The teams advancing to the women’s cricket semifinals at the 20th Asian Games currently underway in Japan have been finalized. Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and India have secured their spots in the semifinals. The quarterfinal match between Bangladesh and China was canceled due to rain, resulting in Bangladesh advancing to the semifinals based on net run rate. Pakistan progressed by defeating Thailand, Sri Lanka overcame Malaysia, and India defeated Japan to claim their semifinal berths.
In the semifinal round, Pakistan will face Sri Lanka, while Bangladesh will take on India. The losing teams in the semifinals will compete for the bronze medal. India entered the tournament as the defending gold medal winners in women’s cricket. A total of eight teams participated in the women’s cricket event, all of whom have completed their quarterfinal matches directly.
Students in Canberra, Australia, staged a protest on Thursday against the One Nation party led by Pauline Hanson. The demonstration, titled ‘Students Say No to Hanson,’ was organized by anti-capitalist high school students at Garema Place from 1 PM to 3 PM. The protest was sparked by One Nation’s recent announcement of a net-negative migration plan aimed at reducing temporary visas by over 750,000 within the next three years.
This protest on September 17 served as the second phase of the student movement that began on August 13. Earlier in August, high school and university students had left their classes to protest against One Nation and Hanson’s policies in cities including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. According to reports, hundreds of students participated in those demonstrations in each major city. This time, protests also took place in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin, and Hobart.
According to reports, over a thousand students joined the protest in Sydney, where demonstrators voiced strong opposition to Hanson’s immigration proposals. Hundreds were also present in Melbourne. On September 14, One Nation unveiled its net-negative migration plan, which aims to cut over 750,000 temporary visas in the coming three years and forms the core of the party’s immigration policy.
The Thursday protest saw student participants condemning One Nation’s immigration, multicultural, and social policies. Following the August demonstrations, this latest protest was organized at the call of the National Union of Students and various student groups. In some locations, tensions escalated between One Nation supporters and protesters, prompting police intervention.
Last year, during the United Nations General Assembly, Iranian President Masud Pajeskian (left) shook hands with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. The United States has issued visas to the Iranian delegation, including President Masud Pajeskian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to attend the upcoming United Nations General Assembly in New York next week. A spokesperson from the US State Department stated that strict travel restrictions will be imposed on the Iranian delegation and they will not be allowed unrestricted movement.
October 18, Kathmandu – As the conflict between the US and Iran enters its seventh month, the US government has granted visas to Iranian officials to participate in the UN General Assembly scheduled for next week in New York. According to reports, the authorized Iranian delegation includes President Masud Pajeskian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. A US State Department spokesperson confirmed this decision on Thursday.
This announcement comes amid no signs of an end to the Iran-US conflict, which began in February. The conflict has significantly increased the prices of oil and gas worldwide and has also led to tensions spreading to neighboring countries. Despite being granted visas under strict restrictions, the Iranian delegation is not permitted free movement within the US. The spokesperson noted, “As the host nation, we ensure the Iranian regime’s principal delegation can participate in high-level weekly meetings at the United Nations General Assembly. However, they will be subject to stringent travel restrictions.”
According to the spokesperson, US policy will prohibit the Iranian delegation from purchasing luxury goods and certain American products. The delegation visiting this year is also smaller compared to the 2022 delegation. It is worth recalling that in past visits to the US, Iranian diplomats were barred from shopping at large wholesale stores like Costco.
United Nations human rights experts have found sufficient grounds to classify two US attacks in Iran as war crimes. Reports indicate that at least 177 civilians were killed in missile strikes on a primary school in Minab and a sports complex in Lamerd in February. The experts also concluded that Iranian authorities committed crimes against humanity by carrying out widespread repression across all 31 provinces during anti-government protests in January.
Kathmandu, September 18 – UN human rights experts have determined that there is ample concrete evidence implicating the United States in two missile attacks on Iran resulting in at least 177 civilian deaths. According to a new report from an independent international fact-finding mission related to Iran, the February strikes on a primary school in Minab and a sports complex in Lamerd were indiscriminate attacks. These assaults not only killed civilians but also caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure.
While the US has denied responsibility for the attack in Lamerd and stated it is investigating the Minab incident, an official from the US State Department dismissed the report’s findings as unreliable. The experts further concluded that during the January anti-government protests, Iranian authorities perpetrated crimes against humanity through extensive repression.
According to their findings, killings carried out by security forces occurred at alarming and unprecedented levels across all of Iran’s 31 provinces. Security personnel reportedly assaulted and detained injured protestors receiving medical care, and several healthcare workers were arrested, causing many injured individuals to fear seeking lifesaving treatment at medical facilities. The experts also reported that tens of thousands detained during the protests faced torture, solitary confinement, and deprived access to legal counsel.
