VIF Neighborhood News Digest: November 4, 2019

PAKISTAN

PML-N, PPP appear reluctant to join Fazlur Rehman's next possible move: Dawn

November 4, 2019

PML-N and PPP seem to be reluctant to join the next possible move of JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman who is currently leading a sit-in in Islamabad as both have entrusted their respective central bodies to come up with a 'well-thought out' decision. Elders of the PML-N are meeting at the Model Town residence of party president Shehbaz Sharif today to discuss the national political scene and the multiparty conference JUI-F is going to hold on the sit-in issue, while PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari stated in Bahawalpur that only the CEC will take a decision on it. Click here to read... [2]

AFGHANISTAN

Acting Minister Qayoumi Testifies Before Senate Committee: Tolo

November 4, 2019

Acting Finance Minister Mohammad Humayon Qayoumi testified before the Complaints Assessment Committee of the Afghan Senate – the Meshrano Jirga – to answer accusations about his receiving high salaries from foreign institutions, as well as to address accusations of corruption in the customs office of the Finance Ministry. This was the first appearance of Qayoumi since documents came to light suggesting that he had been given foreign salaries while serving as finance minister of Afghanistan. Click here to read... [3]

BANGLADESH

‘Efforts on to bring back killers of Bangabandhu, 4 national leaders': Dhaka Tribune

November 4, 2019

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader has said the government will further strengthen its diplomatic efforts to bring back the fugitive killers of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and four national leaders. “A strong effort is on to bring back the convicted killers, who are hiding abroad. This diplomatic effort will be strengthened further in the days to come,” he said yesterday. Quader, also general secretary of Awami League, made the remarks while talking to reporters after placing a wreath at the portrait of Bangabandhu in front of the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum at Dhanmondi 32, marking the Jail Killing Day. Click here to read... [4]

MYANMAR

Warning of blackouts next summer, govt regulates hydropower plant operations: Myanmar Times

November 4, 2019

Authorities are closely watching the operations of hydropower plants across the country due to low rainfall and low water levels in dams during the recently ended rainy season, which they warn could trigger massive blackouts next summer. U Soe Myint, deputy permanent secretary of the Ministry of Electricity and Energy, said the ministry will start regulating the operations of the hydropower plants to conserve water. “The dams are not full, unlike in previous years, so we have to cut hydropower plant operations,” he said. Water levels are low at major dams in northern Myanmar due to less rainfall this year. Click here to read... [5]

SRI LANKA

Sajith writes to Gota on debate: Daily Mirror

November 4, 2019

New Democratic Front (NDF) presidential candidate Sajith Premadasa said he had written to Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa challenging to a presidential debate. “On Wednesday, I invited you to take up the challenge of facing the nation at such a debate. Unfortunately, I am yet to receive a response. Click here to read... [6]

NEPAL

President, acting on Cabinet decision, removes governors of all seven provinces: The Kathmandu Post

November 4, 2019

In an unexpected decision, the KP Sharma Oli administration on Sunday relieved the governors of all seven provinces of their duties. A Cabinet meeting held earlier in the day took the decision to remove the governors, all seven of whom had been appointed by the Sher Bahadur Deuba administration in January 2018. “President Bidya Devi Bhandari has relieved the governors of all seven provinces of their duties as per Article 165 (1) (b) of the constitution in line with the recommendation from the government to that effect,” read a notice issued by the Office of the President.https://kathmandupost.com/politics/2019/11/03/president-acting-on-cabinet-decision-removes-governors-of-all-seven-provinces " target="_blank">Click here to read...

BHUTAN

Govt. stops dredging and export of riverbed materials from Toorsa: Kuenselonline

November 4, 2019

After much controversy surrounding dredging and export of boulders from Phuentsholing, the government has decided to stop dredging of boulders and riverbed materials from Tooarsa river basin. The agriculture minister on October 25, through a notification, stated that the decision was taken after reviewing the Phuentsholing Township Development Project (PTDP) and concerns expressed by the Construction Development Corporation Limited (CDCL). “The government has decided to cease the export of surface collection and river bed dredging materials originating in and around Toorsa river basin,” the notification stated. Click here to read... [7]

CHINA

Beijing, Washington expected to complete first phase of trade deal soon: China Daily
November 4, 2019

China and the United States are expected to wrap up their phase-one trade agreement soon, a step toward ending the yearlong trade dispute and stimulating the global economy, experts and business leaders said. Click here to read... [8]

Li urges China, ASEAN to uphold multilateralism, free trade: People's Daily

November 4, 2019

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Sunday called on China and ASEAN to uphold multilateralism and free trade resist risks and realize common development at the 22nd China-ASEAN (10+1) leaders' meeting in Bangkok. Since China and ASEAN established dialogue relations, they have brought benefits to each other and the wider region, Li said, adding that China always supports ASEAN's central role in East Asian cooperation. Click here to read... [9]