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Four ways to help transform Ho Chi Minh City into a financial hub -- by Donald Lambert

With key financial reforms, Ho Chi Minh City has the potential to follow the model of Tokyo, Shanghai, Mumbai, and other cities which came to global financial prominence.




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How governments can halt the rise of unfriendly, unstoppable super-artificial intelligence -- by Wim Naudé

Artificial intelligence could be enormously beneficial to society, and it could also lead to catastrophe. Governments can play a role determining the outcome of AI’s development.




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Five myths about population, aging and environmental sustainability -- by Jane O'Sullivan, Francesco Ricciardi, Susann Roth

For sustainable development, universal wellbeing should be the goal, rather than endless growth. Minimizing further growth in human populations is only part of the solution, but an essential part. 




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How to strengthen Asia’s financial safety net -- by Cyn-Young Park (朴信永), Peter Rosenkranz, James Villafuerte

Past financial crises have demonstrated how adequate financial safety net arrangements—globally, regionally, and nationally—are vital to safeguarding financial stability.




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How Asia can ride the digital wave to spur financial development -- by Bambang Susantono

The ‘app economy’ provides potential risks and benefits for developing countries. The right policies are needed to bring out the best in these emerging economic trends.




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Data and the artificial intelligence gold rush: Who will win? -- by Ozzeir Khan

The exponential growth of data and artificial intelligence is creating a tug-of-war between data for profit and data for the common good. In this struggle, it is fundamental that we protect our basic human data rights.




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We need better social protection to safeguard the poor from COVID-19 -- by Amir Jilani

Millions of families who were already poor and vulnerable before the COVID-19 outbreak face impossible decisions about food, healthcare, and survival. We have a responsibility to act immediately and protect those most in need.




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Cash payments to category-III beneficiaries begin

Islamabad : Ehsaas Emergency Cash payments to category-III beneficiaries which were identified through district administrations began on Friday.The Ehsaas Emergency Cash disbursements have been ongoing for the last one month and so far, Rs89.143 billion have been distributed cumulatively for...




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Psycho-social support helpline dealing with 50 cases daily, says LG secretary

The newly launched ‘1093 helpline service’ of the Sindh Local Government Department has been providing counselling service to around 50 people on a daily basis who are suffering from various psychological issues due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis in the country, said Sindh Local...




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Revenue dept proposes monetary reward for officials helping fight COVID-19

The Sindh revenue department has written a letter to Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah for sanctioning extra incentives to the officials and officers of different departments participating in the battle against COVID-19.The letter, which was sent to the CM on Friday, reads that as the...




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Sindh Bar Council seeks Rs70 million for financial support for lawyers affected by lockdown

The Sindh High Court on Friday issued notices to the federal and provincial law ministries on a petition of the Sindh Bar Council seeking direction to the federal and Sindh governments for the provision of an annual grant in aid to the lawyers’ top provincial regulatory body and at least...




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Horticulture Value Chain Development Sector Project: Date Orchards in Nangarhar and Laghman Provinces Social Safeguard Due Diligence Report

Safeguards due diligence reports are prepared as part of safeguard due diligence and review to ensure compliance with ADB safeguard policy due diligence requirements. This document dated May 2020 is provided for the ADB project 51039-002 in Afghanistan.




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Horticulture Value Chain Development Sector Project: Date Orchards in Khost Province Social Safeguard Due Diligence Report

Safeguards due diligence reports are prepared as part of safeguard due diligence and review to ensure compliance with ADB safeguard policy due diligence requirements. This document dated May 2020 is provided for the ADB project 2020-05-07 in Afghanistan.




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Principal Investment Specialist

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Principal Investment Specialist in the Private Sector Operations Department. The deadline for submitting applications is on 22 May 2020.




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Associate Facilities Planning and Management Officer (Project Management)

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Associate Facilities Planning and Management Officer (Project Management) in the Office of Administrative Services. The deadline for submitting applications is on 22 May 2020.




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Pakistan backs Afghan talks, Bajwa tells US special envoy

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa has said Pakistan’s support for the Afghan reconciliation process is a proof of its sincerity for peace in Afghanistan.

Talking to US Special Envoy for Afghan Reconciliation Dr Zalmay Khalilzad on Friday, the army chief said: “Our support towards peace process is a manifestation of our goodwill towards the cause.”

Dr Khalilzad was visiting Pakis­tan after a meeting with Taliban leaders in Doha and a stopover in Delhi, where he met Indian Exter­nal Affairs Minister Subrahman­yam Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.

The Indian leaders, according to reports in Indian media, blamed a recent spike in violence in Afghanistan to alleged “sanctuaries” on Pakistani soil and emphasised their elimination. The Indian allegations have come in the backdrop of renewed terror accusations against Pakistan in India-held Kashmir.

