19 Ashoj, Kathmandu – India and West Indies have been fined for a slow over rate in the final match of their three-match ODI series. In the match held on Saturday in New Chandigarh, India was fined 20 percent of the players’ match fees, while West Indies received a 10 percent fine.
Prakash Bhatt, ICC’s international panel match referee, calculated the time delay and found that India bowled four overs less and West Indies two overs less than the stipulated number. Consequently, penalties were imposed on both teams.
According to Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct, players are fined five percent of their match fees per over not completed within the allotted time. Both teams’ captains admitted their mistake and accepted the proposed punishments, which meant a formal hearing was deemed unnecessary.
The on-field umpires Jayraman Madangopal and Sam Nogajski, third umpire Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, and fourth umpire Birendra Sharma concluded the slow over rate infringements.
October 6, Kathmandu – The secretariat for the 10th National Games has been officially established. The inauguration took place at the Karnali Province Stadium complex in Virendranagar, Surkhet, where Karnali Province Chief Minister Mangal Bahadur Shahi formally opened the secretariat. The ceremony was also attended by Jit Bahadur Malla, Minister for Social Development of Karnali Province, and Ramcharitra Mehta, Member-Secretary of the National Sports Council.
According to the National Sports Council (Rakhap), the secretariat of the main organizing committee has been set up in Virendranagar to ensure the 10th National Games are conducted efficiently and effectively. The games are scheduled to be held from December 1 to 12 across various districts of Karnali Province.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a new task force focused on artificial intelligence (AI). Named the ‘Super Intelligence Force,’ this organization will be led by J. Clayton, the director of the U.S. National Intelligence. According to a post on social media on Monday, the task force aims to maintain America’s leading role in AI technology development and coordinate collaboration between the government and the public.
Earlier, the word ‘Artificial’ in the agency’s name was proposed to be changed to ‘Super Intelligence’ via an executive order signed on September 29. Trump argued that the term ‘artificial’ implies something ‘fake.’ Last week, top technology company leaders signed an agreement to establish a board overseeing AI safety, which Trump described as “morally binding.” He stated, “The Super Intelligence Force will coordinate federal government collaboration with consumers, public interest groups, religious organizations, critical infrastructure providers, and super intelligence companies.”
The task force also includes members such as Andrew Ferguson, Chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission; Emil Michael, Deputy Secretary of Defense; and Scott Cooper, Director of Personnel Management. It will operate under the direct supervision of the President and White House Chief of Staff Susan Wiles. Clayton has been leading National Intelligence since August. The formation of this task force comes in response to increasing pressure from leading AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic for stricter regulation of this technology.
In an interview published on October 4, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman emphasized that some risk is necessary due to the benefits AI can offer, and that this technology should remain accessible to the public. Trump rejected calls for strict regulation, delegating most responsibilities to AI companies. On September 29, executives from leading technology firms including OpenAI, Anthropic, SpaceX, and Google signed the agreement. According to the executive order, all official correspondence, websites, reports, and communications will use the term ‘SI’ instead of ‘AI.’
Russian drones have launched attacks on a major bridge in Kyiv for the second consecutive day. Russian military forces have intensified strikes on bridges in Ukraine’s capital city. Although the assaults have caused some damage, the bridge remains intact. The ‘Northern Bridge’ is one of eight critical bridges spanning the Dnipro River. Approximately half a million vehicles use these bridges daily for transportation.
A few days ago, Russian forces also repeatedly attacked the ‘Sadarva Bridge.’ This recent wave of attacks coincided with German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz’s unexpected visit to Kyiv.
19 Ashoj, Butwal – Monsters Guys Sunwal emerged victorious in the 24th Lishnu Cup knockout football tournament. In the final held on Sunday at Pashupati Secondary School ground in Tilottama–15, Kotihawa, Monsters Guys defeated the hosts Lishnu Youth Club with a commanding 6–2 scoreline to claim the championship.
For Monsters Guys, Samuel Sunar opened the scoring in the 12th minute, followed by Savi Gurung in the 17th minute. Foreign player Binde scored twice at the 38th and 46th minutes, while Biki Rai netted goals in the 51st and 74th minutes. For the hosts, Ganesh Hamal scored the opener in the 8th minute, and Sushil Rai added a second goal in the 84th minute.
In individual accolades, Monsters Guys’ Pratik Sunar was named Best Goalkeeper, foreign player Sillah received Best Defender, Lishnu’s Sushil Rai was recognized as Best Midfielder, while Monsters’ Biki Chamling Rai secured the Top Scorer award. Lishnu’s Bishw Thapa was honored as the Emerging Player, and Phulwari Guys Butwal earned the award for Best Disciplined Team. Sadip KC of Monsters was declared the Best Player of the tournament, announced by Match Commissioner Suraj Kharel.
