VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: February 09, 2022

Afghanistan

Ex-UK Defense Chief Suggests Recognition of Islamic Emirate: Tolo News

The former UK defense chief David Richards recently suggested that the West recognize the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan. Click here to read... [2]

US seeking Taliban’s cooperation in anti-ISIS fight: The Khaama Press

Joe Biden’s nominee for CENTCOM Lt General Erik Kurrila said there are pragmatic instances where the US and the Taliban can come together and fight the ISIS-K and take out the terrorists’ targets in Afghanistan. Click here to read... [3]

Bangladesh

Spike in Covid cases spells trouble for working parents seeking childcare services- Dhaka Tribune

Many facilities are finding it difficult to stay afloat as rents, other costs pile up. Click here to read... [4]

Five years of Huda-led EC: Intention in question- Daily Star

Our first challenge is to hold a free and fair election and then to win the confidence of all political parties, including the BNP," Chief Election Commissioner KM Nurul Huda told a news briefing five years ago after taking office. Click here to read... [5]

Khaleda Zia receives 'Mother of Democracy Award'- Observer

Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Chairperson Khaleda Zia has been conferred with the 'Mother of Democracy' award by the Canadian Human Rights International Organisation (CHRIO) for her outstanding contributions to protect democracy, human rights and fundamental rights of people. Click here to read... [6]

Bhutan

Heavy snow damages greenhouses in Haa and Paro- Kuensel

Heavy snowfall in Haa and Paro last week damaged many greenhouses. Farmers said more than 30 to 40 centimetres of snow piled on top of the greenhouses, damaging them. Click here to read... [7]

More than Nu 227M spent on quarantine facilities in Phuentsholing- Kuensel

Providing quarantine facility services to those moving out of Phuentsholing to other parts of the country during this pandemic has cost the government more than Nu 227 million (M). Click here to read... [8]

MoE finalizes reporting dates for students and teachers- Bhutan Times

In the latest updates on the school reopening, the Ministry of Education (MoE) has decided to reopen primary and lower secondary schools with effect from 1 March this academic year. Click here to read... [9]

Maldives

Discussions held on establishing Muslim World League office in Maldives. Raajje.

This was revealed at a joint press conference hosted on Tuesday. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains one of the closest development partners of Maldives. MWL SG’s visit symbolizes the long-standing relations Maldives have with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Click here to read... [10]

MWL SG discusses issue of violent extremism leading to terrorism, with Defense Minister. Raajje

This was done during the courtesy call paid to the Maldivian minister by the MWL SG on Tuesday. MWL SG praised the Maldivian president’s ‘Zero Tolerance Policy on Terrorism and Violent Extremism’. The pair discussed several issues including the issue of violent extremism leading to terrorism. Click here to read... [11]

Myanmar

A bloody stalemate one year after Myanmar coup tests our restraint - Responsible State Craft

The Tatmadaw, or Burmese military, staged its first coup six decades ago. A year ago in February the generals staged their latest takeover, against the semi-civilian government they created a decade ago. As a result, Burma — also known as Myanmar — is sliding into chaos and civil war, with the armed forces facing urban and rural insurgencies. Click here to read... [12]

Is Myanmar Ripe For A Proxy War? - The Friday Times

Myanmar has been embroiled in a bitter civil war for the past year. Superpowers have now gotten involved and are supporting competing sides. This is nothing that we have not seen before. Domestic disputes of one country often turn into international conflicts as global forces vie for their own personal interests. This might be to gain a sphere of influence, or to oppose that of another country. Click here to read... [13]

Myanmar: Fearing the Ruling Military Junta, Hundreds of Parents Disown Dissident Children - The Wire

Every day for the last three months, an average of six or seven families in Myanmar have posted notices in the country’s state-owned newspapers cutting ties with sons, daughters, nieces, nephews and grandchildren who have publicly opposed the ruling military junta. Click here to read... [14]

SAC members pay homage to Lawkananda pagoda, inspect Sittway port - GNLM

Members of the State Administration Council Admiral Tin Aung San, Mahn Nyein Maung, Daw Aye Nu Sein and U Moung Har, together with Rakhine State Chief Minister Dr Aung Kyaw Min, Commander of the Western Command Maj-Gen Htin Latt Oo, and state cabinet ministers, paid homage to the Lawkananda pagoda in Sittway yesterday and donated cash to the fund of the pagoda. Click here to read... [15]

Casualties reported as junta troops clash with Arakan Army in Maungdaw Twsp - BNI Online

Casualties were reported after a clash broke out between the Myanmar military and Arakan Army (AA) near Mee Taik village in Arakan State’s Maungdaw Township at about 2 p.m. on Friday, according to U Khaing Thukha, a spokesperson for the ethnic armed group. Click here to read... [16]

Nepal

Local polls to be held on May 13- Himalaya

The Cabinet today decided to hold local polls to the 753 local levels on May 13. Click here to read... [17]

House meeting deferred again amid preparations to table MCC compact- Kathmandu Post

The $500 million US grant, for which Washington has set a February 28 deadline, is in limbo as Nepal’s political parties are deeply dividedClick here to read... [18]

Central bank urges all to stay away from cryptocurrency and network businesses- Republica

The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has urged one and all to remain cautious on the issue of cryptocurrency and networking transactions since it is an illegal act. Click here to read... [19]

(Opinion) To China, with questions and a message- Nepal Live Today

As the MCC debate heats up once again, accusing fingers are being pointed at China not only for making efforts to stall the ratification of the American grant but also about non-cooperation on Nepal-China land route trade.

Pakistan

IMF wants Pakistan to ‘do more’ than just levying taxes: Dawn

Speaking to the office-bearers of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Tuesday, she said the purpose of the IMF programme is to promote macroeconomic stability and the country’s fiscal and monetary policies must promote the former’s vision in this regard. Click here to read... [20]

India-Pakistan trade remains in deep freeze: The Express Tribune

Even though recently, the Narendra Modi led government has opened its side of the Kartarpur Corridor after consistent protests by the Sikh community on both sides of the border, trade has been terminated with India since August of 2019 when the neighboring country abolished the special status of Occupied Kashmir. Click here to read... [21]

Sri Lanka

Sri Lankans increasingly recognise India as a true, reliable friend, says GL Peiris: The Hindu

The people of Sri Lanka “increasingly recognise” that India is a true friend that Sri Lanka can rely on at all times, Foreign Minister G.L. Peiris has said, thanking India for the $ 2.4 billion assistance at a “critical juncture” for the island nation in the midst of an economic crisis. Click here to read... [22]

India extends Sri Lanka financial assistance of 2.4 billion USD, discusses fishermen issue: ANI

Sri Lankan Foreign Minister GL Peiris concludes his two-day official visit to India from February 6 to 8, where both sides discussed the fishermen's issue and India provided financial assistance of 2.4 billion USD to Sri Lanka, said the High Commission of Sri Lanka in its official statement. Click here to read... [23]

Sri Lankan minister ‘admits’ country bought weapons from North Korea: The Times

A senior minister in Sri Lanka appeared to let slip that his country’s army was supplied with weapons by North Korea during the civil war against the Tamil Tigers. Click here to read... [24]