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The United Nations Security Council has unanimously voted to extend the mandate of the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL) for 16 months, setting December 31, 2026, as the date for its complete withdrawal after nearly five decades of deployment, Reuters reported.

UNIFIL was first deployed in 1978 following Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon, later expanding after the 2006 Israel–Hezbollah war. Its responsibilities include monitoring ceasefires, supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, and maintaining security in the sensitive area between the Blue Line and the Litani River.

The decision reflects a compromise between US and Israeli demands for the mission’s end—citing limited effectiveness—and France’s push to maintain its stabilizing presence as Lebanon’s army continues to build capacity. According to Reuters, the Lebanese government welcomed the extension, admitting its forces are not yet fully able to secure the country’s south independently.

Nepal plays a significant role in UNIFIL, with about 870 Nepali soldiers currently serving in southern Lebanon. Since 1978, more than 50,000 Nepali troops have taken part in the mission, and 31 have lost their lives while serving under the UN flag. Nepal remains one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping worldwide, with its personnel regarded for discipline and resilience in high-risk zones.

The final mandate signals the closing chapter of UNIFIL’s mission, which has been central to regional stability for decades, while also highlighting the enduring contributions and sacrifices of countries like Nepal in global peacekeeping.

At least 11 people were killed and one went missing on Saturday after cloudbursts and a landslide struck Indian-administered Kashmir, officials said. The incidents affected Reasi and Ramban districts, south of Srinagar, according to Xinhua.

In Reasi’s Karara village, a landslide triggered by heavy rainfall buried seven family members alive, whose bodies were later recovered. In Ramban’s Rajgad village, four people died and one remains missing following a cloudburst.

These incidents add to the region’s recent monsoon-related disasters. Last week’s heavy rains caused flooding that claimed at least 41 lives and damaged infrastructure across Kashmir, Xinhua reported.

Russia launched heavy overnight missile and drone strikes Saturday on central and southeastern Ukraine, killing one person and injuring 24, including two children. Zaporizhia suffered damage to homes and businesses, while explosions were reported in Dnipro and Pavlohrad, according to Al Jazeera.

Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted most of the 537 drones and 45 missiles but confirmed several hits. The attacks come as Russian troops push into Dnipropetrovsk, a region previously spared major fighting.

In response, Ukraine struck oil refineries in Krasnodar and Samara, triggering fires and explosions, Al Jazeera reported.

A doctor died when his car crashed into a tree after losing its control. 

The deceased has been identified as Dr Biplab Bhatta. Dr Bhatta was driving the car when the accident took place. 

The car (BA 15 Cha 4693) en route to Bishalchowk from Bharatpur Metropolitan City-10, Ramailochowk lost its control and crashed into a tree at 1:30 am this morning. 

Deputy Superintendent of Police at the Chitwan District Police Office, Govinda Puri informed that car driver Bhatta, a resident of Bharatpur -2, sustained injuries when the car hit the tree. 

Bhatta succumbed to his injuries during treatment at the Old Medical College this morning. (RSS)

India will not “bow down” to Washington, Trade Minister Piyush Goyal said Friday, after the US imposed 50 percent tariffs on Indian goods over its Russian oil purchases. He pledged to boost exports through new markets and government support, Al Jazeera reported.

The tariffs, denounced by New Delhi as “unfair,” have already forced cancellations in sectors like textiles, seafood and jewelry, raising job loss concerns.

Separately, a US appeals court ruled that President Donald Trump overstepped his authority with blanket tariffs, though the levies remain in force until at least October 14 pending a Supreme Court appeal.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has urged allies to raise security guarantee talks to the leaders’ level, saying US President Donald Trump must be part of the process. He is seeking “NATO-like” commitments to protect Ukraine from future Russian aggression, according to Reuters.

Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, met US envoy Steve Witkoff in New York, stressing the need to step up pressure on Moscow after a Russian strike on Kyiv killed 25 people. Yermak said the attack showed Russia has no interest in peace.

Trump has given Vladimir Putin two weeks to agree to a direct meeting with Zelenskiy, though Moscow says no summit is planned. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is courting US investors to support Ukraine’s recovery, Reuters reported.

Discovering new artists can be such a wonderful thing, whether you are looking to add art to your walls or simply find some inspiration. Various farmer’s markets and pop-up markets are great places to discover new artists, as many of them have taken to exhibiting and selling their works at these popular places. However, if you are too lazy to head out on a hot weekend afternoon that doesn’t mean you need to miss out on this creative greatness. You’ll find many of them on Instagram. Here are three of our top favorites. 

Aashish Arts

A self taught artist, Aashish exhibits his drawings and paintings on his Instagram page. There is quite a variety of landscape paintings and portraits as well and you are bound to find one that appeals to you. You can also commission him to make a painting or sketch from a photo of your choice. We recommend you scroll through the Instagram page to get a feel of the artist’s works before making a purchase or placing an order. 

Sangee Shrestha

A freelance visual artist and academician, Sangee Shrestha’s page on Instagram gives you a glimpse into her vibrant world of paintings and sculptures. Her work is captivating because of the use of colors and juxtaposition of ideas. The ceramic pieces are also intriguing and might be great conversation starters should you choose to bring one home. We also love her contemporary artworks that are visually enthralling. 

Nibhaa Art

We first discovered her at Labim Mall’s Saturday market where she was quietly selling her paintings. Since then, we have bought quite a few of her works and they adorn our living room walls. Though Nibhaa is marketed as a lifestyle brand that makes crafts and functional pieces for your home, paintings and prints of her work are also available at really affordable prices. 

The 66th meeting of Investment Board Nepal has approved the draft of the project license for the 669 MW-capacity Lower Arun Hydropower Project and decided to authorize the Chief Executive Officer of IBN to issue the license for the project.

The meeting held on Friday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli took the decision, shared Pradyumna Prasad Upadhyay, spokesperson of IBN office.

The draft related to direct investment in the Arun-3 Hydropower Project under construction in Sankhuwasabha was approved and a decision made to recommend submitting the proposal to the Council of Ministers for necessary decision.

Similarly, the IBN has decided to authorize its Chief Executive Officer to issue a survey license for reaching an agreement with the company that has proposed the 'Auto Service Eco-Industrial Park' project. The project proposal was received as an unsolicited proposal at the IBN office. (RSS)