The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has indicated that it will activate its activities from Monday following FIFA’s directives if the government fails to make a concrete decision regarding the lifting of its suspension. ANFA’s Chief Executive Officer, Indraman Tuladhar, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention due to growing issues concerning the education, accommodation, and nutrition of academy players.
Since FIFA suspended ANFA last Ashar (June-July) due to third-party interference, Nepali football has remained excluded from international competitions. Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Tuladhar highlighted that the future of academy players is at risk and called for immediate government action. “If we receive a positive response from the government by tomorrow, participation in the SAFF Championship will be possible. Otherwise, given the escalating issues, we are prepared to commence programs under FIFA’s guidance starting Monday,” he stated.
Tuladhar expressed serious concern over the worsening problems related to the players’ schooling, housing, and meals. “It is unacceptable to keep players without proper food,” he added. He further asserted that ANFA would fully support any governmental initiatives aimed at lifting the suspension. However, if progress remains stalled, ANFA will proceed with daily football activities in accordance with FIFA regulations. “We will support any government efforts; otherwise, we will conduct daily programs as per FIFA’s rules,” he reiterated.
FIFA imposed the suspension last Ashar due to third-party interference, depriving Nepali football of opportunities to compete internationally.
US President Donald Trump has claimed that the potential war with Iran is moving towards an end and that direct talks are underway. Speaking to reporters, Trump reiterated his readiness to reach an agreement with Tehran. However, a few hours earlier, Iranian officials stated that peace talks would not resume until all their conditions are met.
Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi, spokesperson for the Iranian Armed Forces, said, “The people have defeated the enemy’s strategy through 200 nights of resistance. The armed forces will defend Iran’s security until the last drop of blood.” This statement from Trump came shortly after reports emerged that the US is preparing to supply Israel with 60,000 highly destructive bombs.
The Trump administration is preparing to sell Israel 60,000 bombs, each weighing 907 kilograms (2,000 pounds). This multi-billion dollar package will be funded by American taxpayers. According to US media, the administration has already approved the deal and has informally notified Congress. This weapons package is one of the largest the US has ever provided Israel.
Meanwhile, US Senator Chris Van Hollen expressed commitment to blocking the $2.8 billion arms package for Israel, raising questions about the appropriateness of American funding amid ongoing violence.
A dramatic video showing a car deliberately colliding with a motorcyclist in India has gone viral. The incident was captured by a camera mounted on the motorcycle. It took place in Gurugram, Haryana, near Delhi.
Following the accident, Shivani Chauhan accused the car driver of intentionally following and hitting her. The police have taken the car driver into custody. Initially, he was charged with reckless driving and endangering others’ lives. Later, charges of attempted murder were also added against him.
However, the car driver’s lawyers have denied all the allegations.
The West Bengal government has formed a 10-member committee to review the renaming of streets and public places in Kolkata that are currently named after Marx, Lenin, and Ho Chi Minh. After the Durga Puja festival, the committee will hold a meeting and submit recommendations based on Indian and Bengali history, culture, and heritage. Committee member and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Tathagat Roy has proposed renaming Lenin Sarani to Devaprasad Ghosh, Karl Marx Sarani to either Michael Madhusudan Dutt or Rangalal Bandyopadhyay, and Ho Chi Minh Sarani to Martin Luther King Jr.
The West Bengal government in India has initiated preparations to rename roads, bridges, and public places in Kolkata that bear the names of Marx, Lenin, and Ho Chi Minh. To study proposals related to naming and renaming these roads and public sites, the state government has established a 10-member advisory committee. The committee is chaired by Swami Pradiptanand, also known as Kartik Maharaj. Its members include former Meghalaya Governor Tathagat Roy, Chief Minister’s advisor Subrata Gupta, Kolkata Municipal Commissioner Smita Pandey, among other officials.
