Children in Afghanistan at risk of sexual violence: UN Report
The Khaama Press | 24thDecember
The latest report from the Secretary-General of the United Nations on the situation of children in Afghanistan reveals that alongside the deprivation of millions of girls from education, thousands of cases of violence against children have been recorded from January 2021 to December 2022, including kidnapping, murder, abuse, and sexual assault of children.
This report covers the period from January 1, 2021, to December 31, 2022, during which the Taliban was in power in Afghanistan. As a result of this political change and regime shift, millions of girls were deprived of education, thousands of children turned …
‘Incomes in Pakistan lag behind global standards’
The Express Tribune | 26thDecember
People in Pakistan are working for a lower proportion of their lives than other countries, while in jobs they are less productive and yield lower incomes, according to a study.
This was revealed in a ground breaking National Transfer Accounts (NTA) study carried out by the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The study reveals that the economy of Pakistan heavily relies on unpaid labour, especially by women, which is often overlooked. This problem invites a serious debate as the world over with increasing age people are working longer and are more productive.
India emerges as top tourist market to Maldives again
Sun | 27th December
India has emerged as the top tourist market to the Maldives, pushing Russia, which previously held first place, to second.
Statistics publicized by the Tourism Ministry show that Maldives recorded 205,278 arrivals from India so far this year – making up 11.2 percent of the total arrivals.
This has effectively pushed back Russia, the former top tourist market to the Maldives, to second place. While Maldives has recorded 203.539 tourist arrivals from Russia so far, it makes up for 11.1 percent of the total arrivals.
It also marks the second time India has emerged as the top tourist market to the Maldives this year. The first time was back in April with 17,577 arrivals to Russia’s 16,979 arrivals.
PAKISTAN
UNDP sees debt management bigger challenge for new govt
Dawn | 26th December
The new government in Pakistan must have a plan to tackle the debt challenge, with a reform agenda enhancing financial management, increasing revenue, enforcing fiscal discipline, diversifying funding sources and effectively managing debt, suggests the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The UN agency’s latest publication — Development Advocate Pakistan — further suggests that parliament should provide regular oversight of treasury operations, and by putting these measures into action, Pakistan can work towards achieving fiscal sustainability, diminishing its dependency on external borrowing, and ultimately fostering economic stability and growth.
More than 28,000 file nomination papers for Feb 8 polls
The News | 25th December
A total of 28,626 nomination papers have been filed with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) from candidates aspiring to contest in the upcoming general elections scheduled for February 8, 2024.
The ECP’s data with Geo News shows that a total of 7,713 people have submitted their nomination papers for national assembly seats (general), with the number standing at 18,546 for provincial assemblies (general).
The top electoral body, after the expiration of the deadline for the submission of nomination papers expiring on Sunday, is currently undertaking scrutiny of the nomination papers it has received — a process slated for completion by December 30 (Saturday).
Pak-Oman naval exercise concludes in Arabian Sea
The Nation | 25th December
Pakistan Navy-Royal Navy of Oman bilateral exercise Thamar Al Tayyib 2023 (TAT-23) has been conducted in the Gulf of Oman. This was the 11th edition of the series of Thamar Al Tayyib exercises being conducted between Pakistan Navy and Royal Navy of Oman since 2002. According to a press release received here on Sunday, PN Flotilla comprising Pakistan Navy Ship ASLAT with embarked helicopter, Fast Attack Craft PNS QUWWAT and PN Maritime Patrol Aircraft along with Special Operations Forces participated in the exercise. The bilateral exercise was conducted in two phases. Harbour phase included operational and tactical level table top discussions and exercise planning conferences.
SRI LANKA
New COVID variant spreading in Sri Lanka minimal: Health Ministry
Daily Mirror | 26th December
The Ministry of Health asserted that the risk of the JN-1 sub-variant spreading in Sri Lanka is currently deemed very low.
