In the cosmetics industry, five new lipstick styles—ombre lips, blur lips, and glossy finishes—are gaining significant popularity this year. Various makeup techniques are employed to enhance facial appeal, but sometimes a lipstick alone can transform the entire face. For this reason, lipstick is considered one of the most influential beauty products. Over time, the colors, textures, and application styles have evolved. A few years ago, bold matte lipsticks dominated, while now, natural-looking, softly blended, and glossy finishes are trending.
Every year, lipstick style trends generate much discussion. This time too, five lipstick styles have secured their places among the top trends. Ombre lips are currently one of the most talked-about trends. This style uses two contrasting lipstick shades. Typically, a darker color such as dark brown, plum, or deep red is applied to the outer parts of the lips, while a lighter nude, pink, or peach shade is used in the center. The two colors are then gently blended to create a natural gradient. Lips styled this way appear fuller, softer, and more attractive. This look is especially suitable for evening parties, weddings, festivals, or photoshoots.
Blur lips, popularized by K-Beauty (Korean beauty) trends, have now become a global phenomenon. In this style, lipstick is applied only to the center of the lips and then gradually spread outward using a finger or brush. This technique softens the outer lip edges, creating a subtle, blurred, natural effect. The style is particularly ideal for everyday wear. For those who want a fresh, soft, and natural look without heavy makeup, blur lips are an excellent choice.
Although matte lipsticks remained popular for several years, the glossy look is now making a comeback. Particularly, the “vinyl finish,” which produces highly shiny lips, is increasingly visible on social media. This involves applying a nude or bold lipstick of choice, followed by a thin transparent lip gloss layer. This combination makes lips look luminous, juicy, and healthy. Many favor this style during summer, casual meetups, or when opting for light makeup. The 1990s’ brown nude shades continue to revive as old fashion trends return. This year, lipstick shades such as chocolate brown, caramel nude, terracotta, and mocha, all popular in the 1990s, are back in the spotlight. These tones blend well with a variety of skin colors. They are suitable for office settings, formal occasions, or no-makeup looks. Since these shades aren’t too dark and enhance the face naturally, their daily use is on the rise.
Red lipstick never goes out of fashion, but this year, its application style has shifted slightly. The current trend pairs minimal base makeup, light mascara or eyeliner, with a striking cherry red or wine red lipstick. This approach makes the face look attractive, confident, and glamorous without heavy makeup. It is a favored style for special occasions, formal events, or evening outings.
In Ukraine, rescuers are actively searching for fragments of missiles. Ukrainian rescuers are looking for debris from a missile reportedly launched by Russian forces that resulted in the deaths of three children. This incident occurred near Kryvyi Rih, the hometown of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
According to Zelensky, Russian forces launched over 70 missiles and more than 280 drones in a single night. In response, rescuers are making efforts to locate missile fragments amid this assault.
Actress and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has sparked controversy with her remarks targeting the ‘Gen Z’ generation and the students protesting against the NEET exam paper leak. After labeling the protesting youth as the ‘gutter generation’ and expressing her disapproval of their conduct and language, she faced widespread criticism across the country. Amid growing backlash, Kangana issued a clarification stating that she opposes indecent behavior and believes everyone should maintain decorum.
Kangana Ranaut is once again at the center of controversy. A few days ago, students protested the NEET paper leak at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. In reference to this protest and the ‘Gen Z’ generation, she used controversial language. She criticized the language used in the protest and various viral video reels, dubbing the younger generation the ‘gutter generation.’
Through an Instagram story and media interactions, Kangana targeted the protesting youths, saying, ‘I have never seen such strange and terrible behavior in my life. Who gave birth to these young people? They belong to the gutter generation. These girls can’t even become good homemakers.’ This statement provoked strong criticism from various groups and political parties nationwide.
Kangana further criticized some viral reels posted by young women involved in the protests and called them part of the ‘gutter generation.’ She accused these women of being influenced by Western culture, stating, ‘These young women consume intoxicants and alcohol in the name of freedom and flaunt it on social media. They imitate women who work hard.’ After watching these viral reels, Kangana felt the need for a ‘digital detox.’
