A detailed plan has been laid out for the intentional demolition of a bridge by explosion in the United States. The ‘Commercial Street Bridge’ in Pittsburgh is scheduled to be demolished by explosive means. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation has already completed construction of a new bridge at the same location.
Saurav Das, spokesperson for the Cockroach Janata Party, has questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence over the deaths of students in the NEET examination. Through social media, he wrote, “Modiji, what is your heartfelt sympathy regarding the demise of more than 20 NEET students caused by a corrupt education system?”
Saurav Das also criticized Prime Minister Modi for not providing compensation to the families of the affected NEET students. Responding to one of Modi’s posts, he said, “Modiji, what is your heartfelt sympathy for the deaths of over 20 NEET students due to a corrupt education system? Why is there no empathy for the pain of those families? Why hasn’t any compensation been provided to them? Why such arrogance and harshness towards your own countrymen?”
Prime Minister Modi had expressed condolences on the passing of the father of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. In this context, Saurav Das posed a question to the Prime Minister regarding his contrasting responses.
Experienced Slovenian referee Slavko Vinčić has been appointed as the head referee for the FIFA World Cup 2026 final match. The final will be held at the New Jersey arena in the United States and will feature Spain facing Argentina. In a video message, Vinčić expressed, “I am immensely proud to represent my country Slovenia at the world’s biggest sporting event.”
FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina announced that Vinčić has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the refereeing team for the final. With this appointment, Vinčić becomes the 23rd referee to oversee a World Cup final match and the first Slovenian citizen to do so. He added, “My team is also very proud, and we will ensure an outstanding performance on the field.”
Vinčić brings extensive experience from numerous prominent European and international football matches. He officiated as lead referee in UEFA Euro 2020 games and successfully managed the 2022 UEFA Europa League final. During this World Cup, he has already officiated group stage matches between Brazil and Morocco, Jordan and Algeria, as well as a Round of 32 game between Mexico and Ecuador.
For the final on Sunday, assistant referees Tomaz Klančnik and Andraz Kovačič will support Vinčić. Adham Makhadmeh has been appointed as the fourth official, with Mohammad Al-Kalaf serving as the reserve assistant referee. Germany’s Bastian Dankert will fulfill the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) role.
The Federation of Women Entrepreneurs Nepal has made significant progress in using a distinctive mark to identify and promote products from women-led industries, the federation stated. Prime Minister Balen Shah has urged the use of the trademark named ‘I am an Entrepreneur’ before the Dashain festival, prompting the federation to prepare the necessary conditions and procedures, said Darshana Shrestha, the federation’s president. According to Sabita Subedi, the federation’s general secretary, businesses registered under women’s names and led by women will be allowed to use this logo after evaluating quality and capacity.
The federation noted that women entrepreneurs primarily face challenges in market access and product recognition. “The products made by women are of high quality, but accessing the market remains a major challenge. To address this, we discussed and introduced the ‘I am an Entrepreneur’ trademark last year to help brand their products,” President Shrestha explained. She added that the women entrepreneurs’ team had a meeting with Prime Minister Shah on Thursday, during which he expressed great interest in the initiative. A note released by the Prime Minister’s Secretariat prior to the meeting stated, “Honorable Prime Minister Shah has accepted the federation’s request to develop the ‘I am an Entrepreneur’ trademark brand and has encouraged immediate market launch.”
The trademark has already been registered by the federation, and work has begun to implement it before Dashain following discussions with the Prime Minister. The businesses run by women may include both production and service sectors. Vasumaya Tamang, a prominent female entrepreneur producing Timur leaf covers and various pickles, highlighted that specialized branding will significantly support Nepali women’s entrepreneurship. She is currently also a member of the House of Representatives representing the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Rastriya Swatantra Party). Her pickle products are exported to Australia, the United States, the UK, Japan, Europe, and Gulf countries.
The federation reported that women’s contribution accounts for nearly 36 percent of Nepal’s total gross domestic product (GDP). More than 60 percent of the labor force in the agriculture sector comprises women. Most women are involved in micro, small, and medium enterprises, which contribute 22 percent to the GDP. “In terms of business registration, approximately 29 percent of micro, small, and medium enterprises are registered under women’s names; however, not all are actually operated by women,” President Shrestha said. The federation now includes 5,700 women entrepreneurs.
Despite their significant contributions to the national economy, women entrepreneurs have yet to fully benefit from policies, finance, technology, and market access opportunities, President Shrestha said. During discussions with the Prime Minister, the federation proposed necessary policy reforms to encourage women entrepreneurs. “Issues such as market access, ease of credit, and seed capital continue to challenge women entrepreneurs,” General Secretary Subedi noted.
