Kathmandu. At least 13 people have been killed in the latest Russian attack on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. More than 40 others have been injured in the assault, according to the Ukrainian Prime Minister. Ukraine continues to face a shortage of air defense missiles. According to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service, overnight attacks targeted numerous apartment blocks and warehouses across the city. The assault also caused damage to a children’s hospital and a school. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attributed these casualties to the insufficient availability of air defense missiles. Ukraine relies heavily on missiles supplied by Western countries for its air defense. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, speaking outside a damaged apartment block, emphasized, ‘Ukraine needs ammunition and missile defense systems. We require the support of our allies.’
Painter Nabin Nablo has launched an exhibition titled Temples, Nature and Poses at Gallery M-Cube in Patan, focusing on the silence of Patan and the stray dogs resting on its streets.
Nabin insists on using photographs he personally takes from his surroundings rather than internet images, aiming to capture the authentic atmosphere of Patan’s alleys.
Amid the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu, there lies a world where time seems to momentarily stand still. Observing the dogs resting or sleeping in front of the small stone sculptures and chaityas in Patan’s narrow streets, one can sense a frozen moment. These animals exhibit an aura of solitude and exhaustion.
Artist Nabin Nablo attempts to depict this silence and these dogs on his canvases in his solo exhibition titled Temples, Nature and Poses currently on display at Gallery M-Cube, Patan. This marks his second solo painting exhibition.
The paintings showcased here successfully reflect the realities of urban life and also mirror Nabin’s own mental state.
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Though born in Taplejung, Nabin’s family relocated to Jhapa where he spent his childhood and completed studies up to grade 12. His father promised to send him to Kathmandu provided he performed well in his exams. Despite facing reprimands and even physical punishment for drawing during exam time, Nabin passed with good marks and traveled to Kathmandu in 2009 along with his brother to pursue higher education.
Nabin’s passion for fine arts led him to enroll at Kathmandu University, where he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2013 and Master of Fine Arts in 2016.
Though his outer life appears calm like his paintings, internally Nabin’s journey has been filled with struggle and solitude. After spending nearly 15 years in Kathmandu, he now lives in Chabahil with his sisters and channels much of his energy into his art. His brothers, including a twin, live abroad. Just recently, while Nabin was seeking subjects for this exhibition in Kathmandu’s alleys, he heard that his twin brother had purchased a home overseas.
“Everyone else is abroad, even my brother bought a house overseas. Here I am, running around as an artist,” Nabin shares candidly.
Though he speaks openly, there is a palpable sense of loneliness and self-reflection common to artists. Yet this distance from family and the city’s solitude have become his greatest sources of inspiration.
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Nabin previously created larger, colorful paintings and portraits. However, he has now shifted exclusively to a precise line and ink style (pen and ink). Focusing on small canvases, he carefully sketches lines that cannot be erased. While the black ink’s richness is appealing, it is also unforgiving as any mistake is irreversible.
“Once wet, the ink cannot be reduced, and it is very difficult to keep the paper clean,” Nabin explains regarding his technique.
More than 30 such artworks are displayed in this exhibition. These artworks feature notable use of white space — the empty parts of the canvas left unpainted.
In most pieces, the white space dominates, with the subject placed exclusively at the center. The artworks do not feature traditional frames, drawing the viewer’s eyes directly to the subject matter.
“The white space focuses attention on the subject. If another element is introduced, it must integrate flawlessly, or the composition becomes cluttered,” he notes.
This minimalist approach has become the hallmark of the exhibition.
Many of the paintings feature dogs resting across various locations in Patan. These dogs appear static, tired, or waiting – none show movement, rather embodying a quiet pause.
Nabin has a particular story behind choosing dogs as subjects.
One day, near a slum demolished by the government, he noticed a dog lying despondently amidst the ruins. He captured its image and then created a painting back in his studio. This inspired him to focus on dogs as his central theme.
He continued to discover more such dogs and produce a series of paintings.
“The race and challenges begin once you reach Kathmandu, and it is very hard. In the fatigue of these dogs, I see my own reflection,” Nabin shares.
He never uses photos sourced from the internet, preferring to take his own. He believes photographs captured with one’s own eyes provide a distinct perspective.
