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

Nepal: Scammers take advantage of FIFA fans through phishing
On 05 June, The Kathmandu Post reported that false social media ads offering free passes to the FIFA World Cup were spreading across Nepal. This has triggered a wave of cyber fraud, as scammers have been taking advantage of football fans through phishing links. The victims lose control over their mobile devices and have also had their money illegally taken directly from their bank accounts. Police data indicates that cybercriminals have stolen around NPR 7.5 million over the past few days alone using World Cup-related scams. Victims have lost between NPR 100,000 and NPR 1.5 million due to daily transaction ceilings.
(World Cup ‘free streaming’ scams drain Rs7.5 million from Nepalis in under two weeks, The Kathmandu Post, 05 June 2026)

Editorial: “The government fired officials. Then, forgot to replace them,” The Kathmandu Post, 04 June 2026
"By axing every single political appointment made before March 26, the Balendra Shah administration cleared the decks of roughly 1,600 officials across dozens of public entities. The fallout immediately manifested as an administrative paralysis. Today, vital state agencies are running on fumes, lacking the authorised decision-makers or signatories needed just to keep themselves functional. Holding a near two-thirds majority in the House of Representatives, the ruling coalition has the power to fix this—yet it sits on its hands, leaving the very seats it emptied cold. This is a recipe for systemic dysfunction."

Bhutan: Renewable Energy Tax Exemption Bill adopted by the National Assembly
On 04 June, Kuensel reported that Bhutan’s National Assembly unanimously adopted the Renewable Energy Tax Exemption Bill 2026, which will now be moved to the National Council for further deliberation. The bill is reported to aim to increase investment in renewable energy and treat it as a strategic national resource. The tax exemptions are said to be in force until the government declares that Bhutan has achieved the national energy target of 25 gigawatts or until 31 December 2040, whichever comes first. 
("NA adopts Renewable Energy Tax Exemption Bill 2026," Kuensel, 04 June 2026)

Bangladesh and Turkey: Dhaka and Ankara move towards a strategic partnership
On 05 June, The Daily Star reported that Bangladesh and Türkiye signaled the beginning of a new phase in bilateral relations by expressing their intention to elevate ties to a strategic partnership. During talks in Dhaka, Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman and Türkiye's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan discussed expanding cooperation in trade, defence, investment, energy, healthcare, education, culture, and regional security. Both sides reviewed measures to increase bilateral trade from approximately USD 1.3 billion to USD two billion and explored the possibility of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) or a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Bangladesh also invited Turkish investment in Special Economic Zones, particularly in textiles, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, renewable energy, and defence manufacturing. The two countries additionally discussed the Rohingya crisis, developments in Gaza, and broader regional stability. Analysts observed that the visit reflects growing strategic convergence between Dhaka and Ankara and could open new avenues for economic, diplomatic, and security cooperation in the coming years.
("Bangladesh, Türkiye signal 'new era' of strategic partnership," The Daily Star, 05 June 2026)

Myanmar: Military chief to skip ASEAN–Russia summit in Kazan
On 05 June, Mizzima reported that Myanmar junta leader Min Aung Hlaing will not attend the ASEAN–Russia summit scheduled for 17 to 19 June in Kazan, Russia, marking the 35th anniversary of ASEAN–Russia dialogue relations. Observers noted that the reason for his absence remains unclear, with no confirmation on whether Russia declined to invite him or whether other factors influenced the decision. Reports indicate that Foreign Minister Than Swe is expected to attend in his place and participate in preliminary meetings ahead of the ASEAN–Russia Senior Officials’ Meeting (ASOM). The summit is expected to focus on ASEAN–Russia cooperation in political, security, trade, and humanitarian fields. Discussions are also anticipated to address cross-border crime, online scam operations, ICT security, and expanded engagement between ASEAN, the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
("Myanmar military leader Min Aung Hlaing absent from forthcoming ASEAN–Russia summit," Mizzima, 05 June 2026)