According to committee chairperson Pradiptanand, various proposals have been received regarding renaming the roads named after Lenin, Karl Marx, and Ho Chi Minh. The committee will also examine the connections between these personalities and Indian and Bengali history, culture, and heritage. The committee’s first meeting is scheduled after Durga Puja, after which it will forward its recommendations to the appropriate authorities.
One proposal is to rename Lenin Sarani after Devaprasad Ghosh, a mathematician and former head of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, suggested by committee member Tathagat Roy. For Karl Marx Sarani, located in Kolkata’s Khidirpur area, it has been proposed to rename the street after famed 19th-century Bengali poets Michael Madhusudan Dutt or Rangalal Bandyopadhyay. There is also a proposal to rename Ho Chi Minh Sarani after Martin Luther King Jr. Tathagat Roy emphasized that no final decision has been made so far.
For the first time in over three years, the United States has increased its interest rates in an effort to curb rising inflation, with indications that rates may continue to climb. The Federal Reserve unanimously decided to raise the benchmark interest rate from 3.5-3.75% to 3.75-4%. This move came despite strong opposition from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called for rate cuts.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell explained that the decision was taken because “inflation remains elevated and has persisted at high levels for an extended period,” describing the move as “serious and responsible.” Following the announcement, President Trump expressed support for Powell personally but labeled the Federal Reserve board members who vote on interest rate decisions as “opponents.” Higher interest rates could increase borrowing costs for loans, mortgages, and credit cards, impacting individuals seeking to finance home purchases or other expenditures. However, it may also lead to better returns on savings.
During the press conference after Wednesday’s decision, Powell acknowledged that although there is “an optimistic outlook” under the Fed’s leadership, inflation remains a pressing issue. Like many central banks worldwide, the Federal Reserve aims to keep inflation at or below 2%. Powell noted that inflation in the U.S. has been above this goal for “more than five years,” which has become a serious concern for the cost of living for American voters.
Additionally, following the U.S. and Israel’s engagement in conflict with Iran, wholesale oil prices surged, driving up fuel costs significantly, which in turn has contributed to price increases across many goods and services. Powell stated, “The Federal Reserve cannot directly control prices of oil or grocery store food items,” but emphasized that the central bank can work to contain inflation before it spreads throughout the broader economy. He also highlighted that a strong labor market and robust overall economy enable the Fed to focus on maintaining price stability.
Manchester United suffered a 3–2 defeat to Brighton at Old Trafford, resulting in their elimination from the EFL Cup in the third round. Though United took an early 2–0 lead through goals from Shola Lecey and Mason Mount, Brighton mounted a comeback with four goals to spoil United’s night. This marks the first time since 1976 that United has lost a match at Old Trafford after holding a two-goal advantage. October 1, Kathmandu.
Failing to maintain their two-goal lead, Manchester United bowed out of the English Football League (EFL) Cup in the third round. Taking the home advantage at Old Trafford, United led Brighton 2–0 before succumbing to a 3–2 loss and elimination from the tournament. In the eighth minute, young player Shola Lecey scored on his first senior team start to give United the lead. Just two minutes later, Mason Mount added another goal, pushing United ahead 2–0.
However, during first-half injury time, Charalampos Kostoulas scored for Brighton to reignite their hopes. In the 65th minute of the second half, captain Pascal Groß netted the equalizer, and four minutes later, with an assist from Kostoulas, Maxim De Cuiper scored the decisive goal, securing a win for Brighton. United’s head coach Michael Carrick brought on Bruno Fernandes in the 72nd minute, but the team was unable to find an equalizer. This defeat marks United’s third consecutive home cup loss to Brighton. Additionally, surrendering a two-goal lead at Old Trafford is a first for United since 1976.
In other matches last night, Fleetwood defeated Sheffield United 1-0, Aston Villa overcame Coventry 3-1, and Everton secured a 1-0 win over Wolves.
How can one protect themselves from dengue in post-flood conditions? Experts have warned that the recent Bhote Koshi-Trishuli floods have increased the risk of dengue transmission in the affected areas. We have compiled several recommendations from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) on how to prevent this mosquito-borne disease.
