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Tag: special

Who is Neha Bora, Known as the ‘Sherni’ at the Jantar Mantar Protest?

Massive protests have erupted in New Delhi demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Neha Bora, the 29-year-old national president of the All India Students Association (AISA), has been at the forefront of these demonstrations and was seen fleeing from the police during the clashes. Active in student movements since 2018, Neha rose to national prominence after a 23-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.

On October 15, Kathmandu time, protests continued in New Delhi calling for the resignation of India’s Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar amid allegations of irregularities in the Special Intensive Review process. During the protests, a woman captured widespread attention when police detained her and placed her on a police vehicle. This woman was Neha Bora, the 29-year-old national president of the All India Students Association (AISA). Thousands of her video clips have gone viral on social media, with many dubbing her the ‘Sherni’ (lioness).

Neha Bora was born in Khatima, Uttarakhand. Her family frequently relocated due to her father’s service in the Indian Army. She completed her class 10, 11, and 12 education in Bengal, where she read works by Charu Mazumdar, Pablo Neruda, and Arundhati Roy among others. She later earned a bachelor’s degree from Delhi University and a postgraduate degree from Ambedkar University, focusing on performance studies. Neha became politically active as a student at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and affiliated herself with the leftist student organization AISA.

Neha has been actively participating in campus movements since 2018. She first entered national discourse during protests against the Ministry of Education over the leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) papers. Despite losing 8 kilograms during a 23-day hunger strike, her resolve remained unwavering. The protest efforts led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Currently, Neha is vocal in opposing Gyanesh Kumar, continuing to raise her voice unabated. She stated, “When the rights of citizens are violated in the country, true representatives of the people come out on the streets.”

During Saturday’s main protest, Neha was at the forefront wearing a red T-shirt when she was taken into custody. She remarked, “I am not a professional runner, but I have become one while running to demand Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation.” Following her detention, she posted a video questioning, “Are police vehicles turning into jails?” While Neha Bora’s future remains uncertain, she has become a strong symbol of India’s youth protests today.

Wildfires in Indonesia’s Kalimantan Blanket City in Yellow Smoke

Dense, orange-colored smoke has engulfed the city of Kalimantan in Indonesia due to wildfires. Residents have been capturing photos and videos of the surroundings and sharing them on social media. The fires spreading from nearby forest areas have created this hazardous condition. According to the Ministry of Environment, the air pollution index in the region exceeded 1,200 on Wednesday, while levels above 300 are considered ‘hazardous.’ Reports indicate that the pollution has also spread to neighboring Malaysia and Singapore.

Abhijit Deepak Questions Why Gyanesh Kumar Is More Important to Modi Than the National Flag

29 Ashwin, Kathmandu – Abhijit Deepak, founder of the Cockroach Jana Party (CJP), on Thursday launched sharp criticism against the government led by Narendra Modi, calling it a dictatorship. He said, “Narendra Modi has become a dictator, but he does not have the courage to impose an emergency.” He raised concerns over the recent police actions against CJP activists, leftist student organizations, journalists, and civil society members, many of whom have been detained. “If people are going to be detained like this, then declare an emergency. How long will people be fooled?” he questioned.

Just two days ago, CJP co-coordinators Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das were arrested at Jantar Mantar for carrying the national flag and were placed under five days of judicial custody. Referencing this event, Deepak said, “Since when has hoisting the national flag become a crime? This was common during British colonial rule. Now, the Modi and Shah government is doing the same. Today, our own country does not even allow us to hoist the national flag.”

He questioned, “Why has India’s Chief Election Commissioner, Gyanesh Kumar, become more important to Narendra Modi than the national flag?” Deepak accused those running the central government of having no contributions to the freedom struggle. “They never hoisted the national flag at their own branches. It is because Ashutosh and Saurav hoisted the national flag that they faced problems.”

Deepak outlined that India follows the thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi and the constitution drafted by Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar. He condemned the prohibition on using Jantar Mantar as a site for sit-ins and protests and the arrest of CJP leaders, calling for a gathering at Central Park in Connaught Place, Delhi, on Friday, October 16. Last month, the CJP had issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, after which protests began.

Employment in Malaysia: Current Status of Nepal’s Decision to Send Workers Through Only 25 Companies

There remains uncertainty regarding Malaysia’s decision to allow Nepali workers to be sent only through selected manpower agencies, according to diplomatic sources. “So far, they have not shown any indication of reversing their decision,” a source said. Discussions are ongoing about how to proceed, a matter confirmed by officials from the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment. The ministry’s spokesperson, Meera Acharya, stated that efforts are underway to find a mutually acceptable solution for both parties.

