India, first country to back Sri Lanka’s IMF relief programme – IHC Santosh Jha
The Island | 23rd January
In overcoming the worst crisis in Sri Lanka’ s history, the country’s neighbor, India, became the leading backer of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) relief programme, India’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Santosh Jha said.
“Our desire to work closely with the government and the people of Sri Lanka manifested most visibly during the Covid-19 pandemic and the economic crisis in Sri Lanka in 2022. Our response was driven by our neighbourhood-first policy, which is based on a strong sense of solidarity and an outcome based, non- reciprocal and generous approach, H.C. Jha said at a recent forum held at the Cinnamon Grand,…
India sends huge pesticide shipment to Taliban to tackle locust outbreak
Afghanistan Times | 22ndJanuary
In a commendable gesture of solidarity, the Indian government has dispatched 40,000 liters of Malathion, an eco-friendly pesticide, to assist Afghanistan in combating the locust menace. The pesticide, transported through Iran’s Chabahar port, aims to safeguard crops and ensure food security in the face of this agricultural challenge.
The Ministry of Agriculture, under Taliban control, expressed gratitude for India’s timely support, emphasizing the crucial role of the donated Malathion in addressing the locust threat. This move aligns with India’s commitment to aiding Afghanistan in agricultural resilience.
Commitment for CPEC success renewed
Dawn | 23rd January
Pakistan and China renewed their commitment for the success of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as the two sides expressed their desire for enhanced cooperation in the areas of information technology, economy, agriculture, and human resource development.
Both sides expressed this resolve during a series of meetings of visiting China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong with President Arif Alvi, caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar, caretaker Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani and Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Syed Asim Munir.
President Alvi, in his meeting with Mr Weidong, said Pakistan was fully committed to the high-quality…
PAKISTAN
Russia, UAE pledge $1bn investment in railway
The Express Tribune | 23rd January
Pakistan is set to receive an investment of up to $1 billion in its struggling railway sector, with both Russia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressing interest in modernising the infrastructure.
Sources revealed that ongoing negotiations between Pakistan and the two nations have been focused on fostering collaboration within the railway sector, a crucial move given the neglect by previous administrations that has left the sector in dire straits for decades.
Pakistan, Iran envoys to return by Jan 26: FO
The News | 22nd January
In a major breakthrough, Islamabad and Tehran have agreed that ambassadors of both countries would return to their respective posts by January 26, 2024.
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the Foreign Office said that at the invitation of Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani, his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian will undertake a visit to Pakistan on January, 29.
In a post on X, Pakistan’s Ambassador to Iran Mudassir Tipu said he was “so delighted that leaderships of both Pakistan and Iran so deftly handled a challenging moment astutely- swiftly putting relations back on track”.
Chinese Vice FM calls on Army Chief
The Nation | 23rd January
Vice Foreign Minister of China Sun Weidong called on Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir at the General Headquarters (GHQ), the media wing of Armed Forced said on Monday.
During the meeting, matters of mutual interest and measures to further enhance bilateral defence cooperation were discussed, according to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR).
The Chinese Vice Foreign Minister said that Pakistan and China were all weather strategic partners.
SRI LANKA
UN experts call on Sri Lanka to immediately suspend and review ‘Yukthiya’ anti-drug operation
Daily Mirror | 23rd January
UN experts expressed alarm at the heavy security-driven approach of Sri Lanka’s drug response, and they called on authorities to immediately suspend and review the so-called Operation ‘Yukthiya’ and to focus on policies based on health and human rights, a statement from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said.
“Drug users have human rights,” the experts said. “They deserve to live a life with dignity without facing further discrimination and stigmatisation.”
They deplored reported cases of arbitrary arrests of thousands of drug offenders from marginalised socio-economic groups, and the detention of hundreds in compulsory military-run rehabilitation centres. Torture and ill-treatment were also reported during the security operation known as ‘Yukthiya’.
Inflation quickens to four-month high as food prices soar once again
Daily Mirror | 23rd January
The pace of increase in the prices of goods and services consumed by the people, measured at a national level, saw reaccelerating in December, due to sharp increases in most of the food prices, which more than offset the softened non-food prices, largely on the back of the somewhat eased energy cost.
Inflation, measured by the National Consumer Price Index, rose by 1.4 percent in December 2023 from a month earlier, as the prices of everyday goods such as rice, vegetables, chicken and many varieties of staples rose sharply during the month.