However, Nabin is concerned about the growing trend in the art world of copying Western art styles from platforms like YouTube and Instagram. He insists that it is vital for artists to portray their own environment, culture, and streets on canvas.
“It is extremely important to create art inspired by our own surroundings. That is the true essence,” he says. “I want that hundreds of years from now, when someone looks at these paintings, they recognize them as streets of Patan, Nepal.”
Though Patan is small in area, it has hundreds of temples and chaityas, each with unique narratives. The daily seen subjects — humans or dogs alike — are equally diverse. Nabin especially highlights the dogs resting in front of temples in his paintings.
His works capture time frozen in moments while artistically portraying the religious tolerance and coexistence in society. Every delicate stroke of black ink outlines Patan’s dogs and temple figures, inviting the city to pause and reflect for a while.
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Nabin Nablo is not limited to a single art form. He is also active in cartoons and caricatures within fine arts. His popular caricature style features a large head and small body, effectively enhancing the emotional expression of subjects.
Approaching his 40s but looking much younger, Nabin manages both art and life simultaneously. Fully aware that art rarely offers substantial financial gain, he chooses to enjoy solitude by his own terms.
Residents were amazed after spotting a SpaceX rocket recovered from the sea. A SpaceX rocket launched on July 24 for a test flight had safely landed in the Indian Ocean. Since then, the rocket was retrieved from the ocean and brought to Christmas Island. The massive spacecraft left island residents in awe. SpaceX technicians are currently working to transport the rocket back.
September 19, Kathmandu – Bangladesh is set to hold its presidential election today after a gap of 35 years. Voting in the parliament will take place from 2 PM to 5 PM local time. The election sees a contest between the ruling party’s candidate Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, a BNP leader, and Colonel Oli Ahmad, representing an 11-party opposition alliance.
The BNP returned to power following the general election held earlier this year on February 12. The party holds more than a two-thirds majority in parliament, making Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s victory highly likely. Alamgir is an economist by profession and has been involved in BNP politics since the 1990s. He previously served as the State Minister of Agriculture and as a Local Minister.
The vote count will be broadcast live, and the winner is scheduled to be sworn in tomorrow. A total of 349 parliamentarians are participating in the election. The newly elected president will take the oath tomorrow evening at the Bangabhaban’s Darbar Hall.
The election follows the resignation last month of Mohammad Shahabuddin, a close aide of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who stepped down for health reasons before completing his five-year term. Currently, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmed is serving as acting president. According to Bangladesh’s constitution, a presidential election must be held within 90 days of the vacancy of the office.
September 20, Kathmandu – At least five people have died following a Russian missile attack on Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and surrounding areas on Thursday night. Ukrainian officials reported that more than 23 individuals were injured in the strike. According to Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (DSNS), the attack targeted residential buildings and warehouses. Rescue teams have been deployed to extract those trapped beneath the rubble of collapsed structures, successfully rescuing one person alive.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko stated that a children’s hospital was damaged in the attack. Several vehicles in the vicinity also caught fire. Klitschko further reported that the industrial center located in the Solomyansky district, situated in the southwestern part of the capital, was hit by missiles. Meanwhile, a separate strike in the Brovary district of the Kyiv region resulted in one death and one injury, regional governor Tymur Tkachenko confirmed. Prior to the attack, local authorities had urged residents to seek shelter in safe locations.
The Ukrainian Air Force issued multiple alerts throughout the night regarding missile attacks in Kyiv and various other areas. Due to the Russian air strikes, thousands of homes and infrastructures in the Kyiv region have experienced power outages. Officials noted that technical teams are working to repair the damaged energy facilities. For several weeks now, Kyiv has faced missile attacks nearly every night, resulting in dozens of fatalities and many more injuries.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has intensified missile and drone attacks on Russian territory. Two separate Ukrainian strikes on Russian soil this week claimed the lives of at least 16 people, including a child. Russia began its military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Over four and a half years into the conflict, Russia controls roughly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, much of which lies along the eastern border regions.
The 20th Asian Games, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, will start on September 19 and run until October 4, just one month away.
According to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), more than 11,000 athletes and 6,000 officials from 45 countries will participate in the 16-day tournament.
