India on Wednesday pointed out to Pakistan links with terror groups like Al Qaeda, the Islamic State(ISIL), and others and "safe havens" being provided to them in the country.&nbsp;

India's envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "It is essential that we don’t lose sight of the ease with which the proscribed Haqqani Network and its supporters, especially the Pakistani authorities, have worked along with prominent terrorist organizations like Al-Qaida, ISIL K, Tehrik–Taliban Pakistan, etc. in South Asia."

He explained that the "world is fully aware that these groups also perpetrate terrorist activities from safe havens in Pakistan, including through violent attacks in Afghanistan that have disrupted the peace process."

India's comments came at a UNSC briefing on the 12th report of the UN Secretary-General (SG)on the threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIL/Da'esh) to international peace and security.&nbsp;

The Indian envoy said that UNSG’s report on ISIL "should cover activities" of the proscribed terrorist entities under UN's ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions regimes like Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and frontal organizations.

In fact, Tirumurti pointed out the "relocation of terror groups" to Afghanistan especially in Kunar and Nangarhar. 
provinces from across the Durand Line which is the International border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying, "to not name them in this report is doing a disservice as it gives only a partial and a biased view of the situation in the region."

India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar had spoken at the body last month and given 8 point action plan for the UN to deal with the threat of terrorism, which including no double standards on the issue, strengthening of FATF.

India on Wednesday pointed out to Pakistan links with terror groups like Al Qaeda, the Islamic State(ISIL), and others and "safe havens" being provided to them in the country.

India on Wednesday pointed out to Pakistan links with terror groups like Al Qaeda, the Islamic State(ISIL), and others and "safe havens" being provided to them in the country. India's envoy to United Nations TS Tirumurti said, "It is essential that we don’t lose sight of the ease with which the proscribed Haqqani Network and its supporters, especially the Pakistani authorities, have worked along with prominent terrorist organizations like Al-Qaida, ISIL K, Tehrik–Taliban Pakistan, etc. in South Asia." He explained that the "world is fully aware that these groups also perpetrate terrorist activities from safe havens in Pakistan, including through violent attacks in Afghanistan that have disrupted the peace process." India's comments came at a UNSC briefing on the 12th report of the UN Secretary-General (SG)on the threat posed by the Islamic State (ISIL/Da'esh) to international peace and security. The Indian envoy said that UNSG’s report on ISIL "should cover activities" of the proscribed terrorist entities under UN's ISIL and Al Qaida Sanctions regimes like Lashkar-e-Taiba and other Pakistan based terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad and frontal organizations. In fact, Tirumurti pointed out the "relocation of terror groups" to Afghanistan especially in Kunar and Nangarhar. provinces from across the Durand Line which is the International border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, saying, "to not name them in this report is doing a disservice as it gives only a partial and a biased view of the situation in the region." India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar had spoken at the body last month and given 8 point action plan for the UN to deal with the threat of terrorism, which including no double standards on the issue, strengthening of FATF.

At UNSC, India highlights Pakistan's link with Al Qaida, Islamic State in South Asia

What do Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have in common?&nbsp;

Growing Chinese influence

Chinese President Xi Jinping has visited two of these countries and has infused billions of dollars into all of them. Additionally, all three countries are a part of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

All three countries are India's immediate neighbours

How India responds to the developments across the border is crucial for its diplomatic goals and its role in the post-pandemic world. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently told his party that India has a big role to play in the emerging new world order. The prime minister drew parallels between this decade and the one following World War 2. He reportedly said that unlike earlier, India is not going to be a mute spectator this time.

India is expanding its global footprint by becoming more vocal at global forums. India recently paid its UN Regular budget assessment in full. Also, New Delhi has entered the UNSC as a non-permanent member. India will stay on the council for 2 years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/japan-regrets-sri-lanka-scrapping-2019-deal-with-new-delhi-tokyo-361069" hreflang="en">Japan regrets Sri Lanka scrapping 2019 deal with New Delhi, Tokyo</a>

India has plans and a list of issues it wants to raise. The expansion of the security council, to begin within both permanent and non-permanent categories. The biggest challenge is coming from China. Beijing heads at least six UN organisations. It has previously shielded Pakistani terrorists, raised Kashmir at the UNSC at Pakistan's behest.

China is now blocking a resolution on the Myanmar coup. It is trading its veto power at global forums for support, land and business in the neighbourhood.If India wants to emerge as a global leader in the post-pandemic world, it must build strategic alliances, expand its outreach programmes and begin all of this by concentrating on its neighbourhood first.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/vaccine-diplomacy-intensifies-as-china-donates-sinovac-to-sri-lanka-after-india-supplies-covishield-359974" hreflang="en">Vaccine diplomacy intensifies as China donates Sinovac to Sri Lanka after India supplies Covishield</a>

South Asia is evolving -Experimenting with democracy, being threatened by dictatorship, and witnessing changing geopolitics. India must respond to all of this with seasoned diplomacy. 30 years ago, India condemned military rule in Myanmar. Today, India should not feel compelled to follow the west because that would only push Myanmar closer to China.

India must maintain diplomatic ties with Myanmar and at the same time, it must be careful to not legitimise dictatorship. The situation in Sri Lanka too calls for an innovative approach. It is a turf where India and China are fighting for greater influence. India must counter China by supporting the neighbourhood - by using programmes like Vaccine Maitri to steer the region away from dependence on Chinese chequebooks.

India must shift the balance away from Beijing by relying on history, people-to-people connect, culture. India must win the trust and support of its neighbours as it eyes a global leadership role. 
&nbsp;

What do Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have in common? Growing Chinese influence Chinese President Xi Jinping has visited two of these countries and has infused billions of dollars into all of them.

