USAID warns over 17 million in Afghanistan need immediate aid
The Khaama Press | 19thJune
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has reported that the expulsion of migrants from Pakistan and recent floods have increased the need for humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, with over 17 million people requiring immediate assistance.
In a report published on Saturday, June 15, USAID expressed hope that food security in Afghanistan might improve following the harvest in June.
According to USAID statistics, from September 15, 2023, to the present, 610,800 migrants have returned to Afghanistan from Pakistan “forcibly and voluntarily.”
The agency stated that recent floods and droughts have also placed many families in difficult situations, with 23.7 million people in Afghanistan in need of humanitarian aid.
IMF approves second review, but cautions economy still vulnerable
Daily Mirror | 14th June
Sri Lanka was able to let out a sigh of relief yesterday with the Internal Monetary Fund (IMF) announcing the approval of the second review under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme which will release US$ 337 million.
While sentiments are largely celebratory, the IMF cautioned that despite the positive developments noticed, the economy is still vulnerable and the path to debt sustainability remains knife-edged.
In the announcement that came in the early hours of yesterday, the Fund asserted that “important vulnerabilities” associated with the ongoing debt restructuring, revenue mobilisation, reserve accumulation, and banks’ ability to support the recovery continue to “cloud” the outlook.
World Bank greenlights $1b loan for Dasu project
The Express Tribune | 12thJune
The World Bank has approved an additional $1 billion loan for the Dasu hydropower project but at the same time sees a whopping $18 billion energy sector circular debt a barrier to future investment in Pakistan.
The World Bank’s board of executive directors on Monday approved $1 billion in a second round of additional financing for the Dasu hydropower project, according to a statement issued by the local office of the lender.
The additional financing was critical for ensuring uninterrupted work on the scheme, which began a decade ago. With the fresh lending, the WB’s exposure in the project has increased to 45% of the total cost.
PAKISTAN
Budget 2024-25: Economy not out of the woods yet, parliament told
Dawn | 17th June
The government has highlighted almost a dozen critical risks to next year’s budget and medium-term outlook, including higher interest rates, currency depreciation and greater subsidy requirements, challenging revenue targets, lower than estimated economic growth, unexpected climatic or natural disasters and continuing poor performance of State-Owned Entities (SOEs).
In a written statement of fiscal risks submitted to parliament, required under the Public Finance Management Act 2019, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Secretary Imdadullah Bosal said that a combination of three risks — higher than the estimated interest rate, lower than non-tax revenue collection and higher subsidies — had the most significant impact on fiscal variables across the board.
Pakistan vows foolproof security measures for Chinese citizens
The News | 16th June
Pakistan has vowed to provide foolproof security to the Chinese citizens working on China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and other projects in the country.
The assurance came during Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s meeting with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zedong on Sunday at the Chinese Embassy in the federal capital.
Both sides discussed the recent visit of Prime Minister Shehabaz Sharif to China and a detailed discussion was also held on the promotion of Pakistan-China relations and measures taken for the security of Chinese citizens in Pakistan.
Turkiye, Pakistan pledge to strengthen trade, defence coop
The Nation | 16th June
Amid celebratory messages with a number of Muslim states leaders on the occasion of Eid-ul-Azha including Turkiye, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President of Turkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sunday reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two countries in various fields, including trade, investment, defence and tourism.
PM Shehbaz also held telephonic talks with Muslim world leaders including President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and exchanged Eid greetings.
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka’s Rupee hits Rs. 300 against USD after three months
Daily Mirror | 19th June
Sri Lanka’s rupee has reached the Rs. 300 mark against the US dollar, marking its highest valuation in three months.
According to the Central Bank, the last instance of the rupee hitting 300 against the dollar was recorded on March 18, 2024. Since then, the currency has fluctuated within the range of 290 to 299.
President: SC determination on Gender Equality Bill amounts to act of judicial cannibalism
The Island | 19th June
President Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament yesterday that the Supreme Court determination on the constitutionality of the Gender Equality Bill had violated the powers of Parliament under Article 4 of the Constitution and called for the appointment of a special parliamentary select committee to study and make recommendations for the review of that determination.
Raising a point of Order, the President said that the determination was in contravention of women’s rights and an affront to the constitutional mandate on the government to ensure foremost place for Buddhism.
AFGHANISTAN
China urges Taliban to respect basic rights of Afghans, including women and ethnic groups
The Khaama Press | 19th June
Representative of China expressed hope at the UN Human Rights Council session that the Taliban would respect the fundamental rights of Afghans, including women, children, and ethnic groups.
Jiang Han urged the Taliban to make positive efforts to safeguard the interests of the Afghan people.
