India increases annual grant for Nepal
The Kathmandu Post | 23rdJuly
India has increased its annual grant for Nepal.
The Indian government, through its union budget for the fiscal year 2024-25, has allocated an Rs11.2 billion grant to Nepal.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the budget in Parliament on Tuesday, increasing the grant for Nepal by Rs2.4 billion.
India had allocated Rs8.8 billion to Nepal in 2023-24. In 2022-23, the southern neighbour pledged Rs12 billion in grants but was revised down to Rs6.8 billion. In 2021-22, India provided Rs7.13 billion in grants to Nepal.
The grant pledged to Nepal is the second highest among the South Asian countries, after Bhutan.
Sri Lanka gets more funds under Union Budget allocation for MEA
Daily Mirror | 23rd July
Sri Lanka, which has a number of India-funded projects, has received ₹245 crore, an improvement of ₹95 crore over last year’s funding of ₹150 crore.
This increase is part of the Indian Union Budget 2024-25, which allocates more funds to neighboring countries.
The additional funding aims to support various developmental projects and strengthen bilateral relations.
Nepal secured an allocation of ₹700 crore, which is a jump of ₹150 crore from previous year’s allocation of ₹550 crore while Seychelles, which had an allocation of ₹10 crore, has also received a boost in funding with the infusion of ₹30 crore.
Dar, Lammy forge strategy to boost Pak-UK ties
The Nation | 23rd July
Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and United Kindgom Foreign Secretary David Lammy discussed boosting Pak-UK relations, focusing on the contributions of British Pakistanis, and planning for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October. In a phone call, the Deputy Prime Minister congratulated David Lammy on his appointment as the Secretary of State of Foreign Affairs Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, expressing optimism about the new UK government’s commitment to continuing the positive momentum in Pakistan-UK relations. The two ministers praised the valuable contributions of British Pakistanis in strengthening the friendly relations between Pakistan and the United Kingdom.
PAKISTAN
US firm hired to boost investment
Dawn | 23rd July
The government has hired an American consultancy firm, Kearney, to help attract foreign investment in the country.
It was informed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during a meeting he chaired at the PM House to review how to increase investment and capacity of federal government ministries.
According to Kearney’s website, it is a leading global management consulting firm with over 5,700 people working in more than 40 countries.
During the meeting, it was informed that the Public-Private Partnership Authority had hired Kearney to hire experts on increasing investment and enhancing the capacity of federal ministries.
Pakistan’s special representative to Afghanistan calls for peace and stability
The Express Tribune | 24th July
Ambassador Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s Special Representative to Afghanistan, emphasised Pakistan’s desire for peace and stability in Afghanistan during a roundtable discussion on Pak-Afghan relations at the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS) on Tuesday.
Speaking at the roundtable titled “Pak-Afghan Relations: Challenges and Opportunities,” Durrani highlighted Pakistan’s wish for improved socioeconomic and political conditions in Afghanistan to facilitate the return of over 3 million Afghan refugees currently residing in Pakistan.
He urged the international community, especially the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), to develop strategies for the dignified return of Afghan refugees to their homeland.
Pakistan Navy takes charge of multinational maritime security task force
The News | 23rd July
Pakistan Navy has taken over the command of Combined Task Force 150 (CTF-150) for the 13th time at an impressive change of command ceremony held at Headquarters US Naval Forces Central Command Headquarters in Bahrain.
Commodore Asim Sohail Malik of the Pakistan Navy assumed the charge as the CTF 150 commander from Capt Mathews of the Royal Canadian Navy, the Pakistan Navy said on Tuesday.
The multinational coalition of navies, CTF 150 is one of the five task forces operating within the ambit of Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), with a mission to promote maritime security to counter illicit activities at sea.
SRI LANKA
Japanese boost for Lanka’s immunisation programme
The Island | 23rd July
Health Ministry receives Japanese-funded refrigerated trucks from UNICEF to boost immunization services here
The Ministry of Health has received nine refrigerated trucks procured by UNICEF with funding from the Government of Japan to further improve the delivery system of vaccines to all children, across Sri Lanka.
The trucks were handed over by Japanese Ambassador in Sri Lanka izukoshi Hideaki and acting UNICEF Representative in Sri Lanka Begoña Arellano during a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health and they were received by Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana.
US missile destroyer arrives in Colombo
Daily Mirror | 23rd July
USS Michael Murphy of the United States Navy arrived at the port of Colombo on a formal visit today (23).
The Sri Lanka Navy welcomed the visiting ship in compliance with naval traditions.
The 155m – long Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyer is manned by a crew of 323 and she is commanded by Commander Jonathan B. Greenwald.
Meanwhile, Commander Jonathan B. Greenwald called on Rear Admiral Chinthaka Kumarasinghe, Commander Western Naval Area at the Western Naval Command Headquarters today. The cordial interaction came to an end with an exchange of mementoes.
