In Kirtipur, three individuals have been arrested on charges of fatally stabbing Bipin Ghimire during the day. Those detained include Ashish Maharjan, Roshan Bohora, and Rabin Dhami. The murder occurred in Kirtipur Municipality–10, Podetol area, and Ghimire was declared dead by doctors upon being admitted to the hospital. April 5, Kathmandu.
The police have taken three suspects into custody for interrogation following the daytime stabbing of a young man in Kirtipur. According to senior police sources, 22-year-old Ashish Maharjan, residing in Hanumanghat, Kirtipur Municipality–9; 21-year-old Roshan Bohora from Dilasaini Rural Municipality–3, Baitadi, now living in Tangla Phant, Kirtipur; and 23-year-old Rabin Dhami from Bardgoria Rural Municipality–4, Kailali, currently residing near Panga Dobato, Kirtipur, were temporarily detained for questioning.
According to SP Pawan Kumar Bhattarai of the Kathmandu District Police Office, at 2:30 pm on Wednesday, Bipin Ghimire, originally from Dhurkot, Gulmi, and residing in Kirtipur, was attacked with a sharp weapon. Ghimire was immediately taken to Kirtipur Hospital, where medical professionals pronounced him dead. Police reports indicate that the incident stemmed from a dispute among friends.
The results of the 2026 assembly elections held in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry have introduced a new chapter in national politics. The collective outcome of these five states demonstrates an unprecedented rise in the political strength of the BJP. This has raised serious questions about the future of some established regional parties. Most notably, the 15-year rule of the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal has come to an end, with the BJP assuming power for the first time with a two-thirds majority—a major political upset in this election.
There has also been a significant shift in South Indian politics this time. In Tamil Nadu, the longstanding Dravidian political legacy has taken a major hit with the emergence of new forces. In Kerala, the leftist front (LDF), which had been in power for the past 10 years, was defeated, leading to the return of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF). In the Northeast, the BJP has further consolidated its hold in Assam, achieving a historic ‘hat-trick’ of victories, setting a new benchmark.
In Puducherry, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the NR Congress, has retained power, reaffirming its political continuity. The BJP’s historic breakthrough in West Bengal stands out as the most surprising political transformation. In the 2021 elections, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had secured 213 seats with 47.9% of the vote share, dominating the political landscape; however, this election proved to be highly unfavorable for the party.
There were notable variations in vote percentages among parties; the BJP led with 45.56% of the vote, while the TMC’s share dropped to 40.94%. The BJP improved its vote share by 6.78%, whereas the TMC declined by 6.51%. This election was also memorable due to its high voter turnout. Voter participation rose from 81.8% in 2021 to an exceptional 92.47% this year, marking one of the highest turnout rates since independence.
As the federal government prepares to clear squatter settlements beginning from the capital and extending nationwide, the chairperson of a local government umbrella organization has expressed concerns over panic among citizens and stated they are prepared to pursue legal battles if necessary.
“There is a contradiction in authority. While the government says it must develop standards and manpower and requests local governments to assist in cost collection, a sudden hardline attitude recently has led to confusion,” said Lakshmidevi Pande, Chairperson of the National Association of Village Councils.
“A matter falling under the shared authority of the three tiers of government should have been discussed thoroughly. The constitutionally mandated duties have not caused any disorder at the local government level.”
The federal government needs to first evaluate its activities, Pande added.
“Local governments should not blame others. However, we closely observe and understand citizens’ conditions and facilitate the federal government’s work,” she said.
“If it comes to legal remedies, we will stand on the side of the citizens and those who hope for justice.”
An official from the Nepal Municipal Association stated that while there is no outright opposition to removing squatters, the government has neglected its responsibility to protect citizens.
“Displacement should not occur before proper settlement is established,” said Bhim Prasad Dhungana, Chairperson. “Data is available with the Squatter Settlement Commission as well as local governments.”
