USAID pledges $791 million in fresh aid to Afghanistan to support Afghan-led development programmes and other roundups
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has pledged $791 million in fresh aid to Afghanistan to support Afghan-led development. The funds obligated under the agreements signed by USAID Director Herbert Smith and Minister of Finance Eklil Hakimi, will support programmes that achieve strategic development objectives, including a thriving economy led by the private sector, a democratic government with broad citizen participation, and a better educated and healthier Afghan population.
For more information, see: “USAID pledges $791 million in fresh aid to Afghanistan”, Khamma, 24 October 2016
According to the latest Afghanistan Opium Survey, opium cultivation in the country has increased by 43 percent in 2016 compared to the previous year. Yury Fedotov, executive director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, said the new report shows a worrying reversal in efforts to combat the persistent problem of illicit drugs with over 4,800 tonnes of opium being produced this year alone. The main reason for the increase, according to Mohammad Hanif Danishyar, spokesman for Afghanistan's Ministry of Counter-Narcotics, was the deteriorating security situation in parts of the country, which meant that eradication plans could not be implemented.
For more information, see: “Afghan opium production up by 43 per cent: Survey”, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime report, 23 October 2016
The Islamic State in Afghanistan kidnapped and killed 30 people in Afghanistan’s Ghor province on 24 October according to recent media reports. The ISIS fighters abducted the civilians as they entered the mountainous region to collect wood for the winter according to a spokesperson for hte provincial government. As security forces attempted rescuing them, all of them, including children were shot and killed by the militants. One ISIS commander was killed in the fighting.
For more information, see: “ISIS kidnaps, kills 30 in Afghanistan”, CNN, 26 October 2016
The next parliamentary polls would be held in due time, as prescribed under the Constitution, Obaidul Qader, the newly-elected General Secretary of the ruling Awami League has said. “We have started our preparations but the Opposition BNP is creating confusion about the polls only to serve its own goal,” he told newsmen after the Indian High Commissioner, Harshvardhan Shringla paid a courtesy call on him.
For more information, see: “Next polls in time as per constitution: Quader”, The Daily Star, 27 October 2016; “Minister Obaidul Quader says creating confusion about polls would be a 'own goal' for BNP”, Bdnews24.com, 27 October 2016; “BNP now devastated party: Quader”, The Daily Star, 27 October 2016; “BNP warns of polls boycott if new EC not 'capable'”, Bdnews24.com, 26 October 2016; “BNP sums up Awami League council as ruling party’s ‘lust for power’”, Bdnews24.com, 26 October 2016
‘Doing business’ rank
The World Bank has ranked Bangladesh at 176 for ‘ease of doing business’ from among 190 countries. It’s two ranks up than the previous year, but also indicates that the country has a long way to go even viz SAARC neighbours, to be able to attract greater FDI faster.
For more information, see: “Bangladesh 176th on World Bank’s 'Doing Business 2017' ranking”, Bdnews24.com, 27 October 29016
Bhutan has jumped eight places in the World Economic Forum’s global competitiveness ranking to the third most competitive economy among the SAARC countries. According to Global Competitiveness Report 2016-17, Bhutan scored 3.87 points and ranks 97th among 138 economies surveyed by the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI). Last year, the country ranked 105 among 140 economies.
For more information see: “Bhutan 3rd most competitive economy in South Asia”, Kuensel, 25 October, 2016
A 10-member parliamentary delegation led by National Assembly Speaker Jigme Zangpo is participating in the 135th session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) assembly in Geneva from October 24-27. The theme for this year’s assembly is “Human rights abuses as precursors of conflict: Parliaments as early responders”.
For more information see: “Speaker attends 135th session of IPU in Geneva”, Kuensel, 26 October 2016
Bhutan presented its eighth and ninth combined periodic report to the Committee on the Convention on Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) on October 27 at the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland, according to a foreign affairs press release.
For more information see: “Bhutan presents CEDAW report to UN”, Kuensel, 29 October 2016
Chief Justice of India T.S. Thakur said the Union government had failed in its promise that filling up judicial vacancies is it's “topmost priority”, and accused the government of trying to starve the cause of justice by not appointing judges and locking courtrooms en masse.