Malaysia recently designated 25 Nepali manpower agencies as primary agencies and 250 others as auxiliary ones under its Foreign Workers Centralized Management System (FWCMS). Labour experts from Nepal have suggested adopting a strategy of “collective negotiations” in cooperation with countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, which also send workers to Malaysia. Acharya revealed that Nepal has sent diplomatic notes to Malaysia seeking clarification on the basis of this selection but has yet to receive any response.

“We are investigating the criteria and methodology used to select these companies, which so far remain unavailable,” she said. When queried, the selected Nepali agencies could not provide clear information regarding the criteria either. According to Acharya, 23 out of the 25 companies have requested removal from the list, and written evidence of these requests is secured by the ministry. Although discussions continue, no final decision has been made yet, she added.

Labour experts warn that Malaysia’s move to proceed with Nepali worker recruitment exclusively through this system risks the formation of syndicates. Labour specialist Ganesh Gurung accused the Malaysian government of involving company interests by making such decisions without clear criteria. “Malaysia has implemented a system where higher fees are charged, and instead of regulation, syndicate formations are emerging. Consequently, Nepali companies are participating in this syndicate,” he said. Gurung emphasized that the Malaysian government also bears responsibility in the recruitment process. “There is a problem with Malaysia’s process, which facilitates syndicate formation through various means.”

Roof Collapse at Peshawar School Claims 35 Lives, Over 40 Injured

October 15, Kathmandu — In Peshawar, Pakistan, the death toll has risen to 35 after the roof of a private school collapsed on Thursday. Among the deceased are 34 students and one female teacher, all of whom were 13 years old or younger. The tragic incident occurred in the Deer Colony area. More than 40 people were injured, prompting hospitals to declare an emergency. Doctors and medical staff have been mobilized in trauma wards to provide urgent care.

A large crowd gathered at the school premises following the accident. Rescue operations are ongoing amid concerns that some individuals remain trapped under the debris. Pakistani military personnel are actively assisting relief agencies in extracting children and staff members from the rubble and transporting them to hospitals.

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the human loss caused by this tragedy. He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for their strength during this difficult time. The Prime Minister also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured and directed authorities to ensure the best possible medical care and expedite rescue efforts.

Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, also conveyed his grief and sympathy towards the families of the young victims. He described the loss of innocent children’s lives as a profoundly saddening tragedy and wished for a swift recovery of the wounded. Furthermore, he instructed officials to provide excellent medical treatment and to submit a detailed report on the incident, emphasizing the need to determine the exact cause of the roof collapse.

Real Madrid: The Most Successful Champions League Team With 15 Titles

Real Madrid holds the record as the most successful club in the combined history of the European Cup and UEFA Champions League, having won a total of 15 titles. Since the inception of the Champions League format in the 1992–93 season, Real Madrid has claimed the trophy nine times, while Barcelona has won it four times. Cristiano Ronaldo is the top scorer in Champions League history with 140 goals, and Carlo Ancelotti is the most successful coach, having won five titles.

In European club football’s most prestigious competition, the UEFA Champions League, Spain’s Real Madrid ranks as the most successful team. Counting the earlier European Cup as part of this history, Real Madrid has secured 15 titles. The Italian club AC Milan follows in second place with seven titles, while Liverpool and Bayern Munich each have six.

Started in the 1955–56 season as the European Cup, the competition was rebranded as the UEFA Champions League in 1992–93. To date, 24 clubs from 10 countries have won the European champion title. Real Madrid notably won three consecutive titles from 2016 to 2018. Most recently, in 2024, Real Madrid claimed their 15th title by defeating Borussia Dortmund in the final.

Cristiano Ronaldo holds the individual record for most goals in the UEFA Champions League, having scored 140 goals in the tournament. As a coach, Carlo Ancelotti has won the European Cup and Champions League five times, making him the most successful manager in the competition’s history.

Top Boundary Makers in Nepal Premier League: James Neesham Leads Sixes, Rohit Paudel Dominates Fours

Compiled from various news summaries and editorially reviewed, the Nepal Premier League (NPL) has seen standout performances in its first two editions. James Neesham holds the record for most sixes with 31, while Rohit Paudel leads in fours, hitting a total of 44. Three players have scored centuries in the NPL so far: Andrej Gaus, Mark Watt, and Adam Rossington. In the half-century category, Chitwan Rhinos’ Ravi Bopara is prominent, scoring three half-centuries in the first edition and one in the second.

October 14, Kathmandu – Analysis of statistical data from the 2024 and 2025 NPL seasons reveals that James Neesham tops the six-hitting charts, whereas Rohit Paudel leads with the most fours. Additionally, four batsmen have reached the century milestone across both editions.

