The Supreme Court of India has ruled that individuals who convert to another religion cannot claim caste-based reservation benefits. The court upheld the Madras High Court’s decision, which invalidated the Tamil Nadu government’s move to grant reservation to persons who had converted to Islam. Rejecting petitions based on the Constitution and principles relating to caste reservations, the court clarified that social backwardness does not automatically transfer with conversion to another religion.
The Supreme Court stated that an individual belonging to a socially backward class or Scheduled Caste under the Hindu social order, upon converting to another religion, is not entitled to reservation benefits based on their previous social status. The Madras High Court had earlier struck down the Tamil Nadu government’s policy of providing reservation to converts to Islam. In line with constitutional provisions and established principles of caste reservation, the Supreme Court dismissed the related petitions.
According to the court, social backwardness based on caste in the Hindu social system does not automatically carry over after adopting another faith. Therefore, individuals from backward classes or Scheduled Castes who convert to a different religion cannot claim reservation on that basis. This verdict offers a significant legal interpretation regarding the connection between religious conversion and caste-based reservation in India.
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia emerged as winners of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Sub-Regional Qualifiers held in Malaysia. From Sub-Regional Qualifier ‘A’, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, along with Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Malaysia from Qualifier ‘B’, have secured their places in the 2027 Asia Regional Final. The teams advancing from the Regional Final will compete in the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier, while Nepal will enter the Global Qualifier directly.
Kuwait and Saudi Arabia topped the Asia Sub-Regional Qualifiers within the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup qualification pathway. Both teams claimed the championship in their respective qualifiers held in Malaysia, guaranteeing their participation in the 2027 Asia Regional Final. In Sub-Regional Qualifier ‘A’, Kuwait finished first, Bahrain second, and Qatar third—these three teams will advance to the Regional Final. Meanwhile, in Sub-Regional Qualifier ‘B’, Saudi Arabia secured first place, Hong Kong second, and hosts Malaysia third.
Thus, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, and Malaysia will compete in the 2027 Asia Regional Final. Adnan Idris of Kuwait was named the best player in Qualifier ‘A’, while Virandeep Singh from Malaysia received the same honor in Qualifier ‘B’. Kuwait’s captain Mohammad Aslam described winning the title as a proud moment for his team, attributing their success to clear strategies, disciplined preparation, trust in players, and a strong team culture. Saudi Arabia’s captain Wazi ul Hasan highlighted the achievement as a historic milestone in his country’s cricket history, noting that winning their first ICC tournament title reflects the team’s hard work and dedication.
The competitions took place across three venues in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—the Biomass Oval, UKM Oval, and STC Oval—with 13 teams playing a total of 36 matches across two different qualifiers. The Regional Final will determine which teams advance to the 2028 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier. Nepal, however, will progress directly to the Global Qualifier stage.
Preliminary studies by the Water Resources and Hydrology Research Center indicate that the flood in Gorakh’s Budhigandaki River was caused by a landslide similar to the devastating Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood on September 10. Senior hydrology expert Vinod Parajuli of the center stated that additional satellite imagery is being analyzed to prepare a detailed report on the causes of the landslide and flood. “It appears a large area of permafrost (frozen ground) collapsed from an altitude of approximately 5,000 meters. As it descended, it triggered further landslides,” Parajuli explained. “Therefore, the Budhigandaki flood bears many similarities to the Rasuwa-Bhotekoshi flood.”
Given this similarity, how was a large-scale human and material loss like that seen in the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood avoided in the Budhigandaki event? Experts have highlighted several possibilities. While over 1,400 deaths have been confirmed and more than 5,000 remain missing due to the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood, authorities reported only five people uncontactable following the Budhigandaki flood.
Experts have noted that the speed of the Budhigandaki flood was significantly lower compared to the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli event. Vasant Raj Parajuli, Executive Director of the Disaster Studies Center at the Engineering Institute Pulchowk, explained that landslides temporarily dammed the river in Budhigandaki, reducing the flood’s velocity and thereby mitigating damage to some extent. “Since the flood contained more sediment than water, it flowed more slowly, which limited its destructive impact on the lower Budhigandaki areas,” he said.
