Audio Overview of South Asia Issues, Friday, 22 February 2019

APAC Assistance Operations Assistant Bhargav Reddy discusses Main Issues in South Asia.

Main Issues in South Asia

SRI LANKA

  • One lane of the Katunayake Expressway which connects Colombo with Bandaranaike International Airport and Negombo in the Western province is closed for a week until February 27.
  • The closure is due to an ongoing repair work one of the lanes. Road Development Authority said all other lanes will be open for traffic as usual.
  • Clients are advised to be aware of the traffic delays between Colombo and the airport.

PAKISTAN

  • An emergency has been declared in the Lasbela district of Balochistan province due to flash floods which have killed three people since yesterday. Provincial Disaster Management Authority said 450 families have been affected by the flood.
  • Authorities are trying to evacuate the affected families from the area. Major roads and highways have been blocked.
  • Clients are advised to avoid the Lasbela district in Baluchistan.

Also in PAKISTAN

  • The federal government has imposed a ban on Jammat-ut-Dawa and its humanitarian arm Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation. The Ministry of Interior has ordered the freezing of assets associated with the two organizations and directed provincial governments to implement the orders.
  • The Ministry of Law and Justice had announced that former president of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain, amended the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 via Ordinance No II of 2018 to proscribe entities banned by the United Nations (Security Council) Act 1948. The government had also barred companies and individuals from giving donations to banned
  • Jammat-ut-Dawa network includes 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house, and ambulance services. Supporters of Jammat-ut-Dawa are likely to hold protests and demonstrations in major cities. The ban can potentially trigger violent clashes between the police and the supporters of Jamaat-ud-Dawa.

Main Issues in East Asia Pacific

Firstly from the PHILIPPINES

  • Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary said that there are more than 10 foreign groups, including the groups which train suicide bombers linked to the Islamic State on the southern island of Mindanao. The terrorists are remnants of the forty foreign extremists deployed to help the IS-inspired Maute Group during the Marawi City siege in Mindanao province in 2017.
  • Authorities have so far no intelligence of a planned attack. These terror groups are allegedly from Yemen, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Egypt.
  • Clients are advised to employ extreme caution while traveling in Mindanao.

SINGAPORE

  • Police have advised the public to be wary of unsolicited calls from scammers, saying that scammers can use technology to mask their actual phone number and display bank’s ID instead. Police have advised against disclosing personal details to anyone over phone, e-mail or texts.
  • There has been an increase in such scam calls. since November 2018 more than ninety scam calls complaints have been received. Ministry of Finance has also issued a warning on the fraudulent calls.
  • Clients are advised to be wary of fraudulent calls and do not reveal any personal or commercial details over the phone.

THAILAND

  • A suspected drug smuggler was shot dead yesterday during an encounter between two drug traffickers and police in the Mae Chan district of the northern Chiang Rai province near the Myanmar border.
  • Police recovered a shotgun and a pistol from the trucks driven by the traffickers. The trucks were carrying 25 large black-plastic wrapped bundles containing 5 million amphetamine pills.
  • Clients are advised to employ extreme caution in the province bordered Myanmar where cross border drug trafficking is a major concern.

TAIWAN

  • More than 60 civil rights groups are expected to hold a protest march in Taipei on Sunday, February 24 to mark the 72nd anniversary of the 228 incident.
  • The 228 incident refers to an anti-government uprising in Taiwan that was violently suppressed by the Kuomintang-led Republic of China government, which killed thousands of civilians on 28 February 1947. The number of Taiwanese deaths from the incident was estimated to be between 5,000 and 28,000. The march will begin at Tianmia Tea house in the Datong district and will proceed to Executive Yuan at the Zhongzheng district. Huge numbers are expected to take part in the march.
  • Clients are advised to avoid traveling between Datong and Zhongzheng districts on Sunday to avoid travel delays.

Audio Overview of East Asia Pacific Issues, Friday, 22 February 2019

APAC Assistance Operations Assistant Bhargav Reddy discusses Main Issues in East Asia Pacific.

Main Issues in East Asia Pacific

Firstly from the PHILIPPINES

  • Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary said that there are more than 10 foreign groups, including the groups which train suicide bombers linked to the Islamic State on the southern island of Mindanao. The terrorists are remnants of the forty foreign extremists deployed to help the IS-inspired Maute Group during the Marawi City siege in Mindanao province in 2017.
  • Authorities have so far no intelligence of a planned attack. These terror groups are allegedly from Yemen, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Egypt.
  • Clients are advised to employ extreme caution while traveling in Mindanao.

SINGAPORE

  • Police have advised the public to be wary of unsolicited calls from scammers, saying that scammers can use technology to mask their actual phone number and display bank’s ID instead. Police have advised against disclosing personal details to anyone over phone, e-mail or texts.
  • There has been an increase in such scam calls. since November 2018 more than ninety scam calls complaints have been received. Ministry of Finance has also issued a warning on the fraudulent calls.
  • Clients are advised to be wary of fraudulent calls and do not reveal any personal or commercial details over the phone.