The report highlights that following the protests, the Iranian government intensified the use of the death penalty against demonstrators. At least 29 men have been executed after expedited trials related to unrest. While the fact-finding mission stated that the exact number of deaths during the crackdown cannot be independently verified, there is sufficient cause to believe the death toll far exceeds official government figures. The Iranian government has officially designated the deceased as either members of the security forces or uninvolved civilians. US-based human rights campaigners allege that over 7,000 people, mostly protestors, have died. To date, Iran has not responded to these findings, although Iranian officials have continually denied past allegations of human rights abuses.
Ferry workers in Sydney have declared they will not collect fares from September 11 to October 6 as part of their strike demanding wage increases. The union has decided to disable the Opal card readers, while Transport for NSW has clarified that regular fares will still apply and passengers are required to tap on and off using contactless payments. Negotiations with Transdev are ongoing for a proposed 5 percent wage increase, but there is a possibility of some ferry services being disrupted due to industrial action. Canberra, October 2.
In Sydney, Australia, ferry employees have engaged in industrial action seeking higher wages and improved working conditions. Their protest actions include not only strikes but also refusing to work overtime, slowing down work, boycotting certain responsibilities, performing only partial tasks, and ceasing fare collection. To mitigate the impact on passengers, the union has arranged a program offering direct relief.
Members of the Maritime Union of Australia have announced that from September 11 to October 6, Sydney ferries will have Opal card readers turned off and fares will not be collected during that period. According to the union, passengers will not be required to pay fares while the strike is ongoing. This month-long fare waiver has been implemented to minimize inconvenience to commuters despite the ongoing wage protests. However, Transport for NSW has emphasized that regular fares remain in effect and travelers must tap on and off with Opal cards or other contactless payment methods as usual.
Caption, At least 156 people, including 120 children, died in the February attack on a primary school in MinabArticle Information
United Nations human rights experts have stated there is sufficient basis to believe that at least 177 civilians were killed in two US airstrikes in Iran and that the United States committed war crimes in these incidents.
According to a new report released by the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran (IIFFM), missile strikes in February targeted a primary school in Minab and a sports complex in Lamerd. While these attacks were not aimed at security targets, they resulted in indiscriminate civilian deaths and damage to civil infrastructure.
The United States had previously denied involvement in the Lamerd strike and stated that an investigation was ongoing regarding the Minab incident.
A US State Department official said the United States does not consider the findings of the report credible.
The experts have also concluded that Iranian authorities committed crimes against humanity through the brutal crackdown on widespread anti-government protests in January.
According to the experts, killings by security forces across all 31 provinces of the country reached an “astonishing and unprecedented level.”
So far, Iran has not responded to the findings but has previously denied systemic human rights violations.
The latest report prepared for the UN Human Rights Council comes from three independent experts of the mission who investigated two of the deadliest attacks on civilians during the conflict.
On February 28, the day the US and Israel reportedly began war against Iran, a Tomahawk missile struck Shahzare Taebe Primary School in the southern city of Minab.
Local officials reported at least 156 deaths in the attack, including 120 children.
Experts from the IIFFM noted that next to the school is a naval facility of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), but the school was clearly identifiable and there is no concrete evidence that it was used for military purposes.
Based on the US military’s preliminary investigation suggesting their responsibility, the exclusivity of the Tomahawk missile to the US, reports from media, and collected evidence, the mission experts believe there is sufficient basis to conclude that the US conducted the attack on the school.
The US military has yet to publicly release findings from its investigation into the Minab strike, but US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stated that the US military “would never target civilian structures.”
On the same day, a precision strike missile carrying tungsten fragments targeted a sports complex and residential area in Lamerd, where local authorities reported at least 21 civilian deaths, including seven children.
Experts noted the sports complex was clearly identifiable and there is no evidence of its use for military purposes.
You can also follow our news via our YouTube channel, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has stated that efforts will continue until the day of the party’s general convention to reintegrate the dissatisfied faction led by Sher Bahadur Deuba, who organized a parallel convention.
The delegate selection process for the general convention, scheduled to begin on October 2 (Asoj 16), is set to start on Saturday. Meanwhile, the Deuba-supported group, which has operated separately for nine months, held its own convention in December (Mangsir).
Some leaders from Deuba’s faction have already returned to the party. On Thursday, President Thapa expressed his commitment to continue efforts to bring Deuba back into the party by the convention.