Additionally, experts pointed out that the quantity of sediment like silt, stones, sand, and rock particles accompanying the flood was less in Budhigandaki compared to Bhotekoshi. Hydrology expert Parajuli also noted the presence of abundant black soil in the Budhigandaki flood area. Earlier studies estimated the average speed of the Bhotekoshi-Trishuli flood at around 100 kilometers per hour. Preliminary findings indicate that the Budhigandaki flood moved at a speed between 40 to 50 kilometers per hour. However, as the exact initiation time of the flood remains uncertain, the research center continues efforts to determine its actual speed accurately.
In the UEFA Champions League, former champions Paris Saint-Germain defeated Manchester City 4-2 at the latter’s home ground. Real Madrid made a remarkable comeback, overcoming a 3-1 deficit until the 81st minute to win 4-3 against Roma. Despite Erling Haaland scoring twice, City could not avoid defeat on home turf.
For PSG, Xavi Simons, Kylian Mbappé, and Vitinha secured a commanding 3-0 lead within the first 32 minutes. Magnus Ahlund added a goal in the second half, and although Haaland scored twice for City, it was not enough to prevent the loss. Real Madrid’s Arda Güler scored the decisive goal in the 90th minute, securing a thrilling victory over Roma.
Until the 81st minute, Real Madrid trailed Roma 3-1. However, goals from Carlos Esprille at the 82nd and Andrik at the 85th minute leveled the match. Ultimately, Güler’s late goal clinched the win. For Roma, Marten de Roon opened the scoring, with Davyan Malen adding two more goals. In other matches, Liverpool defeated Austria’s LASK 6-3, while Aston Villa thrashed Fenerbahçe 6-0.
Schools were closed. The internet was partially shut down. Cargo containers blocked roads. The army entered the city.
In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), traditionally a stronghold of Pakistan’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan’s party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), such scenes have unfolded. A state of emergency was declared and the provincial government led by PTI was suspended.
This marks another dramatic turn in the ongoing confrontation between Khan’s supporters and the federal government, raising fears it may increase instability rather than contain it.
The federal government stated this constitutional move was necessary to protect provincial citizens from terrorist threats.
Federal Information Minister Atta Tarar alleged to journalists on Sunday, “The PTI government in KP has colluded with terrorists.”
However, Tarar did not provide concrete evidence or detailed allegations and promised to share information soon. Two days later, no such details have emerged.
The police have not confirmed any arrests. Strict action has been taken to suppress protests. Most PTI leaders in the province have gone into hiding.
On Tuesday, in Bara district of Khyber—the home district of the provincial Chief Minister Sohail Afridi—PTI supporters took to the streets, where reports of tear gas use surfaced.
Why the Additional Crackdown on the “Powerful”?
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
For many observers, the state of emergency declared on Sunday was no coincidence.
Thousands of Imran Khan’s supporters have been protesting in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for the past week, demanding his release. The province has been under PTI control for 13 years.
In this context, “The government’s federal approach appears deceptive,” says Farzana Sheikh, a Chatham House associate fellow.
Journalist and analyst Arifa Noor also contends that the recent measures are not linked to terrorism.
“I am not convinced this was done because of [Khan supporters’] ‘long march’,” she says. “This might be a final blow, or a tactic to keep the opposition under pressure and maintain government stability.”
The protests were led by Chief Minister Afridi, whose current whereabouts are unknown.
PTI claims he has been detained; the government states he is under protective custody.
Crackdown began even before the protests started. Three of Khan’s sisters were arrested in September and remain in custody.
Last year, Khan’s family and lawyers had rare visit access to him. Reports indicated two sisters visited in August: one in jail, another after the Supreme Court ordered a medical checkup due to Khan’s health concerns.
