Afghanistan
Baradar Leads Islamic Emirate Delegation at Kazan Economic Forum – Tolo News
According to Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar will also hold official meetings with senior officials from participating countries on the sidelines of the forum. The deputy spokesman said: “The Kazan Forum plays an important role among OIC member states in terms of economic cooperation and expanding multilateral relations. The high-level delegation of the Islamic Emirate will also participate in another economic meeting between Afghanistan and Russia regarding trade and economic cooperation.” Some economic experts said such meetings are valuable for expanding Afghanistan’s political and economic relations with regional countries, including Russia. Click here to read...
CSTO Reviews Security Threats, Support for Afghanistan in 41st Meeting – Tolo News
Although the caretaker government of Afghanistan has repeatedly pledged that its territory poses no threat to other countries, it seems that this assurance has not satisfied some countries and organizations. According to the CSTO's press release, the current situation in Afghanistan and potential threats originating from its territory were discussed during the meeting. A section of the statement reads: “There was a thorough exchange of views on the current situation in Afghanistan, noting the continuing high potential risks and threats emanating from the territory of that country. An opinion was expressed on the need for the CSTO member states to continue humanitarian and economic support for the population of Afghanistan by the CSTO member states.” Click here to read...
Bhutan
Yunus calls for integrated economic plan linking Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s Northeast – Hub News
Muhammad Yunus has renewed his call for deeper regional economic integration among Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and India’s landlocked northeastern states, in what is emerging as a consistent vision for a more connected and cooperative South Asia. “There should be an integrated economic plan for Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and the Seven Sisters,” he reiterated on May 12. “We have more to gain together than apart.” Central to the discussion was energy cooperation, especially hydropower. Yunus pointed to the Bangladesh-Nepal-India Tripartite Power Sales Agreement signed last October, under which Bangladesh will import 40 MW of hydropower from Nepal using Indian transmission lines. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “We must think bigger.” Deputy Speaker Rana echoed the sentiment. “We’re serious about strengthening our economic partnership and boosting people-to-people connections,” she said, noting the more than 2,700 Nepali students currently enrolled in Bangladeshi institutions, particularly medical colleges. Click here to read...
Lopens from India: Honouring architects of Bhutan’s education system – Kuensel
A new anthology chronicling the lives and contributions of Indian teachers in Bhutan, Lopens from India: The Glimpses of Their Life and Work in Bhutan, was launched on May 12 in Thimphu. The book, a collection of personal reflections and stories by 24 contributors, serves as a tribute to the Indian educators who played a crucial role in shaping Bhutan's education system during its formative years. The anthology captures the journeys of indian teachers who travelled to Bhutan in the 1960s and 70s, many of whom ventured on foot into some of the most remote and inaccessible parts of the country. Without roads, electricity, or proper housing, these pioneers embraced a life of hardship and purpose. Click here to read...
Maldives
Maldives and Kuwait hold official talks – Adhadhu
The governments of Maldives and Kuwait have held official talks during Foreign Minister Abdullah Khaleel's ongoing visit to the country. Khaleel arrived in Kuwait on May 12, 2025 and met with Kuwait's Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya on May 13, 2025. According to the Foreign Ministry, they discussed strengthening bilateral relations. "The Foreign Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the bilateral cooperation in key areas including tourism, trade and investment, renewable energy, Health, aviation, and people-to-people exchanges," the ministry said. Khaleel reiterated interest in expanding cooperation through new investments, especially in renewable energy and infrastructure development. He also thanked Kuwait "for the enduring support and partnership" in the area of socio-economic development. Click here to read...
WHO Commends Maldives on ‘Bold’ Tobacco Generational Ban – PSM News
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has commended the Maldives government for what it described as a bold step towards a tobacco free generation in the island nation. The organisation’s commendation came a day after the Parliament passed the necessary legislative amendment moved by the government to implement a generational tobacco ban, prohibiting the sale, purchase, and use of tobacco products for individuals born on or after 1 January, 2007. The WHO in a post on its social media platforms, said the landmark decision approving a generational tobacco ban that prohibits the sale and use of tobacco to anyone born on or after January 1, 2007, marks a pivotal leap forward in tobacco control efforts. Click here to read...
Myanmar
Death Toll From Myanmar Junta Airstrike on School Rises to 25 – The Irrawaddy
The death toll at the Depayin Township school targeted by Myanmar junta aircraft on Monday has risen to 25 after three more children died from their injuries. The civilian National Unity Government (NUG) and witnesses claimed that the regime used widely banned cluster bombs to attack O Htein Twin village school in Sagaing Region. Although Myanmar is not a signatory to the Convention on Cluster Munitions, the targeting of a school constituted a war crime and violated international humanitarian law, according to analysts. A total of 111 states have ratified the convention. More than 100 pupils were studying at the NUG-run school. The child victims were aged between seven and 16 and two volunteer teachers in their early 20s were also killed. Click here to read...
How Myanmar Junta Uses Air Force to Fight Its Corner – Myanmar Now
As the military junta racks up defeat after defeat in ground operations, its only remaining advantage is its air force, which it has used freely in aerial bombings of civilian targets around the country. Most nations around the world have imposed sanctions against the junta, restricting its ability to purchase aircraft and other military equipment, but Russia and China continue to supply arms to the regime, enabling it to continue its deadly campaign. The military did not immediately deploy air power in the early days of the armed revolt after the 2021 coup, because junta chief Min Aung Hlaing then still believed that the army could crush the poorly equipped resistance. Even when ground units reported difficulties, they were not granted air support, and troops were pressured to keep fighting without backup. Click here to read...
Pakistan
IMF expects Rs20tr revenue, stricter spending – The Dawn
As virtual technical-level discussions on the upcoming federal budget begin, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) expects Pakistan’s total revenue to grow to nearly Rs20 trillion in the next fiscal year, up from the current estimate of less than Rs17.8tr, with an emphasis on tight expenditure controls to ensure sustainable debt servicing. After three days of technical discussions through video link, formal policy-level negotiations on budget finalisation are set to begin on Monday (May 19) and continue until Friday (May 23). The agreement between the IMF staff mission and the authorities on next year’s budgetary measures and macroeconomic framework would lead to the announcement of the federal budget on June 2. Click here to read...