Without naming specific countries, China’s representative blamed some nations for exacerbating Afghanistan’s current humanitarian conditions, describing long-standing blockades and unilateral sanctions as “irrational,” causing severe harm to Afghan rights and wellbeing.
Tehran, Kabul Emphasize Expanding Cooperation for Regional Stability
TOLO News | 17th June
The acting Foreign Minister of Iran stated that Tehran and Kabul, considering the civilizational and cultural commonalities between the two countries, strive together in cooperation and coordination to maintain regional stability and security.
Ali Bagheri, in a phone call with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, emphasized the importance of Afghanistan’s close relations with regional countries.
In a press release, the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated: “The acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan referred to the good relations between Iran and Afghanistan and expressed hope that bilateral cooperation between Tehran and Kabul in various fields would expand even further.”
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh still lagging behind in start-ups
Prothom Alo | 19th June
The report says Dhaka is among the top 150 cities in terms of start-up initiatives. Dhaka has been ranked 140th among the 1000 cities in the list. Although the Indian cities dominate the list in the south Asian region, Dhaka ranked eighth among them. Besides, Dhaka is in the eighth place in the list of cities with the most agriculture based start-apps.
Quarterly investments were below $10 million in Bangladesh in 2023 except for the last quarter (October-December).
There are some 159 startup economies in the 19 countries of Asia Pacific. Bangladesh is the 18th in the list. Bangladesh is only ahead of Kyrgyzstan. Software and data based startups are ruling the sector this year followed by startups based on ecommerce and retail, health, finance and education respectively.
Bangladesh set to launch direct flights to Switzerland
Bangladesh Post | 14th June
Bangladesh has signed separate Air Service Agreement (ASA) with Switzerland and European Union to establish direct air connectivity with more countries in Europe.
Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Chairman Air Vice Marshal Mafidur Rahman and Swiss Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) Director General Christian Hegner signed the ASA on behalf of their respective sides in Bern, Switzerland on June 4, a CAAB press release said on Friday.
This agreement opens the door for direct air travel between Bangladesh and another European country, said the CAAB.
Under the agreement, designated airlines from both countries will be able to operate 7 passenger flights and 7 cargo flights per week.
Rainfall offers Dhaka residents brief respite from heat
Dhaka Tribune | 19th June
A brief spell of rain brought some relief to the residents of Dhaka on Wednesday after they suffered from uncomfortable heat for the past few days due to high humidity in the air.
The weather office had forecast that due to the influence of the monsoon, the sky would remain cloudy and there would be rain in various places at different times.
Weather forecast: Where will it rain on Wednesday? Weather forecast: Where will it rain on Wednesday?
However, due to the humidity in the air, the weather might remain muggy, it said.
BHUTAN
NC urges to lower rural credit rates
Kuensel | 19th June
The members of parliament (MPs) of the National Council (NC) raised concerns that high interest rates on credit are creating barriers for farmers in availing agricultural loans.
The Economic Affairs Committee (EAC) of NC presented the report on the review of rural credit access in Bhutan yesterday in the House.
The report’s objective is to conduct a comprehensive review of the current state of rural credit access in Bhutan, identifying challenges and opportunities.
It also seeks to engage with stakeholders from government agencies, including local government (LG) functionaries, financial institutions, and rural communities, to gather insights and perspectives.
Navigating Change and Bhutan’s Path to Sustainability
Daily Bhutan | 19th June
In June 2024, CNA Correspondent Saksith Saiyasombut visited Bhutan to speak with locals about the country’s recent changes, including an interview with Prime Minister Dasho Tshering Tobgay. Discussions covered Bhutan’s post-COVID-19 economy, youth unemployment, capitalism, Gross National Happiness (GNH), and the Gelephu Mindfulness City project initiated by His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck.
Sonam Chopel, President of the Association of Bhutanese Cottage & Small Industry, believes Bhutan is undergoing the most disruptive and transformative phase. From the conversations with the locals, Saksith realised the Bhutanese are keenly aware of their cultural legacy while navigating significant changes.
Business Bhutan | 17th June
The Guide Association of Bhutan has launched a landmark eco-tourism training program aimed at enhancing eco-tourism across five key dzongkhags: Zhemgang, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Lhuntse, and Mongar. The theme of the three-day training, “Familiarizing the Tourist Guide with Eco-Tourism Products in 5 Dzongkhags,” underscores its focus on acquainting local tourist guides with unique eco-tourism offerings in these regions.
“This initiative marks a watershed moment as Bhutan conducts its first-ever formal training for eco-tourism guides, signaling a significant stride towards structured and sustainable tourism. Historically, eco-tourism in Bhutan has been informal, lacking the organization needed to effectively benefit local communities.