He has since been returned to prison, where he has been held for three years.
Khan is believed to have lost power due to a fallout with Pakistan’s powerful military. He has been incarcerated since August 2023.
Khan has been found guilty in multiple corruption cases, which he claims are politically motivated.
Why take such a tough stance when the party seems increasingly weakened?
“As concerns about Imran Khan’s health grow, PTI activists are restless,” says Michael Kugelman, South Asia director at the Atlantic Council. “This seems a warning to the party and an effort to pressure the government.”
Power Balance Favors Military Establishment?
Image source, EPA
Previously, the government accused Khan of violating jail rules by conducting political meetings behind bars.
Information Minister Tarar stated that the state of emergency was a non-political move, “They could have continued their march.”
He indicated attempts to initiate dialogue between the two sides.
Others, however, view it as another effort to clamp down on Khan and his party.
“There is little room for dissent or opposition, and the government does not want to use dialogue to ease tensions,” Noor says.
Islamabad-based writer and defense analyst Zahid Hussain notes that the decision clearly shows military influence.
He says, “The power balance has shifted towards the military.”
Chatham House fellow Sheikh adds, “The military has confidence due to its strong relationship with the American White House and its role in Middle East peace talks.”
She stresses the situation is being kept under control to avoid escalation and believes the challenge will be met internationally.
Yet Pakistan faces numerous challenges. Extremism is rising. The Global Terrorism Index 2026 ranks Pakistan among the most affected countries.
Tensions persist with neighbor Afghanistan, marked by repeated airstrikes and accusations of harboring extremists by the Taliban, which they deny.
The border dispute with India has also reignited.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has pledged support to Saudi Arabia as conflict intensifies against Houthi rebels.
Some warn that this state of emergency might create more challenges rather than solve existing problems.
What Gives Rise to a Worsening Situation?
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock
This move carries a risk of increasing political instability, as Islamabad is assuming direct responsibility over a province without a mediating mechanism.
“I believe this could backfire,” Kugelman says. “It’s like playing with fire—if this action inflames public anger, major problems could arise.”
Zahid Hussain sees another serious risk. “Given the country’s circumstances, this is an irresponsible step,” he says.
Farzana Sheikh compares this risk to escalating military intervention.
“If the military is deployed, casualties must be accepted,” she explains.
Until then, questions may emerge within the military establishment.
Pakistan has historically experienced military coups and removal of provincial or national governments, often resulting in negative outcomes.
Senior leaders of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz acknowledge some issues may cause future problems but concede that this is a huge crisis that can’t be stopped,” says Arifa Noor.
Khan’s party also recognizes that he cannot be removed through protest demonstrations.
“This is the most tragic aspect—we are moving forward fully aware and not with eyes closed,” she says. “It’s like a train wreck that is impossible to stop.”
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Sydney – Travelers departing from Sydney Airport on Friday may face potential delays at security checkpoints. Hundreds of employees responsible for security screening, employed by a service company, have announced a strike scheduled for Friday, October 16, due to disputes over wages and employment conditions. According to the Transport Workers Union (TWU), the strike will take place from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., affecting both domestic and international terminals.
The employees are demanding an increase in full-time employment opportunities, fairer work schedules, and a halt to reduced working hours for part-time staff. The union has pointed out that workers are adversely affected by insecure job schedules and employment instability. It emphasizes that while Sydney Airport generates significant profits, the workers responsible for ensuring passenger security should receive fair remuneration and job security.
Michael Kaine, National Secretary of TWU, accused the airport management of pressuring contracted companies to cut costs, which has negatively impacted employee wages and benefits. A spokeswoman for Sydney Airport acknowledged awareness of the industrial action planned for Friday and said they are collaborating with relevant parties to minimize potential disruption to passengers.
The airport has advised travelers to allocate extra time for their journeys and to stay updated through their airline’s communications. Since negotiations between the parties remain ongoing, there is a possibility of changes to the strike situation. Therefore, passengers traveling from Sydney Airport on Friday are encouraged to check flight information via airline apps or official sources and plan to arrive at the airport well in advance as necessary.
