VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: August 14, 2019

PAKISTAN

Kashmir Solidarity Day to be observed today: Dawn
August 14, 2019

Independence Day will be observed on Wednesday (today) as ‘Kashmir Solidarity Day’ to express solidarity with Kashmiris and highlight their plight. The government has unveiled a special logo “Kashmir banega Pakistan (Kashmir will become part of Pakistan)” lettered in red to go along with the theme of Kashmir Solidarity Day. The provincial and district governments, as well as educational institutions and art councils, have planned a series of events in connection with Independence Day. Federal and provincial governments also illuminated important national buildings and monuments. Click here to read.... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Khost Women Call On Taliban To Stop Violence: Tolo
August 14, 2019

A group of women in Khost at a gathering on Tuesday called on the Taliban to stop violence and take steps for enduring peace in the country. They said women want a big role in the peace process and election. “Women should raise their voice against the ongoing war in the country," said Nemat Bibi, member of Khost Provincial Council. “Once again I call on both sides to stop the war and have mercy on our people, women and our orphans,” said Suhaila Noori, a Khost resident. Click here to read.... [3]

BANGLADESH

PMs of India and Bangladesh to bat for effective regional connectivity: The Economic Times
August 14, 2019

PM Narendra Modi’s trip to Bhutan on August 17-18 and Bangladesh PM’s trip to Delhi early October could smoothen hurdles over BBIN regional connectivity including Motor Vehicles Agreement (MVA). Regional connectivity initiatives will figure high on the agenda of these visits for effective sub-regional cooperation that feeds into Indo-Pacific construct. Click here to read.... [4]

Myanmar

New report: Proposed Myanmar dam could displace thousands: Al Jazeera
August 14, 2019

Myanmar government officials claim a hydroelectricity project along the Tanintharyi River could significantly benefit the Southeast Asian nation. But new research by a trio of human rights organisations offers a dark contrast to that bright picture. Almost 7,000 people could be displaced if a dam is built along the river, according to a joint report, Blocking a Bloodline, by Candle Light, Southern Youth, and the Tarkapaw Youth Group. Click here to read.... [5]

Sri Lanka

We will not support Gotabaya Rajapaksa-Azath Salley: News First

August 14, 2019

Leader of the National Unity Front Azath Salley convened a media briefing today and noted that nobody was brave enough to oppose Gotabaya Rajapaksa when he sold out the Galle Face lands to Shangri La. He questioned whether Gotabaya Rajapaksa could come forward and assure that he did not beat Keith Noyahr, kill Lasantha Wickramatunga and the Rajapaksa’s did not kill those who demanded water in Rathupaswala? Azath Salley noted that in the election no candidate will be able to acquire over 50% and will have to count 2nd and 3rd votes. Click here to read.... [6]

Bhutan

BTFEC commits USD 7M to the government: Kuensel
August 14, 2019

Bhutan Trust Fund for Environmental Conservation (BTFEC) and Gross National Happiness Commission (GNHC) will sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for financial assistance up to USD 7 million (M) today. BTFEC, in a press release, stated that they would provide the amount for programme financing of Bhutan For Life (BFL), which should be utilised as a project finance for permanence in protected areas of Bhutan. “This is as a support to contribution over the 14 years for the government of Bhutan,” the press release stated. BTFEC will release Nu 32.500M annually based on the annual work plan prepared by the project coordination unit. Click here to read.... [7]

Nepal

With festival season approaching, sugar traders lobby for an extension on import restrictions: The Kathmandu Post
August 14, 2019

Despite the prime minister's own admission that he had been misled by sugar mills operators into instituting a restriction on the import of sugar, the government is considering extending the quota restriction on sugar imports, a decision that could result in a hike in sugar prices during the festival season. Though the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies said that no decision has been taken on the issue yet, traders believe that their lobbying will lead to the restriction being extended. “The ministry has not decided on the issue yet,” said Navaraj Dhakal, the ministry spokesperson. “Instead, the ministry is planning to import 35,000 tonnes of sugar for the upcoming festivals as a buffer stock to stabilise market prices during high demand.” However, sugar mills operators held a meeting with the Department of Commerce, Supply and Consumer Protection Management on Monday to lobby for an extension of the quota on sugar imports. Click here to read.... [8]

China

Inbound FDI climbs despite trade disputes: China Daily
August 14, 2019

Despite the Sino-US trade dispute, China has attracted a great deal of foreign direct investment from diversified sources in the first seven months of 2019, laying a solid footing for the second half, experts and company leaders said on Tuesday. Click here to read.... [9]

Court order bans protests at Hong Kong airport, apart from designated areas, as airlines in recovery mode after demonstration chaos: South China Morning Post
August 14, 2019

Demonstrations are banned at Hong Kong International Airport apart from in designated areas under an injunction obtained by the Airport Authority, as protest-stricken airlines scrambled on Wednesday to return services to normal. Click here to read.... [10]