VIF Neighbourhood News Digest: March 11, 2022

Afghanistan

Islamic Emirate Delegation to Attend Antalya Diplomacy Forum: Tolo News

A delegation of the Islamic Emirate led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has left Kabul for Turkey to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, from March 11-13. Click here to read more... [2]

Afghanistan is in dire need of international assistance: Pakistan’s FM

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi has expressed concern over Afghanistan’s humanitarian situation and asked for international assistance to the country. Click here to read more... [3]

Bangladesh

‘Why didn’t you come back too?’- The Daily Star

As the 28 sailors came out of the Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport's arrivals terminal one after the other, one pained cry stood out among the otherwise cheerful sounds of happy reunions. Click here to read more... [4]

Bangladesh full of opportunities- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday invited United Arab Emirates investors to avail lucrative opportunities in Bangladesh, harness its potentials, and make the country their homeClick here to read more... [5]

PM urges UAE businesses to invest in RMG, ICT sectors in Bangladesh- The Daily Star

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged the United Arab Emirates (UAE) business community to invest largely in Bangladesh Special Economic Zones and high-tech parks particularly in readymade garments (RMG), leather, jute, food, ICT, and ITES (IT Enabled Services). Click here to read more... [6]

Bangladesh urges FAO to help develop new crops to fight climate change- The Daily Star

Bangladesh has urged the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to mobilise more resources to develop a new variety of crops and innovation of new technologies to combat the impact of climate change in the Asian and Pacific region. Click here to read more... [7]

USAID launches $5m project for Bangladesh’s female RMG workers- The Daily Star

USAID today launched a $5 million project – "Women Thrive in Bangladesh" – to empower women working in the readymade garment factoriesClick here to read more... [8]

Bhutan

Final barrage DPR for PHPA I expected by mid-April- Kuensel

The detailed project report (DPR) for the construction of a barrage at the 1,200MW Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project I (PI) has been delayed and is now expected to complete by the end of this month. Click here to read more... [9]

The Ukraine invasion and us- Kuensel

It is not a new experience for Bhutanese as we watch live events unfolding in Ukraine and the impact it is going to have on the world, including Bhutan. Click here to read more... [10]

What are the five main fruits in a Bhutanese fruit bowl 'thokay'?- Daily Bhutan

While a small country in size nestled between two Asian giants, Bhutan has extremely diverse agro-climatic conditions due to dramatic variation in elevation. This climatic and altitudinal variability of the country allows the growth and cultivation of many crops and fruits. Click here to read more... [11]

Maldives

India, Maldives to strengthen time-tested bilateral security partnership: NSA Ajit DovalIndia, Maldives to strengthen time-tested bilateral security partnership NSA Ajit Doval said: Indian Express

Doval was in the Maldives to attend the 5th NSA level Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) meeting. The CSC comprises India, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, with Mauritius recently being included as the fourth member
https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2022/mar/10/india-maldives-to-strengthen-time-tested-bilateral-security-partnership-nsa-ajit-doval-2428542.html" target="_blank">Click here to read more...

Colombo Security Conclave: Big news network
India, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Mauritius on Thursday agreed upon a roadmap for further cooperation to enhance and strengthen maritime regional security and counter-terrorism.

Myanmar

Air strike damages Catholic convent as Myanmar conflict continues - Catholic World Report

The Myanmar conflict’s destruction continued early Thursday morning, when a military aircraft attack on a town in the east of the country caused severe damage to a Catholic convent’s roof, ceiling, and windows.

Chair of ANP asks leaders who joined junta, rebel group if they would like to leave the party - Myanmar Now

The chair of one of Rakhine’s most prominent political forces, the Arakan National Party (ANP), has suggested some of the party’s top leaders are not fit to continue in their roles after one joined the military council and another became a negotiator for a rebel group. Click here to read more... [12]

Threats, torture, and telemedicine: Myanmar's health workers need help - Devex

Long before Myanmar’s military raided homes and arrested members of the then-ruling National League for Democracy in the early hours of Feb. 1, 2021, Dr. Zaw Wai Soe had been a well-known voice on health in the Southeast Asian country. Click here to read more... [13]

Only Intensifying Pressure on The Military Can Solve Myanmar’s Problems – OpEd - Eurasia Review

Economic and arms embargoes must be imposed to put effective pressure on Myanmar. It is not enough just to impose sanctions on a few military officers or companies. At the same time, the major regional powers need to play a stronger role in ensuring that Myanmar takes responsibility for its own actions. Click here to read more... [14]

Myanmar military follows KNU ultimatum with airstrike - Myanmar Now

Brigade 6 of the Karen National Liberation Army—the armed wing of the Karen National Union (KNU)—sent the junta a warning on Monday to leave the town of Lay Kay Kaw in Karen State’s Myawaddy Township within three days. Click here to read more... [15]

Nepal

Russia-Ukraine conflict likely to exacerbate economic woes of Nepal- Himalaya

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict will likely exacerbate the economic woes of Nepal as the spiralling oil and commodities prices in the international market will further widen the country's burgeoning trade deficit. Click here to read more... [16]

Nepal records 77 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday vs 68 a day before- Himalaya

The active Covid-19 caseload of Nepal dropped to 5,340 on Thursday as 77 people tested positive for the infection in past 24 hours. Click here to read more... [17]

Forgotten children: Woes of migrant women- Himalaya

This lapse in regulation and delay in addressing the issue has rendered at least 200 children stateless and deprived them of basic rights. Click here to read more... [18]

Opposition red over plans to print poll symbols in green- Kathmandu Post

Observers say parties should focus on manifestos rather than squabble over ballot colour. Click here to read more... [19]

Himalayans on the frontlines- Nepali Times

The people of the Himalaya face the double whammy of climate breakdown and Covid-19. Click here to read more... [20]

EC holding consultations with political parties today- Republica

The Election Commission (EC) of Nepal is holding discussions with the leaders of all major political parties on Friday to brief them about the progress made so far for holding the upcoming local level election. Click here to read more... [21]

Pakistan

Opposition uproar after govt move: Dawn

The capital remained abuzz with political activity on Thursday, with the main opposition parties in uproar after an Islamabad police operation inside the Parliament Lodges and recent “threats” hurled by Prime Minister Imran Khan against opposition leaders. Click here to read more... [22]

Power tariff raised by Rs5.94/unit for Jan: The News

The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on Thursday raised the power tariff by Rs5.94 per unit on account of Fuel Charges Adjustment (FCA) for January 2022. According to a notification of NEPRA, the FCA for January 2022 will be charged in the bills of March 2022, which will be paid by all consumer categories of distribution companies, except for lifeline customers of all ex-WAPDA distribution companies (XWDISCOs). Click here to read more... [23]

Bill tabled in US house to declare Pakistan 'state sponsor of terrorism: The Express Tribune
The bill tabled by US Congressman Scott Perry on March 8 read, “To provide for the designation of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, and for other purposes.” Click here to read more... [24]

Sri Lanka

Indian Coast Guard detains five Sri Lankan fishermen: Times of India

The Indian Coast Guard on Tuesday detained five Sri Lankan fishermen who crossed the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) and were fishing in the country’s waters. Click here to read more... [25]

India, Sri Lanka explore new maritime security pacts: Daily News

New Delhi is exploring with Colombo maritime security agreements that will strengthen India’s interests, particularly around the Eastern Trincomalee Harbour. Click here to read more... [26]

China silent on Sri Lanka’s request for debt waiver: Easy mojo

Last December, Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa requested Beijing’s assistance in mitigating his country’s deepening forex crisis and spiralling external debt. Click here to read more... [27]