SPG Automobiles has announced a special limited-time offer for the Zeekr J5 Pro, priced at NPR 4,799,000. According to the company, this offer is applicable only to the first 100 customers and those who book at the NAIMA Mobility Expo 2026. The Zeekr J5 Pro features a 155 kW motor, a 50.7 kWh battery, over 19 safety features, and a warranty of 11 years or 240,000 kilometers.
In response to the enthusiastic reception and customer demand at the NAIMA Mobility Expo 2026, SPG Automobiles Pvt Ltd, the official distributor of Omoda and Zeekr vehicles in Nepal, has launched this special scheme for the Zeekr J5 Pro. Under this limited-time plan, customers can purchase the Zeekr J5 Pro for NPR 4,799,000. The company reiterated that this exclusive offer applies only to the first 100 buyers.
The Zeekr J5 Pro is positioned as a premium electric SUV, combining powerful performance, cutting-edge technology, and practical features, the company claims. Its 155 kW electric motor generates 288 Nm of torque. The vehicle also offers 185 mm of ground clearance and a full-size spare tire, enhancing its suitability for Nepal’s challenging road conditions.
The SUV is equipped with a 50.7 kWh battery. It includes more than 19 advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and safety features, a panoramic sunroof, and 480 liters of boot space. The company reports that the Zeekr J5 has already established itself as the number one best-selling electric SUV in Thailand and Indonesia. Its rising popularity in international markets is attributed to the combination of performance, technology, practicality, and value.
Ukraine has released footage of a drone attack targeting four logistics hubs of Russia’s second largest online retailer, Ozon. The assault took place in Makhachkala, Dagestan, resulting in injuries to several individuals.
The video circulating on social media clearly shows fires burning at the logistics centers, accompanied by thick plumes of smoke.
SpaceX has announced it will enhance its AI system Grok by utilizing Nvidia’s next-generation ‘Vera Rubin’ platform. The company plans to expand its computing infrastructure for AI systems, including Grok, not only on Earth-based data centers but also in space. Following Nvidia’s announcement, SpaceX’s share price increased by 0.38%, reaching $137.49. Kathmandu, September 24.
The world-leading space company SpaceX is planning to power up its AI system Grok using Nvidia’s cutting-edge ‘Vera Rubin’ platform. Led by Elon Musk, SpaceX revealed a collaboration with chipmaker Nvidia to broaden its AI infrastructure, which had a positive impact on the company’s stock price. According to NDTV Profit, although SpaceX shares faced some pressure at the market open on Monday, the announcement from Nvidia helped the share price begin to rise.
Under plans to enhance the capabilities of its AI systems including Grok, the company intends to adopt Nvidia’s technology to build state-of-the-art computing infrastructure. SpaceX’s ambitions extend beyond Earth-based data centers, as the company has also set a target to expand AI computing capabilities directly in space. This move is regarded as a significant step in SpaceX’s strategy to extend its AI infrastructure from terrestrial computing centers into space.
In Nagpur, India, the banned ‘Thai Catfish’ has been destroyed. Raids were conducted across 11 ponds to prevent these fish from reaching the market. The breeding, farming, and sale of this species are prohibited in India.
Authorities have reported destroying over 36 tons of these fish using a scientific method involving bleaching powder. The fish are considered unsafe for human consumption.
Kangana Ranaut has strongly criticized Ashutosh Rana, Sonu Sood, Taapsee Pannu, Rakhi Sawant, and yoga guru Ramdev. She stated that she does not seek advice or knowledge from people she considers unsuccessful. Kangana expressed that Ramdev’s remark about women lacking boundaries has embarrassed the entire society.
Kathmandu, 25 August – Indian BJP Member of Parliament and actress Kangana Ranaut delivered sharp remarks against actors Ashutosh Rana, Sonu Sood, actresses Taapsee Pannu, Rakhi Sawant, and yoga guru Ramdev. Speaking to journalists on Monday, Ranaut said, “I have no intention of taking advice or listening to the knowledge of unsuccessful people.”
She added, “Such people come into my life every day. Ashutosh Rana and Sonu Sood try to teach me how to act, Rakhi Sawant insults my personality, and Taapsee Pannu has disrespected my guardians. To all of them, my message is: If you have not achieved success like Kangana Ranaut, I will not value your knowledge. First, become like Kangana Ranaut, then talk.”
Regarding Ramdev, Ranaut said, “Baba Ramdev has completely crossed all limits. His comments about women have shamed the entire society. It is important to deeply consider what kind of mindset he holds towards women.”
