Author: Arif ArifArman

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The death toll in the Manipur carnage increased to 54, officials said even as unofficial sources put the figure at several scores. Life returned to a wary normalcy in Imphal Valley on Saturday as shops and markets reopened and cars started plying on the roads. Security presence which has been bolstered by flying in more army troops and rapid action force and central police forces was clearly visible at all major areas and roads. Manipur Violence: Situation Improved After Security Forces Intervention, Says State DGP P Doungel (Watch Video). Most shops and markets in Imphal town and other…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: The latest report of the Internal Monetary Fund (IMF) on Asia-Pacific region forecasts that Bangladesh’s GDP growth rate in the current fiscal year will overtake that of China. The report also predicts that Bangladesh will be in second place, after Vietnam, in terms of GDP growth rate in Asia-Pacific in the next fiscal year. According to the IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook for Asia and Pacific May 2023 report, Bangladesh is expected to surpass both China and India in terms of growth in 2024. In Bangladesh, GDP growth rate will slow down to 5.5 percent in 2023 because of…

Sajid Yousuf Shah: The Group of Twenty (G20) is now “the premier forum for international economic cooperation.” The G20 comprises 19 countries and the European Union. Founded in 1999 and upgraded after the 2007-08 financial crisis, “it plays an important role in shaping and strengthening global architecture and governance on all major international economic issues.” Most in the US and many in the West are unaware that India holds the presidency of the G20 from 1 December 2022 to 30 November 2023. This is a matter of great importance for a diverse democracy of over 1.4 billion people. Kristalina Georgieva,…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The Chinese surveillance balloon that the United States blew up earlier this year may have kicked off, at least from China’s point of view, a new superpower competition in ‘near space’. That’s a part of airspace 60,000 to 330,000 feet from the ground, just before the beginning of outer space — and historically overlooked by militaries, until recently. Satellite data company BlackSky has information using which researchers claim to have located a massive hangar in a remote area of Xinjiang, China which looked like the infrastructure needed to deploy some kind of lighter-than-air vehicle. This collection of buildings…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: This morning His Holiness the Dalai Lama attended a gathering in the Tsuglagkhang courtyard to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Bharat Tibbat Sahyog Manch (BTSM), a pan-Indian Tibet support group. He was met at the gate to his residence by Dr Indresh Kumar, Chief Patron of the organisation, and then stood for a moment while photographs were taken of members with him. As part of an Indian welcome His Holiness was presented with flowers and a lamp, and offered a tilak on his forehead. He was then given a traditional Tibetan welcome that included…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Union Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan on Saturday met Indian volunteers and social workers in Manama and lauded them for their contribution in promoting bilateral trade and economic ties, urging them to utilize the growing business opportunities in India. Taking to his official Twitter handle, he stated that Indian volunteers and social workers play a crucial role in helping the Indian community, in close coordination with Indian Embassy. Muraleedharan tweeted, “In Manama, Bahrain met the hardworking Indian volunteers & social workers, who play a crucial role in helping Indian community, in close coordination with Indian…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Hitting back Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto after commented on the abrogation of Article 370 from Jammu & Kashmir on the sidelines of the Shanghai Corporation Organization (SCO), External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar advised the former to “Wake up and smell the coffee, as Article 370 is history.” Bhutto’s statement marked a “violation of international commitment”. Also coming down hard on the neighbouring country over its falling global standing, the External Affairs Minister said, “Pakistan’s credibility is depleting faster than its forex reserves.” Rebutting Bhutto’s comment on the upcoming G20 conference in Srinagar, Jaishankar further said, “Pakistan has…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Jammu and Kashmir is gearing up to host the G20 meeting, a significant event for the UT as well as the country. The meeting, which is scheduled to take place in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, has been the talk of the town, with preparations in full swing to ensure its success. Chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, a high-level meeting was held to discuss the preparations for the event. