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Israeli Military Claims Killing Hamas Commander Abu Osama and Four Other Members

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

Summary: The Israeli military claims to have killed five Hamas members, including a commander, during operations in the Gaza Strip. Recently, the Israeli army and Shin Bet have intensified counterterrorism operations in Gaza. According to reports, Hamas military commander Ahmed al-Batsh was targeted by Israeli forces. Kathmandu, 30 September.

The Israeli army announced that during ongoing operations in the Gaza Strip, five Hamas members were killed. The military reported that a commander was among those killed in Monday’s operations against Hamas. According to The Times of Israel, both the Israeli army and the internal security agency Shin Bet have recently stepped up anti-terror operations in Gaza.

Reports published by BBC identify Ahmed al-Batsh as the Hamas military commander targeted. “He was also known by the name Abu Osama,” the report states, “and sources affiliated with Hamas have confirmed his death.” Iran’s Fars News Agency, citing Gaza Al-Aan on Monday night, said Ahmed al-Batsh was a commander of Hamas’ armed unit, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades. The news agency reported that he was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Al Jazeera stated that Ahmed al-Batsh was killed when a car on Al-Saftawi Street, north of Gaza City, was targeted.

Many Areas of Rasuwa Isolated After Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Floods, Risk of Famine Looms

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

Local representatives in Rasuwa district have reported that several areas have been cut off following the flood that struck on September 26. The Bhote Koshi-Trishuli rivers’ floods destroyed key bridges on major road networks connecting Rasuwa, leaving no accessible routes for delivering relief, a situation they conveyed to Prime Minister Balendra Shah “Balen.” After the bridges over the Trishuli River were swept away, reaching Rasuwa’s district headquarters in Dhunche now requires traveling a longer, winding, and unpaved road from Nuwakot’s Chaughera, crossing the Likhu River, then passing through Narja, Lathyang, and Sarmathali to reach Kalikasthan.

Numerous vehicles carrying relief materials have been seen being pulled over obstacles by other vehicles on this challenging route, footage of which has been widely shared on social media. Due to the lack of road connectivity, Kaising Nurpu Tamang, Chairperson of Gosaikunda Rural Municipality in Rasuwa, was unable to attend the meeting called by the Prime Minister. Participating virtually from Dhunche during the call, Tamang stated over the phone, “The problem is the road. The road cannot be connected.” He added, “Continuous relief aid via helicopter is not sustainable, so the priority must be restoring road access with everyone’s support.” On the twentieth day after the flood, the federal government held a meeting at Singha Durbar with representatives from 15 affected local governments. Leaders from Rasuwa, Dhading, and Tanahun districts urged the federal government to prioritize temporary shelters and rehabilitation for displaced people.

Rasuwa’s representatives emphasized the urgent need to restore the road network. Madhav Aryal, Chairperson of Uttar Gaya Rural Municipality, highlighted, “Some of our areas are not connected to the transportation network, causing difficulties in transporting essential goods like food and medicine.” He warned, “If road access is not quickly reestablished, a large population could face the risk of famine.” Aryal pointed out that without proper roads, patients, pregnant women, and new mothers are particularly vulnerable. Buchung Tamang, Chairperson of Amachodingmo Rural Municipality, described their situation as a blockade due to the absence of road connectivity. “We are effectively cut off. Immediate construction of Bailey bridges and suspension bridges is necessary,” he said.

During discussions with the Prime Minister, Infrastructure Development Minister Sunil Lamsal took the representatives to his ministry. Aryal and Tamang noted that the ministry identified critical locations and plans to commence bridge construction immediately. Prime Minister Shah affirmed that the government is persistently working to restore road connectivity in the affected areas rapidly and expressed confidence that once roads are operational, residents will be able to return to normal life more easily.

Major Areas of Rasuwa Blockaded Following Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Floods, Threatening Food Shortages

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

People walking through areas affected by flood

Image source, EPA/Shutterstock

Local representatives from Rasuwa district report that following the floods on September 26, many areas in the district have been effectively blockaded.

The floods of the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli Rivers swept away key bridges on the major road networks connecting Rasuwa, leaving the district without any road access to deliver aid. This grievance was raised with Prime Minister Balendra Shah ‘Balen’.