The 20th Asian Games will feature 43 sports, 71 disciplines, 469 events, and the awarding of 1,407 medals.
September 20, Kathmandu – The largest sporting event in Asia, the 20th Asian Games (Asiad), is just one month away from kicking off in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games Organizing Committee (ANAGOC) have celebrated the countdown to the continent’s biggest multi-sport competition, which will run from September 19 to October 4.
The OCA has confirmed that over 11,000 athletes from 45 countries across Asia, along with 6,000 officials, will take part during the 16-day event.
A total of 43 sports encompassing 71 disciplines will be featured at the 20th Asian Games. There will be 469 competitions and 1,407 medals awarded in total.
The OCA anticipates that this event will mark a historic celebration in the history of Asian sports.
Under the official motto “Imagine ONE Asia,” Japan is hosting the Asian Games for the third time. Previously, Japan successfully hosted the Games twice: in Tokyo in 1958 and Hiroshima in 1994.
The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games are expected to become a key occasion to unite the continent through a major multi-sport festival. The event will be supported by 10,200 volunteers, while 5,300 accredited media professionals will cover the Games’ news and activities worldwide.
Millions of spectators around the globe are expected to watch the competitions live and through various media platforms. Japan is fully prepared to deliver an unforgettable sporting festival for Asian athletes.
OCA President Sheikh Joaan Bin Hamad Al Thani stated that these Games, representing the largest and most diverse continent within the Olympic family, will demonstrate Asia’s power of unity, solidarity, and shared vision.
“Japan has world-class experience hosting major international sporting events. I am confident that Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will set new standards for future editions. It will empower youth and inspire the next generation of Asian sport,” he said.
OCA Director General Hussain Al-Musallam thanked Japan for its support in preparing a grand stage for Asian athletes as the Games approach. “These Games will create unforgettable moments not only in Japan but for millions across Asia. Through sport, lifelong friendships will be formed, peace will be promoted through diversity, and a legacy will be established across every corner of our vast continent,” he added.
The grand opening ceremony of Aichi-Nagoya 2026 will be held on September 19, with the closing ceremony concluding the event on October 4. Asian nations are readying themselves for this world-class sporting festival that spans more than two weeks.
A large World War II bomb submerged in the Danube River was uncovered in Slovakia following a sudden drop in the river’s water level. The bomb has since been deactivated.
An explosive ordnance disposal team extracted the bomb from the river and detonated it under controlled conditions.
In football, a player’s transfer fee sometimes sounds as large as the annual budget of a small country. But does a player signed for millions of pounds truly have that exact value?
Summary
Editorial reviewed.
Chelsea has agreed to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa for around £117 million, while Manchester City spent approximately £116 million to acquire Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest.
Transfer fees do not represent a player’s true value, as factors like performance, age, contract length, supply and demand, agent fees, and bonuses also influence the price.
From the 2026/27 season, the Premier League will replace the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) with Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) and Sustainability and Systemic Resilience (SSR), which account for player expenses, wages, and the amortization of transfer costs.
Sometimes, a football player’s transfer fee can sound as large as the annual budget of a small country or even more. Just this summer, Chelsea agreed to pay Aston Villa around £117 million for Morgan Rogers.
Manchester City reportedly spent about £116 million on Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, and Sandro Tonali’s move from Newcastle to Tottenham was estimated around £100 million.
The island nation of Tuvalu in the Pacific had a total national budget of roughly $80 million (approximately £70 million) for the 2021/2022 fiscal year. Rogers’ transfer fee exceeds Tuvalu’s entire budget for two years.
But this raises an interesting question — is Morgan Rogers truly worth £117 million? Is Elliot Anderson’s price equally justified? Or does the transfer market amount reflect more than just the player’s actual ‘value’?
In truth, there is no single formula to determine a player’s value in football. Goals, assists, and performance form just a part of it. Age, contract length, rarity of the player’s position, available alternatives in the market, club’s financial capability, potential future prospects of the player, and the selling club’s needs all influence whether the value is pushed up or down.
Morgan Rogers
The Player’s Value Is Not the Same as the Transfer Fee
The first crucial point to understand is that a player’s ‘value’ and the ‘transfer fee’ paid between clubs are not the same.
