Afghanistan’s economy faces uncertainty, deflation; World Bank warns
Afghanistan Times | 29th October
The World Bank has warned that the ongoing economic turmoil in Afghanistan is getting worse. In its most recent Afghan Development Update, it says Afghanistan economy continues to contract, even after the Taliban’s takeover, leading to increased uncertainty and fragility. According to the report, one significant trend is the sharp decline in inflation, which has, since April 2023, transitioned into deflation. This shift is attributed to the economy adjusting to lower aggregate demand, improved supply conditions, and the strengthened Afghani currency. However, the report also warns that if deflation persists, the economy may face further deterioration.
Sri Lanka enhances trade integration across South, Southeast and East Asia
Colombo Page | 26th October
In a strategic move to revitalize Sri Lanka’s domestic economy, the government is placing a strong emphasis on two key components: expanding supply capacity and broadening market access, President’s Office said. This multifaceted growth strategy aims to propel the nation toward economic recovery. President’s Media Division said, as part of this endeavor, Sri Lanka is not only looking to strengthen its ties with its largest traditional export destinations, namely the USA and the EU/UK, but also actively deepening its integration with regions in South Asia, South East Asia and East Asia.
Gas prices to go through the roof
Dawn | 31st October
The caretaker cabinet on Monday approved a whopping increase of up to 3,900 per cent in the fixed monthly charges, and 194 per cent in the consumer rates for natural gas, which will open floodgates to a fresh bout of inflation. In effect, the average gas cost for protected consumer slabs (0.25hm3 to 0.9hm3)
would jump by up to 300pc, in view of the cumulative impact of higher fixed charges, while their annual bill is estimated to rise by up to 150 per cent. “The federal government… approved increase in the price of natural gas for different categories of the consumers as advised by the Ogra with effect from November 1, 2023,” said a summary issued by the petroleum division after the cabinet meeting.
PAKISTAN
Pakistan defends drive against
aliens as deadline set to expire
The
Express Tribune | 30th October
Pakistan
on Monday rejected criticism of its crackdown against foreigners residing in
the country illegally, saying the decision was not in violation of
international conventions.
As the
deadline for all such foreigners expires on Tuesday, the UN High Commission for
Human Rights and other international organisations raised concerns over
Pakistan’s move to deport nearly 1.7 million Afghans.
“We have
seen the press statement by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human
Rights,” said an official handout issued by the foreign office spokesperson.
At UN, Pakistan calls for
deployment of protection force in Gaza
The News
| 28th October
In a bid
to safeguard Palestinian civilians in the besieged Gaza and the West Bank,
Pakistan on Saturday called for giving serious consideration to the
Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) proposal of deployment of a
protection force in the areas.
The call
was made by Pakistan’s permanent representative to the United Nations Munir
Akram while speaking at the 10th Emergency Special UNGA Session in NewYork
today.
His
comments come as the Israeli occupation forces are escalating bombing and
expanding ground operations in besieged Gaza, killing over 7,700 Palestinians
so far, including 3,500 children.
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka’s Central Hills at risk:
One-fifth of land prone to landslides
Daily
Mirror | 28th October
One–fifth
of Sri Lanka’s total landmass, particularly the areas in the central hills- is
prone to landslides according to a study by the National Building Research
Organization (NBRO).
According
to the NBRO study, around 13,000 square kilometers of lands spread over in
Badulla, Nuwara-Eliya, Kandy, Matale, Ratnapura, Kegalle, Kalutara, Galle,
Matara and Habantota- are landslide –prone.
The study
has found that incidences and frequency of landslides are growing, and it is
common have such disasters including cutting failures along with every bout of
rain.
France to fund setting up of
regional maritime safety and security school in SL
The
Island | 30th October
Sri Lanka
and France recently discussed progress in the establishment of a regional
maritime safety and security school in Sri Lanka as part of their shared desire
to promote safety, security and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean.
This
issue was taken up at the inaugural bilateral consultations between Sri Lanka
and France at a senior official level recently in Colombo. The consultations
were part of the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of
diplomatic relations between Sri Lanka and France which took place on 27
October 1948, according to a joint communique issued following the meeting.
AFGHANISTAN
EU provides €15 million to support
returning migrants
The
Khaama Press | 30th October
The
European Union’s representation in Afghanistan has pledged 15 million euros to
assist returning migrants, underscoring their commitment to aiding individuals
undertaking the arduous journey back to their homeland.
This
representation, through the social media platform X, has stated that the
European Union’s assistance will be channelled through the International
Organization for Migration (IOM). This collaborative approach ensures that the
EU’s contributions are efficiently and effectively distributed to those in
need, underlining the commitment to addressing migration challenges in a
coordinated manner.
Islamic Emirate Optimistic About Diplomatic Presence in
17 Countries
TOLO News
| 28th October
The
Islamic Emirate said that currently 17 Chargé d’Affaires of the current Afghan
government are present in Afghan embassies in foreign countries.
The
Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, told TOLOnews that in addition
to the ambassadors of previous governments, the Islamic Emirate has also sent
new ambassadors to a number of nations, and these ambassadors are currently in
contact with the foreign ministry of the current Afghan government.
“We
kept active our embassies in many countries. These embassies are in sixteen or
seventeen countries and provide consular services.
BANGLADESH
US to take action to support democracy in Bangladesh if
necessary: Miller
Prothom
Alo | 31st October
The
United States will take action to support democracy in Bangladesh if necessary,
US state department spokesperson Matthew Millar said on Monday.