What do Myanmar, Pakistan and Sri Lanka have in common? Growing Chinese influence Chinese President Xi Jinping has visited two of these countries and has infused billions of dollars into all of them. Additionally, all three countries are a part of China's Belt and Road Initiative. All three countries are India's immediate neighbours How India responds to the developments across the border is crucial for its diplomatic goals and its role in the post-pandemic world. India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently told his party that India has a big role to play in the emerging new world order. The prime minister drew parallels between this decade and the one following World War 2. He reportedly said that unlike earlier, India is not going to be a mute spectator this time. India is expanding its global footprint by becoming more vocal at global forums. India recently paid its UN Regular budget assessment in full. Also, New Delhi has entered the UNSC as a non-permanent member. India will stay on the council for 2 years. Also read: Japan regrets Sri Lanka scrapping 2019 deal with New Delhi, Tokyo India has plans and a list of issues it wants to raise. The expansion of the security council, to begin within both permanent and non-permanent categories. The biggest challenge is coming from China. Beijing heads at least six UN organisations. It has previously shielded Pakistani terrorists, raised Kashmir at the UNSC at Pakistan's behest. China is now blocking a resolution on the Myanmar coup. It is trading its veto power at global forums for support, land and business in the neighbourhood.If India wants to emerge as a global leader in the post-pandemic world, it must build strategic alliances, expand its outreach programmes and begin all of this by concentrating on its neighbourhood first. Also read: Vaccine diplomacy intensifies as China donates Sinovac to Sri Lanka after India supplies Covishield South Asia is evolving -Experimenting with democracy, being threatened by dictatorship, and witnessing changing geopolitics. India must respond to all of this with seasoned diplomacy. 30 years ago, India condemned military rule in Myanmar. Today, India should not feel compelled to follow the west because that would only push Myanmar closer to China. India must maintain diplomatic ties with Myanmar and at the same time, it must be careful to not legitimise dictatorship. The situation in Sri Lanka too calls for an innovative approach. It is a turf where India and China are fighting for greater influence. India must counter China by supporting the neighbourhood - by using programmes like Vaccine Maitri to steer the region away from dependence on Chinese chequebooks. India must shift the balance away from Beijing by relying on history, people-to-people connect, culture. India must win the trust and support of its neighbours as it eyes a global leadership role.

Why India should continue focusing on neighbourhood first

Air Pollution is killing babies even before they're born. A new study has revealed that 1 in 15 failed pregnancies in South Asia is due to pollution, out of this 67% are in rural areas. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why we cannot view air pollution through a city-centric lens.

Gravitas: Air Pollution is causing miscarriages

Doing business in a civil war-hit country can be a new challenge. Which side does peace? Who do you pay taxes to? A dairy entrepreneur in Afghanistan is facing all these challenges. WION brings you a report.

'Milko' a popular dairy brand in Afghanistan addresses both, the govt & Taliban

The growing impacts of climate change have already pushed more than 18 million people to migrate within South Asian countries, but that could more than triple if global warming continues on its current path, researchers warned on Friday.

Fineprint: Climate change could create 63 million migrants in South Asia

The global climate crisis could see more than 63 million people displaced from their homes within South Asian countries in the next 30 years, according to a new report.

According to a report by ActionAid International and Climate Action Network South Asia, if global warming continues on its current path then the rising seas levels and droughts will force a huge part South Asia population to migrate. 
 
The report released on Friday stated that ecological disasters drive mass migrations and greater armed conflict for this region. 
 
The projection does not include those who will be forced to flee sudden disasters such as floods and cyclones and so is likely an under-estimate, noted Harjeet Singh, global climate lead at ActionAid. 
 
He said the situation could become “catastrophic”. 
 
Many will head from rural areas to towns and cities in their own countries, in search of work, he said. 
 
There they often end up living in slum areas exposed to flooding and with very limited access to social services, doing precarious jobs such as rickshaw-pulling, construction or garment-making. 
 
“Policy makers in the Global North and the Global South are not yet waking up to this reality,” Singh told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. “They are not realising the scale of the problem, and how we are going to deal with (it).” 
 
He urged rich nations with high planet-warming emissions to redouble efforts to reduce their carbon pollution and provide more funding for South Asian countries to develop cleanly and adapt to conditions on a warming planet. 
 
If governments meet a globally agreed goal to limit warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, the number of people driven to move in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal could be cut almost by half by 2050, the report said. 
 
It builds on research published in 2018 by the World Bank, which said unchecked climate change could cause more than 140 million people to move within their countries’ borders by 2050 in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America. 
 
The new report, which used an updated version of the same methodology, raises the original 2050 projection for South Asian migration by about half, adding in new data on sea level rise, as well as the effects of ecosystem losses and droughts. 
 
The new report also tracks expected migration on a finer scale.

(With inputs from agencies)

The global climate crisis could see more than 63 million people displaced from their homes within South Asian countries in the next 30 years, according to a new report.

The global climate crisis could see more than 63 million people displaced from their homes within South Asian countries in the next 30 years, according to a new report. According to a report by ActionAid International and Climate Action Network South Asia, if global warming continues on its current path then the rising seas levels and droughts will force a huge part South Asia population to migrate. The report released on Friday stated that ecological disasters drive mass migrations and greater armed conflict for this region. The projection does not include those who will be forced to flee sudden disasters such as floods and cyclones and so is likely an under-estimate, noted Harjeet Singh, global climate lead at ActionAid. He said the situation could become “catastrophic”. Many will head from rural areas to towns and cities in their own countries, in search of work, he said. There they often end up living in slum areas exposed to flooding and with very limited access to social services, doing precarious jobs such as rickshaw-pulling, construction or garment-making. “Policy makers in the Global North and the Global South are not yet waking up to this reality,” Singh told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. “They are not realising the scale of the problem, and how we are going to deal with (it).” He urged rich nations with high planet-warming emissions to redouble efforts to reduce their carbon pollution and provide more funding for South Asian countries to develop cleanly and adapt to conditions on a warming planet. If governments meet a globally agreed goal to limit warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, the number of people driven to move in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal could be cut almost by half by 2050, the report said. It builds on research published in 2018 by the World Bank, which said unchecked climate change could cause more than 140 million people to move within their countries’ borders by 2050 in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America. The new report, which used an updated version of the same methodology, raises the original 2050 projection for South Asian migration by about half, adding in new data on sea level rise, as well as the effects of ecosystem losses and droughts. The new report also tracks expected migration on a finer scale. (With inputs from agencies)

Global warming could create 63 million migrants in South Asia by 2050

The U.S. Congress on Monday passed a bill that is expected to upgrade U.S. support for Tibetans in key areas, including sanctioning Chinese officials if they try to appoint the next Dalai Lama.

U.S. congress passes landmark bill in support of Tibet

Bangladesh has many underutilised maritime projects. There is a long list of stalled maritime projects. Recently Bangladesh also rejected India's offer to develop gas pipeline. Watch this report

WION Dispatch: Bangladesh unable to utilise its vast marine resources

After a bitter border row that lasted for months. India and Nepal are working to get ties back on track. A flurry of high-level visits are set to take place in the coming months. Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla is already in Kathmandu at the invitation of the Nepal government.

He landed at Tribhuvan International Airport on Thursday morning, and was received by his Nepalese counterpart Bharat Raj Paudyal. Shringla is expected to be there for 2 days.

This is his first visit to the Himalayan Republic after becoming the foreign secretary. He will be visiting sites of developmental projects being carried out by India in the backdrop of the 2015 earthquake that rocked Nepal.

He is also expected to deliver a lecture at the Asian Institute of Diplomacy &amp; International Affairs in Kathmandu.

When asked about the importance of his visit the foreign secretary had this to say.