“I will keep trying until the 2nd of October. Let’s all work together. Even on the morning of the convention’s inauguration day, we will try to bring elder brother Sher Bahadur to the event. Other leaders should also make efforts. We must try to unite everyone,” Thapa said.
However, are Deuba’s faction leaders willing to reconcile with Thapa’s leadership and send Deuba to the general convention? What are the conditions and demands that the dissatisfied group of the Nepali Congress has listed alongside calls for unity? We sought answers from the leaders.
Although some Deuba faction leaders, who have worked separately since the special convention, attended Thursday’s central committee meeting, a few influential leaders remain separate under the Thapa group, which is recognized by the Election Commission.
One of these moderate leaders, Shekhar Koirala, has appealed that both sides halt the convention and seek an understanding for party unity. If the convention is postponed by Thapa’s faction, will Deuba’s leaders return to the Congress?
What Are the Conditions of the Deuba Faction?
Image Source, RSS
“We don’t have many major demands. The 15th convention must be fair, ensuring respect and participation for everyone,” said Deuba faction leader Prakash Sharan Mahat.
“There should be no last-minute appointments of everyone as central members. Let’s reach an agreement on what needs to be done to make the convention impartial. The timeframe for completion must be set before proceeding. Asking people to come to the convention today or tomorrow without any preparation is neither procedural nor respectful.”
President Thapa has indicated readiness to form an election committee with a mechanism that includes all factions for the general convention, as proposed by leader Shekhar Koirala.
“He [Shekhar Koirala] suggested that the mechanism be led by someone other than the president, and we have informed him that we trust this measure is for the party’s benefit,” Thapa said.
Leader Minendra Rijal says that leaders from the establishment side led by Gagan Thapa need to be active in dialogues to bring Deuba’s faction back.
“It is possible to reconcile through dialogue and negotiation, but one must keep all avenues open,” Rijal states.
Before the special convention, when the establishment under Thapa reopened the path for all central members to return to the central committee, several Deuba faction leaders participated in Thursday’s central committee meeting.
Among the three-sided faction leaders, Min Bahadur Bishwakarma also expressed willingness to help bring Deuba back into the party.
“Yesterday we pressed Gagan Thapa to unite the party by working closely with Sher Bahadur Deuba, Purna Bahadur Khadka and Shekhar Koirala. Now that President Thapa has fulfilled some demands, we will sit with him to pressure him to convince Deuba,” said Bishwakarma.
Why Did the Leaders Return to the Party?
Image Source, Nepal Photo Library
Earlier, Deuba faction leaders had submitted petitions to the Election Commission and Supreme Court requesting that the special convention selecting Thapa as president not be recognized. However, after the court refused to issue an interim order, and as Thapa’s leadership attempted to halt the 15th general convention, those leaders returned to the central committee and the party on Thursday by participating in the meeting.
Bishwakarma supports Deuba’s return to prevent party division.
“Considering the larger interests of the party and the continued success of the Nepali Congress, and for former presidents to continue playing dignified roles, it is essential that President Deuba plays his historical role as well,” said Bishwakarma.
“The demands and conditions they have set are not difficult. Thapa has accepted them in stages. The remaining potential concerns should also be addressed.”
Bishwakarma explained that after Thapa agreed to fulfill the eight-point conditions, the leaders returned to the party. Thapa also stated in Thursday’s central committee meeting that he is prepared to open the path for leaders who have not updated their active membership to become convention delegates.
Bishwakarma believes Thapa is willing to meet most of the conditions proposed by acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka and leader Shekhar Koirala, aside from postponing the convention.
“Unity cannot be one-sided. We must understand that not all demands will be met. We need to create an environment for consensus by discussing what is feasible and what isn’t at the table,” Bishwakarma said.
We are also on YouTube. To subscribe to our channel and watch videos, click here. You can also watch our content on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Also, listen to our radio program Monday to Friday at 8:45 PM.
England batsman Jos Buttler became the first player worldwide to reach 15,000 runs in T20 cricket after scoring 30 runs against Sri Lanka. Buttler has amassed 15,000 runs in 528 matches, including 9 centuries and 107 half-centuries. West Indies’ Kieron Pollard is close behind with 14,999 runs, just one run shy of the 15,000-run milestone.
Kathmandu, September 18 — England’s Jos Buttler has made history as the first player to cross 15,000 runs in T20 cricket. His 30-run contribution in the T20 international match against Sri Lanka took his overall T20 run tally to 15,000, setting a new record.
Previously, the record was nearly held by West Indies cricketer Kieron Pollard. The 39-year-old, currently playing for the Trinbago Knight Riders, has scored 14,999 runs. However, since his team was eliminated from the Caribbean Premier League (CPL), Pollard will have to wait before he can surpass this milestone.