Yatri, in collaboration with Sipradi Trading, has introduced the electric scooter P-2, designed and produced entirely in Nepal. The company has developed three battery options for the P-2: 5.2 kWh, 3.7 kWh, and 3 kWh, with the largest battery claiming a range of up to 157 kilometers on a single charge. According to the company, the development process for the P-2 includes design, simulation, electrical architecture, battery testing, chassis manufacturing, assembly, and road testing. (September 25, Kathmandu)
Before a vehicle hits the market, its development begins not on the assembly line but as a small sketch. Designers first draft lines on paper or a computer screen, which gradually transform into engineering designs. These are tested thousands of times on the computer to identify potential weaknesses, followed by improvements and retesting. The journey of the new electric scooter, P-2, by the Nepali brand Yatri has followed this rigorous process.
After more than two years of research, design, and on-road testing within Nepal, Yatri has launched the P-2. Developed collaboratively with Sipradi Trading and manufactured wholly in Nepal, the P-2 is available with three different battery capacities. Customers can choose from 5.2 kWh, 3.7 kWh, and 3 kWh battery options. The company asserts that the scooter equipped with the largest 5.2 kWh battery can travel 157 kilometers on a single full charge.
According to Krishna Prasad Shrestha, Head of Product at Yatri, the P-2 began as a simple line sketch. He explains, “The ‘first firm’ or the initial solid drawing is this sketch.” All parts of the scooter, including the chassis and swing arm, undergo rigorous computer testing before being produced at the factory. Yatri’s engineers assess whether any part experiences excessive stress or if the chassis faces issues while riding over potholes. If any weakness is detected, it is promptly corrected.
Japanese Encephalitis (JE) infections have claimed 21 lives in Nepal so far this year. In response, the head of the Department of Health Services has stated that priority will be given to launching vaccination programs for adults in the most affected districts. Officials have indicated that the Ministry of Health and Food Security has been requested to arrange for vaccines. According to the Ministry of Health, JE has been confirmed in 85 cases across 62 municipalities in 26 districts. More than one-quarter of the infected individuals have died, with the majority of fatalities being people aged over 50 years.
In the currently hardest-hit district of Jhapa, a proposal has been made to immediately implement a vaccination program targeting individuals who have not previously received the vaccine. A Ministry of Health spokesperson has assured that the necessary vaccines will be procured, while the Head of the Child Health and Immunization Branch stated that a vaccination campaign plan targeting nine districts has been formulated. They also noted that support from international organizations will facilitate the effective implementation of the campaign.
Japanese Encephalitis was first confirmed in Nepal in 1978. The JE virus causes brain infection and is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. Scientists explain that mosquitoes of the Culex species transmit the virus by biting infected pigs or wild boars, and the disease has a mortality rate of approximately 30 percent among those infected.
Dr. Anuj Bhattchan, Acting Director General of the Department of Health Services, emphasized that work is underway prioritizing districts with high mortality rates. He stated, “We are proceeding based on recommendations from the ministry, expert committees, provincial authorities, and the affected districts.” So far this year, two deaths each have been recorded in Sunsari, Saptari, Kailali, and Parsa districts, with one death each in seven other districts.
Officials have reported that a budget has already been allocated for the vaccination campaign, and coordination is ongoing with the Ministry of Health. Dr. Abhiyan Gautam noted, “Since last year, we have conducted targeted vaccination campaigns in Nawalparasi East and Chitwan.”
Health authorities have advised taking special precautions in areas with paddy fields and stagnant water, recommending protection against mosquito bites. Public health experts are taking the increasing concerns over JE seriously, as the virus has become a major outbreak in Nepal even before the vaccination campaign commences.
The U.S. government is preparing to cancel nearly 200,000 B-1 and B-2 business and tourist visas.
This measure targets visa holders who obtained visas between 2016 and 2026 and have applied for or are applying for asylum in the U.S.
The U.S. State Department has already revoked approximately 175,000 visas over the past 18 months.
September 25, Kathmandu – The U.S. government is preparing to cancel the business and tourist visas of nearly 200,000 foreign nationals. If implemented, this would constitute the largest single visa cancellation in U.S. history.
The U.S. State Department could announce the cancellation of B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visas in the coming weeks. Visa holders who were issued these visas between 2016 and 2026 and have applied or are applying for asylum in the United States will be the primary targets of this action.
According to State Department spokesperson Tommy Piggott, these individuals initially entered the U.S. on tourist or business visas but later applied for permanent residency through asylum.