Pakistan has strongly rejected all Indian allegations and has asked the United Nations to seek proofs from India about the alleged “launch pads” and “infiltration bids” at the Line of Control.

Khalilzad scheduled to return to Doha for resumption of negotiations with Taliban

Dr Khalilzad, according to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), praised continuing Pakistani efforts for peace and stability in the region.

India, despite the special envoy’s recent visits to Delhi, is uneasy because its viewpoint on Afghanistan is getting little weightage in Washington.

Pakistan had facilitated long-drawn US-Taliban talks, which culminated with the signing of a landmark peace deal in Doha in February between the two adversaries that have been at war for 19 years. Under the deal, the Afghan Taliban gave counterterrorism assurances and agreed to engage in dialogue with the Afghan government for ending war. The peace agreement was expected to pave the way for the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.

However, the progress towards start of intra-Afghan peace talks have been sluggish because of trust deficit between the Afghan factions and slow release of prisoners by both sides. Intra-Afghan talks were, according to the original plan, to commence on March 10 after release of 5,000 Taliban prisoners by Kabul, while the militant group was to set free 1,000 government personnel. So far the Afghan government has released 933 of the 5,000 Taliban prisoners, while the Taliban have freed 155 captives.

In recent weeks, the Taliban finally intensified attacks against government forces. On Thursday, Khost police chief Ahmad Babazai was killed in a landmine attack.

Dr Khalilzad said he had in his “lengthy” overnight meeting with the head of Taliban political office in Doha emphasised “reduction in violence, humanitarian ceasefire as demanded by the international community to allow for better cooperation on managing Covid-19 pandemic in Afghanistan, acceleration of prisoner releases by both sides, actions necessary to secure the freedom of US citizen Mark Frerichs, regional and international support for the peace process, and movement to intra-Afghan negotiations ASAP”.

The special envoy will travel back to Doha from Islamabad for continuing his discussions with Taliban leaders.

Published in Dawn, May 9th, 2020




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Colorado GOP Chair Ken Buck pressured local official to submit incorrect election results

Colorado Republican Party Chair Ken Buck, a U.S. representative from Windsor, pressured a local party official to submit incorrect election results to set the primary ballot for a state Senate seat, according to an audio recording of a conference call obtained by The Denver Post.




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ADB $50 Million Package to Help Kyrgyz Republic Mitigate Health, Social, Economic Impacts of COVID-19

ADB has approved $50 million in loan and grant financing to help the Government of the Kyrgyz Republic mitigate the significant negative health, social, and economic impacts of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.




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Solomon Islands: Provincial Renewable Energy Project

The project aimed to construct the Fiu River hydropower plant and extend the distribution grid to peri-urban households in the main provincial center of Auki in Solomon Islands. Hydropower generation was to benefit the economy by reducing fossil fuel imports and lowering the cost of power generation. Likewise, it was intended to improve energy security and minimize tariff volatility. The use of renewable energy was also aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This report validates the completion report's assessment of the project. IED overall assessment: Unsuccessful. 




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Treasury Specialist

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Treasury Specialist in the Treasury Department. The deadline for submitting applications is on 29 May 2020.




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Investment Specialist

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Investment Specialist in the Private Sector Operations Department. The deadline for submitting applications is on 18 May 2020.




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Senior Social Development Specialist (Gender and Development)

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Senior Social Development Specialist (Gender and Development) in the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department. The deadline for submitting applications is on 9 May 2020.




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Communications Specialist

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Communications Specialist in the Department of Communications. The deadline for submitting applications is on 12 May 2020.




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Associate Project Analyst

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Associate Project Analyst in the South Asia Department. The deadline for submitting applications is on 11 May 2020.




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Associate Environment Officer

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Associate Environment Officer in the South Asia Department. The deadline for submitting applications is on 12 May 2020.




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Senior/Safeguards Specialist (Environment)

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Senior/Safeguards Specialist (Environment) in the Southeast Asia Department. The deadline for submitting applications is on 15 May 2020.




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Senior Regional Cooperation Specialist

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Senior Regional Cooperation Specialist in the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department. The deadline for submitting applications is on 18 May 2020.




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Associate Financial Control Officer

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Associate Financial Control Officer in the Controller's Department. The deadline for submitting applications is on 19 May 2020.




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Social Development Specialist (Gender and Development)

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Social Development Specialist (Gender and Development) in the Sustainable Development and Climate Change Department. The deadline for submitting applications is on 20 May 2020.




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Principal Investment Specialist

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Principal Investment Specialist in the Private Sector Operations Department. The deadline for submitting applications is on 22 May 2020.




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Associate Facilities Planning and Management Officer (Project Management)

ADB has a vacancy for the position of Associate Facilities Planning and Management Officer (Project Management) in the Office of Administrative Services. The deadline for submitting applications is on 22 May 2020.