The Land Problem Solution Commission also noted procedural violations during the removal of squatter settlements. The commission had registered around 1.2 million squatters and unplanned residents.
Despite repeated land certificate distributions by various commissions, over a dozen past commissions have failed to resolve the squatter issue.
‘An Unstable Situation’
After bulldozers demolished buildings in Kathmandu, fears of sudden homelessness have escalated, spreading the problem to various parts of the country.
Reports indicate some squatter communities in certain districts and market areas have expressed protests.
Last week, umbrella organizations of village councils and municipalities protested forced evictions during the final phase of landless Dalit, squatter, and informal settlers’ data collection, verification, and certification, calling such actions unjust.
Though political influences caused previous fluctuations in this process, the new government was expected to systematize it. However, the situation has reportedly become more chaotic, according to Chairperson Pande.
“What we are clear about is that we will enact laws within our authority and operate accordingly,” said Pande. “We will coordinate where there is scope with the federal government, but the federal government must carry out its responsibilities.”
Image source, EPA
According to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, some provisions of the Land-Related Act 2021 that impeded long-term solutions to squatter problems have been removed through recent ordinances.
He also mentioned that efforts have started to digitally collect, certify, and compile records of genuine landless citizens.
“Now, the government is moving forward on identifying the real status of the landless and seeking an organized, transparent, and sustainable solution,” wrote Prime Minister Balendra on social media. “Arrangements will be made for the secure and systematic relocation of those living in unsafe places.”
However, Municipal Association Chairperson Bhim Prasad Dhungana stated that deploying the military for squatter removals currently does not seem like a positive sign.
Hope for Improvement
Following clearance of squatter settlements in Kathmandu and the issuance of instructional letters from some district administration offices to local governments, local bodies have grown increasingly concerned.
“Chief District Officers have no authority to instruct local governments. The constitution provides for cooperation, consensus, and coexistence—directives have no place,” said Dhungana.
“This issue appears to have arisen because there is no two-thirds majority government at present,” he added.
Image source, PMO
After umbrella organizations of village and municipal councils issued a joint statement opposing forced evictions, district administration offices have begun consultations, which Dhungana views as the start of improvement.
“We will support that and hope a situation requiring legal action will not arise. Yet, some actions have raised fears of jurisdictional interference.”
The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration has been sending correspondence to local governments, indicating progress towards procedural order, he said.
“That ministry is our highest authority, and we have not rejected the need to work within legal frameworks. Our shared goal is to protect public property and remove those illegally living under the squatter category.”
Since the protection of public property is a right granted to local governments, Dhungana emphasized that his primary concern lies with the nature and method of the work.
Image source, EPA
Chairperson Pande of the Village Council Federation pointed out that local governments can only act within their respective areas and stated they do not have land-related authority.
“Therefore, the federal government must coordinate. Right now, the problem is stuck with land acquisition,” Pande said.
“However, we have taken responsibility for squatter classification. The process will begin by forwarding data to the commission.”
Local officials indicated that offices such as Survey and Land Revenue could be included in this process.
“We cannot stop or make arbitrary decisions just by giving directives,” Pande added.
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The Athletics Family Nepal, with support from Changunarayan Municipality, is set to host the first phase of the Nepal 5K Run Challenge this Saturday. More than 250 runners are expected to participate across six different categories. The winner of the open 5-kilometer race will receive a cash prize of NPR 12,000. The event will be held in three phases, with points awarded after each phase, culminating in a grand final, according to the organizers.
The competition will feature a 5-kilometer race for open male and female categories as well as for men over 45 years in the veteran category. Additionally, there will be a 3-kilometer race for female and male participants under 18 years and for women over 35 years in the veteran category. Over 250 runners are anticipated to participate. The first-place winner in the open 5K category will be awarded NPR 12,000, with NPR 8,000 and NPR 4,000 given to second and third place, respectively. Other categories will also have various cash prizes on offer.
