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North Korean troops have clashed for the first time with Ukrainian forces in Russia's war against Ukraine, as per the New York Times with the report also stating that the troops are occupying a portion of Kursk region in Russia.

The New York Times reported this on Tuesday citing a senior Ukrainian and a senior US official.

This follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirming the first combat engagement between North Korean troops and Ukrainian forces and he said that some 11,000 North Korean soldiers were already in Russia's Kursk region.

South Korea's Defence Ministry also on Tuesday said that some 10,000 North Korean troops have been deployed in Russia, with a "considerable" number of them having been dispatched to front-line areas, Yonhap reported.

However, as per the presidential office on Wednesday the North Korean troops in Russia's western front have not yet engaged in full-fledged combat with Ukrainian forces, the South Korean news agency reported.

It cited a senior presidential official shaing the assessment.

In an interview aired by South Korean public broadcaster KBS on Tuesday, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov said that his country's military had engaged for the first time with North Korean troops.

In the NYT report while the Ukrainian official offered no details about casualties, a US official said a significant number of North Korean troops were killed.

The American newspaper reported that according to the Ukrainian official, the North Koreans fought together with a Russian naval infantry brigade.

Zelenskyy in a statement said on Tuesday, "The first battles with North Korean soldiers open a new page of instability in the world."

He called for support for his country's defence, saying the world needs to make the "Russian step to expand the war" a "failure."

A US State Department spokesperson had on Monday said as many as 10,000 North Korean troops were in the Kursk region and could engage in combat in the "coming days."

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin has called the North's presence in the war a "very serious" escalation that would have ramifications in Europe and Asia.

Russia and North Korea have stepped up military cooperation since the beginning of the conflict between Moscow and Kiev in February 2022.

In June, during Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Pyongyang, Moscow and Pyongyang signed a comprehensive strategic partnership treaty, which includes a provision for mutual assistance if either of them comes under attack.

Meanwhile, Japanese state media Kyodo cited a former senior diplomat who defected from Pyongyang last year as saying that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has taken a "gamble" in sending troops to Russia.

Ri Il Gyu, a former counselor at North Korea's embassy in Cuba, also told Kyodo News that Kim will never abandon his nuclear weapons programme, even though it has caused severe financial hardships in his country, as per the report in the Japanese state media.

The NYT reports that North Korea has one of the world's largest militaries, with 1.2 million soldiers, but it has not fought in a major conflict since the 1950-53 Korean War.

Russia, it said, has relied on North Korea to help replenish dwindling weapons stockpiles.

Further it said The South also released satellite photos showing what it called Russian Navy ship movements near a North Korean port and hundreds of suspected North Korean soldiers assembling in Ussuriysk and Khabarovsk.

ANI

President Ramchandra Paudel has extended his congratulations to Donald Trump following his election as the President of the United States. On Wednesday, President Paudel took to social media platform X to share his well wishes.

"Warm congratulations, President-elect @realDonaldTrump on your historic win! Wishing you all success for your second term as the President of the USA! I am confident that Nepal-US relations will be further strengthened during your tenure," Poudel wrote in his post.

The Nepal Children's Literary Society has announced ‘Naya Banpale’ (picture story) as the best work for children under eight in 2022. Following the recommendations of the Best Works Evaluation Committee, the working committee meeting, held on Nov 5 under the chairmanship of society president Pramod Pradhan, declared Indra Chaudhary's ‘Naya Banpale’ as the best work.

‘Naya Banpale’ is published by Room to Read. Other children's stories by writer Chaudhary include ‘Dhola Pharkiyo Ta?’ and ‘Kapas ko Ghoda’. Folktales and myths popular among the Ranatharu caste, known as Ranatharu Folklore, have also been published.

The society has declared ‘Sanken ko Khulduli’ (picture story) by Shrijana Rai as the best work for children aged eight and above. The 2021 Nebasas Award for Best Children's Book Writing was awarded to poet Mitralal Pangyani's ‘Nani ra Chari’ (Children's Poetry) for children under eight, and novelist Hari Khanal's ‘Aama’ (Children's Novel) for children aged eight and above.

Similarly, the Nebasas Best Children's Book Illustration Award for 2021 will be given to artist Kalagraj for ‘Baagsanga Jamka Bhet’ (picture book), and for 2022, to Krisha Tamrakar for ‘Yamari’ (picture book).

World leaders raced to congratulate Donald Trump as he claimed a stunning US election victory over Kamala Harris, while financial markets also rose.