THAILAND

  • A suspected drug smuggler was shot dead yesterday during an encounter between two drug traffickers and police in the Mae Chan district of the northern Chiang Rai province near the Myanmar border.
  • Police recovered a shotgun and a pistol from the trucks driven by the traffickers. The trucks were carrying 25 large black-plastic wrapped bundles containing 5 million amphetamine pills.
  • Clients are advised to employ extreme caution in the province bordered Myanmar where cross border drug trafficking is a major concern.

TAIWAN

  • More than 60 civil rights groups are expected to hold a protest march in Taipei on Sunday, February 24 to mark the 72nd anniversary of the 228 incident.
  • The 228 incident refers to an anti-government uprising in Taiwan that was violently suppressed by the Kuomintang-led Republic of China government, which killed thousands of civilians on 28 February 1947. The number of Taiwanese deaths from the incident was estimated to be between 5,000 and 28,000. The march will begin at Tianmia Tea house in the Datong district and will proceed to Executive Yuan at the Zhongzheng district. Huge numbers are expected to take part in the march.
  • Clients are advised to avoid traveling between Datong and Zhongzheng districts on Sunday to avoid travel delays.

Main Issues in South Asia

SRI LANKA

  • One lane of the Katunayake Expressway which connects Colombo with Bandaranaike International Airport and Negombo in the Western province is closed for a week until February 27.
  • The closure is due to an ongoing repair work one of the lanes. Road Development Authority said all other lanes will be open for traffic as usual.
  • Clients are advised to be aware of the traffic delays between Colombo and the airport.

PAKISTAN

  • An emergency has been declared in the Lasbela district of Balochistan province due to flash floods which have killed three people since yesterday. Provincial Disaster Management Authority said 450 families have been affected by the flood.
  • Authorities are trying to evacuate the affected families from the area. Major roads and highways have been blocked.
  • Clients are advised to avoid the Lasbela district in Baluchistan.

Also in PAKISTAN

  • The federal government has imposed a ban on Jammat-ut-Dawa and its humanitarian arm Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation. The Ministry of Interior has ordered the freezing of assets associated with the two organizations and directed provincial governments to implement the orders.
  • The Ministry of Law and Justice had announced that former president of Pakistan, Mamnoon Hussain, amended the Anti-Terrorism Act 1997 via Ordinance No II of 2018 to proscribe entities banned by the United Nations (Security Council) Act 1948. The government had also barred companies and individuals from giving donations to banned
  • Jammat-ut-Dawa network includes 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house, and ambulance services. Supporters of Jammat-ut-Dawa are likely to hold protests and demonstrations in major cities. The ban can potentially trigger violent clashes between the police and the supporters of Jamaat-ud-Dawa.

Audio Overview of South Asia Issues, Thursday, 21 February 2019

APAC Assistance Operations Assistant Bhargav Reddy discusses Main Issues in South Asia.

Main Issues in South Asia

Firstly in BANGLADESH

  • Forty-four people have been killed and more than a hundred others were injured in a massive fire that engulfed several buildings at Nanda Kumar Lane in the Chawkbazar area of Dhaka. The fire reportedly started on a building situated on the intersection of roads leading in the Chawkbazar area yesterday.
  • Confirming the death toll, Fire Service and Civil Defence Deputy Director has said that the bodies were sent to Dhaka Medical College morgue for autopsy. There have been conflicting reports about the cause of the fire.
  • Clients are advised to avoid traffic delays in Old Dhaka due to the presence of numerous emergency services and the roads have been blocked towards Chawkbazar Churihatta area.

PAKISTAN

  • The National Accountability Bureau yesterday arrested the Speaker of Sindh Assembly, Agha Siraj Durrani from a hotel in Islamabad. Durrani is being investigated for allegedly accumulating assets beyond his known sources of income and embezzlement of public funds.
  • The anti-corruption agency also conducted a search of Durrani’s house last night located in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority area. Supporters of Durrani and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) accused the government of disrespecting democracy and threatened to protest the arrest.
  • Clients are advised to avoid the areas with the government offices in the Sindh province where protests are likely to be held by the PPP supporters.

INDIA

  • Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has signed several agreements with the Government of India during his ongoing visit. India has agreed to extend the e-Visa facilities to Saudi nationals.
  • Prince Mohammed has approved the release of 850 prisoners from Saudi jail. Saudi Arabia also joined the International Solar Alliance led by India.

 

 

Main Issues in East Asia Pacific

Firstly in the PHILIPPINES

  • Yesterday a fire has destroyed a large forest area in the Itogon and Tuba administrative districts in the northern province of Benguet. The fire has killed at least five people when blaze spread to a storage area of the Office of Forestry.
  • The fire continues to burn in the Eastern Saddle area of Itogon. Authorities and firefighters have launched a massive fire fighting operation and they are trying to ascertain the cause of fire.
  • Clients are advised to avoid Itogon and Tuba municipalities. Expect travel delays on major highways in the Benguet province.

Also in the PHILIPPINES

  • President Rodrigo Duterte signed the universal healthcare bill into law yesterday. The law mandates automatic enrollment of all Filipinos into the National Healthcare Insurance Corporation, as either direct or indirect contributors.
  • Under the healthcare bill, basic accommodations at public hospitals, consultations, lab tests, and basic medicines will be covered.

