More than 11,000 athletes are set to participate in the 20th Asian Games, being held in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan. Among them is 13-year-old Chinese swimmer Yu Zidi, who is on track to become the youngest athlete at the Asian Games. Also included in the Indian contingent is 15-year-old cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
Kathmandu, September 23 — As participating nations announce their athlete rosters for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi and Nagoya, Japan, over 11,000 athletes are expected to take part in the event. Chinese teenager Yu Zidi, who will turn 14 in October, will be among the competitors and is set to be the youngest athlete at the Games.
Yu Zidi has been swimming since a very young age. At just 12, she competed at the World Aquatics Championships held in Singapore last year, becoming the youngest participant and securing a bronze medal. China asserted its dominance at the 19th Asian Games in 2023 by winning 201 gold medals. The country aims to replicate this success at the 20th edition, with Yu Zidi also targeting a podium finish.
Another notable teenage athlete is Indian cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi, aged 15, who has been selected for India’s cricket team to compete in the Asian Games. He has already made his debut for India’s national team. Additionally, 21-year-old Philippine tennis player Alex Eala will be among the standout competitors to watch. The 20th Asian Games will feature competitions across 71 events in 43 sports.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) has decided to include a refugee team, comprising two taekwondo athletes, in the 20th Asian Games scheduled to be held in Aichi Nagoya, Japan. The Games will open on September 19 and conclude on October 4. The team’s official designation will be the “OCA Refugee Team.” Throughout the competition, the team will be referred to as the “Asian Refugee Team (ART).” Should the team win a gold medal, the OCA flag will be raised and its anthem played.
The OCA has ensured the participation of a two-member refugee team, exclusively consisting of taekwondo athletes. Official uniforms will be provided by 361 Degrees. When the team’s flag is displayed at the taekwondo competition venue, it will be positioned immediately after Oman’s flag. During the opening ceremony’s parade of athletes, the OCA Refugee Team will enter the arena on stage following the Yemen Olympic Committee and preceding the host nation Japan’s National Olympic Committee.
The 20th Asian Games will take place from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi Nagoya, Japan.
Many from India’s Gen Z may not see Narendra Modi as a peer, yet the Prime Minister is actively trying to engage with them in this very informal manner.
The 75-year-old leader has long cultivated an image of strength through carefully crafted speeches, formal addresses, and deliberate media portrayals.
However, in recent weeks, he has begun posting informal videos and selfie-style clips on Instagram, a popular photo and video platform favored by young people.
Shift in Style
Until about a month ago, Modi’s timeline was limited to carefully selected posts.
Now, he addresses young people as “friends” and shares clear, lively selfie-style videos.
In one video, he uses popular Gen Z phrases while addressing a student convocation in Delhi.
Modi’s Instagram has 106 million followers, making him one of the world’s political leaders with the largest social media audiences.
Yet previously, the platform did not play a core role in his or his party’s (BJP’s) social media strategy for conveying messages.
Digital tools were credited as a major factor in BJP’s victory in the 2014 general election.
However, this year, youth-led protests in India have shifted the landscape.
A satirical movement led by the Kakroach Janata Party (CJP), powered by memes, live streams, and Instagram reels, forced a federal minister to resign.
The BJP seemed surprised at the protesters’ ability to translate online trends into street demonstrations.
Analysts note that the Hindu nationalist party has built a powerful online political presence over the past decade through WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, and X (formerly Twitter).
Still, young Indians experience online content and politics differently.
More than 60 percent of India’s population is under 35, and the Gen Z group (born between 1997 and 2012) is expected to become the largest voting bloc by the 2029 general election.
Mockery of Posts
Reaching this generation through platforms like Instagram is crucial because they favor personal and unfiltered content over traditional political messages.
However, shortly after Modi’s posts, young users began mocking those posts.
When Modi’s first selfie-video reel was released amid ongoing protests, it was met with satire.
In the reel, Modi says “friends” and pauses momentarily, a moment that young people highlighted.
Various edited versions trending online added jokes and mocked the lighting and camera angles of the video.
Image source, NurPhoto via Getty Images
Caption, A movement that started on social media escalated into strong street protests
In response, Modi’s team appears to have started paying closer attention to these issues.