The competition featured 12 teams from Rupandehi, Chitwan, Kaski, Syangja, West Nawalparasi, Palpa, and Kapilvastu districts. The champion received NPR 351,111, while the runner-up was awarded NPR 201,111, along with trophies, medals, and certificates. For the individual categories—Best Goalkeeper, Defender, Midfielder, Top Scorer, and Emerging Player—each received NPR 11,000.
The awards and certificates were presented by Club President Teerthraj Malla and Ward Chairperson of Tilottama–15, Khemraj Gurung, among others.
The United States has withdrawn all its bomber aircraft from RAF Fairford, the British airbase that has been a focal point of counterterrorism police investigations in the UK. A Foreign Ministry official confirmed on Sunday that all bombers have been moved from the British airbase to the US. The reason for the withdrawal has not been disclosed. However, the move was reportedly triggered by a major incident on September 27 near Gloucestershire airport, where three “suspicious vehicles” were found.
Initially, five individuals were arrested near the airbase on suspicion of terrorist activity but were later released on bail. Subsequently, British-Iranian nationals who were also arrested have been released on bail. Whitehall sources did not deny that Washington’s decision came in response to the incidents at RAF Fairford. They clarified to the BBC that the decision was a military one, not political. It was taken at an “operational level,” and the US military informed their British counterparts accordingly.
The UK Ministry of Defence has yet to comment on the matter. Shortly after the incident, UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham indicated there was a “strong indication” of Iran’s involvement but did not provide further details. Tehran has strongly denied any involvement in the incident. The arrests follow early morning reports of vehicles approaching the airbase, prompting the detention of five men aged between 23 and 25. All were British citizens residing in London and were suspected of involvement with explosives and preparation for terrorist acts.
Based on “experience and strategy,” the police stated that those arrested were later released on bail following a “review decision.” Another individual, 25 years old, suspected of planning terrorist activities, was apprehended in London on Thursday but was also released on bail by the counterterrorism police on Saturday. The US Air Force has operated the RAF airbase as a “forward operating location” for decades. In recent months, following UK approval of US requests to use the base for defensive strikes against Iran, US bombers have been flying from there to the Middle East.
Canberra – Australian security agencies have initiated an investigation into the links between Omani citizen Hamam Al-Hammami and Australia after he was accused of assaulting the captain on a Flydubai flight en route to Tehran and attempting to seize control of the aircraft. According to the Australian Federal Police (AFP), a joint Victorian counter-terrorism team comprising the AFP, Victoria Police, and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) is examining Al-Hammami’s connections with Australia.
Reports indicate that Al-Hammami was issued an Australian student visa in 2014. He resided and studied in Australia from 2015 to 2017 and was enrolled at a university in Melbourne. Some sources specify that he pursued engineering studies at RMIT University. Although he left Australia in 2017, his student visa remained active officially until it was formally cancelled in 2019. According to ABC, the visa cancellation was due not to character concerns but because he ceased enrollment in his course and therefore no longer qualified for a student visa.
On September 30, 2026, aboard Flydubai flight FZ 1073 traveling from Dubai to Tehran, Al-Hammami allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit. Officials from the United Arab Emirates stated that Al-Hammami used the cockpit’s emergency hatch (crash axe) to assault the captain in an attempt to take control of the aircraft. The plane then rapidly descended. After the injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, passengers and other crew members helped subdue the alleged assailant. Following these events, the aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. UAE authorities have classified the incident as an “attempted terrorist attack.”
Investigations into the motives behind the attack, possible accomplices, and Al-Hammami’s background are ongoing across multiple countries. Australian investigators are particularly focused on establishing whether Al-Hammami was involved in any security or extremist activities during his time in Australia, and whether his residency there has any relation to the recent incident. To date, based on publicly available information, no conclusion has been reached that he had adopted extremist views or engaged in criminal activities while in Australia. The investigation remains active, and further details will be released by Australian police when appropriate.
One body swept away in the floodwaters of the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli rivers near the border of Nuwakot and Rasuwa districts has been identified in India, far from Nepal, according to police and family sources.
Dasharath Dangol, a resident of Thakre in Dhading, was last seen on the morning of Bhadra 10 (September 26) when his brother Harihar Dangol accompanied him to the bus stop at Dharke Bazaar near Rasuwagadhi around 7:30 am. Dasharath was a driver of a ‘low bed truck’ and was heading to collect a vehicle in Rasuwagadhi.
