OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has expressed support for the proposal to slow down the development of the most advanced artificial intelligence systems for a period of time. He stated that, if necessary for humanity’s safety, OpenAI is prepared to shut down all its GPUs. However, he noted that the likelihood of such a scenario happening is only a reasonable estimate.
Altman endorsed the proposal made by Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, which called for a temporary reduction in the pace of advanced AI development to ensure security and responsibility. He shared these views during an interview with Fortune.
Regarding independent safety testing, Altman revealed that OpenAI will have its AI systems evaluated by independent organizations. He committed to providing these testers with the same level of access and information as OpenAI employees. The independent evaluators will assess whether OpenAI’s AI systems pose risks to humans and whether the company is making sufficient efforts to mitigate those risks.
The phrase “shutting down GPUs” refers to turning off the graphics processing units required to build and operate AI systems. GPUs play a crucial role in processing large amounts of data. Therefore, when Altman says OpenAI is “ready to shut down all GPUs,” it means that if risks become excessive, OpenAI is prepared to pause rapid AI development and deactivate its computing infrastructure. He further emphasized that to ensure AI safety and protect humanity’s interests, it may be necessary at times to slow development repeatedly through such agreements, not just occasionally.
On the occasion of Constitution Day, Kathmandu Sikshalaya in Lalitpur is organizing a 25-kilometer cycling rally in collaboration with Mahalaxmi Municipality to assist families affected by recent floods. The rally will commence from Imadol at 7 a.m. and continue until 10 a.m. on Ashoj 3, with an expected participation of approximately 200 people. Prakashraj Pandey, the school chairman, stated that the primary objective of the rally is to raise support for flood-affected families and to instill a sense of social responsibility among students and youth.
The rally will begin at Kathmandu Sikshalaya located in Mahalaxmi-4, Imadol, and will conclude at the school premises. Hari Govinda Shrestha, the chief of Mahalaxmi Municipality, will attend the event as the chief guest. According to Prakashraj Pandey, a mountaineer and school chairman, the rally is aimed at mobilizing assistance for families impacted by the recent floods and fostering social responsibility within the student and youth communities.
The rally will include students, parents, and teachers from Kathmandu Sikshalaya, as well as participants from nearby schools and cycling enthusiasts. Organizers anticipate around 200 participants. Distances for the rally are assigned based on age groups: participants under 10 years will cover 10 kilometers, those up to 15 years will ride 15 kilometers, and the open and professional groups will complete the full 25 kilometers. The route will encompass all 10 wards of Mahalaxmi Municipality.
Organizers have appealed to local government bodies, security agencies, health institutions, schools, and the broader community to provide the necessary support and cooperation to ensure the success of the campaign. The school has emphasized that this event, themed “Let’s Cycle, Gather Support, Stand with Flood-Affected Families,” is not merely a sporting activity but a humanitarian assistance initiative.
Grading work is ongoing to partially reopen the obstructed section of the Prithvi Highway at Krishna Bhir in Dhading.
Empty gas bullets will be driven through to test the road’s load-bearing capacity and traffic conditions.
If weather permits, gas bullets and vehicles carrying heavy equipment are planned to be allowed on the road today.
September 13 (Bhadra 28), Kathmandu – Preparations are underway to partially reopen the blocked road segment at Krishna Bhir in Dhading district along the Prithvi Highway.
With grading work currently in progress, plans are in place to run empty gas bullets soon to assess the condition of the road.
A team including the Chief District Officer of Dhading has inspected Krishna Bhir after conducting a preliminary survey. Various agencies and mechanisms are engaged to facilitate the reopening of the highway.
Grading at Krishna Bhir has been intensified, utilizing two bulldozers to smooth the road surface and prepare the platform required for vehicle passage. However, graveling and compaction tasks still remain.
For the immediate term, efforts focus on making the road suitable for passage only by stalled gas bullet vehicles and those carrying heavy equipment.
According to officials, if weather conditions are favorable, gas bullets and vehicles transporting heavy equipment will be allowed to operate partially on the road today.
Prior to this, an empty gas bullet will be driven through to test the road’s capacity to bear weight and determine traffic flow conditions.
Although the road at Krishna Bhir appears smooth and repaired, completion of graveling and compaction is essential to make it fully operational.
Two bulldozers are continuously working to clear and maintain the road. The road was obstructed due to erosion caused by the Trishuli River flood that occurred on September 24 (Bhadra 10).
The Nepal Olympic Committee has announced a 15-member Nepalese cricket team, led by captain Dipendra Singh Airee, which will travel to Japan in September. The squad includes players such as Rohit Kumar Paudel, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Arif Sheikh, and Asif Sheikh among others.
