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Nepal has submitted its first-ever Child-Centered Universal Periodic Review (UPR) Report on Children and the Environment (Climate) to the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR). The report contributes to the country’s Fourth UPR Cycle, highlighting children’s rights in the context of climate change and environmental challenges. The initiative was supported by DKA Austria and coordinated by the youth-led organization Yuwalaya. 

The report was finalized during a National Validation Workshop held in Kathmandu. The event brought together 48 participants in its initial session, including civil society representatives, development partners, technical experts, solidarity members, and the report consultant. In the second session, the report’s key findings and recommendations were formally presented to government representatives. 

The report reviews Nepal’s policy and legal frameworks and assesses the country’s implementation of its human rights obligations, particularly in relation to children’s rights to education, health, protection, a clean environment, development, and participation. A total of 24 recommendations were refined at the workshop, including suggestions for emergency education during crises, improved child protection systems in remote areas, enrollment protocols for environmentally displaced children, promotion of school gardening, and programs to build children’s resilience to climate change.

In addition, a Youth-Led UPR Report has also been submitted to the UNOHCHR for the 51st Session (Jan–Feb 2026). Developed in partnership with Plan International Nepal and IM Swedish Development Partner, the process involved collaboration with 68 organizations and civil society groups. The report draws on inputs from 279 young people aged 18–35 across all seven provinces through provincial consultations, focus group discussions, and a national validation workshop. It was led by four young women and incorporates feedback from consortium members.

The youth report focuses on issues such as employment, health, education, meaningful youth participation, climate change, equality, non-discrimination, and digital technology.

Yemen’s Houthi group claimed responsibility for firing a hypersonic ballistic missile at Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport late Friday, saying the strike was in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

According to a televised statement by Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea, the attack achieved its intended objective. He warned that missile strikes would continue until the war on Gaza ends and the blockade is lifted, Xinhua reported.

Israel’s military confirmed the missile was intercepted by its defense systems, with no casualties reported. The attack triggered sirens and briefly disrupted air traffic.

This marks the second Houthi missile launch toward Israel in 48 hours and the seventh this month. The recurring strikes have impacted international flight schedules and partially disrupted Israel’s airspace, according to Xinhua.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have been targeting Israel and Israel-linked ships since November 2023 in response to the Gaza conflict.

The US Justice Department has asked a New York judge to unseal grand jury materials from Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 sex trafficking case, citing strong public interest. The request also covers files related to Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, BBC reported.

The move follows growing pressure on the Trump administration over its handling of the case. President Trump has ordered Attorney General Pam Bondi to push for the release, though her earlier hesitation has drawn criticism from supporters.

Meanwhile, Trump has filed a $10bn lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, its parent company, Rupert Murdoch, and two reporters over a story claiming he sent a “bawdy” birthday note to Epstein in 2003. Trump denies writing the note, calling it fake and defamatory.

Bipartisan support is building in Congress to force the full release of Epstein-related materials, with lawmakers pushing a petition for transparency, according to BBC.

Three deputies died Friday morning in an explosion at a police training facility in East Los Angeles, officials confirmed.

The blast occurred around 7:30 a.m. local time at the Biscailuz Center Academy, where the victims were reportedly handling explosives. The cause is under investigation, according to BBC.

Local and federal agencies, including the LAPD bomb squad and ATF, are assisting. Authorities described the incident as the region’s deadliest law enforcement-related explosion in nearly 40 years.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Friday called the situation in Gaza “unacceptable” and urged an immediate ceasefire along with swift delivery of humanitarian aid. Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, he emphasized Germany’s commitment to working with international partners to address the crisis, Xinhua reported.

Merz also conveyed his concerns during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stressing that aid must reach civilians in a secure and humane manner. He reiterated Germany’s opposition to Israel’s settlement policy and warned against any moves toward annexation of the West Bank.

I am 24 years old and I’m doing my bachelors. I have a ‘friend’ who copies everything I do. It started with small things like the way I dress and the way I write and speak and slowly escalated to her copying my habits and likes and dislikes. Today, she looks, sounds, and behaves like me. Others have noticed it too and think there is something wrong with it all. I am creeped out too but don’t know how to distance myself from her. Should I be worried? How should I deal with this?

Answered by Aapur Sijapati, psychology student, intern at Happy Minds

While it might sound surprising, this situation is something a lot of people go through. It often stays hidden because they’re scared of being seen as self-centered or full of themselves. At first, most people just deny that it’s even happening. It’s hard to believe that someone might be intentionally copying everything that you are doing and the chances of it being a coincidence feel much higher.

Most people also feel and assume their lives and choices are too ordinary to be worth copying and idolizing, unlike celebrities whose seemingly perfect lifestyles make them more obvious targets for admiration and imitation.  But it’s essential to know that regardless of how normal our lives might be for ourselves, some people might have a tendency to desire it. 

