A senior Meta executive has formally apologized to the Indian government after a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was mistakenly removed by Meta. This apology came following an unofficial warning from an Indian parliamentary panel that threatened action if no apology was issued. Meta representatives met with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to express regret over the incident. Although Meta attributed the removal to a technical error, the video was subsequently reinstated on the platform. Kathmandu, 20 Shrawan.
Last month, a video of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was temporarily taken down from Facebook, prompting a senior Meta executive to offer an apology on Wednesday. According to Hindustan Times, an Indian parliamentary panel had given Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg a three-day deadline to apologize for the removal. Just hours after threatening penalties if the apology was not forthcoming, Meta officials presented their apologies.
In a meeting with IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, senior global executives from Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, apologized, sources familiar with the matter revealed. Joel Kaplan, Meta’s Global Affairs Officer, was part of the delegation and also held a separate meeting with IT Secretary S. Krishnan.
Alongside the apology for removing Modi’s video, the parliamentary committee on information technology, led by BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, also demanded action against intermediary platforms that host child sexual abuse and derogatory content against women. In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Modi addressed the youth of India, reaffirming the government’s commitment to strict action against data leaks and other violations, following a brief restriction imposed on his post. The Indian government alerted Meta to the issue, and although the content was removed by error, it was later restored.
Kathmandu University, in collaboration with the University of Chicago, is set to host a three-day international translation workshop in Dhulikhel from September 11 to 13. The event will feature training sessions led by world-renowned translators, including international Booker Prize winner Daisy Rockwell. A total of 24 participants will be selected for this free workshop, which aims to promote the English translation of Nepali literature and foster the development of emerging translators.
The workshop is jointly organized by the Department of Language and Mass Communication at Kathmandu University and the South Asian Literature Translations (SALT) project based at the University of Chicago. It targets translators interested in translating Nepali and other South Asian languages into English, providing comprehensive training on various aspects of poetry and prose translation. Applications are open until August 9.
International Booker Prize-winning translators Daisy Rockwell and Deepa Bhasthi will both serve as trainers during the workshop. Rockwell translated the novel “Tomb of Sand” by Indian author Geetanjali Shree into English, which won the 2022 International Booker Prize. Similarly, Bhasthi translated the short story collection “Heart Lamp” by Indian writer Banu Mushtaq, awarded the 2025 International Booker Prize.
Other instructors include translators Jason Grunebaum and Daniel Hahn. Grunebaum serves as co-director of the SALT project at the University of Chicago, while Hahn is globally recognized in the field of literary translation. Participants selected for this free workshop will receive travel and accommodation support as needed. Applicants are required to submit a sample of their translation work, discuss their translation style, and explain their motivation for attending. Kathmandu University expects the workshop to significantly contribute to advancing the English translation of Nepali literature and enhancing the skills of the next generation of translators.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the Israeli military will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is completely disarmed, rejecting a draft proposal put forward by the US administration. The Peace Board has reiterated its commitment that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) will not pull back beyond the “Yellow Line” until full disarmament is achieved in Gaza. High-level talks between Prime Minister Netanyahu, Peace Board envoy Nickolay Mladenov, and their teams focused on dismantling armed control in Gaza and establishing a stable civilian authority.
On August 4, Washington – Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly dismissed a US administration proposal led by President Donald Trump that involved disarmament of Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Netanyahu made it clear that Israeli forces will remain in the territory until Hamas is fully disarmed. In a video shared on social media, he emphasized the importance of national security and the military presence in the Gaza Strip. He reaffirmed that no changes will take place until Hamas completely relinquishes its weapons.
Netanyahu reaffirmed the mandate given to the Israeli military, stating that they have been instructed to take all necessary measures to protect the country and its citizens. Previously, the Peace Board had also clarified that Israeli forces would not retreat beyond the “Yellow Line” unless all weapons in Gaza are dismantled.
