Youth activists in India returned to Delhi last weekend demanding the resignation of the country’s highest election official. At the forefront is 29-year-old PhD student Neha Bora, a prominent representative of this movement. Neha Bora is a theatre artist and has served as the president of the central left-wing student organization “All India Students Association” (AISA) for the past two years.
However, her activism extends beyond the campus, as she is currently active on a broader scale. Recently, some viral video footage showed a group of female police officers dragging her on the street; she resisted the police restriction by raising her fist and shouting slogans before being arrested. Images of her smiling even as female officers controlled her have also circulated widely.
Despite the widespread attention, Neha herself has downplayed the significance of these viral discussions and incidents in an interview with BBC Bangla. “I am aware that the event happened in front of cameras, so it appears differently,” she said, “but I have seen that all AISA student activists have acted as I did. It is only because the camera was focused on me that people have a different perspective.”
The spotlight on Neha comes amid intense protests taking place across India’s streets, seen as the most significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 12-year tenure.
As the US midterm elections approach, President Donald Trump faces a range of international challenges including the Russian diesel agreement, uncertainty over a Ukraine ceasefire, and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Four Republican senators along with Democratic lawmakers have called on Trump to immediately reverse his decision to resume imports of Russian fuel. Although Trump announced an energy ceasefire, Russia continues attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, and diesel prices remain above six dollars per gallon. Kathmandu, October 14 – With just weeks to go before the US midterms, Trump confronts increasing difficulties in managing global developments. The Russian diesel deal has sparked dissent within his own party, the uncertain energy truce with Ukraine raises concerns, and unrest in the Middle East threatens to drive up global oil prices. These form a challenging diplomatic landscape for the president.
In an effort to reduce fuel costs and ease voter dissatisfaction, Trump’s plans have been complicated by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and mounting Middle Eastern instability. The midterm elections will determine which party controls Congress, with early voting already underway in some competitive regions. Trump has pursued a strategy aimed at lowering fuel prices by reestablishing ties with Russia, yet the expected smooth outcomes have not materialized on the international stage. The Russian diesel agreement, uncertainty over an energy ceasefire in Ukraine, and escalating violence in the Middle East collectively increase the risk of greater volatility in global energy markets.
Dissent against the Russian diesel deal has grown within Trump’s own Republican ranks. Last Friday afternoon, Trump announced a new agreement with Russian President Vladimir Putin under which the US would import large volumes of Russian diesel fuel in the coming months. High fuel costs remain a significant source of voter frustration in America, especially affecting the agriculture sector reliant on diesel. In Midwestern states, diesel is heavily used for operating agricultural machinery and transporting produce to markets. Four Republican senators and several Democratic members of Congress have jointly penned a letter urging Trump to halt Russian fuel imports immediately. Polls indicate that US voters increasingly blame the Iran conflict as a primary factor driving fuel prices higher. Support for Trump is also weakening as voters express concerns about his handling of the wars and the economy.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) presented special recognition awards, including certificates of appreciation, to four officials from the Nepal Olympic Committee and one sports journalist from Nepal during the 20th Asian Games.
Among those honored were Ramkrishna Shrestha, Secretary of the Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC); member Lakpa Chiring Lama; Executive Secretary Sujanlal Shrestha; IT and Communications Officer Ayush Joshi; and sports journalist Prajit Shakya of the Gorakhapatra Daily. Each received medals of honor along with certificates from the OCA.
These individuals were recognized for their unparalleled contributions to promoting and propagating the values of sportsmanship, unity, and participation associated with Asia’s largest multi-sport event. The 20th Asian Games were held from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi Nagoya, Japan, drawing approximately 17,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries.
Nepal participated with 135 athletes competing across 21 sports. During the Games, Nepal secured two bronze medals: Tenzing Sherpa in karate and the women’s kabaddi team.
Durga FC secured the championship of the RTP Dashain Cup football tournament held at Apex Nature Park in North Carolina, USA. In the final match played on Sunday night, Durga FC defeated Machhapuchhre FC by a 4–1 goal margin. The victorious Durga FC received the trophy along with goats and medals.
Goals for Durga FC were scored by Bhuvan Singh Karki, Saman Dhaubadel, Raj Khadka, and Avinas Rajbhandari, while Ravin Regmi scored the lone goal for Machhapuchhre FC. The trophy and medals were presented to Durga FC by Apex municipal council members Arno Jegerman and Shane Reese.
