Neighborhood News Digest- 13 September 2024

Afghanistan

Poppy Ban: Economic Impact and Calls for Alternatives-Tolo News

The International Crisis Group has reported that following the decree of the Islamic Emirate's leader, poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has decreased by 95%.According to this organization, this issue has affected the livelihoods of 7 million people, including women and low-income workers. The report also states that farmers have lost $1.3 billion dollars or 8% of the gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023. Click here to read… [2]

Ministry of Education Establishes Over 21,000 Islamic Education Centers- Tolo News

On Wednesday, officials from the Ministry of Education, during a program outlining their one-year achievements, said that more than 21,200 Islamic education centers have been established across the country over the past year. They added that during this period, over 617,000 textbooks were distributed to Islamic education centers throughout the country. Click here to read… [3]

OIC urges action on education restrictions for girls in Afghanistan-The Khaama Press

The Advisory Council on Women of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly criticized the current government’s severe restrictions on women and girls in Afghanistan, labeling the denial of education for Afghan girls as a serious challenge for Islamic countries. Click here to read… [4]

Bangladesh

Govt urges China to reduce loan interest, extend repayment period - The Daily Star

The government has requested China to lower the interest rates on existing Chinese loans to 1 percent and extend the repayment period to 30 years. To this end, the Economic Relations Division (ERD) of the Ministry of Finance sent a letter to Beijing early this week, ERD Secretary Shahriar Kader Siddiky confirmed to The Daily Star. Click here to read… [5]

Deeper crisis feared as 219 factories shut – The Daily Star

With 219 garment factories shut in Ashulia yesterday amid worker unrest along the industrial belts, Bangladesh's apparel sector is feared to get into a deeper crisis if production does not resume on Saturday after the weekend. Click here to read… [6]

China gives duty-free access to all products of Bangladesh – The Daily Star

China has decided to provide 100 percent duty-free access to products from Bangladesh, as well as other least developed countries (LDCs). Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen conveyed the decision when he called on Foreign Secretary of Bangladesh Jashim Uddin at the foreign ministry yesterday. Click here to read… [7]

Passenger traffic on Bangladesh-India routes drops since Hasina's ouster - Dhaka Tribune

The once-bustling air, bus and rail routes between Bangladesh and India have experienced a noticeable decline in passenger traffic in the wake of the recent political shift in Dhaka following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Click here to read… [8]

Multidimensional discussions to be held with US: Foreign secretary – Prothom Alo

A high-level delegation from the United States is coming to Dhaka on Saturday, for the first time after the interim government assumed office on 8 August. Discussions on multidimensional cooperation between two countries will be held. Foreign secretary Jashim Uddin made this announcement in response to journalists' questions on Thursday evening. Click here to read… [9]

Bhutan

Phuntsho Karma | Who is Bhutan’s latest Magsaysay awardee? – The Hindu

A Bhutanese thought leader with a profound understanding of Bhutanese tradition and an Oxford-educated scholar who seeks to bring Bhutan into the 21st century in a mindful and culturally sensitive way. These are merely two of the many descriptions mentioned by the Ramon Magsaysay Award Foundation in its citation for Phuntsho Karma, one of its five awardees for this year. Mr. Phuntsho is a former Buddhist monk, academic, social worker and author. With extensive research into Bhutanese and Buddhist studies, and also working for the future of Bhutan through the social initiatives of the Loden Foundation, Mr. Phuntsho has been credited with harmonizing the past, present and the future of the country in its quest for progress. Click here to read… [10]

Gender Equality in Public Administration in Bhutan – Bhutan

This report, titled "Gender Equality in Public Administration in Bhutan," provides an in-depth review of measures aimed at promoting women's presence and leadership in Bhutan's public administration. Jointly conducted by the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC), UNDP, and UNDESA, the report assesses gender-based participation and representation in Bhutan's civil service. The findings aim to guide interventions that promote gender parity and empower women in public administration. Click here to read… [11]

Maldives

Finance Ministry confident of economic recovery despite rating downgrade– Avas

The Finance Ministry has expressed optimism that the Maldives' financial and debt situation will improve. The government said this in a statement issued following a recent downgrade in the Maldives' credit rating by Moody's. The credit rating agency lowered the Maldives' rating from "CAA1" to "CAA2" due to concerns over foreign exchange reserves, trade and budget deficits, and delays in implementing fiscal reforms. Click here to read… [12]

Talks held with Indian officials on timely completion of Thilamale’ Bridge– Avas

Infrastructure Minister Dr. Abdulla Muthalib has met with Indian officials to discuss the timely completion of the Thilamale Bridge connecting Male’ with industrial island Thilafushi. The discussions took place at a special meeting held on the project during during the minister’s official visit to India. The minister co-chaired the 12th Joint Project Monitoring Committee on the Thilamale Bridge along with Indian Ambassador to the Maldives, Munu Mahawar. The Infrastructure Ministry said the meeting involved strategic and technical level discussions aimed at ensuring that the Thilamale bridge project remains on track and reaches completion on schedule. Click here to read… [13]

MDP calls on government to stop intimidating journalists- Adhadhu

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has condemned the threat of legal action against Adhadhu and called on the government to stop intimidating journalists. In a post on X yesterday, President's Office Spokesperson Heena Waleed referred to a documentary produced by Adhadhu and the article with the headline "MVR 75,000 to each PNC MP from the President this month". "We are working to take legal action by reporting to relevant authorities the dissemination of false news intended to create enmity towards the President," she stated. Click here to read… [14]

Pakistan

Pakistan moves to join MERCOSUR-The Express Tribune

Pakistan is set to join MERCOSUR, a prominent South American trade bloc, after receiving cabinet approval for an ex-post facto agreement that could eventually lead to a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The Ministry of Commerce submitted a framework agreement on trade between MERCOSUR and Pakistan for cabinet approval. Click here to read… [15]

Pak, Russia sign MoU for agricultural cooperation-The Express Tribune

Pakistan and Russia are set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote agricultural cooperation aimed at developing the local agriculture sector and enhancing the productivity of agricultural products. Click here to read… [16]

Pakistan resolves IMF issues to unlock $7 billion loan-The Express Tribune

Pakistan on Thursday announced that it had amicably resolved all outstanding issues with the International Monetary Fund paving the way for the approval of the $7 billion loan this month, as it is also set to further tighten the noose around the necks of existing taxpayers after retreating against the traders. Click here to read… [17]

Sri Lanka

IMF says ready to move forward with programme discussions with new government – Daily Mirror

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it is ready to move forward with programme discussions after the Presidential election is held and a new government is formed based on the choice of the people. Click here to read… [18]

China remains silent since not interested in exploiting Sri Lanka – Daily Mirror

Asserting that China is displeased over the bar on its research vessels in carrying out joint research activities in Sri Lankan waters, a top Chinese diplomat said that some countries consider it a diplomatic victory for them whereas it is not. Click here to read… [19]

ITAK reaffirms support to Sajith at Presidential election – Daily Mirror

The Ilankai Thamil Arasu Kachchi (ITAK) has reiterated its support to Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa at the upcoming 2024 Presidential election. Click here to read… [20]