05 MARCH, THURSDAY
Aishal Yousuf, Akshath K, Kirsten Coelho, Sreemaya Nair, Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha, and Vishal Manish M

Bhutan: Thimphu receives international recognition as “Destination of the Year”
On 05 March, the Kuensel reported that Bhutan received international recognition in the world's leading travel trade show ITB Berlin in Germany on 04 March where the nation was named "Destination of the Year - Earthly Experiences" for its commitment to authentic and regenerative tourism. The Director of the Department of Tourism, Damcho Rinzin, received the PATWA Gold Award for Ecological Tourism (Himalayan Region) for promoting the region as a model destination for ecological and sustainable travel. He said the recognition reflects Bhutan's commitment to sustainable tourism and the responsibility to protect the country’s cultural and natural heritage and that Bhutan will continue to uphold high standards of sustainability while offering immersive travel experiences aligned with national values.

Bangladesh: Dhaka to place 133 interim government ordinances in parliament
On 05 March, The Daily Star reported that the Bangladesh government has decided to place 133 ordinances issued during the tenure of the interim government before Parliament. The decision was approved at a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at the Secretariat. The ordinances were originally promulgated under Article 93(1) of the Constitution of Bangladesh, which allows the president to issue laws in urgent circumstances when Parliament is not in session. Under constitutional rules, each ordinance must be introduced as a bill in Parliament within 30 days of the start of a parliamentary session; otherwise, it loses its legal validity. Cabinet sources said the ordinances will be reviewed after being tabled, and those considered necessary will be converted into formal laws, potentially with amendments.  

Bangladesh: Dhaka to explore ways to deepen bilateral ties with India
On 05 March, Dhaka Tribune reported that Bangladesh and India expressed optimism about expanding bilateral ties during a meeting between Prime Minister’s Foreign Affairs Adviser Humayun Kabir and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Kumar Verma in Dhaka. The Indian envoy paid a courtesy call on Kabir at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tejgaon, where the two sides discussed the existing friendly relations between Bangladesh and India and explored ways to strengthen cooperation on issues of mutual interest. They also exchanged views on the longstanding ties between the two countries and discussed regional stability, trade, connectivity, and development cooperation. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to advancing bilateral relations and working for the welfare of their peoples based on mutual respect, trust, and cooperation.

Myanmar: Mizoram strengthens crackdown on illegal areca nut imports
On 05 March, Mizzima reported that Mizoram’s Home Minister K. Sapdanga announced a stronger crackdown on the illegal import of areca nuts (betel nuts) from Myanmar during a legislative assembly session on 02 March. He said the untaxed goods, brought in violation of the Customs Act of 1962, have disrupted local markets by undercutting prices and contributing to the circulation of black money. Official data shows that 468 cases of areca nut smuggling were registered between 2019 and 2025, leading to 292 arrests. Authorities say the intensified enforcement has contributed to a recent rise in prices for locally grown produce. The minister said suspects are being prosecuted under the Indian Penal Code and related laws, while those caught under the Customs Act face additional charges. Mizoram’s Home Affairs Ministry estimates that about 28,355 Myanmar nationals are currently in the state, though the exact number remains uncertain due to frequent cross-border movement.

Myanmar: Ye Win Oo appointed as Army Chief amid succession speculation
On 05 March, Irrawaddy reported that a close aide to junta leader Min Aung Hlaing has been appointed Army chief weeks before Myanmar’s military plans to transfer power to a nominally civilian government. Ye Win Oo, who has served as chief of Military Intelligence and a key figure in the ruling State Administration Council, is considered one of Min Aung Hlaing’s closest confidants. Analysts say the promotion has fueled speculation that he is being positioned as a potential successor as commander-in-chief, particularly if Min Aung Hlaing assumes the presidency. The appointment comes ahead of the convening of a new parliament dominated by the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party, with the formation of a new government expected in April. Observers say the move highlights the junta leader’s preference for loyalists in key military posts following the 2021 Myanmar coup.