Myanmar: US Secretary Rubio reaffirms support for democratic rule amid concerns over Burma policy
On 05 June, Mizzima reported that the Burma Research Institute (BRI) said US Senator Mitch McConnell questioned US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a Senate Appropriations hearing regarding delays in funding for the Burma Act and concerns about US support for Myanmar’s democratic movement. Observers noted that Rubio reaffirmed US preference for democratic civilian governance over continued military rule and stated that Washington is working to identify democratic partners to help shape Myanmar’s future. BRI welcomed the remarks but argued that stronger action is needed to support democracy. The organization urged the US administration to engage with the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union (SCEF), release frozen Myanmar-related funds for democratic institutions, recognize military atrocities against minority communities as war crimes and crimes against humanity, and demand the immediate release of Aung San Suu Kyi and all political prisoners.
("Rubio reaffirms U.S. support for democracy in Myanmar amid Senate concerns over Burma policy," Mizzima, 05 June 2026)

Sri Lanka: Deputy Finance Minister states that depreciation of currency is not an economic crisis
On 05 June, the Daily Mirror reported on Deputy Finance Minister and Planning Dr Anil Jayantha Fernando’s statement on the depreciation of Sri Lanka’s Rupee. Minister Dr Jayantha claimed that the current trend of depreciation of Sri Lanka’s rupee does not foreshadow an economic crisis. He emphasized the current crisis in the Middle East, which is driving up fuel prices and significantly increasing the demand for foreign currencies. Minister Dr Fernando said that “Sri Lanka continues to receive adequate foreign exchange inflows through exports, tourism earnings and workers’ remittances, helping to maintain stability in the country’s external sector.” He attributed the depreciation to conventional market supply and demand dynamics rather than a latent economic crisis. 
(“Rupee depreciation not an economic crisis, says Deputy Finance Minister,” Daily Mirror, 05 June 2026)

Afghanistan: Taliban and Pakistani representatives meet in Uzbekistan
On 05 June, Afghanistan International reported that Taliban and Pakistani representatives held informal talks in the Uzbek border city of Termez, facilitated by the Uzbek government. According to informed sources, the meeting was organized after both sides agreed to participate and took place on the sidelines of the Termez Dialogue. Pakistan was represented by Senior Member of the Islamabad Policy Research Institute Dr Amina Khan and former Ambassador to Kabul Mansoor Khan, while Zakir Jalaly and Ghuncha Gul Arman represented the Taliban. The talks took place amid growing Pakistani criticism of what Islamabad described as the Taliban administration’s failure to restrain Pakistani militants based in Afghanistan, with officials warning that Pakistan’s patience over the attacks was running out. On Thursday, Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry said that while Islamabad remained committed to dialogue and diplomacy, it could not remain indifferent to militant attacks and civilian casualties linked to groups it described as being supported by the Taliban. Neither side publicly commented on the meeting, and no details of the discussions were released.
(“Taliban & Pakistani Delegations Hold Talks In Uzbekistan,” Afghanistan International, 05 June 2026)

Pakistan: Inflation rises to 11.7 percent in May
On 02 June, Dawn reported that monthly inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), continued to increase. Official data shows prices rose 11.7 percent year-on-year in May, driven by sharp increases in energy and essential food prices. The price increase was largely driven by a steep rise in transport charges, which surged 36.78 percent year-on-year. Month-on-month, it increased by 5.13 percent in May. The data showed that urban inflation was slightly higher at 11.8 percent, compared with 11.5 percent in rural areas, on an annual basis. Every month, urban prices increased by 0.7 percent, while rural inflation rose by 0.3 percent. In May, core inflation, excluding volatile food and energy components, stood at 9 percent in urban areas and 8.4 percent in rural areas. The government has projected an inflation target of 7 percent for FY26.
(“Consumer inflation hits 11.7pc in May,” Dawn, 02 June 2026)