The “Yellow Line” refers to a military zone extending roughly 10 kilometers north from the southern Lebanon border in the Middle East. According to Al Jazeera, Israeli officials have indicated that maintaining control over this area and preserving the right to strike Hezbollah are top priorities amid ongoing attempts to eliminate the group.
This announcement followed a high-level and constructive meeting between Peace Board envoy Nickolay Mladenov, the Peace Board delegation, Prime Minister Netanyahu, and his senior team. The Peace Board stated that appropriate steps have been taken in response to estimates and contradictory reports concerning ceasefire deadlines amidst the current Israeli dynamics. Rejecting preliminary or partial erroneous reports, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to Hamas, stressing that full disarmament is necessary before any further use of force.
Addressing misinformation, it was underscored that Israeli withdrawal beyond the Yellow Line will only be possible after Hamas’ complete disarmament. Discussions in the meeting between Nickolay Mladenov and Netanyahu concentrated on implementing a broad transition aimed at removing armed control and establishing a stable civilian authority in Gaza.
This development comes after US President Donald Trump hailed the Peace Agreement Board’s efforts to disarm Hamas under a new Gaza accord as a “major success.”
In British Columbia, Canada, a couple became trapped amidst flames while fleeing a wildfire by car. Recently, wildfires have spread across the northwestern United States and various parts of Canada, displacing millions of people.
The qualification tournament for the 2027 ICC One Day International (ODI) World Cup is set to take place from February 22 to March 23 next year. Although ICC has announced the dates for the qualifiers, the venues for the competition have yet to be finalized. The World Cup, hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia, will feature a total of 14 teams. (20 Shrawan, Kathmandu)
While the dates for the qualifiers are confirmed, the specific locations remain undecided. According to the new World Cup format released earlier by the ICC, 10 teams will compete in the qualifiers, with the winner securing direct entry into the 14-team World Cup lineup. The teams finishing second, third, and fourth in the qualifiers will participate in the first phase of the World Cup, known as the “Super Series.” Among these three teams, the best performing one will advance to the main stage consisting of 12 teams.
The 2027 World Cup is scheduled to be held from October 4 to November 21 across 12 stadiums in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. Besides hosts South Africa and Zimbabwe, the qualification tournament will include the two lowest-ranked full member nations in the ICC ODI rankings as of September 30, 2026, the top four teams from the World Cup League 2, and four teams advancing through the World Cup qualifier playoffs.
The qualifier playoffs will feature eight teams: the bottom four from League 2 and the top four from the Challenge League. The top four teams from this stage will earn spots in the World Cup qualifiers. The Challenge League comprises 12 teams divided into two groups, each playing a three-stage round-robin format. The top two teams from each group will move on to the qualifier playoffs. Currently, West Indies is ranked 10th in the ICC ODI rankings. Following two ODIs against India in September, it will be decided whether West Indies can qualify directly for the World Cup. Should they fail to rank in the top eight, West Indies will have to go through the qualifiers again. The team previously failed to qualify for the 2023 World Cup, losing in a super over against the Netherlands during the qualifier tournament held in Harare, thereby missing out on the tournament.
During the rainy season, the moisture in the air causes coriander and green chilies to spoil quickly. However, with proper care, these ingredients can be kept fresh for an extended time. The abundant waterlogging and high humidity during monsoon increase the risk of vegetables purchased from the market going bad swiftly. Coriander and green chilies are essential components of our kitchen. Both these leafy greens tend to spoil rapidly and become slimy. Yet, by adopting a few simple techniques, coriander and green chilies brought home can remain fresh longer.
To maintain coriander’s freshness for a longer duration, immerse its roots in water. Depending on the quantity, place the coriander in a jug, bowl, or any container, and soak the stems completely up to the roots in water. This method preserves coriander freshness effectively. Fully submerging the stems and roots is essential. Other approaches include wrapping coriander in tissue paper. A thick tissue paper or soft paper towel absorbs excess moisture, preventing early spoilage. Before placing coriander in an airtight container, it should be cleaned properly, then covered with tissue, paper, or a clean cloth to enhance preservation.