After the bridges over the Trishuli River were destroyed, the only way to reach Rasuwa’s headquarters, Dhunche, is via a circuitous, unpaved road stretching from Nuwakot’s Chaughada through Likhu Khola, Narsa, Lathyang, and Sarmathali, eventually reaching Kalikasthan.

Many vehicles carrying relief supplies struggle on this alternate route, sometimes requiring assistance from other vehicles to cross difficult patches, footage of which has circulated widely on social media.

Due to lack of viable roads, Kaisang Nurpu Tamang, Chairperson of Gosainkunda Rural Municipality in Rasuwa, was unable to attend a discussion convened by the Prime Minister regarding relief efforts.

US Supreme Court Blocks Trump Administration’s Proposal to Restrict Mail-In Voting

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

Summary

  • The U.S. Supreme Court has blocked President Donald Trump’s plan to impose stricter rules on mail-in voting.
  • The court rejected the Trump administration’s emergency appeal, citing concerns that implementing the rules just before the midterm elections would be arbitrary and capricious.
  • Following the ruling, election officials from both Democratic and Republican sides noted that ballots had already been printed and that last-minute rule changes would cause confusion.

September 16, Kathmandu – The U.S. Supreme Court has halted President Donald Trump’s effort to enforce stricter regulations on mail-in voting. This decision delivers a significant blow to the Trump administration’s attempt to influence voting procedures ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.

On Monday, the traditionally conservative-majority court declined to overturn a ruling by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, who had issued an injunction blocking Trump’s proposed rule changes.

The Trump administration had argued that mail-in voting was vulnerable to widespread fraud and sought to impose new rules close to the election. However, Democratic-led states and voting rights groups have argued that these measures are unconstitutional and pose a serious threat to democratic processes.

What was Trump’s proposed rule?

After signing an executive order in March, the U.S. Postal Service implemented a new policy requiring states to send voter lists to the Postal Service and use only pre-approved mail-in ballot envelopes.

If the ballots did not meet the new criteria or did not match the names registered on those lists, the Postal Service was authorized to reject those ballots.

Judge Talwani blocked the rule on grounds that it potentially violates the U.S. Constitution and is not feasible to implement so close to the midterm elections.

Subsequently, the Trump administration filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court, emphasizing the need for a strong federal policy to prevent election fraud. In late August, the court allowed limited procedural progress but had not ruled on the rule’s legality.

The Supreme Court’s latest ruling

Monday’s order, issued without a signed opinion, said the Trump administration’s challenge is unlikely to succeed on the merits.

Two of the court’s most conservative justices, Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas, dissented, supporting the enforcement of Trump’s rule.

Notably, three justices appointed by Trump himself did not support the administration’s position, and Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., also a Republican appointee, did not dissent.

Justice Brett Kavanaugh noted that with the election approaching, implementing the rule now would be arbitrary and capricious, but he left open the possibility of supporting similar policies in the future.

Relief among election officials

The ruling brought relief to election officials from both political parties who expressed concerns about logistical chaos due to last-minute rule changes. Many states had already printed ballots ahead of the election.

Dean C. Logan, California’s chief elections official, stated that the court’s decision ensures that voters can participate in mail-in voting without obstruction.

Similarly, North Carolina’s Attorney General Jeff Jackson, where ballots were already mailed out earlier this month, stressed, “Voting has already started. Changing the rules mid-election is unacceptable.”

Republican officials from traditionally mail-in states such as Utah also welcomed the decision, noting that enforcing Trump’s rule would have required changing voting options abruptly.

Trump’s continuing challenge

Though the Supreme Court’s ruling represents a setback to Trump, his broader efforts to assert federal control over election processes continue.

The attempt to scrutinize ballots via the Postal Service forms part of a larger strategy to increase federal oversight of state-run elections.

Critics argue that Trump has repeatedly spread misinformation about mail-in voting being insecure and fraudulent, even as he plans to vote by mail himself in the 2024 election.

If the rule had been enforced, thousands of voters, particularly in Democratic-leaning states, might have been disenfranchised.

(In collaboration with reports from major international outlets)

ANFA Postpones Scheduled Dharna Program

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has postponed the memorandum submission, dharna, and press conference scheduled to be held today at 11 AM at Rastriya Adhakari Prashikshan Kendra (RAKEP) until further notice. ANFA announced on Monday that the event has been deferred due to special reasons.