Pakistan: Current expenditure surges by 19 percent despite austerity measures
On 03 June, Dawn reported that Pakistan’s current expenditure, excluding interest payments, surged by almost 19 percent over nine months of the current fiscal year (CFY) despite austerity measures. The Planning Commission reported to the Annual Plan Coordination Committee (APCC) that non-interest current expenditures grew by 18.8 percent, mainly due to higher spending on defence and grants, as well as higher provincial current expenditures. According to Planning Commission data, total expenditure stood at PKR 15.656 trillion during July-March FY26, reflecting a 4.2 percent decline over the same period last year. It said the overall current expenditures declined by 2.2 percent, whereas development expenditures increased by 26.8 percent. Of this, servicing of domestic debt reduced by 25.9 percent, whereas servicing of foreign debt increased by 0.6 percent. However, the national savings target of 14.3 percent for the current fiscal year was missed, as national savings stood at 14.1 percent of GDP, compared to 14.9 percent in the previous year.
(“Non-interest spending jumps 18.8pc,” Dawn, 03 June 2026)

Iran: Tehran urges US to back Hezbollah as a wider peace deal
On 05 June, according to Reuters, Iran reaffirmed its stance on Hezbollah. The country showed support to Lebanon by urging the US to include it in the wider peace deal and end aggression in that region. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that the war in Iran would only end with the end of aggression in Lebanon. The country has called for Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon. This comes amid Hezbollah's rejection of a US-brokered agreement and continued fighting in the region. 
(“Iran declares support for Hezbollah with wider peace deal in doubt,” Reuters, 05 June 2026)

02 JUNE 2026, TUESDAY
Aishal Yousuf, Akshath K, Kirsten Wilfred Coelho, Sreemaya Nair, Tanvi Thara Harendra Jha, and Vishal Manish M

Nepal: Panel probing former home minister receives extension
On 02 June, The Kathmandu Post reported that the Nepal government has extended the tenure of a committee investigating former Home Minister Sudan Gurung by five days, over allegations related to his share investments and the source of his assets. The committee had completed fact-finding and recorded Gurung’s statement but sought additional time to analyze evidence and prepare its final report. The panel is headed by former High Court judge Achyut Prasad Bhandari and was formed by the Cabinet on 06 May. Gurung had resigned on 22 April after scrutiny of his financial dealings and reported business links with Deepak Bhatta, who is under investigation for alleged money laundering and questionable share investments.
("Panel probing former home minister Gurung gets five-day extension," The Kathmandu Post, 02 June 2026)

Bangladesh: Dhaka secures vice-presidency at global labour conference
On 02 June, Dhaka Tribune reported that Bangladesh was unanimously elected as a vice-president of the 114th International Labour Conference (ILC) in Geneva. The election received support from delegates representing 187 member states of the International Labour Organization (ILO), reflecting international recognition of Bangladesh’s growing role in labour and employment affairs. Officials stated that the position will enable Bangladesh to participate more actively in discussions on labour rights, workplace standards, social protection, and employment policies. The development was also viewed as an opportunity for Bangladesh to strengthen its contribution to global labour governance and multilateral cooperation. Analysts observed that the election enhances Bangladesh’s diplomatic visibility within international labour institutions.
("Bangladesh elected ILC vice-president in global recognition," Dhaka Tribune, 02 June 2026)

Bangladesh: Dhaka contests Cyprus for United Nations General Assembly presidency
On 02 June, the Dhaka Tribune reported that Bangladesh and Cyprus competed for the presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Bangladesh nominated Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman, while Cyprus nominated Ambassador Andreas S. Kakouris under the Asia-Pacific regional rotation arrangement. Bangladesh last held the position during the 41st session of the General Assembly when Foreign Minister Humayun Rasheed Chowdhury served as its President. Officials noted that securing the presidency would provide Bangladesh with an important platform to contribute to discussions on peace, sustainable development, climate action, multilateral cooperation, and global governance. Analysts observed that the contest reflects Bangladesh’s continuing efforts to expand its diplomatic influence and engagement within the United Nations system.
("Bangladesh, Cyprus compete for UNGA presidency; result expected Tuesday night," Dhaka Tribune, 02 June 2026)

Editorial: "India’s push-in attempts risk derailing thawing ties," The Daily Star, 02 June 2026
"Whether through forced push-ins or individuals fleeing across borders without valid travel documents, such actions violate established procedures governing migration and border management. These practices also pose risks to our national security. In this context, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed’s assertion that the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) will continue to resist push-in attempts is both justified and appropriate. She is also correct in emphasising that Bangladesh cannot accept any individual without proper verification of nationality, particularly given past instances in which India’s Supreme Court found that the Border Security Force (BSF) had wrongfully pushed Indian nationals into Bangladesh. It is also worth noting that New Delhi’s complaints regarding delays in the nationality verification process often overlook practical constraints such as limited consular access, legal requirements, and discrepancies in identity records. These factors can significantly slow the process and should not be interpreted as unwillingness on Bangladesh’s part to cooperate."