Buttler has consistently performed at the highest level not only in international cricket but also in franchise leagues like the Indian Premier League (IPL), The Hundred, and Big Bash League. In total T20 cricket, he has played 528 matches, scoring 15,000 runs with 9 centuries and 107 half-centuries. In T20 internationals alone, Buttler has played 162 matches and scored 4,322 runs, including 2 centuries and 29 half-centuries.
Following the floods caused by the Bhote Koshi and Trishuli rivers, delays in the announcement and distribution of relief packages have left victims struggling to manage everything from arranging funerals for their relatives to planning for the days ahead. The absence of relief support has intensified stress and uncertainty in their lives. This situation has also raised questions regarding the existing legal framework and procedures related to disaster relief.
October 1, Kathmandu – US President Donald Trump has been given the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on selected countries. This directive comes from a bill recently passed by the US Congress. On Wednesday, the House of Representatives approved legislation to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on five countries that import substantial amounts of oil from Russia. The bill passed with 262 votes in favor and 159 against. The Senate had already approved this bill in August with an 86-11 vote. Once President Trump signs it, the bill will become law. Officially, it is named the “Lindsey O. Graham – Sangsning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.”
The list of countries importing significant amounts of crude oil from Russia includes China, India, Slovakia, Hungary, and Azerbaijan. US trade representatives are mandated to review this list every 180 days. India, a country from which Nepal imports oil, currently purchases more than 40 percent of its crude oil requirements from Russia. India’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that it will ensure that the US’s decision to impose 100 percent tariffs does not adversely affect the country’s interests. Over the past two years, since the Russia-Ukraine war began, India has intensively increased purchases of Russian crude oil due to competitive pricing.
In 2022-23, Russia became India’s largest oil supplier. Before the conflict, India bought relatively modest quantities of Russian oil; however, post-war imports surged to between 1.6 and 2 million barrels daily. Currently, India imports over 40 percent of its crude oil requirements from Russia, placing it among the world’s largest buyers of Russian oil. If the bill becomes law and the US imposes 100 percent tariffs on oil purchased from Russia, Indian exports to the US could be directly impacted since these tariffs would increase the cost of Indian products in the American market. However, the impact on Nepal is expected to be minimal.
Should India shift away from Russian oil and turn to alternative suppliers, various outcomes are possible. An increase in tariffs or sanctions on Russian oil would likely compel India to buy more expensive oil, potentially raising petrol and diesel prices in India, with possible spillover effects on Nepal’s market. The bill also imposes stringent sanctions on Russia’s defense sector and its so-called ‘shadow fleet,’ targeting businesses involved in Russian oil and defense industries. The US government has previously attempted similar sanctions on Russia.
However, due to disrupted oil supplies during the Iran war when the Strait of Hormuz was closed, leading to global oil shortages, some exemptions may be necessary. This bill extends the 1996 “Iran Sanctions Act” until 2031, which penalizes non-US companies trading with Iran. It also grants the US president authority to impose tariffs of up to 500 percent on Russian goods entering the US, applicable for five years. European countries will receive exemptions; the bill also covers China, France, Japan, Hungary, and Belgium, all of whom purchase Russian natural gas. Countries importing less than 15 percent of Russian gas and steadily reducing dependence will be exempted.
The Senate bill provides exemptions to 15 European nations from the proposed 100 percent tariff, provided they import less than 15 percent of Russian gas and are progressively decreasing their reliance. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal stated that the bill is not aimed against European allies but targets countries that continue to provide significant economic support to Russia’s oil trade. The bill proposes sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, financial institutions, defense industry infrastructure, merchants, and President Vladimir Putin.
In response to a rapid increase in HIV infections, the Fijian government has declared a national emergency and is expanding testing, treatment, and prevention services. The Ministry of Health reported that in 2025, there were 2,016 new HIV cases added, indicating that one in every 60 adults in Fiji now lives with HIV. The government is amending laws in parliament to initiate syringe and needle programs, while the Minister of Health has urged the public to get tested.
The HIV epidemic has placed immense pressure on Fiji’s healthcare system. Due to the virus’s rapid spread, the government declared a national emergency and is scaling up services for testing, treatment, and prevention. Currently, one in every 60 adults in the Pacific island nation of Fiji carries the virus—a significant increase from five years ago when it was just one in every 167 adults.
