UN: Number of people in need in Afghanistan has increased fivefold since 2019
The Khaama Press | 28th May
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has described the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan as “fragile,” noting that the number of people in need in the country has increased fivefold since 2019.
Adam Wosornu, the executive director and advocate of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, recently stated at a press conference that this year, 23 million people in Afghanistan require humanitarian assistance.
Ms. Wosornu added that this number represents a fivefold increase compared to 2019.
The executive director also noted that most of the people in need in Afghanistan are children and women.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb, US envoy discuss economy
Dawn | 28th May
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb on Monday underscored the long-term mutual relations between Pakistan and the United States.
The minister informed US Ambassador Donald Blome, who called on him, about the successful completion of the Stand-By Arrangement (SBA) and that the government was engaged with the International Monetary Fund to build upon the reforms under the SBA.
He highlighted the government’s priority reform areas, including increasing the tax-to-GDP ratio through end-to-end digitisation, bringing the under-taxed sectors into the tax net, and tax administrative reforms.
China, US, India, France compete for SL’s graphite deposits
Daily Mirror | 27th May
In another example of the global spotlight on Sri Lanka’s strategic assets and resources, China, India, the United States and France are in a competition to secure investments in the country’s graphite sector, the Daily Mirror learns.
This is in addition to Canadian and Australian companies involved in the industry at the moment.
According to experts, Sri Lanka has high-quality vein graphite in rich deposits.
Asked for a comment in this regard, Director General of the Geological and Mines Survey Bureau Prof. Ranjith Premasiri confirmed that companies from India and
China are among the foreign investors interested in this sector in Sri Lanka at the moment.
PAKISTAN
How the ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 can benefit Pakistan
The Express Tribune | 27th May
Saudi Vision 2030 is the real manifestation of ushering in a new era of diversified economy, marking a shift from orthodox reliance on petrodollar to converting KSA into a trade hub for Europe, Africa and Asia. Since the launch of vision 2030 in 2016, KSA, under dynamic leadership of MBS, is making strides in creating a new outlook of KSA which is based upon three main pillars: building a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.
KSA aims to achieve the first pillar by boosting religious tourism by increasing Umrah visitors from eight million to a staggering 30 million annually, showcasing Islamic history by building the world’s largest Islamic museum, building world-class cities by developing Saudi cities to have three ranked among the top 100 globally and promoting the growth of cultural and entertainment opportunities alongside encouraging healthy lifestyle among its citizens.
‘Momentous occasion’: Pakistan celebrates 26th anniversary of Youm-e-Takbeer today
The News | 28th May
The nation is fervently celebrating Youm-e-Takbeer on Tuesday (today), marking the historic day when Pakistan successfully conducted nuclear tests at the Ras Koh hills in the Chaghai District of Balochistan 26 years ago.
Pakistan responded to Indian nuclear tests by carrying out successful tests in 1998, becoming the seventh nuclear-armed country in the world and the first in the Islamic world.
The nuclear tests not only demonstrated Pakistan’s resolve to safeguard the country’s territorial integrity, independence and sovereignty but also the desire to preserve strategic balance in South Asia.
PM takes notice of loadshedding as shortfall tops 6,000MW
The Nation | 28th May
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken notice of the unannounced electricity loadshedding lasting up to several hours in both urban and rural parts of the country, as the power shortfall exceeded 6,000 megawatts on Tuesday amid an ongoing heatwave.
According to details, the premier will receive a briefing about the demand and supply [gap] of electricity during a crucial meeting scheduled to take place today.
At present, the national demand for electricity stands at 26,000 megawatts against the production of only 19,814 megawatts, indicating a shortfall of 6,186 megawatts.
Due to the power shortfall, rural areas are experiencing up to eight hours of powers cuts, while urban centres are facing power outages of up to six hours. In areas with high line losses, electricity load shedding may extend up to 14 hours.
SRI LANKA
SL in talks with Singapore on how to improve its immigration system
The Island | 29th May
Amidst an on-arrival visa scam, Sri Lanka has held discussions with Singapore regarding the upgrading of the country’s immigration and emigration system
The Foreign Ministry has said, “The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore Senarath Dissanayake met a team of officials from the Immigration Checkpoint Authority (ICA) of Singapore at the High Commission recently.”
The ICA delegation is scheduled to visit Sri Lanka from 26 to 31 May 2024 and the visit aims to explore opportunities for collaboration in enhancing Sri Lanka’s immigration system through integrating advanced technology and achieving standards similar to those of Singapore. This visit has been arranged following a request made by Minister of Public Security of Sri Lanka Tiran Alles, from Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law, Singapore K. Shanmugam.
SL asked to stop labour law reform process immediately
The Island | 29th May
Amnesty International, along with other organisations, have urgently called on the Sri Lankan government to halt the current proposals for a new Labour Law and to ensure that reforms to the labour laws are only taken after due consultation with workers and their representatives.