In the inaugural 2024 season, James Neesham, playing for Janakpur Bolts, struck 23 sixes. Comparatively, Mark Watt of Karnali Yaks hit 21 sixes during the second season. Combining these figures, Neesham’s total stands at 31 sixes, making him the highest six-hitter across the two seasons.

Regarding fours, Rohit Paudel has excelled, striking 26 fours in 2024 and 18 in 2025, amounting to 44 in total. Following him are Binod Bhandari of Sudurpaschim Royals with 42 fours, Lahiru Milintha from Janakpur Bolts with 38, and Ravi Bopara of Chitwan Rhinos with 36.

In 2025, Adam Rossington of Pokhara Avengers led with 31 fours. Across seven matches, he amassed 323 runs, becoming the leading run-scorer of the competition. When combined with sixes, Rossington registered 50 boundaries in total.

Among the four batsmen who have scored centuries in the NPL, three achieved this feat during the two completed seasons. In 2024, Andrej Gaus from Pokhara Avengers recorded an unbeaten 104 against Lumbini Lions off 55 balls. In 2025, both Mark Watt and Adam Rossington scored centuries—114 and an unbeaten 108 runs respectively.

The inclusion of Watt and Rossington’s centuries in the same season brought the total number of individual centuries in the NPL to three. Gaus’s 104 in the first edition and Watt’s 114 in the second remain among the highest individual scores in the tournament’s history.

In the half-century category, Ravi Bopara leads among Chitwan Rhinos players. He made three half-centuries in the 2024 season and one in 2025. In 2025, Adam Rossington (Pokhara Avengers), Priyank Panchal (Karnali Yaks), Binod Bhandari (Sudurpaschim Royals), and Kushal Bhurtel (Pokhara Avengers) each secured two half-centuries.

Overall, the statistics from both seasons highlight James Neesham’s dominance in sixes, Rohit Paudel’s consistency in fours, and excellent century-making by Andrej Gaus, Mark Watt, and Adam Rossington. Among Nepali players, Rohit Paudel and Binod Bhandari continue to lead in boundary hitting and consistently contribute valuable runs.

Roof Collapse at Private School in Peshawar, Pakistan Claims 29 Lives

Authorities have reported that the collapse of the roof at a private school in Peshawar, Pakistan, resulted in the deaths of at least 28 students and one teacher. Police have arrested the school administrators in connection with the incident. Local officials stated that the accident occurred at 8:48 a.m. local time at the Al-Khair School in Deer Colony.

Rescue workers and local residents continue to search through the rubble amid concerns that children may still be trapped under the debris. According to Mohammad Asim, spokesperson for Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar, at least 19 individuals were injured. The injured children range in age from 6 to 12 years old.

Reporters noted that narrow access roads have complicated rescue efforts, as only one vehicle can pass through at a time to reach the site. The office of Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari issued a statement expressing that this heartbreaking tragedy has deeply shocked the entire nation.

Tenzing Expresses Discontent Over Government Award: Did We Compete in a Lower-Level Event?

Tenzing Sharpa, the karate athlete who won a bronze medal for Nepal at the 20th Asian Games, has expressed dissatisfaction with the government for awarding him only half the prize money stipulated by sports regulations, after taxes. Despite completing the official selection process and representing the country, Tenzing raised questions on social media about the unequal treatment of medal winners.

According to the sports guidelines, an individual bronze medalist is entitled to NPR 1.3 million; however, athletes who win medals without undergoing a selection process receive only half the amount. Kathmandu, 29th Ashoj: At the 20th Asian Games held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan from September 19 to October 4, Nepalese karateka Tenzing Sharpa won a bronze medal but received just half the prize money post-taxation. Tenzing has voiced complaints to the government about receiving only this reduced amount, contrary to sports policy.

On social media, he highlighted the discrepancy in treatment among athletes competing in the same event and questioned its fairness. “If I had competed via a wildcard or without undergoing selection, it might have been different. But I completed the official selection process in Nepal and represented the country. When we compete for our nation, why should the value of our effort, sacrifice, and victory differ?” he asked.

Tenzing emphasized that beyond money, he seeks proper recognition for his hard work and the medal’s true worth. “My humble question to those who make and enforce these rules—Is it right to discriminate among athletes like this? Players competing in the same event, representing the same sport and flag, and sharing the dream of winning medals—how just is it to apply different criteria in awarding prizes?” he wrote. Expressing disappointment over the questions raised about the medal’s honor and valuation, he added, “We felt proud when we won the medal for the country. Now, being questioned about the respect and assessment of that medal has left me somewhat saddened. I hope the relevant authorities understand my sentiment and make a fair decision.”