"We've a very strong relationship with nepal. Our endeavour will be to see how we can take the relationship forward. I would like to thank Government of Nepal, the foreign secretary for the warm hospitality extended to us. We have few very good meetings ahead of us, lets see how that goes"

India has had special military ties with Nepal for decades. Currently, there are 32,000 Nepalese Gurkha soldiers serving in the Indian Army.

In return New Delhi has been working to modernise Nepal Army by supplying equipment and providing training to soldiers.

In recent months the ties have been strained due to a boundary dispute. It began with Nepal asserting its claim over the Kalapani region in the Pithorgarh district.

Tensions escalated further when Nepal published a new map &amp; a new national insignia. The Indian side suggested that Kathmandu did so under pressure from China.

A bitter war of words ensued bilateral ties were at their worst until a few months back.

Now New Delhi &amp; Kathmandu have pressed the reset button. The visit by the Indian foreign secretary may go a long way in mending bilateral relations.

Meanwhile, India is also reaching out to its other neighbours in South Asia.

The Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is expected to travel to Colombo. On November 27th.

Once there he will be holding trilateral discussions with the Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed didi and the Lankan Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne.

Reports say, the talks will largely revolve around reviving trilateral maritime security dialogue.

The last such dialogue was held in New Delhi in 2014. It was suspended after India's relations with the Maldives got strained under the previous Abdulla Yameen regime.

This time, Seychelles, Mauritius and Bangladesh are expected to be present as observers during The dialogue.

From West Asia to South Asia, India is reaching out to its extended and immediate neighbours. The back-to-back visits could set the ball rolling for greater co-operation in the coming months.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

After a bitter border row that lasted for months. India and Nepal are working to get ties back on track. A flurry of high-level visits are set to take place in the coming months.

After a bitter border row that lasted for months. India and Nepal are working to get ties back on track. A flurry of high-level visits are set to take place in the coming months. Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla is already in Kathmandu at the invitation of the Nepal government. He landed at Tribhuvan International Airport on Thursday morning, and was received by his Nepalese counterpart Bharat Raj Paudyal. Shringla is expected to be there for 2 days. This is his first visit to the Himalayan Republic after becoming the foreign secretary. He will be visiting sites of developmental projects being carried out by India in the backdrop of the 2015 earthquake that rocked Nepal. He is also expected to deliver a lecture at the Asian Institute of Diplomacy & International Affairs in Kathmandu. When asked about the importance of his visit the foreign secretary had this to say. "We've a very strong relationship with nepal. Our endeavour will be to see how we can take the relationship forward. I would like to thank Government of Nepal, the foreign secretary for the warm hospitality extended to us. We have few very good meetings ahead of us, lets see how that goes" India has had special military ties with Nepal for decades. Currently, there are 32,000 Nepalese Gurkha soldiers serving in the Indian Army. In return New Delhi has been working to modernise Nepal Army by supplying equipment and providing training to soldiers. In recent months the ties have been strained due to a boundary dispute. It began with Nepal asserting its claim over the Kalapani region in the Pithorgarh district. Tensions escalated further when Nepal published a new map & a new national insignia. The Indian side suggested that Kathmandu did so under pressure from China. A bitter war of words ensued bilateral ties were at their worst until a few months back. Now New Delhi & Kathmandu have pressed the reset button. The visit by the Indian foreign secretary may go a long way in mending bilateral relations. Meanwhile, India is also reaching out to its other neighbours in South Asia. The Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval is expected to travel to Colombo. On November 27th. Once there he will be holding trilateral discussions with the Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed didi and the Lankan Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne. Reports say, the talks will largely revolve around reviving trilateral maritime security dialogue. The last such dialogue was held in New Delhi in 2014. It was suspended after India's relations with the Maldives got strained under the previous Abdulla Yameen regime. This time, Seychelles, Mauritius and Bangladesh are expected to be present as observers during The dialogue. From West Asia to South Asia, India is reaching out to its extended and immediate neighbours. The back-to-back visits could set the ball rolling for greater co-operation in the coming months.

India reaches out to neighbours from West to South Asia

Trade-dependent Taiwan has made "relatively" good progress towards joining the revamped version of the Trans-Pacific Partnership

Taiwan talks up trans-Pacific trade pact after exclusion from new deal

India has reiterated it won't join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact. Top sources, confirming to WION, New Delhi's continuous stance on the issue over several reasons. India was one of the original 16 participating countries of the RCEP but had withdrawn last year over several reasons, of which was Chinese goods flooding the Indian market.&nbsp;

Over the weekend, 15 countries of the region--China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and all ten members of the ASEAN pact signed the mega Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership RCEP trade pact.&nbsp;

Earlier last week, asked if India will join RECP, Secretary East in Ministry of External Affairs Riva Ganguly Das said, “Our position is well known, as far as India is concerned, we did not join RCEP as it does not address the outstanding issues and concerns of India, however, we remain committed to deepening our trade relations with ASEAN".

While they signed the pact on Saturday, member countries of the economic pact announced that India can participate in the group's activities as an observer member and left a window open for India to join it on a future date.&nbsp;

The joint statement after the signing of the mega pact had a special Ministers’ Declaration on India's participation in the pact. It said, 'Any time prior to its accession to the Agreement, India may participate in RCEP meetings as an observer" and in "economic cooperation activities undertaken by the RCEP Signatory States" under the RCEP Agreement, "on terms and conditions to be jointly decided upon by the RCEP Signatory States."

The summary of the agreement leaves a special exception for India to join the pact later. Chapter 20 of the pact says, "This Agreement is open for accession by India, as an original negotiating State, from the date of its entry into force". The pact is the biggest economic pact which accounts for 30% of global GDP and 30% of the global population.

India has reiterated it won't join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact. Top sources, confirming to WION, New Delhi's continuous stance on the issue over several reasons.

India has reiterated it won't join the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade pact. Top sources, confirming to WION, New Delhi's continuous stance on the issue over several reasons. India was one of the original 16 participating countries of the RCEP but had withdrawn last year over several reasons, of which was Chinese goods flooding the Indian market. Over the weekend, 15 countries of the region--China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and all ten members of the ASEAN pact signed the mega Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership RCEP trade pact. Earlier last week, asked if India will join RECP, Secretary East in Ministry of External Affairs Riva Ganguly Das said, “Our position is well known, as far as India is concerned, we did not join RCEP as it does not address the outstanding issues and concerns of India, however, we remain committed to deepening our trade relations with ASEAN". While they signed the pact on Saturday, member countries of the economic pact announced that India can participate in the group's activities as an observer member and left a window open for India to join it on a future date. The joint statement after the signing of the mega pact had a special Ministers’ Declaration on India's participation in the pact. It said, 'Any time prior to its accession to the Agreement, India may participate in RCEP meetings as an observer" and in "economic cooperation activities undertaken by the RCEP Signatory States" under the RCEP Agreement, "on terms and conditions to be jointly decided upon by the RCEP Signatory States." The summary of the agreement leaves a special exception for India to join the pact later. Chapter 20 of the pact says, "This Agreement is open for accession by India, as an original negotiating State, from the date of its entry into force". The pact is the biggest economic pact which accounts for 30% of global GDP and 30% of the global population.