He boarded a vehicle from Kathmandu bound for Timure, but went missing within a few hours.
Harihar is uncertain whether Dasharath had crossed into Nuwakot district.
“We lost track of where exactly he had reached. His mobile network was only traceable up to Tupche. The vehicle might have been near the Trishuli-Betrawati region where the settlements were devastated,” Harihar recounted a month after the flood.
The family had given up hope after failing to locate Dasharath’s vehicle.
“I thought we wouldn’t find him. Even the vehicle might have sunk,” Harihar recalled.
Both the vehicle Dasharath boarded and the one he was headed to collect remain missing.
However, one week later, reports came to the family that Dasharath was identified by a tattoo on a body found in India, which was transported by ambulance to Lumbini Provincial Hospital.
“He had a tattoo on his right arm that read ‘Dasharath Janghe.’ The authorities presented the tattooed body to us, and we could directly recognize him,” Harihar stated.
According to police, 204 bodies were recovered in western Nawalparasi, with an additional 18 bodies found as far as about 50 kilometers into the West Champaran area of India from the border.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Madan Thapa of Nawalparasi Bardghat Susta West stated that tattoos played a significant role in identifying bodies that were handed over from the Indian side.
“Among the bodies transferred by the Indian authorities, one has been identified, while others have yet to be identified,” Thapa said.
In total, only ten bodies have been identified so far in western Nawalparasi, combining those recovered on both the Nepal and India sides.
Of these, tattoos on the bodies’ limbs greatly assisted in identifying four cases.
Body Drifted 250 Kilometers Identified Through Tattoo
The body of 28-year-old Sabin Rana from Bhimfedi, Makwanpur, who worked as a driver at a hydropower project above Syaphru Bensi in Rasuwa, was also identified through tattoos after being found in western Nawalparasi on the fifth day after the flood, police said.
He had a tiger-lion-shaped tattoo on his left arm and another tattoo on his left palm reading ‘Love you Dad Mom’. Other body markings helped make the identification straightforward.
Rana was employed as a driver by the Chinese contractor Sino Hydro at the Rasuwagadhi Bhote Koshi Hydropower Project, which was in its early construction phase.
According to Khimlal Gautam, Chief Survey Officer at the Survey Department, the distance from Syaphru Bensi to the Gandak Barrage on the Nepal-India border in western Nawalparasi via the Trishuli/Narayani river is approximately 257 kilometers.
Police confirmed that some bodies drifted as far as 250 kilometers, and identification was only possible due to tattoos.
Assistant Spokesperson Deep Shamsher Jabara of the Police Headquarters explained that many bodies could only be identified by facial recognition, tattoos, and other distinct markings.
“DNA matching is underway to identify the remaining bodies,” he added.
Forensic expert Dr. Harihar Basti acknowledged that identifying bodies washed so far downstream using tattoos is rare.
Only 112 Bodies Identified So Far
Of the more than 5,000 people affected by the flood, only 1,454 bodies have been recovered, according to Shanti Mahat, spokesperson for the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
Of those, only 112 bodies have been identified, with the majority remaining unidentified.
The body of 38-year-old Rajkapur Gurau Tharu from Zirabhwani Rural Municipality, Parsa, was also identified through a tattoo on his hand.
Image Source, FamilyHandout
Rajkapur worked at a crusher construction project in Mailung, Rasuwa. Despite family efforts to make contact, there was no response, prompting searches extending to Battar.
“We held hope he would return alive. If dead, identifying the body would be difficult, so I traveled to Nuwakot and informed relatives,” recalled his brother Suresh Prasad Gurau.
Rajkapur had a tattoo on his right arm reading ‘Rajkapur’.
“When the notification of a tattooed body was seen and investigated, it was initially believed to be in Narayangadh, but it wasn’t. Later, after reaching Parasi district, we identified the body which was partly decomposed. The tattoo ‘Rajkapur’ and his beard helped confirm the identity,” he stated.
The family received the body on the seventh day after the flood, by which time it was in a state of decomposition.
Similarly, Shankhabuddha Tamang, who ran a hotel in Betrawati, Kavre, was identified through a ring found on the hand of his body. The body, found in western Nawalparasi after drifting from Betrawati, was only in a condition where the face was barely recognizable, his brother Karmadhoj Tamang added.
3,300 Samples Collected for DNA Testing
Image Source, RSS
Forensic specialist Dr. Basti explained, “Bodies submerged in water during the flood begin to decompose within 24 hours due to heat. As the flesh decays, the bodies no longer look like living people. However, tattoos penetrate the dermis or inner skin layer, so they remain visible even after the outer skin has decayed.”