Here are the first reactions:

China: ‘Mutual respect’

Without directly mentioning Trump, foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular briefing that China hopes for ‘peaceful coexistence’ with the United States. “We will continue to approach and handle China-US relations based on the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence, and win-win cooperation,” she said. “We respect the choice of the American people.”

Russia: Will judge ‘concrete steps’

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told journalists he was unaware of any plans by Vladimir Putin to congratulate Trump since the US is an ‘unfriendly country’. “We will draw conclusions based on concrete steps and concrete words,” Peskov said.

Israel: ‘Powerful recommitment’

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Trump’s likely win signaled a new beginning in US-Israel relations. “Congratulations on history’s greatest comeback! Your historic return to the White House offers a new beginning for America and a powerful recommitment to the great alliance between Israel and America. This is a huge victory!” said Netanyahu in a statement issued by his office.

Hamas: ‘Blind support’ must end

Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, told AFP that under Trump the United State’s “blind support for the Zionist entity must end because it comes at the expense of the future of our people and the security and stability of the region.”

Ukraine: Hopes ‘just peace’ closer

President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated Donald Trump on his ‘impressive victory’ and said he hoped his presidency would bring a ‘just peace in Ukraine closer’. “I appreciate President Trump’s commitment to the ‘peace through strength’ approach in global affairs. This is exactly the principle that can practically bring just peace in Ukraine closer,” Zelensky said in a statement on social media.

NATO: ‘Peace through strength’

NATO chief Mark Rutte congratulated Trump and said his return to power would help keep the alliance ‘strong’. “His leadership will again be key to keeping our Alliance strong. I look forward to working with him again to advance peace through strength through NATO,” Rutte said in a statement.

EU: ‘Strong transatlantic agenda’

“I warmly congratulate Donald J Trump,” European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen wrote on X. “The EU and the US are more than just allies. We are bound by a true partnership between our people, uniting 800m citizens. So let’s work together on a strong transatlantic agenda that keeps delivering for them.”

France: ‘Respect and ambition’

French President Emmanuel Macron congratulated ‘President Donald Trump’, saying he was ready to work with him “with respect and ambition” like “we managed to do for four years”. In a post on X, Macron said that the relationship with Trump, who is leading the US presidential vote, would “take account of your convictions, and mine,” adding: “For more peace and prosperity.”

Germany: Will remain ‘reliable ally’

Chancellor Olaf Scholz congratulated Trump and vowed Berlin would work with him for “prosperity and freedom.” “Germany and the USA have long been working together successfully to promote prosperity and freedom on both sides of the Atlantic. We will continue to do so for the benefit of our citizens.”

Qatar: ‘Security and stability’

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, whose Gulf monarchy is a key mediator in the Gaza conflict and hosts the largest US military base in the Middle East, said he looked forward to “working together again in promoting security and stability both in the region and globally.”

Turkey: ‘My friend’ Trump

Turkey’s Recep Tayyip Erdogan congratulated “my friend Donald Trump” and wrote on X that “I hope Turkey-US relations will strengthen, that regional and global crises and wars, especially the Palestinian issue and the Russia-Ukraine war, will come to an end.”

Egypt: ‘Reaching peace’

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi congratulated Trump and said he hoped his return to the White House could help bring peace to the Middle East. “I wish him all the success... and I look forward to reaching peace together, upholding regional stability and strengthening the strategic partnership between Egypt and the United States and their friendly peoples,” Sisi said on X.

India: ‘Heartiest congratulations’

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed Trump’s “election victory.” “Heartiest congratulations my friend @realDonaldTrump on your historic election victory,” Modi wrote on social media platform X. “As you build on the successes of your previous term, I look forward to renewing our collaboration.”

South Korea: ‘Alliance to shine brighter’

President Yoon Suk Yeol congratulated Donald Trump and posted on X that “under your strong leadership, the future of the ROK-US alliance and America will shine brighter. Look forward to working closely with you.”

Italy: ‘Sincere congratulations’

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni offered her ‘sincere congratulations’ in a post on X. “Italy and the United States are ‘sister’ nations, linked by an unshakeable alliance,” she said. “It is a strategic bond which I am sure we will now strengthen even more.”

AFP

Farmers in Mustang are busy harvesting native crops, with buckwheat being a particularly popular one. Buckwheat cultivation has long been a tradition for Mustang’s farmers, who grow it for household use, religious purposes, and as gifts for relatives abroad. In Waragung, Gharpazhong, and Thasang Rural Municipalities, farmers are embracing this heritage crop. After sowing, buckwheat takes about 100 days to mature. Once harvested, it is left in the field to dry for three days before the seeds, or kena, are collected. The stems are used as animal fodder, and buckwheat is commonly prepared in various delicious dishes. While some farmers still use traditional methods to separate the kena, others have started using modern techniques.