Won't join RCEP, India reiterates 

The resignation of the 15 remaining pro-democracy lawmakers will ratchet up tensions over the future of Hong Kong

WION Dispatch: Hong Kong disqualifies 4 pro-democracy legislators

Heavy rain effectively shut down Manila, the sprawling capital of 12 million people, and surrounding areas.

Typhoon Vamco lashes the Philippines, paralyses parts of Manila

Pakistan federal minister Ali Amin Gandapur has been facing flak for his derogatory remarks about Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz

Imran Khan's minister faces flak over sexist remarks against Maryam Nawaz

Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to win a second term in office when authorities in Myanmar release early election results on Monday.

Myanmar: Aung San Suu Kyi in line for second term

Former Afghan television presenter Yama Siawash was killed in bomb attack on Saturday in Kabul. He was killed as a bomb attached to his vehicle exploded near his home. Two other civilians were killed in the blast. Siawash used to be prominent political and current affairs presenter with Tolo News and was known for hard hitting style of interviewing. Tolo News is Afghanistan's biggest private TV channel.

Afghanistan's interior ministry has blamed Haqqani network, a group linked to the Taliban. It did not claim responsibility for the blast in the immediate aftermath.

"Such targeted attacks and explosions of sticky bombs is the continuation of crimes by Haqqani network and the Taliban," Tariq Arian, spokesman for the ministry, told reporters.

Haqqani network has been designated by the US as a terrorist group.

Siawash's death drew immediate condemnation from senior Afghan officials and foreign diplomats.

"I am shocked at the killing of former Tolo News anchor Yama Siawash," Ross Wilson, US charge d'affaires in Kabul, said on Twitter.

"This attack is an assault on freedom of the press, one of Afghanistan's core democratic principles." 
Abdullah Abdullah, who heads the country's overall peace and reconciliation process, also said Siawash's murder targeted freedom of expression in Afghanistan.

"This is an unforgivable and unforgettable crime," he said in a statement.

Targetted killings

The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee, a panel set up by media networks to oversee security for journalists in the country, called for "identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators" of the attack.

President Ashraf Ghani ordered an investigation into the murders, the presidential palace said.

Targeted killings of prominent figures, including journalists, clerics, politicians and rights activists, have become more common in recent months amid growing violence in the country.

On Thursday, the father of Zarifa Ghafari, one of Afghanistan's first female mayors, was gunned down in front of his house in Kabul.

His assassination was condemned by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who had awarded Ghafari with the International Women of Courage award earlier this year.

US watchdog Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said in a report this week that violent attacks in the country had surged by 50 per cent during three months to September when compared to the previous quarter.

Dozens of people were killed in less than two weeks in Kabul in brutal attacks that also left scores wounded. 
On Monday, a deadly raid by militants on Kabul University left 22 people dead, many of them students.

The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the attack but the government blamed the Haqqani network.

The attack on the university came just days after a suicide bombing near an educational centre killed 24 people. That attack was also claimed by IS.

(With AFP inputs)

Former Afghan television presenter Yama Siawash was killed in bomb attack on Saturday in Kabul. He was killed as a bomb attached to his vehicle exploded near his home.

Former Afghan television presenter Yama Siawash was killed in bomb attack on Saturday in Kabul. He was killed as a bomb attached to his vehicle exploded near his home. Two other civilians were killed in the blast. Siawash used to be prominent political and current affairs presenter with Tolo News and was known for hard hitting style of interviewing. Tolo News is Afghanistan's biggest private TV channel. Afghanistan's interior ministry has blamed Haqqani network, a group linked to the Taliban. It did not claim responsibility for the blast in the immediate aftermath. "Such targeted attacks and explosions of sticky bombs is the continuation of crimes by Haqqani network and the Taliban," Tariq Arian, spokesman for the ministry, told reporters. Haqqani network has been designated by the US as a terrorist group. Siawash's death drew immediate condemnation from senior Afghan officials and foreign diplomats. "I am shocked at the killing of former Tolo News anchor Yama Siawash," Ross Wilson, US charge d'affaires in Kabul, said on Twitter. "This attack is an assault on freedom of the press, one of Afghanistan's core democratic principles." Abdullah Abdullah, who heads the country's overall peace and reconciliation process, also said Siawash's murder targeted freedom of expression in Afghanistan. "This is an unforgivable and unforgettable crime," he said in a statement. Targetted killings The Afghan Journalists Safety Committee, a panel set up by media networks to oversee security for journalists in the country, called for "identifying and prosecuting the perpetrators" of the attack. President Ashraf Ghani ordered an investigation into the murders, the presidential palace said. Targeted killings of prominent figures, including journalists, clerics, politicians and rights activists, have become more common in recent months amid growing violence in the country. On Thursday, the father of Zarifa Ghafari, one of Afghanistan's first female mayors, was gunned down in front of his house in Kabul. His assassination was condemned by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who had awarded Ghafari with the International Women of Courage award earlier this year. US watchdog Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said in a report this week that violent attacks in the country had surged by 50 per cent during three months to September when compared to the previous quarter. Dozens of people were killed in less than two weeks in Kabul in brutal attacks that also left scores wounded. On Monday, a deadly raid by militants on Kabul University left 22 people dead, many of them students. The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility for the attack but the government blamed the Haqqani network. The attack on the university came just days after a suicide bombing near an educational centre killed 24 people. That attack was also claimed by IS. (With AFP inputs)

Afghanistan: Former TV presenter killed in bomb attack

Nepal's COVID-19 tally reached 173,567 cases on Sunday as the country reported 2,824 new infections in the last 24 hours.

The country also reported 23 more coronavirus-related fatalities, bringing the death toll to 960.

The number of active cases stands at 37,765 as 134,842 people have made a successful recovery, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.

A total of 3,620 people have been discharged after recovery.

Meanwhile, national capital Kathmandu confirmed 1,357 new cases on Sunday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Nepal's COVID-19 tally reached 173,567 cases on Sunday as the country reported 2,824 new infections in the last 24 hours. The country also reported 23 more coronavirus-related fatalities, bringing the death toll to 960.

