Neighborhood News Digest- 01 October 2024

Afghanistan

Taliban crackdown on ISIS in Afghanistan: Terrorists entered from Pakistan, says Mujahid- The Khaama Press

The spokesperson for the Taliban government announced that in a special operation, individuals responsible for recent attacks in various parts of Afghanistan, including Bamiyan, have been arrested. These terrorists had entered Afghanistan from Pakistan. Click here to read... [2]

DABS Signs 3 Agreements to Produce 240 MW of Electricity-Tolo News

Breshna Company signed three agreements to produce 240 megawatts of electricity through solar and thermal energy with domestic companies in the presence of the Political Deputy of the Prime Minister and some officials of the Islamic Emirate. Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Political Deputy of the Prime Minister, said during this meeting that Afghanistan has significant potential for energy production and therefore, attracting investments for energy production from Afghanistan's domestic resources is important. Click here to read... [3]

Baghlan Girls, Kept From School, Turn to Sewing, Other Handicrafts-Tolo News

Several schoolgirls in Baghlan province, after the closure of schools for girls above the sixth grade, have turned to sewing and handicrafts. These girls say that education is their right and call on the Islamic Emirate to immediately reopen the doors of education for girls. Click here to read... [4]

Bangladesh

IMF reaffirms support in fighting economic challenges – The Daily Star

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh's interim government in overcoming the various economic challenges the country has been facing in recent times. Click here to read... [5]

State reforms: Govt will now talk to the parties first – The Daily Star

In a major shift in its plans, the interim government has decided to sit with the political parties first to discuss reforms before the six commissions commence their work in full swing. Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam revealed the information at a press briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka yesterday, a day before the commissions were expected to start their work in full force. Click here to read... [6]

Now Air Force, Navy officers given magistracy power – Dhaka Tribune

Commissioned officers of the Air Force and Navy will also be able to exercise magistracy powers similar to those of Army officers. The powers would be effective for 60 days from September 17 across the country. The initial notification on this matter, signed by the ministry's senior assistant secretary on September 24, granted executive magistrate status solely to Army officers for duration of sixty days. Click here to read... [7]

RMG manufacturers want more security to keep factories running – Dhaka Tribune

Manufacturers of readymade garment (RMG) sector stressed strengthening safety and security measures to keep their factory units operational amid ongoing labour unrest in Savar and Ashulia. Even after addressing major demands of the workers, the factory units in the industrial hubs in the said areas witnessed closure declaration every day, with 31 factories declared shut on Monday, while 12 units enforced the “no work, no pay” clause, while 19 were closed after starting operations earlier that morning. Click here to read... [8]

Press Secretary: Chief Adviser's UNGA visit very successful, historic – Dhaka Tribune

The government has described Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus' participation at the 79th United Nations General Assembly as "very successful, historic and a very positive milestone." Click here to read... [9]

Bhutan

"Deepest Thanks To India": Bhutan PM Backs India's UN Security Council Push – NDTV

Bhutan's Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay has voiced support for United Nations Security Council (UNSC) reforms, emphasizing that India deserves a permanent seat due to its impressive economic growth and leadership role in the global south. This endorsement is timely, as India has been actively pushing for UNSC reforms to better reflect the contemporary global order. Click here to read... [10]

Maldives

President emphasises China's role as a key development partner – PSM News

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has emphasised China's role as a reliable partner in the Maldives' development. He made the remarks during the reception held to mark the 75th National Day of China. Speaking at the reception, President Muizzu highlighted that China has consistently been among the first to provide aid during natural disasters and economic challenges. The President described the deep relationship between the two nations as one of mutual trust and compassion, noting that it extends beyond mere transactions. Click here to read... [11]

BML begins taking money from USD fixed deposit accounts– Adhadhu

The Bank of Maldives (BML) has started taking money from its USD fixed deposit accounts due to a severe dollar shortage crisis. Adhadhu understands that this is the first time this is being done in the national bank's long history. BML started taking dollars from fixed deposit accounts because the bank was not getting the money it needed to provide dollar support for the Rufiyaa accounts. BML could not be reached for comment. Fixed deposit accounts are kept in the bank for a certain period of time to earn interest. Money can be kept in BML fixed deposit accounts for six and 12 months. Interest rates depend on the amount of money in the account. Click here to read... [12]

Pakistan

Govt reduces petrol and diesel prices to provide relief to public-The Express Tribune

The federal government has announced another reduction in petroleum prices, aiming to provide continued relief to the public. Starting from October 1, petrol and diesel prices will be lowered, according to an official notification. Petrol will see a decrease of Rs2.07 per litre, bringing the price down from Rs249.10 to Rs247.03 per litre. High-speed diesel (HSD) will be reduced by Rs3.40 per litre, lowering its price from Rs249.69 to Rs246.29 per litre. Click here to read... [13]

PM Shehbaz Sharif’s UNGA speech becomes most-watched on UN’s YouTube channel-The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s address at the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) last week has become the most-watched speech on the UN’s official YouTube channel, according to data released by the UN’s Centre for Public Opinion Research. The prime minister's speech, which covered urgent global issues, garnered over 137,000 views, making it the most-viewed address among world leaders on the platform. Click here to read... [14]

Former Sindh governor Ishratul Ibad announces formation of new political party-The Express Tribune

Former governor of Sindh, Dr Ishratul Ibad Khan, has announced his decision to launch a new political party, a move expected to shake up the political landscape in the urban areas of Sindh. Click here to read... [15]

Imran challenges govt with D-Chowk protest call-Dawn

PTI has given a fresh call for countrywide protests for the “independence of judiciary”, inclu¬ding a demonstration in Islam¬abad where all such gatherings are banned. According to an announcement attributed to PTI founder Imran Khan, a protest will be held at D-Chowk in Islamabad on Oct 4. Click here to read... [16]

Sri Lanka

EAM Jaishankar's Colombo Trip: A Key Diplomatic Move Post Sri Lankan President Election Amid Fishermen Arrest Dispute – Times Now

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to visit Colombo this week, marking the first high-level engagement between India and Sri Lanka since Anura Kumara Dissanayake became president. Jaishankar’s visit, expected to commence on October 4, comes at a critical time as India aims to reaffirm its commitment to development support for the strategically located island nation, amidst concerns about potential shifts in its foreign policy under the new Marxist leadership. Click here to read... [17]

SJB insists that Ranil should step down from UNP leadership - Daily Mirror

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) insists that United National Party (UNP) leader Ranil Wickremesinghe should step down as a condition for an electoral alliance with it in view of the General Election. Former MP Harshana Rajakaruna said all UNPers should join SJB rather than SJBers joining the UNP. Click here to read... [18]

Only one independent candidate declared expenses thus far, No major party stated yet: EC – Daily Mirror

Only a single independent candidate of the Presidential Poll 2024 has declared his campaign finances, whereas no major party had stated their election expenses by the end of September, having nine of 21 days of the grace period to declare expenses had lapsed by yesterday, the Daily Mirror learns. Click here to read... [19]