The transfer fee is the negotiated outcome between two clubs. One club might demand £100 million, another may offer £70 million, and eventually, they could agree on £80 million.
Therefore, just because a player was sold for £100 million, it doesn’t necessarily mean the market has fixed his true value at exactly that amount.
Rather, that figure reflects the negotiation, supply, demand, and the financial capacity of the two clubs involved.
Furthermore, the announced transfer fee may include bonuses, performance-related payments, additional sums for winning trophies, or future conditional payments.
Hence, hearing about a “£100 million transfer” doesn’t always mean the entire sum was instantly transferred to the selling club’s account.
More Than Just Goals and Assists
When valuing forwards, goals and assists naturally carry significant weight, but midfielders and defenders can’t be valued solely on those metrics.
Passing accuracy, pressing, ball recovery, game tempo control, aerial ability, one-on-one defending skills, injury history, tactical versatility, and performance in big matches all contribute to their value.
Moreover, if world-class players for a specific position are rare, their prices tend to rise.
For example, a club seeking a world-class defensive midfielder will value an outstanding player in that position differently than a goal-scoring winger.
Thus, the simplistic idea of ‘he scored X goals, so he costs Y amount’ doesn’t capture the complexities of the modern transfer market.
Elliot Anderson
Why Age Changes Value by Millions
Age is one of the most important factors in the transfer market.
Two players performing at a similar level, one aged 21 and the other 29, will unlikely have equal market values.
The reason is simple – clubs don’t just buy today’s performance, but also future potential. A young player can serve the club for many years, improve steadily, and may be sold for a higher fee later.
That is why clubs are willing to invest heavily in young talent despite the inherent risks.
Conversely, experienced players may have an immediate impact but typically command lower resale values.
It is not unusual, therefore, for two players with similar current performances to have drastically different price tags based on age.
Contract Length Affects Valuation
If a player’s contract is due to expire the following year, the selling club is in a weaker negotiating position. But if the player has five years remaining, the club holds more leverage.
As a result, selling a player just before contract expiry and selling the same player mid-contract can bring very different fees.
Hence, the ‘contract situation’ is a crucial term regularly used in transfer discussions.
Clubs consider risks of losing a player for free, likelihood of contract renewal, and market demand when making decisions.
Do Wealthy Clubs Drive Up Player Prices?
To a large extent, yes.
Clubs like Manchester City, Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool possess much greater financial muscle compared to smaller market clubs.
A £100 million outlay might be a significant risk for one club but part of a long-term plan for another.
However, having deep pockets isn’t the sole factor that inflates a player’s price; the selling club’s circumstances also matter significantly.
A club that doesn’t need to sell might hold fast to a higher valuation, whereas another facing financial constraints or needing funds for new signings could settle for less.
Therefore, the same player can have vastly different values for different clubs in the transfer market.
Millions of Pounds Difference Between Two Clubs for the Same Player
Player values in the transfer market are far from stable or uniform like prices in an open market.
For example, one club might offer £60 million for a player, but if another club enters the bidding, the selling club gains more bargaining power.
This can increase the price. Sometimes a club urgently needs a player, has no alternative, or it’s right before the season starts with the manager planning his tactics around the player.
In such scenarios, the club might be willing to pay above the usual market value.
This concept is commonly referred to as ‘urgency premium’ — an additional amount paid to fulfill immediate needs.
Agents Also Impact the Financial Calculations
Football transfers involve more than just fees between clubs. Agents or player representatives also play a role and command fees.
FIFA’s current agent regulations specify caps on service fees in certain cases. For instance, when representing players earning over $200,000 annually, agents have a cap of 3% for representing either club or player, and up to 6% for permitted dual representation.
When representing the releasing club, agent fees can go up to 10% of the transfer compensation.
This means a declared £100 million transfer does not mean the full amount was paid solely to the old club; agent fees, bonuses, and other conditions may be included in the agreement.
Amortization Significantly Affects Club Accounts
One of the most interesting accounting terms related to football transfers is ‘amortization.’
For a typical fan, buying a player for £100 million might look like the club spent all that money immediately.
