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Rescuers are searching for more than 40 people after a boat capsized in Sokoto State, northwestern Nigeria, authorities said. Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) deployed a response team following reports that the vessel, carrying over 50 passengers to Goronyo Market, overturned. About 10 people have been rescued, while the rest remain missing, according to Xinhua.

Local officials suggested overloading may have caused the accident, a common issue in the state’s riverine communities. Boat mishaps frequently occur in Nigeria, especially during the rainy season. Recent incidents in Sokoto, Niger, and Jigawa states have also led to multiple fatalities and missing passengers.

Qantas airline has been fined A$90m by an Australian court for unlawfully dismissing around 1,700 ground staff during the Covid-19 pandemic. Federal Court Justice Michael Lee said the penalty aims to serve as a “real deterrence” to other employers, BBC reported.

The airline had outsourced its ground operations in 2020, citing financial necessity as the aviation industry stalled. The Transport Workers’ Union welcomed the ruling, describing it as the largest employer penalty in Australia and a victory for loyal workers. Qantas must pay A$50m of the fine directly to the union.

According to BBC, this penalty is in addition to A$120m in compensation the airline agreed to pay affected staff in 2024 after losing multiple appeals.

A court-backed ban on feeding pigeons in Mumbai has sparked protests from bird lovers and religious groups, clashing with public health concerns, BBC reported.

Authorities cite studies linking pigeon droppings to serious respiratory illnesses, with cases reported across Indian cities. Experts say pigeon numbers have surged more than 150 percent since 2000, creating ecological imbalance and displacing other birds.

Communities such as the Jains, who see feeding pigeons as a religious duty, oppose the ban and have staged demonstrations at historic feeding centres.

Animal rights activists argue the restrictions lack clarity, while others suggest regulated feeding to balance hygiene and tradition. The Bombay High Court has set up an expert panel to propose alternatives, according to BBC.

US President Donald Trump will host Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington on Monday, joined by top European figures including NATO chief Mark Rutte, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and French President Emmanuel Macron, BBC reported.

The urgent talks follow Trump’s summit with Putin in Alaska, where the US president pushed for a permanent peace deal instead of a ceasefire. A US envoy later said Putin was open to “NATO-like” security guarantees for Ukraine — a move Trump called “big progress.”

European leaders are expected to back Zelensky amid concerns he could face pressure to concede territory. Zelensky has insisted Ukraine’s constitution forbids giving up land.

Despite signs of momentum, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that a final deal to end the war remains far off, according to BBC.

Air Canada flight attendants were ordered back to work after a strike on Saturday grounded hundreds of flights and stranded passengers nationwide. The Canadian Industrial Relations Board extended the expired contract until a new deal is reached, but the flight attendants’ union, CUPE, told members to defy the order, accusing the government of siding with the airline, according to BBC.

Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu imposed binding arbitration, saying stability and supply chains must be protected. Air Canada said flights will gradually resume from Monday but warned it may take up to 10 days to return to normal.

The dispute centers on pay. The airline offered a 38 percent raise over four years, while CUPE argues the deal falls below inflation and still leaves attendants unpaid for time on the ground. The union denounced the government’s move as a violation of workers’ rights, BBC reported.

Hundreds of thousands rallied across Israel on Sunday, with the largest crowd in Tel Aviv’s “Hostages Square,” urging the government to end the Gaza war and secure the release of captives. A nationwide strike disrupted roads, offices, and universities, with nearly 40 arrests, BBC reported.

Families of hostages accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging a “pointless war,” while Netanyahu and far-right ministers condemned the protests as aiding Hamas.

The demonstrations came after Israel’s decision to occupy Gaza City, condemned by the UN. Heavy bombardment in Gaza’s Zeitoun area forced thousands to flee, with at least 40 Palestinians killed Saturday. The UN says 1.9m Gazans face displacement and worsening malnutrition.

Since Hamas’s October 7 attack that killed 1,200 in Israel, more than 61,000 Palestinians have died in the conflict, according to BBC.

Each planting season in Nepal brings not hope, but anxiety. It is not the weather, pests, or natural disasters that worry our farmers the most, but something entirely preventable: the shortage of chemical fertilizers. In a country where over two-thirds of the population relies on agriculture, and where farming contributes around 25 percent to the national GDP, this recurring crisis is not only unacceptable, it’s a warning sign. An empty fertilizer bag is no longer just a supply issue; it is a glaring symbol of institutional failure, poor planning, and a deeply broken supply chain that begins with global procurement and ends in rural despair.

This is not a seasonal accident. It is a systemic breakdown of policy, logistics, and governance that affects every stage of the fertilizer journey. From late international procurement to poor internal distribution, from political indecision in Kathmandu to black market networks in the Tarai, the entire chain is inefficient and unresponsive. The result: Nepal’s farmers are left helpless, food production suffers, and the country spends billions importing what we could grow ourselves if only we had the right inputs at the right time.