Matthew
Millar made the remark while replying to a question on Bangladesh in the
regular press briefing of the state department.
During
the briefing, a journalist said, “We have seen your statement over the
weekend about attacks on opposition grand rally and violence in
Bangladesh.
PM Hasina: Israel must stop killing
of Palestinian women and children
Dhaka
Tribune | 30th October
Prime
Minister Sheikh Hasina on Monday said human rights are being violated
constantly in Palestine.
She
strongly condemned Israel’s brutal attack on the Palestinian people.
“It (such
brutality of Israel) must be stopped. We do not want this murder and war,” she
said.
The prime
minister took part in a general discussion on a proposal condemning Israeli
attack on innocent Palestine people.
Diplomatic Missions concern over
BNP violence
Bangladesh
Post | 30th October
Diplomatic
missions in Dhaka on Monday expressed their deep concern over the violence
during political programmes called by BNP and Jamaat in the capital and
elsewhere in Bangladesh.
In a
joint statement, they also urged all the stakeholders to exercise ‘restraint,
eschew violence and work together’ for free, fair, participatory, and peaceful
elections.
BHUTAN
Bhutan losing billion litres of
glacial water annually
Kuensel |
31st October
Three
benchmark glaciers, Gangjula, Thana, and Shodug, are witnessing glacial water
loss in billion annually, a recent National Centre for Hydrology and
Meteorology (NCHM) study showed.
The
glaciers fall in the clean type glaciers.
Principal
Hydrology and Meteorology Officer at NCHM, Sonam Lhamo, presenting on “From the
Cryosphere to the Biosphere: Climate Risks and Vulnerability in Bhutan,” said
that glaciers in Bhutan lies in eastern part of Himalayas—more common and
sensitive to climate change.
Health Ministry strategizing human
resource
Business
Bhutan | 30th October
During
the 51st Meet the Press on 27th October 2023 Health Minister, Lyonpo Dechen Wangmo,
shared that attrition is not only a concern of the ministry but a national
concern. Nonetheless, the Minister said that the Ministry of Health (MoH) has
come up with several strategies to ensure that service delivery is not
affected. The Minister further informed that the current attrition in the
health ministry hovers between 7-8%, with a significantly higher attrition rate
of 12% at the Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital (JDWNRH),
Thimphu.
MALDIVES
Tourist arrivals to Maldives reach over 1.5 million
The
Edition | 30th October
The
tourist arrivals to the Maldives on a year-to-date basis has reached over 1.5
million as of October 28, 2023.
According
to the Ministry of Tourism, total tourist arrivals by the review date reached
1,505,366 which is a 13.6 percent annual increase from the same period in 2022.
In 2022,
tourist arrivals stood at 1,327,962 for the same corresponding period.
Govt.
submits MVR 49.5bn budget for 2024
Sun | 31st
October
Finance
Ministry has submitted a proposed state budget of MVR 49.5 billion for the next
year to the Parliament for approval.
Finance
Ministry states that it submitted the budget, along with details required under
the Public Finance Act, on Monday.
The
ministry said it will share additional information, along with the budget
statement, with the Parliament, as well as the press and the general public.
MYANMAR
Key China-Myanmar Trade Route in
Ethnic Alliance Hands
The
Irrawaddy | 30th October
Fighting
continues in Hseni Township, northern Shan State, with the Myanmar National
Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) trying to seize the key trade route to China.
Last
Friday the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and MNDAA launched Operation 1027, seizing
regime targets across northern Shan State and in neighboring Sagaing and
Mandalay regions. Along with the Arakan Army in Rakhine State, the groups form
the Brotherhood Alliance.
US, UK, Canada unveil new sanctions
on supporters of Myanmar military
Myanmar
Now | 1st November
The
United States, Canada and Britain took aim Tuesday at sources of support to
Myanmar’s military regime, building on earlier sanctions and targeting its
ability to buy weapons.
The fresh
restrictions come more than two years after a military coup that also launched
a violent campaign against democracy activists.
NEPAL
Meaningful partnership between US,
Nepal: US Secretary of State, Blinken
The
Himalayan Times | 31st October
US
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken condemned the killing of 10 Nepali
students in Israel by Hamas and extended condolences towards them.
Talking
to media persons before holding bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Narayan
Prakash Saud on Monday, US Secretary of State Blinken said the attack in Israel
by Hamas was a terrorist incident.
“I
have to start, though, on a very difficult note, which is to share again our
condolences for the 10 Nepali students who were murdered by Hamas in Israel. We
feel their loss deeply”, he stated.
In Parliament, UN chief stresses
victim-centric transitional justice
Kathmandu
Post | 1st November
Visiting
United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has reminded Nepali
authorities that transitional justice is a complex process that will be
considered successful only if it has victims at its heart.
Addressing
a joint meeting of the federal parliament on Tuesday, the chief of the global
multilateral organisation said the transitional justice process must be
“inclusive [and] comprehensive with victims at its heart”.
ADB agrees to provide Rs 13 billion
concessional loan to Nepal
Onlinekhabar
| 31st October
The
government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB)
on Tuesday signed a concessional loan agreement for the implementation of Rural
Connectivity Project-Additional Financing.
The
agreement involves a loan amounting to USD 100 million, which is equivalent to
around Rs 13 billion.
Finance
Secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar and ADB Country Director for Nepal, Arnaud
Cauchois, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective sides at the
Ministry of Finance.
