Author: space4knews

October 1, Washington – The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily allowed the Trump administration to swiftly deport immigrants to third countries outside of their own, opening the way for such removals to continue for the time being. In a one-page order issued Tuesday, the Court permitted the reinstatement of a policy that a lower court had previously blocked, allowing deportations to third countries on an interim basis. However, the Supreme Court did not rule on the legality of the policy itself.

The Court scheduled a prompt hearing on the matter and set oral arguments for December, with a final decision on the policy expected next year. This case raises important constitutional questions about the limits of presidential authority over immigration and deportation. Notably, the Tuesday order did not include the number of justices voting or signatures—a typical practice in emergency decisions by the Court.

The central issue for the December hearing will focus on whether the Trump administration has the authority to deport immigrants to countries with which the immigrants have no direct ties. Previously, the administration has removed immigrants to countries including Liberia, Equatorial Guinea, Costa Rica, Honduras, and the Central African Republic.

Several of these countries have faced allegations of human rights abuses, fueling opposition to the policy amid concerns that deported immigrants could face persecution or torture. Three liberal justices dissented from the order, arguing that the government’s request should be denied. Ahead of the hearing, the Court instructed both sides to focus on two main questions: first, whether the lower court had the authority to block the expedited deportations; and second, whether the policy of deporting immigrants to third countries conflicts with the U.S. Constitution and international protections against torture.

Supporting the government, James Percival, the chief legal official at the Department of Homeland Security, called the Supreme Court’s order a “victory” for the administration. He characterized the ruling as a setback for criminals and advocates of open borders, and referenced a government program offering voluntary returnees $3,000 and plane tickets home. Conversely, Trina A. Realmuto, an attorney with the National Immigration Litigation Alliance representing immigrant rights, condemned the Court’s order as “devastating,” stating it permits the government to send people back to third countries where they may face persecution or torture. However, she noted that the Court’s order did not ultimately rule the policy lawful, emphasizing that a detailed hearing in December will address the policy’s legality, with a final resolution to follow.

October 1, Kathmandu – Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Iran has issued a warning to Middle Eastern countries urging them to avoid activities that could provoke regional instability. In a statement released by Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday night, Iran expressed objection to Netanyahu’s UAE visit and emphasized that maintaining regional security is a shared responsibility of all nations.

“The security of this region is a collective responsibility of all countries. Any actions that open the door for insecure forces and elements to enter the region will ultimately have harmful consequences for the interests of all countries in this area,” the statement said.

“Such actions will increase division, insecurity, and instability in West Asia. Therefore, governments in the region are expected to clearly understand their responsibility in preserving peace and stability,” the statement added. Iran claimed that such activities contribute to the spread of division, insecurity, and instability across West Asia and urged regional governments to acknowledge their duties in maintaining peace and stability. The Iranian Foreign Ministry called on other governments to refrain from facilitating the expansion of Israel’s “harmful presence” and not allow their territories to become platforms for actions against other countries.

Earlier, Netanyahu visited the UAE on Sunday, where he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. However, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed the visit only two days later.