Since FIFA suspended ANFA on Ashad 10 (June 24) citing third-party interference, Nepalese football has been severely affected. To draw the government’s attention for lifting the suspension, ANFA had planned to submit a memorandum at RAKEP, stage a one-hour dharna involving staff, referees, and coaches, followed by a press conference. FIFA imposed the suspension due to alleged third-party interference in ANFA affairs.

How Were the Mountains in the Himalayan Range Formed?

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

The formation of mountains is a story that dates back tens of millions of years. Approximately 40 to 50 million years ago, two major tectonic plates, the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate, collided with each other. Because these continental plates have a lower density compared to oceanic plates, they could not easily slide beneath one another. The immense pressure generated by this collision caused Earth’s upper surface (the crust) to uplift, gradually transforming the surface into towering mountains.

Today, the Himalayan mountain range lies between the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian subcontinent, functioning much like a boundary. For more detailed information on this topic, be sure to watch this video.

United States Removes Emission Limits on Coal and Gas Power Plants

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

Smoke emitted from a gas power plant

Image source, Getty Images

The head of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced the removal of regulations that limit emissions from coal and gas power plants.

The agency also stated that this step is aimed at preventing future administrations from regulating emissions from power plants.

The EPA estimates that rescinding most of the climate regulations imposed during President Joe Biden’s administration will save $31 billion and decrease energy costs.

However, environmental groups warn that this move will have severe negative impacts on public health in the US as well as on the Earth’s environment. The EPA’s decision is expected to face immediate legal challenges.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin stated, “The reality is that the United States produces energy more cleanly and efficiently than any other country, and our power plants should not be unfairly targeted.”

Floods in Bhote Koshi and Trishuli: What Risks Does Rapid Himalayan Melting Pose to India’s Economy?

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

A new study reveals that the Himalayan region is entering a dangerous phase due to the accelerated melting of glaciers, unstable glacial lakes, and weak mountain monitoring systems. The findings come in the aftermath of devastating floods in Nepal and Tibet that resulted in over 1,300 fatalities and widespread destruction, highlighting growing risks stemming from the rapidly changing Himalayan environment. The report, prepared with technical support from the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the Integrated Mountain Initiative, and the G.B. Pant National Himalayan Environment Institute, shows that glacier melt rates have increased by 65 percent in the current decade.

According to the study, out of nearly 40,000 glaciers in the Himalaya-Karakoram region, only 21 are being monitored extensively and regularly. Rising temperatures cause ice at glacier margins to melt faster, and reduced snowfall leads to glacial lakes drying up. Permafrost—permanently frozen ground covered by ice—also begins to thaw with increasing temperatures, escalating hazards in high mountain areas, the report states.

In July, the Indian government informed the Constituent Assembly that by 2025, following scientific evaluations of 189 high-risk glacial lakes, 56 have been classified as “extremely high risk.” The Central Water Commission of India monitors 2,485 glacial lakes larger than 10 hectares located in Himalayan watersheds. A notable event in 2023 saw a glacial lake burst in Sikkim, leading to at least 70 deaths and significant damage to roads, bridges, and hydropower infrastructure.

The new study also sheds light on the heavy dependency on Himalayan water sources and its substantial economic impact. Himalayan water contributes about 20 percent to India’s total Gross Domestic Product (GDP), playing a vital role in wheat, rice, and tea cultivation, hydropower generation, and pilgrimage-related income. However, hilly states derive only about 5 percent of these benefits. This disparity underscores the critical need for cross-border monitoring, shared risk information systems, early warning mechanisms, and joint investments in preparedness to safeguard not only lives but also the livelihoods and economies of millions dependent on the mountains.

North Korea Claims Display of Military Strength Through Live-Fire Exercise

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

North Korea has claimed to demonstrate a ‘massive destructive power’ through a joint live-fire exercise involving missiles, artillery, and drones. The South Korean military reported that a short-range ballistic missile launched from the Wonsan area flew approximately 250 kilometers eastward over the East Sea on Saturday. The exercise was conducted a day after the joint military drills of the United States, South Korea, and Japan concluded, with experts noting an escalation in North Korea’s weapons testing. (September 15, Seoul) (RASS/AFP).

Despite US President Donald Trump’s decision to reduce military exercises with South Korea, North Korea has reportedly intensified its weapons testing, according to experts. State media, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), reported that Saturday’s exercises focused on testing the capability of an integrated weapons control system.