AFGHANISTAN
Russia, China, Iran and Pakistan to meet on Afghanistan in late January: Kabulov
The Khaama Press | 23rd January
Russia, China, Iran, and Pakistan are gearing up for a crucial meeting on the situation in Afghanistan, with plans indicating that it may convene by the end of January.
This significant diplomatic effort has been confirmed by Russia’s presidential envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, underscoring the importance of regional cooperation in addressing the complex challenges facing Afghanistan, as reported by Tass on Monday.
“The meeting is being prepared. It will take place,” Kabulov mentioned that the exact dates and location will be shared later. But he added “that there’s hope” it might happen before January ends.
UNAMA Releases Quarterly Report on Afghan Human Rights Situation
TOLO News | 22nd January
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) in a quarterly report on the human rights situation in Afghanistan October-December 2023, said: “The de facto authorities continue to enforce and promulgate restrictions on women’s rights to work, education and freedom of movement. In particular, the de facto Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, and its respective departments at provincial level, take on this enforcement role with regards to hijab, mahram and other requirements imposed on women by visiting public places, offices and educational institutes, as well as establishing checkpoints, and monitoring compliance.”
BANGLADESH
Gas crisis: Concerns over production fall in Chattogram heavy industries
Prothom Alo | 22nd January
Entrepreneurs in Chattogram, where heavy industrial steel, cement, and glass factories are concentrated around the port, are facing challenges due to a shortage of gas supply. These factories were strategically located near the port for convenient transportation of raw materials.
However, the ongoing gas crisis has led to disruptions in production, and entrepreneurs are struggling to operate at 50 per cent of their capacity.
The gas crisis in Chattogram started in November, and since then, production has been consistently disrupted. Entrepreneurs have had to close many factories when the gas supply to the LNG terminal stopped due to a technical fault at around 10:00 pm on Thursday.
Govt urges EU, UK to invest in jute, leather sectors
Bangladesh Post | 22nd January
The State Minister for Commerce Ahsanul Islam Titu said Bangladesh is committed to export diversification, particularly in sectors such as jute, jute goods, leather, and leather products and the government has called on the EU and the UK to invest in these sectors.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given directives to take forward the jute and jute goods and leather and leather products sectors. The Prime Minister also declared handicrafts as the product of the year 2024. We have called on the EU and the UK to invest in these sectors,” he said.
He said this regarding the courtesy calls from European Union Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley and UK High Commissioner Sarah Cooke at his office in the capital on Monday.
Bangladesh achieves milestone as robot assists in heart ring placement
Dhaka Tribune | 23rd January
In a groundbreaking development for the medical sector in Bangladesh, the National Heart Institute introduced angioplasty (heart ring/stent placement) by robots, marking the inaugural use of technology in heart treatment.
Two heart rings (stents) were placed on two patients at the hospital on Sunday.
The surgery was performed by the hospital’s Associate Professor Pradip Kumar Karmakar and his specialized team.
The system was inaugurated by the Director of the National Heart Institute and Hospital Prof Dr Kamrul Hasan Milon, head of the Department of Cardiology.
BHUTAN
Economic rebound could spur credit surge
Kuensel | 23rd January
As the economy gradually rebounds and demand surges in the construction and service sectors, financial institutions (FIs) are expected to witness a robust growth in total loans disbursed, projected to increase by 21.2 percent or Nu 209.7 billion in the fiscal year 2023-24, as outlined in the Royal Monetary Authority’s (RMA) Annual Report 2023.
The RMA states that this growth will be driven by heightened demand for investment in the hotel and tourism, trade and commerce, and overseas education loans.
However, the credit to the construction sector is anticipated to remain moderate due to the ongoing loan moratorium.
Bhutan honored with the outstanding Destination Excellence Award
Business Bhutan | 22nd January
Bhutan wins award for ‘Outstanding Destination Excellence’ at the 18th National Geographic Traveler China awards ceremony
Bhutan was honored with the ‘Outstanding Destination Excellence Award’ at the 18th National Geographic Traveler (NGT) China Golden Awards Ceremony, marking the first award Bhutan has received in the China market.
The awards ceremony took place on December 28th, 2023, at the ZHENGDA Center in Beijing and acknowledged outstanding accomplishments in travel, hospitality, lifestyle, and destinations.