For more information see: “You want to wipe out judiciary, CJI tells Centre on appointment of judges”The Hindu, 28 October, 2016
Amar Singh, the man considered to be at the centre of the power struggle within the Samajwadi Party, broke his silence, claiming that he was hurt and disappointed by Akhilesh Yadav terming him a “dalal (middle man).”
For more information, see: “Hurt that Akhilesh called me a ‘dalal’: Amar”, The Hindu, 28 October 2016
With the operational situation along the western front remaining volatile amid heavy exchanges of cross-border firing with Pakistani forces, the Indian security establishment is taking no chances in being ready for any contingency. Even as the Army and IAF airbases maintain top-levels of operational readiness, the Navy too is swinging into action with a major exercise "Paschim Leher (western wave)" in the Arabian Sea from next week.
For more information, see: Amid Indo-Pak tension, Navy plans major drill, The Times of India, 29 October 2016
India is offering to buy hundreds of fighter planes from foreign manufacturers — as long as the jets are made in India and with a local partner, Indian Air Force officials said. A deal for 200 single-engine planes produced in India — which the Air Force says could rise to 300 as it fully phases out ageing Soviet-era aircraft — could be worth anything from $13-$15 billion, experts say, potentially one of the country's biggest military aircraft deals.
For more information, see: India offers to buy 200 foreign fighter planes, if they are made in India, Firstpost, 29 October 2016
In a bid to strengthen bilateral ties, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Japan from November 11 to 12, the Ministry of External Affairs announced on Friday. The visit is significant as it is likely to give both sides a new opportunity to take up the civil nuclear deal which has been pending clearance from the Japanese side. At the last Summit Meeting in December 2015 in New Delhi, PM Modi and PM Abe had outlined a Vision of Working Together for Peace and Prosperity in the Indo-Pacific Region and the World,” the MEA said
For more information, see: Modi to visit Japan in November, The Hindu, 29 October 2016
After arbitration by a Singapore court, the Maldives Government is paying the Indian infrastructure major GMR at least $ 250 million towards reimbursement of costs, debt and interest after the hosts aborted the Male airport construction-cum-concession contract halfway through. GMR however said the figure would add up to $ 270 million, yet there seems to be some closure to the issue.
For more information, see: “Maldives to pay Indian firm at least US$250m in damages for cancelling airport deal”, Maldives Independent, 27 October 2016; “Government: Maldives owes USD 250 mn to GMR”, SunOnline, 27 October 2016
Ruling Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) formally split after the faction led by party founder and former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom formally withdrew support for incumbent and half-brother Abdulla Yameen, following courts’ ruling against his leadership. The Gayoom faction now has eight members in Parliament, but Yameen still has a majority, which however has come under strain for the first time since his taking over in November 2013.
For more information, see: “Maumoon has taken back his support for the Government”, Miadhu, 27 October 2016; “Gayoom faction forms breakaway group in parliament”, Maldives Independent, 28 October 2016; “Maumoon: Three powers have combined, one voice is heard”, SunOnline, 28 October 2016; “Supreme Court rules in favor of President Yameen in PPM case”, SunOnline, 27 October 2016; “High court rules in favour of Yameen in ruling party leadership row”, Maldives Independent, 24 October 2016; “Nearly half of MDP’s members removed from its registry”, Maldives Independent, 25 October 2016; ““The JP supports the JP”: Jumhooree Party opts to play it safe”, Maldives Independent, 24 October 2016; ““It is very easy to come and talk to me”: President Yameen on PPM split”, Maldives Independent, 23 October 2016
Political analysts and parliamentarians gathered on October 23 at the Royal Rose restaurant in Yangon to discuss the need for a law guaranteeing the right to recall elected officials in Myanmar. Political analyst Dr Yan MyoThein, Lower House MP Khin Saw Wai and Upper House MP AungThein participated in the discussion.
