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Author: space4knews

Trump Claims US Will Soon Win War with Iran, Leading to Drop in Oil Prices

US President Donald Trump revealed that America is in contact with mediators striving to end the ongoing conflict with Iran. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he made this claim. However, Trump expressed confidence that the US would achieve victory in this war soon. He stated, ‘As far as I’m concerned, we will win,’ adding, ‘This process will move forward at a very rapid pace.’

Trump reiterated that following a US victory, petroleum prices would see a significant decline. According to him, this would provide relief to American consumers and substantially reduce energy costs. His remarks came amid ongoing regional tensions and diplomatic efforts by various parties to conclude the war.

Trump did not disclose the names of the mediators or provide further details about the talks, although he indicated that communication outside the public eye is ongoing.

Gandaki Province Secures Comfortable Win with Impressive Performance Against Bhutan

October 1, Kathmandu – Gandaki Province secured a convincing victory over the visiting Bhutan cricket team in Pokhara. At the cricket ground in Pokhara Stadium, Gandaki successfully chased down Bhutan’s target of 97 runs in just 11 overs with the loss of 2 wickets.

Opener Ishwor Kshetri led a strong start for Gandaki, remaining unbeaten with the highest score of 34 runs off 22 balls, including 2 fours and 3 sixes. Deepak Kumar Dumre also remained unbeaten, scoring 26 runs off 19 balls. The other opener, Arjun Kumal, scored 22 runs, while Sibrin Shrestha was dismissed after making 10 runs. From the bowling side, Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshe and Namgay Thinley took one wicket each.

Batting first, Bhutan was bowled out for 96 runs in 19.3 overs after losing the toss. Sonam Chopel and Ranjung Mikyo Dorji both contributed 27 runs apiece, with Namgay Thinley adding 16 runs. Other batsmen scored minor contributions: Namgang Choje 2, Thinley Jamtso 7, Tashi Dorji 2, Sonam Yeshe 2, and Tashi Phuncho remained unbeaten on 9. Tenzin Rabge, Gakul Kumar Ghale, and Tashi Chopel failed to score.

Gandaki’s Suwas Bhandari delivered an outstanding bowling performance with figures of 4 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs. Undefeated Poudel took 3 wickets, while captain Bipin Khatri, Sudip Aryal, and Sibrin Shrestha claimed one wicket each.

The Bhutan team, currently touring Pokhara, plans to play a second practice match against Gandaki Province on Wednesday. Following that, Bhutan is scheduled to play two practice matches against CAN-11.

Iran Presents Concrete Nuclear Proposal; Trump Willing to Lift Economic Sanctions

October 5, Washington D.C. (RASS/ANI) – Iranian officials have put forward a concrete proposal on nuclear issues, leading U.S. President Donald Trump to express willingness to lift economic sanctions imposed on Iran and release frozen assets, according to American officials. The United States is engaged in positive and constructive discussions through intermediaries, but officials noted that an agreement seems unlikely until the nuclear issue is fully addressed. Earlier on Sunday, Trump expressed hope to engage in further talks with Iran during the week, speaking with Axios.

According to U.S. officials, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are leading the American side in the negotiations. Officials indicated that Iran has shown signs of flexibility on the nuclear issue; however, both sides still face unresolved matters concerning the timing of commitments. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disclosed on Monday that indirect talks were held with the United States in New York through Qatari mediators. He mentioned that Iran is awaiting an official response from Washington up until Tuesday.

Speaking to journalists, Araghchi emphasized that expressing Iran’s perspective on regional tensions and the serious security situation in the Strait of Hormuz was his primary objective at last week’s United Nations General Assembly session. He reiterated that Tehran has developed a fair and rational plan to resolve the crisis and reopen the strategic waterway, provided specific conditions are met. “Our goal was to convey these conditions to the American side and all other countries, and to inform the international community about Iran’s plan in this regard,” Araghchi stated.

During recent meetings, Qatari mediators presented some new measures expected to help reduce existing differences and facilitate the implementation of Tehran’s proposals. These ideas have since been sent to Washington. Although communications from Qatari and Pakistani mediators have been consistently appreciated, Iran has been taking the negotiation process increasingly seriously, considering the proposals it has put forth. Previously, Trump confirmed that U.S. officials are holding mediator-led discussions with Iran. Speaking with reporters in the Oval Office, Trump acknowledged ongoing talks but declined to provide further details.