Nepal's COVID-19 tally reached 173,567 cases on Sunday as the country reported 2,824 new infections in the last 24 hours. The country also reported 23 more coronavirus-related fatalities, bringing the death toll to 960. The number of active cases stands at 37,765 as 134,842 people have made a successful recovery, according to the Ministry of Health and Population. A total of 3,620 people have been discharged after recovery. Meanwhile, national capital Kathmandu confirmed 1,357 new cases on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal reports 2,824 new COVID-19 cases, tally reaches 173,567

Britain's Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission on Thursday removed&nbsp;Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) from the list of proscribed&nbsp;terrorist organisations. The LTTE ran a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

Sri Lanka has protested the commission's decision and appealed against the judgement. Sri Lankan foreign ministry issued a statement in this regard on Thursday.

It said the decision of the Commission arises from an appeal filed in May 2019 by an LTTE front organisation challenging the decision of British Secretary of State for Home Affairs dated March 8, 2019, which refused the application by the group to de-proscribe the LTTE from the list of Proscribed Organizations under the UK Terrorism Act of 2000.

While Sri Lanka was not a party to these proceedings at the Commission and could not make direct representations, the Lankan Government assisted the British government by providing relevant information with regard to continued terrorist activities.

"The Open Judgement of the POAC while allowing the Appeal, provides for further hearings, and the Government of Sri Lanka will continue to closely monitor the progress of the case in the UK," the statement said.

Sri Lanka maintains that it has sufficient evidence to prove that the remnants of the LTTE and groups aligned with its terrorist ideology are active in foreign countries, working to incite violence and destabilize the country.

Sri Lanka remains vigilant of threats to its national security as well as that of the region, and will always support members of the international community in the global fight against terrorism, the statement said. 
The UK listed the LTTE as a terrorist outfit in early 2000.

(With PTI inputs)

Britain's Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission on Thursday removed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) from the list of proscribed terrorist organisations.

Britain's Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission on Thursday removed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) from the list of proscribed terrorist organisations. The LTTE ran a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. Sri Lanka has protested the commission's decision and appealed against the judgement. Sri Lankan foreign ministry issued a statement in this regard on Thursday. It said the decision of the Commission arises from an appeal filed in May 2019 by an LTTE front organisation challenging the decision of British Secretary of State for Home Affairs dated March 8, 2019, which refused the application by the group to de-proscribe the LTTE from the list of Proscribed Organizations under the UK Terrorism Act of 2000. While Sri Lanka was not a party to these proceedings at the Commission and could not make direct representations, the Lankan Government assisted the British government by providing relevant information with regard to continued terrorist activities. "The Open Judgement of the POAC while allowing the Appeal, provides for further hearings, and the Government of Sri Lanka will continue to closely monitor the progress of the case in the UK," the statement said. Sri Lanka maintains that it has sufficient evidence to prove that the remnants of the LTTE and groups aligned with its terrorist ideology are active in foreign countries, working to incite violence and destabilize the country. Sri Lanka remains vigilant of threats to its national security as well as that of the region, and will always support members of the international community in the global fight against terrorism, the statement said. The UK listed the LTTE as a terrorist outfit in early 2000. (With PTI inputs)

UK tribunal removes LTTE from terror list, Sri Lanka protests

A first-of-its-kind system for South Asian countries that will provide alerts for flash floods 6-24 hours in advance was launched at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) here on Friday.

The World Meteorological Department (WMO) has entrusted India with the responsibility of the Regional Centre of South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System for coordination, development and its implementation.

India also shares cyclone warning alerts with neighbouring countries.

The system will enable the member countries -- India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan -- issue impact-based forecasting of floods which are very sudden and of short duration at watershed and also city level, IMD director general Mrutunjay Mohapatra said at the online launch.

Representatives of the member countries attended the event.

Flash floods are highly localised events of short duration with a very high peak and usually have less than six hours between the occurrence of the rainfall and peak flood. There is a general lack of flash flood warning capabilities and capacities among countries across the world.

Recognising that flash floods have a particularly disastrous impact on lives and properties of the affected populations, the 15th WMO Congress had approved the implementation of a Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) project with global coverage.

The system has been developed by the WMO Commission for Hydrology, jointly with the WMO Commission for Basic Systems and in collaboration with the US National Weather Service, the US Hydrologic Research Centre (HRC).

The IMD has highly advanced capabilities with respect to computing power, numerical weather prediction, vast observational network (ground, air and space based), and an internationally acclaimed weather forecasting system.

It has tested the performance of the system during recent monsoon seasons in the pre-operational mode and the flash flood bulletins were issued to national hydrological and meteorological services in the region for its validation.

The system has in-depth science, dynamics and diagnostics to provide guidance for the possible occurrences of flash floods at local level.

The guidance for flash floods in the form of Threats (6 hours in advance) and Risks (24 hours in advance) will be provided by Regional Centre to National Meteorological &amp; Hydrological Services, National and State Disaster Management Authorities and all other stakeholders for taking necessary mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and property in the South Asian region countries of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka,.

(with inputs)

A first-of-its-kind system for South Asian countries that will provide alerts for flash floods 6-24 hours in advance was launched at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) here on Friday.

A first-of-its-kind system for South Asian countries that will provide alerts for flash floods 6-24 hours in advance was launched at the India Meteorological Department (IMD) here on Friday. The World Meteorological Department (WMO) has entrusted India with the responsibility of the Regional Centre of South Asia Flash Flood Guidance System for coordination, development and its implementation. India also shares cyclone warning alerts with neighbouring countries. The system will enable the member countries -- India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan -- issue impact-based forecasting of floods which are very sudden and of short duration at watershed and also city level, IMD director general Mrutunjay Mohapatra said at the online launch. Representatives of the member countries attended the event. Flash floods are highly localised events of short duration with a very high peak and usually have less than six hours between the occurrence of the rainfall and peak flood. There is a general lack of flash flood warning capabilities and capacities among countries across the world. Recognising that flash floods have a particularly disastrous impact on lives and properties of the affected populations, the 15th WMO Congress had approved the implementation of a Flash Flood Guidance System (FFGS) project with global coverage. The system has been developed by the WMO Commission for Hydrology, jointly with the WMO Commission for Basic Systems and in collaboration with the US National Weather Service, the US Hydrologic Research Centre (HRC). The IMD has highly advanced capabilities with respect to computing power, numerical weather prediction, vast observational network (ground, air and space based), and an internationally acclaimed weather forecasting system. It has tested the performance of the system during recent monsoon seasons in the pre-operational mode and the flash flood bulletins were issued to national hydrological and meteorological services in the region for its validation. The system has in-depth science, dynamics and diagnostics to provide guidance for the possible occurrences of flash floods at local level. The guidance for flash floods in the form of Threats (6 hours in advance) and Risks (24 hours in advance) will be provided by Regional Centre to National Meteorological & Hydrological Services, National and State Disaster Management Authorities and all other stakeholders for taking necessary mitigation measures to reduce the loss of life and property in the South Asian region countries of India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka,. (with inputs)

First-of-its-kind flash flood warning system for South Asian countries launched

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday alleged that there was a 'state above state' in Pakistan. Though he did not name Pakistani military openly, his dismay against it and Imran Khan government came to the fore once again in light of the developments surrounding his son-in-law Muhammad Safdar's brief arrest on Monday.