Experts have recently expressed serious concern over the rising incidents of cruelty toward animals by children under 18 years of age. A recent case involved a video going viral on social media showing a minor exhibiting cruel behavior toward a grazing bull. The incident took place in Baitadi, where the bull fell off a cliff and died. Police arrested a 16-year-old minor who had attempted to push the bull off the cliff.
Similarly, in Baishakh 2082 (April-May 2025), there was an incident in Rolpa where a dog was cruelly hanged from a tree and tortured to death, involving minors. Although those involved were arrested, they were released within a few days. Recent cases have revealed minors participating in brutal acts such as beating dogs mercilessly, burying animals alive, and throwing them off bridges or cliffs. Since minors cannot be legally punished as adults, most cases result only in warnings or minor penalties.
According to psychologists, cruelty toward animals among children is linked to more significant social and psychological factors than mere mischief. Children raised in violent environments, subjected to abuse, or frequently exposed to violent content on social media are more prone to exhibiting these negative behaviors. Psychologist Grishma Paneru explained that social media, changing lifestyles, and weak communication with guardians are substantially impacting children’s mental health today.
Experts agree that this cruelty toward animals is a multifaceted problem connected not only to legal issues but also to mental health, family environment, social learning, the education system, and community roles. Therefore, they believe that punishment alone cannot provide a solution.
Ukrainian drones launched an attack on the Wildberries warehouse located in Russia’s Penza region. According to Oleg Melnichenko, the governor of the Penza region, one person was injured in the attack. The governor reported, “The drones carried out a terrorist attack on the Wildberries warehouse,” adding that around 200 employees were safely evacuated.
Governor Oleg Melnichenko wrote via the Max messaging app, “According to initial reports, one person has been injured. Approximately 200 employees have been safely evacuated.” Following the attack, a fire broke out at the warehouse, and firefighting efforts are currently ongoing.
14 Shrawan, Kathmandu – Ravi Lamichhane, chairperson of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has called a meeting with RSP members of parliament representing Madhesh and Koshi provinces. The MPs have been summoned to the parliamentary party office in Singha Durbar from 4:45 PM onwards for this meeting. It has been stated that the meeting is convened to discuss the prevailing issues in Sunsari and the Madhesh region. The RSP parliamentary party has issued a circular with a ‘special directive’ making attendance mandatory for all MPs, indicating that members will be given specific guidance, directions, and appeals during the session.
Caption, Peace rally held in Butwal on WednesdayArticle Information
Communal violence is rising in Sunsari and surrounding districts, and some security experts say the state must adopt special “prudence” to prevent these incidents from recurring.
Discussions with security experts reveal that areas in Parsa, Rautahat, Sunsari, Kapilvastu, and Banke have been identified as sensitive zones from the perspective of communal tension.
In these sensitive areas, it is essential to strengthen government presence, increase dialogue and interaction with local communities, and quickly intervene to halt activities negatively impacting social harmony.
Even though the state has adopted measures in advance, considering local social and demographic compositions to prevent the spread of such tensions, there appear to be weaknesses in these measures in recent years.
Despite all-party commitments made on Wednesday to maintain peace in Sunsari, security experts express concern that without serious government commitment, such declarations may remain limited and incidents could recur.
Tensions Also in Dhanusha and Siraha
After communal tension erupted late Sunday night in Sunsari, the local administration imposed a curfew at designated locations. Following increased tension on Thursday in Dhanusha and Siraha, the administrations there imposed indefinite curfew orders.
Assistant Chief District Officer Chetaraj Baral confirmed that a person died from gunshot wounds during Thursday’s clash in Golbazar, Siraha.
The Nepal Police reported that a person injured during Sunday’s incident in Sunsari passed away while undergoing treatment on Thursday.
Former Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha stated, “We must always be vigilant against attempts to disrupt social harmony or push society towards conflict. No one should play games with these issues.”