How to keep green chilies fresh? Removing the stems before refrigerating prevents chilies from spoiling quickly because stems tend to retain excess moisture, which can cause decay. Chilies freshly harvested or bought from markets may have dirt, mud, or stains. Under such conditions, washing and drying them thoroughly before refrigeration help maintain their freshness over longer periods. When storing green chilies in an airtight container, placing paper or a clean cloth at the bottom and sealing the container properly supports freshness retention. It is important to pluck coriander along with its roots when harvesting, as purchasing coriander with roots from the market ensures it stays fresh longer. For chilies, avoiding storing large quantities in one place and minimizing repeated taking out and placing back reduces the risk of spoilage. Instead, storing in small portions in separate containers or locations and using only as needed helps keep freshness intact.
In ancient Greek mythology, King Sisyphus was condemned to roll a huge boulder up a hill, only for it to roll back down each time he neared the top, forcing him to start again.
The current debate surrounding teachers’ protests and the status of the School Education Bill shares a similar repetitive and frustrating pattern.
After repeated protests and agreements aimed at passing the bill, teachers are once again expressing dissatisfaction that progress has come to a standstill.
The Story of the Education Bill
Three years ago, on September 12, 2023 (Bhadra 27, 2080 BS), teachers frequently protested to urge Parliament to pass the School Education Bill. Although the Constitution was enacted in 2015 (2072 BS), it took eight years to draft the corresponding education legislation.
Thousands of teachers from across the country applied sustained pressure on the streets of Kathmandu, leading the government to forge a nine-point agreement with the Teachers’ Federation on April 29, 2025 (Baisakh 17, 2082 BS). The agreement stipulated that the bill would be passed by July 1 of the same year.
However, the bill was not passed, and after the ‘Jan Andolan’ uprising, Parliament was dissolved, nullifying even the bill that had been approved by the Education Committee.
Currently, the Teachers’ Federation is demanding that the new House of Representatives register the bill again.
“Last September, after years of effort, the bill was passed by the Education Committee and its subcommittee and was ready to be submitted to the House for discussion. It was scheduled for presentation on September 12 (Bhadra 26),” Federation Chair Laxmikishor Subedi said. But due to the ‘Jan Andolan’ movement, the government was displaced on September 10 (Bhadra 24), and Parliament was soon dissolved.
“So far, the new government has neither drafted the bill nor registered it in Parliament. Even preliminary work has yet to begin,” Subedi expressed with frustration.
Regulations Adding Salt to the Wound
Image source, EPA
The new regulations introduced by the government have only further angered teachers already frustrated that their hard-won bill is once again in limbo.
Consequently, the Teachers’ Federation has warned of an educational protest next month.
“There are reasons forcing us to protest again. The exclusion of tens of thousands of education sector employees from the salary raise given in the budget is one cause, and the new regulations further weakening teachers is another,” Subedi explained.
They accuse the government’s actions of adding insult to injury.
“The government has announced about a 21% salary increase in the latest budget. But kindergarten teachers, school staff, and teachers receiving teaching and learning grants are excluded from this benefit,” Subedi said.
According to him, nearly 30,000 early childhood teachers, 30,000 staff members, and 10,000 teaching-learning grant teachers are deprived of the increase.
The Ministry of Education released the Education (Tenth Amendment) Regulations, 2083 last month, provisions of which the Teachers’ Federation sees as weakening educators.
“The regulations complicate the transfer process. We had hoped they would simplify transfers, but instead they impose harsh conditions preventing transfers for up to three years,” Subedi said.
He also voiced dissatisfaction over the weakening of School Management Committees, which include parents, while giving more power to local municipalities.
“Our demand was for principals to provide strong administrative and academic leadership. Instead, the regulations allow municipal chiefs to remove principals at will,” he stated.
Though the Teachers’ Federation officials are actively advocating educational policy in Kathmandu and attending government councils, Subedi warned that restrictions would harm teachers in remote areas.
