Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed serious concern over the absence of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the United Nations General Assembly.
Mahmoud Abbas was unable to travel to New York to attend the assembly after the United States denied his visa application.
“This injustice against our Palestinian brothers and sisters is a deep wound to the conscience of humanity,” Erdogan said.
Erdogan also voiced objection to Israel’s expansion of settlements in the West Bank, describing the violence and terrorism there as having reached their worst levels.
He claimed that Muslims and Christians are being barred from entering their sacred religious sites in Jerusalem.
Erdogan stated that in the past three years, at least 74,000 people have been killed in Israeli military operations in Gaza, and Turkey considers this as ‘state terrorism.’
“The people of Gaza are still searching for their loved ones amid the ruins of their homes,” he said. “They are trying to recover the bodies of their spouses, children, and parents.”
In the 20th Asian Games, Nepal’s Navita Shrestha was defeated in the first round of the women’s singles table tennis event by Chen Su-yu of Chinese Taipei with a score of 4–1. Although Navita won the first game 11–9, Chen dominated the following four games 11–4, 11–4, 11–0, and 11–3. Kathmandu, 7 Ashoj.
Nepal’s Ivana Thapa also exited in the first round of the women’s singles. The pair of Ivana and Navita will now compete together in the women’s doubles event.
Addressing the United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he faces a critical decision on whether to launch another attack on Iran or pursue a peace agreement. Speaking on Tuesday in New York, only one member of the Iranian delegation was present. Trump warned that failure to resolve the conflict with Iran could lead to the complete destruction of the Islamic Republic.
In his remarks, the American president expressed clear opposition to the concept of a “global government” and reiterated his commitment to mediating a peace agreement in the Russia-Ukraine war. He also pledged to maintain American leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Trump’s address came on a day marked by high-level diplomatic talks, including discussions between U.S. and Iranian representatives.
During the General Assembly, Trump began his speech by highlighting his achievements in the economy, immigration, border management, and combating violent crime. Analysts have interpreted his comments as efforts to appeal to voters ahead of the U.S. midterm elections in November, as well as signals that while dialogue continues, pressure and the potential use of force remain key strategies.
U.S. officials conducted a three-hour meeting with the Iranian delegation on the sidelines of the Assembly, which Trump described to reporters as “very productive.” Iranian state television confirmed that Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi engaged in talks with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff on Middle East issues. Officials in Tehran have not yet issued an official response.
French President Emmanuel Macron raised questions about the international community’s role regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza during the United Nations General Assembly. He emphasized that considering the Gaza peace plan merely as a diplomatic achievement is misguided and highlighted the lack of sufficient peace efforts.
October 24, Kathmandu – Macron criticized the weak response of the global community to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stating, “The world faces a scene before which we all must feel ashamed.” He argued that without improvements in the international community’s role concerning Gaza’s situation, achieving peace would remain impossible.
Macron expressed that viewing the Gaza peace plan solely as diplomatic success is incorrect. He added, “If we continue to remain silent on the issue of Gaza, what credibility will we hold? Some parties continue to expand occupation. But the most important point is that we are not making enough effort to secure peace.” Furthermore, he announced that France will take every possible initiative to swiftly initiate meaningful talks between Russia and Ukraine.
Could organisms found in space cause illnesses in humans? Scientists are actively searching for life beyond Earth in the universe. If microorganisms similar to bacteria on Earth are discovered in space, could they negatively impact our health? Watch this video for more information on the topic.
The National Planning Commission has deployed over 250 personnel to assess the damages caused by floods in the Bhotekoshi and Trishuli rivers. The commission has indicated that a comprehensive damage report may take approximately one month to complete. They plan to gather data from every ward in the affected municipalities of Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, and Gorkha districts. Arjunjung Thapa, a member of the commission, stated that the collected data will represent the most detailed and accurate figures on this disaster to date.
“We have started collecting data through clear public notifications because so far, there has been no comprehensive information about vehicles, involved laborers, or various businesses,” Thapa explained. “This effort is not possible without cooperation from local governments.”
The Head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority noted that the recovery plan framework may change once the commission’s collected data is received. According to updated figures from the authority, nearly 5,800 people—including foreign nationals—are still unaccounted for, while 1,451 bodies and remains have been recovered.