THAILAND

  • Police are seeking the prosecution of Thanathorn and his two senior colleagues of the Future Forward Party over his speech posted on social media in June last year. In the speech, Thanathorn allegedly criticized the National Council for Peace and Order.
  • The politicians can be jailed for five years under the Computer Crime Act for “uploading false information”. Police said the case will be referred to state prosecutors next week, who will decide whether to take it to court.
  • Clients are advised to avoid all political events before the general elections. Avoid engaging with political posts on social media.

INDONESIA

  • An explosion at a food court in the Taman Anggrek Mall yesterday in West Jakarta has injured six people and damaged 40 food counters. According to police, the explosion happened due to the gas leak on the 4th
  • Witnesses have reported gas leak from Soto Betawi food counter where the explosion might have occurred. Police have cordoned off the area for further investigation.
  • Clients are advised to avoid Taman Anggrek Mall and expect traffic delays in the area due to the presence of emergency services after the blast.

Audio Overview of East Asia Pacific Issues, Thursday, 21 February 2019

APAC Assistance Operations Assistant Bhargav Reddy discusses Main Issues in East Asia Pacific.

Main Issues in East Asia Pacific

Firstly in the PHILIPPINES

  • Yesterday a fire has destroyed a large forest area in the Itogon and Tuba administrative districts in the northern province of Benguet. The fire has killed at least five people when blaze spread to a storage area of the Office of Forestry.
  • The fire continues to burn in the Eastern Saddle area of Itogon. Authorities and firefighters have launched a massive fire fighting operation and they are trying to ascertain the cause of fire.
  • Clients are advised to avoid Itogon and Tuba municipalities. Expect travel delays on major highways in the Benguet province.

Also in the PHILIPPINES

  • President Rodrigo Duterte signed the universal healthcare bill into law yesterday. The law mandates automatic enrollment of all Filipinos into the National Healthcare Insurance Corporation, as either direct or indirect contributors.
  • Under the healthcare bill, basic accommodations at public hospitals, consultations, lab tests, and basic medicines will be covered.

THAILAND

  • Police are seeking the prosecution of Thanathorn and his two senior colleagues of the Future Forward Party over his speech posted on social media in June last year. In the speech, Thanathorn allegedly criticized the National Council for Peace and Order.
  • The politicians can be jailed for five years under the Computer Crime Act for “uploading false information”. Police said the case will be referred to state prosecutors next week, who will decide whether to take it to court.
  • Clients are advised to avoid all political events before the general elections. Avoid engaging with political posts on social media.

INDONESIA

  • An explosion at a food court in the Taman Anggrek Mall yesterday in West Jakarta has injured six people and damaged 40 food counters. According to police, the explosion happened due to the gas leak on the 4th
  • Witnesses have reported gas leak from Soto Betawi food counter where the explosion might have occurred. Police have cordoned off the area for further investigation.
  • Clients are advised to avoid Taman Anggrek Mall and expect traffic delays in the area due to the presence of emergency services after the blast.

 

 

Main Issues in South Asia

Firstly in BANGLADESH

  • Forty-four people have been killed and more than a hundred others were injured in a massive fire that engulfed several buildings at Nanda Kumar Lane in the Chawkbazar area of Dhaka. The fire reportedly started on a building situated on the intersection of roads leading in the Chawkbazar area yesterday.
  • Confirming the death toll, Fire Service and Civil Defence Deputy Director has said that the bodies were sent to Dhaka Medical College morgue for autopsy. There have been conflicting reports about the cause of the fire.
  • Clients are advised to avoid traffic delays in Old Dhaka due to the presence of numerous emergency services and the roads have been blocked towards Chawkbazar Churihatta area.

PAKISTAN

  • The National Accountability Bureau yesterday arrested the Speaker of Sindh Assembly, Agha Siraj Durrani from a hotel in Islamabad. Durrani is being investigated for allegedly accumulating assets beyond his known sources of income and embezzlement of opublic funds.
  • The anti-corruption agency also conducted a search of Durrani’s house last night located in Karachi’s Defence Housing Authority area. Supporters of Durrani and the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) accused the government of disrespecting democracy and threatened to protest the arrest.
  • Clients are advised to avoid the areas with the government offices in the Sindh province where protests are likely to be held by the PPP supporters.

INDIA

  • Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman has signed several agreements with the Government of India during his ongoing visit. India has agreed to extend the e-Visa facilities to Saudi nationals.
  • Prince Mohammed has approved the release of 850 prisoners from Saudi jail. Saudi Arabia also joined the International Solar Alliance led by India.

Audio Overview of South Asia Issues, Wednesday, 20 February 2019

APAC Assistance Operations Assistant Bhargav Reddy discusses Main Issues in South Asia.