The most visible symptom of this failure is the infiltration of low-quality, smuggled fertilizers from India. In districts like Bara, Rautahat, and Sarlahi, these products dominate local markets during peak demand seasons. This parallel market thrives because the state fails to deliver. It is a market born not out of competition, but out of desperation. Farmers, left with no option, purchase fertilizers that have neither been tested nor approved, risking soil degradation, poor yields, and long-term harm to their land. These products often carry Nepali-language packaging to appear legitimate, but lack quality assurance, correct NPK ratios, or even basic labeling.

The official supply chain, at the heart of this crisis, is dysfunctional both in design and implementation. We have two state-owned entities handling import of fertilizer into Nepal: (1) Agriculture Inputs Company Limited (AICL), and (2) Salt Trading Corporation(STC). Between them, they are a leading importer of some 600,000 metric tonnes of chemical fertilizers (mainly urea, DAP and MOP) each year. The government supplies fertilizers to farmers through cooperatives at subsidized rates.

However, the theoretical framework rarely plays out in practice. Every year, tenders are issued too late, sometimes just weeks before the planting season begins. The process of floating tenders, finalizing contracts, opening letters of credit, and securing port clearance is slow, bureaucratic, and riddled with delays. By the time the fertilizers arrive in Nepal typically via the Kolkata port the planting season is either halfway through or already over. This lag forces farmers to either wait, reduce their cultivation area, or turn to the black market.

The international dimension adds another layer of vulnerability. Nepal heavily depends on imports from India and, to a lesser extent, China. While India remains the primary source due to cost and proximity, its export policies are unpredictable. When India restricts fertilizer exports to protect its domestic needs as it did in 2022 Nepal is left with few immediate alternatives. Unlike countries with multiple trading partners and buffer stock systems, Nepal lacks both diversification and contingency plans. It does not maintain strategic fertilizer reserves, which means even a small disruption in supply becomes a national crisis.

Transport and logistics further complicate the situation. Nepal, being landlocked, faces high freight costs and long transit times. The journey from Indian ports to border customs is often delayed due to procedural bottlenecks, truck shortages, or political strikes. Once inside Nepal, the distribution chain faces another hurdle: weak road infrastructure and lack of storage capacity, especially in remote and hilly districts. Often, even when fertilizers are available in Kathmandu or Birgunj, they fail to reach places like Rolpa or Bajhang in time.

This systemic failure has real, measurable consequences. According to recent trade data, Nepal’s annual agricultural import bill has surpassed Rs 360 billion, a figure that includes rice, vegetables, lentils, and wheat, all of which could be grown domestically if farmers were supported with timely inputs. In effect, we are importing food because we failed to manage the supply chain for the materials needed to grow it. It is a cruel irony, and an expensive one.

But this crisis is hollowing out trust well beyond the realm of economics. The farmers, destitute at the best of times, feel deserted by this over-promising state which is now busy with lies to rerun an election. As hope grows old and promises are not fulfilled, the inputs are not given. The disillusionment goes far deeper than farming; it spawns a lack of faith in governance, politics, and the prospects for their children to make a living in agriculture. This leads to large-scale youth ejection from farming either to migration or unemployment in the long run.

Fixing this broken system demands a fundamental and long-term change in policy. Fertilizer centralized procurement should be streamlined and an efficient/ predictable fertilizer distribution network established. Tenders should be given a larger window of time, six to eight months prior to the planting season, along with an associated timeline and accountability. Policy Frameworks should contain those Windows as an emergency measure so that State/Deptt. can make quick purchases in case of missing out on the stock/time. And, just as importantly, Nepal must reduce its vulnerability stemming from a single source country by creating relationships with other suppliers in the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

Infrastructure investment is also critical. Provinces and districts will have to improve their storage capacity. Both supply and demand could be tracked in real-time using the introduction of digital inventory systems. It is also focused on the road access to rural markets that must be addressed for not only fertilizers, but for broad economic development. The last mile of the delivery spectrum is maintained through cooperative networks which should also be trained and invited to become capable technically to get tech developed and inaugural incentives.

One without the other simply won't cut it. It is not just a case of isolated smuggling of fertilizers; it appears to be an organized trade involving loss of hundreds of crores and operates without any fear. What the government can immediately do is to wake up and now indulge in strengthening border monitoring, step up on-ground inspection of retailers, begin a public awareness drive or warn farmers of the dangers of using unverified fertilizers. Punishments pertaining to the smuggling and selling of substandard fertilizers should be enhanced, enforced.

In the long term, Nepal must begin shifting toward more sustainable and locally sourced alternatives. Organic fertilizers, composting systems, and bio-fertilizer technologies are underdeveloped but promising areas. Investment in research and farmer education can gradually reduce our overreliance on imports and create a more resilient agricultural model. This will also align with global trends toward regenerative agriculture and climate-resilient farming.