However, the Ministry said to assess this risk, the Medical Research Institute has been directed to conduct genetic tests in collaboration with the Southeast Asia Regional Office of the WHO.
As part of proactive measures, the Ministry has intensified COVID-19 testing efforts, especially in major hospitals.
‘IMF facility has potential to boost international confidence in Sri Lankan economy’
The Island | 26th December
Recently, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved the disbursement of the second tranche from a $2.9 billion bailout package aimed at strengthening the Sri Lankan economy. This assistance is significant for several reasons. Unlike the overall bailout package, this specific facility is designed to facilitate the implementation of comprehensive economic restructuring across various sectors in Sri Lanka. The conditions set by the IMF are crucial in helping the country navigate through challenging economic circumstances.
One compelling rationale behind this IMF facility is its potential to attract foreign investors and instill confidence in Sri Lanka’s economic landscape. With the country declaring bankruptcy in April 2022 and grappling with a staggering debt of over $83 billion, of which more than $52 billion is owed to foreign creditors, the IMF intervention becomes imperative.
AFGHANISTAN
Taliban call for dialogue to resolve Kabul-Tehran issues
Afghanistan Times | 25th December
In a meeting with Iranian Ambassador to Afghanistan Hassan Kazemi Qomi, Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, reiterated the need for dialogue and understanding to address the bilateral issues between Afghanistan and Iran.
During the Sunday meeting, the Iranian envoy underscored Tehran’s support for the current Afghan government, stating that Iran had staunchly defended Afghanistan’s position during a recent Doha meeting. Qomi also emphasized the importance of managing the shared border between the two nations through close coordination.
Moscow, Kabul Developing Relations: Russia FM
TOLO News | 24th December
The Islamic Emirate said that Russia plays a constructive role in the region especially in ensuring stability in Afghanistan.
In response to l remarks of the Head of the Second Asian Department of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate said that the Afghan government is making efforts to strengthen diplomatic and business relations with Russia.
“We want to strengthen our relations with Russia in two areas, our diplomatic relations have become strong and want to have strong relations in trade and economic areas,” said Zabiullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate.
BANGLADESH
US technical assessment team reaches Bangladesh
Prothom Alo | 24th December
A joint team of the National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Republican Institute (IRI) of the United States has reached Bangladesh to conduct a limited technical assessment focused on potential electoral violence conditions before, during, and after the parliamentary elections.
In a press release published on Sunday, the IRI said the five-member technical assessment team reached here last week. They received accreditation from the Election Commission (EC) and will stay in Bangladesh for six to eight weeks.
Remittance likely to hit $2b mark this month
Bangladesh Post | 26th December
The government’s prompt actions are contributing to a rise in remittance inflows within the country. Due to the government incentive, there is a noticeable upward trend in remittance flow which is likely to reach USD 2 billion.
According to Bangladesh Bank statistics, the inflow of remittances has been continuing since October. In October, expatriates sent USD 1.98 billion, which was USD 1.93 billion the previous month. This trend is likely to cross the USD 2 billion mark within this month.
Bangladesh ranks third globally in food import: FAO
Prothom Alo | 23rd December
In 2021 Bangladesh imported around 12.5 million tonnes of food products from the global market. This ranks Bangladesh at the third place among food importing countries.
This was revealed in the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)’s recently published World Food and Agriculture Annual Statistical Booklet 2023.
According to FAO, Bangladesh produced around 93.3 million tonnes of agricultural produce in 2021. In the same year, the country imported around 12.5 million tonnes of food products from the global market. The highest food import expenditure is still made on wheat, edible oil and milk powder.
BHUTAN
Political parties grapple with electoral law violations
Kuensel | 27th December
The Election Commission of Bhutan (ECB) and the Office of Media Arbitrator (OMA) have been actively working to raise awareness and prevent violations of electoral laws. Despite their efforts, there have been numerous complaints against both the Bhutan Tendrel Party (BTP) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Both the parties have also been discouraging the party members and supporters from violating electoral laws.