The Cabinet has already directed the National Planning Commission to conduct a broad evaluation of damages in human, economic, social, and infrastructure sectors. Based on the data collected, the commission will prepare a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment (PDNA) report along with a reconstruction plan including financial requirements. Earlier, the authority had released a preliminary report estimating that reconstruction after the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods would cost more than NPR 7 billion.
According to commission member Thapa, that initial report was based on rough calculations from satellite imagery. It estimated that around 7,570 private houses across Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dhading, Gorkha, and Chitwan districts were either completely washed away or buried under soil. “The data we are about to release will be compiled officially in coordination with affected families, neighbors, and local representatives,” Thapa said. “This will provide the clearest figures yet.”
The commission will use questionnaires covering 11 sectors to gather information. Each team will include a technical expert, an administrative staffer, and a statistical service employee. They will collect details on households, local conditions, and damage to update the database online. This method is expected to ensure consistency in the data. “The survey will include house details such as number of floors, construction materials, and household items like refrigerators and televisions. Similarly, over 4,000 businesses will have verified records collected,” Thapa explained.
Thapa highlighted that these extensive data will serve as a crucial foundation for the government’s international claims for compensation related to damage caused by climate change. “It will also assist in implementing protective measures and preventive strategies in the future,” he added. “Moreover, the data will aid in identifying alternative settlement locations for communities along affected riverbanks, thereby supporting reliable reconstruction plans.”
Dharma Raj Upreti, Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, inspected hydropower projects in the Trishuli river area on Tuesday. He also held discussions with rescue teams, local leaders, and district disaster management committees. “We will decide within one or two days how long rescue operations will continue, likely by the end of this week,” Upreti said. “The government is preparing to declare highly affected villages and areas where river courses have changed as uninhabitable.” Consequently, the process for land transfer will proceed. Upreti noted, “Many operations are currently being conducted simultaneously.”
The National Planning Commission’s data collection will cover private homes, drinking water systems, government buildings, businesses, hydropower plants, substations, transmission lines, irrigation channels, roads, suspension bridges, vehicle bridges, and local roads. Commission member Thapa stated, “Data collected concerning human losses—from private homes and businesses—will provide the most accurate damage assessment.”
Bangladesh’s enigmatic spinner Mohammad Rubel is set to participate in the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The Bangladeshi sports news agency T–Sports has revealed information about Rubel joining the NPL. However, the franchise he will represent has not yet been disclosed.
Rubel has not yet had the opportunity to represent the Bangladesh national cricket team. Nevertheless, he has taken 14 wickets in 11 T20 matches. He was a key member of one of Bangladesh’s main teams during the Top and T20 series held in Australia.
Previously, T–Sports also reported that Bangladesh’s young batsman Ariful Islam would be participating in the NPL. Although there is talk on social media that Ariful will be playing for the Karnali Yaks franchise, formal approval is still pending.
Bangladesh’s star all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan has confirmed his participation with the Pokhara Avengers, while Akbar Ali is set to play for the Karnali Yaks.
During the United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump signed a security agreement related to Greenland. After delivering his address in the main assembly hall, Trump finalized the agreement alongside leaders from Denmark and representatives of the semi-autonomous territory of Greenland. Speaking at the signing, Trump stated, “This will be a long-term and excellent relationship.”
Earlier, Trump had controversially suggested forcibly acquiring Greenland, a proposal that drew criticism from European nations. This latest agreement aims to solidify the security arrangements for American forces stationed in Greenland. It is important to note that Greenland is a dependency of Denmark.
The United Nations General Assembly commenced today at the UN headquarters in New York. World leaders are currently delivering their addresses to the assembly. Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah is scheduled to speak on Thursday. Meanwhile, during the ongoing sessions of the General Assembly, a significant number of Iranian nationals have gathered near the UN headquarters to stage a peaceful protest against the Iranian government. Carrying banners and placards, the demonstrators are vocally expressing their dissent through spirited chants.
Eleven people were injured when gunfire erupted near a high school in Turgutlu district of Manisa province in western Turkey, with two victims reported to be in serious condition. The student arrested on suspicion of involvement reportedly used a shotgun brought from a relative’s home. According to Justice Minister Akın Gürlek, two government prosecutors have been assigned to investigate the incident, and the suspect’s parents and grandfather have also been taken into custody. October 6, Ankara.
