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Nepal Women’s Volleyball Team to Face Japan in Opening Match of Asian Games

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

The 20th Asian Games officially open on October 3, but basketball, football, and women’s volleyball events have already begun. The 12-member Nepalese women’s volleyball team, led by captain Niruta Thagunna, will compete against Japan in their first match and face Indonesia in their second on September 17. Head coach Jagadish Bhatt has expressed confidence that after extensive preparation, the team will perform better than before and build confidence ahead of the 14th South Asian Games.

Kathmandu, September 31 – Although the formal opening ceremony of the 20th Asian Games is scheduled for October 3 at the Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium in Nagoya, Japan, several competitions have started in advance. Basketball began on September 10, women’s football started on September 14, and women’s volleyball competitions will commence on September 16. From today, events including women’s volleyball and modern pentathlon will begin. This edition of the Games will feature Nepalese athletes competing across 21 different sports, with the women’s volleyball team as the sole representation in that sport.

Placed in Group A, Nepal’s women’s volleyball team will open their campaign against host nation Japan and subsequently face Indonesia on September 17. This year’s Asian Games include only the continent’s top teams, with 14 elite Asian teams competing. According to the FIVB world rankings, Japan holds 6th place in the women’s category, Indonesia is ranked 53rd, and Nepal stands at 69th. Within Asia, Japan is ranked first, Indonesia ninth, and Nepal eleventh.

This will mark Nepal’s women’s volleyball team’s second consecutive participation in the Asian Games. In the 19th Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China in 2023, both Nepalese men’s and women’s teams took part, with the women’s team finishing 11th. Competing on Asia’s largest sporting stage offers the Nepalese team valuable experience against major teams, and the squad aims to improve upon their previous performance and their world rankings.

Led by captain Niruta Thagunna, the 12-member Nepalese team has already arrived in Nagoya and completed practice sessions ahead of the competition. Facing a strong team like Japan, recognized worldwide and within Asia as a formidable opponent, will be a challenging start to Nepal’s journey at the 20th Asian Games. Despite the challenge of competing in a new environment against high-caliber opposition, the team’s long preparation in Kathmandu provides optimism for a solid performance, according to head coach Jagadish Bhatt.

“The Asian Games are like a mini Olympics for us. We have prepared extensively. Nine players from the previous Asian Games are not on this team,” Bhatt said before departing for Japan. “Our goal is to perform better and bring back positive results that will boost confidence for the upcoming 14th South Asian Games.”

The team has undergone changes since the Hangzhou Games three years ago. Of the previous squad, only three players—captain Niruta Thagunna, Usha Bhandari, and Salina Shrestha—remain. These three serve as the senior members, while the rest of the players, all of whom have gained experience in various domestic tournaments such as the KABA Women’s Volleyball Championship, are participating in their first Asian Games.

Coach Bhatt expressed confidence that the blend of experienced and new players will yield positive results. “Only three players from the 19th Asian Games remain. This is a stronger team overall, but experience will be crucial. We have kept the players motivated effectively, and we expect good outcomes,” he said. Bhatt also highlighted that the team’s performance at this tournament is important for the future of Nepalese volleyball. “If the players perform well, we can surpass previous results and this could be a breakthrough moment for Nepal volleyball.”

Captain Niruta Thagunna also noted considerable improvement and better team coordination following prolonged training. “There has been significant progress during the long preparation period. The integration of senior and junior players is much smoother now. Initially, integrating new players was challenging, but with extended training, things have become much easier,” Niruta said before departing for Japan.

Both captain Niruta and coach Bhatt agreed that having opportunities to play friendly matches before major competitions would be beneficial. Although the team has been training continuously under the Mission 2026 initiative, they have limited international exposure. Their most significant experience against international teams came from playing against Iran and India in domestic court matches during the KABA Women’s Volleyball Championship.

While preparing to face Japan in their opening match of the 20th Asian Games, Nepal’s team aims to deliver an excellent performance and secure victory against Indonesia in their second game. Winning against Indonesia would place Nepal among the top two in their group, allowing them to advance to the quarterfinals. Such a result would also improve Nepal’s ranking into the top eight, providing opportunities to compete against even stronger teams. However, if Nepal loses both group matches, they will have to play classification matches to determine positions from ninth to fourteenth.