“It seems efforts are being made even to control the Teachers’ Federation itself. Such a system will lead to a crisis in school education, which is why protesting has become necessary.”
Government Response
Image source, GoN
Image caption, Teachers express dissatisfaction with the revised regulations introduced by the new government
The Ministry of Education and Sports has confirmed it is working to reintroduce the School Education Bill to Parliament.
“The timeline has been set. Some changes have arisen based on government policy, public expectations, and perspectives. Efforts are ongoing to address these changes made over the last year,” said the ministry’s spokesperson, Undersecretary Shivkumar Sapkota.
He stated the government is prepared to address most issues raised by teachers within the bill through consultations.
“So far, the tenth amendment to the regulations has come as a measure to remove obstacles,” he added.
The government plans to view the teachers’ dissatisfaction with the regulations from two angles.
“There is a natural partnership on issues related to teacher service benefits. Questions regarding transfers may be raised. If any restrictions exist, these will be addressed upon bill completion.”
“Regarding the governance of school education, the Government of Nepal holds its own perspective and will proceed accordingly. Local governments currently manage school administration under their jurisdictions.”
He noted that since many issues raised by teachers will be addressed in the bill, ongoing discussions and consultations are the appropriate path for now.
The Teachers’ Federation is preparing to submit its demands—including implementation of previous agreements—to the government before deciding on any protest programs.
Nationwide, there are approximately 27,500 public and about 35,000 private schools in operation.
Nearly 250,000 teachers and staff work in public schools, while approximately 150,000 are employed in private schools, totaling around 400,000 educational personnel.
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Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle have been holding regular meetings with industrialists, businesspeople, and various stakeholders in the economic sector. A key focus of these discussions has been understanding why businesses remain hesitant to expand investments despite conducive conditions.
Experts say the Nepalese market currently has high liquidity, and banks are ready to disburse loans with interest rates at historic lows. Yet, demand for loans from the business community has not increased as expected, impacting economic momentum.
According to Nepal Rastra Bank spokesperson Guruprasad Paudel, banks currently hold Rs 1.336 trillion in loanable funds. “This liquidity is at its highest level this year with an average interest rate of just 6.5 percent,” he stated.
He explained that this accumulation happened because loan growth has remained stagnant since 2022.
Economists view this situation with concern, interpreting it as a sign of insufficient investment opportunities or lack of business confidence in investing.
“However, it also indicates that banks have adopted a cautious lending policy limited to safe and reliable investments,” Paudel added. “Uncontrolled lending would have risked the entire financial system.”
Officials at the Ministry of Finance believe this stagnation will not persist long. In an interview, Finance Ministry spokesperson Amrit Lamsal expressed optimism that the situation will improve by mid-October.
“The new fiscal year has just started. This is a preparation phase,” he said. “The government will issue policy directives and is committed to supporting investors. We are also making those intentions clear.”
Why the Concern?
Caption: The government has advised focusing on capital expenditure
In meetings with the Prime Minister and Finance Minister, business leaders and bank executives emphasized the need to build a ‘trust environment’ and improve capital expenditures to strengthen the economy.
Businesspeople have also expressed a decline in trust due to what they perceive as unwarranted government actions.
“We have raised such concerns in our discussions. When businesses face baseless actions, it deteriorates the investment climate,” Santosh Koirala, President of Nepal Bankers Association, told us following a meeting between Finance Minister Wagle and commercial bank executives on Tuesday.
Koirala also urged for policy facilitation in economically promising sectors.
“The hydropower sector is advancing dynamically. We’ve appealed to make collaborations like ‘PPA’ smoother. Likewise, the timely advancement of large projects is crucial to activate the market,” he added.
Koirala is confident that once capital expenditure improves, managing liquidity exceeding Rs 1.5 trillion won’t be challenging.
Impact of Non-Performing Loans
Viirendra Raj Pandey, president of the Federation of Nepalese Industries, points to other reasons for the lack of expected loan flow into the market despite available funds.
