United States envoy Angela Aggeler met Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa and discussed the likely scenarios in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of US troops and the entire peace process
Sri Lanka needs well-designed political and economic policy changes for long-term recovery
The government has taken steps to address shortages of fuel and gas to some extent when compared to the earlier situation which had long queues that stretched for kilometres outside fuel and gas stations. But a well-planned recovery plan still cannot be seen that can address the long-term food security issues.
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Bhutan budget lays stress on sustaining economic activities amid pandemic
The Bhutanese government has unveiled a budget of Nu 80 billion (USD 1,10,50,68,800) for the fiscal year 2021-22 aimed at maintaining public confidence and sustaining economic activities amid the Covid-19 pandemic, Kuensel reported
Pakistan stops contacts with Afghan NSA over ‘abusive’ remark
Days after Afghan National Security Advisor Hamidullah Mohib lashed out at Pakistan, the latter has conveyed to the Afghan government that they would no longer engage with Mohib, citing what they call his “abusive outburst”, reports say
Nepal permits limited flights from China, Qatar, and Turkey
Authorities in Nepal have allowed limited flights to, and from, Turkey, China, and Qatar to facilitate travelers, reported The Kathmandu Post
Sri Lanka mulls legal action against shipowner over chemical leaks
Sri Lankan authorities are mulling to take legal against the owner of the ship MV-X Press Pearl that caught fire this week in Sri Lankan waters, reported Colombopage
Afghanistan sees surge in Covid infections; schools closed for two weeks
Afghanistan has witnessed a record jump in the number of coronavirus infections this week, touching almost 1000 on Friday, and authorities there have ordered to close down schools for two weeks
Delhi to have phased unlock as Covid positivity rate falls to 2%
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has announced phased unlocking of the national capital as 1,141 new cases were recorded from 71,853 tests, that translated to 2 per cent positivity rate for three consecutive days
Mumbai students with confirmed foreign university admission to be vaccinated on priority
Students in Mumbai will be vaccinated on priority if they have got confirmed admissions to universities abroad and need to get inoculated before travelling to another country, the Maharashtra government said
Punjab to distribute sanitary pads to women every month
Sanitary pads will be distributed free of cost to women and girls in need every month in Punjab
Is Pakistan's 3.94 percent GDP growth fudged, questions professor
A Pakistani economics professor feels that the Pakistan government's projected 3.94 percent growth in GDP during times of COVID-19 crisis might be "fudged"
India, US to deepen strategic partnership after Jaishankar meets Blinken, Austin, Congressional leaders
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging India and the rising global tensions, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has capped two days of whirlwind diplomacy in Washington by meeting Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin as they sought to deepen the ties between their countries
Bangladesh foreign minister displeased over Palestinian envoy’s comment
Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen has expressed displeasure over a senior Palestine envoy commenting about a change in Bangladesh e-passport, reports UNB
Pakistan Army hopes Afghanistan soil will not be used against Islamabad
The Pakistan Army leadership has expressed hope that Afghanistan soil will not be used against Pakistan as the top brass noted the increase in cross-border attacks and the regrouping of terrorist outfits across the Pak-Afghan border, Tribune reported
Afghan forces can withstand foreign troops withdrawal, says NATO secretary-general
The Afghan government and security forces are strong enough to stand on their feet alone in the absence of international troops support, said NATO Secretary-General Janes Stoltenberg
Committed to provide vaccines to Maldives: Russia
Russia has assured the Maldives that it is committed to expediting the procurement of Covid-19 vaccines to the Indian Ocean archipelago, reported Raajje TV