Actor Aamir Khan clarified at the London Indian Film Festival that the character Rancho from his film ‘Three Idiots’ was not inspired by Sonam Wangchuk. He expressed concern over Sonam Wangchuk’s health and hoped that his hunger strike would end soon.
Senior advocate Prashant Bhushan expressed dissatisfaction with Aamir Khan’s remarks, describing him as becoming a ‘faint shadow.’ While Aamir stated that his character ‘Rancho’ in the film was not based on Sonam Wangchuk and shared concern about Wangchuk’s health, Bhushan criticized the response.
Responding, Prashant Bhushan said, “Eventually, Aamir Khan was asked about Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike. His reply was polite but lacked enthusiasm.” He added, “He now remains only a faint shadow of the person who made ‘Three Idiots’ and many other revolutionary films, as well as inspiring stories like those in the program ‘Satyamev Jayate’ featuring figures like Sonam Wangchuk.”
Previously, Aamir Khan had denied that the character ‘Rancho’ in the film ‘Three Idiots’ was inspired by Sonam Wangchuk. He expressed deep concern about Sonam Wangchuk’s health and hoped his hunger strike would end soon.
After a 16-year wait, Spain’s new generation has delivered an outstanding performance to secure a place in the World Cup final once again, putting them close to winning the world champion title for a second time. Goalkeeper Unai Simon has fortified Spain’s defense by setting a World Cup record of 519 minutes without conceding a goal across five matches. Led by captain Rodri, Spain is prepared to face a formidable Argentina and superstar Lionel Messi in the final.
Spain first won the World Cup in 2010 in South Africa, marking the highest peak of their golden era. Their tiki-taka playing style revolutionized world football, and Spain maintained dominance by winning three major titles consecutively: the 2010 World Cup and the European Championships in 2008 and 2012. However, many players from that generation gradually retired, leading to a decline in Spain’s performance.
In the last three World Cups, Spain underperformed—exiting at the group stage in 2014 and losing in the knockout rounds in 2018 and 2022. Today, however, after 16 years, the young team’s exceptional display has advanced Spain back to the World Cup final and put them on course to become world champions for a second time. Despite drawing their first match goalless, Spain has won six consecutive games since, bringing them close to the title. In the final, Spain will face former champions Argentina and the world football icon Lionel Messi, who will present a tough challenge.
In Murshidabad, West Bengal, a passenger train collided with a school van, resulting in the deaths of two school children and an elderly cyclist. The victims included two children traveling in the van and one elderly man riding a bicycle. The incident occurred at approximately 6:41 AM at the level crossing on the Katwa-Azimganj section.
The Tata Sumo school van, carrying children on their way to Royal Academy School, and a bicycle were struck by passenger train number 53054 running from Nimtita to Katwa. Three children seriously injured in the crash, along with the van driver, were admitted to the ICU of Murshidabad Medical College. Other injured children are also receiving treatment in the hospital.
The winning team of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be awarded not only the trophy and gold medals but also a historic championship ring. FIFA has announced the creation of 2,026 special rings, of which 30 will be presented to the winning team. The remaining 1,996 rings will be made available worldwide to football fans as officially licensed products.
According to FIFA, the champion of the final match scheduled on July 19 will receive this historic ring. One side of the ring will feature an engraving of the FIFA World Cup trophy, while the other side will be customized to reflect the identity of the winning team. The announcement of the FIFA World Cup 2026 champion will take place on July 19 at the New York, New Jersey Stadium.
For the first time in World Cup history, the winning team will be presented with specially crafted championship rings. FIFA has ensured that these rings will be officially licensed products available to fans globally. Each ring will bear a unique number, be crafted in sizes to fit individuals, and come with an official certificate of authenticity.
Immediately following the final match, temporary rings will be given as mementos to the captain and head coach of the winning team. The 30 rings designated for the champions will later be customized and officially handed over, creating a lifelong remembrance of this historic achievement.
The Nepal School Sports Federation (NSSF) released the list of 45 players who have been initially selected for the ISF Football World Cup on Thursday. Secretary General Rajkumar Karki informed that the players were chosen from the selection competition held on Wednesday at Chyasal, which saw approximately 300 participants.
The list of initially selected players includes Ivanratna Tuladhar, Manav Subba, Arav Shrestha, Agrimjung Singh Basnet, Joson Moktan, Prashant Meyangbo, Rivaj Gurung, Sagar Bahadur Shrestha, Samyog Rai, Suyash Paudel, Anshuman KC, Bhavishya Shah, Sibhans Bhattarai, Aakrisht Mahat, Ashish Pandey, Deep Khatri, Krishna Gurung, Rohan Ghising, Himal Thing, Rubin Johan Gurung, Krischal Thapa, Abhishekkumar Patel, and Anil ID.
