Neighborhood News Digest – 05 September 2023

Afghanistan

Afghan woman leads hunger strike for women’s rights amid global neglect – The Khaama Press

Tamana Zaryab Paryani, an activist for women’s rights, along with several other women, has initiated a hunger strike due to global neglect of the situation of women in Afghanistan and what is referred to as gender apartheid. Despite feeling unwell on the fourth day of their strike, they emphasize their commitment to continuing the hunger strike. Click here to read... [2]

France evacuates five Afghan women 'threatened by Taliban' – The National News

Five Afghan women are due to arrive in France on Monday, after receiving threats from the Taliban. A presidential order was issued to evacuate the five women, French immigration authority chief Didier Leschi said. “Special attention is being paid to women who are primarily threatened by the Taliban because they have held important positions in Afghan society … or have close contacts with westerners,” he said. Click here to read... [3]

Bangladesh

Bangladesh gears up to host Russia’s Lavrov and French President Macron as Sheikh Hasina plans G-20 participation - The Hindu

The first fortnight of September is appearing hectic in Dhaka’s diplomatic calendar with multiple high-profile visits and agreements that are being scheduled. The series is expected to start with the arrival of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to Dhaka on September 7. This will be followed by the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron on September 11. The two visits are unique as a French President is visiting Dhaka after nearly 33 years and Mr. Lavrov is the first Foreign Minister of Moscow to visit Bangladesh in its history. In between, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is due to arrive in New Delhi in the afternoon of September 8 and participate in the G-20 meetings where Bangladesh is among the “guest countries”. Click here to read... [4]

Bhutan

Multi-million project to address water woes – Kuensel

Bhutan launched a USD 8.9 million project to address the water shortages and declining water quality on September 3. The project will restore and manage water catchments, introduce climate-resilient agricultural practices and livelihoods, and promote the resilience of climate-proof water and irrigation infrastructure. Click here to read... [5]

Maldives

Maldives: What you need to know about the upcoming presidential elections - Indian Express

As Maldives goes to the polls in two weeks, several developments have occurred that are likely to impact the crucial presidential elections. Some observers believe that these elections will be one of the most critical in the country, and will have ramifications for geopolitics in the region. Click here to read... [6]

Myanmar

Malaysia calls for ‘strong’ measures on Myanmar as ASEAN meets - Aljazeera

Malaysia has called for “strong” measures against Myanmar’s generals, saying “obstacles” they created have blocked the implementation of a plan to restore peace more than two years since the military seized power in a coup. The unusually blunt message from Malaysia came as members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) began meeting in Jakarta for their annual summit, with tensions over Myanmar as well as the situation in the disputed South China Sea straining the 10-member alliance. Click here to read... [7]

Nepal

Plan to export 40MW power to Bangladesh this season uncertain amid delay in agreement – The Kathmandu Post

Nepal’s plan to export 40MW electricity to Bangladesh is getting delayed, raising questions whether export would be possible in the current wet season. Once two sides reach a consensus, a tripartite agreement needs to be signed involving India as the process requires Indian authorities’ clearance. Click here to read... [8]

Nepal govt working out agendas for PM Prachanda's China visit Saud – The Week

Nepal's government has been working out agendas, ranging from agricultural development to opening the northern checkpoints to hydropower development, for the official visit of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' to China later this month, according to his close aide. Click here to read... [9]

Pakistan

President Alvi discusses polls with interim law minister, stresses upholding supremacy of Constitution – Dawn

President Dr Arif Alvi discussed matters pertaining to elections with caretaker Law Minister Ahmed Irfan Aslam on Monday and stressed the need to make decisions “in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution”. The interim minister called on the president at Aiwan-i-Sadr in Islamabad where Alvi emphasised the need for “upholding the supremacy of the Constitution”, a statement issued by the Presidency said. Click here to read... [10]

Pakistan Chopper Crash Kills 3 Navy Personnel In Balochistan – NDTV

A Pakistan Navy helicopter crashed during a routine training flight in the country's restive Balochistan province on Monday, killing three people, including two officers, a navy spokesperson said. The crash occurred in the province's port city of Gwadar when the helicopter developed a technical problem, killing two Navy officers and a sailor of the Pakistan Navy, The News International newspaper reported. Click here to read... [11]

Sri Lanka

Colombo mulls converting Adani power project to a G2G deal: Sri Lankan media - The Hindu

In a cabinet memorandum last month, Sri Lanka’s Energy Minister has sought to convert the agreement with Adani Green Energy Limited — for execution of renewable energy projects in the island’s Northern Province — to a government-to-governmental deal, according to Sri Lankan media reports. Click here to read... [12]