Authorities have confirmed that at least 11 people were wounded in a shooting near a high school in western Turkey on Tuesday. One individual suspected of involvement has been detained. The provincial governor’s office reported the incident occurred in front of the Vocational and Technical High School in Turgutlu district of Manisa province, with two victims in critical condition, according to Minister Gürlek.
Immediately following the shooting, police and medical teams were deployed to the scene. Turkish news agency Haberturk reported that the person apprehended is a student who fired a shotgun near the school, a weapon brought from a relative’s residence, and then attempted to flee on foot. The motive behind the shooting has not yet been disclosed.
Minister Gürlek stated that two government prosecutors have been appointed to oversee the investigation. The inquiry also addresses allegations of bullying or mistreatment directed at the student. During the investigation, the suspect’s parents and grandfather, who owns the shotgun, were taken into custody. Concerned parents gathered at the school after the incident. Local media reported tensions between security personnel and parents at the school entrance. This event follows two other school shootings in Turkey in recent months. With the start of the new academic year, the government had tightened security measures at schools and other educational institutions.
In April, a former student opened fire at a high school in the southeastern province of Şanlıurfa, injuring 16 people, mostly students. The attacker later committed suicide. The following day, in Kahramanmaraş province, a 14-year-old student fired shots in two classrooms, killing eight students and a teacher, and injuring 13 others. The attacker was killed during police intervention.
In the 20th Asian Games table tennis mixed doubles event, Rubin Maharjan and Ivana Thapa have advanced to the second round. The Rubin-Ivana pair defeated Pakistan’s Mohammad Khan and Kulsum Khan with a straight 3-0 set victory at Japan’s Sky Hall Toyota. After winning the first set 11-6, the second set 11-8, and the third set 11-4, the duo secured their place in the second round. They will next compete against the Hong Kong pair of Kwan To Yau and Wing Lam Ng.
Meanwhile, in the same event, Navita Shrestha and Sanyog Kapali were eliminated in the first round after losing 3-1 to Mongolia’s Bilguun Ankhbayar and Ankhmaa Ser-Od. Although the Navita-Sanyog pair convincingly won the first set 11-2, they could not maintain their momentum. They lost the second and third sets 6-11 each, and the fourth set 9-11. With this defeat, the Navita-Sanyog duo has been eliminated from the competition.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the initiative by Finland and Norway to place frontier AI under international standards and oversight. This initiative urges member states to explore the possibility of establishing an international organization if standards, certification, and capability limits in AI are exceeded. Guterres emphasized that global cooperation and protections based on human rights are essential for the safe development, transparency, and accountability of AI.
October 6, New York (RASS/ANI) – Guterres praised the step taken by Finland and Norway to regulate the rapidly developing “frontier AI” models through international standards and monitoring. He stressed the need to strengthen international cooperation for the safe development and use of AI. The initiative, led by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, calls on United Nations member states to reinforce existing international mechanisms and to set standards, certification, and address capability limits for AI. It urges exploration of forming an international body to bring countries together when those limits are crossed.
Welcoming the initiative via social media platform X, Secretary-General Guterres also expressed satisfaction at the release of the first thematic report by the UN’s independent international scientific panel on AI. He called on frontier AI labs, security institutions, and external experts to collaborate with the panel. The initiative underscores that AI must remain under human guidance, oversight, and control, and that its development and use should comply with international law.
While AI can significantly improve human lives, advance science, and strengthen economies, the initiative highlights that its rapid development without proper management poses major risks to safety and protection. It calls on AI-developing companies to conduct mandatory pre-deployment testing and independent evaluations, develop transparent safety systems, and provide qualified evaluators with necessary access for risk assessments. Governments and regional bodies are urged to develop shared standards, report serious safety incidents, and ensure all countries have access to scientific capabilities and reliable evaluations.
The initiative has garnered support from leaders of Australia, Canada, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Turkey, among others, as well as Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. AI has been a key topic at the 81st UN General Assembly. On September 16, Secretary-General Guterres identified AI, climate crisis, and deepening inequalities as the three existential threats facing humanity. He noted that although AI holds great potential in health, education, and climate sectors, its development is outpacing the understanding of its human risks.