The video below provides detailed information on these preventive measures.
Australia has tightened its immigration system to target those who overstay their visas and engage in visa hopping. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke announced the government’s goal to reduce net overseas migration to 225,000 by next year. The government plans to prioritize skilled workers in health, construction, education, law enforcement, defense, and agriculture sectors.
At an event in Sydney on September 17, Burke unveiled the new regulations, stating, “The government aims to reduce net overseas migration from the current approximately 292,000 to 225,000 by next year.” He emphasized that while the government supports immigration, it will not tolerate activities that abuse the system.
The new rules will specifically target those residing in Australia after their visa has expired. The government will toughen measures to prevent ‘visa hopping’, where international students continuously switch from one visa to another. Additionally, restrictions will be imposed on international students bringing dependents and family members to Australia.
However, the new policy will not affect families who are already in Australia with students on their visas. Burke clarified, “Families currently linked to visas and residing in Australia will not be separated under the new arrangements.”
Nepal’s women’s volleyball team will compete against Indonesia today at 4:05 PM Nepal time at the Park Arena Komaki in Nagoya during the 20th Asian Games. As the top two teams from Group A advance to the quarterfinals, Nepal must secure a win against Indonesia. Having lost their opening match to Japan 3-0, a defeat today would mean Nepal’s elimination from the group stage.
Winning today’s match is essential for Nepal to maintain their chance of reaching the quarterfinals. With only three teams in the group, only the top two will move forward. The game between Nepal and Indonesia is scheduled for 4:05 PM Nepal time.
The 20th Asian Games women’s volleyball competition features 14 of Asia’s best teams. Although the official opening ceremony took place on Saturday, September 19, several sports events had already begun. Starting today, women’s cricket and teqball tournaments will commence, while basketball, football, and modern pentathlon events will also take place.
An expert team investigating the continuous smoke observed for six months at a cliff in eastern Nawalparasi suspects that chemical reactions involving coal-bearing rocks and minerals are generating the smoke and heat. Geologists Prakash Luintel from the Department of Mines and Geology and Shashi Tamang from Dhaudawi Iron Company Limited conducted on-site monitoring, collected samples, and are currently analyzing rocks and water from the area.
The research team reported finding carbonaceous elements typical of coal within the local rock formations. According to the experts, the smoke is emanating in large quantities from beneath the ground in the Ghangi Cliff area, ward number 6 of Hupsekot Rural Municipality, with an accompanying rise in temperature.
“The surrounding trees and foliage are at risk of easily catching fire,” explained geologist Luintel. “We have also detected a change in the water quality, which has become acidic.” The study revealed the presence of residual carbon-rich rock, and there is a possibility of minerals such as pyrite. “Carbon-rich rocks do not burn completely, but when they smolder, they continuously emit smoke. If pyrite is present, sulfur may also be involved, which reacts with oxygen and water to produce heat and smoke,” Luintel added.
Local residents have noted that the quantity of smoke increases significantly with rainfall. “Before the monsoon, only a small amount of smoke was visible, but it expanded substantially once the rains arrived. No matter how heavy the rain, the smoke seems to intensify accordingly,” said local resident Phulmaya Roka Bik. The smoke-emitting site has attracted a growing number of visitors. Luintel cautioned against approaching the area due to potentially hazardous gases, advising locals to avoid using the water there. “We have issued warnings not to go near or use the water, and we are preparing a report on the potential risks,” he stated.
The carbonized rocks in the area may contain a small quantity of low-grade coal. However, preliminary findings show no evidence of petroleum or natural gas deposits. “We have not detected the presence of petroleum or natural gas in the vicinity. The carbon-rich rocks resemble low-moisture coal but are neither suitable for consumption nor commercial use,” Luintel clarified.