Health Minister Antonio Lalabalavu stated that the usual response is no longer sufficient. Health experts attribute the spread of the epidemic to rising drug abuse, unsafe sexual practices, reuse of needles, and “bluetoothing” (the practice of sharing syringes). A shortage of syringes has forced people in Fiji to reuse needles. According to UNAIDS, in 2025, 9,100 people in Fiji were living with HIV; only 39% were aware of their status, and just 22% received antiretroviral treatment.
Jason Mitchell, head of Fiji’s National HIV Response Taskforce, said that controlling the epidemic will take at least five years. UNAIDS welcomed the emergency declaration, noting that it will help the government and society to respond more seriously and effectively.
Following the passage of a bill in the US Congress imposing up to a 100 percent tariff on countries purchasing oil and gas from Russia, China has expressed its response. China has consistently opposed such measures on the grounds that they lack a basis in international law and have not been approved by the United Nations Security Council. According to Chinese state media Global Times, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated at a press conference on Thursday that China will not succumb to pressure from any third party. “China has always engaged in normal economic and trade cooperation with various countries worldwide based on equality and mutual benefit. Such cooperation is not targeted at any third party nor is it subject to interference or pressure from any third party,” Guo said.
The US House of Representatives recently passed the ‘Lindsey O’Grady Sanctions Russia and Iran Act 2026.’ This law grants US President Donald Trump the authority to impose sanctions on Russia and levy tariffs up to 100 percent on major Russian trade partners such as India and China. Following the bill’s passage, US Senator Richard Blumenthal warned China and India to reconsider their stance.
In Sweden’s recent general election, the left-wing opposition coalition has narrowly secured victory. The new coalition faces a complex process in forming the government. Following the conclusion of vote counting on Thursday, the Swedish Election Authority announced that the left-wing opposition’s four parties won 176 seats in the 349-member Riksdag, Sweden’s parliament based in Stockholm. The incumbent center-right coalition, led by the Conservatives, secured 173 seats. This gives the left-wing coalition a slim majority of three seats.
With a population of approximately 10.6 million, Sweden saw around a 50,000-vote difference between the two blocs. Following the election results, right-wing party leader and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson announced his resignation. He wrote on social media platform X, “Now the Speaker will lead the process to form a new government. To ensure this work can start immediately, I request to be released from the office of Prime Minister.”
Former Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson’s left-wing Social Democrats emerged as the largest single party in the election, although they lost some support compared to the previous election. These results open the possibility for Andersson to regain the prime ministership she lost in 2022. However, ideological differences within the left-wing coalition pose challenges for government formation. The coalition comprises the Social Democrats, the Left Party, the Greens, and the Centre Party. Andersson, Sweden’s first female prime minister from 2021 to 2022 and former finance minister for seven years, will now have to mediate between the socialist Left Party and the liberal Centre Party to secure a stable government.
Following the passage of a bill in the US Congress imposing tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries importing oil and gas from Russia, India has issued its response. Vinay Mohan Kwatra, India’s Ambassador to the United States, emphasized that energy security for the Indian people remains the highest priority. India and China are among the major countries purchasing oil and gas from Russia. On the social media platform X, Ambassador Kwatra stated, ‘The energy security of the Indian people comes first.’
India’s decisions are based on energy supply, affordability, market conditions, and commercial considerations. According to Ambassador Kwatra, ‘India imports more than 85 percent of its crude oil and nearly half of its natural gas requirements.’ Due to recent conflicts putting pressure on global supply, India has taken decisive steps to protect its citizens from price increases, measures that have helped stabilize the global energy market and prevented a major crisis, he added.
‘It is our collective responsibility to explore options beyond borders to ensure adequate, affordable, and continuous energy for our people,’ he further noted. Ambassador Kwatra highlighted that India sources fuel from partner countries in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Eurasia, and the Americas. In contrast, China has stated that the US legislation conflicts with international law and has indicated it is not obligated to comply.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to overthrow the regime in Iran. He asserted that Israel will take strong actions against Iran’s proxy groups, Hamas and Hezbollah, to dismantle them. Netanyahu made these remarks during a ceremony held on Thursday at the Israeli President’s Residence honoring the top internal security personnel of 2025.
“We are witnessing a situation in the Gaza Strip that I believe has shocked everyone. On October 7, these terrorists brutally murdered our citizens, daughters, wives, and children, and we are retaliating,” Netanyahu said. “We are also settling accounts with the remaining terrorists. There are not many left because we are actively targeting them.”
Netanyahu further stated that Iran and its allied groups do not intend to merely weaken but aim to destroy the State of Israel. “We will eliminate Hamas and, first and foremost, defeat Iran’s regime. We will overthrow it. That regime will fall. We will also take action against Hezbollah, and it too will collapse,” Netanyahu emphasized.