“Rising non-performing assets and an increasing number of defaulters on the ‘blacklist’ worsen the problem,” he said. “When defaulters are blacklisted, their accounts get frozen and they cannot invest further. Even with opportunities, the path is closed.”
Statistics from the central bank indicate that the number of blacklisted borrowers is rising annually. In fiscal year 2021/22, 52,303 individuals were blacklisted, which increased to 53,571 in 2022/23, and reached 60,447 in 2025/26. The previous year, 2019/20, recorded only 6,514 blacklisted borrowers.
The main causes for blacklisting include failure to repay loans and issues related to cheque drafts.
“Loan disbursement is impacted due to a lack of creditworthiness,” explained Rastra Bank spokesperson Paudel.
Hope on the Horizon
Image source: RSS
Caption: Finance Minister Wagle recently met with banking sector officials
Pandey notes that without active government intervention, it will be difficult to change the scenario where money remains parked in banks.
“The government is making some efforts to regain business confidence, but at the current sluggish pace, the economy cannot develop without financial interventions,” he said. “Increasing capital expenditure is necessary to circulate funds in the market. This would improve asset quality and ensure investments reach the grassroots level.”
“If this does not happen, economic contraction will deepen further.”
Finance Ministry spokesperson Amrit Lamsal says the government is focused on resolving this issue. “Numerous incentives have been included in the budget to facilitate private sector investment. Amendments to banking and financial institution laws are underway. Some improvements have also been made to the Public Procurement Act.”
“With legal, institutional, and procedural reforms along with prior preparations, capital expenditure is expected to rise this fiscal year.”
“Investment will not surge overnight, but considering there is relatively more cash in banks now, it is incorrect to assume this situation will persist indefinitely,” he added. “Once government policies, programs, budget, and monetary policies align, the environment will become more conducive.”
Santosh Koirala of the Nepal Bankers Association expressed confidence in various discussions, saying, “The government is serious about economic improvement and I believe loan disbursement will gradually increase.”
“Although we recently witnessed some adverse events, the situation will gradually shift from instability to stability if the government moves forward in coordination with all stakeholders.”
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Summary: Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has reaffirmed her commitment to return to her homeland despite being in exile, indicating that she will continue her political engagements. Analysts suggest that her potential return could boost the morale of Awami League supporters and exert political pressure on the current government. The Bangladesh government has initiated legal proceedings against her and has formally requested India for her extradition. 20 Saun, Dhaka (Rassas/AFP).
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has reiterated her determination to return home and remains politically active even while in exile. Analysts interpret her recent statements as efforts to unify Awami League supporters, sustain the party’s political influence, and preserve her relevance in national politics. The 78-year-old, currently in exile in India, expressed in July during an interview with AFP her intention to return to Bangladesh by the end of the year. She acknowledged the risks of arrest, imprisonment, or even death but emphasized her desire to come back prompted by popular demand.
On the occasion marking two years since her helicopter journey to India, a program titled “Sheikh Hasina’s Return Home” is scheduled for Wednesday in New Delhi, where she will address the audience via telephone. According to Mohammad Jalal Uddin Sikdar, professor of political science at North South University in Dhaka, Hasina remains an influential political symbol for the Awami League, with her possible return becoming intertwined with the party’s survival. A senior Awami League leader noted that since many party leaders and activists have been arrested, Hasina’s expressed wish to return reflects a sense of responsibility toward them.
He added that this stance could help maintain internal party morale. The Dhaka-based daily Prothom Alo analyzed Hasina’s announcement of her return as part of a strategic move to generate pressure to lift bans on the party, motivate its activists, and reestablish its political standing. However, former senior Awami League leader and current critic Mahmudur Rahman Manna rejected this view, suggesting that although there may be opportunities to reorganize the party by promoting other leaders, Hasina has chosen not to do so.
According to analyst Sikdar, Hasina’s potential return could increase political pressure on the current government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. He expects that while Hasina might face legal procedures upon returning, her comeback could trigger political instability. Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s advisor Jahedur Rahman stated that the government would welcome Hasina if she returns and will proceed with judicial processes according to the law. He confirmed that Bangladesh has formally requested her extradition from India.