Main Issues in South Asia

Firstly in BANGLADESH

  • The Dhaka Metropolitan Police department has issued a traffic advisory for tomorrow on the occasion of Shaheed Dibas. Public access to the Central Shaheed Minar premises will be restricted from 8 pm
  • Traffic on the Nilkhet, Palashi, Fuller Road, Bakshi Bazar, Chankharpul, Shahidullah Hall, Doyel Chattar, Gymnasium, Romana Chattar, the High Court, the TSC intersection and the Shahbagh intersection will be blocked and multiple diversions will be set up with several checkpoints for security.
  • Clients are advised to expect delays in most parts of Dhaka. Follow the directions by the police to avoid traffic delays and road closures.

PAKISTAN

  • More than ten domestic and international flights were delayed at the Alama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore yesterday after one of the runways had to be closed due to potholes on its surface after heavy rains in Lahore. The second runway of the airport was already closed for repair work.
  • Travelers protested the delay as flights to many destinations got affected, including a flight getting diverted to Islamabad International Airport.
  • Clients are advised to expect delays and make alternative travel plans if the Lahore airport closes for a major repair work of its runways this week.

INDIA

  • Saudi Crown Prince Mohamad bin Salman is visiting India today. Both countries are expected to sign Memorandum of Understanding on defense, healthcare, and other issues.
  • The External Affairs Ministry of India said that the talks on investment of USD 44 billion by Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in Ratnagiri Refinery project in Maharashtra are likely during the visit.
  • Saudi Arabia has ranked India as one of the major strategic partners. The visit has been controversial as the Crown Prince visited Pakistan this week and was denied permission to travel directly from Pakistan to India.

Also in INDIA

  • The Union Cabinet yesterday gave its nod to re-issue the Triple Talaq ordinance that makes the practice of instant divorce by Muslim men a penal offense. Once signed by President Ram Nath Kovind, the ordinance will come into force for the third time in less than a year.
  • Under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance, 2019, divorcing through instant triple talaq will be illegal and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband.
  • The government has asserted that it provides justice and equality to Muslim women. The controversy over the abolition of instant divorce practice has triggered protests by conservative Muslim organizations. With the general elections in April this year, the Muslim organization can potentially intensify their protests.

 

Main Issues in East Asia Pacific

Firstly in INDONESIA

  • Spanish energy company Repsol announced yesterday that a substantial natural gas discovery was made in Indonesia along with Malaysia’s Petronas and Japan’s Mitsui Oil Exploration. Repsol described the discovery in South Sumatra as “the largest gas find in Indonesia in 18 years” and one of the 10 largest in the world in the last year.
  • The discovery was made in the Sakakemang block in South Sumatra, where Repsol as an operator, holds a 45% working interest. Petronas owns another 45% and Mitsui Oil Exploration owns the remaining 10%. Repsol estimates that the well may hold at least 57 billion cubic meters of recoverable resources.
  • Repsol holds several licenses in Indonesia, which is the focus of its exploration investment in Southeast Asia.

THAILAND

  • Yesterday police arrested three alleged members of a major drug trafficking gang and seized assets worth about USD 3.2million during raids on different locations in Bangkok.
  • Police have charged the accused with money laundering and drug trafficking. Police and members from other agencies were involved in the raid.
  • Clients are advised to avoid impoverished suburban areas of major cities. More raids are expected by police in different parts of Bangkok.

Also in THAILAND

  • A man was shot dead while his wife escaped unhurt during a shooting incident in Raman district of southern Yala province. The attack took place on a road between Tambon Koror and Tambon Karubee of Raman district.
  • Assailants were on the motorbike. Police are investigating the incident.
  • Clients are advised to employ extreme caution in the southern provinces of Thailand.

The PHILIPPINES

  • A debt collector of a finance company was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in San Julian town, Eastern Samar province in Eastern Visayas. The victim was shot in Sitio Palo-Uno of Putong village, San Julian municipality in Eastern Samar yesterday.
  • Police said personal grudges could be the motive of the attack as the attacker left USD 200 with the victim. The gun used in the shooting was recovered by the police from the crime scene.
  • Clients are advised to employ caution while traveling in Eastern Samar province. Gun violence is prevalent in all provinces of the Philippines fueled by illegal arms trafficking.

 

Audio Overview of East Asia Pacific Issues, Wednesday, 20 February 2019

APAC Assistance Operations Assistant Bhargav Reddy discusses Main Issues in East Asia Pacific.

Main Issues in East Asia Pacific

Firstly in INDONESIA

  • Spanish energy company Repsol announced yesterday that a substantial natural gas discovery was made in Indonesia along with Malaysia’s Petronas and Japan’s Mitsui Oil Exploration. Repsol described the discovery in South Sumatra as “the largest gas find in Indonesia in 18 years” and one of the 10 largest in the world in the last year.
  • The discovery was made in the Sakakemang block in South Sumatra, where Repsol as an operator, holds a 45% working interest. Petronas owns another 45% and Mitsui Oil Exploration owns the remaining 10%. Repsol estimates that the well may hold at least 57 billion cubic meters of recoverable resources.
  • Repsol holds several licenses in Indonesia, which is the focus of its exploration investment in Southeast Asia.

THAILAND

  • Yesterday police arrested three alleged members of a major drug trafficking gang and seized assets worth about USD 3.2million during raids on different locations in Bangkok.
  • Police have charged the accused with money laundering and drug trafficking. Police and members from other agencies were involved in the raid.
  • Clients are advised to avoid impoverished suburban areas of major cities. More raids are expected by police in different parts of Bangkok.