Guterres emphasized the responsibility of governments to protect their citizens from AI risks and stressed the necessity of worldwide cooperation. He underscored the importance of a regulatory framework that places human dignity at its core to ensure AI is safe, transparent, and accountable. The UN’s independent international scientific panel released its first thematic report on September 21, addressing AI agents, misalignment, and the risk of losing human control. The Secretary-General plans to deliver his final address at the General Assembly on Tuesday. His tenure as Secretary-General is concluding. The main theme of the 81st General Assembly is “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: United Nations Delivering for All.”
Arvind Kumar Jha, General Secretary of the All Nepal Kabaddi Association, has been elected as Secretary of the International Kabaddi Federation (IKF) at the General Assembly held in Japan. The election of a Nepali representative as Secretary of the IKF is considered a significant achievement for Nepali sports. The federation family congratulated Jha and extended best wishes for success in his upcoming tenure. October 6, Kathmandu.
Following Jha’s election as Secretary, it is anticipated that Nepalese players will find it easier to gain international exposure. “It will facilitate international exposure and support the development of kabaddi. Now, two international tournaments will be held in Nepal, which will benefit from this support,” said the newly elected president. Both of these international events scheduled to be hosted in Nepal have already been approved by the assembly. The Four Nations Cup will take place in Nepal in November, followed by the Asian Women’s Championship next March.
The election of a Nepali representative as Secretary of the International Kabaddi Federation has been regarded by the All Nepal Kabaddi Association as a major accomplishment for Nepali sports. The association has extended its congratulations to Jha and wished him success in his forthcoming tenure.
At the ongoing Central Committee meeting of the CPN-UML in the capital, a central member revealed that there has been a demand to make public the electoral review and party restructuring report prepared earlier by General Secretary Shankar Pokharel.
Leader Krishnabhakta Pokharel said that he and other leaders have raised questions in the committee about why the report, allegedly prepared to hold party Chairman KP Sharma Oli responsible for the poor election results, has not been published.
Chairman Oli submitted a separate report on the election review to the Central Committee on Monday.
Another central member, Rishikesh Pokharel, claimed that the task force’s report is included in the chairman’s report and that the task force’s report is no longer relevant.
“The chairman has prepared the report based on the task force and the secretariat. The general secretary has also expressed support for it,” he said on a telephone call from the meeting venue.
Following the recent House of Representatives election in Falgun, where the UML lost 53 seats compared to the previous election, limiting themselves to 25 seats, the party formed a task force led by Vice Chairman Ram Bahadur Thapa to collect suggestions from leaders and activists across the country and conduct a review.
Although details of the report prepared by General Secretary Shankar Pokharel on behalf of the task force have been published in various media outlets, leaders said it has not been presented in the party meeting.
“The main concern is whether the chairman’s report addressed the sentiments of the task force’s report, which took four months to prepare. Since the chairman did not even submit it as an annex, the work done so far by the task force has essentially lost its value,” leader Krishnabhakta Pokharel said after Tuesday’s Central Committee meeting.
Many party activists feel that the suggestions submitted to the task force have been disregarded.
“If the Central Committee members were provided an opportunity to discuss and deliberate on the report’s points, only then could we address the root of the problems.”
However, another central member, Rishikesh Pokharel, believes that instead of getting entangled in the task force report, the party should focus on discussions about moving forward with an election-centric approach.
“I have emphasized the need to move forward with political, ideological, and organizational restructuring. I have suggested instituting an automatic code of conduct for the party,” he said.
What the Report Says About the Party Leadership
Image source, RSS
Oli resigned from the prime ministerial post last year in Bhadra following the JNG movement.
Previously, a task force member, Leelanath Shrestha, said the report is still under review, but another member, Damodar Bhandari, complained that he has not even seen the report.
Khagaraj Adhikari, a member from Gandaki Province, also said he hasn’t seen the report. Leader Krishnabhakta shared that questions were raised during the party’s Central Committee meeting since the report was not presented.
According to leaked details, the draft report mentions that after the 2064 (Bikram Sambat) Constituent Assembly election when the party came third, then Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal resigned from party leadership responsibility, and expectations are now placed on the current leadership.