AFGHANISTAN
Islamic Development Bank treats over 17,000 children for severe malnutrition in Kandahar
The Khaama Press | 23rd July
The Islamic Development Bank reported that over the past year, it has treated more than 17,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition in Kandahar.
The bank added that this initiative was financially supported by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center through clinics operated with UNICEF’s backing.
According to the report, these children received therapeutic food packages through these clinics over the past 12 months.
International Exhibition in China Boosts Kabul-Beijing Trade Relations
TOLO News | 24th July
Several participants at the opening day of the 28th International Exhibition in China have stated that this exhibition plays a significant role in the development of commercial relations between Kabul and Beijing.
The 28th International Exhibition in China, with the participation of Afghan businessmen, opened yesterday (Tuesday).
Afghan businessmen displayed their products in 41 booths at the exhibition and expressed satisfaction with their participation in such events.
Mahboobullah Mohammadi, a participant from Afghanistan, said, “This exhibition itself will promote trade, expand relationships, and enhance our country’s economic activities in the Chinese market.”
US diplomat urges people of Afghanistan to decide on the Taliban system
The Khaama Press | 23rd July
The U.S. chargé d’affaires stated that during the Doha meeting, the Taliban told global representatives that the current situation in Afghanistan reflects what the people want.
Karen Decker mentioned that it is now up to the people of Afghanistan to clarify whether the Taliban’s system is what they want.
However, the people of Afghanistan have consistently demanded respect for women’s rights, including education, work, and freedom of movement, as well as an inclusive government and respect for the country’s diversity. Despite these demands, the current regime has responded with repressive policies amid significant criticism.
BANGLADESH
Prothom Alo | 24th July
The coordinators of the anti-discriminatory student movement on Tuesday gave the government another two-day ultimatum to fulfil their four-point “urgent demands”, and said the process to hold talks on their eight-point demand could only open after that.
There is no scope to talk about the eight-point demands until the government fulfils their four-point demands, they added.
Five coordinators and a co-coordinator of the platform that has been leading the student movement seeking a reform in the quota system in government jobs, held a press conference at the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) Tuesday where they pressed their demands.
PM Hasina urges party men, affluent people to stand by lower income, poor people
Dhaka Tribune | 24th July
Prime Minister and Awami League President Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday called upon the leaders and workers of her party and its associate bodies, affluent section of the society and well-wishers to extend hands of cooperation to the country’s lower income, poor and working class people.
In a statement, she said the life and livelihood of the common people of the entire country have been paralyzed due to the enforcement of the “complete shutdown” program and recent incidents centering on the quota movement.
Besides, BNP-Jamaat-Shibir in an organized way set on fire and vandalized metro-rail, expressway, BTV Bhaban, Setu Bhaban, disaster management building, different government and private buildings and houses, she added.
Govt rejects apprehension of decline in export, GDP, per capita income
Prothom Alo | 17th July
The government on Tuesday ruled out the apprehension of a decline in export income, GDP growth and per capita income due to export data reconciliation.
In response to recent media reports on export data, the Ministry of Finance in a press release today said that steps have already been taken for ensuring reconciliation between the export data of the National Board of Revenue (NBR) and the Bangladesh Bank.
In addition to this, all the concerned agencies have been pursuing this method in case of data collection. “As a result of this, it is expected that from now on, there will be no such difference on export data published by the Bangladesh Bank, NBR and the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB),” it added.
BHUTAN
Govt targets major growth for industries in 13th Plan
Kuensel | 24th July
The government has set an ambitious target to increase the manufacturing sector’s share of GDP from Nu 24.61 billion in 2023 to Nu 43.59 billion by 2029, with an average growth rate of 10 percent.
However, achieving this growth outlined in the 13th Plan will require the government to address key challenges confronting the industry sector, particularly access to market, access to finance, and skilled labour shortages, among others.
The industry sector, constituting production and manufacturing, services, and construction, contributed 45.84 percent to GDP with Nu 117.72 billion in 2023.
Medium and large industries contributed 42 percent to GDP, valued at Nu 107.85 billion while cottage and small industries accounted for 3.84 percent of the GDP, valued at Nu 9.88 billion.
Bhutan stresses for stronger collaboration among BIMSTEC members
Business Bhutan | 23rd July
The retreat focused to strengthen collaboration in environment, trade, culture, and tourism to ensure tangible benefits for the region’s people
During the Second Retreat of the Foreign Ministers of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) this month in New Delhi, Bhutan had stressed for the need of stronger collaboration among member states.
The Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, D.N Dungyel had stressed the need for stronger collaboration among member states in areas such as environment, trade, culture, and tourism to ensure tangible benefits for the region’s people.
Drukair commits to fleet renewal and expands network from 2030
Daily Bhutan | 23rd July
Drukair – Royal Bhutan Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Kingdom of Bhutan, a fully owned subsidiary of the state holding company Druk Holding and Investments Limited (DHI) commits to His Majesty Jigme Khesar Wangchuck vision of the Gelephu Mindfulness City, and has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 3 A320neo and 2 A321XLR aircraft to expand its international network in line with His Majesty’s vision of a vibrant economy spurring from the creating of the new city.