Also in THAILAND

  • A man was shot dead while his wife escaped unhurt during a shooting incident in Raman district of southern Yala province. The attack took place on a road between Tambon Koror and Tambon Karubee of Raman district.
  • Assailants were on the motorbike. Police are investigating the incident.
  • Clients are advised to employ extreme caution in the southern provinces of Thailand.

The PHILIPPINES

  • A debt collector of a finance company was shot dead by an unidentified assailant in San Julian town, Eastern Samar province in Eastern Visayas. The victim was shot in Sitio Palo-Uno of Putong village, San Julian municipality in Eastern Samar yesterday.
  • Police said personal grudges could be the motive of the attack as the attacker left USD 200 with the victim. The gun used in the shooting was recovered by the police from the crime scene.
  • Clients are advised to employ caution while traveling in Eastern Samar province. Gun violence is prevalent in all provinces of the Philippines fueled by illegal arms trafficking.

 

Main Issues in South Asia

Firstly in BANGLADESH

  • The Dhaka Metropolitan Police department has issued a traffic advisory for tomorrow on the occasion of Shaheed Dibas. Public access to the Central Shaheed Minar premises will be restricted from 8 pm
  • Traffic on the Nilkhet, Palashi, Fuller Road, Bakshi Bazar, Chankharpul, Shahidullah Hall, Doyel Chattar, Gymnasium, Romana Chattar, the High Court, the TSC intersection and the Shahbagh intersection will be blocked and multiple diversions will be set up with several checkpoints for security.
  • Clients are advised to expect delays in most parts of Dhaka. Follow the directions by the police to avoid traffic delays and road closures.

PAKISTAN

  • More than ten domestic and international flights were delayed at the Alama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore yesterday after one of the runways had to be closed due to potholes on its surface after heavy rains in Lahore. The second runway of the airport was already closed for repair work.
  • Travelers protested the delay as flights to many destinations got affected, including a flight getting diverted to Islamabad International Airport.
  • Clients are advised to expect delays and make alternative travel plans if the Lahore airport closes for a major repair work of its runways this week.

INDIA

  • Saudi Crown Prince Mohamad bin Salman is visiting India today. Both countries are expected to sign Memorandum of Understanding on defense, healthcare, and other issues.
  • The External Affairs Ministry of India said that the talks on investment of USD 44 billion by Saudi Aramco and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company in Ratnagiri Refinery project in Maharashtra are likely during the visit.
  • Saudi Arabia has ranked India as one of the major strategic partners. The visit has been controversial as the Crown Prince visited Pakistan this week and was denied permission to travel directly from Pakistan to India.

Also in INDIA

  • The Union Cabinet yesterday gave its nod to re-issue the Triple Talaq ordinance that makes the practice of instant divorce by Muslim men a penal offense. Once signed by President Ram Nath Kovind, the ordinance will come into force for the third time in less than a year.
  • Under the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Ordinance, 2019, divorcing through instant triple talaq will be illegal and will attract a jail term of three years for the husband.
  • The government has asserted that it provides justice and equality to Muslim women. The controversy over the abolition of instant divorce practice has triggered protests by conservative Muslim organizations. With the general elections in April this year, the Muslim organization can potentially intensify their protests.

Audio Overview of South Asia Issues, Tuesday, 19 February 2019

APAC Assistance Operations Assistant Bhargav Reddy discusses Main Issues in South Asia.

 

Main Issues in South Asia

Firstly in PAKISTAN

  • Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman has signed investment deals worth more than USD 20 billion with Pakistan yesterday during his state visit. Seven agreements and Memorandums of Understanding were signed between the two countries.
  • Saudi Arabia signed an agreement to set up an oil refinery in the southwest of Pakistan and to supply oil and petroleum products to meet the growing demands of Pakistan.

Also in Pakistan

  • Yesterday a leader of Pak Sarzameen Party was shot dead in a suspected targeted attack in the Sakhi Hasan Chowrangi area of the southern city of Karachi.
  • The politician had recently contested for the Sindh Assembly seat of PS-122. Political assassinations are frequently reported in the country.
  • Clients are advised to avoid all political events in Pakistan. Employ extreme caution while visiting crowded and impoverished areas of Karachi.

BANGLADESH

  • More than 40 people, including three journalists, were injured during a turf war between two groups of the Bangladesh Chhatra League party in the Jagannath University in Dhaka yesterday.
  • Some of the party workers were armed with lethal weapons including crude bombs and swords. Police had to fire teargas to control the situation.
  • Clients are advised to avoid the southern part of Dhaka city as more clashes are expected in the area.

SRI LANKA

  • Vehicular movement will be temporarily suspended in various parts of Colombo until the conclusion of the Gangarama Perahera festival which will commence at 7:00 pm today.
  • Traffic movement on the following roads will be limited from 5.00 pm: Sir James Peiris Mawatha, Navam Mawatha, Perahera Mawatha, W.A.D. Ramanayake Mawatha, Muttiah Road, Sri Jinarathana Mawatha, Hunupitiya Lake Road, Braybrooke Place, Park Street and Staple Street.
  • Clients are advised to avoid traveling to areas expected to host the festival celebrations and avoid the roads scheduled for closures. Expect heavy traffic in Colombo during the festival.