Maldives: Air India suspends Delhi-Male flights 
On 02 June, The Sun reported that Air India is suspending flights to Male until August as part of a larger move to reduce the frequency of flights to international destinations. The airline was reported to attribute the changes to airspace restrictions and high jet fuel prices, which impacted commercial viability, while also saying that it intends to work with authorities to restore full capacity. This decision, during the summer season, is forecast to have a significant impact on tourist arrivals from India, which is in the top ten sources of tourist influx for the country. 
("Air India suspends Delhi-Male’ flights through August," The Sun, 02 June 2026)

Maldives: Police Service changes administrative structure
On 02 June, The Sun reported that the Maldives Police Service has implemented changes to its administrative structure, which took effect on Monday. The police stated that this change aimed to enhance operational efficiency, productivity, service quality, and inter-departmental connectivity. Additionally, the changes aim to establish a policing system that directly engages with the community, expand the role of frontline officers, and optimize resources in response to the evolving Maldivian security landscape. Under this move, various designated commands for various vertices of the police service were created.  
("Police overhaul administrative structure ‘to improve efficiency’," The Sun, 02 June 2026)

Sri Lanka: Cabinet approves new plan to deal with oil and chemical spills
On 02 June, the Daily Mirror reported that the proposal submitted by the Environment Minister, about the National Plan and digital platform to respond to oil spills and hazardous chemical spills has been approved by Sri Lanka’s Cabinet. The Marine Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) was reported to have updated the existing response plan to cover hazardous and noxious substance spills, and the first phase of the digital platform to support the plan has been developed. The government said that this move was taken in response to the increasing number of ships near Sri Lanka, the expansion of ports, increasing oil-related activities, and climate change effects. 
("Cabinet approves new plan to tackle oil, chemical spills," Daily Mirror, 02 June 2026)

Sri Lanka: TH-57 helicopters, gifted to Sri Lanka by the US, arrive
On 02 June, the Daily Mirror reported that ten TH-57 ‘Sea Ranger’ helicopters, gifted by the United States to the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), have arrived by sea and are undergoing configuration and technical preparation at the SLAF Base Ratmalana. The helicopters are reported to be used for pilot training, humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations, search and rescue missions, and public service responsibilities, aiding the operational and training capabilities of the SLAF. 
("US-gifted TH-57 ‘Sea Ranger’ helicopters arrive in Sri Lanka," Daily Mirror, 02 June 2026)

Afghanistan-Pakistan: The Taliban’s remarks on the TTP have been called “contradictory” by Pakistan
On 02 June, according to Afghanistan International, the Taliban's position on the Tehreek-e-Taliban was criticized by Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on the grounds of it being contradictory. This statement was made after Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s leader, asked the TTP to stop carrying out attacks inside Pakistan. Pakistan maintains that the Taliban heavily supports the TTP, despite ongoing discussions between Islamabad and Kabul. The Taliban have outrightly declined these claims and stand on their position that they have tried to control the military group instead. 
(“Pakistan’s Defence Minister Calls Taliban Position On TTP Contradictory,” Afghanistan International, 02 June 2026)

Iran: Tehran takes a “stern” stance on the proposed agreement
On 02 June, according to Reuters, a proposed agreement has been initiated by the US to Iran. The country is closely examining the proposal, that could eventually halt the war. This proposal comes amid multiple failed attempts at negotiations. Tehran is yet to respond to the proposal and sources state that th country is taking a “stern” approach towards it. Iran is pushing for an interim agreement to ease the economic pressures while trying to maintain its stance on keeping the country’s nuclear programme.
(“Iran studying deal to halt war as stalemate persists,” Reuters, 02 June 2026)