However, in accounting, the transfer fee can be spread across the length of the player’s contract as an expense.
For example, if a club signs a player for £100 million on a five-year contract, the annual amortization expense would typically be £20 million per year.
The Premier League describes amortization under its new financial rules as the process of allocating the transfer cost over the contract period.
Therefore, contract length is not just about keeping a player for years—it is also a key financial management consideration for clubs.
Accounting and financial regulations impose certain limits and provisions. UEFA’s 2026 regulation mandates that player registration costs should be amortized systematically over the contract term, up to a maximum of five years.
Premier League Adopts New Financial Rules Beyond PSR
Another significant change is that from the 2026/27 season, the Premier League will replace the Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) with new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) and Sustainability and Systemic Resilience (SSR) frameworks.
The SCR links club football-related expenses to football income and profits or losses from player sales. The baseline ratio is 85%, and clubs have a multi-year headroom allowance.
This system includes wages, agent fees, and amortization of transfer fees.
Thus, in today’s Premier League, it’s not just about whether a club has money, but also about how they allocate that money within financial regulations.
Nationality and Market Size Also Influence Value
A player’s nationality itself is not a scientific factor in price valuation, but passports can indirectly affect value.
Visa requirements, work permits, foreign player quotas, domestic player regulations, and competition registration rules can all influence club decisions.
Similarly, the player’s commercial market matters. Large social media following, sponsorship potential, jersey sales, club access to new markets, and the player’s personal brand add to commercial value.
However, clubs must be careful not to overvalue a player’s brand without backing it up with performance on the pitch—the ultimate test remains sporting quality.
Training Clubs Also Receive Compensation
When a player is sold for a large amount, the entire sum does not remain with the selling club.
According to FIFA rules, clubs involved in a player’s training and development are entitled to receive training compensation or ‘solidarity contributions’ under certain conditions.
FIFA’s Clearing House administers the distribution of such payments to the relevant training clubs.
Hence, a multi-million-pound transfer benefits not only the current club but also the clubs that contributed to the player’s development.
This is why player development is itself a strategic financial investment in modern football.
Rodri
The Example of Rodri
The recent transfer of Rodri from Manchester City to Barcelona provides an interesting case study.
The Spanish midfielder left City after seven years, having played 298 matches, scored 28 goals, and won 14 major trophies including four Premier League titles, Champions League, and two FA Cups. He also won the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
The reported transfer fee to Barcelona is around £65.4 million.
When gauging his value, the focus can’t be solely on goals; factors such as position, ability to control the game, experience, leadership, international success, and reputation as one of the world’s best defensive midfielders come into play.
Additionally, Rodri is 30 years old and had only three years left on his City contract until 2027.
Rodri’s case shows that being a great player and being sold for a high fee are not synonymous. Contract length, age, and selling club’s situation form important parts of a player’s value.
Why Is Future Potential So Much More Valuable?
The two big transfers this summer—Morgan Rogers and Elliot Anderson—illustrate this perfectly.
Chelsea agreed to around £117 million for Rogers from Aston Villa. Manchester City reportedly paid Nottingham Forest approximately £116 million for Anderson.
Both players are not nearing the final stages of their careers; clubs invested in both their current performance and many future years.
Anderson himself has acknowledged the pressure of justifying his high price, expressing his goal to validate the investment by winning trophies.
This is another reality of the modern transfer market—clubs often pay more for the future potential of a player than their past achievements.
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So, are £100 million players really worth that much? Not necessarily.
The £100 million is not a scientific valuation of the player’s skills or talent. It is a commercial agreement between two clubs.
This fee factors in performance, age, contract duration, injury risks, playing position, future potential, market demand, competing clubs, financial health of selling and buying clubs, and financial regulations.
A player bought for £100 million might become a success; another purchased for £30 million can become world-class, while a £100 million player might fail to meet expectations.
Transfer fees represent the value of expectations, not guaranteed performance. Ultimately, the most valuable price tag a player carries is the one proven by their performance on the pitch.
Clubs can sign players for millions and account for these costs over years, with bonuses and agent fees changing deal structure and financial rules setting spending limits.
But on the field, the accounting is simple: goals, assists, saves, trophies, and impact on the team.