NEPAL

  • A couple was arrested by police yesterday from Pokhara-5 area of Parsyang district in central Nepal on charges of printing and circulating fake currency. Police found 19 counterfeit banknotes of Rs 1000 denomination.
  • Police recovered a color printer, laptop, mobile top-up cards of Nepal Telecom and Ncell worth Rs 90,000 and two fake Indian banknotes of INR 500. The couple came under police scanners after local grocery store reported the couple who paid in counterfeit notes in exchange of top-up cards.
  • Clients are advised to be aware of counterfeit currency widely circulated in Nepal and smuggled across to India. Report to local authorities if there are any suspicions.

 

Main Issues in East Asia Pacific

Firstly in INDONESIA

  • Authorities will temporarily close Jl. Pancoran in West Jakarta on February 19 and 20 for the Chinatown Festival in the Chinatown area. West Jakarta Transportation Agency said, “To avoid traffic jams because of the closure, we will divert the traffic to other streets”.
  • Traffic from Jl. Toko Tiga to Jl. Pancoran will be diverted to Jl. Pintu Kecil and Jl. Asemka. However, traffic from Jl. Pancoran to Jl. Toko Tiga Seberang and Jl. Pintu Kecil will remain open. The road closures are likely to increase the traffic and cause delays in supply chain operations of the businesses in the area.
  • Clients are advised to avoid the roads around the Chinatown area in Jakarta until Wednesday. Consider alternate routes to avoid closed roads.

The PHILIPPINES

  • Two people were killed and one person was injured in a drive-by shooting in Mandaluyong City yesterday.
  • They were shot by unidentified assailants on motorbikes near Reliance Street in Mandaluyong City, east of Manila. The shooting comes despite the gun ban is in place before the mid-term elections and police have intensified security measures in Metro Manila for the midterm elections.
  • Gun violence and illegal weapons trafficking in the Philippines are major concerns for law enforcement agencies. Clients are advised to avoid any political events before the elections and employ extreme caution while going out at night in Manila or other major cities in the Philippines.

THAILAND

  • Office of the Election Commission of Thailand has warned that posting text, sharing or commenting on messages that defame political candidates violates the Computer Crime Act. Major social media platforms have agreed to remove illegal and fake contents from their platforms in two days by using artificial intelligence.
  • Candidates and supporters can use the online platforms and pay for online advertising, but if the payment exceeds 10,000 baht (USD 320) they need to declare the expense after the election. Those who post rude or violent remarks will be jailed up to six months and with a fine of 10,000 baht (USD 320) as it breaks sections 70 and 159 of the ECT law.
  • Clients are advised to avoid all political events and posts online. Refrain from engaging with any political content on social media platforms.

Audio Overview of East Asia Pacific Issues, Tuesday, 19 February 2019

APAC Assistance Operations Assistant Bhargav Reddy discusses Main Issues in East Asia Pacific.

 

Main Issues in East Asia Pacific

Firstly in INDONESIA

  • Authorities will temporarily close Jl. Pancoran in West Jakarta on February 19 and 20 for the Chinatown Festival in the Chinatown area. West Jakarta Transportation Agency said, “To avoid traffic jams because of the closure, we will divert the traffic to other streets”.
  • Traffic from Jl. Toko Tiga to Jl. Pancoran will be diverted to Jl. Pintu Kecil and Jl. Asemka. However, traffic from Jl. Pancoran to Jl. Toko Tiga Seberang and Jl. Pintu Kecil will remain open. The road closures are likely to increase the traffic and cause delays in supply chain operations of the businesses in the area.
  • Clients are advised to avoid the roads around the Chinatown area in Jakarta until Wednesday. Consider alternate routes to avoid closed roads.

The PHILIPPINES

  • Two people were killed and one person was injured in a drive-by shooting in Mandaluyong City yesterday.
  • They were shot by unidentified assailants on motorbikes near Reliance Street in Mandaluyong City, east of Manila. The shooting comes despite the gun ban is in place before the mid-term elections and police have intensified security measures in Metro Manila for the midterm elections.
  • Gun violence and illegal weapons trafficking in the Philippines are major concerns for law enforcement agencies. Clients are advised to avoid any political events before the elections and employ extreme caution while going out at night in Manila or other major cities in the Philippines.

THAILAND

  • Office of the Election Commission of Thailand has warned that posting text, sharing or commenting on messages that defame political candidates violates the Computer Crime Act. Major social media platforms have agreed to remove illegal and fake contents from their platforms in two days by using artificial intelligence.
  • Candidates and supporters can use the online platforms and pay for online advertising, but if the payment exceeds 10,000 baht (USD 320) they need to declare the expense after the election. Those who post rude or violent remarks will be jailed up to six months and with a fine of 10,000 baht (USD 320) as it breaks sections 70 and 159 of the ECT law.
  • Clients are advised to avoid all political events and posts online. Refrain from engaging with any political content on social media platforms.