Hasina was sentenced in absentia by Dhaka courts for inciting unrest, ordering killings, and failing to prevent atrocities after her absence in court. Her possible return remains a sensitive issue in the improving bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India. Dhaka has repeatedly requested her extradition, while India has indicated that the matter is under legal consideration. Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jayswal clarified that the Indian government has no involvement in the “Sheikh Hasina’s Return Home” event and does not support the opinions expressed there. However, some Bangladeshi analysts view Hasina’s case as a matter that could impact diplomatic ties between the two countries. Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Dhaka-based Amar Desh daily, interpreted the issue as a political matter linked to the balance of power between New Delhi and Dhaka.
In response to the current crisis, the Nepal Football Players Association has released a collective video featuring messages from national team players, calling for urgent measures to save Nepali football. Both the men’s and women’s national teams have made a joint appeal to resolve the crisis triggered by the suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) by FIFA, which has left the future of players, coaches, and referees uncertain.
Sports Minister Sasmit Pokhrel has informed that continuous communication with FIFA is underway to lift the suspension and efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing. On August 4, in Kathmandu, players from Nepal’s national men’s and women’s football teams made a collective appeal to save Nepali football. The suspension of ANFA by FIFA has halted all football activities, creating an uncertain future for athletes, coaches, and referees.
The Nepal Football Players Association released a video featuring messages from the majority of the national team members, voicing demands to safeguard Nepali football. They have urged FIFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the National Sports Council (Rakhap), and the Government of Nepal to take proactive steps. The video includes messages from male players such as Rohit Chand and women players like Sabitra Bhandari and Anjila Tumbapo.
However, the captain of the men’s national team, Kiran Chemjong, stated he was not aware of this video release. Instead, he shared a separate video on his Facebook page that includes messages from Rohit Chand and women’s team member Preeti Rai. Sabitra, who is currently undergoing rehabilitation in Qatar, expressed in the video that the absence of a top-division league has significantly impacted players. At the end of the video, Sanish Shrestha emphasized their need for opportunities to play football and the chance to nurture their dreams.
The players have expressed grave concerns over the potential termination of careers for athletes, coaches, and referees associated with football. They have requested all stakeholders, from FIFA to Nepal’s domestic bodies, to find a swift resolution. FIFA suspended ANFA on January 25 due to third-party interference, and the suspension remains in effect until further notice. The ongoing suspension has cast doubt on Nepal’s participation in the upcoming South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) Championship, scheduled to begin in Bangladesh on November 4. The tournament draw has been completed, but Nepal is currently not included.
If FIFA lifts the suspension by September 1, Nepal would be able to compete in Group A of the SAFF Championship. Meanwhile, Sports Minister Sasmit Pokhrel stated during a media interaction on Tuesday that they remain in regular contact with FIFA and are actively seeking a resolution. Additionally, Footballers Man Together has advocated for the formation of an interim committee to resolve the football dispute and has written to FIFA’s president expressing their willingness to mediate.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen highlighted the critical importance of Japanese yen stability for the broader Asian economy.
Concerns over volatility in regional currency markets due to a weaker yen prompted joint currency intervention by the US and Japan.
This coordinated intervention, the first since 1998, aims to reduce unnecessary pressures on the US debt market.
August 6, Washington (Raasas/AFP) – US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has emphasized that maintaining stability in the Japanese yen is vital not only for Japan and the United States but for the economic balance throughout the entire Asian region.
Yellen warned that a weaker yen could lead to instability in regional currency markets. As a result, the United States and Japan have jointly intervened to support the currency, she made clear.
In an interview with CNBC on Tuesday, Yellen recalled the Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s and noted that a significantly weakened yen could exert pressure on other Asian currencies as well.
According to her, a severely depreciated yen might influence currencies such as the South Korean won, and there is ongoing debate in international markets regarding the valuation of the Chinese renminbi.