Other notable players on the list include Dipesh Bohara, Isaac Shahi, Kreyash Sapkota, Kusum Prasain, Mandip Dhungel, Maulik Thapa Magar, Nyushan Khadgi, Nisan Tamang, Nibhan Bade, Sabin Thapa Magar, Sachit Gangal, Sagar Shrestha, Sahil Rai Thapa, Samir Tamang, Sujan Syantan, Suman Rokaya, Suraj Basaili, Suraj Jaigadi, Swaraj Adhikari, Tenzing Sherpa, Yahan Limbu, and Yubaraj Shahi.
From this group, the final squad of 20 players for the ISF Football World Cup, scheduled to be held in China from October 17 to 26, will be selected. Secretary General Karki, who is also an executive member of the ISF, provided this update.
After Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky removed Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov from his position, civil society members and lawmakers have expressed strong opposition. Protesters in the capital Kyiv chanted slogans such as ‘Keep Away From Fedorov’ and ‘Stop Obstructing Victory!’
President Zelensky has proposed appointing Major General Yevheni Khmar as acting Defence Minister. On July 17, in Kathmandu, news emerged that Zelensky had abruptly dismissed Fedorov, prompting intense backlash from civil society and parliamentarians.
On Thursday morning, young people gathered in Kyiv and other cities to demonstrate. Protesters carried placards bearing slogans like ‘Keep Away From Fedorov’ and ‘Stop Obstructing Victory!’ They also chanted ‘Have Some Shame!’ during the rallies.
President Zelensky defended Khmar, currently the acting head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), stating that he has gained extensive and unprecedented experience in technical military operations across numerous areas.
The winner of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will receive a prize of 50 million US dollars, approximately 7.7 billion Nepalese rupees. The FIFA Council has allocated a total prize pool of 655 million US dollars for the 2026 World Cup, marking a 50 percent increase compared to the last Qatar World Cup. Each participating nation will receive 150,000 US dollars as preparation expenses, and an additional 10 million US dollars for qualifying for the tournament.
Defending champions Argentina and European champions Spain are set to compete in the final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both teams are very close to lifting the World Cup trophy. The 23rd edition’s champion will be announced on Monday morning. Along with the World Cup trophy, the winning team will be awarded prize money worth millions of rupees. This amount, paid in US dollars, converts into billions of Nepalese rupees.
This time, with the tournament expanded to 48 teams, the prize money and financial rewards for participants have also increased. The FIFA Council has approved a record prize pool of 655 million US dollars for the 2026 World Cup. The winner alone will receive 50 million US dollars. Based on the exchange rate of 154.14 NPR per US dollar as of Thursday, this amount equals approximately 7.7 billion Nepalese rupees.
When Argentina won the Qatar World Cup, they received a prize of 42 million US dollars. The runner-up will be awarded 33 million US dollars, the third-place team 29 million, and the fourth-place team 27 million US dollars. Not only the winners but all participating teams will receive prize money. All 48 teams will be awarded cash prizes.
Teams eliminated in the quarterfinals will earn 19 million US dollars, those exiting in the round of 16 will get 15 million, and teams knocked out in the round of 32 will receive 11 million US dollars. Even teams eliminated in the group stage will earn 9 million US dollars. In addition to prize money, teams qualifying for the World Cup will receive extra funds. Each qualified nation will get 1.5 million US dollars for preparation expenses, plus an additional 10 million US dollars for qualifying for the tournament.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his allegations of fraud in the 2020 presidential election, claiming that China stole the data of 220 million American voters. Trump accused U.S. intelligence and security agencies of concealing the election’s true nature and ordered the FBI and CIA to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. However, American media outlets and former investigations have stated that there is no evidence supporting Trump’s claims, and no clear tampering with election results has been found.
In a national address on election security last Friday, Trump repeated his longstanding assertion that the 2020 presidential election was rigged. He launched aggressive accusations against U.S. intelligence agencies and released some confidential election security documents from the White House. Trump alleged that China had stolen data on 220 million American voters during the 2020 election. Additionally, he cited Department of Homeland Security (DHS) statistics alleging that approximately 278,000 non-citizens were registered to vote.
Trump warned that voting machines were vulnerable to cyberattacks and identified Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea as potential threats. He instructed the National Intelligence Director, FBI, CIA, and Department of Justice to conduct the most comprehensive investigation into the unauthorized disclosure of election security data and to pursue criminal charges against those responsible. Trump also criticized major U.S. media outlets, particularly NBC and ABC, for not broadcasting his address live.
