Bhutan, India move ahead in development cooperation
Kuensel | 8th November
During His Majesty The King’s meeting with the leaders of India, Bhutan and India agreed to further expand bilateral cooperation on trade, technology, cross-border connectivity, mutual investments, education and
people-to-people connections. The government of India (GoI) agreed to undertake the Final Location Survey (FLS) of the proposed cross border rail link connecting Kokrajhar in Assam to Gelephu in Bhutan through GoI support. “The two sides noted the successful completion of the Preliminary Engineering-cum-Traffic (PET) survey of the rail link by Indian Railways.
Health emergency in several Punjab districts to combat smog
Dawn | 8th November
The Punjab caretaker government has imposed “environmental and health emergency” in Lahore and two other divisions for four days — Nov 9 to 12 — to mitigate the impact of smog.
Also, the Lahore High Court on Tuesday ruled that show-cause notices would be issued to the chief secretary and respective deputy commissioner in case of stubble burning. According to a notification, all markets, shopping malls, restaurants, cinemas, gymnasiums, schools, and offices (public and private) shall remain closed for four days (Nov 9 to 12) in Lahore, Gujranwala and Hafizabad divisions to combat smog.
Ministry accelerates signing MOU with Adani Group for wind power plant in Mannar: Charitha Herath
Daily Mirror | 8th November
According to reports, the Power and Energy Ministry is expediting the signing of documents for a Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with India’s Adani Group to establish a new wind power plant in the Mannar basin with a capacity of 250 MW, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) MP Prof. Charitha Herath said. Addressing the media, he said the Ministry is ready to complete the signing of all agreements before November 25. According to the 2009 Electricity Act, a bit of a process should be followed ..
PAKISTAN
Caretakers bet on LNG to tackle
winter gas crisis
The Express Tribune | 8th November
The caretaker government is betting on providing expensive
Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) to the people and industries during the winter
season to overcome the looming gas crisis. The move is likely to have an impact
as it would add to the already mounting circular debt.
The previous governments had been supplying expensive LNG to
the consumers during the cold spell, which also resulted in a similar
situation.
Govt approves extension in 145,716
Afghan refugees stay
The Nation | 9th November
The government of Pakistan has allowed 145,716 Afghan
refugees to stay in the country till the end of ongoing year, as the Federal
Cabinet has approved extension in their Proof of Registration (PoR) cards till
December 31, 2023. The Federal Cabinet through a circulation has granted
extension in Proof of Registration (PoR) cards of Afghan refugees for six
months (from July 1, 2023 to December 31, 2023), an official source told The
Nation yesterday.
Sharing the details, the source said that there are 1.304
million registered Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
Pakistan dispatches second aid
consignment to war-hit Gaza
The News | 7th November
Pakistan on Tuesday dispatched the second consignment
of relief goods for the war-hit Gaza, which has been under attack by the
Israeli forces since October 7.
The relief goods, consisting of hygiene kits, medicines
and food packages, were sent in a special flight and were seen off by
Caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Human Rights Minister Khalil
George.
Palestinian Ambassador in Islamabad Ahmad Jawad Rabei and
senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Disaster
Management Authority (NDMA) were also present during the sendoff ceremony at
Islamabad International Airport.
SRI LANKA
U.S. DFC commits over half billion
Dollars to develop Sri Lanka’s Colombo Port infrastructure
Colombo Page | 8th November
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC)
today announced it has committed more than half a billion dollars to support
the development of a deep-water shipping container terminal in the Port of
Colombo, Sri Lanka, that will provide critical infrastructure for the South
Asian region.
The new terminal reflects DFC’s commitment to financing
high-quality infrastructure that supports its partner’s development needs,
invests in local communities, and is respectful of local financial conditions,
the U.S. Embassy in Colombo said in a release.
‘EMPO 2023’ will promote disability
inclusive tourism in Sri Lanka – State Minister
The Island | 8th November
State Minister of Social Empowerment Anupa Pasqual attending
a press conference held at the Presidential Media Center today (08), said that
promoting accessible travel and creating an inclusive environment will be the
theme for this year’s International Day of Persons with disabilities.