Visa cancellation does not mean immediate deportation
The State Department has declined to provide a precise number of visa cancellations expected. Officials note that the process will be carried out in phases and that figures may change.
Visa cancellation does not automatically mean immediate deportation. Since their asylum claims are pending, their immigration status may be subject to change; however, their rights to business or tourist travel will be revoked.
Stricter visa policies under Trump’s second term
During President Donald Trump’s second term, visa processes were tightened by requiring social media information from applicants, imposing expensive visa bonds, and halting visa issuance to citizens of certain countries.
U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Laño stated, “Some individuals enter the U.S. on tourist or business visas and then apply for permanent residency through asylum.”
He added, “Asylum should not be exploited as a loophole to circumvent immigration laws.”
Approximately 175,000 visas canceled over last 18 months
Typically, B-1 visas are issued for business travel while B-2 visas are for family visits, tourism, or medical treatment.
It remains unclear how many of these visa holders have filed for asylum and how many will be affected by the proposed action.
In the past 18 months, the U.S. State Department has canceled about 175,000 visas. This number includes individuals who have committed crimes or openly opposed American policies.
Taiwanese cybersecurity firm Team-T5 has discovered that hacker groups linked to the Chinese government have doubled their cyberattacks by leveraging AI tools like DeepSig. According to Team-T5, the Grimfancy and Taleboy hacker groups used AI to identify vulnerable websites, servers, and IP addresses to find entry points. The investigation revealed that these hackers employed DeepSig, ChatGPT, and Cloud Code, raising concerns about greater risks if even more advanced AI hackers emerge in the future. (September 25, Kathmandu)
Team-T5 reported that the hacker group known as ‘Grimfancy’ utilized DeepSig to identify system weaknesses and prepare code to infiltrate targets. Another group, ‘Taleboy,’ collected nearly one thousand IP addresses from the internet and gathered details about websites and domains belonging to a single company. This indicates that the hackers used AI to understand a company’s digital infrastructure—determining which websites belonged to the same entity, which servers were weak, and where it was possible to launch attacks.
The research also showed that hackers did not rely solely on DeepSig but used ChatGPT and Cloud Code as well. When targeting a Western think tank, hackers accessed Signal app–related files from an employee’s computer and used ChatGPT to develop programs to open those files. In another case, Cloud Code was used to automatically target 30 organizations and companies. The AI autonomously tested websites and systems, located vulnerabilities, and attempted to penetrate other systems.
This development poses a novel challenge for cybersecurity. Previously, hackers spent significant time probing individual systems, but now AI enables a single group to attack numerous websites, companies, and institutions in a short period. However, the AI itself is not attacking independently; hackers provide instructions and connect these tools to specific programs to execute the attacks. Researchers worry that as more powerful AI tools fall into hackers’ hands, preventing cyberattacks and tracking criminals will become increasingly difficult.
A tornado has caused widespread destruction across various locations in southwestern France. Watch this video capturing scenes from the Vergèze and Pomass areas. Dozens of people have been injured due to this devastating tornado. Winds reached speeds of 117 kilometers per hour, tearing off roofs from houses.
Power outages have disrupted electricity supply in many areas, and transportation systems have also been affected.
The US has launched ‘Operation Economic Isolation’ imposing new sanctions targeting Iran’s digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping sectors.
Sanctions have been placed on nearly 60 individuals, companies, and vessels, increasing pressure on foreign banks, companies, and intermediaries working with Iran.
Iran’s oil exports, foreign trade, and currency have been severely impacted by war and sanctions, with inflation reaching 66% in July, according to official figures.
September 24, Kathmandu — The US administration under President Donald Trump has initiated a new campaign to intensify economic pressure on Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described this move as ‘unprecedented,’ emphasizing its primary goal of ‘cutting off Iran’s economic pathways abroad.’
As part of this campaign, the US has tightened its economic sanctions against Iran, adding dozens of individuals, companies, and vessels to the sanction list.
The US also aims to ramp up pressure on foreign banks, companies, and intermediaries still doing business with Iran. This includes setting deadlines to halt certain activities viewed as supporting Iran’s trade and revenue.
Termed ‘Operation Economic Isolation,’ the policy seeks to isolate any country engaged in commerce with Iran.
This initiative comes amid an extremely fragile cease-fire between the two countries. Months of military conflict have taken a severe toll on Iran’s economy, disrupting oil exports and foreign trade, triggering soaring inflation, and depreciating the national currency.