For more information see: “MPs demand right to recall elected officials”, Eleven, 24 October 2016
State Counselor Daw Aung San SuuKyi has called for ethnic armed groups currently outside of the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) to sign the accord before the next “Panglong” peace conference, scheduled for February. Daw Aung San SuuKyi was speaking during a meeting in Naypyidaw on Friday of the union Peace Dialogue Joint Committee (UPDJC).
For more information see: “State Counselor Wants all to Sign NCA Before February Peace Conference”, Irrawaddy, 28 October 2016
A new model for post-conflict tourism in the area of Thandaunggyi in Karen State was reviewed at a conference on October 27 by community stakeholders, government officials and tourism representatives. Three years since Thandaunggyi was selected as a pilot project for tourism development, new businesses have begun to grow in the area. Domestic tourists flock to the area for religious pilgrimages, but a new market has also opened to cater to foreign visitors who may enjoy trekking in the misty mountains and viewing the natural beauty.
For more information see: “Post-conflict tourism model moves ahead in Karen State”, Mizzima, 28 October 2016
Nepal and India have agreed to accelerate seven projects related to infrastructure, cross-border connectivity and utilisation of the Indian aid for Nepal’s reconstruction on October 27 at New Delhi. According to the Foreign Ministry, the meeting reviewed the Nepal-India relations under five broad clusters--political, security and boundary; economic cooperation and infrastructure; trade and transit; power and water resources; culture and education.
For more information, see: “Nepal, India agree to accelerate 7 projects”, The Kathmandu Post, 28 October 2016; “Nepal, India finalize reconstruction projects for Indian aid”, Republica, 27 October 2016; ”Indian govt formally announces Prez Mukherjee's Nepal visit”, The Kathmandu Post, 27 October 2016
President Bhandari handed over the integrated settlement with 65 houses, five children parks and a community building to the survivors of 25 April 2015 earthquake in Sindhupalchowk on October 28. Artist Sitaram Kattel (Dhurmus) informed that the integrated settlement was developed in 35 Ropanis land at the cost of around Rs 51.45 million. The earthquake-resist disable-friendly and child-friendly buildings were developed adopting the concept of clean city and green city, he further shared.
For more information see: “President hands over integrated settlement to quake survivors (with photos)”, The Kathmandu Post, 28 October 2016
According to the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD) under the Department of Health, 404 persons have been detected with the dengue virus in 15 districts between July and October. However, no death has been reported due to dengue, said Dr Bhim Acharya, director at EDCD. The Ministry of Health has launched a 'search and destroy' campaign against the mosquitoes that cause dengue and their breeding sites.
For more information, see: “Dengue in 15 districts, govt in 'search and destroy' mode”, Republica, 25 October 2016
Pakistan is all set to expel Indian diplomat Surjeet Singh from the country for activities that are in ‘violation of the Vienna Convention and established diplomatic norms’. On 27 October, India accused of Pakistani diplomat MahmoodAkhtar of spying and ordered him to leave the country for illegally collecting information about India’s security operations. A few hours later, in an apparent tit-for-that move, Pakistan announced the expulsion of an Indian diplomat.
For more information, see: “Pakistan to expel Indian diplomat in tit-for-tat move”, Dawn, 27 October 2016; “Pakistani diplomat arrested in India for espionage”, The News International, 27 October 2016
Yet another vicious attack has Quetta reeling after three militants entered a police training academy in Quetta on 24 October killing 61 and injuring over 165 others. The attack which has been claimed by both the Islamic State and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi was carried out at night while most police cadets were sleeping. The militants took many hostages before two of them blew themselves up, killing many. The attack comes soon after the August 2016 attack at the Quetta Civil Hospital that killed over 60 people.
