On Friday, when asked about the possibility of importing cheap fuel and wheat from Russia, Pakistan's Foreign Office didn’t rule out the possibility. Khan has constantly accused the Sharif government of not pursuing talks with Russia for fuel.
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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Sri Lanka seeks bridge financing from India, fuel assistance from Russia
Sri Lanka will require fertilizers worth over $500 million this year and the government has sought fertilizers both from India and China. New Delhi had earlier assured of all possible help. While New Delhi has extended assistance worth over $3 billion this year, China has yet to extend any significant help despite Colombo’s repeated request.
Afghanistan must not be a sanctuary for terrorists, must build an inclusive society: India at Regional Security Dialogue
"Women and youth are critical for the future of any society. Provision of education to girls and employment to women and youth will ensure productivity and spur growth. It will also have a positive social impact including discouraging radical ideologies among youth," the Indian security official said.
Taliban must reverse restrictions on women in Afghanistan, respect human rights, urges UN special envoy
At a press conference in Kabul on Thursday, the UN envoy said that the advancing erasure of women from public life was especially concerning and urged the authorities to immediately reverse policies and directives that negatively impact women and girls.
Pakistan government rebuffs Imran Khan's blackmailing, reverses his election reforms; disallows overseas voters, EVMs
Since coming to power in April, the Sharif coalition government has been facing two key challenges: first, from a belligerent Imran Khan; second, the country's deteriorating economic situation.
Bangladesh’s explanation in enforced disappearance cases ‘insufficient’, says UN working group
Bangladesh’s move to respond to the UN group’s queries came almost two months after the US State Department sanctioned seven top serving and retired RAB officials in December last year, citing human rights violations and other abuses by it, a move that was viewed very disapprovingly by Dhaka as an unfriendly act.
Maldives’ President Solih says re-prioritizing development projects mitigate the impact of Ukraine war
Prior to the war, Russia was the top source market for its tourism. But the number of tourists has been declining as the war progressed, Solih said. The government’s expenditure, subsidies, and import bills are also rising.
US envoy lauds India for humanitarian aid to Afghanistan
"India is providing critical humanitarian aid, has interests to protect, and brings enormous capability and experience to support the Afghan people. We'll continue to partner with India and others in the region to advance shared goals," the US special envoy added in his Twitter post.
Despite two OTT platforms, Bhutan’s small film industry struggles to tap local narratives
In the last year, profit has grown for the industry as it managed to reach a wider audience through OTT platforms, Chand RC, a Bhutanese filmmaker, was quoted as saying. These platforms also presented many opportunities. However, he said, the films are lacking in tapping local narratives.
Sri Lankan crisis: PM to lead IMF talks; 4.5 million workers risk losing their jobs
The impact of the crisis is so severe that the government has been left with no revenues even in rupees, forcing it to print another trillion just to pay off the salaries of public sector employees.
Terror continues to plague Kashmir, even as judge declines clemency to convicted separatist leader
The special court of India National Investigation Agency (NIA) said Malik's actions “intended to strike at the heart of the idea of India” and were “committed with the assistance of foreign powers and designated terrorists”
Amid rising fiscal pressure and revenue losses, Maldives drops plan to reduce land lease rent for resorts
Tourism accounts for 70 percent of the government’s total revenue. The government’s spending target on subsidies has already crossed the limit set by the budget 2022, making it extremely hard to reduce any taxes, which could result in potential revenue loss.
Taliban snub Qatar, sign deal with UAE-based company to run three Afghan airports
However, the extent of Qatar’s leverage over the hardline Islamist group has recently come into question, as Doha failed to influence the behavior of the group on key issues, including some most concerning to western countries such as the formation of inclusive government and protecting rights of women and girls.
IMF chief 'begs' India to reconsider wheat export ban, even as India assures that wheat will be sent those 'most in need'
Indian authorities have explained that the wheat export ban has been undertaken to ensure domestic food availability and minimize food price-related inflation while supporting the legitimate requirements of India's neighbours and other nations in need.
Sri Lanka seeks $500 million from India; World Bank says no new financing until Colombo implements microeconomic policy
The new cabinet headed by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe granted approval for the proposal submitted by the Minister of Electricity and Energy to obtain a series of short-term loan facilities worth another $500 million with the assistance of the export-import bank of the Indian government in order to purchase petroleum products required by the country settling the foreign exchange shortage existing at the moment, the government said in a statement.