Nepal is set to face Afghanistan and Japan in the upcoming Asian Games cricket competition. On September 13 (28 Bhadra in Nepali calendar), the Nepal Olympic Committee officially unveiled the team traveling to Japan under the leadership of Dipendra Singh Airee. Alongside captain Airee, the squad includes Rohit Kumar Paudel, Sompal Kami, Karan KC, Sandeep Lamichhane, Arif Sheikh, Asif Sheikh, Kushal Bhurtel, Lalit Rajbanshi, Gulshan Kumar Jha, Nandan Yadav, Lokesh Bam, Sandeep Jora, Sher Malla, and Kushal Malla.
Nepal’s cricket team will compete against Afghanistan and Japan in the Asian Games tournament. The team leader is Vinod Das, with medical staff led by Lokendra Kunwar. The coaching panel consists of head coach Stuart Law and coach Abdur Sattar, supported by technical staff member Raman Shivakoti.
September 14, Kathmandu – Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that the era of imposing arbitrary will through force should end in today’s world. He made these remarks during the 18th BRICS Summit held in New Delhi, India. Addressing the second session of the summit, President Xi stated that countries worldwide should have long abandoned the mindset that “might is right.” He stressed that every nation, whether large or small, rich or poor, deserves respect.
“Developing countries must strengthen multilateralism and bolster the role of the United Nations to ensure equal participation of all nations in international affairs,” he said. President Xi expressed concern over the current global situation, describing it as highly unstable. “In such circumstances, BRICS nations should take a leading role in uniting developing countries and act as a positive force to maintain global peace and stability,” he added.
Furthermore, Xi warned of the risks posed by a rules-free world, likening it to “an intersection without traffic lights,” where chaos and disorder are almost inevitable. “Fairness and justice are universal aspirations, and international rules must be crafted collectively by all countries,” he affirmed. The Chinese leader urged Global South countries to jointly uphold the rule of law in international matters. “Fundamental principles of international relations such as sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and peaceful resolution of disputes must be protected,” he asserted.
As autumn begins in the Northern Hemisphere, the nights grow longer, providing an excellent opportunity for stargazers to observe the night sky.
In the coming months, you can witness a range of stunning celestial displays, from captivating meteor showers to dazzling star clusters. The sequence of events begins with the Pleiades star cluster.
Later, towards the end of October, the Orionid meteor shower occurs, followed by a planetary parade in November, the Leonid meteor shower, and a series of consecutive supermoons.
Pleiades Star Cluster
Image source, Getty Images
As autumn evenings lengthen, one prominent star cluster becomes increasingly visible in the sky.
The Pleiades cluster is also known as the Seven Sisters. In Nepal and India, it is often called the Krittika cluster.
Located approximately 440 light-years from Earth, six stars in this cluster are visible to the naked eye, with additional stars discernible through telescopes.
During autumn evenings, looking towards the eastern sky within the Taurus constellation provides a clear view of this cluster.
Orionid Meteor Shower
Image source, Getty Images
The Orionid meteor shower is active from October through November, peaking around October 21.
This meteor shower occurs as Earth passes through debris left by Halley’s Comet.
When these particles enter the atmosphere at high speed, they heat up and produce bright streaks of light we observe as meteors.
This meteor shower appears to originate from the Orion constellation, which is why it is called the Orionids.
For optimal viewing, choose a dark location with minimal artificial light and allow your eyes time to adjust to the darkness.
November Planetary Parade
Image source, Getty Images
On or around November 14, Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter will appear together in the morning sky.
This alignment is known as a planetary parade.
These four planets will be visible above the horizon before sunrise, with some easier to spot than others.
Mercury may be challenging to observe due to its proximity to the horizon and the rising sun’s glare.
However, Venus and Jupiter are among the brightest objects in the night sky and should be easy to spot.
Leonid Meteor Shower
Image source, Getty Images
Following mid-November, the Leonid meteor shower will light up the sky, with peak visibility around November 17.
Leonid meteors travel at approximately 70 kilometers per second when they enter Earth’s atmosphere, making them among the fastest meteor showers.
Under favorable weather and dark skies, observers can expect to see 10 to 15 meteors per hour, although exact numbers depend on weather conditions, light pollution, and moon brightness.
This meteor shower appears to originate from the Leo constellation, hence the name Leonids.
The best viewing times are after midnight when Leo is high in the sky, and before dawn.
Beaver Supermoon
Image source, Getty Images
The full moon in November is known as the Beaver Moon, named after the beaver animal that traditionally prepares its lodge and stores food in late autumn before winter.