On Sunday, during clashes between youths of two different religious beliefs in Kapatan Ganj, Sunsari, police intervention resulted in one local youth’s death and several injuries.
Since then, the area has remained tense with heightened security measures and regular patrols by the Nepal Army.
Sensitive Areas
Photo credit, Jugesh Babu
Caption, Several areas in Sunsari have been unsettled following Sunday’s incident
According to retired Nepal Army Assistant Rathi Narayan Silwal, social balance had been maintained through political prudence in certain areas of Parsa, Rautahat, Sunsari, Kapilvastu, and Banke in the past.
Silwal explains, “From the Panchayat era up until some time ago, leaders of relevant communities in sensitive areas were included, trusted, and their grievances addressed.”
“Incidents similar to those seen recently in Sunsari have occurred before, and efforts were made to resolve them by engaging local leaders before any military deployment became necessary.”
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and security personnel suggested political solutions to the Sunsari incident.
Following Thursday’s Security Council meeting, a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said, “To prevent such incidents in the future, all security agencies and stakeholders will coordinate effectively to maintain social harmony and national unity.”
Former Police Chief Thakur Prasad Gyawali also emphasized the need for strict state surveillance over activities in sensitive regions.
He stated, “Presence of security forces alone is not enough. Interaction and coordination through administrative staff and local government with communities must increase.”
Muslim Commission Chairman Mahmadin Ali expressed skepticism that divisive activities harming social harmony are originating solely from within the communities.
He said, “I suspect external interference on both sides. Some individuals are inciting religious communities for personal or political gain. This requires investigation.”
On One Side Harmony, On the Other Politics
Former Home Minister Shrestha believes two main factors are driving these tensions.
According to him, “Our society is founded on religious tolerance and social harmony. Yet, external forces sometimes attempt to manipulate these issues, and growing societal unrest also fuels such incidents.”
When asked to clarify “external manipulation,” he noted, “It is understood that the state and stakeholders were informed about this earlier.”
Former Police Chief Gyawali warned that although normalcy might return temporarily, the risk of recurrence remains.
He added, “Since religious matters run deep, it is not easy to address them, and it is better if individuals with political interests do not exploit religious sentiments.”
Retired Rathi Silwal noted he does not foresee the situation worsening seriously. “Our social culture is based on coexistence.”
“Religious leaders of both Hindu and Muslim communities have played an active role in maintaining peace and harmony, which is a positive sign. The peace rally in Butwal exemplifies this.”
Challenges Remain
Caption, The Devanaganj area of Sunsari has been unsettled for several days
Although religious harmony has long been an integral part of Nepal’s social and cultural fabric, it is not without challenges. Especially when state vigilance weakens, the risk of deterioration rises.
Former Minister Shrestha emphasizes that the government, political parties, society, and religious organizations must unite during such times. According to him, “The primary responsibility lies with the government. Elements deliberately spreading chaos must be controlled and an environment conducive to social harmony must be fostered.”
Retired Rathi Silwal also believes a serious deterioration is unlikely but stresses that security agencies must enhance their monitoring systems. He recommends the government build trust-based continuous dialogue with local communities and political leadership.
“Regular dialogue, grievance redressal, and necessary discussions must be institutionalized by the government, local administration, and security agencies,” he says.
Silwal also highlights the need for security agencies to be fully informed about the influence of local leaders. “This enables situations to be managed easily.”
Muslim Commission Chairman Ali stresses the importance of stricter state surveillance in some Terai-Madhesh areas. “No religion advocates harming others. Coexistence has been practiced for a long time. If there is any infiltration, it must be eliminated.”
Former Police Chief Gyawali describes how politics unnecessarily interferes in such matters. According to him, without long-term solutions, all-party resolutions on social harmony risk remaining superficial.
He adds, “Seeking quick fixes might destabilize the system itself.”
