Neighborhood News Digest- 01 March 2024

Afghanistan

Women’s media work may be banned if faces are not covered: AFJC- The Khama Press

The Afghanistan Journalists Center reports that the Minister of Virtue and Vice for the Taliban has issued a warning that if female reporters do not cover their faces on television, women’s work in the media may be prohibited. Click here to read... [2]

No part of Afghanistan’s soil is beyond control: Mujahid Responds to Russian Defense Minister- The Khama Press

The de facto administration has dismissed concerns about threats emanating from Afghan soil against regional countries and has urged Russia and other nations to adopt a realistic approach towards Afghanistan. Click here to read... [3]

Bhutan

Economic growth bodes well for Bhutan insurance industry - Asia Insurance Review

The insurance industry in the tiny landlocked kingdom of Bhutan has faced multiple challenges over the past few years but is expected to see growth as economic activity in the kingdom increases. Click here to read... [4]

China is intensifying pressure on Bhutan to cede Doklam and Sakteng regions bordering Bharat - Hindu Post

As part of this diabolic pressure tactic, Beijing has set up and expanded three villages in the Pasamlung area that belongs to Bhutan but had been forcibly taken over by China through its notorious ‘salami-slicing’ tactics. According to reports in the Hong-Kong based South China Morning Post, China has relocated a couple of hundred people from Shigatse in CoT to Tamalung and Gyalaphug — two new villages that it has built in Pasamlung…..” Click here to read... [5]

Bangladesh

New cabinet members likely to take oaths Friday – Dhaka Tribune

The size of the cabinet is likely going to be extended as some new ministers, state ministers, and deputy ministers are likely to be inducted on Friday. Click here to read... [6]

Digital finance can ensure double-digit GDP growth – The Daily Star

Bangladesh's economy can grow by double digits through the inclusion of unbanked people by way of digital financial services, said speakers at an event. Click here to read... [7]

Bangladesh, Nepal, Lanka back India call to reduce cost of remittances – Economic Times

Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka have backed India's proposal to initiate a work programme at the World Trade Organization (WTO) for cheaper, faster and more accessible cross-border payments including remittances. Click here to read... [8]

Maldives

President ratifies election postponement bill – The Edition

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has ratified the bill of amendments to the General Elections Act which prohibit elections from being held in Ramadan. As a result, the parliamentary election can no longer be held on March 17 as previously scheduled. The President ratified the bill on the advice of Attorney General Ahmed Usham. As per the newly ratified law, the parliamentary election can be held ten days after Ramadan. Click here to read... [9]

FM Zameer meets US Deputy Secretary of State Richard Verma – Raajje

Minister of Foreign Affairs Moosa Zameer has met the United States Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard Verma. The meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 29. The meeting saw FM Zameer and the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State engaging in discussions regarding the growing partnership between the Maldives and U.S. Discussions revolved around issues of democratic principles, the rule of law, economic prosperity, defense as well as broader security cooperation. Click here to read... [10]

Myanmar

Myanmar: The Many Foes of Min Aung Hlaing - The Diplomat

The small protest in the central Myanmar town of Pyin Oo Lwin on January 16 was far less spectacular than the military’s recent battlefield losses, but for dictator-in-chief Min Aung Hlaing it was possibly just as damaging. Rather than call for the end of the junta that seized power in a February 2021 coup – as millions across Myanmar have done over the past three years – the pro-regime protesters urged Min Aung Hlaing to step down as head of the military, and hand over power to his deputy, Soe Win. Click here to read... [11]

Arakan Army says it will investigate and try captured junta soldiers - RFA

Myanmar military personnel captured by the Arakan Army as part of its campaign against the junta will be investigated and tried — and could be sentenced to death for war crimes, sources told RFA this week. Thousands of POWs are being held by the Arakan Army, or AA, which alongside the National Democratic Alliance Army and the Ta’ang National Liberation Army – which together call themselves the “Three Brotherhood Alliance” – has made significant gains in recent months against Myanmar’s military government. Click here to read... [12]