 

Main Issues in South Asia

Firstly in PAKISTAN

  • Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman has signed investment deals worth more than USD 20 billion with Pakistan yesterday during his state visit. Seven agreements and Memorandums of Understanding were signed between the two countries.
  • Saudi Arabia signed an agreement to set up an oil refinery in the southwest of Pakistan and to supply oil and petroleum products to meet the growing demands of Pakistan.

Also in Pakistan

  • Yesterday a leader of Pak Sarzameen Party was shot dead in a suspected targeted attack in the Sakhi Hasan Chowrangi area of the southern city of Karachi.
  • The politician had recently contested for the Sindh Assembly seat of PS-122. Political assassinations are frequently reported in the country.
  • Clients are advised to avoid all political events in Pakistan. Employ extreme caution while visiting crowded and impoverished areas of Karachi.

BANGLADESH

  • More than 40 people, including three journalists, were injured during a turf war between two groups of the Bangladesh Chhatra League party in the Jagannath University in Dhaka yesterday.
  • Some of the party workers were armed with lethal weapons including crude bombs and swords. Police had to fire teargas to control the situation.
  • Clients are advised to avoid the southern part of Dhaka city as more clashes are expected in the area.

SRI LANKA

  • Vehicular movement will be temporarily suspended in various parts of Colombo until the conclusion of the Gangarama Perahera festival which will commence at 7:00 pm today.
  • Traffic movement on the following roads will be limited from 5.00 pm: Sir James Peiris Mawatha, Navam Mawatha, Perahera Mawatha, W.A.D. Ramanayake Mawatha, Muttiah Road, Sri Jinarathana Mawatha, Hunupitiya Lake Road, Braybrooke Place, Park Street and Staple Street.
  • Clients are advised to avoid traveling to areas expected to host the festival celebrations and avoid the roads scheduled for closures. Expect heavy traffic in Colombo during the festival.

NEPAL

  • A couple was arrested by police yesterday from Pokhara-5 area of Parsyang district in central Nepal on charges of printing and circulating fake currency. Police found 19 counterfeit banknotes of Rs 1000 denomination.
  • Police recovered a color printer, laptop, mobile top-up cards of Nepal Telecom and Ncell worth Rs 90,000 and two fake Indian banknotes of INR 500. The couple came under police scanners after local grocery store reported the couple who paid in counterfeit notes in exchange of top-up cards.
  • Clients are advised to be aware of counterfeit currency widely circulated in Nepal and smuggled across to India. Report to local authorities if there are any suspicions.

 

Audio Overview of South Asia Issues, Monday, 18 February 2019

APAC Assistance Operations Assistant Bhargav Reddy discusses Main Issues in South Asia.

 

Main Issues in South Asia

Firstly in BANGLADESH

  • Gas supply will be suspended in several areas of Dhaka on Tuesday this week to facilitate the construction of metro rail. Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited said the suspension will affect most parts of the city on Tuesday for 12hours.
  • More than 2.5 million households and 11,000 commercial users are dependent on Titas gas supply. Taking advantage of the gas crisis, some unscrupulous traders and restaurateurs have increased the price of food and bottled LPG gas.
  • Clients are advised to be prepared for the disruption in gas supply. Protests are likely to be held around the offices of the gas company.

PAKISTAN

  • Islamabad local administration has declared a public holiday today to avoid inconvenience to the public during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to the city. Emergency services will remain open.
  • Massive security arrangements have been made and many areas of Islamabad have been closed for traffic. The metro bus service will be suspended between the Blue Area and the Secretariat. The National Assembly has rescheduled today’s sessions to Wednesday.
  • Clients are advised to be aware of the travel disruptions caused by the closure of major roads in Islamabad and Rawalpindi during the high-profile visit.

NEPAL

  • Yesterday government doctors have threatened to stop all health services and resign en-masse. The doctors have threatened to go on strike to pressurize the Ministry of Health and Population to implement the agreement for better working environment signed with the Government Doctors Association of Nepal on January 14.
  • The agreement between the government and Government Doctors Association of Nepal stated that the Ministry of Health and Population will ensure that doctors and officer level health workers will be appointed by the Public Service Commission with a standardized pay scale.
  • Clients are advised to be aware of the disruptions at the hospitals and expect bigger crowds in government hospitals and private clinics.

INDIA

  • Two Youth Congress workers were killed by unidentified assailants in the northern district of Kasargod in Kerala yesterday.
  • The Congress party leaders accused at the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) for the murders. However, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has categorically denied any involvement of the party in the murders. Clashes between the supporters of political parties have been frequently reported in smaller towns and villages in Kerala.
  • Clients are advised to avoid all political events in Kerala before the general elections in April this year. Election-related violence is likely to increase due to extreme political rivalries among the political parties in the state. Employ extreme caution while traveling to smaller towns and rural areas in Kerala.