Some young people praise Modi’s efforts, while others question the timing.
22-year-old Jeanie Maliya says she understands why BJP wants to expand its reach among her age group but believes the sudden increase in efforts deserves scrutiny.
Though the videos use Gen Z’s language and style, they do not address why the protests persist as they are.
Not only Modi’s account but also BJP’s social media pages have begun adopting memes and Gen Z styles.
For example, as the protests ended, BJP posted a reel recorded in a gym where youths and trainers discussed “why to stay away from protests,” but many called it “embarrassing.”
Another video featured the music of the popular 1990s series Friends, favored by millennials but possibly not resonating with Gen Z.
According to Maliya, her friends view these videos only as “fun content,” not as political messaging or an engagement attempt.
It appears BJP’s attempts to communicate with young people through these means are falling short.
During the protests, Modi instructed his cabinet ministers to expand their social media engagement with youth.
Last Wednesday, federal ministers received ‘report cards’ on their social media performance and were urged to increase their presence across platforms.
Recently, the party removed Amit Malviya, who had led its social media efforts since 2015. Analysts suggest this was due to the inability to control rising online criticism and messages against the party during the protests.
Congress Also Targets Youth
BJP is not the only party attempting to engage more with young voters.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, who frequently posts selfie videos and photos on Instagram, invited questions with an “Ask Me Anything” session following youth protests.
However, attracting attention on Instagram and controlling the conversation there are two different challenges.
Image source, Reuters
Caption, Youth seek leaders who address their concerns rather than just follow trends
Joyajit Paul, who teaches political use of social media at the University of Michigan, says BJP’s success relied heavily on a network of active supporters on Twitter and WhatsApp, but this strategy doesn’t translate well to Instagram.
Instagram favors content with high engagement—frequent views, shares, and comments—which helps such content spread widely.
“A reel from an account with only 200 followers can get ten million views, whereas one from a big account may only get a few thousand,” Paul explains.
“This poses a challenge for BJP because their strategy is network-centric, but today’s platforms are influence-centric.”
Another problem for BJP is what happens after posting a video.
Modi’s first reel was viewed 400 million times but, according to analyst Anurag Minus Verma, youth mocked and remixed it, spreading a message different from what Modi intended.
“Even reels containing serious political messages can be trolled,” he explained about Instagram’s platform characteristics.
Experts say BJP’s efforts to win over Gen Z may not carry much weight.
The party’s successes still primarily depend on organizational strength and loyal supporters’ base, not just Instagram content.
“Winning elections and effectively communicating on social media are different matters,” Paul says. “Even if Gen Z stays off social media, BJP can still succeed electorally.”
Like others in India’s political arena, BJP is learning to operate in new domains.
Given their history of early social media adoption, use of podcasts, and influencer interviews, it would not be surprising if they adapt successfully.
“But it takes time. The current challenge is that they need to learn the new rules,” Paul concludes.
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The 14th South Asian Games (SAG) are scheduled to be held in Islamabad, Pakistan from April 3 to 11, 2027. Initially, the Games were planned for March 2027, but the South Asian Olympic Council has now announced revised dates. After Nepal successfully hosted the 13th SAG in 2019, Pakistan was assigned the responsibility to organize the 14th edition. However, the event has faced repeated postponements.
Kathmandu, 24 August — The 14th South Asian Games, which have been repeatedly postponed over a long period, have now been rescheduled. A meeting of the South Asian Olympic Council (SAOC) held in Islamabad, Pakistan, decided to host the 14th SAG from April 3 to 11, 2027, corresponding to Chaitra 20 to 28, 2083, in the Nepali calendar. According to this new decision, the Games will now take place in April 2027. Previously, the final plan scheduled the Games for March 2027. After the 13th SAG was completed in Nepal in 2019, Pakistan was entrusted with organizing the 14th edition, which has yet to be realized.
Initially, the 14th SAG was meant to be held in March 2023. This date was later shifted to March 2024, but it was not implemented. Subsequently, a decision was made to hold the Games in January or March 2026; however, this was postponed again. Traditionally, the South Asian Games have been held every four years, although multiple editions since 1987 were hosted at two-year intervals. In the last two decades, however, the Games have struggled to occur regularly. The 10th SAG took place in 2006, followed by the 11th in 2010, the 12th in 2016, and the 13th hosted by Nepal in 2019.