This year, the full moon falling after Tihar on November 24 will be a supermoon. This means the moon will appear larger and brighter than on a typical full moon.
A supermoon occurs when the full moon is at its closest point to Earth, making it appear bigger and more luminous.
Supermoons will be visible at each full moon up until February 2027, with the November supermoon being the first in this series of four.
To enjoy this rare astronomical event, be sure to check weather conditions before heading out for nighttime sky observations.
New Delhi – Former Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden had at one point planned to include India as a potential target for terrorist attacks. This fact has been revealed through documents released by the U.S. intelligence agency CIA. These documents were made public on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks carried out by Al-Qaeda on New York’s World Trade Center.
According to The Hindu, the CIA disclosed on Friday (September 11, 2026) sixty-nine intelligence briefings and over 100 pages of material that were shared with then U.S. Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush. Included among these is a memorandum dated August 28, 1998, which noted that bin Laden and other Al-Qaeda terrorists had successfully evaded U.S. attacks in Afghanistan.
The memorandum indicated that bin Laden intended to conduct attacks in Egypt and the Arabian Peninsula. Additionally, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, India, Pakistan, Uganda, and possibly Nigeria were identified as potential targets. Repeated warning documents suggest that from September 1998 through September 2001, the CIA continuously alerted the American presidents about possible attacks originating from bin Laden.
While it is not the first time reports have confirmed Al-Qaeda’s plans to attack the United States, this information has not been previously released in such detail. The 2004 9/11 Commission report had also confirmed Al-Qaeda’s intent to target America. The CIA documents now provide evidence that the U.S. administration was forewarned about the potential attacks. According to the 9/11 Commission investigation, the failure to act effectively on these warnings stemmed from multiple factors, including limited intelligence capabilities, inability to fully anticipate the threat, and administrative and policy priorities.
September 14, Kathmandu – The escalating conflict between armed groups in Yemen has intensified the humanitarian crisis in the country. With the worsening violence, the number of displaced people has surged dramatically. According to the United Nations, approximately 76,000 individuals have been displaced in July following a blockade imposed by the Iran-backed Houthi group on Saudi Arabia’s naval zone. National reports indicate that displacement figures have nearly quadrupled over the past week.
The ongoing conflict between government-aligned forces and Iran-supported Houthi rebels has forced a significant number of people to abandon their homes. Reports from foreign Persian media highlight growing concerns expressed by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) about the rapid displacement occurring in Yemen. Many are leaving their residences in search of safer locations.
According to the IOM, displacement incidents are especially prevalent in Yemen’s western coastal regions and the Taiz province. The report states that around 8,300 families, totaling nearly 50,000 individuals, have been displaced within various areas of Taiz province.
You can strengthen your biceps at home without going to the gym by performing exercises such as close-grip push-ups, using water bottles as weights, plank-to-push-ups, and concentration curls. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health and a fit body. Many people living in urban areas lead sedentary lifestyles and visit gyms to stay fit. However, the number of individuals wanting to develop an attractive and well-toned physique without gym visits is increasing. While gyms offer machines to build abs and biceps, many cannot afford gym fees or find the time to go. But don’t worry, you can build strong biceps at home with some simple exercises.
Close-grip push-ups are a variation and advancement over regular push-ups that effectively strengthen the biceps. To perform this exercise, place your hands closer than shoulder-width apart and get into a high plank position. Keep your body straight, tighten your core muscles, and keep your elbows close to your body. Lower your chest toward the floor without touching it, then push back up. Repeat this regularly for best results.
If you don’t have heavy dumbbells, you can use water bottles filled with water as weights. This is an excellent alternative for biceps curls. Hold one water bottle in each hand with your palms facing forward. While lifting and lowering your forearms, keep your elbows fixed beside your body. This exercise helps effectively build stronger biceps.
To do the plank to push-up exercise, begin in a plank position and then transition one arm at a time into a push-up position. This exercise is important for strengthening biceps, triceps, and shoulders together.
Concentration curls also help develop stronger biceps. Sit on a chair, hold a water bottle or a brick in one hand, rest your elbow against your thigh, and slowly raise and lower your forearm. This motion aids in rapid and effective biceps growth and strengthening.
September 14, Kathmandu – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that countries of the Global South have rapidly increased their trust in BRICS. He expressed these views during the BRICS Summit held in New Delhi. “From my experience, I can say that the nations of the Global South have strengthened their confidence in BRICS significantly,” Modi said, “because here, their voices are heard, their experiences are highly respected, and solutions are developed not just for them but collaboratively.”
