May 23, Kathmandu – Information about the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been shared by Sergio Gore, the U.S. Ambassador to India. On social media, Sergio Gore stated, ‘It was a great experience to participate in the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Secretary of State Marco Rubio.’ He added, ‘We discussed ways to further strengthen India-U.S. cooperation in areas such as security, trade, and critical technology. These are the sectors that empower both countries. India is a very important partner to the United States.’
In another post, Sergio Gore mentioned, ‘Secretary of State Marco Rubio extended an official invitation on behalf of President Trump for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the White House.’ Similarly, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on social media, ‘I am pleased to welcome U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.’ He further stated, ‘We discussed ongoing progress in the comprehensive global strategic partnership between India and the United States, as well as issues related to global peace and security. India and the United States will continue to work together for global welfare.’
May 22, Kathmandu – The faction outside the founding group of the Nepali Congress urged that intra-party issues be resolved by May 28 during the Gandaki provincial-level assembly. The meeting held on Saturday decided to convene a central committee meeting if the problems within the party remain unresolved by that date.
The assembly’s nine-point resolution highlighted the current national situation and expressed concern that ongoing conflicts within the Congress have raised doubts about the capabilities of both senior and younger leaders. The decision stated, “Those unable to resolve internal issues are seen as incapable of addressing the country’s problems.”
The resolution called on party leaders, including Chairperson Gagan Thapa, outgoing Acting Chairperson Purna Bahadur Khadka, and leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala, to promptly engage in dialogue and send a message of unity. It noted, “If the leaders fail to find a way forward by May 28, 2026 (Jestha 15, 2083 BS), a central committee meeting will be convened.” Below are the nine decisions adopted by the assembly:
The second day of the secretariat meeting of the CPN-UML took place at the residence of Chairman KP Sharma Oli in Gundu. General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, three Deputy General Secretaries, and five secretaries expressed their views, according to Deputy General Secretary Lekhraj Bhatt. Tomorrow, four more secretaries will share their opinions, and discussions will proceed on the proposed 11 agenda items. Kathmandu, 9 Jestha.
In today’s meeting, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel presented his perspectives. Similarly, three Deputy General Secretaries and five secretaries of the party also publicly shared their views, as informed by Deputy General Secretary Lekhraj Bhatt. “They expressed their thoughts deeply. All experiences and feelings from yesterday to today were presented,” he stated.
He further mentioned that tomorrow, four additional secretaries will provide their feedback, followed by discussions on the proposed agendas. “After the remaining four secretaries speak tomorrow, we will proceed with discussions according to the proposed 11 agenda points,” he added. Deputy General Secretary Bhatt also noted that during the meeting, Chairman Oli provided guidance as well.
This brief news summary includes an editorial review. US President Donald Trump has canceled his weekend break and returned to the White House amid signs that preparations for a military strike against Iran might be underway. Iran’s military has declared it is fully prepared to strongly respond to any reckless enemy actions, while several Gulf countries have urged diplomatic solutions instead of war. The Trump administration has largely excluded Israel from talks with Iran, with Iran indicating its readiness to agree to terms consistent with the 2015 nuclear deal.
May 23, Kathmandu: US President Donald Trump canceled his weekend plans for golf and returned to the White House. This development has intensified speculation over rising military tensions and a potential attack between the US and Iran. The US military and intelligence agencies have also called off ‘Memorial Day weekend’ leave. According to a CBS News report, the Trump administration may be planning a new military strike against Iran and has instructed officials to remain alert, although no final decision has yet been made.
Meanwhile, the Iranian military has heightened vigilance. According to Iran’s official news agency Tasnim, Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared to deliver a harsh response to any foolish enemy move. Gulf countries have called for diplomatic solutions rather than conflict. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have instructed Trump not to attack Iran and to pursue diplomatic measures.
As part of mediation efforts to end the conflict and resolve disputes, a Qatari delegation and Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir, visited Tehran on Friday. Additionally, France has submitted a proposal to the UN Security Council to deploy an international maritime security mission in the Strait of Hormuz. The European Union (EU) is preparing new sanctions targeting Iranian officials and organizations accused of attempting to close the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Position: The Iranian navy claims that in the past 24 hours it has safely escorted 25 ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Typically, more than 100 ships pass daily through this route.
Israel’s Exclusion from Trump-Iran Talks: According to The New York Times, the Trump administration has almost excluded Israel from ceasefire and nuclear agreement negotiations with Iran. Israeli officials are reportedly unable to receive direct information from Washington and must rely on other regional leaders or intelligence agencies. This is seen as a political setback for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, once considered one of Trump’s closest allies. The Trump government is currently considering a deal that would limit Iran’s nuclear activity only for a limited time, resembling terms of the 2015 agreement. Israel’s main concerns involve Iran’s ballistic missile program being excluded from talks and the potential for Iran to gain significant funds through eased economic sanctions, which could strengthen groups like Hezbollah.