While certain levels of social mimicry are considered to be normal and done subconsciously like imitating certain lingo or hand gestures, the extremities vary. In this particular case, the fact that it’s obvious to those around her  shows that this behavior had been going on for quite some time. It also indicates that it’s time to do something about it.

In order to avoid victim blaming that is a feeling you might be doing something that is causing this or that it is your fault for having someone in your life who copies you, it’s important to try and understand what might be causing the friend to do this.

Oftentimes, confrontation might lead to guilt, which would make rationally dealing with this situation even more complicated. Some reasons that may be causing this could be the friend dealing with her own internal insecurities and self esteem issues that make her feel like she is not good enough. It might also be a way to create a sense of belongingness in a social setting where it is easier to copy someone who is already a part of the group than create a space for herself. Finally, in extreme cases, it could point towards malicious intentions and be signs of stalking. 

There could be many reasons why people do such things but the reasons and feelings don’t invalidate the insecurity and lack of safety that the individual who is being copied goes through. It’s important to know that it's not your responsibility to keep her sense of belongingness intact at the expense of your own wellbeing or sense of safety.

One important step in situations like this is figuring out whether the discomfort is mainly caused by the other person’s actions or by other people pointing them out. Ask yourself, what is really affecting you, is it her actions alone, or the growing awareness sparked by others pointing them out? This kind of reflection helps in understanding what exactly feels upsetting and can make it easier to decide what to do next. It’s also useful to think about whether it’s more practical to create some distance or to have a respectful conversation. If distance seems like the better option, how often you see each other matters. Changing that might mean adjusting daily routines or even risking mutual friendships. 

On the other hand, a calm and honest conversation might help clear the air and lead to better understanding. While this approach might offer more clarity and help in humanizing the friend, it can also be an uncomfortable step—one that requires emotional readiness for a potentially intense reaction. Still, it’s important to remember that in the case of a negative response, you can’t be held responsible for the other person’s mental or emotional state.

In the end, dealing with someone who copies your behavior too closely can be confusing and emotionally draining. Whether the choice is to take some space, have an honest conversation, or simply reflect more deeply, the most important thing is to protect your sense of safety and comfort. Noticing and speaking up about it doesn’t mean being self-centered—it means being aware and taking care of yourself.

While overpopulation is often linked to resource scarcity, unemployment, and inequality, real solutions lie beyond memorizing statistics. Meaningful progress comes from engaging youth through practical, creative education—like gamified learning and field-based experiences. ApEx spoke to three people to understand Nepal’s demographic changes, innovation, and responsibility.

Soniya Bhetuwal, 19

Population growth impacts social, economic, and environmental systems, leading to challenges like resource scarcity, unemployment, and inequality. While often viewed negatively, it also brings opportunities such as increased labor and innovation. To address population issues effectively, education must move beyond traditional methods—using interactive, practical tools like field trips and digital learning to engage students meaningfully. A smart, informed society requires investment in data-driven planning, frugal innovation, and sustainable urban development. Governments must also create open feedback systems to ensure policies meet people’s real needs and foster inclusive decision-making.

Pravash Pandey, 29

Nepal’s population is growing at its slowest rate in 80 years—just 0.92 percent annually—but the effects remain significant. Cities are overcrowded, rural areas see a decline in population, and many youth are migrating abroad. With a fertility rate below replacement level (1.9), Nepal is heading toward population aging, which could strain healthcare, social support, and the economy.
Education—especially for women and rural communities—has helped lower birth rates and can empower people to make informed choices. However, more needs to be done. Education should include life skills, reproductive health, financial literacy, and climate awareness.
Nepal is currently in a ‘demographic window,’ with a high working-age population. This is a crucial time to invest in education, healthcare, job creation, and infrastructure. Migration shouldn’t be the only option. Opportunities must be created at home. Sustainable development must balance growth with environmental protection. Clean energy, sustainable farming, and inclusive policies are essential for lasting progress.

Anup Jung Pandey, 33

Population growth is changing our lives by making cities denser, increasing competition for jobs and resources. It is creating new demands and also driving innovation to meet new demands.

Education is key, it empowers individuals to make wise choices and teaches them to face challenges like resource scarcity, and cultivates the innovation needed for social welfare. Developing nations can grow sustainably by investing in people’s health and education, managing resources wisely, diversifying their economies, strengthening transparent governance, and ensuring that the economy benefits all citizens fairly.

Prime minister and CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has said that a person who has already become the President entering politics is a serious issue.During a politburo meeting held at the party office in Chyasal on Friday, he said that a person who has reached a prestigious position in the country and has become the Supreme Commander of the Nepal Army, entering politics is a serious issue.

According to Publicity Department Chief Rajendra Gautam, Chairman Oli had said that the party would take a decision on former President Bidya Devi Bhandari at the appropriate time.

A few days ago, ruling Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba held a meeting with Prime Minister Oli and expressed his objection to former President Bhandari entering into politics.

Former President Bhandari announced her return to active UML politics on June 28.