Neighborhood News Digest- 08 October 2024

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate Refers to October 7 as "Dark Day" in Country's History-Tolo News

Twenty-three years ago, on October 7, 2001, the United States launched its airstrikes on Afghan soil. The Islamic Emirate, in recognition of this day, stated that the US attack on Afghanistan took the lives of thousands of people and that, in the end, the country and its allies were defeated and driven out of Afghanistan. Click here to read… [2]

Chinese Envoy Stresses Need for Private Sector Growth in Country-Tolo News

Zhao Xing, the Chinese Ambassador to Afghanistan, stressed supporting the private sector and boosting investment in Afghanistan during his visit to the Barikab Industrial Park in Parwan province. The ambassador highlighted that there are investment opportunities in Afghanistan, especially in this industrial park. Click here to read… [3]

Pakistan Reacts to Islamic Emirate, Urging Internal Issues Be Addressed-Tolo News

In response to the recent statements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Afghanistan's caretaker government to address its internal challenges. The spokesperson for Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Islamic Emirate should be accountable to the demands of its people, including the right to education for women and girls. Click here to read… [4]

Severe clean water shortage hits 1,600 families in Badakhshan amid rising flood risks-The Khaama Press

Officials in Badakhshan province report that many families in Baharak district are facing a lack of clean drinking water. Previously, the United Nations reported that 79% of Afghanistan’s population lacks adequate access to sufficient water resources. The Taliban’s Environmental Protection Agency also noted that 21 million people face a shortage of drinking water. Click here to read… [5]

Bangladesh

2 months of interim govt: Hopes still persist – The Daily Star

The interim government had taken oath two months ago with overwhelming public support and amid almost equally unrealistic expectations. While much of that support still remains, there are questions about its performance, which although largely premature do have genuine grounds. Click here to read… [6]

‘Protect minority rights’: US urges Bangladesh interim govt – Siasat daily

The United States said it wants to see the rights of the minority communities protected in Bangladesh as Hindus celebrate their largest festival of Durga Puja. The statement from the US comes in the wake of increasing attacks on the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh following the resignation of then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her escape to India in August. Click here to read… [7]

Amplifying noise: Sheikh Hasina's strategically-leaked conversations are added headache for India and Bangladesh – Dhaka Tribune

Sheikh Hasina, the former Prime Minister of Bangladesh, who is now sheltered in India after fleeing Bangladesh on August 5, is presumably using a scheme of intentionally leaked phone conversations to maintain her public communications with the people she left behind. These strategic leaks are novel in light of Hasina's personal history with Bangladesh, and are shameless given the recurrence of the releases, while the game plan remains quite simple and cheap to execute. Click here to read… [8]

Uncertainty over Jatiya Party joining dialogue as objections arise – Prothom Alo

Jatiya Party has not yet been invited to the dialogue of the chief adviser to the interim government with the political parties, as student leadership of the July-August mass uprising, according to several government sources, raised objections over the party. Click here to read… [9]

Inflation decreases by 1.17pc in August: BBS – Prothom Alo

The overall inflation decreased by 1.17 per cent in August compared to last July, according to a report published by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) on Sunday. According to BBS, the overall inflation was 11.66 per cent in July, which declined to 10.49 per cent in August. Click here to read… [10]

Bhutan

Govt. incentives, financing, and accelerators to push entrepreneurs – Kuensel

To foster entrepreneurship in the country, the experts at the recent Bhutan Innovation Forum suggested government-funded startups, incentives and financing, and setting up accelerators by banking on high-quality products and mindfulness to overcome the country’s small market, limited resources, and competition from cheap imports. Click here to read… [11]

Maldives

Maldives, India discuss establishment of Maldivian consulate in Bangalore, Indian consulate in Addu– PSM News

The Maldives and India have held discussions to establish a Maldivian consulate in Bangalore and an Indian consulate in Addu City. The initiative was a focal point during official talks between the two nations, which took place during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's visit to India. In a joint statement following these discussions, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi emphasised the longstanding and close relationship between the Maldives and India. He also reiterated that India will always play a vital role in the development of the Maldivian citizens. Click here to read… [12]

Currency swap agreement guarantees USD 400 million and INR 30 billion for Maldives– Adhadhu

The currency swap agreement signed between Maldives and India, on October 7, will provide Maldives with 400 million dollars or euros as well as 30 billion Indian rupees, the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) has said. MMA said the the central bank will be able to swap in two currency windows under the new agreement and can opt for swapping on different occasions. "While the dollar/euro swap facility is a measure to support short-term foreign exchange needs, the Indian rupee swap facility will facilitate trade transactions between India and Maldives in the respective currencies," the MMA said. Click here to read… [13]

Maldives sign five important MoUs with India – Adhadhu

Maldives has signed five important Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs) with India on October 7, including an agreement with the police college. The MoUs were signed after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu met Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his ongoing state visit to India. An MoU was signed between the Rashtriya Raksha University of India and the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement of Maldives. Ambassador to India Ibrahim Shaheeb signed on behalf of Maldives while Border Management, Ministry of Home Affairs Secretary Dr. Rajendra Kumar signed on behalf of India. Click here to read… [14]

Pakistan

Alliance with PML-N politically hurt PPP but we will make Bilawal PM, says Punjab governor-The Express Tribune

Governor Punjab, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, stated that while the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) suffered political losses due to its alliance with the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the party remains committed to seeing party’s chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari become prime minister in the interest of the nation. Click here to read… [15]

Pakistani nationals stranded in Lebanon to be repatriated via foreign airline-The Express Tribune

Pakistani citizens trapped in Lebanon due to the ongoing conflict will be repatriated through a special foreign airline flight, authorities confirmed on Sunday. According to Express News, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved the evacuation of Pakistanis from war-torn Lebanon, which has been heavily impacted by Israel's military operations. Click here to read… [16]

PM Shehbaz visits Chinese Embassy to offer condolences over Karachi terrorist attack-The Express Tribune

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif visited the Chinese Embassy in Islamabad on Monday where he met with Chinese Ambassador Jiang Zaidong to express his condolences following the tragic terrorist attack on a Chinese convoy in Karachi. Click here to read… [17]

Sri Lanka

Police deny removal of security for former President Wickremesinghe – Daily Mirror

Refuting reports that security personnel assigned to former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had been removed, police clarified that 163 officers remain assigned to his protection. Police Spokesman DIG Nihal Thalduwa said that preparations are underway to establish the Ex-PSD 8 Division, specifically for Wickremesinghe’s security. Click here to read… [18]

Challenges ahead for Sri Lanka’s new administration – The New Indian Express

In September, Sri Lankans broke their faith with the island’s political elites and elected left-leaning Anura Kumara Dissanayake, leader of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the National Peoples’ Power (NPP). The economic collapse, hardships placed on the people and the governance crisis resulting in public protests changed the island’s political future. Click here to read… [19]

Hareendra Dissabandara appointed Chairman of Sri Lanka SEC – Daily Mirror

Senior Professor Hareendra Dissabandara has been appointed as the new Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) of Sri Lanka. He previously served as the SEC’s Director General from 2012 to 2013, and as the Director of the Financial Services Academy and the Capital Market Education and Training Division from 2008 to 2012. Click here to read… [20]