According to Iranian media, Araghchi was scheduled to meet with mediators in New York to discuss the latest proposals and developments between Tehran and Washington. Last week, the Qatari delegation visited the United States to present Iran’s proposals to American officials concerning reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for economic relief. These meetings took place within that framework. During the 81st United Nations General Assembly session last week, Araghchi outlined a seven-day proposal under which Iran pledged to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if Washington meets certain conditions.

Iran noted that the proposal was transmitted through intermediaries and included measures such as reducing U.S. military pressure to facilitate reopening the waterway. However, on Sunday, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz rejected the proposal, stating that Tehran demands sanctions relief and access to billions of dollars in frozen assets before negotiating on its nuclear program. Waltz affirmed that the United States is ultimately seeking an agreement with Iran and that President Trump is putting all possible options on the table. U.S. officials supported Waltz’s claims, expressing skepticism towards Iran’s commitments and citing Iran’s violation of a U.S. memorandum of understanding by firing on a commercial vessel in July. They also indicated that Tehran is preparing for possible new hostilities while pursuing diplomatic channels. Although the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of the dispute, Iranian authorities have indicated readiness to reopen the waterway following a set negotiation process.

Swastika and Nisan Eliminated from Tennis Mixed Doubles at Asian Games

October 13, Kathmandu — In the 20th Asian Games, the Nepalese pair of Swastika Vist and Nisan Shrestha were eliminated in the first round of the tennis mixed doubles event. Swastika and Nisan lost to the Indonesian duo Aldila Sutjiadi and Christopher Rungkat with a score of 6-1, 6-1. Earlier, in the women’s singles, both Shivali and Swastika were eliminated, while in the men’s singles, Abhishek Bastola and Pradeep Khadka have also exited the competition.

Human Rights Commission Raises Concerns Over Former Chief Justice Jabara’s Arrest

The National Human Rights Commission questioned the Chief of Police at the Central Crime Investigation Office following the arrest of former Chief Justice Cholendra Shamsher Jabara, citing a lack of clarification provided to the commission on the matter. The commission’s officials, who arrived for monitoring on Sunday afternoon, were reportedly denied entry into the police office. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Santosh Khadka provided a statement to the commission, according to the commission’s Assistant Spokesperson Shyambabu Kafle. “He was questioned procedurally. It is currently just for information gathering. Since the investigation is ongoing, we do not have clear information about the incident,” Kafle said.

The commission sought a clear explanation from SSP Khadka regarding why the officials were barred from the police office. The issue arose after Jabara was arrested around midnight on Saturday and detained at the Teku police station. When the commission’s team arrived at Teku on Sunday, they were reportedly denied a meeting with the detainee, leading to an objection being raised. The commission immediately communicated with SSP Khadka, requesting his presence for questioning. Following this incident, opposition lawmakers raised concerns about the government’s conduct during Monday’s parliamentary session. The Supreme Court also expressed its serious concern over the incident where Jabara was taken from his home while sleeping, held for nearly 10 hours at Teku, and then released.

Jabara was reportedly apprehended by police officers on the night of October 10 while he was asleep at home and taken to the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office in Teku, where he was detained for about 10 hours before being handed over to his family. Attempts to obtain Jabara’s response regarding the incident have been unsuccessful so far. What did the Human Rights Commission inquire about? Under the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2011, and citing violations of constitutional and legal rights due to police obstruction, the commission issued a statement expressing regret over the incident. “To ensure an impartial investigation and to fulfill constitutional and legal duties, the commission has called on the government to take legal action against the police personnel involved in obstructing the commission’s work and to respect the commission’s constitutional and legal authority,” the statement noted.