According to organizing member Tankha Seling, the competition was held to promote unity, brotherhood, and social harmony within the Nepali community. The tournament, which began this year on September 18, has been conducted continuously for the past 10 years on the eve of Dashain. Vikas Sapkota stated that despite being based in the United States, this event continues to uphold Nepali festivals, culture, and traditions, helping to strengthen bonds within the community.
Durga FC captain Sunil KC remarked that the competition plays a crucial role in expanding connectivity, cooperation, and relationships among the Nepali diaspora while also reinforcing Nepali identity, culture, and community loyalty.
Katari Municipality secured championships in both the men’s and women’s categories at the second Shikhar Dhakal Memorial U-17 T-20 National Rugby Tournament. The finals were held on Monday at Khangsang in Fikkal Rural Municipality, Sindhuli, where Katari defeated the women’s team 1–0 and the men’s team 2–1. With this victory, Katari received the championship trophy along with a cash prize of 30,000 rupees each.
The runners-up Fikkal earned a cash prize of 20,000 rupees each in both categories. In the women’s contest, Budhanilkantha Municipality clinched third place by defeating Tokha Municipality 1–0, while in the men’s category, Golbazar Municipality secured third place by beating Budhanilkantha 3–0 in extra time. Both third-place teams received trophies and 10,000 rupees each.
Sanamika Magar from Katari was declared the best player in the women’s category, and Shishir Dhakal from Fikkal received the same honor on the men’s side. At the closing ceremony, Nepal Rugby Association President Dipak Devkota, Fikkal Rural Municipality Chairperson Parvati Sunuwar, Association General Secretary Govinda Ghimire, among others, presented trophies, medals, and certificates to the winning and runner-up teams. Chairperson Sunuwar thanked all participating teams and expressed confidence in continuing the tournament in the coming years.
A resettlement plan has been developed for residents affected by the floods.
The catastrophic floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers have swept away thousands of homes and submerged gravel beds. This disaster, which occurred in the month of Bhadra, displaced many individuals. Most of them are currently living in temporary camps or with relatives in other locations.
The displaced people are now seeking ways to rebuild their lives. While some have expressed a desire to return to their former homes, others have indicated that it is impossible to live there. Government officials and experts have warned that the risk of flooding along the riverbanks remains high in the future, advising against resettling communities in those areas. What plans has the government devised in this context? Listen to the conversation between Niranjan Rajbanshi and Prakash Aryal, Deputy Director General of the Department of Urban Development and Building Construction under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, for ‘BBC Hatmalo’.
Jantar Mantar has been removed from the list of designated protest and dharna sites in Delhi. Based on recommendations from a committee appointed by the Central Ministry of Home Affairs, Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued a notice on Monday. Ramleela Maidan, Burari Maidan, and CBD Ground in East Delhi have now been designated as alternative venues to Jantar Mantar for protests and dharnas. October 13, Kathmandu.
Jantar Mantar is no longer authorized as a venue for protests and dharnas in Delhi, following a decision based on the recommendation of a committee formed by the Central Ministry of Home Affairs. Delhi Police Commissioner Anurag Kumar issued the official notice on Monday. The notice states that Ramleela Maidan, Burari Maidan, and East Delhi’s CBD ground have been designated as alternative locations for holding protests and dharnas. “The committee appointed by the Ministry of Home Affairs was tasked with reviewing alternatives to the current designated protest sites while respecting citizens’ right to protest and hold dharnas,” the notice explains. It also mentions that separate standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be issued for managing protests and dharnas at these three locations.
‘The government should provide safe locations’: Discussions continue over housing options for people displaced by floods. The devastating floods in the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers have destroyed or buried many homes under debris. Thousands of people were displaced following this disaster in the month of Bhadra.
The displaced population is deeply concerned and anxious about their rehabilitation. Some wish to return to their original homes, while others have expressed reluctance to resettle in the same area. Government officials and experts recommend prohibiting settlements along riverbanks given the ongoing flood risk. What do the local residents of Betrawati have to say about this issue?
The opposition parties in India have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the mass removal of names from the voter rolls. On Monday, the Indian National Congress and the ‘India’ alliance organized a protest march titled ‘Chalo Delhi – March for Democracy’ to the Supreme Court in New Delhi. Chief Justice Surya Kant declined to meet Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, but Gandhi stated the march would continue unabated. October 12, Kathmandu.