Modi also emphasized that the strength of BRICS lies in its diversity and cooperation. “While our realities may differ, we advance together through collaboration and bring prosperity for nearly all of humanity,” he noted. He underlined the need to maintain the diversity of BRICS countries. “Our cooperation must be a source of inspiration, and our progress should benefit all humankind,” Modi added.
Focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture and geospatial technology, Modi explained that the proposed BRICS Startup Innovation Fund will encourage new and scalable solutions. Through the BRICS Digital Agriculture Network, AI, geospatial technologies, and digital public infrastructure will be utilized to address farmers’ needs, he elaborated. Modi also warned that the militarization of technology and critical minerals could hinder shared progress. Likewise, he emphasized the necessity of policies ensuring inclusive use and access to technology for all.
September 13, Kathmandu – The youth wing of the Nepal Communist Party (NCP), the Young Communist League (YCL), has initiated a plan to construct 150 temporary shelters in flood-affected areas. In the first phase, 150 temporary houses will be built for families affected in Belkotgadhi-7 of Nuwakot, specifically in Thulo Khola, Lamoswati, Ratmate, and Mahadevphanta, confirmed YCL President Pushpa Oli.
According to Oli, YCL has been regularly deploying 600 volunteers in rescue and relief operations within the flood-affected regions. The organization has been actively involved in searching for missing individuals, rescuing them, providing medical treatment to the injured, and distributing food and necessary relief materials.
The organization has delivered gas cylinders, petrol, solar lights, rice, salt, oil, lentils, power banks, mobile phones, sanitary pads, mattresses, and other essential items as part of the relief efforts. Due to the disruption of the Trishuli riverside road network, relief supplies were transported through Dhadhing to Wards 7, 8, and 9 of Bidur Municipality, Oli added.
“So far, affected families have not been able to clean their homes and belongings, nor have safe places to reside been identified,” Oli stated. “To address these challenges, construction of temporary shelters will commence soon.”
The Body Shop has launched a new store in Labim Mall, located in Naxal, Kathmandu. The store was inaugurated on Saturday by director and screenwriter Min Bahadur Bham, who cut the ribbon to mark the occasion. The company stated that this expansion aims to promote ethical beauty, sustainability, and social impact within Nepal.
Known worldwide for cruelty-free beauty products and sustainable business practices, The Body Shop opened its new outlet in the Labim Mall in Naxal. During the opening ceremony, Bham shared that he personally uses The Body Shop’s sunscreens and lip balms. He emphasized that the cruelty-free nature of the products—a commitment to no animal testing—is a primary reason for his choice of the brand’s items.
Saru Aryal Pradhan, director of The Body Shop Nepal, described the new store as more than just a business expansion; it represents the company’s long-term dedication to ethical beauty, sustainability, and creating a positive social impact in Nepal. According to the company, the expansion also prioritizes women’s leadership, responsible entrepreneurship, community welfare, and sustainable business operations.
Through the new store, customers will have easy access to a wide range of products related to skincare, body care, haircare, fragrances, and wellness. The company aims to make its internationally popular products more accessible to the Nepali market through this new outlet.
उनीहरूको कथा एक बलिउड चलचित्रको जस्तो छ। भारतमा जन्मिएका यी दुई महिलाहरू अहिले ४० वर्षका छन् र विभिन्न परिवारहरूले बच्चा रूपमा गोद लिएका थिए। उनीहरू नीदरल्यान्डमा एक अर्काबाट थोरै दूरीमा हुर्किएका थिए, र हालैको डीएनए परीक्षणले उनीहरू biological बहिनी भएको प्रमाणित गर्यो। मेना गेल्टिंक र मेनाल तेजाइन १९८० को दशकको सुरुमा जन्मिएका थिए र जन्मको केही महिनाभित्र मुम्बईका दुई अलग अनाथालयबाट गोद लिइएका थिए। उनीहरू पहिलो पटक किशोरावस्थामा भेटिएका थिए। उनीहरूको संरक्षकहरूले गोद लिने एजेन्सीद्वारा सम्पर्क गरिएको थियो र बच्चाहरूलाई एक कार्यक्रममा ल्याइएको थियो जसले गोद लिएका व्यक्तिहरू बीचको सम्बन्धलाई सुदृढ गर्न मद्दत पुर्याउँथ्यो। उनीहरूका उपस्थिति, व्यवहार र छालाको रंगमा उल्लेखनीय समानता देखेर चकित भएका थिए। अहिले ४३ वर्षका मेना अझै पनि त्यो दिनलाई स्पष्ट रूपमा सम्झन्छिन्। “सभी गोद लिएका बच्चाहरूलाई एक ठाउँमा जम्मा गरिएको थियो ताकि उनीहरूले एक अर्कालाई राम्रोसँग चिन्न सकून्, सामाजिककरण गर्न सकून्, र सँगै रातको खाना खाउन सकून्,” उनले भनिन्।