Despite Russia’s Attempts to Forget Soviet-Era Repression, Evidence at Yamba Lake Continues to Emerge

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

For some, Yamba Lake is a recreational spot where people swim and find refreshment from the summer heat in its calm waters. However, it is also regarded as a mass grave site. Located in Russia’s northern Komi Republic, this artificial lake is known among community members who say, “The whole town knows there are bones buried here.” Locals have been swimming there for decades, but the site is historically established as a collective burial ground for Soviet-era Gulag prisoners.

The Gulag system was a notorious network of forced labor camps. Residents along the shore have often discovered human bones. There is no memorial dedicated to honoring the deceased or warning visitors against swimming. Government authorities have not taken any official steps to mark the site or identify the remains. In the 1980s, a construction company decided to build an artificial lake and embankments here, complete with umbrellas and changing rooms.

During the construction, human remains and fragments of wooden coffins were uncovered, but work continued unabated. Water was pumped from underground sources to create the lake, and subsequently, the 15,000 residents of Yamba began swimming there. However, a fire incident five years ago and the arrival of investigators reignited debates over the bones. Some called for the remains to be exhumed and properly reinterred, while others even advocated for placing crosses at the site.

In 2021, firefighters called to extinguish a grass fire discovered the bones of at least three individuals, prompting officials to take action. Investigations confirmed the bones were around 15 years old and showed no signs of injury. Life conditions there were harsh, and prisoner accommodations were inadequate. In Russia, the history of mass repression remains politically sensitive, and legal cases have been filed against those attempting to identify these burial sites.

Bhotekoshi-Trishuli Floods: Authorities Preparing to Declare Missing Persons Dead After Tunnel Search Concludes

Written by space4knews on . Posted in News.

Rescuers inside Chilime tunnel

Image Source, Nepali Army

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, which is coordinating recovery and relief efforts following the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli floods, has announced preparations to conclude the search operations soon.

Until the 21st day since the floods, rescue workers have been searching inside tunnels and underground powerhouses of various hydropower projects for people trapped by the disaster.

The authority has reported that search efforts along the riverbanks and within damaged structures such as homes, schools, and offices are nearly complete.

Rescue teams have not yet reached the underground powerhouse of the Chilime Hydropower Project in Rasuwa. The Nepali Army, in collaboration with a team of Indian experts, is currently working on creating a path inside the tunnel to access the powerhouse.

Officials involved state they expect the rescue team to reach the Chilime powerhouse by Wednesday.

AI-Related Risks Shake US Stock Markets

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

Following warnings to gradually slow down the development of artificial intelligence, the Dow Jones fell by 152.09 points, the S&P 500 dropped 37 points, and the Nasdaq declined by 146.62 points on Monday. Anthropic’s CEO Dario Amodei and OpenAI’s Sam Altman expressed the need for caution due to safety concerns associated with AI development. Meanwhile, Brent crude oil rose 1.02% to $105.68 amid Middle East tensions, and there is an 88% probability of an interest rate hike by the US Federal Reserve. New York, September 16 (Reuters/Xinhua).

US stock market indices experienced declines on Monday after senior industry figures warned about the necessity to slow down the pace of artificial intelligence (AI) technology development. The public caution regarding rising safety risks linked to AI surprised investors expecting rapid commercialization and significant investment. On Monday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 152.09 points (0.29%) to close at 52,421.20, the S&P 500 index dropped 37 points (0.48%) to 7,619.98, and the tech-heavy Nasdaq index decreased by 146.62 points (0.56%) to 26,186.41.

Selling pressure in the technology sector led eight of the eleven major sectors in the S&P 500 to close in the red on Monday. The technology sector dropped 1.67%, while the industrial sector declined 1.44%. Conversely, the communication services sector surged 2.79%, becoming the best performing sector, and the healthcare sector rose 1.35%. The primary driver behind the selling pressure on tech stocks is the new concerns related to the development and commercialization of artificial intelligence.

Iran Conflict Strains U.S. Strategic Weapons Stockpile

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

The U.S. Department of Defense Inspector General has reported that the campaign against Iran has depleted strategic weapons stockpiles and caused industrial supply chain disruptions. According to a report submitted to Congress, the estimated cost of “Operation Epic Fury” has reached $3.34 billion, with $2.23 billion already spent. The report also states that Iranian attacks have damaged hundreds of structures at U.S. military bases across the Gulf and Middle East, with rebuilding expenses not yet included in the current estimates. Washington, September 16 (RASAS/AFP).

The Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Defense revealed that military operations against Iran have reduced strategic weapon reserves and resulted in supply chain obstacles. The congressional report estimates that from February 28 to June 30, the cost of “Operation Epic Fury” totaled $3.34 billion, with $2.23 billion expended. It specifically notes significant use of munitions leading to a decline in strategic stockpiles.