The Election Commission’s removal of a large number of voters’ names from the electoral rolls has heightened political tensions. Opposition parties have accused the commission of large-scale manipulation and alleged ‘vote theft,’ demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. In this context, the Indian National Congress and leaders of the ‘India’ alliance staged a large protest march on Monday from central New Delhi to the Supreme Court.
Under the Congress event titled ‘Chalo Delhi – March for Democracy,’ opposition leaders and activists gathered in large numbers on Monday afternoon at 1:30 PM at the Connaught Place-Barakhamba Road junction in Delhi. Top opposition figures including Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge participated in the march from Connaught Place–Barakhamba Road area toward Mandi House, Feroz Shah Road, and finally the Supreme Court.
The Kukroch Janata Party also expressed full support for the opposition march. Posting on the social media platform ‘X,’ Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated that this march represents not just a single party, gender, caste, community, or state, but is the collective voice of Indian citizens. Gandhi called on young people, all opposition parties, civil society groups, and all democracy defenders who support India’s constitution to join this fight to save democracy.
The atmosphere grew tense after police intervened forcefully and began making arrests during the protest against Chief Election Commissioner at the Supreme Court. Large numbers of security personnel were deployed in the Barakhamba Road and Mandi House areas, with tight security around the Supreme Court. The opposition alliance leaders aimed to submit a memorandum to Chief Justice Surya Kant regarding allegations of ‘vote theft’ and irregularities in the voter list. However, Chief Justice Surya Kant refused to meet Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge on the grounds that the matter is currently under consideration in the Supreme Court. Despite this refusal, Gandhi made it clear that the march to submit the memorandum to the Chief Justice, along with a delegation representing civil society and youth, will continue through the Supreme Court premises.
The Thai Royal Palace has announced that Queen Suthida of Thailand has flown a fighter jet alone.
Last week, during her solo flight in the southern province of Surat Thani, King Maha Vajiralongkorn observed her flight from the ground.
According to the Royal Palace, Queen Suthida is an experienced pilot who began flying in 2010 and has accumulated a total of 1,188 hours flying various types of aircraft since then.
During royal tours, she has also served as co-pilot on aircraft transporting the King to other countries. King Maha Vajiralongkorn himself is also a licensed pilot.
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US President Donald Trump has claimed that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a ‘fuel ceasefire,’ agreeing not to attack fuel and energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded that he had no prior knowledge of such an agreement but that if Russia has consented, Ukraine is prepared to accept the ceasefire as well.
On Sunday, Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social, stating, “An immediate and effective ‘fuel ceasefire’ (energy ceasefire) has been reached in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Both sides have agreed. No one should break this!” Following Trump’s sudden announcement, Zelensky replied, “This announcement is completely new to me. However, if President Trump has secured such an agreement with Moscow, please inform us when this ceasefire will commence. We are fully prepared to accept it if the Russians agree.”
Earlier, in an interview on ABC’s This Week, Zelensky had clearly stated that if Russia halted attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Ukraine would stop attacking Russian oil refineries. Trump’s claim comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and the Trump administration in recent days. On Friday, Trump announced easing restrictions on Russian diesel exports to reduce soaring global fuel prices, a move that drew strong objections from Ukraine.
This year’s Nobel Prize in Economics has been awarded to Robert Hall and Michael Woodford.
The Nobel Prize Committee announced that both economists are being honored for their groundbreaking research on the “microeconomic foundations of macroeconomic stability” and for developing new macroeconomic models.
According to the committee, the new macroeconomic models developed by them have significantly improved the effectiveness of policies aimed at stabilizing the economy.
“These models allow the smoothing out of economic fluctuations through financial and monetary policies,” the committee stated.
The Nobel Prizes are awarded annually in six different categories.
The announcements for winners in various categories began last Monday, and the full list of laureates is now complete.
Since 1969, the Nobel Committee has awarded the Economics Prize 58 times to individuals and institutions in recognition of their significant contributions.
The youngest laureate to receive the prize was Esther Duflo in 2019, who was 46 at the time.
Leonid Hurwicz holds the record as the oldest laureate in this category, receiving the award in 2007 at the age of 90.
Other Winners This Year
Image source, Getty Images
Caption, Nawantam Navi Pille is the 21st woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize
Medicine: American psychologist and neuroscientist Karl Deisseroth along with his German colleagues Peter Hegemann and Georg Nagel were honored for their significant contributions in the field of optogenetics.
