Sri Lanka's President Ranil Wickremesinghe

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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Hijab not an essential religious practice in Islam, rules Indian court, upholding ban on their wearing by students

The eagerly awaited judgement Tuesday is seen as a setback to students who had challenged a ban on wearing the hijab in class citing religious obligation

Bangladesh brings 100% population under electricity coverage; joins Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Bhutan in South Asia

Dhaka has also been exploring trilateral cooperation in power sectors among India-Bhutan-Bangladesh and Nepal-India-Bangladesh

Our missile system reliable and safe, says Indian defence minister; review of SOPs underway

Pakistan has sought a joint inquiry into the incident, a demand India hasn’t yet responded to

Bangladesh to prohibit questioning character of rape survivors during trial

'A rape survivor cannot be asked any questions that involve her character or may disgrace her,” Khandker Anwarul Islam, Cabinet Secretary, was quoted as saying

Sans music and female cast, Taliban controlled Afghan film company screens two documentaries

Afghan Film, Afghanistan’s state-run film production company, now controlled by a Taliban grandee, screened two documentaries as “entertainment programs” - but without featuring any female actor and music, a stark reminder of the tectonic cultural and social changes the country has gone through when the Islamists seized power in August last year

Bangladesh tops in women’s leadership in listed firms in South Asia

A new study conducted by the International Financial Corporation (IFC) and Dhaka Stock Exchange (DSE) puts Bangladesh at the top in South Asia when it comes to women’s leadership in listed firms. In 2021, women directors in listed firms were around six percent in comparison to five percent in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the world.  

Nepali parliament to discuss impeachment motion to remove tainted chief justice

Nepali lawmakers are set to discuss the impeachment motion in Parliament against Justice Cholendra Shamsher Rana, the suspended chief justice of the apex court, who has been facing serious charges of “corruption” and “making money through illegal means”

Missile accident: Pakistan PM says could have responded to Indian missile, but showed restraint

'We could have responded after an Indian missile fell in Mian Channu (in Pakistani territory) but we observed restraint, Imran Khan said in a speech on Sunday

Maldives lifts public health emergency two years after pandemic; President Solih thanks India for support

'India was the country that donated the highest number of vaccines to the Maldives…India bought $250 million in bonds to mitigate economic losses. They donated medical equipment.' Solih said in his speech

Pakistan summons Indian Charge d’Affaires over alleged air space violation by 'flying object'; India regrets accidental firing of missile

India Friday regretted the "accidental firing of a missile" from its territory after Pakistan summoned India’s Charge d’Affaires to convey its strong protest over the alleged unprovoked violation of its airspace,  and also sought a thorough and transparent investigation of the incident

Pakistan summons Indian Charge d’Affaires over alleged air space violation by 'flying object'

A day after claiming that an Indian “high-speed flying object” intruded into its airspace, Pakistan summoned India’s Charge d’Affaires, conveying its strong protest over the alleged unprovoked violation of its airspace,  and also sought a thorough and transparent investigation of the incident

ISKP militant from India reportedly killed in Afghanistan

An ISKP militant from the southern Indian state of Kerala has died in Afghanistan, possibly as a suicide bomber, the group said in its latest publication, without giving details on the circumstances around the attack he died in

India detains five Sri Lankan fishermen, seizes boat for illegal fishing

In a first in recent times, the Indian Coast Guard has detained at least five fishermen and seized their ship vessel for allegedly fishing in  Indian waters. The move came after Sri Lanka detained several dozens of Indian fishermen in recent months for the same reason

Six rail links with Bangladesh, two with Nepal; India to enhance cooperation in connectivity and energy sectors with neighbors

India’s prosperity and growth are linked to that of its neighbors. 'We cannot develop unless our neighbors develop', Shringla stated.

India should re-open its embassy in Kabul; it can play an important role, says former Afghan president Karzai

When asked if the Taliban would be able to provide security guarantees if India re-opens its embassy, Karzai said, “Absolutely.”