Videos capturing smoke and flames from the area have gone viral on social media, with some people expressing fears of a dormant volcano. However, department geologist Luintel dismissed this concern, emphasizing that the region’s geology is not conducive to volcanic activity. “There is no need to worry about a volcano here,” he assured.
Local inhabitants report that the smoke has been visible since mid-March. The smoke intensified following a landslide that displaced soil. Initially, the phenomenon was disregarded as a fire, but when herders observed smoke emerging directly from the rocks, the search and investigation commenced. Resident Rana Bik mentioned that similar smoke had been seen on a nearby mountain about one kilometer away but reportedly stopped afterwards.
Thanks to Raphinha’s hat-trick, Barcelona overwhelmed Racing de Santander with a 7–2 victory, marking their sixth consecutive win in La Liga. Playing on home soil, Barcelona took full control in the first half through goals from João Cancelo, Raphinha, Gabriel Jesus, and Lamine Yamal, securing a commanding 4–1 lead by halftime. With this win, Barcelona has accumulated 18 points from six matches, leading the La Liga standings, while second-placed Real Madrid has 15 points.
From the outset, Barcelona displayed an aggressive attacking approach. João Cancelo opened the scoring in the eighth minute, followed by Raphinha extending the lead with a penalty in the 25th minute. Although Maguet Gueye pulled one back for Racing, an own goal by Asier Villalibre in the 36th minute and Raphinha’s second goal further stretched Barcelona’s lead to 4–1 at halftime.
In the second half, Yasir Jabiri added another goal for the visitors, but Raphinha completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 67th minute. Subsequent goals from Gabriel Jesus and Lamine Yamal sealed a comprehensive victory for Barcelona. This season, Raphinha has scored 11 goals across all competitions, including 9 in La Liga. Under coach Hans-Dieter Flick, the team has impressed by scoring 33 goals in seven matches, maintaining a strong performance.
Image caption, Kibrom Kinfe Aregawi was among five Ethiopians sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia this June for cannabis traffickingArticle Information
“We performed all the rituals to comfort the family and help accept his death, but it won’t bring me peace,” says Kinfe Aregawi, mourning his son Kibrom’s passing.
“This regret and sorrow will stay with me for life.”
Kibrom Kinfe Aregawi was one of five Ethiopians sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia in June this year for cannabis trafficking.
Saudi Arabia ranks alongside China and Iran among the world’s leading countries issuing death penalties.
According to Human Rights Watch, Saudi Arabia carried out 116 executions by July 27 this year.
‘Punishment Extending to Families?’
Image caption, Proper burial is an important spiritual ritual for Orthodox Christians in Ethiopia, where the body is wrapped in a shroud and placed in a wooden coffin
In Ethiopian Orthodox Christian tradition, proper burial in a resting place with the body wrapped in a cloth and placed in a wooden coffin is highly significant.
However, the body of 25-year-old Kibrom Kinfe Aregawi has not been returned home, preventing these religious rites.
“Refusing to return the body is not just an administrative matter; it punishes not only the individual but also their family,” says Dua Zaini, Senior Researcher at the European Saudi Organization for Human Rights (ESOHR).
The organization advocates for victims of severe human rights abuses.
Nazila Ghanea, the UN’s Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion, describes Saudi Arabia’s practice of withholding bodies as “torture and ill-treatment.”
The five Ethiopians sentenced to death were neither given prior warning nor were their personal belongings returned to their families. Death certificates were also withheld.
Different Individuals, Same Story
Image source, Mebrahtom
Image caption, Kibrom Kinfe Aregawi’s mother states her son was framed
Kibrom first traveled illegally to Saudi Arabia with his father Kinfe in 2020.
They were arrested, imprisoned for 15 months, and deported.
Due to the civil war in Ethiopia, Kibrom had to return to Saudi Arabia again.
He crossed the Red Sea and boarded a crowded boat to Yemen on foot.
In 2023, upon crossing the border, he was caught by Saudi authorities and charged with drug trafficking.
According to Kinfe, after three months in jail, the death sentence was imposed. He spent three years in prison before being sentenced to death in June.