“हेर, हामी एउटै ऐनामा छौं” मेना र मेनाल दुवै आफ्ना साथीहरूसँग थिए जब ती साथीहरूले उनीहरू बीचको अद्भुत समानता देखाए। “उनीहरूले भने, ‘आफ्नो ऐनामा हेर।'” मैले सोचेँ, ‘ओह मेरो भगवान, उनको नाक मेरो जस्तै छ! हाम्रो मुस्कानहरू एकदम समान छन्।'” मेना नीदरल्यान्डमा आफ्नो घरबाट सम्झन्छिन्। अर्को दिन उनीहरूले फोन नम्बर र ठेगाना साटासाट गरे र सम्पर्कमा रहनको लागि वाचा गरे। रगतको सम्बन्ध नभए पनि, उनीहरूको मित्रता चाँडै बलियो हुँदै गयो। वर्षौंसम्म, उनीहरूले पत्रहरू मार्फत सम्पर्क राखे। उनीहरूले एक अर्कालाई “बहिनी” भनेर सम्बोधन गर्थे किनभने यो सही लाग्थ्यो। उनीहरूले विद्यालय, साथीहरू, प्रेमिका, बाहिर जानु र नाच्नका बारेमा लेखे। उनीहरूले खेलकुद र संगीतमा चासो साझा गरे, र दुवैले ब्याक्स्ट्रीट ब्वाइजलाई मन पराउने कुरा पत्ता लगाए। मेनाल फ्रान्समा सरेपछि १५ वर्षअघि उनीहरूको सम्पर्क टुट्यो र मेना आफ्नो पहिलो बच्चा हुर्काउन व्यस्त थिइन्। २०१७ मा, मेना भारतबाट गोद लिएका व्यक्तिहरूको पुनर्मिलन कार्यक्रममा सहभागी भइन्। त्यहाँ उनले डीएनए परीक्षणको बारेमा थाहा पाइन् र आफैं परीक्षण गर्न निर्णय गरिन्। तर कुनै पनि…
The floodwaters of the Bhote Koshi River have directly impacted 9,428 children from 32 schools in Rasuwa, Nuwakot, and Dhading, according to the Child Peace Zone National Campaign (CIZP). On September 13, in Kathmandu, CIZP Chairperson Tilottama Paudel shared these figures during a discussion titled “The Impact of Floods on Children and the Responsibility of Journalists,” organized by CIZP on Friday.
Paudel reported that among the affected children, 1,373 have been displaced and are currently residing in holding centers. Preliminary reports indicate that 488 students remain out of contact, and five students have lost their lives. Direct monitoring in the flood-affected areas revealed that children, senior citizens, postpartum women, and children with disabilities face heightened risks.
Emphasizing the urgent need to prioritize the safety, protection, and education of children, Paudel urged state authorities and stakeholders to commence immediate action. She stressed that special sensitivity must be given to children who have lost their parents.
Former President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Dharmendra Jha, noted that during disasters, the media should prioritize amplifying the voices of the voiceless. He highlighted the necessity of respecting children’s rights, privacy, and mental health when producing related news reports.
Policy Manager Irshad Ahmad Ansari of Plan International also emphasized the importance of media prioritizing issues concerning children during crises.
Journalists participating in the discussion demanded that if any media outlet, government agency, or organization spreads misinformation or erroneous details related to children, CIZP should publicly raise its voice. They also underscored the need for effective advocacy and lobbying with relevant bodies on child-related matters.
An Indonesian passenger ship that encountered trouble in the Java Sea has resulted in the death of one passenger and the rescue of 102 others, according to an official. The vessel, carrying 243 people, lost contact due to severe weather conditions.
Indonesia’s search and rescue agency has launched operations to locate the missing ship. The search for remaining passengers is ongoing. The ship, named ‘Bhargo Transport 8,’ was traveling from Surabaya to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan. It was last contacted around 2 a.m. local time on Sunday, approximately 150 kilometers south of Banjarmasin.
Rescue efforts at the incident site include deployment of ships and helicopters. Other vessels navigating the Java Sea have been urged to report any information regarding the passengers’ conditions. Last month, a fire on a ship near Madura Island claimed five lives. The Indonesian archipelago, home to more than 17,000 islands, relies heavily on maritime transport as the primary means of travel across the region.