Sri Lanka: Naval rescue operation in progress after Iranian warship distress signal
On 04 March, the Daily Mirror reported that Sri Lanka launched a rescue operation after the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena issued a distress call and sank within Sri Lanka’s maritime search and rescue zone south of the island. The Sri Lankan Navy and Air Force deployed ships and aircraft to rescue the crew, who were then taken ashore for further medical attention. The incident occurred amidst heightened tensions in the Middle East. Authorities indicated that Sri Lanka will continue to monitor developments closely given the country’s strategic position along major shipping lanes in the Indian Ocean Region.

Maldives: Repatriation of Maldivian citizens from Syria
On 05 March, The Sun reported that the Maldivian authorities facilitated the repatriation of a Maldivian national and her 14-year-old daughter, who was stranded in Syria after travelling to the conflict zone a few years ago. According to Homeland Security Minister Ali Ihusan, the two individuals have returned to the Maldives and will undergo a state-run rehabilitation programme. The initiative forms a part of the government’s broader effort to address the cases involving Maldivian nationals linked overseas at conflict zones. Authorities indicated that the process includes monitoring and social rehabilitation to mitigate potential security risks while also enabling reintegration into society. This development highlights the challenges faced by the Maldivian state in managing the return of citizens associated with extremist networks abroad.

Afghanistan: UN raises alarm about conflict migration
On 05 March, Al Jazeera reported that a recent analysis by the United Nations has shown that nearly 66,000 people have been displaced due to the ongoing heated military exchange between Afghanistan and Pakistan. The report was brought out by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), a subsidiary of the UN, which has commented that there has been an escalation in “cross-border hostilities” which are having a “growing humanitarian impact on civilians…” The conflict at the Durand Line has resulted in several casualties, which both sides deny and also accuse each other of. The Taliban regime in Kabul has reiterated that the operation is in response to the air strikes conducted by Pakistan in late February.

Iran: Tehran launches strikes at parts of Azerbaijan
On 05 March, Al Jazeera reported that Azerbaijan is accusing Iran of having launched two drones into its territory, which have consequently injured two people. The Foreign Ministry of Azerbaijan noted that while one drone was targeted at the airport and fell within its region, the other landed near a school. The nation condemned Iran and also demanded an explanation for the attacks. This development follows up on the heated bombing exchange between US-Israel and Iran. The Baku-based government has summoned the Iranian envoy to express a “strong protest” against the recent attacks.

Pakistan: Government to take several measures amid Strait of Hormuz closure
On 05 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan is all set to take several measures to keep the markets liquid amid the drying out of trading activity following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The measures will include weekly petroleum price revisions, compensating oil companies for elevated insurance and import premiums, and fuel conservation measures like mandatory work-from-home for public and private sectors following a surge in petroleum prices. At present, Pakistan has both petrol and diesel stocks of over 5,00,000, enough for 25 days. Also, the Pakistani government has requested Saudi Arabia to provide oil supplies through an alternative Red Sea route. Pakistan’s petrol imports continue to be in a safe zone, but diesel imports remain at risk as Pakistan heavily relies on long-term supplies from Kuwait, and all those cargoes have to move through the Strait of Hormuz. Also, more than 20 per cent of global oil cargoes remain stuck inside the Strait of Hormuz, creating a shortage of ships available for diesel cargo.

Pakistan: Government criticises opposition for boycotting in-camera security briefing
On 05 March, Dawn reported that the government criticised the opposition for boycotting an in-camera national security briefing convened by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging it to reconsider its stance on matters of national interest. The boycott followed a decision by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), which said it would not attend unless a meeting with its founder, Imran Khan, was arranged. Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said the briefing aimed to foster unity on national security and regional developments. He noted that Ishaq Dar and Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch briefed lawmakers on issues concerning Afghanistan, Iran and the Gulf. The minister added that Pakistan was pursuing regional de-escalation and seeking stronger measures from the Afghan Taliban to curb cross-border terrorism.