Billionaire Elon Musk has suggested that the recent slowdown in the speed of some Ukrainian weapons and restrictions on connections through the Starlink internet network may be influenced by the US government.
The drones operated to damage Russian targets and maintain Ukrainian air defenses rely heavily on Starlink, which is an extremely crucial tool for Kyiv.
However, Ukraine reported Tuesday night that unexpected new restrictions on drone speed have started to affect the ongoing conflict.
A Ukrainian presidential advisor stated these restrictions are unlikely to be coincidental and linked to rising tensions between Kyiv and Washington.
According to Musk, the military-grade sister service of Starlink, Starshield, which is controlled by the US government, has speed and usage limits that “are determined by the US military and the President.”
Request from Ukraine
In response to appeals from Ukrainian officials and President Zelensky to restore connectivity, Musk posted on social media platform X.
Regarding Ukraine’s request, President Zelensky told British media, “I hope it’s either a mistake or a major technical issue. I’m not sure, but we are requesting the restoration.”
SpaceX-operated Starlink on Tuesday night limited the speed to 100 mph, meaning weapons moving faster than that lost connectivity with the network.
Former Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported that by Wednesday evening, connectivity had been partially restored.
“Completely lifting the Starshield speed limit is extremely important for Ukraine’s security,” he wrote on X and also expressed gratitude to Musk for his continued support.
Musk’s Defense
About an hour later, Musk defended his company’s role through social media.
“Starshield systems are owned and controlled by the US government. Any limits on speed or use are determined by the US military and ultimately the US President,” he stated.
Starlink is “only for non-military and defensive purposes and cannot be used for offensive military actions because such behaviour would be inappropriate for a commercial company.”
The US government has not yet issued an official response on the matter.
The restrictions imposed Tuesday night followed a deadly attack Russia launched against Ukraine, which resulted in numerous civilian casualties in Kyiv.
Officials reported that communication and energy centers used by the Ukrainian military were targeted.
President Zelensky described the Russian assault as “one of the largest attacks” on Ukraine, adding that “many drones were shot down” and “some successfully hit their targets.”
At least 600,000 people in Ukraine were left without electricity. They had received no prior warning of the incoming drone attack.
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Smoke and haze from wildfires raging across Indonesia have pushed pollution levels in Singapore to the highest this year, while East Timor has decided to close schools for three days. Cross-border air pollution is set to be a key topic of discussion at the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting next month, increasing regional pressure on Indonesia. (October 16, Kathmandu)
As the long-lasting wildfires intensify, the smoke and haze spreading from Indonesia have affected various Southeast Asian countries. Singapore’s air pollution reached its peak levels this year, and East Timor has opted to suspend in-person classes for three days. According to Reuters, on Wednesday, the PM2.5 measurement in western Singapore rose to 284 micrograms per cubic meter for one hour, placing it in the “hazardous” category set by Singapore’s national environment agency.
East Timor’s government announced that due to pollutants from wildfires either in neighboring areas or within its own territory, schools will halt direct teaching from October 15 for three days. Although Indonesia is not explicitly named in the official statement, East Timor’s main island is adjacent to Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province. Indonesia is currently facing its worst wildfires in 11 years, leading to a significant surge in respiratory illnesses.
By October 12, respiratory cases related to the fires and haze had reached 277,075 across seven Indonesian provinces. Local media have released footage showing thick yellow haze engulfing the city of Palangka Raya in Central Kalimantan. Indonesian President Joko Widodo has instructed the deployment of additional resources to control the wildfires.
According to a spokesperson for the Disaster Management Agency, controlling fires beneath the surface in peat soil—organic, swampy earth—is particularly challenging. These underground fires can smolder for extended periods and may reignite anytime. Diplomatic pressure on Indonesia is mounting rapidly, with plans to raise the issue of transboundary air pollution at the upcoming ASEAN summit.