Myanmar: New Data Show Wide Support for Unity Government - USIP

The three-month offensive by Myanmar’s alliance of disparate ethnic armed groups has weakened the military regime more than at any time since it seized power three years ago. This highlights a question for international policymakers: Could the anti-coup forces stabilize Myanmar? New public opinion data bolsters evidence that the National Unity Government (NUG) — which combines representatives elected in the 2020 election and ethnic minority leaders — has a solid basis to lead such an effort, holding strong popular support across Myanmar’s numerous ethnic groups. Such stabilization will depend on the NUG’s ability to deepen its inclusivity and responsiveness and broaden its political coalition. Click here to read... [13]

Perpetual Stalemate? Outlook Remains Bleak in Myanmar Civil War - Geopolitical Monitor

Myanmar’s military chief, Min Aung Hlaing, has extended a state of emergency for an additional six months beyond its constitutional limits. This decision has postponed promised elections following the military’s seizure of power from Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government on February 1, 2021. The country has experienced widespread turmoil since the coup, evolving from mass protests to an armed resistance in response to the military’s violent suppression efforts. The escalation of armed opposition has been particularly notable since the initiation of Operation 1027 by anti-coup forces and ethnic armed groups. Click here to read... [14]

Nepal

Coalition collision - Nepali Times

Nepalis are increasingly exasperated with a government formed just a year-and-a-half ago, and with three more years to go for the next elections. The problem stems from the third largest party, the Maoist Centre, having the prime ministerial and other powerful posts in government. The Nepali Congress (NC), the biggest party by far in Parliament, is behaving like a minor partner. Last week, there were vociferous demands at the NC General Committee meeting to abandon the coalition in the next election, and this week the Maoist standing committee also decided to go it alone in the 2027 election. While both parties say they will not leave the current coalition, it is clear that the alliance is fraying at the seams. Click here to read... [15]

Nepal and Climate Diplomacy - My Republica

Nepal has been ranked as the 10th most affected country in the world by climate change. Nepal, despite contributing a small share of global greenhouse gas emissions, recognizes the risks of climate change. Our mountains are a vital source of revenue and water for South Asia. We must take the lead in climate diplomacy by cooperating with our neighbors. Click here to read... [16]

World Bank Backs Nepal's Growth Reforms, Road Improvements - mirage News

The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors today approved $200 million in new financing for two projects in Nepal to support the country's transition toward Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development (GRID) and help improve the development and maintenance of Nepal's provincial and local road network. Click here to read... [17]

FinTech Alliance Nepal joins Asia FinTech Alliance - Kathmandu Post

FinTech Alliance Nepal (FAN) has joined the Asia FinTech Alliance (AFA), marking a significant milestone in Nepal’s fintech connection. This partnership underscores FAN’s commitment to fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and driving collective growth in the fintech sector, FAN said in a statement. The Asia FinTech Alliance brings together a diverse group of fintech associations from key markets such as Singapore, South Korea, Japan, the Philippines, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand and, Mongolia. Click here to read... [18]

Pakistan

KP to elect CM today, Balochistan follows suit tomorrow-Dawn

After electing custodians of the house on Thursday, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan lawmakers will respectively elect their leader of the house in the election for the chief minister on Friday and Saturday. Click here to read... [19]

Pandemonium reigns during maiden sitting of assembly-Dawn

Three weeks after the general elections, the National Assembly held its inaugural session on Thursday amid noisy protests from both sides of the aisle, as 302 lawmakers took the oath of office on its first day. Click here to read... [20]

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka expects “smooth” second IMF review – Daily Mirror

The government on Wednesday expressed confidence in the upcoming International Monetary Fund (IMF) review going “smooth”. Click here to read... [21]

SLPP MPs push for early General Election ahead of Presidential race – Daily Mirror

In the midst of ongoing discussions surrounding potential electoral alliances among political parties, a notable contingent of MPs from both the government and opposition camps have reportedly expressed a strong inclination towards advocating for a General Election to precede the scheduled presidential ballot, Daily Mirror learns. Click here to read... [22]