According to the newly assigned dates, the South Asian Games will be held again after an eight-year gap.
Nepal’s second major trade border with China, Tatopani, has been closed for nearly one and a half months, leaving containers both cleared for customs in China and those already inside Nepal stranded, according to local business operators.
Containers that had reached the dry customs points on the Nepal side were only able to move forward after about three and a half weeks when a landslide obstruction was cleared.
“There are many landslides. After the diversion caused by the landslide at Daklang was cleared, trucks that had been passed by customs were able to leave, but obstructions remain due to landslides between the customs area and the border, particularly at areas called Eco and Liping,” said Krishna Prasad Sharma, Assistant Chief District Officer of Sindhupalchok.
“The Liping landslide near the border has caused significant soil erosion at the base of the road, which will take some time to clear.”
Businesspeople report that currently, trucks loaded with cargo are stranded in a situation where they cannot proceed forward or retreat on either the Nepal or China side.
Ram Hari Karki, President of the Nepal Himalaya Cross-Border Commerce Association, stated, “There is no possibility to turn back trucks that have already cleared customs on the Chinese side to Rasuwa or Korala borders. About 85 such vehicles remain stuck there.”
Although options were discussed to offload cargo from trucks that have already entered Nepal, officials assured that the border would open soon, leading the association to retract those plans, Karki said.
“It has been more than a month since the border closure, and so far, our only option has been to wait and hope,” said Karki.
Trucks Stranded Amid Landslides
Dipendra Prakash Giri, Chief of Tatopani Customs Office, stated that many trucks have become stuck “amid various landslides where falling rocks continue to obstruct the road” without reaching the dry customs area.
“Those blocked on the Chinese side have reportedly been redirected towards Rasuwa and Korala border points, but trucks that have already entered Nepal find themselves in risky conditions,” the customs chief explained.
“This area’s challenging terrain has led to multiple problems at once. The dry customs yard itself is at risk from falling rock landslides, with frequent incidents of rocks falling into the yard. Recently, a large rock fell between two trucks but fortunately avoided causing damage.”
Because of the unstable landslide-prone areas, trucks cannot safely wait or be parked there, and the Armed Police have been assigned to monitor the situation, Giri added.
Businesses indicate that when northern border points such as Tatopani are operational, goods can be transported from anywhere in China to Kathmandu within two to three weeks.
Otherwise, if routed via maritime paths through India, it can take as long as one and a half months, they note.
“Tatopani is the closest border for importing goods into Nepal from anywhere in China, not just Lhasa or Guangzhou. The distance from the border to Kathmandu is shortest via Tatopani,” said Ram Hari Karki, President of the Nepal Himalaya Cross-Border Commerce Association.
“Yet, it has become our most challenging route.”
Although the Tatopani border was damaged in the 2015 earthquake causing prolonged closure, it was reopened; however, it has not yet returned to its former condition.
Fruits such as Chinese apples, mangoes, garlic, and grapes, as well as vegetables, ready-made garments, and electronic goods, are commonly imported through Tatopani.
“Fortunately, the currently stranded trucks were not carrying perishable fruits or vegetables; otherwise, those goods would have spoiled by now,” said Customs Chief Giri.
Road Department’s Statement
Officials from the Road Department confirm that stabilizing the landslide-prone sections between customs and the border is currently their main challenge to reopening the road.
According to spokesperson Shubraj Nyaupane, ongoing erosion of the Bhote Koshi River valley below the landslide at Liping is complicating efforts because there are settlements uphill as well.
“We cannot excavate uphill to protect the villages, nor are we able to construct retaining walls downhill,” Nyaupane said.
“Currently there is water in the landslide; we are working to remove it. Once the monsoon lessens and the area dries up, temporary road openings will be made.”
The Road Department has said their immediate priority is to bring in the stranded containers into Nepal.
“For a long-term solution, an agreement with the Chinese government on landslide stabilization has been signed, and a study team from China has already arrived in Nepal,” Nyaupane stated.