Following the issuance of two ordinances related to land and forests, officials have expressed hope that the longstanding issue of landlessness can be resolved within two years. Balbhadra Bastola, Chairperson of the Land Problem Resolution Committee, stated that these two ordinances are deeply connected to resolving the squatter problem. “They address various issues related to unplanned settlements. I am confident that all matters can be resolved within two years,” Bastola said.
On Tuesday, President Ram Chandra Paudel promulgated the Forest (Amendment) Ordinance 2083 and the Land (Amendment) Ordinance 2083, which amend several Nepal Acts related to forest and land. The problem of landless citizens has remained a complex social and legal issue for decades. Particularly, legal provisions concerning forests, buffer zones, and protected areas have made it difficult to grant land ownership to residents in those regions.
According to Committee Chair Bastola, the committee is actively handling over 1.3 million applications from landless and unplanned settlers. However, many landless citizens remain unconvinced. While officials are hopeful for a resolution within two years, squatter rights activists express skepticism. Dal Mardan Kami, Kathmandu Valley In-charge of the Squatter National Front, noted that past experience shows legal provisions alone do not guarantee resolution. “Recently, the government bulldozed the Kathmandu squatter settlement promising to resolve the issue within 15 days, but nothing has happened so far,” he said.
Regarding the main provisions of the ordinance, Chair Bastola explained that it enhances access towards solving squatter and unplanned settler issues. He highlighted three primary points: “First, it provides arrangements to allocate land for residence in three forest-related types of areas. Even if the land is recorded as forest, land can be allocated where settlements already exist. Likewise, those who settled before Magh 28, 2066 (February 11, 2010) are eligible to receive land within protected areas.”
On Wednesday, North Korea successfully conducted tests of two types of strategic cruise missiles capable of being launched from submarines. According to the state media KCNA, the tests took place in the distant seas off North Korea’s eastern coast, with senior military officials present during the operation. North Korea claimed that the tests did not have any negative impact on the security of neighboring countries.
The stated objective of the tests was to assess the effectiveness of its naval capabilities and the reliability of its deterrent weapons. However, North Korea has not disclosed any additional details regarding the specifications of the missiles or the launch procedures. In recent days, the country has accelerated efforts to develop modern missile submarines along with ballistic and cruise missile technologies.
Leader Kim Jong Un has been directly overseeing various strategic ballistic and cruise missile development programs. These submarine-launched missiles are reported to enhance North Korea’s maritime military capabilities and strengthen its defensive capacity against potential attacks.
Former Ireland cricketer Kevin O’Brien has joined Himalaya Sports as a specialist analyst for the third Nepal Premier League (NPL) broadcast. O’Brien will participate throughout the tournament on the program ‘Red Bull Cricket Live, in association with Bajaj Pulsar.’ He has previously gained experience as a player in various franchise cricket competitions held in Nepal.
O’Brien is internationally recognized for his unforgettable innings against England in the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup, where he set a record for the fastest century in World Cup history by scoring 100 runs off just 50 balls. Alongside him, former Star Sports presenter Navneeth Krishna and former Nepal national cricket team player Bardan Chalise will also be part of the analyst panel.
Himalaya Sports is preparing to include more celebrated international and Nepali cricket personalities in its broadcast panel in the coming days, reaffirming its commitment to providing Nepalese cricket fans with a world-class viewing experience. Through ‘Red Bull Cricket Live,’ viewers will receive detailed pre- and post-match analysis, strategic discussions, and expert perspectives.
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that due to intense conflict in Yemen, 800,000 individuals have been deprived of lifesaving food assistance. Constant shifts in the frontlines, blocked roads, and deteriorating security conditions are severely hindering the delivery of aid to key areas, the agency reported.