South Korean forces confirmed the launch of a short-range ballistic missile from the Wonsan region on the same day, which flew about 250 kilometers toward the East Sea. After inspecting the drills, North Korean Marshal Pak Jong-chun stated that the integrated weapons system showcased the capability to execute large-scale, coordinated strikes. However, independent verification of North Korea’s weapons tests remains challenging.

The exercises carried out a day after the joint US-South Korea-Japan military drills ended. In August, President Trump had ordered a significant reduction in major military drills with South Korea as part of efforts to improve relations with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Although North Korea agreed to shorten the duration of the exercises, it rejected proposals that would alter their ‘provocative and aggressive nature.’

Experts note that North Korea’s expanding nuclear arsenal and deepening relations with Russia and China have strengthened Kim’s position in potential talks with the United States compared to the past. Kim has indicated that dialogue could resume if the US abandons its ‘hostile policy’ toward North Korea and respects its status as a nuclear state.

Houthi Group Claims Missile Attacks in Southern Saudi Arabia

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

Press TV reports that Yemen’s Houthi rebels have launched a new wave of missile attacks in southern Saudi Arabia. The Saudi Civil Defense has issued a second safety warning to residents of Khamis Mushait and Abha. In a BRICS declaration, member states including Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates expressed concern over rising tensions in West Asia and urged restraint. Report dated September 15, Riyadh (RASS/ANI).

According to the Iranian state media Press TV on Monday, the Houthi rebels in Yemen have conducted fresh missile strikes targeting southern Saudi Arabia. Powerful explosions were reported in the area, prompting safety warnings for residents of the border towns. Al Jazeera stated that the Saudi Civil Defense issued a second safety alert within one hour for residents of Khamis Mushait and Abha, two cities near the Yemen border, indicating an increased risk of Houthi attacks.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree claimed on Sunday that they attacked the weapons depot and command and control center at Saudi Arabia’s Sharurah military base. According to Al Jazeera, two people were injured in the Houthi attacks on the Saudi border region. Meanwhile, hospitals in western Yemen are facing operational challenges due to violence and disruptions in the health system. Lu Cormack, Yemen director for Doctors Without Borders, reported that although some hospitals have resumed services, there is a severe shortage of healthcare workers and support staff. The lack of adequate health facilities poses a significant risk to the lives of local civilians.

Al Jazeera also reported that the Houthi group has targeted vessels related to Saudi Arabia’s oil exports in the Red Sea and Bab al-Mandeb strait. According to CBS News, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had requested U.S. President Donald Trump to launch military operations against the Houthis, but Trump declined the request. Meanwhile, the BRICS declaration released in New Delhi highlighted concern over escalating tensions in West Asia, including among Saudi Arabia, Iran, and UAE, urging restraint. The declaration emphasized the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, respect for sovereignty and regional integrity, and the importance of dialogue and diplomatic efforts for lasting peace.

The Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Flood: Unprecedented Damage Due to Extreme Speed, Flow, and Behavior

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

Flood-affected area

Photo credit: Reuters

A senior government researcher revealed that the intensity, level, and power of the flood in the Bhote Koshi and downstream Trishuli rivers originating from Tibet were beyond what is typically expected from a “once-in-a-millennium flood.”

During preliminary studies by the Water Resources and Hydrology Research Centre focusing on the Rasuwa-Bhote Koshi flood, the speed, flow, and dynamics of the event were evaluated.

“This was definitely not a typical flood. We identified three to four unique characteristics,” stated Sanjiv Baral, the centre’s Executive Director.

What Was the Nature and Magnitude of the Flood?

Map of the flood-affected area

The centre’s research identified three key distinct features of the Bhote Koshi flood, with the ninth highlighted as its unprecedented magnitude.

“Normally, for constructing houses along riverbanks, flood statistics of at least 50 years are considered, and for bridges, data for 100 years is reviewed. However, this flood surpassed even the mildest floods of the last 1,000 years. Hence, it was much more devastating than any conceivable extreme flood,” Baral explained.

France Plans Ban on Social Media Use for Children Under 15

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

News Summary

Reviewed.

