13 MARCH 2026, FRIDAY
Aishal Yousuf, Akshath K, Kirsten Wilfred Coelho, Sreemaya Nair, Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha, and Vishal Manish M

Myanmar: The UN expert warns the crisis could worsen amid global distractions 
On 13 March, Mizzima reported that the human rights and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar could deteriorate further as global attention shifts toward the war in the Middle East and international aid declines. According to Tom Andrews, the military junta continues to attack civilians and obstruct critical humanitarian assistance more than five years after the coup. Andrews warned that reduced international focus, especially following the conflict triggered by Israel and the United States air strikes on Iran on 28 February, could further worsen conditions in Myanmar. He highlighted a dramatic rise in aerial attacks on civilians by the military, increasing from nine in 2021 to over 1,100 last year, stressing that civilians are being deliberately targeted rather than caught in crossfire. Andrews also criticised the junta’s recent elections as illegitimate and urged countries to maintain pressure on the military leadership and reject any civilian government formed from the vote.

Myanmar: Military airstrike on detention site kills 116 POWs in Rakhine 
On 13 March, Mizzima reported that the Arakan Army (AA) said 116 prisoners of war, including high-ranking military officers and some civilians, were killed on 8 March after Myanmar junta aircraft carried out a massive aerial bombardment on a detention facility in the Daletchaung region of Rakhine State. According to the AA, junta jet fighters and transport planes bombed the site for around three and a half hours, marking the deadliest single-day loss of junta personnel held as prisoners of war by revolutionary forces. Several senior military officers reportedly died instantly, while dozens of other detainees were injured or remain missing. The group said some civilians who were serving prison sentences were also among those killed or wounded. It added that many bodies are difficult to identify due to the intensity of the strike, and several victims remain unaccounted for.

Bhutan: Thimphu launches digital wallets 
On 13 March, the Kuensel reported that Bhutan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade in collaboration with the GovTech Agency, has launched the integration of the National Digital Identity (NDI) Wallet and eKYC with the national passport system today. The NDI Wallet allows citizens to securely store digital identity credentials and documents. Users can authenticate their identity online and selectively share verified information. The integration aims to build a more efficient and citizen-focused digital ecosystem. The platform is expected to expand as more government and private services adopt digital credentials. Meanwhile, 60,222 passports were issued between 2024 and 2025. 7,379 passports have been issued so far this year. Many passports remain unclaimed, creating cost burdens for both the government and citizens.

Sri Lanka: Colombo explores Russian fuel supply 
On 13 March, the Daily Mirror reported that the Sri Lankan authorities were in discussions with Russia to explore the possibility of importing fuel to maintain stable energy supplies. In a meeting with the Russian ambassador, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath sought arrangements that could help the island nation with additional petroleum supplies if the current disruptions to the global energy markets persist. The Russian envoy agreed to convey Sri Lanka’s request to Moscow and cooperate with the authorities regarding the matter. 

Maldives: Opposition party MDP calls for austerity measures 
On 13 March, The Sun reported that the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) urged the incumbent government led by President Mohamed Muizzu to implement austerity and fuel conservation measures amid global economic uncertainty intensified by the conflict in the Middle East. The opposition warned that there could be disruptions to the maritime oil shipments, especially those centred around the Strait of Hormuz. The opposition warns that the current heavy use could place intense pressure on the Maldivian economy if the crisis in the Middle East persists. 

Iran: US-Israel continue to bombard Iran while Riyadh suffers drone attacks 
On 13 March, Al Jazeera reported that, as per the Israeli military, a new “extensive wave” of strikes has begun on Tehran, due to which evacuation orders have been issued to all such regions, including Beirut. Meanwhile, the Iranian Health Ministry added that at least 1,444 people have been killed and 18,551 have been injured by the attacks launched by US-Israeli forces. Turkey has also been alarmed by the recent missile launches, as it witnessed a ballistic missile entering its airspace with fragments landing near the city of Adana. It has begun consultations with Tehran as to the reason behind the incident. One of the major sites of attacks in Iran was a large rally being organised in Tehran, where at least one person has been killed. 

Pakistan and Qatar: Doha signals higher rice imports from Islamabad amid food security concerns 
On 13 March, Dawn reported that Qatar was keen to increase rice imports from Pakistan to ensure food security in the wake of political turmoil in the region. Commerce Minister Jam Kamal discussed ways to strengthen trade relations with Qatar’s state minister for foreign trade, Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al Sayed, in a video link meeting. According to sources, Qatar’s minister of state for foreign affairs, Dr Ahmad bin Mohammed Al Sayed, said that rice was an important food item in Qatar’s national food strategy and the food security programme. The participants also said that more interaction between the trade communities of the two countries was required in order to increase bilateral trade.