Iran Ready for Nuclear Deal with Conditions: According to Tehran University Professor Fouad Izadi, Iran is prepared to negotiate a nuclear agreement but with important conditions. Iran could maintain uranium enrichment limits at 3.67 percent, consistent with the 2015 deal, which is insufficient for weaponization. Reza Talaei-Nik, spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Defense, warned that if the US does not respect the Iranian people’s demands and rights, Trump will face more serious consequences.
US-Europe Differences in NATO: The recent NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden discussed the Strait of Hormuz and Iran. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte accused Iran of attempting to pressure the global economy by closing the strait. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed dissatisfaction that only a few European nations have openly supported the Trump administration’s actions.
Nepal secured their first win in the CAVA Women’s Volleyball Championship by defeating Kyrgyzstan in straight sets, 25-18, 25-20, 25-13. The home team strengthened their chances of reaching the semifinals with the Group A match held on Saturday at the Dashrath Rangashala Covered Hall in Tripureshwor. Middle blocker Sumitra Regmi was the top scorer for Nepal, contributing 19 points and earning the Player of the Match honor.
Following the win, Nepal has accumulated 4 points from 2 games and currently holds second place in Group A. Nepal had previously earned 1 point after a narrow 3-2 defeat against India in their opening match. This loss marked Kyrgyzstan’s first defeat in the tournament; they have amassed 3 points from 2 matches. Nepal will face the Maldives in the final group game on Sunday, with a victory guaranteeing a semifinal berth. Kyrgyzstan is set to compete against India on Monday.
Former Home Minister Sudhan Gurung visited the Armed Police Force Hospital to check on the health condition of personnel undergoing treatment. Inspector General of Police Narayan Datt Paudel was also present at the hospital with him. Information was provided regarding the health status of the personnel treated at the Nepal APF Hospital in Balambu.
On May 23, Kathmandu: Former Home Minister Sudhan Gurung visited the hospital to inquire about the health of the Armed Police personnel who fainted during training. Inspector General of Police (IGP) Narayan Datt Paudel accompanied him to the hospital. Detailed information was obtained on the treatment procedures and current health conditions of the personnel.
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari emphasized the proportional expansion and application of Madan Bhandari’s ideas.
She underlined that students bear the responsibility of serious study, broad debate, and timely development of Madan Bhandari’s thoughts.
Bidya Devi Bhandari encouraged youth to maximize the use of modern technology amid rapid advancements in information and communication.
May 23, Kathmandu – Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has stressed the need to proportionally expand and implement the ideas of the people’s leader Madan Bhandari.
During a media program held on Saturday discussing Madan Bhandari’s books and youth debates, she highlighted that Madan Bhandari’s ideas are essential for Nepal’s current political landscape.
Bhandari stated that the responsibility for serious study, extensive discussion, and progressive development of Madan Bhandari’s ideas now rests on the shoulders of the younger generation.
She noted that despite Madan Bhandari’s brief open political life, he left a long-lasting ideological influence on Nepalese politics.
“Today, both the global community and Nepal face complex, multi-dimensional challenges. Issues such as faith in democracy, political ethics, public accountability and responsibility, good governance, social justice, and national unity have once again become central to national debates. In this context, it is a critical duty of the youth to undertake a serious study, broad discussion, and timely further development and application of Madan Bhandari’s ideas,” she said.
According to her, the ideological foundation, commitment to democratic culture, and political contributions established by Madan Bhandari are invaluable assets in Nepal’s political history.
She also pointed out that studying past political events and ideological trends helps identify future directions.
Highlighting that democracy, political ethics, good governance, social justice, and national unity are once again central to national discourse, she urged youth to follow the path shown by Madan Bhandari.
“Although the people’s leader Madan Bhandari was active in underground politics for a long period, his open political career was relatively short. Yet, the ideological impact and political contributions he left behind are long-lasting and profound,” she said. “The path he showed, the ideological foundation he laid, and his unwavering commitment to democratic culture remain priceless legacies in Nepalese political history.”
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari also advised youth to make full use of modern technology in view of the rapid development of information and communication technologies.
U.S. President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video on social media showing comedian Stephen Colbert being thrown into a trash bin.
Colbert bid farewell to CBS’s “The Late Show” after 11 years, with suspicions of political pressure behind the show’s closure.
