Neighborhood News Digest – 21 September 2023

Afghanistan

Over 100 Afghan Security Outposts Built Along Durand Line – Tolo News

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has established more than 100 security outposts alongside the Durand Line in the eastern parts of the country. These outposts were built by the order of acting Minister of Defense Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqoob. In close vicinity to the outposts, several roads are also being built in addition to the outposts themselves. One of these roads is being built in the Salaleh neighborhood of Nangarhar province's Goshta district.Click here to read… [2]

Bangladesh

Prized Bangladeshi Hilsa to hit Indian markets before Durga Puja - The Print

The Bangladesh government on Wednesday gave permission to traders to sell nearly 4,000 metric tons of Hilsa fish to India ahead of the festive Durga Puja season. The Hilsa from Bangladesh’s Padma and Meghna rivers and from Chandpur where the two rivers meet has long been prized by Hilsa connoisseurs as among the tastiest of fishes.Click here to read… [3]

Why Bangladesh’s Upcoming General Elections Matter for South Asian Politics - South Asian Voices

Situated in the heart of the Bay of Bengal, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has steadily proven itself to be a standout economic player in South Asia despite its increased domestic authoritarianism. According to the World Bank, Bangladesh has achieved a higher per capita income than both Pakistan and India, overtaking the former in 2016 and the latter in 2019.Click here to read… [4]

Bhutan

SC “removes” two justices who were suspended in August – Kuensel

The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday removed two justices of the High Court (HC) for their involvement in “deliberate miscarriage of justice.” The two Justices were suspended in August. Justice Pema Rinzin and Justice Tshering Dorji who served at the HC’s Bench I were removed for “dishonest annulment” or cancelling the judgment of Thimphu district court which had sentenced defendants Thinlay Norbu and Tandin Penjor to five years each for illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.Click here to read… [5]

Maldives

EC urges to avoid activities that disturb peace and stir disruption ahead of second round - Raajje

The Elections Commission of Maldives (EC) has urged political parties and supporters of presidential candidates to refrain from indulging in activities that will disturb the peace of the electoral environment and pave the path to violence and disruption. Vice President of the commission Ismail Habeeb revealed that the right to campaign guaranteed by the Maldives Constitution is a fundamental right guaranteed to every candidate.Click here to read… [6]

Myanmar

Manipur's case taken to UN's interactive dialogue Rise of new Golden Triangle highlighted - The Sangai Express

The emergence of a new Golden Triangle along the Indo-Myanmar borderland is a cause for major concern that calls for a unified response at all levels, said Khuraijam Athouba at the 54th United Nations Human Rights Council session held at Geneva on September 18.Click here to read… [7]

Myanmar military coup carrying narcotics and arms trafficking into northeast, claims National Unity Consultative Council member - India Today

As India has been fighting a war against drug trafficking and arms smuggling into the sensitive zone of the northeast, a massive allegation has come to the fore from a Myanmar-based trade unionist. In an exclusive interview with India Today, Afrida Hussian, Deputy Editor of NE bureau explores the current political status of the trouble-torn country from U Maung Maung, President of Confederation of Trade Unions of Myanmar and also a member of National Unity Consultative Council.Click here to read… [8]

Nepal

3 educational institutes built with India's grant assistance inaugurated in Nepal – Devdiscourse

Three educational institutes built with a grant assistance of NRs 90.80 million from India have been inaugurated in far west Nepal. The campus building and the two schools were built with a grant assistance of NRs 90.80 million INR 5.65 crore approx from India, they said. These institutions, located in far-west Nepal, are providing education to almost 2,500 students of Kanchanpur and Kailali districts, the officials said.Click here to read… [9]

PM Dahal, Foreign Minister Saud hold meetings with leaders, UN officials on the sidelines of UNGA – The Kathmandu Post

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal on Tuesday participated in the opening ceremony of the High-Level General Debate of the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly. A number of Heads of State, Heads of Government, and high-level dignitaries from different countries are attending the General Debate of the 78th Session of UNGA, being held from September 19 to 26, 2023, under the theme “Rebuilding trust and reigniting global solidarity: Accelerating action on the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals towards peace, prosperity, progress, and sustainability for all”.Click here to read… [10]

Pakistan

US reduces visa wait time for Pakistanis – Geo News

Washington has minimised the wait time for the most sought-after American visas for Pakistani nationals willing to travel to the United States, the country's embassy said in an official statement on Tuesday. "Demand for US visas is the highest it has ever been. We are processing more visa applications than ever before and are working hard to bring down visa appointment wait times," the communique read. .Click here to read… [11]

Pakistan’s peace overtures to India have been met with negativity: FM Jilani – Dawn

Interim Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani on Wednesday said Pakistan’s “positive outreach and peace overtures”, including the opening of the Kartarpur corridor for visa-free visits from the Indian Sikh community, have been met with negativity.Click here to read… [12]

UAE imposes ban on fresh meat imports from Pakistan – The Print

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has imposed a ban on fresh meat imports from Pakistan via sea route after fungus was found on meat, according to ARY News. A restriction was imposed when fungus was discovered on meat sent from Karachi to the UAE by a firm. The restriction will be in effect until October 10.Click here to read… [13]

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka signs treaty on prohibition of nuclear weapons - Investing.com

Sri Lanka signed the instrument of accession to the treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) in the United Nations headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly. Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Ali Sabry deposited the instrument of accession on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday, Xinhua news agency reported.Click here to read… [14]

Chinese ‘Research Ship’ Given Permission to Dock at Sri Lankan Port - The Wire

Chinese “research ships” are said to usually have “dual purposes”, says The Tribune — while the primary aim is scientific exploration, what raises the hackles of other countries is the geopolitical purposes for which they are also deployed. On Shi Yan 6, a statement published by the Chinese state broadcaster CGTN said the ship would help “strengthen scientific research cooperation and exchanges with countries along the Maritime Silk Road and further realise the integration of science and education for Belt and Road Initiative”.Click here to read… [15]