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor, and Arvind Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Government of India,…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be the Guest of Honour on France’s National Day on July 14. The news was confirmed by French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday. He tweeted both in French and Hindi, expressing his pleasure over PM Modi’s visit. “Cher Narendra, heureux de t’accueillir a Paris comme invite d’honneur du defile du 14 juillet !,” tweeted Macron in French, which translates to, “Dear Narendra, happy to welcome you to Paris as guest of honor on July 14!” “priy nreNdr, 14 julaaii kii predd ke smmaanit atithike ruup meN tumhaaraa peris meN svaagt kr ke mujhe…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: India and Russia held the 12th Joint Working Group (JWG) meeting on Counter Terrorism and bilateral consultations on UN and other issues as both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation in multilateral platforms. Secretary (West) Sanjay Verma visited Moscow on May 3-4 for the JWG on Counter Terrorism and India-Russia bilateral consultations on UN and multilateral issues, and held discussions, the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official release today. The JWG meeting was co-chaired by Secretary (West) and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, Oleg Syromolotov on May 3 on Counter-Terrorism. Participants…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: United States President Joe Biden congratulated Ajay Banga on becoming the next President of the World Bank. Biden also stated that he is looking forward to supporting Banga’s efforts to transform the World Bank to reduce poverty and address global challenges including climate. “Congratulations to my nominee, Ajay Banga, on becoming the next President of the World Bank. I look forward to working with Ajay in his new role, and to supporting his efforts to transform the World Bank to reduce poverty and address global challenges including climate,” US President tweeted. Earlier, US Vice President Kamala Harris also…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: The United States (US) has appreciated Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s commitment to hold free and fair polls as well as her openness to engage international election monitors. The appreciation was made during the 9th Bangladesh-US Partnership Dialogue held at the US Department of State in Washington DC on Wednesday where key bilateral and global issues of mutual interest were discussed, a press release received here today. Foreign Secretary Ambassador Masud Bin Momen and US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Ambassador Victoria Nuland led their respective delegations to the dialogue. During the meeting, Momen briefed his US…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Big artillery guns have boomed in Arunachal Pradesh in a high-voltage combat exercise conducted by the Army in the eastern theatre, in yet another drill to hone war-fighting capabilities and synergised contingency operations amid heightened tensions with China. The high-altitude integrated surveillance and firepower training exercise called “Buland Bharat” in the crucial Tawang and West Kameng districts of Arunachal Pradesh saw the Army use 155mm Bofors howitzers, 105mm field guns and 120mm mortars, among other heavy weapon systems, sources told TOI on Wednesday. The military confrontation with China in eastern Ladakh, which has entered the fourth year after…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: The price of bottled soybean oil has been hiked by Tk 12 per litre to Tk 199, which is effective from today (May 4, 2023). Bangladesh Vegetable Oil Refiners and Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (BVORVMA), the association of owners of edible oil refining and marketing companies, has increased the edible oil price, a press release said. Earlier, the price per litre of bottled soybean oil was Tk 187. Meanwhile, the price of unbottled soybean oil was fixed at Tk 176 and the price of palm oil was fixed at Tk 135 per litre. The price of 5-litre bottle of…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: In recent years, the traditional Shikaras of Kashmir have become a popular attraction for tourists, and this year, the demand for these iconic boats has surged. Shikara artisans like Malik Nisar Ahmed are working tirelessly to keep pace with orders, with more than 40 on his plate at his 40-year-old factory on the famous Dal Lake. The rise in demand for Shikaras can be attributed to the increasing number of visitors to Kashmir, with Shikara rides on the Dal Lake becoming a top attraction. As this trend has only grown stronger, the work of artisans like Nisar Ahmed…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: India and Egypt held the twelfth round of Foreign Office Consultations on Wednesday in Cairo when where both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the entire range of bilateral relations, covering politics, trade and commerce, according to the official statement released by External Affairs Ministry. The Indian delegation was led by Ausaf Sayeed, Secretary (CPV & OIA) and the Egyptian was headed by Ayman Kamel, Assistant Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Egypt. In the meeting, both sides undertook a comprehensive review of the entire range of bilateral relations, covering political, trade and