The competition will take place across three phases, with about two months between each phase. Points will be awarded to top finishers in each phase, and a grand final will conclude the series. The race will start from the Changunarayan Municipality building, proceed through various locations, and return to the starting point. Organizers believe the event will enhance sports activity within the municipality.
April 6, Kathmandu – A new play titled ‘Mahabharat’ is set to be staged at Kantipur Theatre. The theatre has announced the upcoming production and shared initial information about the play. Naveen Bhatt will direct the new play. The exact dates for the staging and details about the cast are yet to be disclosed.
Previously, Kantipur Theatre hosted the staging of ‘Seto Dharti’, a Madan Puraskar-winning work by Amar Neupane. Additionally, other plays such as ‘Meera’, ‘Shirishko Phool’, and ‘Maharani ko Jatra’ have also been performed here. Recently, Kantipur Theatre has focused on productions based on notable literary works.
Kumar Gharti Magar has been posting videos on Facebook showing the torture of oxen and has admitted to implementing various suggested methods seen in the comments. According to Facebook’s content policy, it is prohibited to post photos or videos that harm, abuse, or show cruelty to animals. Facebook may take action against such content and the accounts posting them according to its policies. However, due to the viral nature of such content on Facebook, many individuals are replicating these acts, with the innocent animals suffering as victims.
Some have posted videos of giving alcohol to dogs, while others have tortured oxen used for plowing. In videos made by Kumar Gharti Magar from Pyuthan, he is seen torturing oxen during plowing. In one video, he presses the ox’s tail between two sticks. In another, the ox’s body is covered with mud. In yet another, he tightly blocks the ox’s nostrils, preventing it from breathing.
Watching the posted videos shows that one ox appears dazed while plowing. Magar shares such footage on Facebook, and viewers respond with comments recommending various ways to subdue the ox. He has admitted to punishing the innocent animals by following those suggestions. His actions clearly demonstrate the torture of the oxen. His videos have garnered significant attention, with one video showing the ox covered in mud receiving over one million views.
Animal rights activists have condemned his actions as illegal. According to senior advocate Padma Bahadur Shrestha, anyone who causes suffering to animals will be prosecuted under existing laws. Under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 2073, individuals who subject animals to cruelty, torture, or unnecessary pain may face up to three months in jail, a fine of up to 5,000 rupees, or both.
Four individuals were injured in a college bus accident near Chillagadh Dham in Ward 9 of Shivasatakshi Municipality, Jhapa. The injured are currently receiving treatment at Birtacity Hospital in Birtamod. The bus driver is under police custody, and further investigation into the accident is underway, according to the District Police Office of Jhapa. The incident occurred on 23rd Baisakh in the Nepali calendar.
The accident happened today on an inner road close to Chillagadh Dham in Shivasatakshi Municipality–9. The bus, bearing license plate Province 1–01–001 K 1314 and belonging to Eco Home College located in Birtamod Municipality–1, lost control and overturned near the roadside while traveling from Byandanda to Birtamod, reported Deputy Superintendent of Police Khagendra Bahadur Khadka of the District Police Office, Jhapa.
There were five people on board, including the driver. Among the injured are 24-year-old assistant driver Prakash Silwal from Buddhashanti Gaunpalika–4, 18-year-old Isan Pakwal from Shivasatakshi Municipality–8, 18-year-old Swabhagya Rai from the same area, and 17-year-old Nisab Bhetwal. The police confirmed that the bus driver remains in custody while the investigation continues.
The signature collection campaign, which caused significant stir within the Nepali Congress party just a month ago, has now reportedly been halted according to party leaders.
Following a major defeat in the parliamentary elections, leaders affiliated with the party’s affiliated organizations began collecting signatures to call a special general convention aimed at leadership change.
The party’s founding faction had accused KP Sharma Oli, the party chairman, of openly spreading rumors of leadership change while under police custody.
Acting Chairperson Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ and other office bearers invited some individuals involved in the signature campaign for discussions.