Nepali footballers Ananta Tamang and Eric Bhist have signed with Fortis FC Limited in Bangladesh. The players have agreed to participate in the Bangladesh Premier League as well as the preliminary round of the AFC Challenge League. Due to the absence of a top division league in Nepal, players are compelled to play in foreign leagues. Kathmandu, July 28.
Nepali footballers Ananta Tamang and Eric Bhist have contracted with the Bangladeshi club Fortis FC Limited. Fortis FC has signed defender Ananta and midfielder Eric for the Bangladesh Premier League. Both players have already arrived in Bangladesh for the league. Ananta played in the Bangladesh league last season with Fortis, while Eric played for Brothers Union. This will be the first time both play together for the same club in the Bangladeshi league. They have previously played together in Nepal’s national team as well as domestic leagues.
The Bangladesh league will run for approximately six months. Eric stated that they have agreements to play both in the league and the preliminary stage of the AFC Challenge League. From Bangladesh, Bangladesh Police FC and Fortis FC will compete in the preliminary round of the AFC Challenge League. Fortis will face Kyrgyzstan’s Muras United on August 11, while Bangladesh Police will play Syria’s Al-Hiat Ahly. Winning these matches will allow them to advance to the main stage of the AFC Challenge League. The Bangladesh football league is scheduled to start at the end of August. Nepal has not been able to conduct a top division league for a long time, and the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) remains suspended by FIFA. With limited football activities in Nepal, players have moved abroad to participate in other countries’ leagues.
With the festival season of 2026 approaching, it is essential for brands to adopt new and effective strategies on social media to expand their reach and boost sales. Utilizing TikTok’s ‘Trends’ tool to understand viral content and collaborating with influencers is considered highly important for establishing a brand on TikTok. Creating trend-based content that differs from traditional advertising and analyzing analytics to respond to customer queries can significantly broaden a brand’s reach. Kathmandu, July 29.
As the second half of 2026 begins and the festival season draws near, brands are preparing strategies to increase their reach and sales. Given the constant evolution in social media usage, it is necessary to move beyond traditional methods and establish a presence via new apps. TikTok, in particular, is extremely popular among younger audiences. There are several key ways to establish a brand presence on TikTok. First and foremost, understanding current TikTok trends is crucial. TikTok’s free ‘Trends’ tool can be utilized to identify viral topics across various domains.
Similarly, TikTok’s ‘Top Ads’ list provides insight into high-performing advertisements. Comments on these ads offer clear information about consumer desires. The second step is to compile a list of viral topics and video formats, which reveals the types of video styles other brands are using. The third strategy involves collaborating with influencers. On TikTok, influencers or creators often have greater influence than brands themselves. The ‘TikTok Trends’ tool makes it easy to identify popular creators within your sector.
Only after thorough research should brands proceed to develop a clear strategy as the fourth step. Direct commercial advertising alone on TikTok may not be particularly effective. Brands need to continually research ongoing discussions and trends within the app. Finally, it is essential to analyze video analytics. New content should be created based on videos that have demonstrated outstanding performance according to the data. Producing videos that address questions relevant to the audience greatly expands brand reach.
Communal tensions, which initially erupted in Dewanganj of Sunsari district, have now spread across several districts in Madhesh Province. Following the death of one person, the unrest has persisted for several days. According to DSP Chandra Khadka, the spokesperson for Sunsari District Police, another injured individual died during treatment on Thursday. Along with Sunsari, similar communal tensions have been reported in Siraha and Dhanusha districts in Madhesh Province. Curfew has been imposed in various local levels and marketplaces across these districts. Assistant Chief District Officer Chetaraj Baral confirmed that a person was shot and killed in Golbazar of Siraha. This brings the total number of fatalities from gunfire to three.
Curfews are currently in effect in Siraha and Dhanusha districts. There were protests in Saptari on Wednesday. According to Madhuri Mahto, a correspondent based in Birgunj, the situation in Janakpurdham, Dhanusha, has become increasingly tense since early Thursday morning due to escalating demonstrations. Protesters have set tires ablaze and blocked main roads at various locations, disrupting markets, businesses, and vehicular movement. Clashes between police and demonstrators prompted the District Administration Office in Dhanusha to impose an indefinite curfew in sensitive areas of Janakpurdham to prevent potential unrest. The Chief District Officer of Siraha has also announced a curfew. The curfew restricts all types of movement, gatherings, processions, protests, assemblies, and sit-ins within the designated areas.
