Neighborhood News Digest – 28 July 2023

Afghanistan

Acting Minister Muttaqi to Meet American Officials in Doha – Tolo News

The spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted that a delegation of the Islamic Emirate led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is scheduled to travel to Doha at the end of this month to meet with American officials. Abdul Qahar Balkhi tweeted that in the meeting, ending sanctions and blacklists, releasing Afghanistan's bank reserves, and stopping violations of Afghanistan's airspace will be discussed. Click here to read... [2]

Taliban takeover in Afghanistan has “emboldened” TTP, increasing cross-border attacks: UNSC report – The Print

The United Nations Security Council in its latest report has said that the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan has “emboldened” Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan [TTP], resulting in an increase in its cross-border attacks in Pakistan. The report also notes that there was evidence that several global terrorist entities are using the TTP as cover to evade restrictions of the Afghan Taliban, adding that greater restrictions over such groups could push them to join the Islamic State of Khorasan (ISKP). Click here to read... [3]

Bangladesh

First Rupee trade shipment from Petrapole border to Bangladesh – The Economic Times

The first Rupee trade shipment from West Bengal's Petrapole border to Bangladesh took place on Tuesday, an official said. Petrapole, located in North 24 Parganas, is the major land port for bilateral trade with the neighbouring country. The Indian government has been promoting Rupee trade with several countries to save forex, aiming at reducing dependence on the US Dollar and strengthening regional currency and trade. Click here to read... [4]

Bhutan

How China's Xi Is Using Bhutan To Corner India – Hindustan Times

China is back to its old tricks. Xi Jinping is now trying to speed up engagement with Bhutan to negotiate a settlement for its illegal gains. However, the real motive behind China’s outreach is a sinister attempt to corner India in its own backyard. A border deal between the CCP and Bhutan will reverberate throughout India and has the potential to escalate the crisis along the Sino-Indian border. Click here to read... [5]

Urgent call for resilience and preparedness as climate change impacts Bhutan – Asia News Network

The picturesque Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan, with its breathtaking landscapes and commitment to environmental preservation, faces a paradoxical reality. While being a net sequester of greenhouse gases (GHG), Bhutan is also highly susceptible to the destructive forces of nature, fueled by climate change. Click here to read... [6]

Maldives

Over 87,000 tourists welcomed so far in July – Raajje

More than 87,000 tourists have been welcomed so far, this ongoing month. This was revealed by the Ministry of Tourism through its latest weekly tourist arrival statistics publicized on Friday. As such, the ministry’s statistics reveal that Maldives had welcomed a total of 87,112 visitors between July 1 – 19. Click here to read... [7]

Myanmar

Myanmar Aung San Suu Kyi moved out of jail to house arrest – BBC

Myanmar's ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi has been moved to house arrest after the military detained her following a coup in February 2021. Ms Suu Kyi was taken to a government building in Nay Pyi Taw on Monday, prison sources told BBC Burmese. She'd spent a year in solitary confinement. The 78-year-old is serving a 33-year sentence, after being jailed in closed-door, military-run trials. Click here to read... [8]

Nepal

Nepal: Opposition, some MPs in ruling coalition demand resignation of Home Minister in gold smuggling case – The Print

As the investigative agencies have failed to name the main accused in the case of smuggling of a quintal of gold disguised as brakeshoes, the opposition as well as some lawmakers of the ruling coalition have demanded the resignation of Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha. Click here to read... [9]

IMF sees Nepal’s economic growth rebounding this fiscal year – The Kathmandu Post

Following an economic slowdown last year, Nepal’s growth is projected to rebound in the current fiscal year, according to an assessment by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) released on Thursday. The IMF said that in Nepal, inflation is expected to recede, and the external position would continue to strengthen this fiscal year. Click here to read... [10]

Pakistan

Senate passes Army Act amendment bill proposing up to 5 years in jail for disclosing sensitive information – Dawn

The Senate on Thursday passed a bill to amend the Pakistan Army Act, 1952 which proposes up to five years in jail for anyone who discloses sensitive information pertaining to the security of the country or the Pakistan Army. The bill, titled “Pakistan Army (Amendment) Act, 2023”, was moved by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Click here to read... [11]

Pakistan criticises Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's LoC crossing remarks – The Telegraph Online

Pakistan has criticised Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks that India is ready to cross the Line of Control (LoC) to maintain its honour and dignity, saying the "belligerent rhetoric" is a threat to regional peace and stability. Speaking at the Kargil War Memorial in Ladakh's Drass town on the occasion of the 24th Kargil Vijay Diwas on Wednesday, Singh said no compromise will be made in protecting the sovereignty, unity and integrity of the country. Click here to read... [12]

How Pakistan is targeting students from army schools in India to seek sensitive info – Firstpost

Pakistan can play dirty. They are now targeting students in India. Many pupils, including those of Army Public Schools across India, are getting calls and WhatsApp messages from Pakistani Intelligence Operatives (PIOs), luring them to join particular social media groups and share sensitive information. Click here to read... [13]

Sri Lanka

Emmanuel Macron to visit Sri Lanka on July 28 – Deccan Herald

French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Colombo on July 28 on his maiden trip for bilateral talks with his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe, it was announced on Thursday. Macron will be on his return home from a 5-day visit to the Pacific islands of Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu, President Wickremesinghe’s office said. Click here to read... [14]