Gajendra Thapaliya, Chairman of the Nepal Intellectual Council, who was present in the meeting, said that the leaders received assurances that formal discussions would proceed through the committee, and thus the process is currently on hold.
“We concluded that some kind of transformation is definitely necessary, but decisions will be taken through the party’s official meetings,” said Thapaliya. “Due to the chairman’s health, no meeting has been possible since his release from police custody.”
How is Transformation Possible within UML?
Photo source: AFP via Getty Images
According to the UML party constitution, if two-thirds of the district committees or a majority of the National General Convention representatives submit a written request for a special general convention, a meeting must be called within six months.
If the Central Committee does not call this special convention, the requesting committee or National General Convention representatives themselves are authorized to organize it, as stipulated in the constitution.
However, Vice-President Prithvi Subba Gurung has stated there has been no discussion about whether a special general convention will be held for leadership change or whether Chairman Oli will voluntarily step down.
“The party and movement have suffered a major blow, and there is strong demand for restructuring internally. This situation needs management,” said Gurung. “However, as the chairman is still ill, no meeting has been convened.”
The constitution also prohibits the party’s Central Committee, Politburo, Standing Committee, or Secretariat from removing leadership elected through the convention.
Gurung explained that discussions on party restructuring must be placed on the Central Committee’s agenda to begin. “Although there is no provision to remove leaders, a discussion alone would create moral pressure. However, no such agenda has yet been prepared,” he noted.
Gurung further said that the upcoming meeting will review elections and the party’s past decade of activities, during which they will discuss what modifications or restructurings are necessary in organization, leadership, policy, and working style. He describes such comprehensive change as the UML’s ‘overall transformation.’
Leaders Close to Oli Begin Turning Away
Photo source: NurPhoto via Getty Images
Previously, leaders close to Oli stood firmly behind him, even after the party’s devastating election loss and during protests.
However, dissatisfaction began to surface after Oli’s arrest when Ram Bahadur Thapa assumed the role of acting chairperson. Thapa, also leader of the parliamentary party, has been seen intensifying tensions through his speeches in parliament.
Shankar Pokharel, General Secretary and trusted Oli confidant, along with Vice-President Vishnu Paudel, are reported to be involved in discussions about leadership change, although they have made no public comments.
Leaders such as Vice-President Prithvi Subba Gurung, a staunch supporter of Oli and the previous government, are also said to openly support leadership change.
According to insiders, during discussions with some district chairpersons in the presence of General Secretary Pokharel, Gurung expressed the view that “continuing to carry the chairman is no longer effective.”
“I didn’t openly make such comments just focused on elections,” Gurung explained, “but now the time demands it. Simply changing the face won’t suffice; the entire organization and working style need to be addressed.”
Previously, Ishwar Pokharel, Surendra Pandey and others had formed separate panels at the general convention to try to remove Oli. Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari had also openly expressed the opinion that Oli should relinquish leadership.
How Natural Is Oli’s Exit?
With opposition leaders becoming more active, Oli is believed to be under increasing pressure.
Central leaders had been hoping that Oli would voluntarily step down.
According to Gajendra Thapaliya, who led the signature collection, Chairman Oli can unify the party and voluntarily usher a successor forward. He also sees a second option for the committee leadership to resolve the issue by using alternative arrangements stipulated in the constitution.
“If that is not possible, the special general convention remains the only option,” he said. “But it seems party leaders, realizing the gravity, may avoid that path.”
Because a special general convention risks a humiliating exit for the leadership, Oli’s close associates are reportedly trying to persuade him toward a different solution.
“I believe that scenario won’t occur,” Vice-President Gurung said. “Even during a special general convention, whether it’s generational turnover or leadership handover, the agenda will be made and discussions held accordingly.”
