic congestion
The Island | 16th July
Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee on Transport and Energy is planning to revive colonial time transportation method of using waterways as a remedy to reduce the rush-hour traffic congestion.
When the Committee met with its Chairman MP Nalaka Bandara Kottegoda presiding, he said that although there had been discussions on how to move people through waterways for a long time, no formal system had been prepared for this.
It was pointed out that the existing waterways could be used to reduce the traffic congestion.
The Committee pointed out that it was important to prepare a suitable system and instructed the officials to establish an institution to regulate the transport of goods via waterways. The Chair also instructed the officials to inform the committee of the progress.
Sri Lanka limits bilateral engagements ahead of Presidential Elections
Daily Mirror | 15th July
The government has limited its bilateral engagements including entertaining foreign leaders except Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi within the next couple of months because of the presidential elections, Daily Mirror learns.
The government has decided to focus fully on the elections.
The leaders from the countries such as the United Arab Emirates and the Maldives were supposed to visit Sri Lanka but such visits would be held back due to time constraints for President Ranil Wickremesinghe ahead of the elections.
However, the Indian Prime Minister will be visiting Sri Lanka before the elections but there is no official confirmation yet on dates.
Immediate reduction in power tariffs
The Island | 16th July
The Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) had approved a reduction of electricity tariffs by 22.5 percent overall, PUCSL Chairman Prof. Manjula Fernando said.
The tariff revision came into effect at midnight yesterday.
Tariffs have been reduced by 25 percent for consumers who consume less than 30 units of electricity in the domestic sector. The unit price they pay has been reduced from Rs 8 to Rs 6.
Meanwhile, tariff for those who consume between 61 and 90 units of electricity will be reduced by 55 percent, and the unit price for that category has been reduced from 20 to 9 rupees.
AFGHANISTAN
China Announces 100M Yuan to Aid Afghan Returnees
TOLO News | 15th July
Zhao Xing, the Chinese ambassador in Kabul, announced a donation of 100 million Chinese yuan (around $13.7 million) to address the challenges faced by Afghan returnees from neighboring countries.
Abdul Rahman Habib, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, said that Zhao Xing made this statement during a meeting with the acting Minister of Economy Din Mohammad Hanif.
According to Habib, in the meeting they discussed strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations, the construction of the Wakhan corridor, the economic and transit importance of the Wakhan corridor, the initiation of road construction for the Mes Aynak copper mine in Logar province, and China’s investment in Afghanistan’s infrastructure sectors.
UN: Nearly 60% of Afghan migrants from Pakistan repatriated ‘forcibly’
The Khaama Press | 15th July
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reports that over the past six months, 20,802 Afghan migrants have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan, including 15,563 who returned voluntarily and 5,239 who were compelled to do so.
According to a report released by the UNHCR on Sunday, July 14, from January 1 to July 13, 36,365 Afghan migrants entered Pakistan.
The UNHCR’s report states that more than 57% of the total returning migrants did so involuntarily, while over 42% returned voluntarily.
The UNHCR emphasizes that among the returnees are holders of Proof of Registration (POR) cards, Afghan Citizenship Cards (ACC), UNHCR asylum documents, and migrants lacking any documents.
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh and Belgium sign MoU on cancer care and research
Prothom Alo | 16th July
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in cancer care and research between the National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital (NICRH), Bangladesh, and Bordet Cancer Institute at Hôpital Universitaire de Bruxelles (HUB), Belgium, was signed on Monday in Brussels, says a press release.
Bangladesh ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the European Union, Mahbub Hassan Saleh, signed the MoU on behalf of NICRH.
Meanwhile, deputy chief executive officer, HUB Francis de Drée, chief medical officer, HUB Jean-Michel Hougardy and physician-in-chief of the Bordet Institute Chloé Spilleboudt signed the MoU on behalf of HUB.
PM Hasina: Muslim community should be united against Gaza genocide
Dhaka Tribune | 16th July
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday called on the Muslim community to be united against the genocide in Gaza carried out by Israel.
“This (Genocide in Gaza) is not expected. We all should be united against the genocide in Gaza,” she said.
The premier made the remarks when Egyptian Ambassador to Bangladesh Omar Mohie Eldin Ahmed Fahmy paid a courtesy call on her at her office in Dhaka.
PM’s Deputy Press Secretary KM Shakhawat Moon briefed the newsmen after the meeting.
According to Moon, the prime minister reiterated Bangladesh’s stance against the war.
BHUTAN
Digital economy to contribute USD 600 million to GDP by 2034
Kuensel | 17th July
The digital economy of the country is expected to create 5,000 jobs by 2029 and contribute USD 600 million to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2034, constituting 6 percent of GDP.
This ambitious target is outlined in the National Digital Strategy (NDS) launched on July 12.
The ‘Intelligent Bhutan’ vision of NDS focuses on three key pillars – digital economy, digital society, and digital governance.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay wrote on his Facebook page that NDS will serve as a comprehensive roadmap for digital transformation, geared towards boosting economic growth and enhancing efficiency in public service delivery.
A Historic Visit, says Mongolian Ambassador
Business Bhutan | 13th July
Prior to the visit of Their Majesties the King and Queen to Mongolia, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mongolia to the Kingdom of Bhutan, Ganbold Dambajav, spoke to MONTSAME, Mongolian National News Agency about relations and cooperation between the two countries and the unique lifestyle and customs of Bhutanese people, on July 6th, 2024.
