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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Pakistan government bans Imran Khan’s long march to Islamabad; political confrontation feared

With escalating tension between the government and opposition, political instability is likely to grow in the coming days. Significantly, this will also have implications for the government’s efforts to tackle the worsening economic situation of the country

Hold the Taliban accountable for systematic discrimination against women and girls, say rights organisations

“Women journalists are just the latest casualties in what has become the most serious women’s rights crisis in the world. But the Taliban are not immovable, and coordinated pressure has the potential to impact their decisions,” HRW said in its

Pakistan government cracks down on opposition leaders ahead of Imran Khan’s rally; police constable killed

The late-night crackdown came after a high-powered party meeting chaired by PM Shehbaz Sharif and attended by his elder brother Nawaz Sharif, three-time former prime minister via video link from London. Senior leaders of PML-N, the main ruling party directed the interior minister to do whatever was required to deal with the PTI’s long march.

Protest aftermath: 21st Amendment submitted to cabinet to curtail president’s power in Sri Lanka

After coming to power in 2019, the Rajapaksa government passed the 20th Amendment, concentrating more power in an executive presidency at the cost of weakening parliament and the cabinet

Division appears within Taliban as some leaders openly back girls’ education

The remark is significant as it comes ahead of a crucial Taliban meeting where the group is scheduled to revisit the issue pertaining to education for girls. Prior to Stanekzai, who is widely considered a moderate within the ultra-conservative group, senior leaders of the infamous Haqqani Network had also backed the education rights for girls.

Pakistan prime minister warns of civil war as Imran Khan calls for 'long march' to Islamabad

Addressing a press conference, Imran Khan reiterated on Sunday: "There was a foreign conspiracy against Pakistan from the US. In this regime change, they used locals — the most corrupt people, who were ready to become part of any conspiracy to save their corruption.”

Bangladesh minister urges India to protect minorities, warns of divisive policies and sectarian violence

Moni said, “(The) social stratification unique to India will not only deprive the weaker sections but (will) also allow divisive policies and approaches. Stating that protection of interest of minorities of all nature — including minorities with a distinct language and culture — can “help deter tension and avoid sectarian violence”, Moni said, “this is applicable for all countries”.

Ousted Pakistan PM Imran Khan to undertake 'long march' to Islamabad, seeks election date from government

Khan, who was ousted from power in April through a no-confidence motion vote in parliament, has blamed the United States and accused it of the regime change conspiracy because, he claims, of his independent foreign policy. On Friday, he reiterated his claims.

India faces no energy shortage, thanks to strong leadership and farsighted thinking, says Petroleum Minister Puri

“Post pandemic, India has emerged much stronger in international trade and international exchanges. I believe that the target of a $5 trillion economy by 2030 is not only achievable but we can get there before that,” Puri said.

Amnesty expresses concern over Maldives’ crackdown on anti-India protestors

The decree came after the country’s National Security Council concluded that the ‘India Out’ campaign, led by former president Abdullah Yameen, posed a threat to national security, to Maldivians living in India, and Indians living in the archipelago

Blow to Pakistan's ruling coalition: Election Commission disqualifies 25 defecting lawmakers of the Punjab assembly

With today’s order from the Election Commission, the position of Chief Minister Hamza Sharif, who was relying on the support of defectors from Khan’s party, appears shaky. The Lahore High Court also issued a notice to Hamza in response to a petition filed by Elahi, challenging his election as the chief minister as “illegal.”

African swine fever outbreak in Nepal; over 900 pigs have reportedly died

The virus, however, is “not a danger” to human health, but it could have a devastating impact on the pig population, according to the World Health Organization. The spread, if remains unchecked, could wipe out the entire population of pigs in the affected areas.

Ruling BJP should set goals for India for the next 25 years, says PM Modi

In an apparent swipe at opposition parties, Modi said some political parties keep looking for "small incidents of tension" to inject poison for their selfish interests, without making any direct reference to recent upsurge in communal tensions and allegations of assault on minorities by state outfits and organisations aligned ideologically to the BJP.

Sri Lanka stares at food shortage amid persistent fertilizer crunch; G7 extends support for debt relief

The United States government has forecast a global food shortage and identified Sri Lanka and Afghanistan as two countries that are likely to be badly hit by the crisis.

Pakistan bans import of non-essential and luxury items; trade deficit breaches $40 billion mark for first time

The import ban, though a necessary measure, will also impact the government’s revenue as luxury items are usually taxed heavily. The move was expected, especially when the government has failed to raise funds for its foreign exchange reserves. The talks with the IMF and other bilateral lenders in Gulf have yet to produce results.