In remarks, Secretary Bessent stated this campaign forms part of broader military pressure on Iran, with the US Armed Forces having ‘laid the groundwork’ for it.
For years, the US has imposed various sanctions on Iran’s shipping, gold trade, and aviation sectors. The latest measures not only introduce new targeted areas but also tighten existing sanctions and impose stricter regulations on individuals and entities working with Iran abroad.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
What are the announced sanctions?
The biggest changes affect five sectors: digital assets, technology, gold, aviation, and shipping (vessels).
The US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has formally included these five sectors in the list of Iranian economic domains subject to sanctions under the 2023 executive order.
This executive order was initially issued by Donald Trump in January 2020 during his first term. Originally, it covered Iran’s manufacturing, mining, production, and textile sectors. Subsequently, the Treasury was authorized to expand the list of sectors under sanctions.
In the same year, the financial sector was added, followed by oil and petrochemicals in 2024. According to the Treasury, including these five new sectors broadens the range of Iran-related activities subject to ‘secondary sanctions.’
The OFAC can impose sanctions on any individuals residing in any country involved in activities linked to the Iranian economy within these sectors.
According to the US government, the decision will target foreign entities engaged in any form of business with Iran within these sectors. The Treasury Department states that Iran uses digital assets to transfer money and evade sanctions.
Iran also seeks to acquire advanced technology for its weapons program, relies on gold to safeguard assets amid Rial depreciation, and utilizes aviation and shipping networks for equipment, funds, and oil export.
As part of this campaign, the US has sanctioned roughly 60 individuals, companies, and vessels. OFAC reports some of these are involved in supplying equipment for Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, others in cyber operations, and some in transferring revenues from oil exports. Sanctioned entities represent multiple countries with varying grounds for inclusion.
New sanctions will also affect Iranian students.
Restrictions on Previously Allowed Exemptions
A major change in the new sanctions package is the suspension of many activities previously permitted under OFAC’s general licenses, despite comprehensive sanctions on Iran.
Previously, Iranian students studying abroad had various exemptions. Prestigious US universities could establish undergraduate and postgraduate ‘student exchange’ agreements with Iranian universities, including offering scholarships to Iranian students in the US.
Certain enrollment and tuition-related services, some online courses, non-commercial educational and research activities, and some academic and professional examinations under conditions were permitted.
However, with the suspension of this license, these activities will no longer enjoy general license benefits. Separate applications will be required for any such activities. Additionally, a license related to sports, effective since 2013, has been suspended indefinitely.
This included permissions for professional and amateur sports competitions and exchange programs between Iran and the US, covering competitions, exhibitions, athlete sponsorships, coaching, refereeing, and sports education.
Countries Impacted by the Sanctions
Recent US officials’ comments suggest that China is the primary target of this economic pressure. In recent years, China has been the largest buyer of Iranian oil. Through these new sanctions, the US seeks to halt or reduce trade between Iran and China.
According to Reuters, over 80% of Iran’s oil exports via sea routes are destined for China. Much of this is purchased by small independent refineries, especially in Shandong province.
Following the reimposition of sanctions, large Chinese state-owned companies have significantly curtailed direct purchases of Iranian oil, though independent refiners still buy cheaper Iranian oil.
Pressure on this trade existed even before the new sanctions package. The US imposed multiple sanctions on shipping companies, refineries, and intermediaries it accuses of helping China import Iranian oil.
Energy analysis firm Kpler estimates that in August, Iran’s oil exports to China were approximately 534,000 barrels per day, down from about 823,000 barrels per day in July. Earlier this year, it had reached about 1.58 million barrels per day.
Alongside China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a crucial hub in Iran’s foreign trade network. For years, Dubai has served as a key transit point for re-exports, money transfers, and business activity for Iranian companies and merchants.
However, this route is now obstructed. On August 18, the Emirates halted all trade and financial transactions with Iran, accusing Tehran of missile attacks within its territory.
Turkey and Iraq have also surfaced in various reports. Turkey remains a trade partner and one of the alternative transit routes for goods and payments.
Following the UAE’s closure of trade routes, some Indian exporters have expressed intentions to conduct trade with Iran through Turkey.
Iraq has long been among Iran’s most important regional markets, especially for gas, electricity, and non-oil goods. As US pressure intensifies, banks, shipping firms, and intermediaries in third countries may become targets, potentially affecting Iran’s regional trade channels beyond China.