He added that after the monsoon season, substantive work on stabilization will commence.
Meanwhile, business operators indicated that decisions about transporting goods for the upcoming Dashain-Tihar festivals via Tatopani will be made in the coming days or weeks, based on the evolving road conditions.
“There is no other border that we can trust fully. However, we have received news that a landslide has occurred towards Rasuwa on Saturday, which may close that border for about a week,” said Ram Hari Karki.
Tatopani Customs Office, which collected approximately NPR 1.767 billion in revenue in fiscal year 2079/80 (Nepali calendar), has set a revenue collection target of NPR 2.5 billion for the current fiscal year.
India’s leg-spinner Karn Sharma has announced his retirement from international and domestic cricket at the age of 38. He made the announcement after playing in a Uttar Pradesh T20 League match on Saturday, marking the end of his playing career. Karn has represented India in one Test, two One Day Internationals, and one T20 International. In domestic cricket, he has played 97 first-class matches, taking 270 wickets and scoring 2,866 runs.
In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Karn took 87 wickets in 90 matches, winning three consecutive titles with three different franchises: Sunrisers Hyderabad, Mumbai Indians, and Chennai Super Kings. In 2018, he became the first player to win the IPL trophy in three consecutive years with three separate teams. He won the IPL with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016, Mumbai Indians in 2017, and Chennai Super Kings in 2018, setting a rare record.
At the close of the 2014 IPL auction, Sunrisers Hyderabad signed him for INR 3.75 crore, which was the highest bid for an uncapped Indian player at the time. Following his retirement, Karn has expressed his intention to remain involved in the sport as a coach and in other cricket-related roles.
The United States and Canada are moving toward a new turning point amid uncertainty. These two nations, long-standing friends and economic partners, have engaged in decades of open trade but now find themselves caught in the uncertain terrain of a trade war. For Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, the decision to break off trade talks with Donald Trump at the last moment and respond with resistance has become a complex political test. He is one of the world’s leading figures to take such a step so close to an agreement, and the outcome is drawing global attention.
Both sides claim that last-minute changes led to the breakdown of the agreement. Carney noted that the United States “made many excessive demands” while only “agreeing to a few of Canada’s requests.” With Canadians striving for additional concessions, Carney’s decision may result in some economic challenges for the public. By rejecting Trump’s aggressive pressure tactics and acting to replace mounting import tariffs, this move could subject Canadians to upcoming economic difficulties. However, Carney emphasized it is necessary for a stronger long-term understanding. On Saturday, he stated: “This step has been taken in the best interest of Canada.”
Regarding the trade war, Carney remarked: “When you come under attack, you have to go to war — and here we have been attacked.” The recent developments clearly affect both countries. Both the US-imposed tariffs and the retaliatory tariffs imposed by Canada will have to be borne. Canada exports 70 percent of its production to the US market.
It remains unclear how talks collapsed at the final stage. The US reportedly提出 new demands at the last minute, which Carney described as unfair and unrelated to economic issues, raising questions about the sustainability of the agreement. The US Trade Representative, Jameson Greer, accused Canada of introducing new demands and withdrawing from some commitments. Now, Carney and Canada are awaiting Trump’s response.
Kathmandu Gorkhas have signed former Indian Test wicketkeeper-batsman KS Bharat for the upcoming third season of the Nepal Premier League (NPL). The 32-year-old Bharat recently announced his retirement from international cricket and has played Test matches for India. He is the first foreign player to be announced by Kathmandu Gorkhas for the forthcoming NPL edition.
India’s former Test wicketkeeper-batsman KS Bharat will play for Kathmandu Gorkhas in the third season of the Nepal Premier League. The Gorkhas announced Bharat’s signing through their social media channels. With experience in 91 T20 matches and over 1,800 runs, Bharat is known for his wicketkeeping skills and valuable middle-order batting, which is expected to strengthen the Kathmandu Gorkhas’ lineup.
Bharat was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders team that won the IPL title in 2024. He brings extensive experience from Indian domestic cricket and the IPL. Kathmandu Gorkhas have made Bharat their first foreign recruit for the upcoming NPL season. His inclusion is anticipated to bolster both the team’s wicketkeeping and batting departments.