The local administration has urged the general public to “stay indoors except for essential services, refrain from believing rumors, and cooperate with security agencies.” Security measures have also been heightened in other districts including Bara and Parsa. The District Administration Office in Parsa has imposed a curfew in sensitive zones of Birgunj Metropolitan City. Per the order of Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal and decisions of the District Security Committee, the curfew was implemented from 5 PM on Thursday, July 29 (Saun 14) until 6 AM on Friday, July 30 (Saun 15).
As tensions rise, various political parties, social figures, and organizations have called for restraint. Former King Gyanendra Shah expressed concern upon hearing news of the unrest affecting daily life. He stated, “Nepal, a country where all communities have coexisted, facing such undesirable incidents is worrying. Therefore, regardless of the region we reside in, we must all Nepalis move forward together; this is our objective and a necessity of the present day.”
In Parliament, opposition parties voiced grave concerns over the incidents and criticized the government. They demanded accountability from the Prime Minister and Home Minister, who have remained silent, calling for them to provide explanations in Parliament. Congress Chief Whip Basana Thapa remarked, “What kind of situation is this, where citizens are shot and killed? The government must answer Parliament regarding this and take full responsibility.” Communist Party leader Gopal Sharma questioned the role of the government and Prime Minister in these incidents. He added, “The Prime Minister should have come to Parliament to inform the nation. But ironically, nobody knows where our Prime Minister is or what he is doing—neither the Parliament nor the public.”
Brendon McCullum was removed as the coach of the England Test team earlier this month following a string of poor performances and some off-field controversies. Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has been appointed as the head coach of England’s Test cricket team. Joe Root has been reinstated as captain of the Test team; he is the country’s most successful Test captain. Fleming said, “This is one of the most prestigious coaching roles in world cricket, and I am very proud to take on this responsibility.”
Kathmandu, 14 Shrawan – Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has been named the new head coach of the England Test cricket team. Joe Root has also been reappointed as the captain of the Test side. The 53-year-old Fleming is taking on a head coach role for a national team for the first time. He has never previously worked as a national team head coach but served as the head coach of Chennai Super Kings for 17 years, leading the team to five IPL titles, a remarkable achievement.
However, Fleming will continue to serve as the head coach of England’s limited-overs (white-ball) teams. Meanwhile, the 35-year-old Root, who captained the Test team from 2017 to 2022, is England’s most successful Test captain with 27 wins in 65 matches. Upon his appointment, Fleming expressed great enthusiasm, stating, “This is one of the most prestigious roles in world cricket, and I feel honored to take on this responsibility.”
Fleming will not assume coaching duties for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan starting August 19. During this period, assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will act as interim head coach. Fleming will spend some time with his family in New Zealand and plans to travel to the UK toward the end of the summer. He will then focus on preparing for the Test series against South Africa scheduled for December. Root has welcomed the opportunity to work with Fleming and sees it as a significant inspiration. He commented, “Fleming has long demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the game. I am excited to work alongside him and contribute to creating a winning environment.”
All private educational institutions in Dhanusha district have decided to suspend classes on Friday, August 1, in response to escalating tensions. Umbrella organizations of private schools have demanded a fair investigation into recent incidents and strict action against those found guilty. This decision prioritizes the safety of students and addresses potential difficulties in commuting.
Janakpurdham, August 1 — In light of growing unrest, all educational institutions in Janakpurdham and Dhanusha district will remain closed this Friday as declared by the umbrella bodies of private educational institutions. The National PABSON, PABSON, N-PABSON, and HISAN Dhanusha jointly issued a statement on Thursday, expressing condolences to the bereaved families of victims who lost their lives in the incidents.