“He was unable to speak to us. I learned about his death through social media,” Kinfe said.
Kinfe believes his son was falsely accused.
“There is no evidence that my son was involved in cannabis trafficking,” Kinfe asserts.
Image caption, Kinfe continues to suffer as proper funeral rites were never held for Kibrom
On the same day and in the same prison, Sigabu Gebremariam was similarly convicted and sentenced to death on the same charges.
Twenty-six-year-old Gebremariam was from rural central Tigray, Ethiopia, and was the eldest of eight children.
His father Hagos Gebremeskel said his son left home at 18 to seek employment in Saudi Arabia, hoping to escape unemployment and the civil war.
“There is limited work for youth in our area. He went to Saudi Arabia hoping to help me,” Hagos said.
He told us Sigabu planned to return soon and get married.
His mother Letekristos Gebretsadik was searching for a marriage partner for him but ultimately had to prepare for his funeral.
“I have daughters, he was my only son. My daughters are hopeful he would return soon; they were preparing for his wedding. Their grief is greater than mine,” she said.
Image source, Family supplied
Image caption, Sigabu Gebremariam spent three years in prison before his execution
After learning of Sigabu’s execution, his Ethiopian Orthodox Christian family held a symbolic funeral at their local church.
“I want to know why his body hasn’t returned home,” says Letekristos.
Sigabu’s parents have appealed to Saudi authorities for proof of guilt and suspect their son was framed for others’ benefit.
According to Amnesty International’s report last year, 75% of foreigners on death row in Saudi Arabia for drug offenses are foreign nationals.
Researcher Zaini says, “Criminal gangs exploit vulnerable people. Some Ethiopians are coerced into smuggling across borders, while some Pakistanis are pressured or promised jobs to carry prohibited goods.”
There Are Laws, But…
Image source, Mebrahtom
Image caption, Kibrom’s father says he is unsettled about whether his son’s soul will find peace
ESOHR estimates that since King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud ascended to the throne in 2015, over 2,000 people have been executed in Saudi Arabia, 42% of whom were foreigners.
In 2025 alone, Saudi Arabia executed 356 individuals, the highest number in a single year.
Saudi law allows authorities to repatriate bodies at embassy expense, but Zaini notes that this never happens.
“We are not aware of any case where a prisoner’s body was returned to their family after execution. The same applies to cases involving Saudi nationals,” she stated.
Families from countries like Turkey and Jordan have campaigned for the return of prisoners’ bodies but were unsuccessful.
Image source, Kinfe Aregawi
Image caption, Kinfe Aregawi says he has yet to come to terms with the loss
Requests for comment from Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Saudi Embassy in London went unanswered.
When announcing the death sentence of a Saudi citizen for cannabis trafficking, the Ministry of Interior quoted Quranic verses calling for severe punishment for those who spread corruption on earth.
The government has committed to protecting citizens and residents from narcotics and firmly vows strict penalties for traffickers and illegal trade.
Saudi Arabia’s Ethiopian Embassy was also approached for comment.
Saudi Arabia does not disclose the number of prisoners currently on death row, but human rights activists estimate it is in the hundreds.
Joy Shia, a researcher in Human Rights Watch’s Middle East and North Africa division, says, “Death sentences in Saudi Arabia are carried out secretly without prior notice. This leaves inmates and their families insufficient time to prepare, infringing upon their rights.”
Image caption, Prisoners in Saudi Arabia often have to endure crowded living conditions
‘Praying for a Miracle’
The secrecy surrounding death row inmates makes their situation even more difficult.
One inmate, who spoke under anonymity and was arrested in 2023 for drug trafficking, admitted guilt but hopes for clemency.
He has witnessed 15 fellow inmates executed this year and fears he may be next.
“Every time the guards open the door, I wonder whose turn it will be,” he said.
He clings to hope for a miracle and prays for some relief.
At the very least, he wishes for his remains to be returned to his family if the worst occurs.