A cargo ship flying the Panamanian flag, MV Ocean Winner, sank in the Bay of Bengal, leaving 24 crew members missing. Following a loss of contact with the vessel, a search and rescue operation was launched, resulting in the rescue of two crew members alive. The ship, carrying raw materials used in iron production, went missing from tracking systems while en route from Paradip, Odisha, to Singapore.
Near India’s eastern coast in the Bay of Bengal, rescue efforts continue for the 24 missing crew of the Panamanian-flagged cargo ship. The MV Ocean Winner had 20 Chinese nationals, three Myanmar citizens, and one Bangladeshi on board. After contact was lost with the ship on Saturday night, the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) initiated the search and rescue operation.
The ship’s operating company, Victory Star Group Company Limited, requested assistance, prompting Indian authorities to expedite the rescue mission. Following the rescue of two crew members, the MRCC activated the international safety network and dispatched another vessel, MT Isopos, to the site. The rescue team retrieved the two survivors from two liferafts. The identities of the rescued crew members have not yet been disclosed.
The Indian Coast Guard has intensified search operations for the remaining crew. Initial information indicates that the MV Ocean Winner lost track while sailing from Paradip port in Odisha towards Singapore. The vessel was located more than 200 nautical miles from the Paradip coast. Officials reported that the ship’s last known position was approximately 310 nautical miles from East Island Light. The cause of the ship’s sinking has not been determined yet.
In the Kings T–10 Indoor Tournament Season 2, Yangri Boys, Royal Sports Park Blue, Backyard B, and Pangolin Travels have advanced to the semifinal stage. In the first quarterfinal, Pangolin Travels defeated Backyard A by 17 runs. Pangolin scored 97 runs for the loss of 5 wickets, with contributions from Raville (37) and Sumit (28). Backyard A was bowled out for 80 runs in 10 overs while chasing the target.
In the second quarterfinal, Yangri Boys defeated The Cannon Club by 35 runs. Yangri posted 72 runs for 5 wickets, highlighted by Krish’s 39 runs. In response, The Cannon Club was all out for just 37 runs, losing 7 wickets. In the third quarterfinal, Backyard B defeated Mixmandu by 32 runs. Backyard scored 87 runs for 6 wickets, with Saksham remaining unbeaten on 69.
In the fourth quarterfinal, Royal Sports Park Blue secured their semifinal berth by defeating Team Anti-Biotics by 26 runs. Royal scored 62 runs, and Team Anti-Biotics were all out for 37. The tournament’s semifinal and final matches are scheduled to be held on Monday, Bhadra 8, at Royal Sports Park.
A complaint has been filed with the police against Abhijit Deepak, coordinator of the Cockroach Janata Party, who has been campaigning to improve the condition of government schools in Latur, Maharashtra. An FIR has been registered accusing Deepak of entering a school without permission, obstructing educational and official activities, and threatening a teacher. The police have confirmed that the case is being investigated based on a complaint lodged by Urdu teacher Syed Shamshad Bano from the District Council Urdu School, under the Indian Penal Code. Kathmandu, 7 Bhadra.
Abhijit Deepak, coordinator of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been running a campaign demanding improvements in government schools in Latur district, Maharashtra, and his associates have been reported to the police. The allegations against Deepak include unauthorized entry into a government school, disruption of educational and official work, and intimidation of teachers. Based on a complaint filed by Syed Shamshad Bano, a teacher at the District Council Urdu School, an FIR has been registered at the Ausa Police Station against Deepak and his associates.
Recently, Deepak has been conducting inspections of various government schools in Latur district, publicizing their issues through a “Fix the School” campaign. During this campaign, he entered a classroom in the District Council Urdu School located in Jabali, Ausa. He questioned some students regarding their studies and other matters. Subsequently, a teacher filed a police complaint claiming that Deepak and his associates entered the school premises without permission, questioned students on various issues, and disrupted educational activities and official duties.
Deepak had also recorded a video of this incident and later shared it on social media. The complaint further alleges that he attempted to defame the school. It states that during his inspection, he brought students from another school and had them sit in the classroom. The complaint also accuses him of threatening to have teachers suspended. The police have registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code related to using force or assault to prevent public servants from performing their duties, unauthorized entry, criminal intimidation, and defamation. The authorities are currently examining the video and other evidence linked to the incident as part of their investigation.