October 1, Kathmandu – Although personal wealth worldwide continues to rise, the gap between the rich and the poor is deepening. According to the Global Wealth Report 2026 published by Swiss bank UBS, nearly half (48.4%) of the world’s total personal wealth is concentrated in the hands of only 1.5% of the richest individuals. The report states that 58 million adults with wealth exceeding one million US dollars collectively control assets worth 250.59 trillion dollars. Conversely, about 42.1% of adults globally—approximately 1.62 billion people—with less than 10,000 dollars in net worth, hold just 0.6% (3.22 trillion dollars) of total wealth. This highlights the reality that in underdeveloped and developing countries like Nepal, the majority of citizens still struggle at the very bottom of the wealth pyramid.
In neighboring India, millionaires lead among the 56 major markets included in UBS’s report, where more than 92% of the world’s total wealth is concentrated. Nepal is not part of this list of 56 markets, but India is the only South Asian nation featured, with 944,000 millionaires. Across all tracked markets, there are around 57.5 million millionaires globally. In 2025 alone, nearly one million new millionaires emerged worldwide, averaging about 2,680 new millionaires daily.
The report also reveals significant wealth concentration in two global superpowers. The United States and Greater China (including China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan) together hold more than half of the world’s personal wealth. The US accounts for 35.7% of total assets, while Greater China holds 18.5%. Western Europe possesses 21.9% of global wealth. In terms of average wealth per adult, Switzerland ranks first globally with $910,382 per adult, followed by the US with $696,277.
Emerging markets hold 26.2% of global wealth, down from 28.8% in 2022. Despite overall growth in assets, wealth distribution remains markedly uneven. UBS reported a 10.8% increase in total personal wealth across the studied markets in 2025. The divide among wealth groups is also pronounced: 1.62 billion adults with net assets under $10,000 collectively hold $3.22 trillion; 1.58 billion adults with assets between $10,000 and $100,000 hold $63.16 trillion; 588 million adults with assets between $100,000 and $1 million have $200.72 trillion; and the top 58 million adults hold $250.59 trillion in wealth.
Financial and real estate wealth composition varies by country. UBS data shows that in Sweden, 83.6% of total personal wealth is financial assets; in Taiwan, it is 80.8%; and in the US, approximately 79%. Being a millionaire does not mean having $1 million cash in a bank account. UBS points out that for typical millionaires owning assets between $1 million and $5 million, their primary holding is often their home. Home value appreciation can raise total wealth without increasing liquid cash or income, enabling individuals to qualify as millionaires. However, liquid assets—typically cash, bank deposits, voluntary pension savings, mutual funds, and direct equity investments—represent immediate spending capability. Mandatory pension savings and the value of real estate are excluded from liquid assets. This underscores that despite rising global wealth, significant disparities remain in both distribution and asset composition.

Kathmandu, October 1 – The Tamil Nadu government in India has initiated a scheme to gift gold rings to newborn babies delivered in government hospitals and primary health centres. Under this program, every baby born in these public health facilities will receive a 22-carat gold ring weighing 1 gram as a gift.

To mark the launch of the scheme, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay personally adorned several newborns with gold rings. The scheme, named ‘Thai Maman Thanga Mothiram’, was inaugurated on Monday at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai. In Tamil, ‘Thai Maman Thanga Mothiram’ translates to ‘Maternal Uncle’s Gold Ring’.

In Tamil culture, a maternal uncle, known as ‘mama’, holds a special place similar to the affectionate term used for a brother or uncle. According to Tamil Nadu Health Minister Arunraj, the ‘mama’ is among the first relatives to visit a newborn. The government intends to honor this familial tradition, which emphasizes support and shared joy among sisters and brothers through this initiative.

The primary objective of presenting these gold rings is to enhance public trust in government health services and encourage safe childbirth in hospitals. The Tamil Nadu government believes that incentivizing delivery in public health institutions can have a positive impact on maternal and newborn health, reflecting the government’s commitment to child welfare.

Furthermore, gifting a gold ring to families giving birth in government hospitals is expected to strengthen the emotional bond between citizens and public health institutions.

The scheme has received a warm welcome from the opposition but has also raised questions. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), while appreciating the initiative, has urged the government to prioritize immediate family needs such as proper nutrition and improving the quality of care in public hospitals over gifting gold rings to newborns.

BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan expressed via social media that although the idea of gifting gold rings to newborns is commendable, ensuring daily nutritional requirements for families is essential. She stressed that due to the high costs associated with distributing gold rings, adequate budgets should be allocated to improve health infrastructure, ensure sufficient medical staff, and provide necessary facilities in government hospitals.

India’s public hospitals often face significant challenges that affect healthcare delivery. Economically capable populations frequently prefer private hospitals due to overcrowding, limited beds, shortages of doctors and health workers, long waits, and inadequate infrastructure in government hospitals.

