Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has convened the first round of discussions between political parties and youth representatives following last month’s violent anti-corruption protests that led to the collapse of the previous government. The unrest, which erupted on September 8-9, was sparked by a temporary social media ban but was fueled by long-standing grievances over economic hardship and systemic corruption. The clashes resulted in at least 73 fatalities and left key government institutions, including parliament and courts, in flames. Karki, a former chief justice appointed as interim leader, emphasized the importance of fostering cooperation and trust in a statement on social media. She stated, ‘We have succeeded in creating an environment of cooperation and trust by ending the state of lack of dialogue.’ The four-hour meeting, attended by major political parties and ‘Gen Z’ representatives, aimed to address the deep public distrust in Nepal’s established parties and prepare for the March 2026 elections. Karki pledged to ensure fair, secure, and timely elections while restoring order and addressing demands for clean governance. The meeting also included representatives from the Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist (CPN-UML), led by ousted former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. Ram Rawal, Karki’s media coordinator, noted that the dialogue helped bridge the trust gap between the government, political parties, and the youth. The unrest has further strained Nepal’s fragile economy, with the World Bank reporting that 82% of the workforce is engaged in informal employment and GDP per capita stood at just $1,447 in 2024.
博客
-
Dubai: Sheikh Mohammed announces launch of Dh4.7 billion endowment project
In a landmark announcement, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has revealed the launch of a Dh4.7 billion endowment project under the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. This ambitious endeavor, described as a ‘permanent humanitarian charitable endowment,’ aims to channel its proceeds into global health and education initiatives. The project will feature a state-of-the-art hospital capable of serving 90,000 patients annually, a medical university, schools accommodating over 5,000 students, and residential buildings with 2,000 housing units. Additionally, the endowment district will include a boulevard, charitable commercial shops, and other community-focused facilities. Sheikh Mohammed expressed his gratitude to key contributors, including Azizi Developments, and emphasized the importance of sustaining goodness in the nation of generosity and giving. This announcement follows the recent launch of the ‘Volunteering and Community Engagement Ecosystem,’ which seeks to bolster the impact of volunteering and support nonprofit organizations in their contributions to sustainable development. The ecosystem includes a Dh100 million fund and a strategy to expand the country’s volunteer base to 600,000.
-
Trump sets 7,500 annual limit for refugees entering US. It’ll be mostly white South Africans
In a significant policy shift, the Trump administration has announced a drastic reduction in the number of refugees admitted annually into the United States, capping the figure at 7,500 for the 2026 fiscal year. This marks a sharp decline from the previous ceiling of 125,000 set under President Joe Biden. The announcement, published in the Federal Registry on Thursday, did not provide a specific rationale for the decision but stated that the admission of these refugees is “justified by humanitarian concerns or is otherwise in the national interest.” Notably, the majority of these refugees are expected to be white South Africans, a group the administration has previously cited as facing discrimination and violence in their home country—a claim strongly denied by the South African government. The move represents a continuation of the administration’s restrictive stance on refugee admissions, which began with the suspension of the program on Trump’s first day in office. Since then, only a limited number of refugees, predominantly white South Africans, have been admitted, with some entering as part of ongoing legal proceedings. The reduced cap has had a significant impact on organizations dedicated to refugee resettlement, many of which have been forced to downsize due to the plummeting number of arrivals. This policy shift has drawn criticism from various quarters, as it marks a departure from the bipartisan support the refugee program has historically enjoyed.
-
1,290 organizations and 1,990 individuals awarded for contributions to elderly care
In a significant ceremony held in Beijing on Wednesday, the China National Working Commission on Aging honored 1,290 organizations and 1,990 individuals for their exceptional contributions to elderly care. The event aimed to inspire broader societal participation in supporting the elderly, emphasizing the importance of respecting and caring for seniors as both a traditional virtue and a social responsibility. State Councilor Shen Yiqin, who attended the commendation ceremony, underscored the need for enhanced elderly care services, increased social engagement among seniors, and the enrichment of their cultural and spiritual lives to foster an age-friendly society. Lu Zhiyuan, Minister of Civil Affairs, highlighted the necessity of translating the influence of role models into practical actions that respect, care for, and support the elderly across all societal levels. He also stressed the importance of addressing the urgent needs of the elderly to create a supportive environment that ensures their well-being and rights.
-
What is COP30 and why does it matter?
As the world grapples with escalating climate crises, global leaders are set to convene for COP30, the 30th annual United Nations climate conference. Scheduled from November 10 to 21 in Belém, Brazil, this summit marks a decade since the landmark Paris Agreement, which aimed to cap global temperature rises at 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The conference, officially known as the ‘Conference of the Parties,’ brings together nearly 200 nations to strategize on mitigating and adapting to climate change. However, the choice of Belém, located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest, has sparked logistical and environmental concerns, including deforestation for infrastructure and limited accommodations, potentially sidelining poorer nations. The summit faces additional challenges as global climate targets remain under strain, with only a third of countries submitting updated emission reduction plans. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has acknowledged that exceeding the 1.5°C target is now inevitable but remains hopeful for future corrective measures. Key discussion points at COP30 include the transition from fossil fuels, financial commitments to developing nations, renewable energy expansion, and the launch of the ‘Tropical Forests Forever Facility.’ The summit also grapples with the contentious stance of the Trump administration, which has rolled back U.S. climate commitments and criticized global climate efforts. Despite these hurdles, COP30 represents a pivotal moment for international collaboration, aiming to reinforce the commitments made in Paris and drive meaningful progress toward a sustainable future.