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समाचार संक्षेप: भारतको क्रिकेट नियन्त्रण बोर्ड (BCCI) ले IPL 2026 को प्लेअफ तालिका सार्वजनिक गरेको छ। पहिलो क्वालिफायर २६ मे मा धर्मशालामा खेलिनेछ, जबकि एलिमिनेटर २७ मे मा चण्डीगढमा हुनेछ। फाइनल खेल ३१ मे मा अहमदाबादको नरेन्द्र मोदी क्रिकेट स्टेडियममा हुनेछ। २३ अप्रिल, काठमाडौं – भारतको क्रिकेट नियन्त्रण बोर्ड (BCCI) ले भारतीय प्रिमियर लिग (IPL) २०२६ को प्लेअफ तालिका सार्वजनिक गरेको छ। हालसम्म, लिग चरणका ४८ खेल सम्पन्न भइसकेका छन्, र २२ खेल बाँकी छन्। लिग चरणको तालिका पहिले नै सार्वजनिक गरिएको थियो, र अब प्लेअफको समयतालिका पनि सार्वजनिक गरिएको छ। पहिलो क्वालिफायर, जसमा शीर्ष दुई टोलीहरू प्रतिस्पर्धा गर्नेछन्, २६ मे मा हिमाचल प्रदेश क्रिकेट स्टेडियम, धर्मशालामा हुनेछ। यस खेलको विजेताले फाइनलमा सीधा प्रवेश गर्नेछ। त्यसपछि, तेस्रो र चौथो स्थानका टोलीहरू बीचको एलिमिनेटर खेल २७ मे मा नयाँ PCA अन्तर्राष्ट्रिय क्रिकेट स्टेडियम, चण्डीगढमा हुनेछ। दोस्रो क्वालिफायर २९ मे मा चण्डीगढको सोही स्थानमा हुनेछ। यस खेलमा क्वालिफायर १ को हार्ने टोली र एलिमिनेटरको विजेता प्रतिस्पर्धा गर्नेछन्, जसको विजेताले च्याम्पियनशिप खेलमा अन्तिम स्थान पाउनेछ। प्रतियोगिताको फाइनल ३१ मे मा अहमदाबादको नरेन्द्र मोदी क्रिकेट स्टेडियममा निर्धारित गरिएको छ। धर्मशाला र चण्डीगढका स्टेडियमहरू पंजाब किंग्सका घरेलु मैदानका रूपमा कार्य गर्दैछन्, जबकि नरेन्द्र मोदी स्टेडियम गुजरात टाइटन्सको घरेलु मैदान हो। यस सिजन विशेष परिस्थितिहरूका कारण, प्लेअफका खेलहरू तीन विभिन्न स्थानहरूमा हुनेछन्। प्रारम्भमा, फाइनल बेंगलुरुमा खेलिने योजना थियो, तर स्थानीय अधिकारी र तार्किक विचारहरूले BCCI लाई स्थान परिवर्तन गर्न बाध्य पारेको छ।
प्लेअफ तालिका:
क्वालिफायर १: २६ मे (धर्मशाला)
एलिमिनेटर: २७ मे (चण्डीगढ)
क्वालिफायर २: २९ मे (चण्डीगढ)
फाइनल: ३१ मे (अहमदाबाद)
Two people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Deir Kifa town in southern Lebanon. An Israeli drone struck the Islamic Health Institution, injuring three doctors. According to Lebanese media, several others were also wounded in the attack.
The national news agency reported that the Israeli airstrike in Deir Kifa, located in the Bint Jbeil district, resulted in two deaths and one injury. The three injured individuals were taken to hospital for treatment. Another attack in Adshit town of Nabatieh district caused one fatality.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah announced a retaliatory attack against Israeli forces in the Wadi al-Jamal area. This clash occurred despite the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that has been in effect since April 16.