Upon announcing the new sanctions package, the US Treasury Secretary indicated that teams from the Treasury, State Department, and US military are engaging with other governments. Washington plans to give each country deadlines to cease designated activities.
He warned that entities continuing to assist Iran in ‘hiding money’ would face US sanctions.
Iran’s Economy in Dire Straits
Data and reports indicate that the recent conflict has placed unprecedented strain on Iran’s financial and economic systems. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned in a July assessment that Iran’s economy would face severe challenges in 2026.
Internal conditions in Iran have deteriorated significantly, as reflected in statistics and reports tied to everyday life.
According to Iranian government data, the annual inflation rate reached 66% in July 2026. Food prices increased nearly 128% compared to July of the previous year.
Concurrently, declining purchasing power among families and disruptions in industrial and commercial activities have heightened officials’ concerns about the social impact if conditions persist.
Declining oil exports have curtailed Iran’s primary source of foreign currency. Obstacles in shipping, maritime restrictions, and pressure on intermediary networks have made it increasingly difficult to sell and transport Iranian oil.
Kathmandu, September 25 – The United States government has officially removed Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism after 47 years. This decision effectively frees Syria from the designation. The US administration stated that the primary goal of removing Syria from the list is to create a favorable environment for foreign investment and to reintegrate Syria into the global economic system.
Currently, only three countries remain on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism: Iran, North Korea, and Cuba. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded to Syria’s removal by highlighting that this development creates opportunities for economic growth in the country.
Furthermore, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed a firm commitment to support increased US investment in Syria. He commented, “This move will boost investment in Syria, strengthening political and economic stability there.” Recently, the US presidential administration has also been expanding relations with Syria’s new president, Ahmad Al-Shara.
Previously, Al-Shara was regarded as a leader of an extremist organization in Syria, and the US had placed a bounty on him. Two years ago, Russian-backed Bashar Al-Assad’s regime fell following nationwide rebellion and violence, leading to his flight from the country. The new government formed since then maintains close ties with the US and Western nations.
‘Be quiet, be quiet, be quiet!’: Why does Trump attack reporters? US President Donald Trump has often lashed out at reporters when faced with uncomfortable questions. Female journalists, in particular, have frequently borne the brunt of his anger. Tom Bateman of the BBC has analyzed the dynamics of public interactions between Trump and the media, as well as the reasons behind Trump’s harsh responses to reporters. Be sure to watch this video.
US President Donald Trump has intensified economic pressure on Iran, advancing a strategy dubbed the ‘Economic D-Day’ aimed at forcing Tehran into surrender. Following the US blockade, the Iranian rial has plummeted to 2.02 million per US dollar, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projects inflation could reach 68.9 percent by 2026. Although there are no signs yet of Tehran yielding, some Iranian officials and experts suggest that pressures to end the conflict may increase.
The war in Iran has now been ongoing for over a month. President Trump has escalated economic sanctions against Tehran with the primary goal of compelling Iranian leaders to capitulate. This campaign tests how much economic hardship the Iranian leadership can withstand. Last week, Trump warned Iran about facing the consequences of an ‘Economic D-Day.’
Previously, Iran earned significant revenue from oil exports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but the US embargo initiated in April has severely diminished this income source. Currently, Iran relies on internal taxes, non-oil exports, and some pre-war oil revenue to fund the military effort. Despite this, Iran has shown no indication of surrender.
Chris Kennedy, Lead Economic Statecraft Analyst at Bloomberg Economics, stated, “Just because the US stops full military action doesn’t mean Iran will do the same.” Experts warn that Iran may confront a severe economic crisis within months, potentially impacting its war efforts and internal stability.
Chinese technology giant Alibaba has introduced its new AI video generation model named ‘One Three Point Zero’. This model can create up to 30-second videos from documents, spreadsheets, slides, and web pages. Alibaba Cloud announced on the Chinese social network WeChat that once users provide content, the AI comprehends it and produces a short video accordingly.
The announcement comes a day after the company completed a $1 billion share sale aimed at boosting investments in AI. Alibaba’s quarterly profits have declined 75% compared to the same period last year, attributed to increased spending on AI, as reported by Reuters.
The public beta version of this model was launched on August 6. Since then, it has been utilized to produce short dramas, films, advertisements, promotional and tourism-related content, as well as music videos. Alibaba is aiming to expand its AI capabilities at a time when major technology firms are heavily investing in this field.
Alibaba’s $1 billion share sale is the largest initial public offering by a Hong Kong-listed company to date. The company plans to allocate the funds towards AI technology development and other tech-related projects.