Against this backdrop, Tamil Nadu’s initiative aims to encourage families to opt for public hospitals for childbirth by awarding gold rings. The government’s goal is to increase institutional deliveries in public health centers and bolster citizens’ confidence in government healthcare services.

As the scheme is implemented, its impact on encouraging deliveries in government hospitals and public trust in health services will be closely observed.

October 1, Kathmandu – Morocco has made history by appointing its first-ever female prime minister. King Mohammed VI designated Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri as the prime minister, tasking her with forming a new government. Mansouri’s party, the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), secured the most seats in the recently concluded parliamentary elections, prompting the royal court to appoint her as head of government on Tuesday. At 50 years old, Mansouri is the first woman to become prime minister in Morocco’s history and only the second woman to serve as an Arab world’s prime minister, following Tunisia’s Najla Bouden, who assumed office in 2021.

PAM won 97 seats in the September 23 parliamentary elections, the highest among the 395 seats in the House of Representatives. The National Rally of Independents (RNI) came in second with 66 seats, while the Istiqlal Party secured 65 seats. The Justice and Development Party (PJD) obtained 54 seats. Since 198 seats are required for a majority, PAM does not hold enough seats to form a government independently. Mansouri faces the significant challenge of building coalition partnerships with other political parties to establish a governing alliance.

Fatima Mansouri is a professional lawyer who studied law at the University of Montpellier in France. She has been affiliated with PAM since its founding in 2008. In 2009, she served as the mayor of Morocco’s renowned city of Marrakech and was re-elected mayor after the 2021 elections. That same year, she also joined the national government.

Morocco is set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal. Hosting the tournament will require substantial investments in infrastructure, transportation, stadiums, and other facilities. The forthcoming government will be responsible for advancing these preparations and managing significant investments. Additionally, creating employment opportunities, increasing prospects for youth, controlling inflation, boosting income, and improving public services will be key priorities on the new government’s agenda.

Abhijeet Deepke, founder of India’s Cuckroach Janata Party (CJP), has announced the launch of a ‘Fill the Jails Movement’ starting October 2. The protest is set to begin near Gandhi Jayanti at Shivaji Park in Mumbai. However, Mumbai police have denied permission for the demonstration. Deepke shared this update on the social media platform X, describing the police decision as a tactic to suppress citizens’ voices. Despite the refusal, he vowed to proceed with the protest as planned to frustrate this strategy. Expressing his frustration with Mumbai police, he stated, “Mumbai police have refused our permission for the October 2 protest. Such attempts to silence the people’s voice are completely unacceptable.” He had announced the ‘Fill the Jails Movement’ in a concise post on September 28.

To understand the context behind this movement, one must reference an exclusive investigation report by investigative journalist Ritika Chopra. According to her findings, since October 2025, the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) campaign has removed over 130 million voters’ names from draft electoral rolls across 30 states and union territories. This led to serious disagreements among key Election Commission officials. Two out of the three commissioners, Sukhveer Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi, formally objected in writing to Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s methods and decision-making processes. The CJP alleges that the Election Commission, led by Kumar, has manipulated the voter rolls and compromised impartiality – the core issue fueling their protest.

At a press conference in New Delhi, Abhijeet Deepke accused the Election Commission’s practices of undermining democracy and favoring the ruling party. Alongside other party co-coordinators, he demanded Kumar’s resignation and issued a 48-hour ultimatum. “Over 130 million voter names have been removed from the rolls. This is not a trivial number. Why is this happening? What is the necessity to delete so many votes?” Deepke questioned during the conference. The party has also described Kumar as the biggest threat to Indian democracy, questioning his legitimacy given the alleged disenfranchisement of voting rights.

Deepke further interpreted the Election Commissioner’s actions as an attempt to eliminate political opposition in the country. The CJP had set a September 26 deadline for Kumar’s resignation, but after no response, they announced the protest. Subsequently, Deepke formally applied to Mumbai police to hold a peaceful demonstration at the historic Shivaji Park. The police rejected the request, citing concerns over noise pollution, traffic management, and compliance with an old Bombay High Court order. They designated Shivaji Park as a ‘silence zone,’ emphasizing strict restrictions on large political and public gatherings there to protect public order and environment.