"This country (Pakistan) there are two governments running parallelly. There is a state above state. This is clear from what happened yesterday and today. I speak this out of experience and I do not speak without facts. My contentions have been proven from what has been happening," said Sharif.&nbsp;

A video of Nawaz Sharif speaking with reporters was retweeted by his daughter Maryam Nawaz.

It is not unknown that Pakistani military wields enormous power and hold influence over the civilian government is Pakistan but Nawaz Sharif has particularly been susceptible to this. Nawaz Sharif's government was toppled by General Pervez Musharraf in 1999 and Sharif was forced to go in exile.&nbsp;

Nawaz Sharif's son-in-law Muhammad Safdar was briefly arrested from hotel room in Karachi on Monday. He was released on Monday itself. But there are allegations that Inspector General of Sindh was under pressure to file FIR against Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz and her husband, and that he was kidnapped when he attempted to resist the political pressure. There are allegations that Pakistani Army was involved in some way.Also Read | Pak 

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-army-chief-orders-inquiry-into-incident-involving-arrest-of-sharifs-son-in-law-336755">Army chief orders inquiry into 'incident' involving arrest of Sharif's son-in-law</a>

Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa meanwhile has ordered inquiry into the arrest.

The Army chief directed the Karachi Corps Commander to "immediately inquire into the circumstances" to determine the facts and file a report as soon as possible, according to a statement issued by the military's media wing.

However, The statement did not specify which incident it was referring to.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday alleged that there was a 'state above state' in Pakistan. Though he did not name Pakistani military openly, his dismay against it and Imran Khan government came to the fore once again in light of the developments surrounding his son-in-law Muhammad Safdar's brief arrest on Monday.

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday alleged that there was a 'state above state' in Pakistan. Though he did not name Pakistani military openly, his dismay against it and Imran Khan government came to the fore once again in light of the developments surrounding his son-in-law Muhammad Safdar's brief arrest on Monday. "This country (Pakistan) there are two governments running parallelly. There is a state above state. This is clear from what happened yesterday and today. I speak this out of experience and I do not speak without facts. My contentions have been proven from what has been happening," said Sharif. A video of Nawaz Sharif speaking with reporters was retweeted by his daughter Maryam Nawaz. It is not unknown that Pakistani military wields enormous power and hold influence over the civilian government is Pakistan but Nawaz Sharif has particularly been susceptible to this. Nawaz Sharif's government was toppled by General Pervez Musharraf in 1999 and Sharif was forced to go in exile. Nawaz Sharif's son-in-law Muhammad Safdar was briefly arrested from hotel room in Karachi on Monday. He was released on Monday itself. But there are allegations that Inspector General of Sindh was under pressure to file FIR against Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz and her husband, and that he was kidnapped when he attempted to resist the political pressure. There are allegations that Pakistani Army was involved in some way.Also Read | Pak Also Read | Army chief orders inquiry into 'incident' involving arrest of Sharif's son-in-law Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa meanwhile has ordered inquiry into the arrest. The Army chief directed the Karachi Corps Commander to "immediately inquire into the circumstances" to determine the facts and file a report as soon as possible, according to a statement issued by the military's media wing. However, The statement did not specify which incident it was referring to.

There is a 'state above state' in Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif

At least 25 Afghan security force personnel were killed in an ambush considered to be carried out by Taliban. The attack took place in the northeastern part of Afghanistan. Although Taliban was believed to be behind the attack, it did not accept responsibility in the immediate aftermath.

"Fighting is still continuing and the Taliban have also suffered heavy casualties," Jawad Hejri, a spokesman for the governor of Takhar province was quoted by AFP as saying.

Takhar provincial health director Abdul Qayoum confirmed the incident but said 34 security personnel had been killed -- including the deputy police chief of the province.

"These security forces were on their way for an operation in the district when they were attacked by the Taliban," said Hejri.

"The Taliban had taken positions in the houses around the area. They ambushed our forces who were there for an operation against the enemy."

The Taliban have so far not commented on the attack.

It comes as spiraling violence across Afghanistan imperils ongoing peace talks between the hardline group and the government in Qatar.

(With AFP inputs)

At least 25 Afghan security force personnel were killed in an ambush considered to be carried out by Taliban. The attack took place in the northeastern part of Afghanistan.

At least 25 Afghan security force personnel were killed in an ambush considered to be carried out by Taliban. The attack took place in the northeastern part of Afghanistan. Although Taliban was believed to be behind the attack, it did not accept responsibility in the immediate aftermath. "Fighting is still continuing and the Taliban have also suffered heavy casualties," Jawad Hejri, a spokesman for the governor of Takhar province was quoted by AFP as saying. Takhar provincial health director Abdul Qayoum confirmed the incident but said 34 security personnel had been killed -- including the deputy police chief of the province. "These security forces were on their way for an operation in the district when they were attacked by the Taliban," said Hejri. "The Taliban had taken positions in the houses around the area. They ambushed our forces who were there for an operation against the enemy." The Taliban have so far not commented on the attack. It comes as spiraling violence across Afghanistan imperils ongoing peace talks between the hardline group and the government in Qatar. (With AFP inputs)

Taliban ambush kills 25 Afghan security persons

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad on Thursday urged the Taliban to stay committed to the implementation of the US-Taliban peace agreement, warning that the rising level of violence in the country is threatening peace.

"Following several meetings General Miller and I had with the Taliban, we agreed to re-set actions by strictly adhering to the implementation of all elements of the U.S.-Taliban Agreement and all commitments made," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter.

He added, "This means reduced numbers of operations. At present too many Afghans are dying. With the re-set, we expect that number to drop significantly."With regard to the recent attacks by the Taliban, the US Peace envoy said, "Attacks have been on the rise in recent weeks -- threatening the peace process and alarming the Afghan people and their regional and international supporters."

Khalilzad said that "We will do our part and will monitor implementation actively. All parties must deliver on their responsibilities. We thank our international partners for their assistance and support."

According to Tolo News, Mohommad Nassem, Taliban spokesperson tweeted that the group`s chief negotiator Mawlavi Abdul Hakim met with Khalilzad and Gen. Miller and the two sides discussed the implementation of the peace agreement in Doha.&nbsp;

Naeem however did not mention that an agreement was made for both sides to reduce operations.NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg also met with the US Peace envoy and the two sides had discussed the situation in Afghanistan, Stoltenberg tweeted.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-in-a-nutshell-peace-talks-in-doha-and-war-at-home-335580">Afghanistan in a nutshell: Peace talks in Doha and war at home</a> 
 
"The Doha talks offer the best chance for peace, but the Taliban must keep their promises and reduce the unacceptable level of violence. NATO remains committed to Afghanistan`s security," said Stoltenberg on Twitter, as quoted by Tolo News.