He noted that relying solely on tattoos for identification carries risks, but since named tattoos are less common, they can assist identification when combined with other evidence.
Over 5,000 people were affected by the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli flood spanning from Nepal’s China border to Dhading, with 5,285 still missing. The government is collecting DNA samples of unidentified bodies to secure them for future exhumation.
So far, more than 1,300 body samples and over 2,000 samples from relatives have been collected and are undergoing DNA testing.
October 5, Colombo (RASS/ Xinhua) – Four people have died in Sri Lanka as a result of heavy rains that triggered floods and water-related incidents. The disasters have also left one person missing and dozens injured. On Sunday, the country’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC) reported that 1,190 families, totaling 4,360 individuals, have been affected by the floods.
The data was collected from 125 divisional secretariat areas across 17 districts. Additionally, the heavy rains have damaged 617 houses.
October 5, Washington (RASS/AFP) – US President Donald Trump on Sunday appointed National Intelligence Chief Joseph Clayton as the head of the White House’s newly formed artificial intelligence (AI) task force. This appointment comes amid growing warnings from researchers about the potential risks associated with AI technology. President Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social, “I have entrusted Clayton with leading the Super Intelligence Force. He will be responsible for coordinating this effort across the federal government.” He added, “America must be the global leader in ‘Super Intelligence.’ Many say this is an even greater transformation than the Industrial Revolution or the internet. This will benefit and protect all Americans, as well as enhance their standard of living.”
On Saturday, the White House also appointed 24-year-old reporter Benny Rae Harmony as press spokesperson and assistant press secretary. She has been serving as a White House correspondent for ‘Real America’s Voice.’ Harmony will assume her new role starting Monday. This appointment was made while the White House Press Secretary position remains vacant. Former Press Secretary Caroline Levitt resigned from the post at the end of August. The Trump administration has yet to announce a permanent successor. Recently, Harmony had also become a regular member of the White House press pool.
The National Sports Council (Rakhap) has appointed Gunjan Shah Thakuri as a member of the Nepal Cricket Association (CAN). Kathmandu, 4 October. Following a decision at the member secretary level, Rakhap nominated Gunjan as a member of CAN. According to Article 2, Clause 3, Subclause (4) of the Nepal Cricket Association Statute 2055, Rakhap holds the provision to nominate an ex officio member to the association. Accordingly, Rakhap has appointed Gunjan as a member.
Previously, after the formation of the new government, Rakhap had recalled Chhumbi Lama from membership. Gunjan has now been appointed to the vacancy created by this change. She formerly served as the personal secretary to Minister of Industry, Commerce and Supply, Gauri Kumari Yadav.
Gagan Thapa, President of the Nepali Congress, voiced concerns over the Prime Minister’s recent lack of participation, stating, “The parliament is not open; it is closed.” He made this remark during the opening session of the Congress’s 15th General Convention held on Sunday in Kathmandu, following remarks from leaders of major parties. He added, “The parliament cannot be considered open unless the Prime Minister participates respectfully, for the system and the dignity of the people.” Thapa emphasized that the convention must address the challenges of the present time and noted, “Our problems will not be resolved easily.”
Thapa also reflected on the reason behind Congress’s continuity, describing it as “providing answers to today’s biggest questions,” contrasting it with providing answers to yesterday’s issues. He warned that growing anti-political sentiments in the country have led to “extreme politics,” which is smoldering like a petrol fire beneath the surface. Although former Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba was invited to the convention’s inauguration, he was absent.
Ravi Lamichhane, President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa), responded to concerns regarding the government’s future by asserting that “the government will endure.” He stated, “There is no threat to democracy. If there is any, the people will protect it.” Lamichhane made it clear that he would not compromise the values and principles of democracy. He also emphasized that Raswapa has a clear division of responsibilities and requested that the Prime Minister’s absence from important party activities not be viewed as unusual.
Shankar Pokhrel, General Secretary of the Nepal Communist Party (UML), criticized the government for not being proactive in facing challenges despite the devastating disaster in the Bhote Koshi-Trishuli region. He remarked, “Good governance has not advanced today, and service delivery remains delayed.” Meanwhile, CPN Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ stated, “The country is in crisis, and democracy is in crisis.” He underscored the necessity for all parties to come together and work collaboratively.
Rajendra Lingden, Chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (Rastriya Prajatantra Party), observed that the country is currently straying from the right path, saying, “The faces have changed, but the tendencies have not.” Aaron Rai, leader of the Shram Sanskriti Party, suggested that parties should be evaluated based on the good work they have accomplished during their time in power, irrespective of their political tenure.