The government has collected 112,823,925 rupees in royalties from Mount Everest during the current climbing season. This year, 1,072 climbers have obtained permits to ascend 29 peaks, generating a total royalty collection of 117,550,000 rupees. Specifically for Everest, 464 climbers across 47 groups have received permits, with the highest numbers of climbers coming from China and the United States. (April 23, Kathmandu)
According to the Department of Tourism, as of Tuesday, a total of 464 climbers from 47 groups have secured permits for Mount Everest. The total royalty collected from them amounts to 112,823,925 rupees. The increase in royalty fees since the start of the autumn season this year has contributed to the rise in collection.
This year, permits have been issued for climbing 29 mountains to 1,072 climbers in 127 groups. The Department of Tourism reports that the government has collected royalties totaling 117,550,000 rupees from these peaks. Following Everest, 111 climbers in 9 groups have been authorized to climb Lhotse, and 104 climbers in 9 groups to climb Ama Dablam. Data confirms that climbers from 79 countries have come to scale Nepal’s mountains this year. Among them, China leads with 139 climbers, followed by the United States with 132. The United Kingdom and Russia have 72 and 66 climbers respectively. For Everest alone, climbers from 55 countries have obtained permits, including 100 from China, 67 from the United States, and 58 from India.
On April 20, a devastating storm completely destroyed two bighas of ginger farming located in Ratnapur, Ward 12 of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City in Dang. Humbahadur KC, who had been cultivating ten bighas of leased land, is facing significant losses due to the absence of insurance coverage. KC had employed four local workers and, after returning from Japan, dedicated himself to agriculture in his homeland.
The powerful storm that struck on April 20 wiped out all ginger plants in Ratnapur, Ward 12, according to KC. The ginger crops were in the final stages of preparation for sale, leading to substantial financial damage. KC has been involved in commercial farming for five years on ten bighas of land leased from Hapur Ratnapur Secondary School, but without insurance, the losses have been severe.
Out of the ten bighas he leased, ginger was cultivated on four bighas; two of these were completely destroyed while the remaining two suffered partial damage. In addition to ginger farming, KC also raises nearly three thousand broiler chickens across three sheds on four bighas of land and grows corn and chili on the rest.
After spending four years in Japan, KC returned to Nepal with the intention of contributing to local agriculture. He has committed himself to farming and provided employment to four local residents.
Following indications from US President Donald Trump that an agreement with Iran could end the conflict, oil prices in Asia declined on Wednesday. After Trump announced the launch of ‘Project Freedom’ in the Strait of Hormuz, concerns about escalating tensions had risen. However, he has now stated that the US military’s plan to secure and extract vessels trapped in the Strait of Hormuz has been temporarily suspended.
On Wednesday, the price of Brent crude oil fell by 1.7 percent to $108 per barrel. The price of oil sold by the United States also dropped by 1.6 percent, reaching $100.60. Earlier this week, prices surged more than 6 percent due to increased attacks in the Middle East, but have since started to decline. After the US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on February 28, Iran threatened to target vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz, which caused global fuel prices to rise.
On Tuesday, Trump stated on social media, “A short-term suspension of ‘Project Freedom’ has been decided to see whether an agreement with Iran can be reached.” The US military had intended to deploy 15,000 troops, 100 aircraft, and warships capable of launching precision missiles for the operation. However, the Iranian military emphasized its continued control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning that any foreign armed forces, especially aggressive US troops, attempting to enter would be attacked.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the preliminary operations initiated by the US and Israel against Iran have concluded and that Washington has achieved its objectives. Iran has yet to respond to Rubio’s remarks. Meanwhile, the speaker of the Iranian Parliament previously confirmed that the process is ongoing and stated, “We all know that the US cannot endure the continuation of the status quo.”
Following indications from US President Donald Trump that a ceasefire agreement with Iran might be possible, oil prices fell in Asia on Wednesday.
After Trump announced the operation of ‘Project Freedom’ in the Strait of Hormuz, fears of escalating conflict had increased. However, he later stated plans to have the US military secure and evacuate ships trapped in the Hormuz Strait are postponed for the time being.