Accusing China of data theft and espionage, Trump claimed that sensitive information—including names, addresses, phone numbers, and political party affiliations—of voters from 18 U.S. states had been stolen. He described this as the largest cyberattack in U.S. election history. Nevertheless, U.S. media and previous investigations have stated that these allegations remain unverified.
The Trump administration in the United States has announced new stringent regulations for international students. Under the new policy, foreign students will no longer be allowed to remain in the US for more than four years without federal government approval. Additionally, there will be tighter restrictions on program changes within courses and transferring from one university to another. Currently, US higher education institutions have the authority to extend students’ visa durations.
This new policy will take effect starting September. The Department of Homeland Security stated that the measure aims to “prevent visa misuse and strengthen national security through regular monitoring.” However, the Association of International Educators has criticized the new rules as “unnecessary and misguided guidelines.” Previously, F-1 and J-1 exchange visa holders were permitted to hold visas until they completed their degrees, but the new regulations impose a strict time limit on this period.
Homeland Security Secretary Marquee Malin remarked, “For decades, international students were allowed indefinite stays in the US, resulting in thousands exploiting our immigration system by enrolling in multiple courses continuously and residing indefinitely.”
According to the new rules, international students will be allotted only 30 days to either return to their home country after graduation or obtain a different visa type, reducing the previous 60-day grace period. The nonprofit organization advising US educational institutions, Association of International Educators (naFSA), has strongly criticized the regulations. Its CEO, Fanta Awale, stated, “The new policy has created uncertainty, staffing issues, and fear within a system that had been functioning effectively in the long term. This is a policy that creates problems and then seeks to find solutions through them.”
Private sector representatives have highlighted the need to address several policy challenges to attract Indian tourists by branding Nepal as a “wedding destination,” while the government has expressed its commitment to facilitate this initiative. Earlier this week, representatives from the Hotel Association requested Prime Minister Balendra Shah, popularly known as ‘Balen,’ to simplify the process for Indian couples to bring jewelry and other ceremonial items into Nepal. During his election campaign, the Prime Minister pledged to brand Janakpur as a wedding destination, a goal also incorporated into the upcoming fiscal year’s budget.
Local business owners have criticized the government for insufficient efforts to promote wedding-related tourism in Janakpur; however, officials have informed that promotional programs are being conducted in various locations across Nepal and India, with plans to continue these initiatives throughout the year. In previous years, reports circulated about foreign couples exchanging rings and marrying at various tourist centers. More recently, such wedding ceremonies have been held in popular destinations like Kathmandu, Sauraha, Pokhara, as well as Nepalese towns bordering India’s West Bengal, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, according to authorities.
Addressing the people in Janakpur, Prime Minister Balendra Shah noted that Nepalis often travel to Jaipur in India and Bali in Indonesia for destination weddings. Similarly, Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle presented plans to brand Janakpur as a wedding destination during this week’s budget speech. Nonetheless, representatives of the private sector argue that policy ambiguities persist and urge the government to take further measures to develop Nepal as a premier wedding tourism destination.
Dinesh Tuladhar, Vice President of the Hotel Association of Nepal, stated, “Indian tourists show significant interest in our wedding destinations. We have also informed the Prime Minister about existing legal complexities.” Surendrakumar Bhandari, Chairman of the Janakpur Industry and Commerce Association, commented, “While the Prime Minister has made promises, practically not even one percent of the work has been accomplished.” He emphasized that efforts to establish Janakpur as a hub for wedding tourism have not progressed substantially.
Image source, Sebastian Kaulitzki/Science Photo Library
Authorities in Pakistan are investigating a syndicate suspected of smuggling human placentas from hospitals and using them to produce ‘anti-aging’ injections claimed to reduce signs of aging.
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Pakistan alleges that this syndicate purchases approximately 200 kilograms of human placenta from various hospitals every month.
According to the FIA, the placentas are dried and processed before being exported abroad.
In a crackdown conducted last month in the capital, Islamabad, officials seized around 500 kilograms of human placenta from an illegal processing center and arrested five individuals.
Photos released by the FIA showed dried placenta stored in containers placed on trolleys inside a house converted into a “placenta storage and processing center.”
Image source, FIA
Hina Kanwal, an official from Pakistan’s Human Organ Transplant Authority, stated that the arrested individuals were buying placentas valued at about 2.90 US dollars each from hospitals in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. She emphasized that this was impossible without collusion from hospital administration.