  • The French government has proposed a new law to ban social media use for children under 15 years old.
  • President Emmanuel Macron informed the European Commission of the revised draft and expects the ban to be implemented next year.
  • After the Constitutional Council annulled the previous law citing excessive interference with freedom of expression, the government has prepared a new draft with legal and technical improvements.

September 19, Paris (RSP/AFP) – The French government has introduced a new legal proposal to prohibit social media use by children under the age of 15. President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday that the government has submitted a revised draft to the European Commission. This move follows the annulment of a previous law by the Constitutional Council.

Macron has made preventing the negative impact of social media on children and teenagers a top priority. He expressed hope that the ban would be enforced before the end of his current presidential term next year.

Last August, France’s Constitutional Council invalidated parts of the earlier law on the grounds that certain provisions excessively interfered with freedom of expression. In response, the government has developed a new draft that incorporates legal and technical adjustments.

Macron has also urged other European Union member states to adopt similar measures to protect children from social media exposure. The new proposal has been communicated to the Commission to ensure compatibility with European Union regulations.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to address potential EU-wide restrictions on social media use for children during a speech in Brussels this week. Concerns over the adverse effects of social media on young people are mounting, prompting several countries to implement measures limiting access.

Congress Alternative Group Forms Three Committees Ahead of 15th General Convention

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Business.

The Nepali Congress alternative faction has established three committees — Discipline, Drafting of Constitution, and Membership Management — to prepare for the 15th General Convention. Dr. Shashank Koirala appointed Padmanarayan Chaudhary as the Coordinator of the Discipline Committee, Shivprasad Humagain as Coordinator of the Drafting Committee, and Kiranraj Sharma to oversee Membership Management. These details were provided by Deepakprasad Kuikel, the Contact Office Coordination Coordinator for the group. (29 Bhadra, Kathmandu)

The alternative faction of the Nepali Congress has formed three dedicated committees as part of preparations for the party’s 15th General Convention. Dr. Shashank Koirala, the Chairperson of the convention preparation committee, announced the coordinators for the Discipline Committee, Drafting Committee of the party constitution, and Membership Management Committee. Padmanarayan Chaudhary leads the Discipline Committee, Shivprasad Humagain oversees the Drafting Committee, and Kiranraj Sharma heads Membership Management. These appointments were confirmed by Deepakprasad Kuikel, the contact office coordinator of the group led by Dr. Koirala.

Was Evidence Linking a Saudi Spy to the 9/11 Attacks Suppressed by the FBI?

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

Did the FBI conceal evidence indicating the involvement of a Saudi ‘spy’ in the 9/11 attacks? Omar al-Bayoumi has consistently denied being a Saudi agent or an extremist. However, new evidence uncovered in an investigation sheds light on his activities in the United States prior to the September 11, 2001 attacks, and his connections with al-Qaeda leaders and Saudi officials.

Controversy Over Serving Only Vegetarian Food at BRICS Summit Explained

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

News Summary

Well-reviewed analysis.

  • Following the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, opposition parties in India have criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s China policy, diplomatic transparency, and the menu served at the summit.
  • The 11-member BRICS group adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026, urging restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy to address tensions in the Middle East.
  • A bilateral dialogue between Iran and the United Arab Emirates during the summit is considered a significant diplomatic achievement for India.

September 14, Kathmandu – The 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi has sparked internal political controversy in India. The high-level meeting at India Mandapam saw spirited debate between the ruling and opposition parties regarding diplomatic successes and the food served during the event.

Leaders from various countries, including Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, participated in the summit. After its conclusion, opposition parties have criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government over their China policy, diplomatic transparency, and the dinner menu.

The Indian National Congress and the Samajwadi Party have raised fundamental questions about the achievements of the BRICS summit and the diplomatic style of the Indian government. Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav claimed that no concrete or significant outcomes emerged from the event.

‘There have been no significant achievements. If these BRICS nations collectively had been able to stop the Russia-Ukraine war or mediate the conflict involving Iran, it would have been a major accomplishment,’ Yadav said.

He added, ‘These wars are having global repercussions; negatively impacting economies, and no region in the world can remain unaffected by them.’

Despite such criticism, the 11-member BRICS group adopted the New Delhi Declaration 2026. The declaration expressed grave concern over rising tensions in the Middle East and called for restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy. It also emphasized safeguarding civilian infrastructure and maintaining global trade, supply chains, and energy flows.