MALDIVES
Keen to strengthen comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership with Maldives: Chinese Pres.
Raajje | 16th June
President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping has expressed enthusiasm for strengthening the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership between the governments of China and the Maldives.
He said this in a letter addressed to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.
The Chinese president’s letter was presented to Muizzu by Ambassador of China to Maldives Wang Lixin, during a courtesy call paid on Saturday.
The meeting was held at Mulee’aage, the official residence of the president.
The congratulatory letter was presented to the Maldivian leader on the occasion of his birthday.
Expenditure on major development projects declines
The Edition | 19th June
Government spending on major development projects has declined compared to the same period last year.
According to the Ministry of Finance, capital expenditure so far this year stands at MVR 3.5 billion, which is 50 percent lower than the same period last year.
During the last year of the previous administration, capital expenditure stood at MVR 6.5 billion.
MVR 13 billion has been budgeted this year for major development projects. So far, 26 percent of the allocated budget has been expended.
Expenditure on development projects declined due to reduced spending on road development and airport projects this year. While expenditure on these projects amounted to MVR 300 million this year, MVR 2 billion had been spent on such projects as of June 2023.
Indian PM sends Eid greetings to President Muizzu
Sun | 16th June
ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has extended his wishes to Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, emphasizing the “values of sacrifice, compassion, and brotherhood” as essential for building a peaceful world.
The festive message comes amidst strained relations between the two nations.
In a press release shared on X on Sunday, the Indian High Commission in Male’ shared the Indian prime minister’s Eid wishes for the president, the government, and the people of Maldives.
In his message, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the values of sacrifice, compassion and brotherhood, embodied by the Eid, which he said are essential in building a peaceful and inclusive world.
MYANMAR
In Prison, ‘The Lady’ Remains a Symbol of Hope and Resilience in Myanmar
The Irrawaddy | 19th June
She may be in prison, but the birthdays of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s imprisoned democracy leader, are never marked in silence.
On June 19 every year, well-wishers at home and around the world commemorate the occasion with renewed expressions of solidarity with “The Lady”, whom many see as a symbol of hope and resilience for a beleaguered nation.
This year, as she turns 79, pro-democracy activists and revolutionary forces are holding a flower strike under the theme of “Roses That Never Bow Down” to honor her unwavering defiance of the successive military regimes that have repeatedly held her captive, first in the period following the 1988 uprising, and most recently since the 2021 coup
Myanmar Junta Boss Promises General Election in 2025
The Irrawaddy | 17th June
Junta boss Min Aung Hlaing has promised a general election in Myanmar next year.
He previously said an election would be held after a population census in October this year. He promised a poll while visiting junta staff and community representatives in Meiktila Township, Mandalay Region, on Saturday.
The junta’s five-point roadmap includes holding an election to hand power to the winning party but Min Aung Hlaing has repeatedly delayed any election because of instability across Myanmar.
At a cabinet meeting in July last year, Min Aung Hlaing suggested holding voting in territory controlled by the regime as large areas of Myanmar have been liberated.
NEPAL
Risk of dengue cases high in Sudurpaschim Province
The Himlayan Times | 19th June
Dengue cases are going up in hilly districts of Sudurpaschim Province lately. A total of 140 cases of dengue have been detected in the Province since January this year with Doti district recording the highest cases at 47, according to Hemraj Joshi, Vector Control Officer at the Sudurpaschim Province Health Directorate.Achham reported 26 dengue cases, Kanchanpur 24, Bajura 15, Darchula 10, Kailali 9, Bajhang 4, Dadheldhura 3 and Baitadi 2. “There is a high risk of outbreak and spread of dengue infection in Tarai region with rainfall,” he cautioned.
Nepal calls for climate justice as IDA21 begins
The Kathmandu Post | 19th June
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal said on Tuesday that despite Nepal’s negligible contribution to global emissions, the country has been disproportionately hit by the adverse effects of climate change.
He urged the global lenders for climate justice and compensation for the loss and damage incurred due to circumstances that were and are beyond Nepal’s control.
“For the least-developed countries like Nepal, debt concessionality [concessional lending] is critical,” said Dahal, speaking at the 21st replenishment meeting of the International Development Association (IDA21).
President Paudel returns home from Germany
Onlinekhabar | 19th June
President Ramchandra Paudel returned home today after completing his official visits to Switzerland and Germany. Vice President Ram Sahaya Yadav and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal welcomed the President at Tribhuvan International Airport’s VVIP lounge.
On this occasion, a contingent of the Nepali Army had also presented him with a guard of honour. National Assembly (NA) Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, deputy prime ministers, ministers, chiefs of security bodies, government’s senior officials, chiefs, and representatives of diplomatic missions were at TIA to welcome the President back home.
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