MALDIVES
Chinese vessel will not conduct any surveys in Maldives: Foreign Ministry
The Edition | 23rd January
Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that China’s research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 will not be conducting any surveys in the Maldives waters even though it docks in the country’s port.
The Ministry revealed that permission for docking had been granted after receiving a diplomatic request from the government of China for permission to make a port call for the purposes of replenishment and rotation of personnel.
The statement went on to say that Maldives has always welcomed both civilian and military vessels from friendly nations to make port calls when necessary, adding that this contributes to strengthening ties between Maldives and those nations.
Maldives and France discuss travel easement, reducing tariffs on fish products
Sun | 23rd January
Maldives and France have engaged in discussions regarding easements for Maldivians to travel to Europe and reducing the tariffs placed on Maldivian fish products.
The discussions took place in a meeting between Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and the French Ambassador to the Maldives Jean-François Pactet.
Pactet called on Zameer at the Foreign Ministry headquarters in Male’ on Tuesday.
At the meeting, Zameer and Pactet reflected upon the close and friendly relations between the Maldives and France, and discussed steps to further strengthening the existing cooperation in areas of mutual concern.
Maldives welcomes first direct flight from Hong Kong since 2020
Raajje | 20th January
Maldives has welcomed the first direct flight from Hong Kong to the Maldives since 2020, on 19 January 2024.
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC) held a special ceremony at Velana International Airport (VIA) to mark the joyous occasion, commemorating the arrival of Hong Kong Airlines flight HX791 from Hong Kong International Airport, carrying tourists from this market to the Maldives
The tourists were greeted with the traditional BoduBeru, and presented with a special gift pack, including flowers.
MYANMAR
India Plans to Fence Off Myanmar Frontier
The Irrawaddy | 22nd January
India plans to erect a fence along its vast and porous frontier with Myanmar and will scrap a free movement border zone agreement, Indian media reported Sunday.
The announcement by Home Minister Amit Shah comes after hundreds of troops from Myanmar who were fleeing insurgent attacks crossed into India.
The government had “decided to fence the entire open India-Myanmar border”, Shah said Saturday during a visit to the northeastern state of Assam.
The frontier stretches for more than 1,200 km, ranging from remote jungle to soaring snow-capped Himalayan peaks.
Myanmar Junta Seeks to Speed Up China-Backed Seaport in Rakhine as War Escalates
The Irrawaddy | 18th January
Junta officials met in Naypyitaw on Wednesday to focus on plans for building the infrastructure necessary for a massive China-backed seaport to be built in Rakhine State’s Kyaukphyu Township.
The meeting followed the signing of an addendum to the concession agreement for the deep seaport project about three weeks ago, as well as a China-brokered ceasefire between the regime and the Brotherhood Alliance.
The alliance comprises the Arakan Army, Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army and Ta’ang National Liberation Army.
NEPAL
Nepal calls for urgent climate action at World Economic Forum
Onlinekhabar | 21st January
Nirvana Chaudhary, Managing Director of Chaudhary Group, represented Nepal’s private sector at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland urging developed countries to address the escalating impacts of climate change in Nepal and similar least-developed countries.
Speaking in a session of Alpine Economies at +2C, Chaudhary emphasised the need for global collaboration to combat the daily challenges of climate change, particularly in Himalayan regions and also highlighted they play a leading role in climate change mitigation.
Germany to provide 56 million euros grant to Nepal
The Kathmandu Post | 23rd January
Nepal and Germany on Tuesday signed financial and technical cooperation agreements on 56 million euros in grant.
In a statement, the German Embassy in Kathmandu said the agreement was signed by the joint secretary at the Ministry of Finance Shreekrishna Nepal and the German Ambassador to Nepal Thomas Prinz on behalf of their respective governments.
The grant was the sum pledged in 2022, according to the embassy.
Prime Minister Dahal leaves for Uganda
The Himalayan Times | 18th January
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has left for Uganda, leading a Nepali delegation to attend the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). He left here early this morning via Qatar Airlines. The NAM summit is being held in Kampala, capital city of Uganda, on January 19-20. PM Dahal-led delegation comprises his daughter Ganga Dahal, Foreign Minister Narayan Prakash Saud, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal and senior officials of Nepal government.PM Dahal is scheduled to address the summit that is being held under the theme, ‘deepening global cooperation for shared global affluence’ on Friday.