“We express our serious concerns over the proposed reforms which, as they stand, would weaken the rights and protection of workers by removing international minimum standards and rights,” a rights group said.
In an open letter to the Government and Parliament of Sri Lanka on the imminent labour law reforms, the coalition has raised significant concerns that the proposed reforms, if implemented without proper consultation, would weaken workers’ rights and protections by eliminating international minimum standards and rights.
AFGHANISTAN
Russia Invites Afghanistan to Major Economic Forum
Afghanistan Times | 28th May
Russia has invited Afghanistan’s Taliban to its largest annual economic forum, signaling a potential shift in its stance towards the Islamist movement, a senior Russian diplomat revealed on Monday. Since the Taliban’s takeover in August 2021, following the US-led withdrawal after two decades of conflict, Russia has been gradually fostering relations with the group, despite it being officially banned in the country.
Zamir Kabulov, director of the Second Asia Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry, informed state news agency TASS that the foreign and justice ministries have reported to President Vladimir Putin on the matter of lifting the ban on the Taliban.
Islamic Emirate Seeks Global Recognition
TOLO News | 29th May
After the remarks by Iran’s Deputy Ambassador regarding the Islamic Emirate’s request for Tehran to take the lead in recognizing the caretaker government, Zabihullah Mujahid told TOLOnews that Kabul seeks recognition from all countries around the world.
The spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate added that recognition is the right of the Islamic Emirate and Kabul desires close diplomatic relations with the international community.
Mujahid stated: “We ask all countries to recognize that it is Afghanistan’s right. Upon recognition, we can achieve further progress. Any country that takes the initiative in this regard is commendable. Currently, there are also official interactions between Iran and Afghanistan, with embassies active in both countries.”
BANGLADESH
US remains major economic, development partner for Bangladesh for decades: PM Hasina
Prothom Alo | 27th May
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Monday sought support of the United States (US) businessmen in Bangladesh’s journey to become a developed and “smart” country by 2041.
“I call on you to remain with us as partners in our journey to a developed, prosperous, and smart Bangladesh by 2041,” she said while addressing a US-Bangladesh Business Council delegation at her official residence, Ganabhaban, in the capital this morning.
“We aspire to become a “Smart Nation” by 2041. Here, we need your support in increasing our global competitiveness and expanding our export base,” she said.
The prime minister said Bangladesh will be graduating from a “least developed” to a “developing” country in 2026.
‘Ireland renews pledge support for Bangladesh’s prosperity’
Bangladesh Post | 28th May
Ireland’s Ambassador to Bangladesh and India Kevin Kelly has said they have a “renewed commitment” to Bangladesh, noting that they have a new Asia Pacific strategy that was launched last year.
“The significance and sustained economic growth which we have seen in Bangladesh must be applauded. We are very interested in understanding more about your economic model. Bangladesh in many ways, we see, is standing as an example of what can be achieved by hard work and strategic planning,” he said.
The ambassador, who submitted his credentials to President Mohammed Shahabuddin on Tuesday, was delivering his keynote speech at a roundtable discussion in Dhaka as part of Cosmos Dialogue.
Indian High Commission wants to support JnU in education and research
Dhaka Tribune | 28th May
Officials from the Indian High Commission have assured their support for Jagannath University in the fields of education and research.
The Indian High Commission officials met with Jagannath University Vice-Chancellor Prof Sadeka Halim in the Vice-Chancellor’s meeting room at Jagannath University on Tuesday. During the meeting, they expressed their desire to provide support.
Second Secretary (Education) Rajendra Singh and Attaché (Education) Jayant Bakshi represented the Indian High Commission.
They also proposed establishing a “Swami Vivekananda Chair” at Jagannath University.
BHUTAN
Govt. commits to making all schools period-friendly in five years
Kuensel | 29th May
The government yesterday committed to making all schools in Bhutan period-friendly within five years to strengthen and improve menstrual health and hygiene management.
The Minister for Education and Skills Development (MoSD), Yeezang De Thapa, made this announcement at Norbugang Central School in Samtse during the observance of Menstrual Hygiene Day.
This commitment looks achievable because 63 percent of schools in Bhutan have disposal mechanisms for menstrual hygiene waste, compared to the global average of 31 percent. Besides, 41 percent of schools have covered disposal bins for menstrual hygiene waste, and 46 percent have changing rooms for menstrual hygiene management.
3000 patients on waiting list for orthodontic treatment
Business Bhutan | 27th May
The road to modern healthcare in Bhutan began in 1961 with two hospitals, two doctors, and two nurses coinciding with the first five year plan. Since then, Bhutan has witnessed significant progress in the health and wellbeing of the citizens. As the country progressed, both in terms of economy and social markers, there has been a shift in the disease trend and medications too.
However, a major challenge faced by the Ministry of Health (MoH) is the shortage of human resources, especially medical doctors. The case is similar in the field of orthodontics, with over 3,000 patients waiting for treatment.