With the end of “The Late Show” franchise, late-night TV in the U.S. appears to be shifting towards social media platforms.
May 23, Kathmandu – U.S. President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated video on social media depicting a comedian being thrown into a trash bin, sparking new controversy online.
The video features prominent American comedian Stephen Colbert and highlights the long-running feud between him and Trump. Colbert regularly mocked Trump, his policies, and the MAGA movement on his show, while Trump frequently targeted Colbert via social media.
On Friday, Colbert said goodbye to CBS’s “The Late Show” after about 11 years. The AI-generated video was shared by Trump shortly after the show ended.
In the video, Trump is shown grabbing Comedian Colbert, tossing him into a trash bin, followed by performing his famous dance moves. The classic song “YMCA” plays in the background.
Suspicions of Political Pressure
CBS clarified that the decision to cancel “The Late Show” was purely financial. However, critics accuse possible political pressure from the White House behind the closure.
Colbert himself has not directly blamed Trump for the show’s end, but many comedians and his supporters have suggested otherwise.
One day before the show’s finale, the famous rock star Bruce Springsteen told Colbert, “You are the first person in America to lose your job because the president couldn’t take a joke.”
Colbert’s departure marks the end of a long era for “The Late Show” franchise, which began in 1993 with David Letterman.
This shift is viewed as indicative of the evolving nature of late-night TV in America, as audiences increasingly prefer social media and online clips over traditional television.
Despite heavy rain and storms on Wednesday at Suwon Football Stadium south of Seoul, over 5,000 spectators gathered to witness a rare match between North and South Korean teams.
Although the rain continued, the crowd remained seated in the stadium, enthusiastically supporting this unique sporting event between the two Koreas.
Notably, hundreds of South Koreans were chanting in support of North Korea’s women’s football club, “Negohyang.” Local NGOs had brought these supporters with the aim of creating an encouraging atmosphere for both sides.
There had been doubts about the North Korean team’s participation due to Kim Jong Un’s recent ballistic missile tests and continued nuclear programs, which have strained relations. In 2023, he officially abandoned reunification plans and declared South Korea an ‘enemy state.’
However, the team arrived on time. This visit marked their first trip to South Korea since 2018. The Negohyang women’s football club secured a victory, advancing to the semifinals of the Asia Women’s Champions League.
They defeated Suwon FC Women from South Korea 2-1 and will face Japan’s Tokyo Verdy Beleza in the final on Saturday.
This outcome was not surprising to football enthusiasts and those familiar with North Korea’s football history.
North Korea has built a strong reputation for women’s football over many years. FIFA ranks this team 11th worldwide, making it the second-best Asian team after Japan.
Founded in Pyongyang in 2012, the Negohyang club won the North Korean league title in 2022. The team features many national team players and is currently managed by a former head coach of the national women’s team.
Kim Young-Hyon, a professor of North Korean studies at Dongguk University in Seoul, commented, “North Korea actively seeks and trains young football talent.”
Since Kim Jong Un took power in 2011, he has been committed to making North Korea a “sports powerhouse” with a special emphasis on sports development.
Established in 2013 on Tolu Island in the capital, the Pyongyang International Football School is considered a production center for football players.
Kim Sang-Yun, a former North Korean national boxer who left the country in the 2000s, said, “During my training in the 1990s, youth athletes were systematically supported at school.”
“Talented students were often selected and trained from primary and secondary schools to sports colleges.”
Photo credit, AFP via Getty Images
Photo description, Spectators supporting both teams during Wednesday’s game
Despite the ruling family’s luxurious lifestyle, North Korea remains one of the world’s poorest nations. Ordinary citizens earn meager incomes under a state-controlled economy and often risk dangerous routes to leave the country in search of a better life. Those caught face imprisonment or forced labor camps.
However, international experts attribute the country’s success in women’s football to its comprehensive top-to-bottom support. The regime also uses sports to improve its international image.
Players gain significant social recognition.
Some famous players receive luxurious cars, apartments, and membership in the ruling Workers’ Party as gifts.
Han Sol-Sang, a former North Korean player who defected, said the women’s team’s success captured significant attention domestically and boosted football’s popularity.
North Korean women’s football has achieved remarkable success, surpassing the men’s team in the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup, and the 2026 AFC U-17 Women’s Asian Cup.
North Korean sports expert Hyo Jong-Pil stated, “The main weakness of male players is their small physical size.”
“To physically compete with Western players, they require extensive management, including adequate nutrition and meat consumption, which is often unavailable.”
Photo credit, BBC/Yujin Choi
Han added, “North Korean female players are very patient and able to endure pressure. Life is complicated, but they can make a living through hard work in sports.”