At the same Games, Nepal’s women’s kabaddi team also claimed a bronze medal. According to the rules, each player in a team event receives a proportionate amount; yet, kabaddi players received only half of the expected NPR 390,000 per athlete. While the government disbursed the prize money for Asian Games medalists promptly this year, athletes have expressed internal dissatisfaction regarding the award distribution.

Iranian Woman Sentenced to Death for Blasphemy Appeals for Justice from Prison

A 23-year-old Iranian woman has been sentenced to death on charges of blasphemy related to social media posts, according to recently released details. From prison, she has maintained her innocence and urged international organizations to conduct a fair investigation into her case, sending an audio message to that effect.

The Iranian government claims that the death penalty is reserved only for the “most serious crimes.” According to the Oslo-based Iran Human Rights organization, the young woman argued that she is innocent and that her alleged blasphemy was unintentional, caused by a slip of the tongue due to a drug-induced condition. However, the court rejected this defense. The organization’s statement also noted that the Supreme Court has not yet confirmed the previous verdict.

Emergency Declared in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Amid Tensions Between Imran Khan Supporters and Military

Following the declaration of emergency in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the provincial government has been suspended. Schools have been closed, internet services partially disrupted, and military patrols increased. The government has accused the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) provincial administration of collaborating with terrorists, with Chief Minister Sohail Afridi taken into custody by security agencies. During the long march demanding the release of Imran Khan, PTI leaders have gone underground, and tear gas has been used against supporters.

The emergency declaration in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has further deepened the diplomatic and political crisis across the country. Schools remain closed and internet access is partially blocked. Freight containers have been placed on roads, and the military is actively patrolling. The Pakistani government says the decision was made under constitutional provisions to ensure the safety of citizens against the “threat of terrorism.” Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has leveled serious accusations against the PTI provincial government for cooperating with terrorists, although no concrete evidence has yet been made public.

The government’s crackdown intensified after thousands of supporters began a “long march” demanding the release of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, who has been leading the protests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where Imran Khan’s party has maintained dominance for 13 years. Afridi was taken into custody by security forces citing “security reasons,” a move also confirmed by the PTI as a detention.

Analysts suggest that the main motive behind declaring the emergency is not terrorism but an attempt to remove the opposition party from power and exert pressure. Farzana Sheikh, Associate Fellow at Chatham House, and defense analyst Arifa Noor described the government’s move as deceptive and a dangerous signal to suppress dissent and democratic voices. The balance of power in Pakistan has shifted decisively in favor of the military.

Miss Nepal World Dipmala Dhakal to Participate in Nepalgunj Marathon

Black belt in Taekwondo and marathon runner Dipmala Dhakal is preparing to run in the 12th edition of the Nepalgunj Marathon with the aim of raising financial support for charitable causes, according to organizers. Dipmala Dhakal, Miss Nepal World 2026, will participate in the marathon held in Nepalgunj on December 12. The organizers state that she intends to run to raise funds for cancer patients and climate awareness. The Nepalgunj Marathon includes 12 categories ranging from a 42-kilometer full marathon to a 2-kilometer family run. (October 15, Nepalgunj)

The organizers have noted that further details regarding Dipmala’s participation will be announced soon. She has already gained experience running in the internationally renowned Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon. According to organizers, this may be the first time a Miss Nepal has participated in any marathon in Nepal. However, every year, Miss Nepals have been invited to the Nepalgunj Marathon to inspire students, youth, and the community.

Additionally, a memorandum of understanding has been signed between Nepalgunj Marathon and The Hidden Treasure to appoint Miss Nepal World as goodwill ambassador. Last year, Miss Nepal World 2025 Luna Luitel and Miss Nepal World 2023 Shrisha Pradhan unofficially completed a 5-kilometer run. This year, Dipmala will run to support philanthropic efforts.

The marathon, which starts at the local BP Chowk, features 12 categories including 42-kilometer men’s open, 21-kilometer women’s open, 10-kilometer men’s open, 10-kilometer women’s open, 5-kilometer men’s open, 5-kilometer women’s open, 5-kilometer school-level boys and girls race, 3-kilometer corporate run, 3-kilometer kids run, 3-kilometer wheelchair run, 2-kilometer family run, and a 3-kilometer Run for All. The Nepalgunj Marathon has been held annually since 2015.

Supreme Court Rules No Caste-Based Reservation After Religious Conversion in India

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 Win ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Asia Sub-Regional Qualifiers

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.

Budhigandaki Flood: How Did the Bhotekoshi Events Help Avert Major Damage?

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.