According to the WFP, the crisis is most acute in the country’s third-largest city, Taiz. Ongoing fighting and road closures have completely blocked humanitarian access to areas where thousands of displaced families reside. In Taiz alone, over 600,000 people are cut off from food aid. The WFP noted that approximately 200,000 of these are women and children.
Access for relief efforts has also recently been obstructed in Yemen’s western coastal region. In areas experiencing worsening food insecurity, flour supplies have run out, and food availability in local markets has declined. This exacerbates the risk of the humanitarian situation deteriorating further. Across Yemen, more than 18 million people lack sufficient food. Recent monitoring reveals that even among families in areas reachable by aid workers, 74 percent are unable to meet their daily food needs, marking the highest proportion recorded to date.
In the latest ICC T20I all-rounder rankings, Nepali captain Dipendra Singh Aire has slipped from fourth to fifth place. Dipendra holds a rating of 255 points, while England’s rising star, Rashid Chase, has climbed to third place following an impressive performance in the T20I series against India. The top spot remains unchanged, with Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza leading with 321 rating points.
Kathmandu, 14 October – Captain of the Nepalese T20I cricket team, Dipendra Singh Aire, has dropped one position in the ICC T20I all-rounder rankings. Based on the ICC update till Tuesday, the new ranking released on Wednesday places Dipendra fifth with a rating score of 255. Nepal’s men’s team has not participated in any recent T20I matches following their appearance in the Asian Games.
Below Dipendra in the rankings, England’s Rashid Chase is currently playing in the ongoing T20I series against India. Due to his outstanding performances in the series, Chase has risen to the third spot, while Dipendra’s ranking has fallen to fifth. The top of the all-rounder rankings remains occupied by Zimbabwe’s Sikandar Raza at 321 points. Pakistan’s Sayem Ayub holds the second position.
In the U-21 singles category, Ruvin Maharjan secured the gold medal in the boys’ event, while Ivana Thapa claimed gold in the girls’ event. Both players represented AVM at the Nepal Youth Table Tennis Championship on Wednesday. In the U-21 boys’ singles, Gunanjay Dahal finished second, with Samir Khatri and Rijan Shakya taking third place. On the girls’ side, Bianca Rai earned the silver medal, and Asma Pahari alongside Saira Shakya secured joint third positions.
AVM’s Prajwal Bhattarai won the gold medal in the U-17 boys’ singles category. The championship featured a total of six events and carried a prize fund of NPR 200,000. The competition was held on October 14 in Kathmandu.
The event took place at the National Table Tennis Training Center in Lainchaur. In the U-21 boys’ singles, Gunanjay Dahal of Nepal Police was runner-up, while Samir Khatri from Vision Table Tennis Club and Rijan Shakya of YAL Table Tennis finished third. In the U-21 girls’ singles, Bianca Rai of AVM took second place, followed by Asma Pahari and Saira Shakya, also from AVM, in third place.
The Nepal Table Tennis Pvt. Ltd. organized the tournament. In the U-17 boys’ singles, Prajwal Bhattarai of AVM won gold, Rijan Shakya of YAL took silver, and Nischal Thapa from Stag Champions Table Tennis Club along with Rivaanmuni Bajracharya of YAL earned bronze medals. This two-day competition comprised six categories in total. Earlier in the tournament, Saira Shakya won the gold medal in the U-13 and U-17 girls’ singles, while Rivaanmuni Bajracharya took gold in the U-13 boys’ singles category.
The winners were awarded by Ramcharitra Mehta, Member-Secretary of the National Sports Council (Rakhope), Siddhi Byanjankar, Chief Advisor of the Ministry of Education and Sports, and Sikka Suwal Shrestha, Executive Committee Member of Rakhope. The total prize money allocated for the event was NPR 200,000.
Persons with disabilities are disproportionately affected during disasters. Those residing in areas impacted by floods last September are in urgent need of additional support. What issues do disasters pose for people with disabilities, and how can these be addressed? On this topic, Manika Bishwakarma spoke with Pratima Gurung, President of the Indigenous Disabled Women’s Association.