-
Guangzhou Baiyun Airport opens Terminal 3 and fifth runway
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has officially launched its state-of-the-art Terminal 3 and a fifth runway, marking a significant milestone in its expansion efforts. The new facilities, which began operations on Thursday, solidify the airport’s status as one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs. With the addition of Terminal 3 and the new runway, the airport now boasts three terminals and five runways, significantly enhancing its operational capacity. The upgrades increase the airport’s annual passenger handling capacity to 140 million and its cargo capacity to 6 million metric tons. Officials emphasized that these developments are crucial to meeting the escalating travel demands within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, which already sees an annual passenger volume exceeding 120 million. The expansion is expected to further strengthen the region’s connectivity and economic growth, positioning the airport as a key player in global aviation.
-
Trump’s surgeon general pick goes into labour before confirmation hearing
President Donald Trump’s nomination of Dr. Casey Means for the position of U.S. Surgeon General has taken an unexpected turn as her Senate confirmation hearing was postponed due to her going into labor with her first child. A spokesperson confirmed the delay, noting that Dr. Means was initially set to appear virtually before the Senate committee due to her advanced pregnancy.
-
How ‘Love is Blind’ is reshaping global views on love, from Japan to Brazil
The recent Denver season of Netflix’s reality dating show ‘Love Is Blind’ marks its first foray into the Mountain West, but the franchise has already established itself as a global phenomenon. Over five years, the show has produced seasons in nine U.S. cities and inspired nearly a dozen international adaptations. By challenging conventional notions of love and prioritizing emotional connections over physical appearances, each season reflects the cultural intricacies of its setting, whether in Dallas or Japan. However, the show has faced criticism, including lawsuits over contestant treatment and concerns about internalized biases, particularly when couples meet face-to-face. Despite these issues, the series has successfully highlighted diverse cultural norms and forms of love across regions like Brazil, Japan, Sweden, the U.K., Mexico, the Middle East, Germany, Argentina, and France, with Italy and the Netherlands soon to follow. Brandon Riegg, Netflix’s vice president of nonfiction series and sports, emphasizes that the show’s blend of local authenticity and global relatability has subtly influenced global perspectives on love. Culturally conscious adaptations, such as the reserved dynamics of ‘Love is Blind: Japan’ and the bold emotions of ‘Love is Blind: Brazil,’ demonstrate the show’s ability to resonate with varied audiences. The Middle Eastern adaptation, ‘Love is Blind: Habibi,’ thoughtfully addressed conservative cultural values, earning praise for its respectful approach. The show has also sparked discussions about diversity and representation, with fans advocating for more inclusive casting and even a queer version. While the romantic relationships often take center stage, the friendships formed during the show have become a meaningful aspect, offering participants a lifeline in emotionally intense situations. As ‘Love Is Blind’ continues to evolve, it remains a platform for exploring the multifaceted nature of love across cultures and identities.
-
Guy Kopelowicz, former Paris photo chief for AP, dies at 89
Guy Kopelowicz, a revered figure in photojournalism and a key contributor to The Associated Press’s visual storytelling in France for over four decades, has died at the age of 89. His family confirmed his passing on Sunday. Kopelowicz’s illustrious career spanned some of the most pivotal moments in modern history, including the 1968 Paris uprising, the 1972 Munich Olympics hostage crisis, and the 1998 World Cup. Born in Paris on October 28, 1936, he joined the AP in 1964 as a photo editor, eventually rising to become Paris Chief Photo Editor in 1984, a role he held until his retirement in 2005. Beyond his professional achievements, Kopelowicz was a lifelong jazz aficionado, writing for Jazz Hot and Jazz Magazine in the late 1950s and later photographing jazz performers post-retirement. His passion for jazz was matched only by his love for fine wine, particularly Bordeaux grands crus. Kopelowicz leaves behind his wife of 55 years, Denise, and their son, Marc. A memorial service will be held at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris on Friday.
-
‘You are enough’: Therapist urges UAE women to rewrite their inner dialogue
At the ‘We the Women’ event in Dubai, renowned therapist Marisa Peer delivered a compelling message to a packed audience, urging women to rewrite their inner dialogue and reclaim their power. Peer, the founder of Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), emphasized the societal barriers that often hold women back, including self-doubt, perfectionism, and ingrained gendered narratives. She called for a shift in mindset, encouraging women to embrace their flaws and strengthen their self-belief. Peer highlighted the importance of empowering young girls early on, suggesting that parents and mentors should focus on instilling ambition and confidence rather than traditional roles. She also addressed the burden of societal judgment that women face, noting that 80% of women experience imposter syndrome. Peer stressed the transformative power of positive self-talk, advocating for affirmations like ‘I’m enough’ and ‘I matter.’ She urged women to let go of the pursuit of perfection, introducing her concept of being ‘flawsome’—embracing imperfections as a source of strength. Peer’s talk centered on the idea that beliefs shape reality, and she encouraged women to take control of their thoughts to create a more fulfilling life. Her message resonated deeply, offering practical strategies for women to elevate their self-esteem and achieve their full potential.