That is where the real answer to the question about player value ultimately lies.
Confirmed reports indicate that a landslide at a gold mine near the Cameroon border in the western part of the Central African Republic has resulted in the discovery of 107 bodies. Local authorities provided details on the rescue and relief operations following the incident that occurred on Tuesday afternoon. Officials have warned that the death toll could rise as more victims may still be trapped under the debris. Kathmandu, September 20 – A devastating landslide struck a gold mine located in the western region of the Central African Republic (CAR) near the Cameroon border, claiming the lives of more than 100 people. The area around the mine suffered significant damage due to the landslide. According to a local official, the BBC has verified the incident. Released videos show a section of the mine collapsing onto people below, with some footage capturing individuals running in an attempt to escape the disaster. Mayor Adamo Abdon of Garoua-Boulaï, the city bordering Cameroon, informed the BBC on Tuesday afternoon about the event. Rescue and relief operations are currently ongoing. Authorities fear that the number of fatalities could increase as efforts continue. So far, Mayor Abdon reported that 107 bodies have been recovered.
Barcelona officially kicked off the 2026–27 season by defeating Al Ahly 2–1 at Camp Nou to win their 61st Joan Gamper Trophy. Nineteen-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim and Rafinha scored in the first half, giving Barcelona a 2–0 lead. Al Ahly became the first African and Arab club to compete in the Gamper Trophy but were unable to stop Barcelona on their home turf. September 20, Kathmandu.
In a competitive match held at their home ground Camp Nou, Spanish champions Barcelona overcame Egypt’s Al Ahly 2–1 to claim the 61st edition of the Joan Gamper Trophy. This tournament was particularly notable as Al Ahly became the first African and Arab club to participate in this prestigious pre-season competition.
The packed Camp Nou witnessed a historic clash between two successful clubs from different continents of world football. The opening goal for Barcelona came from 19-year-old forward Hamza Abdelkarim, who delivered a superb finish against his former club, much to the delight of the home supporters. Rafinha then extended the lead to 2–0 with a penalty in the first half.
In the second half, Al Ahly’s Zizo pulled a goal back, narrowing the deficit. Barcelona’s new signing Anthony Gordon missed a penalty opportunity, preventing the hosts from restoring a two-goal cushion. The Joan Gamper Trophy was inaugurated in 1966 by then-president Enric Llaudet and is named in honor of Barcelona’s founder, former player, and president Joan Gamper. Held annually just before La Liga begins, the tournament traditionally serves as an official home debut for Barcelona’s first team, earning it the nickname ‘season curtain-raiser.’
Al Ahly, one of Africa’s most successful clubs, made history by participating in the Gamper Trophy for the first time. Despite a competitive performance, the Egyptian champions ultimately fell short of claiming the trophy on Barcelona’s home ground. Barcelona now looks to carry the confidence from this victory into their preparations for the upcoming La Liga season.
OpenAI has begun offering the ‘ChatGPT for Teens’ service globally starting August 18, designed specifically for teenagers aged 13 to 17. This service includes features such as ‘Study Mode,’ ‘Quizzes,’ ‘Learning Visualizations,’ and ‘Study Hours,’ providing step-by-step assistance rather than direct answers for homework. Additionally, OpenAI has implemented strict controls on content related to suicide, violence, sexual, and highly violent material, along with a ‘Parental Control’ feature for guardians.
The service aims to support teens in their studies, promote critical thinking, and teach safe and responsible AI use. Within ‘ChatGPT for Teens,’ the ‘Study Mode’ allows students to ask questions and solve problems methodically, reducing the tendency to seek direct answers. If a student attempts to quickly complete homework by requesting direct answers, the ‘Responsible Homework Reminder’ feature redirects them back to ‘Study Mode.’
For practice, teens can utilize ‘Quizzes,’ and to understand complex subjects, they have access to ‘Learning Visualizations.’ The ‘Study Hours’ feature allows teens or their guardians to set specific study times, after which new conversations automatically resume in ‘Study Mode.’ The service is built with enhanced safety features to keep teenagers protected from harmful content.