Police also pointed to anticipated heavy traffic congestion and noise disturbances on the public holiday of October 2 around Shivaji Park, as well as their limited capacity to provide security due to other festive and public events. After being denied permission to hold the rally in Shivaji Park, the CJP revised its strategy. Deepke urged supporters to voluntarily turn themselves in at Shivaji Park and nearby police stations despite police obstruction. “If you do not allow us to sit peacefully in the park, then open your jails. On October 2, we will peacefully march towards Shivaji Park and surrender ourselves to the police. Arrest us all,” he declared. Through this Gandhian-style satyagraha using voluntary arrests to fill prisons, the CJP’s primary objective appears to be defending democracy and the impartiality of the Election Commission.

October 4, Buenos Aires (RASAS/AFP) – Argentine President Javier Milei has issued a stern warning that if the Sea Lion oil project near the Falkland Islands, progressing with the UK’s approval, is not halted, Argentina will initiate international legal proceedings against the United Kingdom. President Milei alleged illegal exploitation of Argentina’s natural resources in the Northern Falkland Basin and has instructed the foreign ministry and legal teams to begin arbitration proceedings against Britain. He stated that if the project does not stop within two weeks, the case will be brought before the international tribunal on maritime law.

The oil field, located about 220 kilometers from the Falkland Islands, is operated by Israeli company Navitas and British company Rockhopper. These companies assert they hold valid exploration licenses issued by the UK and have rejected Argentina’s claims. The dispute over the Falklands between Argentina and the UK has been ongoing for decades. The 1982 conflict lasted 10 weeks, resulting in the deaths of 255 British and 649 Argentine soldiers. Argentina refers to the islands as “Las Malvinas” and claims them as its territory.

Argentina accuses the project of violating United Nations resolutions, while the UK maintains it has the right to develop natural resources around the Falklands as it deems appropriate. Meanwhile, commercial representatives from the Falklands have traveled to Punta Arenas, Chile, to discuss reopening sea transportation routes between two ports. Luis Ellis, Deputy Director of Economic Development, clarified that the new maritime route is unrelated to the oil project. Scheduled to be operational by the end of this year, the route will facilitate transportation of construction materials, food, beverages, and other supplies.

October 13, Kyaukhtaw (Myanmar) (RASAS/AFP) – The death toll from ongoing military airstrikes in western Myanmar has risen to 50 as of Tuesday, according to aid workers operating on the ground. Eyewitnesses report that on Monday, the military bombed a commercial area along the riverside in Kyaukhtaw city, Rakhine State, initially killing around 30 people. Sources now confirm that the number of fatalities has reached 50, with 58 individuals injured.

Aid worker Y Hein Aung warned that the death toll could increase further, as some bodies remain unaccounted for following fires caused by the bomb blasts. A second local volunteer, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, also confirmed the number of deaths. Attempts to contact Myanmar’s military for comment on the attack have so far been unsuccessful. The local ethnic rebel group controlling the area, the Arakan Army (AA), reported on Tuesday that 58 people were injured, 49 confirmed dead, and 22 critically wounded.

The statement indicated that the victims included innocent traders, shopkeepers, and cargo loaders. Since the military coup in 2021, the civil war in Myanmar has intensified, turning marketplaces and surrounding areas into active conflict zones, as seen in Monday’s airstrike. Rakhine has been severely affected by the war and remains largely isolated from the rest of Myanmar, while Indian trade continues to thrive there. Using Russia- and China-made fighter jets, the military still controls several urban centers, but nearly the entire Rakhine region is under rebel control.