On Wednesday, Brent crude oil prices dropped by 1.7% to settle at $108 per barrel. The price of US crude also decreased by 1.6% to $100.60. Earlier in the week, escalating attacks in the Middle East had driven prices up more than 6%, but they began to decline in subsequent days.
Since February 28, when the US and Israel initiated attacks on Iran, threats from Iran to target ships in the Strait of Hormuz caused global fuel prices to rise. The Hormuz Strait is key as 20% of worldwide oil and gas exports transit through this route.
Although a ceasefire has been announced between the US and Iran, a significant drop in oil prices has not yet occurred. The ceasefire period, initially declared on April 8, has been extended.
What Trump Said
Image source, Adam J. Dewey/Anadolu via Getty Images
On Tuesday, Trump stated via social media: “To see if we can make a deal with Iran, the decision has been made to temporarily pause ‘Project Freedom.'” Earlier, he had announced leading a mission to escort various countries’ ships out of the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military had planned to deploy 15,000 troops, 100 aircraft, and warships capable of launching targeted missiles in the operation.
However, the Iranian military asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz and warned of attacks against any foreign armed forces attempting entry, especially the aggressive US military.
Trump wrote, “Significant progress has been made towards a full and final agreement with Iranian representatives.” However, he also emphasized that the US will not cease obstructing Iranian port-bound watercraft.
The US continues to apply economic pressure on Iran.
According to the marine traffic monitoring website MarineTraffic, ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday remained notably low.
Meaning of the US Operation Halt
Image source, AFP via Getty Images
Caption, The US continues blockade of Iranian ports
Strategist Charu Chanana, associated with investment firm Saxo, explains that halting Project Freedom signals “Washington’s desire to pursue a diplomatic resolution again.”
However, she does not view this as a definitive turning point.
“Is this a genuine step toward reopening trade through the Hormuz Strait? That is a critical question for oil traders,” she said.
Currently, however, there is no clear evidence to confirm this progress.
‘Initial Actions Against Iran Have Ended’
Image source, Reuters
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the initial operations carried out by the US and Israel against Iran have concluded and that Washington’s objectives have been achieved.
“We choose the path of peace. What the President seeks is an agreement,” he told reporters.
Iran has yet to respond to Rubio’s comments. However, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament had previously stated that the process is underway and that “we all know the US cannot tolerate the status quo continuation.”
Concerns were raised that Project Freedom could threaten the ceasefire between the two sides.
Some Iranian media have portrayed the postponement of Project Freedom as a victory for Iran.
“Trump has backed down,” claimed the hardline Tasnim news agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, alleging the US president seeks to “cover up his failure.”
Iran’s government-run IRNA news agency called it “America’s defeat” and said Trump has played his “last card.”
The US had reported striking some Iranian “fast boats” in the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE accused Iran of attacking a port supplying oil, an accusation Tehran denies.
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The UK government is exploring a potential bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in the 2040s. This initiative involves a thorough evaluation of costs, socio-economic benefits, and the likelihood of a successful event. The Department for Culture, Media and Sport aims to position the UK as a prime destination for major sporting competitions.
Additionally, there is an ongoing review of the prospects for hosting the Ryder Cup and Solheim Cup during the 2030s. Previously, London successfully hosted the Olympics in 2012. Interest has grown in recent months regarding the possibility of the UK hosting the games again. London Mayor Sadiq Khan has already suggested that the city should prepare a bid for the 2040 Games.
The 2028 and 2032 Olympic Games are confirmed to be held in the United States and Australia, respectively, but the host for subsequent Games remains undecided. Some leaders have proposed that future bids should focus on Northern England. There is also discussion about a possible joint hosting arrangement between Liverpool and Manchester.
Under new policy measures, the government is preparing to classify unauthorized ticket resale as a criminal offense to ensure that spectators can purchase tickets at their genuine value. The UK is also set to host the Euro football competition in 2028 and is the sole bidder for the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