“I fear my parents won’t even get to see my body,” he told us.
Our channel also hosts content in Nepali on YouTube. To subscribe and watch videos click here. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Our Nepali service can also be heard Monday through Friday at 8:45 PM on the radio.
Kapilvastu 11 defeated Phulbari Gaiz Butwal by a margin of 5–3 in the opening match of the 24th Lisnu Cup Knockout Football Tournament held in Kotihawa, Tilottama-15, Rupandehi. Krishna Ale scored four goals for Kapilvastu, earning him the Man of the Match award. The tournament features 12 teams competing for a grand prize of NPR 351,111 along with trophies, medals, and certificates for the winners and NPR 201,111 for the runners-up.
Krishna Ale contributed goals in the 1st, 9th, 30th, and 45th minutes, securing an early lead for Kapilvastu 11. Additionally, Manish Tharu added another goal. For Phulbari, Sandeep Karki, Saroj Gurung, and Anoj Gaire each scored a goal. Teams from Rupandehi, Chitwan, Kaski, Syangja, West Nawalparasi, Palpa, and Kapilvastu are participating in this tournament. The next match on Thursday will feature the host Lisnu Youth Club against Palpa 11.
The tournament winner will receive NPR 351,111 along with trophies, medals, and certificates, while the runner-up gets NPR 201,111 and similar awards. Special prizes of NPR 11,000 each will be awarded to the best goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, top scorer, and emerging player. The best player of each match will receive NPR 5,000, according to the organizers. The opening ceremony was conducted by Jageshwadevi Chaudhary, Deputy Mayor of Tilottama Municipality. On this occasion, the club also distributed bicycles to two students.
According to reports, the ICC has granted permission to host the League 2 triangular One Day International (ODI) series between Nepal, Canada, and Oman, scheduled to begin on October 9, in Oman. Despite discussions to relocate the series due to security concerns in the Strait of Hormuz, Canada’s The Toronto Sun has confirmed the ICC’s final approval to hold the series in Oman. Canada has announced a 24-member preliminary squad and is set to commence a three-week training camp. This League 2 series holds significant importance for Oman, Canada, and Nepal in the overall standings. Kathmandu, September 16.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) is poised to conduct the upcoming tri-nation ODI series among Nepal, Canada, and Oman next month as part of the Cricket World Cup League 2. While there had been speculation about moving the series elsewhere due to escalating security concerns around the Strait of Hormuz, the ICC has ultimately endorsed Oman as the host venue, as reported by Canada’s The Toronto Sun. The series will start on October 9, with Canada preparing by naming a 24-man preliminary squad and organizing a three-week training camp.
This series is crucial for all three teams’ positions in the League 2 points table. Currently, Oman stands fourth with 31 points from 28 matches, Canada is sixth with 25 points from 32 matches, and Nepal sits seventh with 24 points from 32 matches. The Nepalese team, having won the ACC Premier Cup and thereby qualifying for the Asia Cup, has recently shifted focus briefly towards the Asian Games before returning their attention to the 50-over League 2 campaign. The ICC is yet to release the detailed match schedule for the series to be held in Oman.
Nabil Fahmy, Secretary-General of the Arab League, has strongly condemned the attempted drone attack in Mecca, one of Islam’s holiest sites located near Saudi Arabia. He denounced the drone attack, reportedly carried out by Yemeni Houthi rebels targeting the city of Mecca. In a statement, Secretary-General Fahmy emphasized that the security of Mecca and the sanctity of Islamic holy sites are “extremely serious matters.”
Fahmy praised the Saudi Air Force for successfully thwarting the attack attempt. He warned that the ongoing assaults by Houthi rebels on Saudi territory pose a threat to regional security and stability. Over the past few weeks, the Arab League has repeatedly condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, raising awareness about their potentially adverse effects on regional peace. Meanwhile, spokespeople for the Houthi rebels have denied any involvement in the drone attack.