We bring you what the Minister had to say about Bhutan and Mongolian relations. Mongolia and the Kingdom of Bhutan established diplomatic relations in 2012, twelve years ago. What were the favorable internal and external conditions required for establishing diplomatic relations at that time? What are the special characteristics of the diplomatic relations between our two countries?
New sports insurance to safeguard athletes and coaches
Kuensel | 17th July
The first-ever sports insurance scheme launched yesterday will provide coverage for athletes, coaches, and sports professionals affiliated with the Bhutan Olympics Committee (BOC). The scheme covers medical expenses and accidental injuries, among other benefits.
Bhutan Insurance Limited (BIL) launched this insurance scheme in collaboration with BOC.
The Chief Executive Officer of BIL, Damdi Dorji, said that the introduction of sports insurance is a timely and crucial step to promote physical wellbeing of athletes and sports professionals. “The scheme will provide insurance coverage to athletes participating in national and international sporting events, and safeguard them against unforeseen risks.”
MALDIVES
China and America to gift drones to Maldives Customs Service
The Edition | 16th July
Maldives Customs Service has said today that they have decided to acquire a number of drones to assist in monitoring vessels entering the Maldives’ border.
Commissioner General of Customs Yoosuf Maniu Mohamed said in today’s meeting of the Parliament’s Committee on Security Services (241 Committee) that to date, Customs has not had the resources to independently monitor vessels entering Maldives’ territory.
Maniu said that this issue would be resolved as the government of Japan is gifting an 85 feet vessel, China government is gifting two vessels, and America is also gifting a vessel.
He added that America and China governments will also be providing a drone.
Discussions held on boosting cooperation with Oman on visa facilitation
Raajje | 15th July
Discussions have been held on boosting cooperation with the government of Oman, on visa facilitation.
This was done during a meeting the newly appointed Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Maldives Ahmed Ali Said Al Rashdi held with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
Rashdi presented his Letters of Credence to the Maldivian leader on Monday, as the new Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman to Maldives.
Maldives broad money drops to MVR 58.9 bil
Sun | 16th July
Maldives broad money dropped to MVR 58.9 billion in May 2024, reports the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA).
According to Maldives central bank statisics, the month of May recorded the lowest in terms of broad money; which had generally remained at MVR 60 billion in the preceding months this year.
Broad money levels peaked in April, during which it had stood at MVR 60.86 billion.
MMA defines broad money (M2) as the total money supply available in the Maldives, including notes, coins and money in any form which could easily be converted into cash. Broad money is the sum of narrow money and quasi money circulating in the economy, the central adds.
MYANMAR
In Latest Bid to Cozy up to Myanmar’s Junta, India Trumpets Its Financial Expertise
The Irrawaddy | 16th July
As Myanmar’s financial crisis deepens, Indian Ambassador to Myanmar Abhay Thakur is talking to finance and central bank officials about enhancing cooperation with India and the delivery of more technical assistance, junta media reported.
It said the envoy visited the junta’s planning and finance minister, Win Shein, in Naypyitaw on Monday to discuss cooperation in the banking and finance sector, loans and technical assistance from India, and more training for officials in Myanmar.
The Indian ambassador also met Central Bank of Myanmar governor Than Than Swe the same day to discuss rupee/kyat direct payments to promote bilateral trade, and cross-border payments via cards and mobile apps.
Myanmar Junta Minister Visits Russia For Help to Complete Stalled Steel Plant Again
The Irrawaddy | 15th July
Junta industry minister Charlie Than visited Russia last week to discuss a Russia-backed steel plant in southern Shan State and importing raw materials to produce medicines domestically, state media reported.
He has been under constant pressure from junta boss Min Aung Hlaing to produce steel and pharmaceutical products in Myanmar to offset the cost of importing them.
Charlie Than visited the city of Yekaterinburg to attend the 14th Industrial Expo from July 7 to 12. He met his Russian counterpart, Anton Alikhanov, and discussed cooperation in cooking oil, textiles and cement production, the import of raw materials for pharmaceutical production, and completing construction of No 2 Steel Mill (Pinpet).
NEPAL
Education, health and social sector govt’s top priorities: PM Oli
The Himalayan Times | 16th July
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli asserted that his government would accord top priority to education, health and social sectors among others besides maintaining good-governance. Oli, also Chairperson of CPN (UML), said so at a programme organized by the CPN (UML)’s Kathmandu District Committee to congratulate the newly appointed Prime Minister Oli at his official residence at Baluwatar on Monday.PM Oli reiterated that the incumbent government was determined to prioritize good governance and development with support from all parties.
Chinese Ambassador meets Prime Minister Oli, discusses strengthening bilateral ties
Onlinekhabar | 16th July
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, met Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday, congratulating him on his recent assumption of office.
During the meeting, Ambassador Chen and Prime Minister Oli discussed ways to further strengthen the friendship and enhance cooperation between Nepal and China.
“We have agreed to expedite practical cooperation to further deepen our friendship,” Ambassador Chen wrote on social media after the meeting.
This meeting marks an important step in the diplomatic relations between Nepal and China, highlighting both countries’ commitment to bolstering their partnership.
Oli becomes prime minister for fourth time, swearing-in today
The Kathmandu Post | 14th July
On Sunday evening, after being appointed prime minister for the fourth time, a beaming KP Sharma Oli, all decked up for the occasion, greeted a crowd of cheering supporters outside his Balkot residence.
Following outgoing prime minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s failure to secure the trust of the House of Representatives during Friday’s floor test, President Ram Chandra Paudel had invited political parties to form a new government under Article 76 (2) of the constitution on the same evening, setting a Sunday evening deadline for submitting claims at the President’s Office.
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