For more information, see: “61 killed, at least 165 injured as militants storm police training centre in Quetta”, The Express Tribune, 24 October 2016
Even as Northern Province observed a day’s shut-down, raising the death of two Jaffna University students in police-firing in Parliament, TNA Leader of the Opposition R Sampanthan asked how the dead had been shot in the front, if they were fleeing, as alleged by the authorities. Intervening, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe promised an impartial inquiry, as President Maithiripala Sirisena had promised Sampanthan earlier
For more information, see: “TNA asks how fleeing undergrads were shot from the front”, The Island, 26 October 2016; “PM assures impartial probe on Jaffna killing”, Daily Mirror Online, 25 October 2016; “Prez assures Sambandan impartial probe into killing of two undergrads”, The Island, 26 October 2016; “Police shot as students did not stop”, The Sunday Leader, 23 October 2016; “‘AAVA’ claims responsibility for sword attack on Jaffna Policemen”, Daily Mirror Online, 25 October 2016; “Injuring two cops in Chunnakam not an action against police – Govt”, The Island, 26 October 2016; “North shuts down in protest to killings of students, killer-policemen transferred to Anuradhapura”, TamilNet, 25 October 2016; “JHU wants total crackdown on ex-LTTEers in NE”, Daily Mirror Online, 26 October 2016
Lyonchhen attended 20th Convocation of the Royal Institute of Management, Cabinet Secretariat, 27 October 2016
Bibliography
Harsh V Pant, “India needs to side with Afghanistan to isolate Pakistan”, Daily O, 28 October 2016
Simon Tisdall, “Afghanistan is the dirty little secret of the US presidential campaign”, The Guardian, 27 October 2016
Yochi Dreazen, “Americans are still dying in Afghanistan. Clinton and Trump are ignoring it”, Vox, 24 October 2016
Syed Badrul Ahsan, “The bad batches in our diplomacy”, Bdnews24.com, 29 October 2016
Mohammad Badrul Ahsan, “A hypothesis test for future of democracy”, The Daily Star, 28 October 2016
Shakhawat Liton, “AL’s 20th council: Has anything really changed?”, The Daily Star, 25 October 2016
Gonchig Ganbold, “Mongolia: Better to see once than hear from others”, Kuensel, 27 October 2016
“The final frontier”, Kuensel, 24 October 2016
Pratap Bhanu Mehta, “When an icon falls”, Indian Express, 28 October 2016
Bibek Deroy, “Like advanced nations, India must delink classroom teaching from student learning”, Indian Express, 28 October 2016
Raja Mohan, Raja Mandala: The expansion of Sinosphere, The Indian Express, 25 October 2016N Sathiya Moorthy, “Court gives PPM to Yameen, Gayoom’s options narrow down”, www.orfonline.org, 27 October 2016
Kyaw Zwa Moe, “An Uphill Mission But Not Mission Impossible”, The Irrawaddy, 29 October 2016
Sarah Rich-Zendel, “Too young to marry”, The Kathmandu Post, 28 October 2016
Biswas Baral, “India exposed, again”, Republica, 27 October 2016
The Kathmandu Post, “Cautiously optimistic”, The Kathmandu Post, 28 October 2016
Republica, “Not easy”, Republica, 27 October 2016
Raymond E. Vickery Jr, “NarendraModi’s guns vs. Butter approach to terror from Pakistan”, The Diplomat, 24 October 2016
Christine Lagarde, “Pakistan’s moment of opportunity”, The News International, 24 October 2016
Barkha Dutt, “Why India-Pakistan could be a big headache for the next US president”, NDTV, 26 October 2016
Kriti Shah, “As Quetta bleeds, Pakistan must remember what is at stake”, WION, 26 October 2016
M S M Ayub, “Difficult times ahead for Govt”, Daily Mirror Online, 28 October 2016
Kusal Perera, “After Jaffna dug up, the Maithiri in President Sirisena”, Daily Mirror Online, 28 October 2016
Jehan Perera, “Justice must also be seen to be done”, The Island, 25 October 2016
N Sathiya Moorthy, “Devolution and dissolution”, The Sunday Leader, 23 October 2016
Afghanistan & Pakistan: Kriti M. Shah
Bangladesh: Joyeeta Bhattacharjee
Bhutan & Myanmar: Mihir Bhonsale
India: Shubh Soni & Pushan Das
Maldives & Sri Lanka: N. Sathiya Moorthy
Nepal: Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury & Sreeparna Banerjee
Coordinator: Mihir Bhonsale
The views expressed above belong to the author(s). ORF research and analyses now available on Telegram! Click here to access our curated content — blogs, longforms and interviews.
PREV