As far as BTP is concerned, a party official said that the party respects electoral laws and condemns the mudslinging game witnessed during the election period.
Bhutan ready to combat new COVID-19 variant
Business Bhutan | 23rd December
The JN.1 variant seems more transmissible than other strains, but it isn’t likely to cause more severe COVID
In response to the emergence of a sub-variant of the Omicron strain of the Corona virus, Bhutan’s Health Emergency Program within the Department of Public Health is taking proactive measures to ensure the country’s readiness. The new sub-lineage, JN.1, has been detected in neighboring India, prompting heightened surveillance efforts by the Ministry of Health (MoH).
MALDIVES
Mosquito control program launched nationwide
The Edition | 26th December
The government has announced its decision to launch a nationwide program to control mosquito populations following the recent discovery of Filariasis cases in the Maldives.
Health authorities have so far discovered 30 Bangladeshi and two Indian nationals who tested positive for Filariasis during the recent medical screening camps.
The Minister of Cities, Local Government, and Public Works Adam Shareef Umar confirmed of the government’s nationwide initiative to decontaminate mosquito breeding locations.
The nationwide campaign is slated to commence next week, which would run through collaborative efforts of all relevant government bodies, inclusive of island councils.
President introduces the ‘Gender Equality Seal’
Raajje | 26th December
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has decided to introduce the ‘Gender Equality Seal’ to encourage gender equality in institutions.
The President made this decision, following discussions on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Social and Family Development during Sunday’s Cabinet meeting.
The ‘Gender Equality Seal’ is a nationally developed system that encourages gender equality in institutions to eliminate economic gender gaps and ensure that the workplace is rife with equal opportunities for both genders.
MYANMAR
Myanmar’s Civilian Govt Dissolves National Business Federation For Funding War Crimes
The Irrawaddy | 25th December
The civilian National Unity Government (NUG) on Sunday announced the dissolution of Myanmar’s largest business group, the Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, saying the federation was funding the junta’s war crimes as well as genocide.
The more than 100-year-old federation is a national-level body representing the private sector in Myanmar. Established during colonial rule in 1919 as the Burmese Chamber of Commerce, its centenary was celebrated in 2019 under the now ousted National League for Democracy government.
No Deal Reached at China-Backed Talks Between Myanmar Junta, Ethnic Armies
The Irrawaddy | 26th December
The Myanmar military junta and the Brotherhood Alliance of three powerful ethnic armies failed to reach an agreement at a second round of China-brokered peace talks, according to sources close to the ethnic rebel groups.
The tripartite ethnic alliance of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) and Arakan Army (AA) held discussions with junta representatives in Kunming, China for three days from Dec. 22 to 24.
NEPAL
Government seeks to curb multi-year contracts for small projects
The Kathmandu Post | 26th December
The government has taken steps to discourage the practice of awarding multi-year contracts for smaller projects. While multi-year contracts are common in mega projects, the current rules, which permit such contracts for smaller projects too, have resulted in an accumulation of projects enjoying seamless funding. This has in turn has piled pressure on the state treasury, officials said.
Multi-year contract refers to the entire project period in case of national pride projects, and more than two fiscal years and up to three fiscal years for other projects.
Govt advances activities for iron ore exploration
The Himalayan Times | 26th December
The government has initiated activities related to iron ore exploration in the country to minimize iron imports from India. Iron extraction efforts have been undertaken following a study conducted by the Department of Mines and Geology, which identified iron ore deposits stretching from west Namjakot to east Dhaubadi under Hupsekot Rural Municipality-5 in Gandaki Province. The decision to pursue activities for the study of iron exploration led to the establishment of ‘Dhaubadi Iron Company Limited’ in a cabinet meeting held on August 21, 2019. The company was officially registered as ‘Dhaubadi Iron Company Ltd’ at the Office of the Company Registrar on September 26, 2019, and began operations in February 2020.