Guardians can link their accounts with their teen’s account to use ‘Parental Control,’ enabling them to designate ‘Quiet Hours’—times when service use is paused—manage various settings, and receive limited ‘Safety Notifications’ if serious safety concerns arise. However, parents cannot read or monitor all of their teen’s conversations. OpenAI has also partnered with CodeAI to educate teenagers not only on how to use AI responsibly but also on how AI functions, its potential errors, and how to question its responses effectively.
Scientists have reported that a new vaccine used alongside medication has prevented cancer recurrence in patients, marking a “historic moment” in cancer treatment. Developed by Merck and Moderna, the vaccine was administered to patients with skin cancer ‘melanoma’ after surgery.
Preliminary results indicate the vaccine has extended the cancer-free period for these patients, although neither company has disclosed the exact duration. Cancer experts have hailed this as a significant breakthrough but have urged caution, noting that full study results have yet to be released and independent peer review is pending.
Furthermore, despite the completion of trials, the vaccine must still receive regulatory approval and undergo another authorization process before it can be made available through the NHS in the UK. Named Intismiran, the vaccine was given in combination with the immunotherapy drug Keytruda, which has long been used in cancer treatment.
According to Moderna’s CEO, Stéphane Bancel, these results represent a “defining moment” in cancer research. Following the announcement, shares of both Moderna and Merck have risen. Talicia Qualo, head of Prevention and Early Detection at Cancer Research UK, described the findings as “encouraging” but emphasized that a full review is still pending.
US President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to countries, companies, and institutions providing economic support to Iran, stating they will face severe consequences. Through the social media platform Truth Social, he announced tighter US surveillance on activities related to Iran, including oil smuggling, financial transactions, and cash transfers. Trump claimed that the US has offered Iran numerous opportunities for agreements but will now increase international economic isolation and apply additional pressure. Kathmandu, September 20.
Trump signaled the start of the largest economic pressure campaign ever imposed on Iran and vowed not to spare any country, company, or institution that assists Iran. Via Truth Social, he cautioned that any financial institution, company, airport, or government body from any country facilitating support to Iran could face significant economic losses.
However, Trump did not specify any countries by name in his warning, nor did he clarify the exact nature of possible actions against countries, companies, or financial institutions assisting Iran. He also indicated enhanced US monitoring of economic activities supporting Iran, such as oil smuggling, financial dealings, cash transfers, exchange houses, maritime vessel registrations, and transactions conducted under the names of other companies.
Trump asserted that the US has repeatedly provided Iran with opportunities to come to an agreement, but since Iran has declined these chances, America has resolved to increase economic pressure. He described the forthcoming campaign as an “unprecedented level of economic warfare” and an effort to intensify Iran’s international economic isolation. According to Trump, Iran’s economy is already under significant strain, and further sanctions and pressure will make international trade with Iran even more difficult.
The Nepali tennis team is set to depart for Bengaluru, India, on Thursday to prepare for the upcoming 20th Asian Games scheduled in Japan. The contingent includes players Pradeep Khadka, Nisan Shrestha, Swastika Bista, and coach Renudevi Konda. After completing their training at the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy in Bengaluru, the team plans to return home on September 8. (4 Bhadra, Kathmandu)
The four-member Nepali tennis team has confirmed its training session in Bengaluru, India, as part of its preparation for the 20th Asian Games. The squad comprises players Pradeep Khadka, Nisan Shrestha, and Swastika Bista, with coaching led by Renudevi Konda. The team will undergo training at the Rohan Bopanna Tennis Academy and is scheduled to return to Nepal on September 8.
Meanwhile, Abhishek Bastola and Shivali Gurung, selected for the 20th Asian Games, are currently training abroad, according to the Nepal Tennis Association. The team was officially seen off on Wednesday by National Sports Council (NSC) Vice President Vishal Shrestha, NSC Member-Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta, NSC Executive Committee Member Sikka Suwal Shrestha, and Nepal Tennis Association President Manohardas Mool.
It is not only what you eat but also when you eat that is crucial.
“Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper,” my Spanish friend Javier Hierzfeld shared, recalling how he understood this wisdom from a young age.
In Spain, lunch is the largest meal of the day, while dinner is very light. “Some people even skip dinner and only have fruit and yogurt,” he added.