MALDIVES
President meets foreign dignitaries, urges Commonwealth to enhance aid for SIDS
The Edition | 29th May
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has urged the Commonwealth to strengthen and further expand various forms of aid being offered to Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The President had met the Secretary General of the Commonwealth, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC on the sidelines of the fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) currently ongoing in Antigua and Barbuda.
The President’s Office stated that deliberations on results that are achievable by SIDS were held during the meeting while further discussing measures to increase self-sufficiency and individual resources of governments.
Visit Maldives supports Weixin Pay acceptance to welcome more Chinese tourists
Sun | 29th May
Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC/Visit Maldives) and Weixin Pay signed a three-year memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the ITB China 2024.
The MoU was signed between Zihuny Rasheed, Deputy Managing Director of MMPRC and Etienne Ng, Weixin Pay’s Country Manager, Singapore and Regional Director, Southeast Asia, WeChat Pay.
Through the agreement, MMPRC pledges to support more Maldives merchants to accept payments made via Weixin Pay, which is aimed at providing a convenient payment experience for Chinese tourists.
“China is a key source of tourists for the Maldives, and we greatly value the experience of Chinese visitors,” Zihuny said.
Pres. discusses issues facing SIDS, with PM of Antigua and Barbuda
Raajje | 29th May
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has engaged in discussions on issues facing Small Island Developing States (SIDS), with the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the fourth International Conference on SIDS.
President Muizzu applauded the government of Antigua and Barbuda for the excellent arrangements made for the conference.
The Maldivian leader went on to express his appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to the delegation of Maldives.
MYANMAR
Arakan Army Liberating All People in Rakhine: Spokesman
The Irrawaddy | 28th May
The Arakan Army (AA) has gained control of over half of Rakhine State’s towns. It has been called to protect all civilians amid accusations that its troops burned Rohingya houses in Buthidaung and persecuted the community as it captured the town.
Buthidaung fell on May 18, marking the latest victory against Myanmar’s regime.
The armed organization has rejected allegations of abuses and claimed the houses were burned by a junta airstrike on May 17.
Meanwhile, the junta has fueled sectarian tensions with Muslim communities, especially in Buthidaung and Maungdaw which have majority Rohingya populations, after losing territory to the AA.
Washington Calls on Myanmar Junta to End Violence, Release Political Prisoners
The Irrawaddy | 28th May
The United States called on Myanmar’s junta to immediately end violence and release those who have been unjustly detained on Friday at the annual US-ASEAN dialogue in Washington.
The US and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations held the 36th annual ASEAN-US Dialogue to discuss expanding cooperation. Officials from ASEAN member states joined their American counterparts at the forum. Chargé d’affaires Thet Win, from the Myanmar embassy in Washington, attended the meeting.
During the forum, US Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Kritenbrink called on Myanmar’s junta to immediately end all violence, release those unjustly detained and allow unhindered humanitarian access to all those in need, according to the US State Department.
NEPAL
President Paudel for substantial participation of women in politics
The Himalayan Times | 29th May
President Ramchandra Paudel has extended best wishes on the occasion of 6th National Women’s Rights Day. In a message today, President Paudel has stressed for equal, meaningful and respectful participation of women in political, social and judicial sector. “It is necessary for everyone to make a collective effort for the meaningful participation of women in every field.” “I wish everyone to be inspired to build a civilized society with gender equality by ensuring the safety, respect and rights of Nepali women through positive changes in social thought, conduct, customs and trends,” reads the message.
The 6th National Women’s Rights Day is going to be celebrated with the slogan ‘Our Campaign: Respect for Self dependent Daughters’. On this occasion, President Paudel also thanked all the elders who contributed to ensure women’s rights in the country.
Scorching heat in western Tarai makes life difficult
Kathmandu Post | 30th May
With a sudden spike in patient numbers, Seti Provincial Hospital in Kailali district has increased the number of beds in its emergency department to 38 from 21. The hospital administration said that most of the wards and units in the hospital are packed with patients, mostly those of heat-related ailments.
“Every day, over 60 diarrhoeal patients seek outpatient care in our hospital,” Kishor Prasad Shrestha, an information officer at the hospital, told the Post over the phone from Dhangadhi. “Around half a dozen patients with serious health conditions need hospitalisation.”
Stock market drops after budget announcement; turnover increases
Onlinekhabar | 29th May
The stock market fell the day after Finance Minister Barshman Pun announced the budget for the next financial year 2024/25. The NEPSE index decreased by 23.81 points (1.12 per cent) today compared to the previous day.
Though the NEPSE index decreased, the turnover increased. The turnover of Rs 3.89 billion the previous day rose to Rs 4.57 billion today.
A total of 56 companies saw an increase, while 191 experienced a decrease. The manufacturing group’s index increased the most by 2.68 per cent. However, the hotel and tourism sector decreased by 1.13 per cent, business by 0.69 per cent, and finance by 0.14 per cent.
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