The statement also conveyed wishes for the speedy recovery of injured civilians and security personnel, while urging the government to conduct an impartial investigation and ensure stringent punishment for the culprits. Due to recent activities disrupting social harmony in various locations and calls for market closures by several organizations, concerns arose about the safety of students’ travel. Consequently, the statement confirms the suspension of academic activities in all private schools and campuses on August 1, Friday.
MP Ramesh Mall drew attention in the House of Representatives to the deaths of workers in Salyan and Kohalpur, calling for better labor safety measures.
He raised issues including shortages of fertilizer and cooking gas, frequent power outages, lack of doctors at hospitals, fair prices for agricultural products, and delays in post-earthquake reconstruction.
He pointed out that in Salyan, affected by the Jajarkot earthquake, residents are still forced to live in makeshift shelters due to the slow progress of housing reconstruction.
August 14, Kathmandu – Member of Parliament from the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), Ramesh Mall, has drawn the government’s attention to six pressing issues.
Speaking during an emergency session of the House of Representatives, he reported that two young men, Kamal Giri and Ghanshyam Giri, from Malneta and Harle villages in Salyan district, tragically lost their lives while retrieving scaffolding materials from a water tank at a construction site in Dang.
Subsequently, in a similar incident in Kohalpur, three Tharu brothers lost their lives. He expressed grave concern over the safety conditions of workers operating in construction sites and enclosed structures, urging the government to take notice.
He demanded proper investigation of these incidents, fair compensation for the victims’ families, mandatory adherence to workplace safety standards, effective implementation of labor inspection systems, and mandatory inclusion of all workers in contribution-based social security schemes nationwide.
Additionally, he highlighted six other issues affecting public life in parliament:
1. Farmers have not received chemical fertilizer on time; the supply is not only inadequate but extremely insufficient.
2. Consumers are facing a serious shortage of cooking gas; the supply situation is highly unsatisfactory.
3. Frequent power outages are causing hardships for the public, with ongoing problems also persisting in communication services.
4. Salayan hospital has been without doctors for months. This is the fourth time he is raising this issue with the government’s attention.
5. Commercial potato farmers are not receiving fair prices. Imported potatoes from neighboring countries are dominating the market, putting local farmers at a disadvantage. There is a need for effective policies to protect domestic agricultural products and determine fair pricing.
6. In Darma Rural Municipality of Salyan, affected by the Jajarkot earthquake, housing reconstruction has seen no progress. A manifesto prepared by the municipality as per legal procedure has not been approved by the federal government. Despite repeated requests to send technical staff, there has been no action for three months. Due to government inaction, residents continue to live without proper shelter. He stressed that this matter requires urgent and serious attention from the government of Nepal.
Following a successful heart transplant in a young boy in Ukraine, a touching story has emerged. A mother could not hold back her tears upon hearing her deceased daughter’s heart beating inside another child’s chest. The donor family belonged to the family of the late daughter, and their meeting became an incredibly emotional moment.
The 12-year-old boy, Nazar, who received the heart transplant, had been seriously ill for the past three years. He suffered from blood cancer, severe pneumonia, and later developed heart problems. Doctors concluded that a heart transplant was the only way to save his life. When the family of the deceased daughter decided to donate organs, Nazar received a healthy heart, and the transplant was successfully performed.
Ratna Singh, spokesperson of the Cockroach Janata Party, has filed a complaint about receiving continuous death threats and abusive messages. She stated that hateful messages on social media do not affect her and have instead made her mentally stronger.
Through her Twitter handle, Ratna Singh wrote, ‘My DMs are filled with death threats, abuses, hateful tweets, and comments. However, none of these affect me anymore. There can be no criticism or judgment greater than our work. Any sensible person would not say things to others that they do not want for themselves.’
The CJ Party had staged a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar for over a month. This demonstration, against cheating and paper leaks in exams, involved protesters demanding the resignation of then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. On July 25, Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.
After the protest, many videos circulated on social media, showing police allegedly mistreating and taking students participating in the protest into custody.