This comes after the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Thursday that the increase in violence "only heaps further hardship and misery on ordinary Afghans and undermines efforts for progress and building bridges between parties at the historic Afghanistan peace talks in Doha."Tolo News quoted the US Charge d`Affaires Ross Wilson on social media said, "I stand behind UNAMA`s call to protect civilians in Helmand, who should have safe passage to leave dangerous areas. It is indefensible that the Taliban continues to put civilians at risk through needless violence. Afghanistan needs peace now."

The UK Embassy in Afghanistan also condemned the Taliban offensive in Helmand where "alarming numbers of civilians" have been "displaced, injured or killed" and added that the attacks undermine "the crucial peace talks" and all sides must "urgently reduce the violence and work towards a ceasefire."

"We continue to support the ANDSF and the brave efforts made to create lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan," Tolo News quoted the UK Embassy.

According to Tolo News, the clashes between the government forces and the Taliban in Lashkargah, the capital of Helmand and surrounding areas have entered the sixth day.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, at least nine people were killed when two Afghan National Army (ANA) MI-17 helicopters "crashed due to technical issues" in Nawa district of Helmand, said the Ministry of Defence.

Clashes have also been ongoing in the Lashkargah, the capital of Helmand province, and Nadi Ali district. The Taliban had begun their attacks on the city and other districts.&nbsp;

According to officials, on Monday night, Afghan commandos with air support launched an operation in Lashkargah

"The fighting was ongoing in the 601 highway and in Nad Ali district and the Babaji area in PD4 of Lashkargah. Thousands of families have been displaced because of the fighting in recent days," Tolo News reported.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad on Thursday urged the Taliban to stay committed to the implementation of the US-Taliban peace agreement, warning that the rising level of violence in the country is threatening peace.

US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad on Thursday urged the Taliban to stay committed to the implementation of the US-Taliban peace agreement, warning that the rising level of violence in the country is threatening peace. "Following several meetings General Miller and I had with the Taliban, we agreed to re-set actions by strictly adhering to the implementation of all elements of the U.S.-Taliban Agreement and all commitments made," Khalilzad wrote on Twitter. He added, "This means reduced numbers of operations. At present too many Afghans are dying. With the re-set, we expect that number to drop significantly."With regard to the recent attacks by the Taliban, the US Peace envoy said, "Attacks have been on the rise in recent weeks -- threatening the peace process and alarming the Afghan people and their regional and international supporters." Khalilzad said that "We will do our part and will monitor implementation actively. All parties must deliver on their responsibilities. We thank our international partners for their assistance and support." According to Tolo News, Mohommad Nassem, Taliban spokesperson tweeted that the group`s chief negotiator Mawlavi Abdul Hakim met with Khalilzad and Gen. Miller and the two sides discussed the implementation of the peace agreement in Doha. Naeem however did not mention that an agreement was made for both sides to reduce operations.NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg also met with the US Peace envoy and the two sides had discussed the situation in Afghanistan, Stoltenberg tweeted. Also Read | Afghanistan in a nutshell: Peace talks in Doha and war at home "The Doha talks offer the best chance for peace, but the Taliban must keep their promises and reduce the unacceptable level of violence. NATO remains committed to Afghanistan`s security," said Stoltenberg on Twitter, as quoted by Tolo News. This comes after the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said on Thursday that the increase in violence "only heaps further hardship and misery on ordinary Afghans and undermines efforts for progress and building bridges between parties at the historic Afghanistan peace talks in Doha."Tolo News quoted the US Charge d`Affaires Ross Wilson on social media said, "I stand behind UNAMA`s call to protect civilians in Helmand, who should have safe passage to leave dangerous areas. It is indefensible that the Taliban continues to put civilians at risk through needless violence. Afghanistan needs peace now." The UK Embassy in Afghanistan also condemned the Taliban offensive in Helmand where "alarming numbers of civilians" have been "displaced, injured or killed" and added that the attacks undermine "the crucial peace talks" and all sides must "urgently reduce the violence and work towards a ceasefire." "We continue to support the ANDSF and the brave efforts made to create lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan," Tolo News quoted the UK Embassy. According to Tolo News, the clashes between the government forces and the Taliban in Lashkargah, the capital of Helmand and surrounding areas have entered the sixth day. On Wednesday, at least nine people were killed when two Afghan National Army (ANA) MI-17 helicopters "crashed due to technical issues" in Nawa district of Helmand, said the Ministry of Defence. Clashes have also been ongoing in the Lashkargah, the capital of Helmand province, and Nadi Ali district. The Taliban had begun their attacks on the city and other districts. According to officials, on Monday night, Afghan commandos with air support launched an operation in Lashkargah "The fighting was ongoing in the 601 highway and in Nad Ali district and the Babaji area in PD4 of Lashkargah. Thousands of families have been displaced because of the fighting in recent days," Tolo News reported.

Khalilzad urges Taliban to stay committed to US deal

Malaysia’s opposition leader Ibrahim Anwar met the Southeast Asian nation’s king on Tuesday morning.

Malaysia’s Ibrahim Anwar meets king in challenge for leadership

Pakistan has hired an American lobbying firm to push a pro-Islamabad line and wriggle out of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list

Pakistan hires US lobbying firm to move out of FATF grey list: Reports

Bangladesh government is considering introduction of a death penalty for those convicted of rape. A government minister confirmed this on Friday following angry protests that erupted this week over online video. The video showed a group of men sexually assaulting a woman. Currently, the maximum punishment for rape is life imprisonment.

A proposal for an urgent amendment to current rape legislation is being prepared. The review is to be submitted on Monday.

"We need to ensure that those who are proven guilty get the punishment they deserve... this is being drafted on behalf of the prime minister's instructions," Law Minister Anisul Huq told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.

Women's rights activist are demanding stricter implementation of law instead of solely making them stricter.

More than 950 women were raped in Bangladesh in the first nine months of this year, according to rights group Ain o Salish Kendra. That was similar to the number of rapes reported during the same period last year, but up from 2018.

Campaigners, however, say the real number is much higher, with many women reluctant to report sexual assaults.

Hundreds of Bangladeshis took to the streets of Dhaka and other cities this week to protest, demanding safe spaces for women and the arrest of rapists after the video circulated on social media.

An investigation by the country's National Human Rights Commission - an autonomous state body - found that the woman in the video had been threatened and raped repeatedly by one of the men in the group over the last year.