SSP Khadka was questioned on Tuesday regarding the issue, the Assistant Spokesperson Kafle confirmed. Commission member Manoj Duwadi said that investigations into the arrest of former Chief Justice Jabara are ongoing, and no definitive statements can be made at this time. “Since the matter is still under investigation, immediate information is not available to us. The commission will provide updates as soon as conclusions are reached,” Kafle added. Meanwhile, on Monday, the Supreme Court convened an urgent full bench meeting and issued a statement expressing deep concern over the incident. “Although there is a strong possibility of arbitrariness in actions taken without following due legal procedures, democratic governance does not accept such conduct,” the statement affirmed.

Bipin Adhikari, a professor at Kathmandu University’s Department of Law, expressed concern over Jabara’s detention. “We cannot view Cholendra Shamsher merely as an individual; he is linked to the independence of the judiciary. Any action taken against him will impact judges currently performing their duties,” he stated. “It is unclear on what legal grounds this arrest was made. If there is no clear evidence to justify arrest, at least clarity should be provided upon release. No official information has been provided by the government on this matter.”

Before becoming Chief Justice, Jabara had already been surrounded by controversy due to his orders and rulings. During his tenure leading the judiciary, an impeachment motion was filed against him, resulting in his removal. Allegations against him included obstruction of judicial autonomy, corruption, protection of intermediaries, and involvement in political horse-trading. Some believe this incident is connected to his contentious past. However, Professor Adhikari emphasized, “Regardless of prior controversies, the manner in which this action was taken raises serious questions.” Opposition lawmakers questioned the government, saying, “It was claimed there was a threat from ‘Jan Sanji.’ In such a situation, should the person giving the threat be arrested or the one threatened?”

US Imposes New Restrictions on Canadian Products Amid Rising Trade Tensions

September 29, Washington (Reuters/AFP) – As trade tensions escalate between the United States and Canada, the US has imposed new restrictions on various imports from Canada, including alcoholic beverages, effective Tuesday. US President Donald Trump had announced these measures earlier this month. The restrictions cover products such as beer, sparkling wine, brandy, sake, as well as dairy-derived whey protein and high-capacity motorcycles.

The US action follows Canada’s imposition on September 8 of tariffs worth approximately 20 billion US dollars on American exports. President Trump described the ban on Canadian alcoholic beverages as a response to Canada’s “discriminatory” treatment of US products. The situation further deteriorated after trade negotiations in Washington failed in August, increasing tensions between the two countries.

About 60 percent of Canada’s imports come from the US, while nearly 70 percent of Canadian exports are destined for the American market. The Canadian government has announced a financial package worth 540 million US dollars to support businesses and workers affected by this dispute. According to Spirits Canada, the US represents a primary export market for Canadian spirits, with around 50 percent of Canada’s spirit production dependent on US demand. The organization noted that Canadian producers face limited opportunities to replace the lost US demand from other markets due to the restrictions.

Australia Drops One Spot in ICC ODI Rankings; England and Pakistan Climb Up

October 13, Kathmandu – The ICC ODI team rankings have seen the world champion Australian cricket team drop one position, moving from fourth to fifth place. According to the newly released ICC rankings, Pakistan has climbed to fourth place. However, both Australia and Pakistan share the same rating points of 100. Currently, Australia is engaged in a series against South Africa and has lost both matches played so far.

Meanwhile, England has risen one spot to sixth place. England is playing an ODI series against Sri Lanka, having won the first match and lost the second. Both England and Sri Lanka hold identical rating points of 95. The top positions in the ODI rankings remain unchanged, with India retaining first place, New Zealand second, and South Africa third. Individual player rankings will be updated on Wednesday.

Myanmar Nationals Repatriated from Malaysia Amid Concerns Over Safety

Kuala Lumpur, October 13 (RASS/AFP) – Malaysia began the repatriation process on Tuesday for nearly 1,500 Myanmar nationals as part of a plan to return a total of 5,000 citizens to their home country. The Malaysian government has stated that the repatriation is voluntary. However, human rights and migrant advocacy groups have expressed concerns that these individuals may have been compelled to return due to harsh conditions in detention centers.

Human rights organizations warn that the ongoing armed conflict in Myanmar since 2021 has further destabilized security, potentially placing returnees at risk. On Tuesday, dozens of buses escorted by police arrived at an arena in Lumut, where necessary procedures were completed before the individuals were transported to a nearby naval facility to be shipped back to Myanmar.