Last week, for the first time since 1998, the US and Japan jointly intervened by purchasing yen. Prior to this intervention, the yen weakened to nearly 164 against the US dollar, reaching its lowest point in approximately four decades.
Yellen indicated that given Japan’s economic size, its role in global trade, and its contributions to international savings markets, a stable yen is essential for the global economy.
Washington is reportedly concerned that single-handed intervention could prompt Japan, the largest holder of US Treasury securities, to sell off those bonds, putting pressure on the US debt market.
Analysts link this move to the Trump administration’s policy to reduce the US trade deficit and Japan’s commitment, under a 2025 trade agreement, to invest $550 billion in the US. Even before the joint intervention, Japan had spent tens of billions of dollars attempting independently to support the yen, but the currency continued weakening.
Factors contributing to the yen’s depreciation include interest rate differentials between Japan and the US, elevated international oil prices, and concerns over rising Japanese public debt due to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s expansionary fiscal policies.
Following the joint intervention, officials in Washington and Tokyo signaled readiness to intervene in the markets again if necessary. By Wednesday, the yen had strengthened by about 4 percent from its low point last month.
Yellen emphasized that ultimately, the yen’s exchange rate will be determined more by Japan’s economic and monetary policies than by immediate market interventions. Meanwhile, researchers at Goldman Sachs analyzed that although the joint intervention could have an immediate impact, significant long-term effects would require substantial changes in the global economy and Japan’s domestic policies.
They noted that the US Treasury’s involvement is more aimed at reducing unnecessary volatility in the US debt market than directly controlling the yen’s exchange rate.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has convened an emergency meeting of senior officials in Morocco following the withdrawal of his controversial business plan. Carlos Cordero, FIFA’s Global Strategy and Governance Advisor, has resigned from his position amid the fallout. Kathmandu, 20 Shrawan — After retracting the contentious ‘FIFA Forward Enterprise’ plan, which sought to transfer FIFA’s commercial and competition management rights to a private entity and sparked widespread criticism, Infantino has called an urgent session of top officials to resolve the dispute.
According to sources, the meeting will include FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafström, Chief Financial Officer Thomas Peyer, Head of Legal Emilio García Silvero, Head of Member Associations Elkhan Mammadov, Communications Director Brian Swanson, along with other senior officials. FIFA’s Chief Global Football Development Officer, and former Arsenal coach Arsène Wenger, has endorsed the decision to withdraw the plan, calling it necessary and appropriate. Wenger clarified that he was not involved in the plan in any capacity and learned of it solely through media reports. He emphasized that FIFA must serve football based on transparency, integrity, and independence.
Meanwhile, Secretary General Grafström described the recent events as ‘regrettable and reprehensible’ in an internal email. Prince Ali, President of the Jordan Football Association, accused the threats to withhold prize money and pressure to support Infantino’s re-election as ‘not blackmail but a deliberate effort.’ Amid the controversy, FIFA’s Global Strategy and Governance Advisor Carlos Cordero resigned, citing the plan as a ‘bad deal for football’ that puts the sport’s future at risk. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has also issued legal warnings to FIFA demanding the safeguarding of documents related to the plan.
Ukrainian officials have reported that at least 17 people have been killed following multiple Russian ballistic missile and drone strikes in Ukraine.
The attack, which began after midnight on Wednesday, is considered the deadliest assault on Kyiv this year, resulting in 44 injuries.
Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military administration, stated, “The enemy is once again launching a severe offensive in the Kyiv region,” with attacks occurring at multiple locations.
Following the Russian ballistic missile strikes on Kyiv and its outskirts, a more than one-hour aerial attack alert was issued.
According to Kyiv’s military administration, the missile strikes caused damage to residential areas and warehouses.
What Russia Says
Image source, Reuters
The Russian Defense Ministry has claimed responsibility for targeting military supply and storage facilities in Kyiv and surrounding areas.
“These sites were involved in storing and supplying weapons and other military equipment, as well as the production and distribution of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones),” the Russian Defense Ministry said.