In the inaugural PSA Nepal Satellite Squash Tournament 2026 held in Nepal, Nepali player Deepak Thapa secured a winning start. In the men’s singles match at the squash court in Satdobato, Deepak defeated Bangladesh’s Barua Durjay with a 3–1 set score. He won the first, third, and fourth sets with scores of 11–7, 11–4, and 11–4 respectively, while narrowly losing the second set 9–11.
In other matches, Malaysia’s Abinash Anbus defeated Nepal’s Saroj Lama in straight sets 3–0, and Sri Lanka’s Navindu Lakman also secured a 3–0 victory over Italy’s Renzo Endornola. The tournament, organized by the Nepal Squash Racket Association, features 16 players from Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom. The event will continue until Bhadra 9.
The total prize fund for the tournament is 1,000 US dollars. The winner will receive 400 dollars, while the runner-up will be awarded 200 dollars. Additionally, players reaching the semifinals and quarterfinals will also receive cash prizes.
Following the visit of Indian Army Chief Dhiraj Seth to Nepal, retired Gurkha soldiers have sought to meet Prime Minister Walendra Shah ‘Balen’ to draw attention to the reopening of recruitment in the Indian Army for Nepali soldiers, employing various contacts to achieve this.
India’s unilateral implementation of the Agnipath policy, which recruits soldiers for a fixed four-year service term before discharging 75% of them with financial compensation, has led to a halt in Gurkha recruitment from Nepal.
During his recent visit to Nepal to receive an honorary rank of Maharhi from the Nepali Army, the Indian Army Chief attended an event with former Gurkha soldiers in Pokhara, where some retirees raised the issue of Agnipath. Although he praised the Gurkhas, he did not provide a definitive response.
Though there was a meeting with Prime Minister Shah, formal discussions have not yet progressed to address the stalled recruitment.
Retired Gurkha soldiers who began protesting from Lamjung last month demanding the Indian Army resume recruitment under Agnipath demonstrated in Pokhara ahead of Seth’s visit.
Launched in 2022, the Agnipath scheme aims to create a younger, skilled, and technologically proficient force capable of meeting future combat challenges.
Comments from Retired Gurkha Soldiers
Photo credit: Krishna Mani Baral
A leader of the retired Gurkha soldiers noted that Indian Army Chief Seth did not comment on Gurkha recruitment in Pokhara, prompting them to focus on bringing their demands directly to Nepal’s top political leadership.
Khemjyang Gurung, retired Subedar Major and advisor to the Lamjung Indian Veterans’ Development Committee, said, “Our efforts will now focus on applying pressure. We want to clearly explain our concerns to the Prime Minister before he visits India. We aim to meet as many times as possible and present our case with a delegation when we travel to India to make this a formal request.”
Prime Minister Shah received an invitation to visit New Delhi last Chaitra (around March), shortly after taking office, though a date is yet to be finalized. Meanwhile, Gurkha representatives are using various channels to establish contact with senior members of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and government officials.
“We are aligning channels with Rastriya Swatantra Party members of parliament. Even if it takes a week, fifteen days, or a month, we hope they can arrange the time. We will come and strive to make our case understood.”
The British East India Company started recruiting Gurkhas into its army in 1815, a tradition which has continued since the 1947 tripartite agreement between Nepal, Britain, and India.
At the time of Indian independence, six Gurkha regiments became part of the Indian Army while four units were transferred to the British Army.
Nepal has been in dialogue with Britain regarding pension parity for Nepalese Gurkhas who retired before 1997 and serve in Britain.
There have been no formal talks between Nepal and India over the recruitment deadlock following the implementation of Agnipath.
India has argued that although recruitment and retirement packages have changed under Agnipath, the benefits for Nepalese and Indian citizens remain consistent, asserting that this complies with the spirit of the tripartite agreement.
Engagement with Parliamentarians
Photo credit: Getty Images
Retired Indian Army Subedar Kulbahadur KC disclosed that he has contacted more than fifty parliamentarians to advocate for Nepali recruitment under Agnipath.