During the conflict, four F-15 fighters and 30 MQ-9 Reaper drones were destroyed, while one F-35 and seven KC-135 tanker aircraft were damaged. President Donald Trump, however, dismissed concerns regarding stockpile depletion, stating that the United States has “virtually unlimited” ammunition. On Monday, he claimed that America is producing weapons on the largest and most advanced scale in its history.

Previously, CNN reported that shortages of long-range missiles and anti-air defense system interceptors have impacted U.S. military strategy. The U.S. Army has reportedly used about 80% of its interceptors for the THAAD system. According to U.S. Central Command, the U.S. military conducted strikes on more than 1,000 targets within the first 24 hours of the conflict. The report also highlights damage caused by Iranian attacks to hundreds of structures at U.S. bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Oman, and Jordan. Reconstruction costs for these facilities are not yet included in current expenditure estimates.

Trump Urges Zelensky to Refrain from Attacking Russian Oil Refineries

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Ukraine to immediately cease attacks on diesel refineries located within Russia. Trump claimed that Ukrainian strikes have caused a severe global diesel shortage, negatively impacting the international economy. Amid the ongoing missile conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Ukrainian forces have persistently targeted Russian oil and gas infrastructure. As one of the world’s leading oil producers, Russia has experienced a significant decline in fuel production and refining capacity due to these Ukrainian attacks.

Speaking to journalists at an IRIS Open event, President Trump urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to halt attacks on Russia’s main diesel production centers. He stated, “Zelensky needs to do one thing – stop destroying diesel fuel in Russia. There are plenty of other targets available for attacks.” Trump identified the Russia-Ukraine war as the primary cause of the global diesel shortage. In contrast, Ukraine asserts that Russia’s oil and gas sector forms the economic backbone of Moscow’s war effort, making it a necessary target for their national security.

Recently, Ukrainian forces successfully struck the major TANECO refinery in Tatarstan, Russia, an attack that resulted in two civilian casualties. In retaliation, Russia has intensified strikes on various Ukrainian fuel stations. Since April, at least 246 Ukrainian petrol stations have come under Russian fire. Meanwhile, U.S. diesel prices have reached record highs, climbing 65 percent since February to $6.20 per gallon.

Commenting on the objectives behind the Ukrainian assaults, analyst Chris Beauchamp noted, “For now, the main impact has been on ordinary civilians, as part of a strategy to increase internal pressure on the Russian president.” However, the global fuel crisis is attributed not only to Ukrainian attacks but also to U.S. military activity in the Middle East. Andreas Krieg, Senior Professor of Security Studies at King’s College London, remarked, “The Iran conflict delivers a major systemic shock to global diesel availability. The Ukrainian refinery campaign is an important pressure point, but it is an addition to the disruptions happening in the Gulf region.”

China Imposes Extensive Travel Restrictions on Its Citizens

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

Starting Tuesday, China has broadly implemented travel restrictions on its citizens. Individuals deemed a threat to the country’s ‘industrial or technological security’ have been barred from leaving the country. These new entry and exit regulations, enacted in July, specifically target citizens who violate rules related to the import and export of technology. Those involved in infractions within the artificial intelligence (AI) sector are especially under scrutiny. The State Council in Beijing has clearly outlined these new regulations.

The State Council stated that these rules were created to “safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests.” The measures will not only apply to individuals inside China but also to Chinese nationals who have committed criminal acts abroad. Citizens involved in such cases will face travel bans for a specified period upon returning to China. According to the State Council, “From the day they return to China, they may be prohibited from leaving the country for anywhere between six months to three years.” These restrictions come amid intensifying technological competition between China and the United States. In recent months, both countries have accused each other of stealing locally developed AI models.

Mark Watt to Continue Playing for Karnali Yaks in Nepal Premier League 2026

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

Karnali Yaks have decided to retain Scotland’s bowling all-rounder Mark Watt for the Nepal Premier League 2026. The 30-year-old Watt has played 83 T20 Internationals for Scotland, taking 94 wickets and scoring 321 runs. He notably scored a century in the previous edition of the Nepal Premier League. This season’s league is scheduled to run from Kartik 9 to Mangsir 5.