Physics: Francis Halzen, born in Belgium and teaching in the United States, was recognized for founding the ‘IceCube Neutrino Observatory’ and discovering high-energy neutrinos in space.
Chemistry: French scientist Henri B. Kagan and Japanese scientist Kenso Soai were honored for uncovering the mysteries of chemical asymmetry in living organisms.
Literature: Canadian N. Carson was recognized for their “bold and innovative work creating new forms of contemporary literature through engaging dialogue with classical traditions.”
Peace: South African Nawantam Navi Pille was honored for her contributions to peace and international law promotion.
2023: Claudia Goldin received the prize for distinctive studies on women’s roles in the labor market.
2022: Ben Bernanke, Douglas Diamond, and Philip Dybvig were recognized for their research on banking and financial crises.
2021: David Card was honored for contributions to labor economics, and D. Angrist along with Guido W. Imbens for work on causal relationships.
2020: Paul Milgrom and Robert B. Wilson received the award for improvements to auction theory and the development of new auction formats.
2019: Abhijit Banerjee, Esther Duflo, and Michael Kremer were awarded for their experimental approach to alleviating global poverty.
2018: William D. Nordhaus was recognized for integrating long-term economic analysis of climate change, and Paul Romer for technical advances in long-term macroeconomic analysis.
2017: Richard Thaler received the prize for contributions to behavioral economics.
2016: Oliver Hart and Bengt Holmström for contributions to contract theory.
2015: Angus Deaton was honored for analysis of consumption, poverty, and welfare.
The Nobel Prize Decision Process
Image source, Getty Images
Caption, The Nobel Prizes are awarded on December 10 in a special ceremony, which is also the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
The prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, and Economics are awarded in Stockholm, Sweden.
The Nobel Peace Prize selection takes place in Norway and is overseen by a five-member committee appointed by the Norwegian Parliament. The Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo.
Each laureate receives an original Nobel diploma, a Nobel medal, and a cash award of 11 million Swedish kronor.
In cases where multiple laureates are honored, the prize money is divided among them, and each winner is expected to give a speech.
The Nobel Prizes are presented on December 10, in a ceremony marking the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s passing.
Due to a powerful El Niño, sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean’s ‘Niño 3.4’ region reached 29.70 degrees Celsius in September, according to Copernicus.
Copernicus reported that last September, the global average surface temperature was 16.27 degrees Celsius, 1.63 degrees above pre-industrial levels.
Carlo Buontempo warned that due to the strong El Niño, monthly temperatures could remain more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels through 2027.
October 13 (Paris) – The European Union’s climate monitoring service announced that powerful El Niño conditions have driven Pacific Ocean sea surface temperatures in a key monitoring region to record highs last September. Scientists caution that global temperatures may set new records by 2027.
According to the EU’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, sea surface temperatures in the “Niño 3.4” region reached 29.70 degrees Celsius. This exceeds levels observed during the strong El Niño events of 1982–83, 1997–98, and 2015–16. However, Copernicus noted that ongoing climate change has already elevated ocean temperatures, making it impossible yet to conclude that this is the strongest El Niño to date.
In September, the global average sea surface temperature was 21.05 degrees Celsius, while the global average surface air temperature was 16.27 degrees Celsius—1.63 degrees above pre-industrial averages.
Carlo Buontempo, director of Copernicus, stated that due to the powerful El Niño, monthly temperatures through 2027 could remain more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Scientists emphasize the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels to curb temperature rise.
El Niño is a phase of a natural climate cycle that raises temperatures. It increases Pacific Ocean surface temperatures, influencing global wind and rainfall patterns, which can escalate the risks of drought and flooding in various regions. Typically, El Niño events occur every two to seven years and last nine to twelve months.
Image source: Centre of Hydrology and Water Resources Research
Image caption: The image included in the Centre of Hydrology and Water Resources Research’s report compares the situation before and after the landslideArticle Information
Officials from the Centre of Hydrology and Water Resources Research reported tremors in the ground surrounding the Budhigandaki River in Chumnubri, Gorkha, when a landslide blocked the river’s flow.
According to Rajan Bhattarai, the centre’s Deputy Executive Director and spokesperson, seismic vibrations were recorded in the area on Sunday morning.
“Around 4:30 a.m., a signal measuring approximately 4.2 on the Richter scale was detected. Observations suggest that a landslide occurred roughly at that time,” he said. “Although it initially seemed like minor tremors, we have not emphasized them significantly.”
