VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: May 28, 2020

PAKISTAN

Punjab okays drug to treat Covid-19 patients: DAWN

The Punjab government has approved the use of Actemra, a life-saving drug, for treating critically ill Covid-19 patients in the wake of a sudden rise in the death rate reported by state-run hospitals across the province. The 400mg injectable drug — an interleukin-6 inhibitor which goes by the generic name of tocilizumab — will be prescribed to patients who develop lung complications and an abnormal level of IL-6 in the blood. The IL-6 is an endogenous chemical which causes inflammation.Click here to read.... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

At Least 7 Afghan Forces Killed in 'Taliban' Attack in Parwan: TOLO News

"At least seven Afghan forces were killed and one was wounded after the Taliban attacked a security checkpoint in northern Parwan province on Wednesday night," said Wahida Shahkar, a spokeswoman for the provincial governor. The Taliban attacked the security checkpoint In Seyagerd district and clashed with Afghan security forces, according to Shahkar.Click here to read.... [3]

BANGLADESH

UN experts: Bangladesh must end the persecution of journalist: Dhaka Tribune

The United Nations (UN) experts have raised their concern over the ongoing persecution of journalist Shafiqul Islam Kajol in Bangladesh and his previous suspected enforced disappearance. They warned that Kajol’s detention and the ongoing criminal cases against him compound fears that Bangladesh is using the Digital Security Act to stifle free speech, according to a statement issued by the UN Human Rights office in Geneva on Tuesday.Click here to read.... [4]

MYANMAR

Myanmar parliament cuts Defence Ministry budget by K10.6 billion: Myanmar Times

Parliament has reduced the supplementary budget for the Ministry of Defence Services by K10.6 billion (US$7.55 million), half of the cut proposed by a legislator of the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD). The supplementary budget was reduced by K5 billion for transportation, by K3 billion for logistics, by K5 billion for building maintenance, and by K3 billion for consultancy charges.Click here to read.... [5]

NEPAL

Removal of constitution amendment from parliamentary agenda leads to finger pointing between parties: The Kathmandu Post

Until Wednesday morning, an amendment to the constitution was one of the “probable agendas” for the day’s Parliament meeting scheduled for 2pm. The amendment regarded the updating of Nepal’s new political map in the national emblem, defined in Schedule 3 of the constitution. But when the House meeting commenced, the constitution amendment proposal had vanished from the agenda.Click here to read.... [6]

SRI LANKA

PM presents Thondaman’s proposals to Cabinet: Daily Mirror

Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday presented a set of proposals and issues put forward by the late Minister Arumugam Thondaman when he called on the Prime Minister on Tuesday evening, the Prime Minister’s office said. In a statement, it said late Minister Thondaman had discussed the problems faced by the Tamil people in the plantation sector and had handed over a proposal to the Prime Minister to solve the housing issues faced by the estate sector.Click here to read.... [7]

CHINA

Epidemic won't restrain China's economic growth: CPPCC members: China Daily

China's economic growth will not be stifled by the COVID-19 epidemic, which is the consensus of national political advisers during the two sessions. Let's take a look at the views from these national political advisers on the Chinese economy.Click here to read.... [8]

Hong Kong is no longer autonomous from China, US determines, as Mike Pompeo makes certification that may mean sanctions: South China Morning Post

In a huge blow to Hong Kong, the Trump administration informed the US Congress on Wednesday that the city is no longer suitably autonomous from China. The assessment is a crucial step in deciding whether Hong Kong will continue to receive preferential economic and trade treatment from the United States.Click here to read.... [9]