Mark Watt is set to play for Karnali Yaks in the third edition of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) 2026. As the team’s first foreign signing this season, Karnali has confirmed Watt’s continued participation. According to the announcement made in Kathmandu on Bhadra 30, Watt has taken 94 wickets and scored 321 runs across 83 T20I matches overall. His career T20 stats include 123 wickets and 403 runs in 131 matches.

Intense AI-Driven Military Technology Competition Escalates Between Russia and Ukraine

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict has entered a new phase characterized by fierce competition in AI-powered unmanned drones, automated target recognition software, and autonomous military command systems. According to an analysis by The New York Times, on July 6, a Russian drone attack in Zaporizhzhia resulted in the deaths of three civilians, including 18-year-old Tetiana Bubynets, marking the first recorded AI-autonomous attack. Experts indicate that while AI speeds up target identification and strikes, the difficulty in distinguishing civilians from combatants raises significant ethical and legal concerns. Kathmandu, September 15.

The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has evolved beyond traditional military technology into an era of fully autonomous warfare driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI). Both sides are rapidly developing AI-enabled unmanned drones, automated target recognition software, and advanced military command systems as they compete intensely on the technological front.

On July 6, a Russian drone explosion at a gas station in the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia killed 18-year-old accounting student Tetiana Bubynets. The blast, accompanied by a powerful soundwave and drone debris, also resulted in the deaths of two other civilians. The New York Times identified this as the first documented attack executed by a Russian AI-driven fully autonomous drone. Ukrainian officials found an AI-powered minicomputer from the American tech company Nvidia among the drone’s wreckage during analysis.

The application of AI on the battlefield extends well beyond drones. Marina Miron, a defense studies researcher at King’s College London, describes this technology as a “reconnaissance-strike architecture.” Miron explains, “It’s not just about AI being on drones and conducting strikes based on visual data; the drones transmit gathered intelligence to complex software systems that map GPS coordinates on battlefield maps and notify nearby artillery units.” Such systems function almost like central command centers, with AI processing the large volumes of data collected from drones and other military assets instantly.

Ukraine refers to its integrated command system as “Delta,” while Russia has developed the “Svod Tactical Situational Awareness Complex,” which completed successful testing by the end of 2025 and is being deployed near the front lines. Both nations claim that after AI processes data, their Division Support Systems (DSS) present commanders with options, with final decisions still made by humans. However, Miron expresses skepticism: “It’s unclear how true this is. In high-pressure situations, commanders often follow AI recommendations.”

Serhii Beskrestnov, an advisor to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense known as “Flash,” stated on his Telegram channel, “Everything will depend on this. Navigation, target acquisition, and strikes will become fully autonomous.” Currently, AI-powered drones are primarily utilized in the final stages of long-range attacks, known as last-mile operations. According to Heorhii Volkov, commander of Ukraine’s Yasni Ochii drone strike unit, first-person view (FPV) drones can lose signals due to electronic warfare techniques like jamming.

When signals are lost, the AI module embedded within these systems autonomously takes control and accurately targets objectives. Yaroslav Aznyiuk, founder of Ukrainian tech company The Fourth L, notes that this competition is not merely about demonstrating autonomous drone capabilities but focuses on deploying autonomy reliably, cost-effectively, and at scale. Aznyiuk states, “Electronic warfare, increasing engagement distances, and larger drone fleets are making human-controlled systems less effective. Autonomy has the potential to overcome these constraints.” He predicts that within six to twelve months, this technology could change the outcome of the war.

However, the rapid integration of AI has introduced serious ethical and legal challenges. Katrina Bondar, senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), comments, “AI possesses no discernment. These systems do not understand their actions; they merely follow algorithms and human-imposed rules. AI must be trained to identify targets and engage appropriately.”

Bondar highlights the difficulty in differentiating between civilians and soldiers: “While it might be easier to distinguish between a bus and a tank, it’s much harder to separate Russian and Ukrainian soldiers from civilians. Poor weather and low-quality camera feeds can cause AI systems to mistakenly attack non-combatants.” She adds, “This raises major debates about who makes the decisions and who is responsible for errors.” The swift adoption of AI risks making warfare more lethal and less controllable.