He emphasized, “This is a crucial issue for employment, remittances, and Nepal-India friendship. From a nationalist perspective, as a Gurkha soldier, I consider this even more important. Yet it seems local leaders and administrative officials prefer not to discuss this.”
KC claimed India’s policy to provide employment to youth and deploy them in various sectors post-service has become a subject of anti-India politics in Nepal.
He argued that it is preferable for Nepali youth to be recruited into the Indian Army rather than lose employment opportunities.
Officials from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have yet to respond to this matter.
On the occasion of the new government’s 100 days, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal stated that Nepal remains committed to the existing agreements but is willing to review them if necessary.
Former Ambassador’s Perspective
Photo credit: RSS
Nilambar Acharya, former Indian ambassador to Nepal, stressed that Nepal should seek greater clarity on the Agnipath policy and that the time has come to review the old agreements.
He stated, “Our old agreement is a type of arrangement but we have had no consultation regarding Agnipath. Since our citizens are recruited under this scheme, our approval might be needed for changes to the original agreement.”
Given the age of the tripartite agreement between Nepal, India, and the UK on Gurkha recruitment, a review is necessary to determine the appropriate course of action under current circumstances.
He highlighted that Nepalis serving in the Indian and British armies are integral members rather than contract soldiers and should therefore receive appropriate respect and benefits.
However, he cautioned that Nepal’s policy of neutrality and non-alignment should also be considered carefully in this context.
He also emphasized the need to address various demands concerning pensions and benefits for families of personnel serving in the army during a broad review.
According to the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu, there are approximately 122,000 retired Nepali Gurkha soldiers receiving pensions in Nepal.
A U.S. federal court has struck down a Trump administration policy that barred immigrant visa issuance to nationals from 75 countries, including Nepal, ruling it unlawful. Judge Janet Vargas determined that U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio lacked the legal authority to enforce such a policy and that it constituted discrimination based on nationality. The court’s decision does not automatically reverse visa denials made on other legal grounds, and the administration may seek an appeal. September 23, Kathmandu.
The Trump administration had suspended the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, representing about 40 percent of the world’s nations, since January. Judge Janet Vargas of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in Manhattan declared the policy unlawful and voided the ban. She emphasized that Secretary of State Mark Rubio did not have statutory authority to implement such restrictions.
Under the policy, directives sent by Secretary Rubio instructed U.S. diplomatic and consular posts to deny visas even when applicants demonstrated they would not become public charges, contrary to legal requirements mandating personal consideration of applicants’ circumstances during visa refusals.
On one limited point, the court ruled in favor of the administration. Judge Vargas acknowledged that because the policy was not an official regulation, it was not legally required to undergo a public comment period before implementation. Appointed by former President Joe Biden, Judge Vargas has ordered both parties to submit proposals by September 11 on how to proceed with the remaining issues in the case.
Tottenham Hotspur lost 3–0 to Brentford in their opening match of the Premier League season. Kine Luis-Potter scored in the 12th minute, Vitaly Janelt added a second goal in the 33rd minute, and Michael Kayode secured Brentford’s victory with a goal in the second half. Despite Tottenham spending around £237 million this summer, they failed to make any goal attempts in the first half. 7 Bhadra, Kathmandu.
Tottenham Hotspur, which invested heavily ahead of the new season, faced a disappointing defeat in their Premier League opener. Roberto De Zerbi’s side dominated from the start at the Gtech Community Stadium. Kine Luis-Potter opened the scoring for Brentford in the 12th minute, followed by Vitaly Janelt’s goal in the 33rd minute. In the second half, Michael Kayode’s strike ensured a comfortable win for Brentford.
Tottenham brought in Sandro Tonali, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, and Jan Paul van Hecke during the summer transfer window, spending roughly £237 million. However, despite fielding these expensive players, Tottenham failed to register any shots on target in the first half. With injured Mickey van de Ven sidelined, 20-year-old Archie Gray captained the team. Defensive frailties and continuous errors forced Tottenham under pressure throughout their opening match.
In other matches held last night, Everton defeated Crystal Palace 2–0, Leeds United won 1–0 against Nottingham Forest, and Ipswich Town secured a 2–1 victory over Sunderland.