Neither Malaysia nor Myanmar has provided clear information about how many Rohingya are among the first group. According to the United Nations, approximately two-thirds of the nearly 190,000 Myanmar refugees and asylum seekers in Malaysia are Rohingya. This community has long suffered persecution in Myanmar, especially following the military crackdown in 2017, which displaced millions. Malaysia, not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, lacks formal legal recognition for refugees. Human rights organizations have called for an immediate halt to the repatriation process, citing concerns over the current security situation in Myanmar.

Bhutan All Out for 96 Runs Against Gandaki in Practice Match

September 29, Kathmandu – The Bhutan cricket team on tour in Pokhara was all out for just 96 runs against Gandaki Province in their first practice match. Batting first after losing the toss at the Pokhara Rangashala Cricket Ground, Bhutan was dismissed within 19.3 overs for 96 runs.

For Bhutan, Sonam Chophel and Ranjung Mikyo Dorji top-scored with 27 runs each. Additionally, Namgay Thinley contributed 16 runs, Namgang Choje scored 2, Thinley Jamtso 7, Tashi Dorji 2, and Sonam Yeshey added 2 runs. Tashi Phuncho remained not out on 9 runs, while Tenzing Rabge, Gakul Kumar Ghale, and Tashi Chophel failed to score.

On the bowling side, Gandaki’s Subash Bhandari was the most successful, taking four wickets while conceding just 15 runs in four overs. Nisshap Pokhrel claimed three wickets, while captain Bipin Khatri, Sudip Aryal, and Sibrin Shrestha took one wicket each. Bhutan, currently touring Pokhara, is scheduled to play two practice matches each against Gandaki Province and CAN-11 teams.

European Commission Rejects €220 Million Aid for Ukrainian Farmers

The European Commission has declined a request to provide €220 million in aid to Ukrainian farmers. According to a Bloomberg report, Taras Vysotskyi, Ukraine’s Minister of Agrarian Policy and Food, disclosed this information. Ukraine had sought additional support from the European Union to improve its agricultural sector. However, the European Commission refused to allocate the proposed €220 million for farmers, Vysotskyi stated.

Nonetheless, Ukraine plans to cover the required funds through a concessional loan of $250 million from the World Bank. Earlier in August, Ukraine requested the European Union to increase duty-free import quotas for bioethanol and sugar through 2027. Ukraine aims to expand exports of agricultural products that are in demand within the EU. According to Vysotskyi, if this request is approved, Ukraine intends to seek higher quotas for other agricultural products as well.

Manchester City CEO Ferran Soriano Says Legal Battle Over Charges Will Take Time

October 1, Kathmandu – Following extensive financial allegations against Manchester City in the Premier League, club Chief Executive Officer Ferran Soriano confirmed that the club will continue its legal fight against the charges. Speaking at the European Football Clubs’ Board meeting, Soriano indicated that the process is expected to take a considerable amount of time. He made it clear to executives from other clubs that Manchester City remains committed to contesting the accusations, with much of the legal process still pending.

According to the Press Association, Soriano referenced that the Premier League’s investigation started in 2018 and said, “It has taken eight years to reach this point, and it will take much longer still.” After the meeting, he declined to answer questions from the press and left without comment. On Friday, a report was released confirming that out of 115 allegations of financial rule breaches, most were proven against Manchester City.

The club stands accused of inflating sponsorship income from affiliated companies and hiding other payments to circumvent financial regulations. Manchester City is reportedly preparing to appeal the decision. Meanwhile, some Premier League clubs have begun seeking legal advice regarding potential compensation claims related to the matter.

No formal sanctions have yet been announced against the club. Potential penalties could include point deductions, heavy fines, or even expulsion from the Premier League. The Premier League has declined to comment on the issue. While Manchester City has acknowledged that the legal proceedings are ongoing and significant issues remain unresolved, the club insists the details of the process are confidential. On Saturday, the club’s chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak wrote to supporters expressing confidence in proving the club’s innocence. He explained that legal constraints have prevented them from publicly disclosing their side of the story, stating, “The Premier League’s process remains lengthy, and from the outset, our confidence and determination to prove the club’s innocence has been unwavering.”