The United Nations has declared December 3 as the
International Day of Persons with Disabilities and this year the Ministry of
Social Empowerment together with the National Secretariat for Persons with
Disabilities has organized ‘EMPO 2023’ to promote accessible travel in
Sri Lanka by hosting 100 persons with disabilities (local and foreign) on a
scenic train journey to Kandy, provide them with an opportunity to pay homage
at the revered Temple of the Tooth and enjoy a vibrant cultural programme at
the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.
AFGHANISTAN
EU provides €61 million aid package
to Afghanistan
The Khaama Press | 8th November
On Wednesday, the European Union made a significant
announcement on its social media platform X, revealing a generous humanitarian
aid package of 61 million euros intended to assist the people of Afghanistan.
This announcement underscores the European Union’s unwavering commitment to
supporting the Afghan population during challenging times.
It is planned that this funding will be used in various
sectors, including support for nutrition, shelter, protection, and other
essential needs for the people of Afghanistan.
Afghanistan economy stumbles under
Taliban rule
Afghanistan Times | 7th November
Afghanistan is going through its most painful period since
takeover by the Taliban and which caused an abrupt cessation of foreign aid and
the collapse of the banking system, seriously damaging the already fragile
economy.
International sanctions, limited access to financial
systems, and reduced foreign aid have further complicated the economic
landscape. The return of civilian aid has stabilized the economy to some
extent, but this aid is mainly humanitarian and not a long-term solution to the
country’s economic woes.
UAE Donates 20,000 Tents to Afghan
Refugees
TOLO News | 7th November
Mohammad Arsla Kharotai, Deputy Minister of Refugees and
Repatriation, said that the UAE donated 20,000 tents to Afghan refugees
returning from Pakistan.
Kharotai says that these donations are not enough and called
on international aid agencies to increase their assistance to refugees.
10,000 tents are for Torkham and another 10,000 for Spin
Boldak and are to be distributed to the returnees.
BANGLADESH
PM to inaugurate 24 dev projects in
Khulna on 13 Nov
Prothom Alo | 7th November
Prime minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to inaugurate 22
development projects and lay foundation stones of 2 development projects in
Khulna on 13 November.
According to Khulna district administration, the papers of
24 projects have already been sent to the prime minister’s office.
Khulna deputy commissioner Khondokar Yasir Arefin told BSS
today, “Prime minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate 22 development
projects and lay foundation stones of two others projects involving around TK
3.91 billion from a grand rally to be held at Khulna Circuit House ground on 13
November.
Economic loss stands at over $3.5b:
Joy
Bangladesh Post | 8th November
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ICT Affairs Adviser Sajeeb
Wazed Joy has said the country’s estimated loss to the economy stands at over
US$ 3.5 billion from the six days alone between October 28 and November 6 as
BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and their allies observed a total of six days of
blockades and strikes.
“The hardest hit are small traders, day labourers, and
SMEs. The supply chain is in shambles, hurting both importers and exporters at
an already critical economic period.
Dhaka Tribune | 8th November
Seven more deaths were reported from dengue in 24 hours till
Wednesday morning, raising the fatalities from the mosquito-borne disease in
Bangladesh to 1,432 this year.
During the period, 1,912 more patients were hospitalized
with the viral fever, according to the DGHS.
A total of 6,413 dengue patients, including 1,675 in the
capital, are now receiving treatment at hospitals across the country.
BHUTAN
Brand Bhutan: Where Quality Meets
Tradition in Every Product
Daily Bhutan | 6th November
It got renamed as the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and
Employment (MoICE) on December 30, 2022, as part of reforms by the Royal Civil
Service Commission.
This new ministry combines departments from three former
ministries: Ministry of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Labour and Human
Resources, and Ministry of Information and Communication. Its main job is to
create a green and self-reliant economy with a focus on Gross National
Happiness.