ICC Disciplinary Action Taken Against Rohit, Usmani, and Khuzaymah

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has imposed fines on Nepal’s Rohit Paudel and United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) Adib Usmani for breaching the code of conduct during the ACC Men’s Premier Cup final. Both players were fined 15 percent of their match fees. Additionally, UAE’s Khuzaymah Tanveer was fined 10 percent of his match fee for striking the stumps with his bat after being dismissed. Each of the three players received one demerit point on their disciplinary records, and since they accepted the charges, no formal hearing was conducted. (30 Bhadra, Kathmandu)

The ICC penalized Nepalese batsman Rohit Paudel, UAE players Adib Usmani, and Khuzaymah Tanveer for code of conduct violations during the ACC Men’s Premier Cup final. Rohit and Usmani were fined 15 percent of their match fees under Level 1 offenses because they failed to comply with umpire instructions while attempting to calm a dispute on the field during Nepal’s 31st over. Khuzaymah Tanveer received a 10 percent match fee fine for striking the stumps with his bat after being dismissed in the 46th over of UAE’s innings. Each player was assigned one demerit point on their disciplinary record. As these were their first offenses within the last 24 months, no further suspension was applied. According to the ICC, formal hearings were deemed unnecessary as all three players admitted the charges and accepted the proposed penalties.

Trump Calls Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang Live at Event to Denounce AI Slowdown Campaign

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

At the ‘All-In Summit’ in Los Angeles, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was on stage when US President Donald Trump called him, dismissing the campaign to slow down AI development as a “hoax.” Trump described the growing opposition to data center construction as an international “psyop” aimed at undermining America’s economic growth and insisted the industry should not be halted. Huang told Trump, “I’m currently on stage with the Besties,” prompting applause from the crowd.

On September 14, in Kathmandu, during Monday morning’s ‘All-In Summit’ in Los Angeles, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was on stage when he received a phone call from US President Donald Trump. Huang put the call on speaker so the audience could hear the conversation. “I’m currently on stage with the Besties,” Huang told Trump. By “Besties,” he referred to the venture capitalists hosting the All-In podcast, including Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, and Trump administration advisors David Friedberg and David Sacks.

At that moment, the discussion on stage centered around Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei’s call to slow down AI development. Some tech leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman supported Amodei’s stance, but Huang held a different view.

Trump dismissed the campaign as a “hoax,” saying, “They’re being played by people who don’t want this to happen. Those could be political figures or even China. And we’re not going to let this happen. It’s a hoax,” he said during the call.

“You’re right. We won’t let it happen, sir,” Huang responded, which was met with applause from the audience.

Trump and his allies have portrayed the increasing opposition to data center construction as part of an international psychological operation aimed at undermining US economic growth. “We need to be cautious… we must work carefully, but that doesn’t mean we should stop the industry,” Trump told Huang. “So I’m with you all the way to the end. I didn’t know your feelings, I only hoped they would align with mine. We will lead this effort.”

Major PUBG Mobile Tournament in Kathmandu Kicks Off with 16 Teams Competing to Enter Global Open

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

The PUBG Mobile Global Open South Asia Finals 2083 will be held from Bhadra 31 to Ashoj 3 at the covered hall of Dashrath Rangashala in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu. Organized by the Esports Association Nepal in collaboration with PUBG Mobile, the tournament will feature 16 teams from Nepal, Pakistan, and Bangladesh competing for the title. From Nepal, teams Horo Esports, Trend To Kill, Hidden Leaf Esports, and The Gaming Broskis will participate. The prize pool is set at $40,000 USD, and the top three teams will qualify for the PUBG Mobile Global Open Season 2 main competition.

This major PUBG Mobile competition in Nepal, the PUBG Mobile Global Open (PMGSO) South Asia Finals 2083, will be hosted through the partnership of the Esports Association Nepal (Eshan) and PUBG Mobile from Bhadra 31 to Ashoj 3 at Dashrath Rangashala’s covered hall in Tripureshwor. A total of 16 top teams, including four from Nepal, eight from Pakistan, and four from Bangladesh, will participate in the PMGSO South Asia Finals.

Horo Esports of Nepal and Four Threes Esports of Pakistan received direct invitations to the tournament. Both teams recently competed in the PUBG Mobile World Cup held in Paris, France. Furthermore, seven teams qualified from the PMNC Pakistan fall event, four from PMNC Bangladesh fall, and three from PMNC South Asian fall for the South Asia Finals. The total prize pool has been set at $40,000 USD. In addition to Horo Esports, Nepal’s Trend To Kill, Hidden Leaf Esports, and The Gaming Broskis will also compete.

The top three teams from the PMGSO South Asia Finals will secure spots to compete in the PUBG Mobile Global Open Season 2 main event, scheduled for October in Pakistan. Last year, two teams from Nepal took part in the PUBG Mobile Global Opener Season 1 held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Seven Top Awami League Leaders Sentenced to Death by Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

Kathmandu, September 16 – The International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh handed down death sentences on Tuesday to seven senior leaders of the Awami League, led by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. They were convicted for crimes against humanity committed during the 2024 student protests. The seven leaders were accused of inciting, directing, or encouraging violence during the movement.

