Afghanistan
Afghanistan Central Bank Collects 1.5 Billion Afghanis in Worn-Out Notes- Tolo News
Despite the growing challenge that worn-out banknotes pose to daily financial transactions, the Central Bank of Afghanistan has announced continued efforts to collect and destroy these damaged notes. According to the Central Bank, from the beginning of 1404 (Solar Hijri year) until now, more than 1.5 billion Afghanis worth of worn-out banknotes have been collected and burned from the northern and western zones of the country. Click here to read…
Iran: Part of Helmand River Water Supplied by Afghanistan- Tolo News
Fatemeh Mohajerani, spokesperson for the Iranian government, has stated that her country has received part of its water rights from Afghanistan. According to her, diplomatic efforts are ongoing to ensure the continued supply of Iran’s rightful share of water from Afghanistan. Click here to read…
Bhutan
NC leaves rural insurance hike to government’s purse– Kuensel
The National Council (NC) adopted the review report on Rural Life Insurance Scheme (RLIS), calling for an increase in the sum assured but stopped short of endorsing the Nu 150,000 sum pledged by the government. The Council instead agreed that any increase should be contingent on the government’s financial capacity. The Good Governance Committee (GGC) had initially proposed three tiers of coverage: Nu 70,000 with an annual premium of Nu 490; Nu 100,000 with a Nu 700 premium; and Nu 150,000 with a Nu 1,050 premium. However, during the deliberation, Members of Parliament (MP) referred the recommendation back to the committee for review, urging it revise the proposal to at least Nu 150,000, as pledged by the government. Click here to read…
Maldives
18kg of drugs seized: Bangladeshi national arrested – Adhadhu
A 35-year-old Bangladeshi national has been arrested following an attempt to receive a narcotics shipment at Velana International Airport. According to police, the man was taken into custody after authorities intercepted 18.62 kilograms of cannabinoids concealed in an air cargo shipment that arrived from Bengaluru, India. The arrest took place following a special operation conducted on June 10. Maldives Customs reported that the seized drugs have an estimated street value of MVR 26 million. The interception was part of heightened border control measures aimed at curbing drug trafficking into the country. Click here to read…
MIRA Records USD 141 Million in May Revenue, Exceeds Forecasts – PSM News
Statistics have revealed that the Maldives Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) collected USD 141 million in revenue during May. This is an increase of 30.5 percent compared to the same period last year, and 7.3 percent higher than the forecasted figure for the month, according to MIRA. MIRA attributed the increase in revenue to higher collections from the Tourism Goods and Service Tax (TGST) and Green Tax. The number of tourists visiting the Maldives in May rising by 4.8 percent compared to the same month in 2024 improved tourism-related revenue, MIRA said. Additionally, the revised Green Tax rates which came into effect in January this year and the increase in Airport Tax and fees rates from December last year also contributed to the increase in revenue. Click here to read…
Myanmar
China Defends Myanmar Junta on Human Rights at UN – The Irrawaddy
A Chinese envoy to the United Nations said on June 10, 2025 that China opposes the “politicization” of Myanmar’s human rights issues, calling instead for efforts to reduce tensions and promote dialogue. Sun Lei, China’s deputy permanent representative and ambassador to the United Nations, made the statement at an informal General Assembly session convened to hear a briefing from UN Secretary-General’s special envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop. The meeting was mandated by General Assembly Resolution 79/182, adopted in December 2024. The resolution addresses the human rights situation of Rohingya Muslims and other minorities in Myanmar, calls for a high-level conference in 2025, demands the immediate release of those arbitrarily detained on political grounds, including opposition figures, and raises alarm over the continued lack of protection for the Rohingya. Click here to read…
MIFER Dy Minister attends 2nd ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force Meeting – The Global New Light of Myanmar
Deputy Minister for Investment and Foreign Economic Relations, ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force Leader of Myanmar, Dr Wah Wah Maung, attended the 2nd ASEAN Geoeconomics Task Force Meeting, which was held virtually on 11 June 2025. The meeting discussed the outcomes of the latest high-level meetings, including the 46th ASEAN Summit, the 25th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting, the Special ASEAN Economic Ministers and Dialogue Partners Consultations, the development of the ASEAN Integration Report in response to emerging geoeconomics challenges and the plans of the Task Force. Click here to read…
Pakistan
Pakistan secures $700m loan for Reko Diq- The Express Tribune
In a significant win for Pakistan, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank have approved a concessional loan of $700 million for the Reko Diq project, a major mining and resource development initiative. This approval, granted during a board meeting in Washington, is a significant diplomatic victory for Pakistan and a major setback for India, which had actively lobbied against the funding. Click here to read…
IMF raises eyebrows over Rs344b grant- The Express Tribune
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised concerns over provision of Rs344 billion grants to various sectors without approval from the National Assembly. Sources said the multilateral lender termed the grant for defence, Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and other sectors without the nod of parliament a violation of the govt-IMF agreement. The federal government has additionally spent Rs344.66 billion during the current fiscal year in the shape of grants. Click here to read…