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ADB, Maxwealth Financial Leasing Sign Loan Deal to Improve Wastewater Treatment in PRC

ADB today signed a $60 million loan deal (in Chinese Yuan equivalent) with Maxwealth Financial Leasing Co., Ltd. to improve municipal and industrial wastewater treatment capacity and standards in the People’s Republic of China...




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Microchip Joins Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) – the Global Industry Coalition Dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility

Microchip Joins Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) – the Global Industry Coalition Dedicated to Corporate Social Responsibility




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Social Protection Support Project (Second Additional Financing)

Approved project 43407-017 in Philippines.




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Preparing the Improving Financial Access and Entrepreneurship Development Project

Approved project 53097-002 in Papua New Guinea.




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Loans from My Neighbors: East Asian Commercial Banks, Banking Integration, and Bank Default Risk

Banking integration lowers bank default risk in recipient countries.




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Foreign-Currency Exposures and the Financial Channel of Exchange Rates: Eroding Monetary Policy Autonomy in the Asia and Pacific Region?

Foreign-currency exposures on an economy’s external balance sheet may jeopardize financial stability when the exchange rate depreciates.




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Evolution of ASEAN Financial Integration in the Comparative Perspective

ASEAN could learn from the European Union’s experience, particularly under the current global challenges.




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Innovative Financial Products and Services for Women in Asia and the Pacific

This paper examines digital financial services and products—powered by financial technology—as well as low technology solutions that can boost digital financial inclusion for women in remote and rural areas.




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Exploring Community-Based Financing Schemes to Finance Social Protection

Social protection, especially health care systems for the poor, is essential to reduce inequality.




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Credit Risk Database for SME Financial Inclusion

The Credit Risk Database contributes to the overall understanding of the small and medium-sized enterprise sector.




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Loans from My Neighbors: East Asian Commercial Banks, Banking Integration, and Bank Default Risk

Banking integration lowers bank default risk in recipient countries.




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Foreign-Currency Exposures and the Financial Channel of Exchange Rates: Eroding Monetary Policy Autonomy in the Asia and Pacific Region?

Foreign-currency exposures on an economy’s external balance sheet may jeopardize financial stability when the exchange rate depreciates.




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Evolution of ASEAN Financial Integration in the Comparative Perspective

ASEAN could learn from the European Union’s experience, particularly under the current global challenges.




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MCHP Updates Q3FY20 Financial Guidance

MCHP Updates Q3FY20 Financial Guidance




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MCHP Announces Financial Results for Q3FY20

MCHP Announces Financial Results for Q3FY20




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MCHP Announces Financial Results for Q4 and FY20

MCHP Announces Financial Results for Q4 and FY20




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Howrah Municipal Corporation announces partial waiver of property and commercial tax

HOWRAH: With an eye on boosting revenue, the Howrah Municipal Corporation announced a partial waiver for property and commercial tax on Tuesday. Under the waiver scheme, no penalty or interest need to be paid. The KMC has already enforced such a scheme and has benefited greatly, said Howrah mayor Rathin Chakraborty. He said the last board, controlled by the Left Front, bungled in tax collection, resulting in tax default of around Rs 200 crore. “The state is supporting us, but we must be self-sufficient. The tax outstanding will be collected without burdening civilians,” the mayor added. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/Howrah-Municipal-Corporation-announces-partial-waiver-of-property-and-commercial-tax/articleshow/31431111.cms




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Bangalore, Pune top in home value appreciation: Study

Mid-segment residential properties witnessed the highest appreciation in Bangalore in the past three years, while in the high-end category the credit went to Pune, says a study. As per the report by global real estate consultants, Cushman and Wakefield, mid-segment residential property prices almost doubled in the north-west part of Bangalore, while they were up nearly two-thirds in some areas of Pune. The study spanned between first half (January-June) of 2011 and first half of 2014. In the mid-segment, Chennai with 27 percent, Delhi region with 22 percent and Kolkata with 17 percent, also saw some noteworthy increases, while Mumbai saw the second-lowest jump with 16 percent, following Hyderabad with […]




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Residents’ association protests land price hike

Meenakshi Sinha,TNN | Jun 3, 2014, 03.41 AM IST NOIDA: The Federation of Noida Residents’ Welfare Associations (FONRWA) on Monday protested the 10.5% hike in residential land prices by the Noida Authority. N P Singh, president of FONRWA, said, “The land in Noida is either sold out or belongs to farmers. So what land does the authority propose to increase the prices of? When they don’t have land to sell or buy, they have no right to increase the rates. It’s just a ploy to make Noida an expensive city for homebuyers and make money at the expense of its residents,” said Singh. According to Singh, the proposed increase will […]