The air raid has also been accused of targeting schools, monasteries, and civilians gathered for religious festivals, which human rights groups suggest could constitute war crimes. The conflict has displaced approximately 50,000 people in Rakhine, according to United Nations data. Conflict monitor ACDL reports that since the overthrow of Aung San Suu Kyi’s government in 2021, the ongoing violence in Myanmar has resulted in over 100,000 deaths.

October 1, Kariyachalli (India) (RASAS/AFP) — As sea levels rise, India is employing artificial rocks, transplanted coral, and seagrass to protect the Kariyachalli Island located off its southern coast. This conservation effort aims to slow the pace of coastal erosion and shield the island and mainland from encroaching seawater. Kariyachalli, part of a chain of 21 islands in southern Tamil Nadu, has lost over 80% of its landmass in the last half-century. According to government estimates, the island’s area shrank from 20.85 hectares in 1969 to just 3.14 hectares last year. Without effective control, it is anticipated that the island could be completely submerged underwater by 2036.

Senior state official Supriya Sahu explained that diminished natural resilience heightens the risks posed by storms, cyclones, rising sea levels, and coastal erosion. Marine scientists note that the coral reefs, seagrass beds, and small islets in the Gulf of Mannar act as natural barriers by absorbing wave impact. However, decades of human activities, pollution, overfishing, and increasing ocean temperatures have weakened these coral reefs. Around Kariyachalli, coral coverage declined from approximately 500 hectares in 2005 to 197 hectares by 2021.

Under a conservation program costing about 4.79 million USD, 8,500 artificial rock structures are being installed around Kariyachalli. These structures, designed based on studies of sea level, currents, and waves, are expected to reduce wave energy and provide a substrate for new coral growth. Seagrass helps stabilize soil and sand as well as offering breeding and nursery grounds for marine life. Nonetheless, rising sea temperatures pose additional challenges to coral restoration. In 2024, severe coral bleaching in this region led to significant coral mortality.

Scientists are also searching for heat-resistant coral species capable of withstanding future marine heatwaves. Encouraging results from restoration efforts on other islands in the Gulf of Mannar provide hope. On Van Island, the placement of around 10,000 artificial rock units has facilitated partial recovery of lost land. Coral transplanted on Singal Island also endured the 2024 bleaching better than older coral formations. Wildlife warden Akhil Thampi noted that due to the positive outcomes seen on Van Island, similar restoration initiatives have been launched on Kariyachalli. Martina, a 29-year-old involved in seagrass conservation, highlighted that increased seagrass growth supports fish reproduction, preserves marine ecosystems, and improves the livelihoods of local communities.

September 29, New Delhi – Indian authorities announced on Tuesday that at least 140,000 people have been relocated to safer areas from the lower regions of Odisha following a flood warning triggered by rising water levels in the Mahanadi River. Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari confirmed that the government has successfully evacuated those affected in the flood-prone lower areas of Odisha.

Officials reported that an increased discharge of water from the Hirakud Dam has caused flooding along densely populated coastal areas through which the Mahanadi flows. This flooding has contributed to a severe seasonal flood crisis across various parts of India, while the state of Kerala continues its struggle with devastating floods caused by heavy monsoon rains and landslides in hilly regions. The repeated impact of adverse weather this year has simultaneously affected states such as Assam and Gujarat, further stressing infrastructure and disaster management systems to prevent the recurrence of past damages.

M.A. Baby, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), was arrested by police during a protest organized by leftist parties outside the headquarters of the Indian Election Commission in New Delhi. Alongside him, Central Committee members Sucheta De and Shweta Raj of the CPI (ML) were also taken into custody.

The leftist parties collectively demonstrated demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. In a statement released by the CPI (M), the protestors accused the police of using force against them instead of listening to their grievances. The statement said, “We have been taken into custody and do not know where we are being taken or when we will be released.”

The protest included various leaders from CPI (ML), CPI (M), prominent figureheads Sucheta De and Shweta Raj of CPI (ML), activists from the All India Central Council of Trade Unions (AICTU) and All India Labour Journalists’ Association (AILAJ), as well as other senior leaders and trade union representatives.