The bilateral agreement between Iran and the UAE to resolve the West Asian conflict is viewed as a significant diplomatic success for India.

During the summit, bilateral talks were held in New Delhi between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marking notable progress in diplomatic relations between Tehran and Abu Dhabi.

Alongside diplomatic achievements, the food served at the summit also sparked political controversy. Opposition parties, including Congress, criticized the gala dinner at India Mandapam for offering only vegetarian dishes. They alleged that imposing vegetarian food on international guests suppressed India’s multicultural culinary heritage by excluding non-vegetarian items.

Congress leader Pawan Khera questioned the Modi government on social media platform X, asking, ‘Why is the government ashamed of India’s diversity?’

‘The BJP’s long-standing practice of imposing dietary preferences on Indian citizens is problematic. Now they are imposing their dietary choices on distinguished global guests. India is a rich, diverse country with a wide range of non-vegetarian dishes loved worldwide. So why is the Modi government trying to conceal this cultural aspect? Are they embarrassed to honor India’s diversity?’ Khera questioned.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi also posted a photo of chole bhature on X without mentioning the summit or menu directly, mocking the situation. He wrote, ‘For your information: 80 percent of Indians are non-vegetarians. Indian non-vegetarian food is extremely delicious, just like the chole bhature my sister makes.’

Other opposition leaders also condemned the government’s decision. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra tweeted, ‘If I advised the visiting BRICS leaders to skip this menu and instead get some bad kebabs delivered to them via security personnel from nearby Karim’s, would I be considered a bad MP?’

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi, though vegetarian herself, shared her own experience of having to request vegetarian options separately at international events.

‘Keeping with the spirit of “Atithi Devo Bhava,” it would be best to offer guests alternative options. However, all guests understand the limitations of the event,’ Chaturvedi wrote.

Following the opposition’s criticisms, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) defended the vegetarian menu and accused the opposition of ‘playing politics over food.’

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote on X, ‘It is unbelievable that the Congress Party is politicizing the menu served to BRICS leaders. Our guests greatly appreciated the diverse regional traditions, flavors, and nutritious presentation of Indian vegetarian cuisine.’

The BJP accused the opposition of focusing on the menu after failing to question India’s diplomatic achievements, the discussions on global challenges, or consensus reached among BRICS members.

The dinner hosted by Prime Minister Modi on Saturday featured exclusively vegetarian dishes. The menu started with Khandvi Mille-feuille and Khumb Galouti.

The main course included paneer lababdar, guchhi maharash, carrot bean poriyal, thakkali belle saru, millet pulao, beetroot raita, and a variety of Indian breads.

Desserts included Old Delhi style fruit cream, jalebi, and sahatoot firni. The menu featured culinary traditions from the Himalayan region, South India, and Old Delhi. International dishes such as penne al pomodoro e panna, pearl millet with haricot beans, and baked vegetable au gratin were also included.

However, the vegetarian meal at India Mandapam was not the sole option for visiting delegations. Hotels accommodating the leaders and their teams arranged menus catering to individual preferences.

According to executive chef Kaushik Mishra of the Taj Mahal Hotel, the culinary preferences of each delegation were researched for months.

‘This menu serves as a language of friendship, acquainting visitors with Indian spices, herbs, flowers, regional traditions, and home-made flavors, while also recognizing their own culinary cultures,’ Mishra explained.

He added that an India Friendship menu with meat dishes like nalli nihari and almond paper fries was created for in-room dining.

Rumors circulated on social media claiming Chinese President Xi Jinping skipped the vegetarian dinner, with some alleging he went to Taj Palace to eat mutton curry and chapli kebab by car. However, official sources stated that President Xi was absent due to exhaustion from a long flight and his busy schedule with the summit and bilateral talks with Modi.

This is not the first time India has served an entirely vegetarian meal at an international conference. In May 2026, a similar meal was served during the reception for Vietnamese President Vo Lam, and the 2023 G20 summit heavily featured millet-based vegetarian food.

However, during the informal Modi-Xi summit at Mamallapuram in Tamil Nadu in 2019, meat dishes like chicken and goat were included. Similar practices occur in other countries as well. In 2023, US President Joe Biden hosted a plant-based meal honoring Modi at the White House, and the UAE served vegetarian food welcoming Modi.

(In collaboration with Indian media sources)