Submit your Article

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they arrested eight people accused of passing sensitive military information to Israel’s Mossad during Israel’s June air campaign, which targeted Iranian nuclear sites and killed top commanders and civilians, according to Reuters.

The suspects reportedly received Mossad training online and were detained before carrying out their plans. Authorities also seized materials for bombs and explosives.

Earlier, Iran reported arresting thousands during the 12-day conflict and has executed several individuals on espionage charges, which human rights groups criticize as political repression, Reuters reported.

EU foreign ministers are divided over how to respond to Israel’s war in Gaza amid rising civilian casualties and worsening humanitarian conditions. Some countries, including Spain and Ireland, want stronger measures, while Germany and Hungary favor minimal action. Proposals such as suspending funding to Israeli start-ups or imposing sanctions lack the majority needed to pass.

Denmark signaled readiness to push for sanctions, while EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas acknowledged deep divisions within the bloc. The debate comes as a UN-linked report confirmed famine in Gaza, a finding Israel disputes, and ahead of the UN General Assembly, where France stressed unrestricted access for Palestinian representatives, according to Al Jazeera.

Lawmakers and human rights advocates have called for the urgent passage of the first amendment to the Human Trafficking and Smuggling (Control) Act, 2064, 2081, which has been pending in Parliament for years. The call came during programs marking the 19th National Day against Human Trafficking, organized by Shakti Samuha and the Alliance against Trafficking in Women and Children Nepal (ATWIN).

Participants, including members of the National Assembly and House of Representatives, stressed the need for Parliament to act promptly, given the grave nature of human trafficking. They highlighted the importance of legal reforms, effective rescue procedures, border security, and civil society involvement to prevent trafficking and protect victims.

ATWIN and Shakti Samuha officials presented proposals for amendments, while victims emphasized the need for timely compensation, confidentiality, and follow-up support after rescue. Media representatives urged responsible reporting to raise awareness while safeguarding victims’ privacy.

Despite existing laws, participants noted that trafficking persists in new forms, including exploitation under the guise of visit visas, underscoring the urgency of strengthening legal mechanisms and ensuring their effective implementation.

Thailand’s cabinet on Saturday appointed Deputy Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai as acting prime minister after the constitutional court ended Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s tenure.

Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office Chusak Sirinil announced the decision following a special cabinet meeting, which also named Prommin Lertsuridej as the Prime Minister’s Secretary General. The cabinet approved a strict framework to ensure stability during the transitional period while remaining within its mandate, according to Xinhua.

Under the constitution, the existing cabinet will continue in a caretaker role until a new administration is formed. The House of Representatives has been scheduled to convene from September 3 to 5 to vote on a new prime minister from the list of candidates submitted before the May 2023 general election.

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)