 

Main Issues in East Asia Pacific

Firstly in INDONESIA

  • An explosion was reported near the Sultan Hotel in Central Jakarta yesterday. The hotel is the venue for an upcoming presidential debate. No casualties were reported in the explosion.
  • Authorities are unclear on the motives behind the explosion and an investigation is ongoing. Terror attacks on the political events before the elections are a major concern for the law enforcement agencies. More than 200,000 troops have been deployed across major cities for security during the campaign period before the elections.
  • Clients are advised to avoid political events in Jakarta and other major cities before the elections in April this year.

The Philippines

  • Yesterday a suspected gangster involved in drug trafficking was killed in the Sitio Upper Centro village near the Cebu City in southern Philippines. Two men on motorbikes fired at the gangster’s car killing him instantly.
  • Authorities suspect the shooting was an inter-gang conflict. Clashes between criminal gangs pose a threat to civilians and businesses in the proximity.
  • Clients are advised to be aware of drug trafficking gangs active in the Philippines. Avoid traveling to impoverished areas of major cities and smaller towns where the gangs are reportedly more active.

VIETNAM

  • More than 300kg of methamphetamine pills were seized yesterday in Ha Tinh province in central Vietnam. A Laotian suspect was arrested during the operation while another suspect managed to escape.
  • According to Vietnamese law, suspects caught with more than 600g of heroin can be sentenced to death.
  • Clients are advised to be aware of the heightened security checks in the provinces bordering Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

 

 

 

Audio Overview of East Asia Pacific Issues, Monday, 18 February 2019

APAC Assistance Operations Assistant Bhargav Reddy discusses Main Issues in East Asia Pacific.

 

Main Issues in East Asia Pacific

Firstly in INDONESIA

  • An explosion was reported near the Sultan Hotel in Central Jakarta yesterday. The hotel is the venue for an upcoming presidential debate. No casualties were reported in the explosion.
  • Authorities are unclear on the motives behind the explosion and an investigation is ongoing. Terror attacks on the political events before the elections are a major concern for the law enforcement agencies. More than 200,000 troops have been deployed across major cities for security during the campaign period before the elections.
  • Clients are advised to avoid political events in Jakarta and other major cities before the elections in April this year.

The Philippines

  • Yesterday a suspected gangster involved in drug trafficking was killed in the Sitio Upper Centro village near the Cebu City in southern Philippines. Two men on motorbikes fired at the gangster’s car killing him instantly.
  • Authorities suspect the shooting was an inter-gang conflict. Clashes between criminal gangs pose a threat to civilians and businesses in the proximity.
  • Clients are advised to be aware of drug trafficking gangs active in the Philippines. Avoid traveling to impoverished areas of major cities and smaller towns where the gangs are reportedly more active.

VIETNAM

  • More than 300kg of methamphetamine pills were seized yesterday in Ha Tinh province in central Vietnam. A Laotian suspect was arrested during the operation while another suspect managed to escape.
  • According to Vietnamese law, suspects caught with more than 600g of heroin can be sentenced to death.
  • Clients are advised to be aware of the heightened security checks in the provinces bordering Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.

 

Main Issues in South Asia

Firstly in BANGLADESH

  • Gas supply will be suspended in several areas of Dhaka on Tuesday this week to facilitate the construction of metro rail. Titas Gas Transmission and Distribution Company Limited said the suspension will affect most parts of the city on Tuesday for 12hours.
  • More than 2.5 million households and 11,000 commercial users are dependent on Titas gas supply. Taking advantage of the gas crisis, some unscrupulous traders and restaurateurs have increased the price of food and bottled LPG gas.
  • Clients are advised to be prepared for the disruption in gas supply. Protests are likely to be held around the offices of the gas company.

PAKISTAN

  • Islamabad local administration has declared a public holiday today to avoid inconvenience to the public during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman to the city. Emergency services will remain open.
  • Massive security arrangements have been made and many areas of Islamabad have been closed for traffic. The metro bus service will be suspended between the Blue Area and the Secretariat. The National Assembly has rescheduled today’s sessions to Wednesday.
  • Clients are advised to be aware of the travel disruptions caused by the closure of major roads in Islamabad and Rawalpindi during the high-profile visit.

NEPAL

  • Yesterday government doctors have threatened to stop all health services and resign en-masse. The doctors have threatened to go on strike to pressurize the Ministry of Health and Population to implement the agreement for better working environment signed with the Government Doctors Association of Nepal on January 14.
  • The agreement between the government and Government Doctors Association of Nepal stated that the Ministry of Health and Population will ensure that doctors and officer level health workers will be appointed by the Public Service Commission with a standardized pay scale.
  • Clients are advised to be aware of the disruptions at the hospitals and expect bigger crowds in government hospitals and private clinics.

INDIA

  • Two Youth Congress workers were killed by unidentified assailants in the northern district of Kasargod in Kerala yesterday.
  • The Congress party leaders accused at the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) for the murders. However, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has categorically denied any involvement of the party in the murders. Clashes between the supporters of political parties have been frequently reported in smaller towns and villages in Kerala.
  • Clients are advised to avoid all political events in Kerala before the general elections in April this year. Election-related violence is likely to increase due to extreme political rivalries among the political parties in the state. Employ extreme caution while traveling to smaller towns and rural areas in Kerala.

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