He noted that further investigation is required to confirm the exact cause of this event.
About one and a half months ago, during flooding in the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli region, seismic activity was also detected in the Langtang Lirung area. Initially, it was suspected that the earthquakes caused landslides, but later scientific analysis confirmed that the tremors were caused by landslides.
A situation report issued by the centre on Saturday night shows that a landslide had occurred near Tumje in Chumnubri, a tributary area of Budhigandaki in Gorkha.
“Preliminary information and satellite image observations indicate that the landslide blocked the river’s flow, causing water to accumulate and leading to sudden releases as the blockage weakened or collapsed,” the report stated, calling for further studies.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority confirmed that the landslide from Siringe Himal, located between Lokpa of Chumnubri-6 and Chumdeling, has blocked the local Uingulung Khola stream.
Several media outlets have also reported the occurrence of an avalanche in Chumnubri.
“We have only confirmed a landslide and the satellite images analyzed clearly show a landslide,” said spokesperson Bhattarai. “Due to extensive cloud cover in satellite images, it is unclear whether some parts of the glacier above also fell.”
Rescue Operation Underway
Image source: Nepal Army
Image caption: The Nepal Army rescued 95 people, including local residents and foreign tourists, on Sunday
Officials have confirmed that search and rescue efforts continued on Monday in the affected area.
Ram KC, head of the Disaster Response Branch at the authority, explained that people stranded by flood-blocked routes are being evacuated to safer locations.
According to KC, the flood has impacted three local administrative areas in Gorkha: Chumnubri, Dharche, and Arughat. Although road access was cut off in certain places due to collapsed bridges, eight truckloads of relief supplies were delivered to Arughat by Sunday evening.
“Approximately 300 people in Gorkha and Dhading have been affected and the first phase of relief has already reached them.”
“In remote areas where road networks are disconnected, relief materials are being delivered by Nepal Army helicopters as of Monday,” KC added.
He highlighted travel difficulties in Arughat and Chumnubri due to the collapse of permanent bridges.
Preparations are underway to install a 22-meter-long Bailey bridge in Arughat to temporarily restore traffic, with work expected to begin shortly.
Seven people, including two women and five men from Chumnubri, remain unaccounted for due to the flooding. On Sunday, the Nepal Army evacuated 95 individuals, including nine foreign nationals, from the affected region.
Continuous Monitoring
Image source: NDRRMA
Image caption: Officials report that 45 houses have been completely destroyed due to the sudden flooding from Budhigandaki
Deputy Executive Director and spokesperson Bhattarai of the Centre of Hydrology and Water Resources Research noted that the landslide area on Sunday was identified as a zone with high seismic risk.
“The loose soil made the area susceptible to landslides,” he explained.
Some analysts suggest that the soil in the mountainous and hilly regions has weakened since the 2015 earthquake, raising fears that similar events may recur.
The epicenter of that earthquake was near Barpak, Gorkha.
Regarding the ongoing risk, Bhattarai stated, “It cannot be ruled out. The area was already at risk. However, in this particular incident, the danger appears to have decreased.”
KC from the disaster authority also noted that the risk is lower on Monday compared to Sunday.
“On Sunday, the river was blocked causing water to accumulate. On Monday, that condition is not present,” he said.
“Yet, we continue to monitor the situation closely.”
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In South Australia, assaults on police officers on duty have risen from 635 to 793 incidents over the 12 months leading up to August 2026. Meanwhile, robbery cases have decreased by 13 percent, falling from 501 to 438. However, unauthorized home intrusions and burglaries have increased, going from 5,584 to 5,947 cases. Sexual offenses have also seen a slight rise, increasing from 2,704 to 2,718. (October 13, Sydney)
According to data released by South Australia Police, there has been a 25 percent increase in assaults against police officers. Attacks on police have been steadily rising throughout the year. Robberies have dropped by 16 percent, while homicides and related offenses have declined by 21 percent.
Shoplifting and theft from commercial establishments have decreased by 3 percent, but burglaries in residential homes have notably increased. Theft incidents have also risen in non-residential buildings and premises. Sexual offenses experienced a modest increase. Assistant Commissioner David O’Donovan of South Australia Police stated that targeted law enforcement actions against repeat offenders have contributed to the ongoing reduction in robberies. He added, “We will continue to make persistent efforts to reduce such crimes in the coming days.”