commerce, investments,…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The air in south Goa remained abuzz with media frenzy over the scheduled arrival of Pakistan foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Thursday for the meeting of SCO foreign ministers, even though a formal bilateral meeting with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar seemed unlikely. Neither side, according to diplomatic sources, had proposed a meeting till late on Wednesday although the possibility of a “pull-aside” wasn’t entirely ruled out. Official sources did confirm Jaishankar will meet his Chinese counterpart Qin Gang on Thursday for what will be their second bilateral engagement in two months. Qin, who will be among…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: The World Bank confirmed Wednesday that Ajay Banga will be its next president, handing him the reins at a pivotal time as it looks to reshape its role to better address climate change. “The Board looks forward to working with Mr. Banga on the World Bank Group Evolution process,” the development lender wrote in a statement published shortly after executives voted to approve his leadership for a five-year term. The bank also said it looked forward to working with Banga on “all the World Bank Group’s ambitions and efforts aimed at tackling the toughest development challenges facing developing…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anisul Huq said on Wednesday that the Digital Security Act will not be repealed but some amendments will be made by September this year, if required. “I would say unequivocally that the government will not repeal the Digital Security Act under any circumstances, but if necessary, some amendments will be made by September this year,” he said. The Law Minister made the remarks at a discussion titled “Shaping a Future of Rights” organised by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday (May 3). The…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: India is now home to the world’s tallest railway bridge. Some 35 meters (over 10 feet) taller than the Eiffel Tower, the Chenab Bridge sits 359 meters (around 109 feet) above the Chenab River in India’s contentious Jammu and Kashmir region. After decades of construction, the bridge in northern India will be open to visitors by the end of December 2023 or January 2024, the Ministry of Railways said in a March press release. The 1,315 meter-long (4,314 feet) bridge is part of a broader project to make the Kashmir Valley accessible by the Indian Railway network. In…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: As the G20 meeting in Kashmir approaches this month, increased hue and cry against India from neighbouring Pakistan has plunged to new levels. This is backed by several terror attacks in Poonch, Rajouri. “We, the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have certain things we must be aware of and therefore accept some responsibilities,” said Dr Amjad Ayub Mirza, a human rights activist from Mirpur in PoK. Currently, India holds the presidency of the G20. The decision to hold several sessions of the G20 in Kashmir Valley, a Muslim-majority union territory, is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government’s ultimate…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Bangladesh and the European Union (EU) have agreed to further deepen partnership on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of bilateral relations. This was revealed during the meetings of State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md. Shahriar Alam with the EU dignitaries, including Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen, Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson, Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic, European Parliament’s Chair of the Committee on International Trade Bernd Lange, Chair of the Committee on Foreign Affairs David McAllister, and EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore on May, 2-3 in Brussels. During the meetings, the…

ZOOMBANGLA DESK: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will leave Washington DC for London tomorrow to attend the coronation of Charles III and his wife Camilla as the king and the queen of the United Kingdom (UK) and the other Commonwealth realms. A United Airlines flight carrying the prime minister and her entourage members will depart from the Dulles International Airport in Washington DC around 08:25 Washington time. Ambassador of Bangladesh to the USA Muhammad Imran will see off the prime minister at the airport. The flight will land at the Heathrow International Airport in London at 20:55 (local time) where Bangladesh…

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Following the abrogation of Article 370, the union territory Jammu and Kashmir has made progress in the spheres of education, health, and power, with a special focus on providing education, training, and job opportunities to the youth, reported Asian Lite International. Moreover, in its ongoing G20 meetings in various sectors, India will soon host a tourism working group meeting in Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir in May. By holding the meeting in Srinagar, India also wants to convey a strong message to the global community about the stability of the place. It wants to portray…