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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Taliban tightens its moral policing, orders female television presenters to cover their faces; university girls with colorful headscarves barred entry

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

Rohingya refugees living in India entering Bangladesh; Dhaka concerned

“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.

TTP extends ceasefire in Pakistan as peace talks progress with Afghan Taliban mediation

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

Several ruling party leaders arrested in Sri Lanka for alleged role in violence; New PM seeks to placate protestors

"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.

Taliban dissolves Human Rights Commission, bans private security companies, saying these were no longer needed

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

Pakistan’s former spy chief holds peace talks with TTP in Kabul

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.

India targeting rollout of 6G network by end of decade to boost economy, create jobs, says Modi

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.

IED explosion in Pakistan’s Karachi leaves one dead, eleven injured; Chinese concerned at deteriorating security environment

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

Sri Lankan PM lays bare ‘terrifying’ facts of economy: petrol stocks for a day, powercuts to last 15 hours; says will not hide truth

“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

Of shared civilisation and an elephant in the room: Modi, Deuba seek to elevate India, Nepal ties

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

India hosts Shanghai grouping's anti-terror meet with Afghanistan focus; Pakistan, China, Russia among participants

"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.

Exploring wheat import options from five sources, Bangladesh says after India bans export

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

Sri Lanka's new government gets support from two influential political groups

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

Pakistan Stock Exchange plunges by 1000 points; rupee touches all-time low against US dollar

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

Pakistan’s ex-ambassador to Italy dismissed from service for sexually harassing a colleague

The penalized diplomat retired from the service last year and is now the president of the Institute of Regional Studies, a think tank of the Pakistan Foreign Ministry