October 5, Pyongyang – North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, accompanied by his daughter, observed a missile test on Saturday. According to state media, the missile tested incorporated artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This technology reportedly enabled the missile to alter its flight path during low-altitude flight.
South Korean military sources reported that the missile was launched from an area near the eastern coastal city of Wonsan on Saturday morning and traveled over 700 kilometers. The military has not released further details regarding the test. Following the observation, Kim highlighted that the soldiers operating strategic missile systems demonstrated their capabilities and readiness to respond effectively.
North Korea stated that the test was carried out to provide training for troops in operating supersonic strategic weapon systems. Photographs released by state media showed Kim overseeing the missile launch. Kim’s daughter, Ju-ae, made her first public appearance in 2022.
This test was conducted just days after South Korean forces reported an explosion near the border area that injured three soldiers, prompting demands for an explanation from North Korea. Pyongyang has denied any involvement in the explosion.
18 Ashoj, Kathmandu — The Nepal cricket team was formally sent off to Oman to participate in the final phase of the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 series involving Oman, Canada, and Nepal. The Nepal Cricket Association (CAN) held a farewell ceremony on Sunday to bid the team farewell. CAN Chairman Chatur Bahadur Chand, Vice Chairman Roshan Singh, and Secretary Paras Khadka extended their best wishes to the players during the event.
At the farewell event, Secretary Paras Khadka wished the team success by playing strong cricket and securing victories. “This is a crucial series, and the outcomes will have significant implications. Every team has shown competitive cricket. A strong performance here will clarify our future direction. You have demonstrated good cricket before, and I hope you do the same this time. All the best,” he said.
Paras also shared that Nepal would engage in preparatory training and play a practice match upon arrival in Oman. Coach Stuart expressed confidence in the team’s ability to perform at their best in Oman given the importance of this series and emphasized the need to follow a planned approach. “Winning is easy to say, but understanding the process and executing accordingly is essential,” he stated.
Captain Sandeep Lamichhane reported that the team is well-prepared and in good form. “There has been a positive shift in the team’s rhythm. Our goal is to retain ODI status and advance Nepal to the World Cup qualifiers,” he explained.
Chairman Chatur Bahadur Chand also extended his encouragement to the team: “The recent Premier Cup champions have many experienced players, and I believe we will see an excellent performance this time as well. We are confident of bringing joy to the Nepali people this Dashain festival. Best wishes to all.” The Nepal squad is scheduled to depart for Oman on Sunday night.
This series holds immense importance for Nepal as it will determine the preservation of their ODI status and their ranking in League 2. For this competition, CAN made one change from the team that participated in the ACC Premier Cup and included new players. Right-arm pacer Hemant Dhami was replaced by Nandan Yadav, and left-arm spinner Shahab Alam was also added to the squad. Opening batsman Kushal Bhurtel and pacer Sompal Kami were not included in this series, while opener Arjun Kumal and Asif Sheikh retained their places.
October 4, Kathmandu — As the US midterm elections approach, former President Donald Trump has announced a new financial relief plan targeting senior citizens. On Friday night, through the social media platform Truth Social, Trump announced that over 20 million senior citizens enrolled in Medicare Part B would receive approximately $100 in aid, either by check or direct deposit. The total expenditure for this program is estimated to be around $200 million.
How and who will receive the relief funds? According to a statement released by the White House, most seniors registered under Medicare Part B will qualify for this relief. Eligible individuals will receive a direct deposit of $90 into their bank accounts starting in early October, while those without bank accounts will be provided with paper checks. The relief payments will be disbursed from the Medicare Improvement Fund, established in 2008, which Trump has previously criticized as a “slush fund.”
Medicare data indicates the standard monthly premium for Part B is $202.90. Thus, the $90 relief amount covers less than half of one month’s premium. However, considering declining public approval over the past decade, Trump is advancing his political strategy by announcing cash relief, discounts, and dividends to attract voters ahead of the midterm elections. If the Republicans win the midterms, Trump has made a substantial promise to provide cash dividends of $5,000 to every adult American.
Additionally, Trump has proposed a $500 discount per person for more than one million individuals who have paid high premiums under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) health insurance. Under the recent announcement, the plan to distribute direct relief payments of $90 to $100 to over 20 million senior citizens aims to assist in Medicare Part B premium payments. Trump had also previously announced tariff rebates and “D.O.G.E. dividends” in 2025, but those initiatives were never fully implemented. This new Medicare payment relief program is expected to commence within a few days.
