Neighborhood News Digest- 06 August 2024

Afghanistan

Kabir Calls for Reopening of Countries’ Embassies in Afghanistan-Tolo News

Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, Political Deputy of the Prime Minister, in a meeting with some foreign diplomats in Doha, has called for the reopening of embassies in Kabul. Hamdullah Fitrat, Deputy Spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said that in the meeting between Kabir and foreign diplomats in Qatar, they also discussed bilateral cooperation, security issues, and humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. According to the Deputy Spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, representatives from the UK, Canada, Italy, France, South Korea, Australia, Germany, and the US were present at the meeting. Click here to read… [2]

Ancient artifacts discovered in Ghor, Afghanistan, amid concerns of preservation-The Khaama Press

Officials from Ghor’s cultural department have announced the discovery of nine ancient artifacts from the Shaharak district, which have been handed over to the provincial museum’s Department of Information and Culture. Abdul Hai Zaeem, the head of Ghor’s Department of Information and Culture, stated that these ancient artifacts, unearthed from the salt mine area of Kotal Guwk in Shaharak district, include a cauldron, frame, and goblet dating back to the Ghurid period. Click here to read… [3]

Ismail Haniyeh's Funeral in Doha Attended by Several Countries’ Officials-Tolo News

The funeral of Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas' political bureau, was held in Doha and was attended by officials from various countries. Several officials from the Islamic Emirate have also travelled to Doha to attend the funeral and burial ceremonies of the head of Hamas' political bureau. Click here to read… [4]

Committee Formed to Address Border Area Challenges, Provide Services-Tolo News

A committee has been established by the Islamic Emirate to address border area challenges along the Durand Line. Hamdullah Fitrat, the Deputy Spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said that this committee will provide residents of these areas with access to standard services in various fields. Click here to read… [5]

Bangladesh

'Prof Yunus to be chief adviser of interim govt' – Daily Star

Key organisers of the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement this morning proposed Nobel Laureate Dr Mohammad Yunus as the chief advisor of the interim government. Click here to read… [6]

Hasina destroyed Bangabandhu’s legacy: Prof Yunus- Daily Star

Sheikh Hasina, who was forced to resign as prime minister of Bangladesh yesterday amidst massive civil unrest in the country, destroyed the legacy of her father Bangabandhu Mujibur Rahman, Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, told The Print. Click here to read… [7]

President Shahabuddin gives nod to form interim government – Dhaka Tribune

President Mohammed Shahabuddin decided on Monday to form an interim government to run the country following the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, the country's longest-serving prime minister, amid the recent unrest that saw over 400 deaths since mid-July. Click here to read… [8]

Indian PM Modi chairs key meet over Bangladesh unrest – Daily Star

The Indian Cabinet Committee on Security met at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official residence yesterday evening amid the turmoil in Bangladesh. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman were present in the meeting. Click here to read… [9]

At least 135 killed in countrywide violence Monday – Dhaka Tribune

Police firings, mob beatings, and arson across the country killed at least 135 people before and after Sheikh Hasina resigned as prime minister on Monday. The previous day, the country reported at least 96 deaths in police firings due to clashes between Awami League members and protesters. Click here to read… [10]

Bhutan

AI dilemma: Balancing tradition and technology-Kuensel

Bhutan was recently ranked the top country to use ChatGPT, with approximately 15.96 percent of its population using the Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, according to an analysis by Coinjournal.net. Speaking at a session on ‘Preservation of human intelligence in the age of AI’ yesterday at Bhutan Echoes:Drukyul Literature and Arts festival at the Royal University of Bhutan, the Founder of Curiouser.AI, Sonam Pelden, addressed the growing intersection of artificial intelligence and human intelligence. Click here to read… [11]

NCDs need urgent attention-Kuensel

Bhutan’s health problem demands immediate and comprehensive action. Dr Bhupinder Kaur Aulakh, WHO Representative to Bhutan, has sounded the alarm on the increasing prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in the country. The urgency to address this crisis extends beyond the health sector; it requires collaboration with all sectors of society to alleviate the risk factors. Click here to read… [12]

Maldives

US government commits additional USD 8.5 million to the Maldives – Indian Express

Maldives and the United States today signed the 14th amendment to the Development Objective Grant Agreement (DOAG). Through this amendment, the U.S. government commits an additional USD 8.5 million to the Maldives, increasing the total value of the agreement to USD 45.7 million. Minister of State Sheryna Abdul Samad signed the amendment on behalf of Maldives at a ceremony held at the Foreign Ministry. USAID Mission Director, Gabriel Grau, signed the amendment on behalf of the U.S. government. Click here to read… [13]

Dr. Mariyam Zulfa appointed Minister of State for Foreign Affairs – Raajje

Dr. Mariyam Zulfa has been sacked as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Local Government Authority (LGA) and appointed as a Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Zulfa stated that she would “respect” President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s decision and continue to serve the nation. She served as a tourism ministry during the administration of former president Mohamed Nasheed. Zulfa was a member of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) earlier. However, she joined the now ruling People’s National Congress (PNC) after Muizzu came into power. Click here to read… [14]

Pakistan

Senate unanimously passes resolution on Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's martyrdom-The Express Tribune

The Senate, chaired by Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, convened on Monday to address the martyrdom of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Senator Palwasha Khan presented a resolution, which was unanimously approved. Click here to read… [15]

Ishaq Dar to attend extraordinary OIC meeting over Gaza crisis-The Express Tribune

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar to represent Pakistan at the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) emergency meeting in Jeddah on August 7. The meeting has been convened to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East, particularly the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and the continuous aggression of Israeli forces in Palestine. Click here to read… [16]

PTI marks Imran’s ‘year in prison’ with Swabi jalsa-Dawn

As its founder Imran Khan completed one year in jail, the PTI and its allies on Monday organised a large power show in Swabi to demand the former prime minister’s release. The jalsa was held at Shahmansoor Town and PTI leaders and workers from across the country participated in the event, despite the hot weather. The PTI workers were waving party flags and holding Imran Khan’s portraits, demanding the government release their leader immediately. Click here to read… [17]

Sri Lanka

Security to be tightened countrywide after August 15 – Daily Mirror

Security across the country will be tightened after August 15 in preparation for the Presidential Election, the Public Security Ministry said. In the absence of the Inspector General of Police, Public Security Ministry Secretary Viyani Gunathilaka has been granted full authority to oversee security arrangements for the election. Click here to read… [18]

Namal resigns from Parliamentary Committee – Daily Mirror

SLPP MP Namal Rajapaksa has resigned from the Sectoral Oversight Committee on International Relations, Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardhane said today. He told Parliament that Parliamentarian Premanath C. Dolawatte was appointed to the Committee to fill the vacancy. Click here to read… [19]

India seeks to operate KKS Port for 30 years: Official – Daily Mirror

India which offered over US $ 62 million grant assistance for the development of the Kankesanthurai Port has sought to operate it for 30 years under an agreement, an official said. Initially, the Indian government intended to grant a loan for the execution of the northern port project. However, India has now shifted its focus to grant projects in Sri Lanka because of the current state of the economy. Click here to read… [20]

My visits to India, China were sponsored by those governments – Daily Mirror

Responding to allegations that some Rs. 70 million had been spent on foreign trips, National People’s Power (NPP) leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said only Rs. 3.37 million had been spent on his overseas trips. Click here to read… [21]