Neighborhood News Digest – 23 August 2023

Afghanistan

UNAMA Reports on the Violation of Human Rights Over Past 2 Years – Tolo News

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said it has credible reports of serious human rights violations by the “de facto Taliban authorities against hundreds of former government officials and former armed forces members.” Click here to read... [2]

Bangladesh

India Awaits Data from Bangladesh to Resume Talks on Trade Pact 2023 -Inventiva

A senior source stated that before both parties pick up their negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), India is expecting specific data from Bangladesh, which might arrive at any time. Click here to read... [3]

In Bangladesh, trial begins against Dr Yunus for labour law violation case - Indian Awaaz

In Bangladesh, trial has begun against four people, including Nobel Laureate and Grameen Telecom Chairman Dr Muhammad Yunus, in a labour law violation case. After appeals were rejected in the High Court and the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, the trial began today at the Labour Court in Dhaka with recording of testimony. Click here to read... [4]

Bhutan

NCGS projects come to an end by this month – Kuensel

Over a span of two years, a loan of Nu 852.08 Million (M) has been extended across 213 projects through the avenues of the National Credit Guarantee Scheme (NCGS), signifying a robust stride towards bolstering economic endeavours. In October 2020, the government set in motion a financial assurance framework amounting to Nu 3 billion (B) under the purview of NCGS, slated to span three years. Click here to read... [5]

Maldives

Foreign relations will be based on independence and sovereignty respect: Muizzu - Avas

Speaking at his manifesto launch held Sunday, Dr. Muizzu said the PPM-PNC government would shape its foreign policy in a way that prioritizes maintaining close relations with countries while also preserving the Maldives' independence. He stressed that his government would not align exclusively with any single nation. Click here to read... [6]

Myanmar

Mizoram: 3 Myanmar nationals, 2 Tripura residents arrested with Meth - East Mojo

Three Myanmar nationals and two Tripura residents were arrested for possessing 9.782 kilograms (1,00,000 tablets) of Methamphetamine in Aizawl on Tuesday, a statement issued by the state excise and narcotics department said. Click here to read... [7]

UN urged to ‘cut ties’ with Myanmar coup leaders after Griffiths visit - Aljazeera

Civil society groups working on Myanmar have criticised United Nations relief chief Martin Griffiths over his recent trip to the country, saying his visit failed to make substantial progress on humanitarian assistance and lent legitimacy to coup leaders who had “weaponized aid”. Click here to read... [8]

Nepal

CIB recommends prosecution of 238 individuals in Lalita Niwas land scam – The Kathmandu Post

The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of the Nepal Police has recommended that the government prosecute 238 individuals including four former ministers and six former secretaries as defendants in the Lalita Niwas land scam case. The CIB on Tuesday submitted the investigative report regarding the case to the District Attorney’s office. Click here to read... [9]

Pakistan

PKR falls to record low, closes at Rs299 to dollar in interbank – Dawn

The Pakistani rupee fell by Rs1.88 against the US dollar during interbank trade on Tuesday, extending its losses from the previous week. The greenback was changing hands in the interbank market at a record Rs299.01 at closing. Click here to read... [10]

Sri Lanka

Chinese research ship Shi Yan 6 requests Sri Lanka port call, raising possible security concerns in India- SCMP

China has requested permission for a research ship to dock in Sri Lanka, Colombo said Tuesday, following a visit by a spacecraft-tracking vessel last year that sparked security concerns from neighbouring India. Click here to read... [11]

Adani to HCL, Sri Lanka riding high on Indian capital. Modi’s new regional order is working - The print

The World Bank calls it #OneSouthAsia, India’s less dramatic description has been framed as its “neighbourhood first” policy and the US-led Western world has visibly agreed to back India’s premium positioning in the subcontinent. Click here to read... [12]