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Yemen’s Houthi group said it launched four drone strikes on the Israeli cities of Haifa, Negev, Eilat, and Be’er Sheva on Tuesday, claiming the attacks hit their targets.

Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea said the strikes were in response to Israel’s actions in Gaza and vowed to continue until the blockade is lifted, Xinhua reported.

Israel has not commented on the claims. The Houthis have repeatedly targeted Israel with missiles and drones since the Gaza war began in October 2023, with most intercepted or missing. Israel has responded with strikes on Yemeni ports and infrastructure.

Three mining technicians have been rescued, while 22 others remain missing after a gold mine collapse in Tanzania’s Shinyanga region, Xinhua said on Tuesday.

The accident occurred on Monday during maintenance work at the Wachapakazi Gold Mine. District Commissioner Julius Mtatiro said rescue teams, led by defense and security forces, are working to locate those still trapped.

Authorities said the mine had previously been ordered to suspend operations following safety inspections, according to Xinhua.

Nepal’s future depends on its youth rising as ethical, capable leaders committed to creating positive change. Their greatest responsibility is to uplift communities, defend democracy, and build local opportunities. ApEx talked to three people to find out how they think youths can bring about change in Nepal.

Ankiit Darnal, 25

When youth look beyond personal benefits and when they try to lead a life that can inspire others, they will certainly become stronger leaders and drive positive change in the country. Youths should put in conscious efforts to become better, inspire others and make positive changes in and around themselves. That will in turn create a better future. The biggest responsibility of today’s Nepali youths is to get involved in things that can bring changes in the society and country. To create real impact, we can empower the youths by checking the basics of becoming stronger academically, physically, technically, mentally, socially, psychologically and financially. The thing that youth should keep in mind is that there are plenty of opportunities here in Nepal for those who are willing to work hard. Nothing can replace hard work.

Menuka Shrestha, 29

Nepali youth can become strong leaders by gaining knowledge with practical experience through education, mentorship, and community involvement. Youth also need to take part in the decision-making process, advocate for transparency, and challenge the outdated system that blocks progress as well. Youth have to be innovators, problem solvers, and change makers who can bring in new ideas to address social, economic, or environmental challenges. Youth must also take responsibility for sustainable development, along with promoting equality and justice. By providing quality education, skill development opportunities, and access to modern technology, we can empower the youth of Nepal to create a real impact. Encouraging entrepreneurship, mentorship, and equal opportunity will give them a voice, and that will motivate the youths to take action. Nepali youths must be able to adapt to change, stay persistent, and be innovative in turning challenges into possibilities to create opportunities. They must have a long-term and strong vision to contribute to Nepal’s growth with patience and integrity.

Nirmal Dhakal, 41

Education and developing skills are key to becoming a strong leader. They should lead by example. They should actively participate in community activities, volunteer for social causes, and engage in political processes at a local level. In the 21st century, Nepal’s youth should play a multifaceted role in building a better future by being a force for innovation, social responsibility, and accountability. They can drive economic growth by starting new businesses and using technology to solve local problems. Youths have the potential to become engaged citizens who speak out against injustice, vote sensibly, and strive for harmony and advancement. But for that we must provide quality education, mentorship, job/business opportunities, and platforms for youth voices to be heard. It’s important for young people who want to stay in Nepal to remember that success and fulfillment can be found at home. They should focus on developing skills that are in high demand locally, such as in technology, agriculture, or tourism. 

Bahrain, in collaboration with UN Women, has opened nominations for the third cycle of the HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa Global Award for Women’s Empowerment. The award is open to governments, private enterprises, civil society organisations, and individuals worldwide. It recognises national and international efforts that advance women’s empowerment and promote their role in sustainable development and societal progress.

Presented every three years, the award has four categories: Public Sector, Private Sector, Civil Society Organisations, and Individuals. Winners in each category will receive a $100,000 prize. The deadline for nominations is 20 March 2026.

Dipendra Dhakal, an international Taekwondo referee from the Nepali Army, has been selected to officiate at the World Taekwondo President’s Cup (Oceania) and the Australian Open, both recognized in the global Taekwondo ranking system. The events will take place from Aug 14 to 17, at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre in Queensland, Australia.

The President’s Cup is a G3 event, offering higher world ranking points, while the Australian Open maintains its G2 status. Both tournaments will feature Kyorugi (sparring), Para-Kyorugi, Poomsae (patterns), and Para-Poomsae categories, attracting top athletes, referees, and officials from more than 70 countries.

Dhakal, affiliated with Tribhuvan Army Club, has been serving as a Taekwondo referee since 2014. A fifth Dan black belt who began training at the Laligurans Taekwondo Dojang in Kushadevi, Kavre, he is the first from the Nepali Army to become a World Taekwondo-certified international referee. He has officiated at major events, including the 7th Military World Games (CISM) in Wuhan, China, in 2019, and has judged competitions in Canada, China, Pakistan, Belgium, France, Germany, Uzbekistan, and across South Asia.

In 2022, Dhakal was named Best Referee at the Royal Spanish International Open Taekwondo Championship, which featured over 1,000 athletes from 79 countries. He has also been honored with the National Sports Talent Award by Nepal’s Ministry of Youth and Sports for his contribution to raising Nepal’s profile through sports.

Singer Arjun Sapkota has released a new song titled ‘K Janmiye Khai?’ The song, launched on Thursday evening to mark the Teej festival, is a lighthearted track performed in Sapkota’s solo vocals. He has also acted and danced in the music video alongside Shibu Pandey, Kabita Neupane, Dipa Simkhada, Juna Bishwakarma, Dipa Shahi, and Rekisha Khatri.

It has gained over 230k views to date.

The lyrics were penned by Sapkota and Hari Giri Bimarshi, with music composed by Sapkota himself and arranged by HBN Kismat. The video was directed by Mausam Himali, shot by Dinesh Parajuli and team, and edited by Milan Bishwakarma.

This is Sapkota’s first official release in nine months, following his previous song ‘Dukha Satmala’.

Thousands of North Korean workers are being sent to Russia to fill labor shortages caused by the Ukraine war, according to the BBC. With many Russian men fighting or unavailable, Moscow relies heavily on these workers, who face harsh, almost slave-like conditions. They work long hours on construction sites, live in overcrowded and unsafe housing, and are closely monitored by North Korean agents to prevent escapes.

Most of their earnings are taken by the North Korean government, leaving workers with only a small amount upon return. Attempts to escape have become harder due to tighter controls. Experts say this flow of laborers will continue, reflecting the close ties between North Korea and Russia during the conflict, BBC reported.

Wei Qiang Lin, a Chinese national, pleaded guilty to smuggling about 850 protected eastern and three-toed box turtles from the US to Hong Kong between 2023 and 2024. The turtles, valued at $1.4m, were wrapped in socks and mislabeled as “plastic animal toys.”

According to BBC, both species are protected under international law and require export permits. Lin also smuggled other reptiles and faces up to five years in prison, with sentencing set for December 23.

This follows a similar 2024 case where another smuggler was sentenced for trafficking over 2,000 turtles.