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 Army peeved with political remarks on the country's nuclear program; Imran Khan questions present government’s abilities to protect country

The remark came days after Imran Khan warned of the possibility of the country losing its nuclear deterrence if the current government mismanaged its economy. Since losing power in April, Khan has been questioning the ability of what he calls the “imported government” of protecting the country.

India successfully tests Agni-IV long-range missile that can strike targets 4,000 km away

India is in the process of further strengthening its strategic missile arsenal by adopting newer technologies and capabilities. Agni-IV is the fourth in the Agni series of missiles

Sri Lanka plans roadshows in Indian metro cities to promote tourism

“We wanted to go for a roadshow in India, it won’t be a flamboyant roadshow, it will be a pleading roadshow to get Indian tourists to start coming back to Sri Lanka,” Harin Fernando, the country’s newly appointed minister for tourism, was quoted as saying by Daily Mirror.

Bangladesh’s container depot fire; norms violated in cargo handling at Chittagong port

Industrial accidents are common in Bangladesh. Experts blame poor safety standards and lack of enforcement of norms and regulations. Garments factories, which account for the country’s most exports and employ over 4 million workers, often see deadly fire incidents.

India battles Muslim nations' ire over remarks against Holy Prophet; government distances itself from party remarks

In a strong comment on Twitter, Qatar’s Assistant Foreign Minister and Spokesperson Lolwah Alkhater wrote that “Islamophobic discourse has reached dangerous levels in a country long known for its diversity and coexistence”, and told New Delhi that unless the government of India “officially and systemically” confronts hate speech, it would be considered a “deliberate insult” against two billion Muslims worldwide.

Forest fires and water crisis put Pakistan at forefront of global environmental emergency

The country, she said, is facing adverse and severe effects of climate crisis in the shape of extreme temperatures, severe drought, forest fires, drying rivers, and rapidly melting glaciers.

India's ruling BJP in damage control mode after Gulf outrage over spokesperson's remarks

The statement then went on to say that “India’s Constitution gives the right to every citizen to practice any religion of his/her choice and to honour and respect every religion. As India celebrates 75th year of its Independence, we are committed to making India a great country where all are equal and everyone lives with dignity, where all are committed to India’s unity and integrity, where all enjoy the fruits of growth and development.”

Row erupts between Russia and Sri Lanka over seizure of Aeroflot plane; tourism industry to face the brunt

On Saturday morning, Aeroflot announced suspending commercial flights to Sri Lanka for an indefinite period, citing the “unreliability of the situation in terms of ensuring unhindered flights of the airline’s aircraft to Sri Lanka”. The row, if not resolved quickly, could hurt Sri Lanka’s already troubled economy as Russia is its third top source market for its tourism industry.

Sri Lankan prime minister holds talks with UN officials amid food shortage

During his discussions with the UN officials, Wickremesinghe informed that the officials were devising a food security program, expected to be unveiled next month, in the wake of the situation. UN officials expressed their support for the initiative.

Pakistan plans IT park in Karachi to boost exports and create jobs

Significantly, the country’s IT exports are rising and has already crossed over $2 billion in the first eight months of the current financial year.  In 2021, the Overseas Investor Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) said in its report that the country had the potential of $10 billion in annual IT exports.

Pakistan government confirms peace talks with TTP, welcomes ceasefire announcement

Earlier this week, a delegation of the Pakistan tribal leaders, visited the Afghan capital Kabul and held talks with the TTP. The group demanded the rollback of the FATA reforms, “independent status” for northwestern tribal areas, and dismantling of what it says is the “western system and culture” from the region. 

High-level security meetings over Kashmir killings; opposition parties deplore 'breakdown of law and order'

The killings in Kashmir have intensified calls by Kashmiri Pandits - who were sought to be rehabilitated in Kashmir by the government as it claimed that the place was returning to normal after decades of insurgency and bloodshed - to ensure their security. Hundreds of Kashmiri Pandits, who are Hindus, protested in Srinagar and other parts of the union territory on Thursday. Many have started to leave the valley amid a lockdown in prefab shelters where they have been staying since a wave of attacks against the community in the nineties made them flee their homes in Kashmir Valley.

Power-surplus Nepal hopes to earn $100 million from electricity exports to India

From Thursday this week, Nepal started selling electricity, around 37 MW to Indian buyers, Nepal Electricity Corporation spokesperson Suresh Bhattarai confirmed to The Kathmandu Post. More bids are invited to sell 200 MW in India’s power exchange market on a long-term basis.

Hindus are not opposed to Muslims: RSS supremo rules out any more Ayodhya-type temple movements

“We participated in the Ram Janmabhoomi movement contrary to our nature, due to historical reasons and the needs of the time. We completed that task. We do not want to launch any other movement,” Bhagat declared firmly.

Cash-strapped Pakistan hopes for IMF deal as government announces electricity and fuel prices hike

The country’s foreign exchange reserves are declining and just enough to cover imports for two months. Last week, authorities announced a ban on over two dozen luxury and other items to save foreign exchange reserves.

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