The new aircraft are anticipated to start delivery in 2030. The airline plans to fly these aircraft out of Paro International Airport and the new airport at Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC).
MALDIVES
Official talks held during Foreign Minister’s trip to China
The Edition | 23rd July
Official bilateral discussions between Maldives and China has been held yesterday during the visit to China by Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer, accompanied by two other cabinet ministers.
This visit is being conducted on the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Minister of Finance Dr Mohamed Shafeeq and Minister of Construction and Infrastructure Dr Abdulla Muththaliba are accompanying Zameer on the trip.
Minister Wang reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to continue strengthening relations between Maldives and China.
Minister Zameer extended greetings from President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and delivered two letters sent by the President to Chinese President Xi Jinping.
No increase in outlay for Maldives in India’s external aid portfolio for next year
Raajje | 23rd July
There has not been an increase in the outlay for the government of Maldives in neighboring India’s external aid portfolio for 2025.
The government of the neighboring country has fixed the outlay from their external aid portfolio for foreign countries at the same rate for Maldives, however, the amount was increased significantly for Nepal, Sri Lanka and Seychelles.
Indian media outlets have reported that the country’s need for aid was taken into account while increasing the amount of aid provided to foreign countries.
Govt seek US help for wider e-commerce access for Maldivian entrepreneurs
Sun | 23rd July
Maldives government held talks with the US Ambassador seeking help to facilitate wider access to e-commerce platforms for Maldivian entrepreneurs.
Minister of Economic Development and Trade Mohamed Saeed met with the US Ambassador following his recent Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) talks.
He confirmed this via X on Tuesday, noting that the discussions focused on facilitating wider access to e-commerce platforms for Maldivian entrepreneurs as envisioned by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s manifesto.
MYANMAR
Myanmar Junta Chief Takes on Acting President Duties
The Irrawaddy | 23rd July
Myanmar’s acting president has taken medical leave and transferred his duties to military chief Min Aung Hlaing, the junta said on Monday.
Myanmar has been in turmoil since the military seized power in 2021, deposing the government of democracy leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Acting President U Myint Swe “took sick leave and is getting treatment according to his current health situation”, the junta’s information team said in a statement.
“Acting president duties have been handed over… to the chairman of State Administration Council,” it said, using the junta’s name for itself.
Signal Down: Junta Blocks Last Secure Communication Channel in Myanmar
The Irrawaddy | 23rd July
Myanmar’s military regime has blocked the Signal encrypted messaging app, escalating its crackdown on the flow of information and ability of resistance groups to coordinate their efforts.
Signal was blocked by the regime on July 15 in a move that denied public access to the last remaining secure communication channel in Myanmar, said digital rights activists.
The encrypted app had been popular with independent journalists, anti-regime activists and resistance forces since the 2021 military takeover.
Signal can be used for instant messaging, voice calls, and video calls, as well as sending texts, voice notes, images, videos, and other files.
NEPAL
Monsoon-induced disaster: 131 people dead so far
The Himalayan Times | 22nd July
A total of 131 people have lost their lives in landslides, floods, and inundations across the country as of this afternoon. Among the victims, two were in Kathmandu Valley, 22 in Koshi Province, five in Madhes Province, 25 in Bagmati Province, 38 in Gandaki Province, 23 in Lumbini Province, seven in Karnali Province, and nine in Sudurpaschim Province, according to Nepal Police Headquarters News Room.Additionally, 144 people were injured in monsoon-related disasters and are receiving treatment at local hospitals. A total of 49 people were rescued in Koshi, 12 in Gandaki, and five in Sudurpaschim.
18 killed in Saurya air crash, PM Oli heading to TIA
Onlinekhabar | 24th July
18 people have died in a Saurya Airlines crash. The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has reported 18 deaths and one injury.
A statement released by the authority’s search and rescue coordination centre mentioned that the fire was brought under control and 18 bodies were recovered.
The 9N-AME CRJ 200 aircraft crashed within the airport premises while en route from Kathmandu to Pokhara this morning. There were 19 people on board, including crew members.
Captain Manish Shakya was on the flight. Shakya was rescued from the site and taken to KMC Hospital in Sinamangal.
Chinese aid delays lead Nepal to self-fund Araniko Highway upgrade
The Kathmandu Post | 24th July
After the Chinese government’s lengthy delay in releasing an economic and technical package promised nine years ago, the government of Nepal has now said “No, thanks” and is using its own resources to upgrade the Araniko Highway, according to a lawmaker and several officials.
When then-President Ram Baran Yadav was visiting China, Chinese President Xi Jinping had announced a 900 million RMB (over Rs16 billion) aid package during their meeting at Boao Forum in Hainan province on March 28, 2015. According to news reports, the assistance was supposed to help upgrade the 115 km Araniko Highway that connects Nepal with China, and to develop transport infrastructure.
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