In the UK and the US where lighter meals are common at midday and larger dinners are typical, scientific studies on ‘chrononutrition’ reveal that we may be following a reversed eating pattern.
Healthy eating is not just about what to eat, but also when to eat, which carries equal importance.
Numerous studies have found that from weight loss to preventing cardiovascular diseases, our body’s ‘biological clock’ or ‘circadian rhythm’ plays a significant role in how food is metabolized and our overall health.
Let’s explore why this is and how we can adjust meal timing to benefit from it.
Set Meal Times According to Your Body’s Internal Clock
Marta Garaulet from the University of Murcia in Spain began investigating how meal timing affects weight loss after observations at a weight loss clinic nearly a decade ago. She compared two patients on identical diets but with different mealtime patterns, resulting in varying weight loss outcomes.
One patient ate lunch at around 1 p.m., while the other, delayed by classes, ate later.
“That was the only difference,” Garaulet explained.
After six weeks, those who ate earlier lost more weight.
Following this, she further tested the impact of meal timing.
Together with colleagues at Murcia University, she observed 420 adults over a 20-week weight loss program in Spain. The study showed that early eaters lost weight faster than late eaters.
In another smaller trial, 32 healthy women consuming the same meals over two weeks showed that those eating lunch later exhibited poorer blood sugar control and carbohydrate digestion. Multiple studies confirm that our biological clock, or circadian rhythm, strongly influences hunger, digestion, and metabolism.
But why does eating the same meal at different times have such a significant effect?
When I asked neuroscientist Frank Scheer from Boston, he said, “Biologically, we are not the same in morning and evening.” The body’s internal clock mostly governs various functions. Eating at times meant for rest can disrupt this balance, a phenomenon called ‘circadian misalignment.’
For example, the body regulates blood sugar differently depending on the time of day. A 2022 study of over 800 adults showed each participant consumed glucose-rich drinks containing about as many carbohydrates as a typical evening meal.
Image source, Getty Images
Caption, Eating early dinners may impact our metabolism
When drinks are consumed four hours before sleeping, the body processes sugar effectively. However, drinking them at bedtime raises blood sugar levels and reduces insulin production.
Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar.
Melatonin plays a significant role according to research. Its levels rise in preparation for sleep.
“When melatonin levels increase in the evening, eating then affects glucose control,” explained researcher Scheer.
Late meals have long-term risk implications for diabetes. Globally, the number of people with type 2 diabetes continues to rise.
Eat Earlier to Reduce Hunger
Having dinner late not only worsens blood sugar control but can increase hunger the next day by affecting hormones that signal fullness and hunger. Late eaters produce less leptin, a hormone that signals satiety to the brain.
Meal timing also influences fat storage processes. Eating late can cause fat accumulation in cells, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight.
An international study of 1,200 adults linked late eating with a higher risk of obesity and an increased body mass index (BMI). Eating earlier reduces this risk.
Eat More in the Morning for Heart Health
Eating early benefits heart health as well. A French study with over 1,000 participants found those who delayed their first meal in the morning had a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.
Night shift workers are advised to eat less during the day, but this is not universally required since dietary intake must meet energy needs.
If hungry, small protein-rich snacks are recommended.
Be Mindful When Eating
Our eating habits are often uncontrolled and influenced by our ‘chronotype,’ which determines if we wake early or sleep late, affecting meal timing.
Early risers tend to have quicker insulin responses and less melatonin production, while late eaters have weaker glucose control and higher risks of weight gain.
Sleep quality also affects appetite; poor sleep leads to greater food intake and weight gain.
How to Eat Smart
Experts recommend eating at regular times and consuming fiber-rich carbohydrates — such as whole grains, legumes, nuts, and fruit — early in the day. In the evening, meals should be light but rich in protein.
A recent study showed benefits of including sleep-promoting foods like almonds, nuts, seeds, and tryptophan-rich proteins such as chicken, salmon, and tuna at dinner.
Now I too want to pay closer attention to my body’s internal biological clock. I appreciate the Spanish tradition of a larger midday meal and plan to start cooking early for work.
While there is no fixed ideal time for dinner, it is best to eat more earlier in the day and have dinner at least three hours before bedtime.