Most Mustang farmers grow buckwheat in limited quantities for household use. From the lower to the upper Himalayan regions of Mustang, locals have been practicing this form of cultivation for centuries. Alongside other Mustang staples like barley, maize, potatoes, and beans, buckwheat has become a prominent local brand. Buckwheat farming is widespread, from Chusang in Baragung Muktikshetra-3 to Paro Thapla in Thasang-4. Both sweet and bitter varieties are cultivated in altitudes ranging from 1,984 to 3,900 meters above sea level. The cold climate in Mustang enhances the flavor and nutritional value of this native crop.

Sweet buckwheat is typically sown in Lower Mustang in early June and July, with harvesting in October. Bitter buckwheat, planted between July and August, is also harvested by early October. In Upper Mustang, sweet buckwheat is planted in April, and the harvest begins by October. The average height of a buckwheat plant ranges from 100 to 110 cm. Sweet buckwheat flowers bloom in clusters, with light black seeds, while bitter buckwheat produces white flowers. Sweet buckwheat is particularly favored for making traditional dishes like dhido and roti.

Despite its cultural importance, buckwheat is not widely grown commercially in Mustang, partly because it is less expensive than other crops. It remains a staple crop primarily for household use. According to Roshan Thakali, Agriculture Branch Officer of Gharpazhong Rural Municipality, various programs are being implemented to promote native crops like buckwheat. Recognizing its cultural significance, the local government is offering crop diversification training, subsidies, and incentives for farmers to support its cultivation.

Buckwheat offers a wealth of health benefits, with over 24 nutrients. Known to lower blood cholesterol, prevent gallstones, reduce obesity, and benefit those with high blood pressure, buckwheat is rich in minerals, vitamins, fiber, protein, and other nutrients. Many farmers in Mustang also intercrop buckwheat with apples, as it provides them with dual benefits. Niraj Thakali, a farmer in Gharpazhong, emphasized that locals have cultivated buckwheat for centuries, valuing it for its religious, culinary, and gift-giving purposes. Mustang’s native buckwheat can even be found on the menus of big hotels.

The government of Nepal has announced plans to fast-track the preparation of five key infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 72bn, with financial backing from the World Bank. In a recent meeting at the Ministry of Finance, officials outlined the swift implementation of several critical development projects aimed at enhancing the nation’s infrastructure. The five projects, funded through concessional loans from the World Bank, include key upgrades to transportation, irrigation and energy sectors.

Among the projects set to be fast-tracked are the improvement of the Bagmati-Pathlaiya section of the East-West Highway, the construction of the third bridge, and the modernization of the electricity distribution system. Additionally, the third phase of the Rani Jamara Kulariya Irrigation Project and a digital service transformation project for accessibility and sustainability will also be prepared with urgency.

Dengue infections in Nepal are seeing a marked decrease as extended winter conditions and a government-led mosquito eradication campaign help curb the spread of the virus. According to Dr Gokarna Prasad Dahal, Head of the Dengue Control Program at the Epidemiology and Disease Control Division (EDCD), the cooler weather has contributed to a steady decline in dengue cases. Additionally, the government’s ongoing “Find and Destroy Mosquitoes” campaign, which takes place every Friday across government and non-government offices and hospitals, has reportedly played a key role in reducing the mosquito population responsible for the virus.

Data from the division show a sharp drop in reported cases, with infections declining from 2,582 in the 42nd week to just 55 in the 45th week. “As winter progresses, we expect cases to drop further,” said Dr Dahal. Despite this decline, he emphasized the importance of continued precautions against dengue, particularly in areas still prone to mosquito breeding.

Interpol said on Wednesday that a six-day international police operation against human trafficking had led to more than 2,500 arrests and the rescue of over 3,000 potential victims. The operation, called ‘Liberterra II’, took place between Sept 29 and Oct 4 and was the largest-ever operation against human trafficking and people smuggling by the global law enforcement organization. People rescued included minors forced to work on farms in Argentina, migrants in nightclubs in North Macedonia, people forced into begging in Iraq or to serve in private households across the Middle East, Interpol said.

Raids led to the rescue of “3,222 potential victims of human trafficking and identified 17,793 irregular migrants,” it said. In addition to police raids, authorities also reinforced strategic border points, monitored nearly 24,000 flights and deployed officers to known trafficking and smuggling hotspots, said the organization based in Lyon, France.