Police have arrested at least 10 suspects in connection with the video, said Alamgir Hossain, police superintendent in Noakhali, the southeastern city where the footage was shot.

Two weeks earlier, the alleged gang rape of a woman in a student hostel in the northeastern city of Sylhet sparked similar street protests and calls for the government to take steps to tackle sexual violence.

"The Bangladesh government needs to listen to women," said Meenakshi Ganguly, from Human Rights Watch, on Friday. "The government should ensure that all sexual assault survivors are treated with dignity."

Salma Ali, president of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association, said tougher penalties would not be enough.

"Focusing solely on capital punishment won't work... Our Women and Children Repression Prevention tribunals are overburdened. The number of courts need to increase," she said.

"We also need to focus on victim protection. Several other aspects related to this law need to be updated," she added.

(With Reuters inputs)

Bangladesh government is considering introduction of a death penalty for those convicted of rape. A government minister confirmed this on Friday following angry protests that erupted this week over online video.

Bangladesh government is considering introduction of a death penalty for those convicted of rape. A government minister confirmed this on Friday following angry protests that erupted this week over online video. The video showed a group of men sexually assaulting a woman. Currently, the maximum punishment for rape is life imprisonment. A proposal for an urgent amendment to current rape legislation is being prepared. The review is to be submitted on Monday. "We need to ensure that those who are proven guilty get the punishment they deserve... this is being drafted on behalf of the prime minister's instructions," Law Minister Anisul Huq told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Women's rights activist are demanding stricter implementation of law instead of solely making them stricter. More than 950 women were raped in Bangladesh in the first nine months of this year, according to rights group Ain o Salish Kendra. That was similar to the number of rapes reported during the same period last year, but up from 2018. Campaigners, however, say the real number is much higher, with many women reluctant to report sexual assaults. Hundreds of Bangladeshis took to the streets of Dhaka and other cities this week to protest, demanding safe spaces for women and the arrest of rapists after the video circulated on social media. An investigation by the country's National Human Rights Commission - an autonomous state body - found that the woman in the video had been threatened and raped repeatedly by one of the men in the group over the last year. Police have arrested at least 10 suspects in connection with the video, said Alamgir Hossain, police superintendent in Noakhali, the southeastern city where the footage was shot. Two weeks earlier, the alleged gang rape of a woman in a student hostel in the northeastern city of Sylhet sparked similar street protests and calls for the government to take steps to tackle sexual violence. "The Bangladesh government needs to listen to women," said Meenakshi Ganguly, from Human Rights Watch, on Friday. "The government should ensure that all sexual assault survivors are treated with dignity." Salma Ali, president of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers Association, said tougher penalties would not be enough. "Focusing solely on capital punishment won't work... Our Women and Children Repression Prevention tribunals are overburdened. The number of courts need to increase," she said. "We also need to focus on victim protection. Several other aspects related to this law need to be updated," she added. (With Reuters inputs)

Bangladesh considers introducing death penalty for rape after protests against online video

A survey has revealed that a majority of Pakistanis fear that the South Asian country has been moving in the wrong direction since 2019. The survey was conducted by France-based lpsos, world’s third-largest market research company, and released on Sunday.

‘4 out of 5 Pakistanis fear country headed in wrong direction,’ says survey

Watch today in WION Dispatch: The opposition parties in Pakistan has got united against the Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan after an aggressive speech by Former PM Nawaz Sharif.

WION Dispatch: Opposition parties get unite against Pakistan's PM Imran Khan

Afghan government's top negotiator for intra-Afghan talks Dr Abdullah Abdullah will be visiting India from October 6 for four days. He, as the Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation represents the Afghan govt in talks with Taliban which started in September in Doha.

This is his first visit to New Delhi in the current position and he expected to meet top officials of the Indian government. Joint Secretary, PAI or Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division of Ministry of External Affairs, JP Singh had met him on the sidelines of the beginning of intra-Afghan ceremony on September 12 September in Doha.

At the ceremony India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had said, "Interests of minorities, women and vulnerable sections of society must be preserved and the issue of violence across the country and its neighbourhood has to be effectively addressed."&nbsp;

India was present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony.&nbsp;

India's policy towards the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and "respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-peace-official-sees-little-change-in-us-policy-regardless-of-election-result-331565">Afghan peace official sees little change in US policy regardless of election result</a>

Even as peace talks in Afghanistan has gained momentum, India has increased its reach out to a number of stakeholders in the country. September saw a visit by Afghan leader Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, during which he met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla.

New Delhi is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number of infrastructure projects in the country like India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat &amp; the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul. &nbsp;

Afghan government's top negotiator for intra-Afghan talks Dr Abdullah Abdullah will be visiting India from October 6 for four days. He, as the Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation represents the Afghan govt in talks with Taliban which started in September in Doha.

Afghan government's top negotiator for intra-Afghan talks Dr Abdullah Abdullah will be visiting India from October 6 for four days. He, as the Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation represents the Afghan govt in talks with Taliban which started in September in Doha. This is his first visit to New Delhi in the current position and he expected to meet top officials of the Indian government. Joint Secretary, PAI or Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran division of Ministry of External Affairs, JP Singh had met him on the sidelines of the beginning of intra-Afghan ceremony on September 12 September in Doha. At the ceremony India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had said, "Interests of minorities, women and vulnerable sections of society must be preserved and the issue of violence across the country and its neighbourhood has to be effectively addressed." India was present along with around 30 countries at the ceremony. India's policy towards the Afghan peace process is that it should be Afghan-led, Afghan-owned and Afghan-controlled and "respect the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan". Also Read | Afghan peace official sees little change in US policy regardless of election result Even as peace talks in Afghanistan has gained momentum, India has increased its reach out to a number of stakeholders in the country. September saw a visit by Afghan leader Marshal Abdul Rashid Dostum, during which he met External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla. New Delhi is Afghanistan's major development partner and has built number of infrastructure projects in the country like India-Afghanistan friendship dam in the western province of Herat & the Afghan Parliament in capital Kabul.

Afghan govt's top negotiator Abdullah Abdullah to visit India on October 6

The Prime Minister of Bangladesh has called for stronger international action to help Rohingya refugees in the country to return to neighbouring Myanmar.

Bangladesh PM urges greater international action on Rohingya status

Ill-conceived borders left behind by the British have triggered many conflicts in South Asia. WION's Palki tells you how arbitrary borders from the Raj era have created more fault lines in the region.

Gravitas: How arbitrary borders from British Era triggered conflicts in South Asia

The fully-loaded vessel is still in Sri Lankan waters, although the fire was completely doused last week.

Sri Lanka seeks $1.9 Million damage from owner of fire-hit oil tanker

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