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A government report has raised concerns over selfie-based age-verification software intended to enforce Australia’s social media ban for under-16s starting December. While generally fast and privacy-conscious, the system struggles near the 16-year threshold, especially for non-Caucasian users, females, and those close to the cut-off. Sixteen-year-olds had an 8.5 percent chance of being misidentified as underage, highlighting the need for backup methods like ID checks or parental consent, according to Reuters.

Platforms such as Instagram and YouTube must show adequate measures to block underage users or face fines up to A$49.5 m ($32m). Experts warn the short timeline and accuracy variation pose challenges, though effective, privacy-conscious options exist. The report underscores that age-verification tools can help but are not foolproof.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for the immediate release of 11 UN staff arrested by Houthi authorities in Yemen. The detentions occurred during raids on offices of the World Food Programme, UNICEF, and WHO in Sanaa and Hudaydah, UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg said.

Guterres condemned the arbitrary arrests, forced entry into UN premises, and property seizures. The Houthis have held 23 other UN personnel since 2021, with one detainee dying earlier this year. Grundberg said such actions impede aid delivery and peace efforts, BBC reported.

The arrests follow heightened tensions after an Israeli strike killed the Houthi prime minister. Yemen’s conflict has killed over 150,000 people, displaced 4.8m, and left nearly half the population in need of aid.

A powerful 6.0-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan around midnight, killing over 800 people and injuring at least 3000, mainly in Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, Reuters reported.

Three villages in Kunar were completely destroyed, while many other communities suffered significant damage.

Rescue teams are actively working, with helicopters evacuating victims and providing emergency aid to those affected.

The Taliban administration has called for international assistance, emphasizing the country’s vulnerability to earthquakes and the urgent need for support, according to Reuters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed the West for provoking the Ukraine war, citing NATO’s expansion and support for Ukraine’s 2013-14 uprising. Speaking at the SCO summit in Tianjin on September 1, 2025, he said Russia’s military actions were reactive, not the cause of the conflict, Al Jazeera reported.

Putin stressed that lasting peace requires addressing these root causes and highlighted talks with leaders including US President Donald Trump, China’s Xi Jinping, India’s Narendra Modi, Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian, and Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Despite these efforts, negotiations remain stalled, with Russia seeking territorial concessions Ukraine considers unacceptable. Putin’s comments reinforce Moscow’s view that Western policies fuel the conflict, according to Al Jazeera.

Japan and South Korea have experienced their hottest summers on record, raising concerns over climate change. Japan’s summer temperature averaged 2.36°C above the 1991–2020 norm, with 123 of 153 weather stations reporting record highs. The Japan Meteorological Agency warned that severe heat will continue, especially in eastern and western regions.

In South Korea, the summer average hit 25.7°C, the highest since 1973. Both nations had previously marked 2024 as their hottest summer. Scientists say such extremes reflect Asia warming nearly twice as fast as the global average, highlighting the urgent need for climate action to protect vulnerable populations, Al Jazeera reported.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 12. 03 points to close at 2, 761. 86 points on Monday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 3. 74 points to close at 476. 38 points.

A total of 11,440,844-unit shares of 326 companies were traded for Rs 5. 10 billion.

Meanwhile, Him Star Urja Company Limited (HIMSTAR) was the top gainer today, with its price surging by 6. 07 percent. Likewise, Unnati Sahakarya Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (USLB) was the top loser as its price fell by 7. 68 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 61 trillion.

At least 45 houses have been submerged in two local levels of Kanchanpur district following the incessant rainfall since Sunday night.

According to the District Police Office, floodwaters from rivers inundated the houses in Bhimdatta and Dodhara Chandani Municipalities.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sagar Bohara, spokesperson at the District Police Office, reported that 25 houses in Rampure and Jarga of Dodhara Chandani Municipality-8 have been flooded by the Jogbudha River, while 15 houses in Patarakhalla of Dodhara Chandani-3 are also under water.

Additionally, five houses have been affected in Bhujela of Bhimdatta Municipality-11.

At least 70 people are displaced by the flooded Jogbudha River. The displaced families are currently taking shelter in nearby school buildings.

Meanwhile, the water level of the Mahakali river has risen significantly due to the incessant rains. In response, the Indian side has restricted the movement of four-wheelers and three-wheelers across the Sharada Barrage.

Lately, the water flow in the Mahakali river has been measured at 140,250 cusecs.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has reiterated that Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulek are the parts of Nepali territory and neighboring countries should not be dismayed when Nepal asserts its rightful claim over these lands.

Speaking at a press meet organized by the Nepal Press Union, Parsa chapter today, the Home Minister said that it was true that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli raised concerns regarding the India-Nepal agreement on developing Lipulek as a bilateral trade point.

Minister Lekhak stated that “We are clear and firm that these territories belong to Nepal.”

During his visit to China, the Prime Minister had objected to the India-China bilateral agreement. "No part of Nepali territory will be allowed to be used against the interests of the nation," the Minister said.