Nepal’s fertilizer crisis is not just about a missing product it is a reflection of missing priorities. Year after year, despite media reports, farmer protests, and parliamentary debates, little changes. Until we treat this issue with the urgency and seriousness it demands, the same story will repeat itself every season. Fertilizers will arrive too late. Farmers will turn to black markets. Yields will fall. Imports will rise. And the nation will pay the price not just in money, but in missed opportunity.

If  Nepal aspires to feed itself and grow through agriculture, then the fertilizer crisis must be treated not as an exception, but as a central challenge. It is a test of our governance, planning, and ability to deliver. And it is one we can no longer afford to fail.

Ravindra Kumar Yadav

Amar Prashad Gupta

MBA Global Business

SAIM College, Mid-Baneshwor

Starting a business in Nepal is an exciting journey, but before you can open your doors to customers or start making profits, it is very important to make your business official and legal. This official recognition comes from registering your company with the Office of the Company Registrar (OCR). Company registration is not just paperwork; it is a legal requirement under the Companies Act, 2063, which explains the rules for forming, managing, and running companies in Nepal. A registered company is considered a legal entity, meaning it exists in the eyes of the law as a separate person from the owners. It protects the owners’ personal property if the company owes money or faces legal problems. A registered company can also own property, sign contracts, hire employees, and even participate in legal actions. 

In Nepal, businesses can register as different types of companies depending on their goals. The most common is a Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd), which is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses and can have 1 to 50 shareholders. A Public Limited Company is for larger businesses that want to sell shares to the public and raise more capital. A Non-Profit Company is designed for organizations that aim to serve society rather than make profits. Registering a company brings several advantages: legal recognition, limited liability, easier access to funding, and enhanced credibility with customers, suppliers, and investors. Understanding company registration is the first step toward running a secure and successful business in Nepal.

Registering a company in Nepal may seem complicated, but the Companies Act, 2063 provides clear steps to follow. The first step is reserving a unique company name through the OCR online portal or at their office. The name must not be used by any other company and should reflect the business activity. In recent years, online company registration in Nepal has made this process faster and more convenient for entrepreneurs, allowing them to check name availability, submit documents, and track applications from their computer or mobile device without visiting the OCR office physically. After name approval, the next step is preparing the required documents. 

The Memorandum of Association (MOA) describes the objectives of the company, what it plans to do, and its total capital. The Articles of Association (AOA) set rules for managing the company, including director appointments, meetings, and decision-making processes. Shareholders and directors must provide a copy of their citizenship certificates and a consent letter agreeing to join the company.

Proof of the company’s official address is also required. Once the documents are ready, they are submitted to the OCR, either online through the e-Services portal or physically at the office. The OCR verifies the documents and ensures they comply with the law. If everything is correct, the OCR approves the application and issues a Certificate of Incorporation, officially recognizing the company and allowing it to operate legally, open bank accounts, and sign contracts. Following these steps carefully helps prevent legal issues and ensures smooth business operations.

The Companies Act, 2063 governs all aspects of companies in Nepal, including registration, management, operations, and closure. Understanding this law helps business owners stay compliant and avoid fines or penalties. Important sections include Section 3, which explains basic rules for forming a company, including types and minimum shareholders; Section 4, which describes the application process and required documents; Section 5, which focuses on registration approval and issuance of the Certificate of Incorporation; Section 6, which lists the powers and duties of the OCR; and Section 7, which outlines conditions under which a company can be canceled. 

The OCR is the main regulatory authority responsible for ensuring companies follow these rules, but other authorities such as the Inland Revenue Department (IRD) and local government offices also supervise compliance, taxation, and licensing. Entrepreneurs who understand this legal framework can avoid problems and maintain a smooth and trustworthy business operation.

After registering a company, the work does not end. The Companies Act, 2063 and other laws require ongoing compliance. Every company must register with the IRD to obtain a Permanent Account Number (PAN) and, if applicable, register for Value Added Tax (VAT). Certain types of businesses, such as restaurants, travel agencies, or import-export companies, may need additional licenses from local or national authorities. Companies must also submit annual returns to the OCR, showing financial status, number of shareholders, and main activities. 

Proper financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements, must be prepared every year. Regular board meetings must be held, and detailed records must be maintained to ensure transparency and proper decision-making. Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines, penalties, or even suspension of business operations. By following post-registration requirements carefully, companies can build trust with investors and customers while ensuring long-term success.

Registering a company in Nepal is the first step toward creating a strong and successful business. By understanding the types of companies, following registration steps, complying with the Companies Act, 2063, and maintaining post-registration requirements, entrepreneurs can build legally recognized businesses that are credible, protected, and ready for growth. Proper registration not only protects owners but also opens doors to funding, business opportunities, and a trustworthy reputation. Every entrepreneur should take registration seriously and seek professional guidance when necessary to ensure a solid foundation for the future.

Prabin Kumar Yadav

BA LLB, Kathmandu School of Law