The ministry also asserted that three cargo ships near a Black Sea port in Odesa, involved in transporting weapons and military equipment, were targeted during the strikes.
Ukraine has appealed to allied nations to provide additional US-made Patriot missile interceptors to defend against Russian ballistic missile attacks.
Ukrainian Attacks in Russia
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko expressed concerns that people may be trapped under rubble following strikes in the city center. He stated on Telegram that among the injured, four are in serious condition.
Kyiv’s military administration said, “The enemy deliberately targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure once again.”
Ukrainian air forces have not reported neutralizing any Russian missiles during this attack. A Telegram post claims that Russia launched 24 ballistic missiles and four anti-ship missiles.
Russian communications indicate that 115 drones were fired during the attack, of which 98 were destroyed mid-air by air defense systems.
In recent weeks, Russia has intensified attacks on Kyiv, while Ukraine has stepped up strikes targeting Russian energy hubs and civilian infrastructure.
Ukraine has repeatedly targeted warehouses of Wildberries, a major e-commerce company in Russia.
An attack on the Wildberries warehouse in the Moscow region on Tuesday resulted in five deaths and 10 injuries.
Russian officials reported that seven people were killed and 58 injured in a drone attack on tourists along the southern Krasnodar coast the previous day.
Ukraine expressed outrage at a recent incident in Kherson where a Russian drone struck a civilian, accusing Russia of conducting a ‘targeted attack’ on civilians.
However, both sides continue to deny allegations of deliberately targeting civilians.
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North Korea has issued a stern warning of adopting additional military measures, viewing Japan’s growing military capabilities as a serious threat to its security. North Korean leader Kim Yo Jong accused Japan of abandoning its pacifist policies and transforming into a “war state.” Following Japan’s increase in defense budget and deployment of missile systems, North Korea condemned these actions as a danger to regional peace. (20 Saun, Seoul)
North Korea criticized Japan for its rapid military expansion, interpreting it as a significant challenge to its own security and warning of additional military options if necessary. In a statement released Wednesday, Kim Yo Jong alleged that Japan is moving away from its post-World War II pacifist stance towards becoming a “war state,” and stated Pyongyang would not be provoked by Japan’s military activities.
In a statement issued by the North Korean state news agency KCNA, Kim accused Japan of increasing military spending, expanding defense cooperation, deploying missile systems on its outlying islands, and advancing capabilities for preemptive strikes. She highlighted Japan’s recent tests of long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles and participation in US-led joint military exercises in the Philippines as examples of intensified military activity in the Pacific region.
Her remarks came after Japan’s defense minister released a new security assessment report on Tuesday, which highlighted rising security challenges from China, Russia, and North Korea, and emphasized the urgent need to strengthen defense capabilities. Kim asserted that Japan’s military build-up could seriously impact regional peace and stability and stated that North Korea is continuously monitoring such developments.
The schedule for the six matches Nepal will play in the NT Top End T20 Series, hosted in Australia, has been released. Nepal is set to begin the tournament against NT Strike on October 5. The Cricket Association of Nepal has yet to announce its squad for the competition.
According to the match schedule for the NT Top End T20 Series, held in Australia’s Northern Territory, Nepal will play six league-stage matches in Darwin from October 5 to October 14. Nepal’s opening game will be against NT Strike on October 5. The team will then face Bangladesh High Performance on October 6, Hobart Hurricanes Academy on October 8, ACT Comets on October 10, Kingsmen on October 11, and Victoria on October 13.
In the previous edition, Nepal won two of their six matches while losing four. The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has not yet named the squad for this edition. With the possibility of the ACC Premier Cup also being hosted there, Nepal may announce two separate squads for the events.
Nepal’s match schedule:
October 5 – Nepal vs NT Strike
October 6 – Nepal vs Bangladesh High Performance
October 8 – Nepal vs Hobart Hurricanes Academy
October 10 – Nepal vs ACT Comets
October 11 – Nepal vs Kingsmen
October 13 – Nepal vs Victoria