“Following a major electoral defeat, our then-General Secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal resigned on moral grounds. Internationally, it is accepted that after a severe electoral loss, responsibilities are borne on ethical grounds. It appears that the current leadership has neglected this principle,” the report excerpt states, although it has not been independently confirmed whether this is part of the official report or not.
However, Rishikesh Pokharel mentioned that this issue was not raised in the Central Committee meeting.
“Even nearly 100 central members who spoke have not suggested that the chairman should step down,” he said.
Earlier, task force member Damodar Bhandari had said suggestions for leadership resignation came from grassroots and lower-level discussions within the party.
“Such topics have come up. Reactions are mixed. The task force has discussed integrating all suggestions received from different areas to form a consolidated opinion,” Bhandari added.
The report presented by Chairman Oli on Monday also argues that “leadership should not abandon the party during crisis.”
“During crises, leadership must not leave the organization in uncertainty. It is the role of the leadership to seek and fix weaknesses, face the truth, uplift the morale of party workers, return to the people’s homes, and build the path forward,” states Oli’s report.
Another task force member Shrestha claimed that no issue of moral responsibility was raised from his province.
“Such topics have not surfaced in our Madhesh Province. I have noted that,” said Shrestha.
“Mr. Shankar Pokharel has written what he understands. We will now verify whether it aligns with our discussions in the task force, remove what is not needed, and add what is necessary. We will confirm the accuracy of the report accordingly.”
The task force collected suggestions from district and provincial committee leaders and Central Committee members. However, sources indicate that the draft prepared by Pokharel was objected to by coordinator Thapa and party chairman Oli, so the report was not approved by the task force.
How Will UML Move Forward?
Image source, RSS
The task force draft suggested reinstating the age limit of 70 years and restricting leadership executive posts to no more than two terms. However, the CPN-UML had abolished the age limit at last year’s party statute convention. Had the age limit been in force, Oli would have been automatically compelled to step down.
Former minister and task force member Shrestha said while there were suggestions regarding organizational restructuring, the chairmanship is beyond the task force’s mandate.
“We have not been given the authority or agenda to debate that. There has been no discussion on whether to keep or remove it,” he had said earlier.
“Some may have personal suggestions, but that is not official.”
According to another member, Bhandari, the suggestions gathered from 13 different groups included mixed feedback from Sudurpashchim Province.
“Suggestions have also been made that the party needs to change its policies, leadership, ideology, working methods, organization, and structure in line with the altered current circumstances,” Bhandari, who is also in charge of the party’s Sudurpashchim Province, told reporters.
“There are also voices that the leadership must be defended.”
The draft report proposes holding a quick general convention, special general convention, or a general convention representative council meeting to address the suggestions received.
Bhandari confirmed that similar suggestions have come from his own province as well.
However, Oli-aligned task force member Shrestha contends that the special general convention topic was not raised during suggestion collection.
“I don’t know what the writer has put down. No one has raised the issue of a special general convention,” he said.
Before the conclusion of the UML Central Committee meeting, secretariat members indicated that a consensus will be reached concerning the party’s political and organizational issues.
Central member Rishikesh Pokharel said that upcoming strategies will be formulated incorporating the recommendations from Chairman Oli’s report.
You can watch other content on our YouTube channel. The Nepali service programme is also broadcast on the radio at 8:45 p.m.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the United States is prepared to engage in dialogue with Iranian representatives at the United Nations General Assembly. However, he clarified that no specific date has been set for these talks yet. Rubio made these remarks during a television interview, saying, “No particular date has been decided at this time, but we are clearly open to talks, especially if they yield positive results and ultimately ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has traveled to New York to participate in the General Assembly. The Trump administration has approved Iran’s “main delegation” to attend the assembly. This delegation will also include Iranian President Masoud Pezeskian. Speaking with Fox News on Tuesday morning, Rubio noted that a meeting with Pezeskian could be a constructive step. He added that President Trump has also expressed a willingness to meet with Iranian President Pezeskian. “The President is ready to meet with him or others. Such a meeting would not result in anything negative,” he said.
Rubio pointed out that all final decisions in Iran rest with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, making it difficult to predict if the talks will produce substantive outcomes. Nonetheless, he emphasized that the door to agreements or diplomatic negotiations should never be closed.
Comments 4