The FIA explained that the accumulated placenta is exported for the production of ‘anti-aging’ injections, which can cost up to 2,530 US dollars per injection.
Kanwal noted that there is high demand for human placenta in cosmetic surgery, contributing to the rise in its illegal trade.
Anyone found illegally collecting human organs for commercial purposes could face up to 10 years imprisonment and fines of up to 3,600 US dollars.
The FIA disclosed that the syndicate’s network extends to Lahore and Peshawar. Investigations are also ongoing into possible involvement of immigration officials, waste management companies, and hospitals.
Image source, FIA
While the FIA has previously taken action against illegal human organ transplants, this incident is the first to reveal an international network involved in human placenta trafficking.
The arrested individuals initially claimed they were processing sheep placenta but confessed to handling human placentas after interrogation.
In a subsequent operation, 100 kilograms of human placenta being shipped to Vietnam from Islamabad International Airport was confiscated. Vietnam prohibits the use of human placenta, allowing only animal placentas.
So far, nine people have been arrested and are in custody for involvement in placenta trafficking.
Image source, FIA
Pakistani gynecologist and obstetrician Sadia Tariq described human placenta as “highly infectious medical waste” and said strict regulations govern its management.
After a baby is born, the placenta is separated and sealed in a yellow bag labeled ‘placenta’ before being transferred to the hospital’s cold storage facility.
It can be safely stored for up to 24 hours before being incinerated and disposed of. Both government and private hospitals strictly adhere to this procedure.
The placenta is a temporary organ that develops atop the uterus during pregnancy, supporting fetal life.
It is connected to the baby via the umbilical cord, supplying oxygen and nutrients and removing waste.
The placenta naturally expels shortly after a normal birth or is surgically removed during a caesarean section.
Image source, Getty Images
Some people consider placenta to be rich in proteins, iron, and fats and believe it to be nutritious for adults as well.
For centuries, various cultures have used the extracted placenta juice in traditional medicine.
The US-based market research company Polaris estimates that the global legal trade of placenta-related products could reach 1.4 billion US dollars by 2034.
Senior analyst Nitin Tambe from Polaris commented that human placenta holds significant potential in medical innovation and cosmetic treatments.
Image source, Paola Tellez/Getty Images
Interestingly, products derived from the placenta — an organ that supports early human life — are often used to address conditions associated with aging, including:
Because human placenta contains abundant female hormones (estrogen and progesterone), various medicines are developed from it. Some are also used to treat postpartum depression.
Placenta extracts have also been applied with limited success in treating autoimmune diseases, stroke, chronic fatigue, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, liver diseases, Crohn’s disease, and some cancers.
Tariq notes, “Research shows placenta may increase iron levels and is used in medications for postpartum anemia.”
Placenta can be developed into pills and injections and is claimed to help regenerate tissues.
The inner layer of the placenta contains growth factors used in surgical treatments for deep wounds, burns, ulcers, and eye injuries.
However, these practices lack unified scientific evidence and consistent global regulations.
Japanese company Japan Bio Products (JBP) exports 100% placenta powder capsules as nutritional supplements to several Asian countries. Some products are derived from human placenta, while others come from pig or horse placentas.
Winston Oei, JBP’s regional manager, says, “Asians are open-minded about placenta-based products, especially some Chinese communities that have a tradition of placenta consumption.”
“With increasing online information, people have become aware of such products and demand has grown,” Oei added.
Despite prohibitions on commercial buying and selling in China, an underground market and online platforms continue to trade fresh human placenta illegally.
An online merchant reported selling a single human placenta for over 50 US dollars.
He said, “If you buy in bulk, I can sell them for 40 dollars each. We purchase raw placenta for 30 dollars per kilogram.”
Legal expert Zhang noted that most offenders receive fines far less than their illegal profits, usually five times less.
“If fines were increased fiftyfold, they would think twice before engaging in such activities,” he commented.
According to traditional Chinese medicine practitioner Yao, ancient Chinese medicine used human placenta to enhance immunity and treat asthma and bronchitis.
Image source, Tribune News Service via Getty Images
However, Dr. Hong Jangsang of Shanghai People’s Hospital warns, “Consuming unclean placenta can lead to infections such as HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis.”
She added that many new mothers decide to take their own placenta home and consume it instead of having it destroyed by the hospital.
One new mother shared that both her mother and mother-in-law wanted to consume her placenta, which she refused.
Another woman paid about 7 US dollars at a shop near the hospital to have her placenta powdered and encapsulated.
She said she did this to help improve her father-in-law’s poor health.
Some women in eastern China have reported business difficulties due to stricter online advertising regulations.
Nonetheless, the real demand for placenta products remains strong.
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