She emphasized that her comment is not about gender discrimination but about providing women more opportunities for international success.
Worldwide, women’s sports are generally less competitive, and Pyongyang’s prioritization of sports development explains the team’s success.
Some suggest that women’s football began gaining popularity after FIFA agreed to hold the Women’s World Cup in the late 1980s. “Perhaps someone persuaded Kim Jong-Il to develop it effectively,” said filmmaker Brigitte Wach, who followed the North Korean women’s team for five years and spoke in 2024.
“In a country weak in economy, science, and human rights, intensive top-to-bottom training can produce such results.”
It is difficult to gauge what ordinary North Koreans think about this victory as internet and media access are minimal, and it is unclear how many people watched the game.
Meanwhile, South Koreans plan to watch and support the players on Saturday, with assistance from the Ministry of Unification, though the ministry has faced criticism for providing financial support.
Outside the stadium, some believe that sports can help improve relations between the two Koreas.
Among them is 91-year-old Choi Jong-De, who was separated from her parents and siblings at age 16 during the Korean War and has been seeking news of her family ever since.
“These North Korean players feel like my granddaughters,” she said.
“Who knows? Some may be my nephews, nieces, or relatives. I want them to play well and be successful.”
India secured its second consecutive victory in the Kavha Women’s Volleyball Championship by defeating the Maldives 25-9, 25-14, 25-17.
India tops Group A with 5 points and is set to face Kyrgyzstan in the final group match on Monday.
Nepal must defeat Kyrgyzstan to maintain semifinal hopes; the matches are being broadcast live on Himalaya Sports Television.
May 23, Kathmandu – In the Kavha Women’s Volleyball Championship, India achieved its second consecutive win. On Saturday, at the Dasarath Rangasala Covered Hall in Tripureshwor, India defeated the Maldives in Group A with set scores of 25-9, 25-14, and 25-17.
In their opening match, India had triumphed 3-2 against the host nation, Nepal. The defeat marked the Maldives’ second consecutive loss. With two wins, India has accumulated 5 points and currently holds the top position in the group.
India will face Kyrgyzstan in the final group match on Monday. Meanwhile, Nepal, who lost their opening match, will play against Kyrgyzstan today in their second group contest.
Nepal must overcome Kyrgyzstan to keep its semifinal qualification hopes alive. On Saturday, in Group A, Kazakhstan began their campaign with a 3-0 straight-sets victory over Sri Lanka.
All matches of the Kavha Women’s Volleyball Championship are being broadcast live on Himalaya Sports Television.
May 23, Saptari – In Bodebarsain Municipality of Saptari district, the construction of three wedding halls and community shelters has been stalled for seven years. The Madhesh Province government had allocated a budget of NPR 10 million in the fiscal year 2075/076 as a conditional grant for the construction of four wedding halls and community shelters in Bodebarsain Municipality. Among these, only the community shelter located within the Dinaram Dinabhadri temple complex in Ward No. 2 has been completed, while construction of the remaining three wedding halls and shelters remains unfinished.
In Bodebarsain Municipality-10, at Khadakpur Hatiya Field, NPR 2.5 million was allocated for the construction of a wedding hall and community shelter, of which NPR 2,166,905 has been spent. However, as the work remains incomplete, local residents have not been able to utilize these facilities. Similarly, in Bodebarsain-3 Gaura, out of the allocated NPR 2.5 million for a wedding hall and community shelter, only NPR 573,888 has been spent, with the remaining work left undone. In Bodebarsain-7 Sugapokhari, another NPR 2.5 million was allocated for similar construction; although NPR 1,579,297 has been spent, the work is still incomplete. All these projects were implemented through consumer committees.
These construction plans for community shelters and wedding halls were designed considering the need for venues for weddings and other social activities. However, after more than seven years, the failure to complete the construction has led to significant disappointment among local residents.
There was an attempt to dissolve the district-level meeting of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party in Bara. The party has expelled district chairman Chandan Swarnakar, stripping him even of his general membership. Supporters of Swarnakar raised slogans and attempted physical assaults against the lawmakers. (May 23, Bara)
The extended district-level meeting of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) in Bara faced an attempt to be disrupted. After the party expelled district chairman Chandan Swarnakar, removing him even as a general member, his supporters protested vocally at the event venue in Kalaiya. Ganesh Dhimal, Member of Parliament from Bara 1, stated that despite attempts by Swarnakar’s supporters to disrupt the program, the party’s scheduled event proceeded as planned.
