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.

Since coming to power in August last year, the ultra-conservative group has imposed several restrictions, including ban education for secondary level girls, and barring women from driving and traveling without male relatives

“Unfortunately, many Rohingyas are coming to Bangladesh from India,” Bangladesh Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen was quoted as saying by Dhaka Tribune. He added that it was “a matter of concern” for them as those Rohingyas went to India in 2012.

In a separate statement, the Afghan Taliban, which had earlier denied the existence of the TTP in the country, released a public statement, confirming talks between the two sides in the capital Kabul

"There is direct evidence against the two MPs and that is why they were arrested," the official said. This is the first significant action by new Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who relies on the support of the SLPP, in pacifying the demands of protestors.

The ministry also ordered companies to hand over their weapons, operation information, contracts signed in the last two decades, and a list of the people and organizations they guarded so far. Importantly, a number of firms were also providing security to foreign embassies and international aid groups operating in the country

Significantly, the attacks by the TTP in the last few weeks have reduced significantly, as a result of the ceasefire announced last month, reportedly brokered by the intervention of the Afghan Taliban and tribal elders.

Teledensity and internet users are fast expanding, Modi said, adding that mobile manufacturing units in India have expanded from just 2 to over 200 and the country is now the world's biggest mobile manufacturing hub.

In Pakistan, the security environment has deteriorated rapidly, especially in the few months, as the country sees a spike in violence, including bombings. Last month, three Chinese nationals were among four dead when a Baloch female suicide bomber detonated herself just outside the Karachi University (KU) Campus

“Although these facts are unpleasant and terrifying, this is the true situation,” he said, mincing no words while describing the state of the economy, which has all but collapsed

Lumbini, which lies very close to the Indian border, has also turned into a virtual battleground for influence between India and China. The latter has invested heavily both in the development of cultural sites, including Buddhist centers and the monastery as well as big infrastructure projects like the airport

"I thank India for hosting the key meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation's anti-terror body Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure in New Delhi today. The security & humanitarian situation has worsened in Afghanistan over the past 9 months," Afghan envoy Farid Mamundzay tweeted.

Of the seven million tonnes of wheat that India exported last year, half went to Bangladesh

Since assuming office last week, Wickremesinghe has been quite honest while describing the challenges faced by the country, admitting the situation may get worse before getting better. However, he assured the country the supply of critical and basic needs like food, fuel, and medicines will be ensured

For months, the government has been in talks with the IMF not only for the revival of the $6 billion bailout package but also for extending the program's scope to $8 billion and period. After coming to power in April and promising to prioritize the economy, the new government led by Shehbaz Sharif now appears reluctant on tough measures, possibly due to the prevailing uncertain political environment