Total foreign reserves in July
stood at USD 513.90 million
Business Bhutan | 8th November
The Royal Monetary Authority (RMA) has recently released its
monthly statistics bulletin report, revealing that Bhutan’s foreign reserves
stand at USD 513.90 million as of July 2023. The figure of USD 514 signals a
decline from the previous year of the same month, with a staggering value of
33.46% compared to the same period last year.
According to the report, the foreign reserve has been
fluctuating between USD 664 million and USD 514 million during the first seven
months of 2023.
MALDIVES
181 delegates from Maldives participate in World Travel
Market
The Edition | 8th November
The World Travel Market (WTM), the world’s largest tourism
fair, kicked off in London yesterday with 181 participants from 93 Maldivian
companies.
MMPRC said the Maldivian delegation was led by its Managing
Director Thoyyib Mohamed.
The fair, which will continue till tomorrow, will have an
opportunity to meet, discuss and strengthen trade ties with stakeholders from
the tourism sector. The participants will coordinate with various foreign
travel agencies and hold B2B meetings.
UAE arranges MVR 1.2B funding needed to complete VIA
project
Sun | 8th November
The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has
arranged the MVR 1.2 billion in funding required to complete the project to
expand Velana International Airport (VIA), which was initiated by former
president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom’s administration.
President-Elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has pledged to prioritize
the completion of VIA’s expansion and make the new developments operational by
the commencement of next year’s peak tourism season.
Maldives urges UN to take resolute action against mass
atrocities in Gaza
Raajje | 3th November
The government of Maldives has urged the United Nations (UN)
to take resolute action against the mass atrocities being committed in Gaza.
Permanent Representative of the Maldives to the United
Nations Thilmeeza Hussain delivered a statement at the 10th Emergency Special
Session of the United Nations General Assembly being held to address the issue
of the Illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the Occupied
Palestinian Territory.
MYANMAR
Russia and Myanmar Junta Look to
Bypass International Payment Sanctions
The Irrawaddy | 8th November
Russia and Myanmar have been negotiating direct bilateral
payments to dodge international sanctions.
On Tuesday, junta-appointed Central Bank of Myanmar governor
Than Than Swe and Russian financial representatives discussed promoting the use
of the kyat and ruble in trade and bank transactions.
Russian has designated the large commercial bank,
Evrofinance Mosnarbank, to make transactions with Myanmar’s banks but no bank
in Myanmar has been chosen.
Myanmar resistance forces take over
town near Indian border
Myanmar Now | 8th November
Anti-regime armed groups have seized control of Khampat, a
town in western Sagaing Region located near the border with India, according to
Myanmar’s civilian National Unity Government (NUG).
In a statement released Tuesday evening, the NUG said the
town was captured after a four-day offensive by an alliance of anti-junta
forces that included the NUG-led People’s Defence Force (PDF) and the Kachin
Independence Army.
NEPAL
India hands over 2nd consignment of
earthquake relief materials
The Himalayan Times | 7th November
India has handed over the second consignment of emergency
relief materials for earthquake-affected families in Nepal, on Monday.
The quake relief materials was handed over by the Deputy
Chief of Mission, Prasanna Shrivastava on behalf of the Government of India to
the Chief District Officer of Banke Shravan Kumar Pokhrel in presence of
Nepalgunj Mayor Prashant Bista.
North Korea decides to shut down
its mission in Kathmandu
The Kathmandu Post | 9th November
North Korea has decided to close its embassy in Nepal citing
the financial crisis.
Kim Yong Su, the North Korean ambassador to Nepal,
communicated the decision to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal during a
meeting.
The prime minister expressed sadness over the East Asian
country’s decision, said Rupak Sapkota, foreign relations adviser to the prime
minister.
Communist Party Secretary of Tibet,
Wang Junzheng, in Nepal
Onlinekhabar | 8th November
Wang Junzheng, the Communist Party Secretary of Tibet, has
arrived in Kathmandu for a five-day visit.
National Assembly deputy speaker Urmila Aryal welcomed him
at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Junzheng is scheduled to hold high-level meetings from
Wednesday and meet Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and other high-ranking
politicians.