The supporters demanded that Swarnakar’s expulsion be revoked and chanted slogans against the MPs from Bara. When attempts were made to physically assault MPs Rahbar Ansari, Ganesh Dhimal, Arbind Sah, and Chandan Singh at the venue, police intervened and escorted the lawmakers out. Presently, significant police deployment is maintaining order as the event continues at Karanraj Hotel in Kalaiya.
Swarnakar, who has been expelled from the party, alleged that the Bara district MPs tried to form the district committee with only their close associates, which led to protests from longtime party workers.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just three weeks away, and this time, 48 teams will compete. In the history of the World Cup, only eight nations have won the trophy, with Brazil claiming it five times. Argentina, Germany, Italy, Uruguay, France, England, and Spain have also lifted the prestigious title. Kathmandu, May 23.
As the World Cup approaches, interest and curiosity about who will win the trophy this time is growing. The number of teams has increased to 48, and a record 104 matches will be played. These factors make this World Cup somewhat different and more challenging than previous editions, making it difficult to predict the winner.
Over the 96-year history of the World Cup, 80 countries have participated; among them, 13 countries have reached the final, while only eight have won the trophy. The winning nations are mostly limited to European and South American countries. Brazil first won the World Cup in 1958 and has added four more titles in 1962, 1970, 1994, and 2002.
Similarly, European nations Germany and Italy have each won the World Cup four times. Italy secured back-to-back titles in 1934 and 1938 and then again in 1982 and 2006. Germany won their first title in 1954 and added three more in 1974, 1990, and 2014. The latest champions, Argentina, have won the World Cup three times, having also lifted the trophy in 1978 and 1986. Uruguay won the inaugural World Cup in 1930 and again in 1950. France claimed the title in 1998 and 2018, England in 1966, and Spain in 2010.
Dr. Pravin Khatri, a rheumatology specialist at Kathmandu Medical College, has been selected for the EULAR-APLAR Exchange Program 2026. Dr. Khatri will participate free of charge in the EULAR Annual Congress 2026, scheduled from June 3 to 6 in London, United Kingdom. He will receive a travel grant of 2,000 euros and an observational visit award of 1,000 euros as part of the program. Additionally, Dr. Khatri plans to present various research studies related to autoimmune diseases in Nepal.
Dr. Khatri’s selection came through his application to the program jointly organized by the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR) and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR). This program is expected to give him the opportunity to exchange expertise with specialist centers across Europe and enhance his knowledge of modern treatment methods. The initiative is regarded as a vital international exposure and educational collaboration opportunity for young rheumatology specialists from the Asia-Pacific region.
The Slovenian parliament has reappointed right-wing politician Janez Janša as the country’s prime minister. The 67-year-old Janša, who lost power in 2022, marks a political comeback that signals a shift in this small European Union member state, which has been governed by liberal administrations in recent years. In the parliamentary vote held on Friday in Slovenia’s 90-seat parliament, Janša secured 51 votes in favor and 36 against. The new prime minister will face another parliamentary vote within the next 15 days to seek approval for his new cabinet.
Janša’s appointment ends a political deadlock that followed general elections two months ago. In the March 22 election, the former liberal prime minister Robert Golob’s ‘Freedom Movement’ won 29 seats, while Janša’s populist Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) secured 28 seats. Although Golob managed to take a plurality, he was unable to assemble the majority necessary to form a government, resulting in parliamentary impasse. Just last Thursday, Janša and his SDS signed coalition agreements with other center-right to right-wing groups to form a new government. This new coalition holds a total of 43 seats in parliament.
The new united government includes SDS, New Slovenia, the Democrats, the Slovenian People’s Party, and the Focus party. Additionally, the right-wing ‘Resnica’ party has decided to support the coalition without formally joining the government. Janez Janša is assuming the prime ministership for the fourth time, having previously led the country during 2004–2008, 2012–2013, and 2020–2022. Presenting the government’s forthcoming agenda to parliament, Janša emphasized priorities such as economic development, fighting corruption and administrative delays, and decentralization.
He also committed to reducing tax rates for the wealthy and promoting private education and health sectors. Earlier this month, in discussions with journalists, Janša claimed the new coalition would ensure a high-quality state system at a lower cost. The prime minister is a longtime admirer of former US President Donald Trump and is considered a close ally of Hungary’s former populist prime minister Viktor Orbán, who was recently defeated in elections. On international matters, Janša is a staunch supporter of Israel. He strongly criticized the previous government’s decision to recognize Palestine as an independent state in 2024.
During his earlier terms, Janša was accused of weakening democratic institutions and imposing restrictions on press freedom, which sparked widespread public protests in Slovenia and prompted serious scrutiny from the European Union. This time, his right-wing populist style continues to draw close attention and monitoring within Slovenia and across Europe.