Iran Awaits Formal U.S. Response on Hormuz Strait Reopening Proposal

October 5, Tehran (RASS/AFP) – Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Tuesday that Tehran expects to receive a formal response from the United States regarding its proposal to reopen the Hormuz Strait. According to him, Qatari mediators are currently engaged in discussions between Iran and the U.S. about the proposal. After further talks with the American side, a final response will be sent to Iran. Araghchi, who is in New York, confirmed that discussions on the matter presented by the Qatari mediators took place on Monday night.

“They put forward some ideas, and we debated them. They are preparing to speak again with the U.S. side, after which the final U.S. reply will be sent to us,” he told state media. He added that the Qatari mediators expect the process to conclude by Tuesday. Highlighting that the current focus remains on the Hormuz Strait, Araghchi noted certain conditions set by Iran for reopening the strait would need to be met. The Hormuz Strait remains a focal point in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran.

The conflict began after attacks launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran at the end of February. Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through this waterway. Since the conflict started, Iran has imposed a blockade on Hormuz, prompting the U.S. to retaliate with a blockade of Iranian ports. Amid this tense situation, talks took place last week in New York between Araghchi and U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Iran has demanded a seven-day ceasefire across the Middle East, including Lebanon, before any lifting of the U.S. blockade.

In Lebanon, Iran-backed Hezbollah is actively engaged in fighting Israeli forces. Furthermore, Iran insists on the release of its frozen assets overseas, the lifting of sanctions in the oil sector, and the end of the U.S. Navy’s blockade as preconditions in the negotiations.

Infantino Signals Willingness to Distribute Additional Funds to FIFA Member Nations

October 13, Kathmandu – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has indicated his readiness to provide additional funds to FIFA member nations from the organization’s reserve fund. In a letter obtained by BBC Sports, Infantino expressed support for distributing the ‘maximum level of additional funds’ responsibly from FIFA’s estimated £440 million cash reserve.

The European Football Association (UEFA) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) have requested FIFA to allocate $10 million to each of its 211 member nations from this reserve. This proposal is set to be discussed at the FIFA Council meeting on October 15.

In the letter, Infantino stated that he has not yet formed a definitive opinion on the exact amount. “A certain figure can start the conversation, but it is not sufficient to establish a global policy,” he wrote. Recently, Infantino has faced growing pressure due to the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan. This initiative proposed selling shares of the commercial rights to the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors, but FIFA withdrew the plan following widespread criticism.

Through his latest correspondence, Infantino defended the retracted plan, arguing that its aim was to raise additional funds for greater investment in football. Earlier this month, Debbie Hewitt, Chairwoman of the Football Association of England and FIFA Vice President, had demanded that Infantino publicly release all documents related to the FFE plan. She also called for an independent review of the initiative.

Infantino is preparing to run for a fourth term as FIFA President in March 2027. Potential challengers will have until November 18 to propose alternate candidates.

Bhote Koshi-Trishuli Floods: ‘Dashain Goods Lost in Rasuwa, Remaining Items Stalled at Korala Border’

Trucks stalled at Korala

As the Dashain and other festivals approach, goods imported from China via Rasuwa’s Timure route were caught in the Bhado 10 (September 25) Bhote Koshi-Trishuli floods. Due to blockages at Kerung, only a few remaining items survived, which businessman Bhakta Parajuli subsequently dispatched towards the Korala border.

Tatopani crossing, located roughly 100 kilometers and about a four-hour drive from Kathmandu, is the shortest route for transporting goods from China to Nepal’s capital.

However, China instructed to use the Korala border in Mustang instead of Tatopani in Sindhupalchok, and consequently, goods destined for Nepal have been arriving via this route. Over the past month, landslides and road cuts have occurred at multiple points on the way to Korala, with officials estimating that restoring the route will take at least 10 days.

“All goods coming through customs in Rasuwa were washed away by the flood. I have sent the remaining goods to Korala, but they won’t arrive before Dashain,” said Parajuli, a former senior secretary of the Himalayan Cross-Border Trade Association.

Businesspersons noted that demands for Chinese-made clothing surge before festivals such as Dashain and Tihar, as buying new clothes and gifting is a widespread custom in Nepal during this season.