The case was overseen by a three-member tribunal (ICT-2) chaired by Judge Mohammad Nazrul Islam Chowdhury. The trial proceeded in absentia as all accused were reported to be fugitives. The sentenced leaders include Awami League General Secretary Obaidul Quader, Joint General Secretaries AFM Bahauddin Nasim and Mohammad Ali Arafat. Additionally, Jubo League President Sheikh Fazle Shams Parash, General Secretary Mainul Hossain Khan Nikhil, Bangladesh Chhatra League President Saddam Hossain, and General Secretary Sheikh Wali Asif Anan were also sentenced, according to Bangladeshi media outlet Dhaka Tribune.

The court appointed government lawyers to represent all seven defendants. Notably, the tribunal had previously sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death ten months ago in a separate case related to the 2024 student protests.

Biratnagar Kings Announce Cash Rewards for Nepali National Cricket Team

Written by space4knews on . Posted in Sports.

Biratnagar Kings have announced a cash prize for the Nepali national cricket team, which secured a spot in the 2027 Asia Cup by winning the 2026 ACC Premier Cup. The franchise declared that each player and support staff member will receive NPR 50,000 as a token of appreciation. The captain and marquee player, Sandeep Lamichhane, who led the team to this historic achievement, will be awarded a special prize of NPR 100,000.

Kathmandu, 30 Bhadra — Following the Nepali national cricket team’s triumph in the 2026 ACC Premier Cup and qualification for the 2027 Asia Cup, Biratnagar Kings have decided to recognize their success with cash awards. Each team player and coaching staff member will be given NPR 50,000 as encouragement for their outstanding performance.

In particular, a special honor of NPR 100,000 will be presented to the team captain and Biratnagar Kings’s marquee player, Sandeep Lamichhane. This gesture reflects the franchise’s ongoing commitment to the development of Nepali cricket, boosting players’ morale, and continuous support for the national team’s achievements.

Global Stock Markets Impacted by Pressure in AI Sector

Written by space4knews on . Posted in International.

Following a decline in share prices within the artificial intelligence sector, leading stock markets across Europe, America, and Asia experienced pressure on Tuesday. The added strain in the AI market came after Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, announced that the company would postpone selling shares on Wall Street until next year. Concurrently, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and supply disruptions have driven crude oil prices up by nearly 2 percent, reaching $103.61 per barrel. Tokyo, 15 September (RAS/RSS/AP).

The sharp drop in artificial intelligence company shares triggered pressure in major global stock markets on Tuesday. France’s CAC 40, Germany’s DAX, and the UK’s FTSE 100 indices opened down by approximately 0.8 percent. In the US markets, Dow futures and S&P 500 futures declined by 0.7 and 0.6 percent respectively. Asian markets also reflected this trend, with Japan’s Nikkei 225 closing down slightly by less than 0.1 percent.

Other Asian indices such as Australia’s S&P/ASX 200, South Korea’s KOSPI, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng, and China’s Shanghai Composite also saw declines. However, Japan’s SoftBank Group, a major investor in AI firm OpenAI, saw its shares rise by 0.75 percent. The AI market pressure intensified after OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman revealed the company would delay share sales on Wall Street until next year, potentially postponing significant cash inflows for early investors including SoftBank.

Investors are increasingly concerned that due to excessive enthusiasm, AI company share prices may have been overinflated. There is also a growing call to moderate the pace of AI development to address human safety considerations. Meanwhile, Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, expressed support for deliberately slowing AI progress on a global scale. Nonetheless, analysts note that intense competition between American and Chinese firms could make coordinated deceleration of AI advancement uncertain.

Increase in Oil Prices: Crude oil prices have risen in global markets. The US benchmark crude oil price increased by 2.19 percent, reaching $103.61 per barrel. Similarly, the international benchmark Brent crude rose by 2.13 percent to $107.93 per barrel. This price hike is linked to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, which have disrupted global oil supplies. Officials have indicated that a vital Saudi Arabian oil pipeline, attacked last week, may remain mostly closed for several weeks. Moreover, Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have further disrupted oil tanker traffic, raising global supply concerns. In currency markets, the US dollar strengthened from 154.30 yen to 154.99 yen, while the euro declined from $1.1557 to $1.1533.