Trump praises response to Texas floods amid FEMA scrutiny

US President Donald Trump praised officials for their “incredible job” responding to flash floods in Texas that killed at least 120 people. Visiting Kerrville with First Lady Melania Trump, he met with first responders and victims’ families, calling the disaster unlike anything he’s seen before, according to BBC.

The visit follows criticism over delayed evacuation alerts and the county’s earlier refusal to install a warning system due to funding issues. Trump signaled support for future safety measures.

Amid the crisis, his administration faces backlash over plans to dissolve Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), shifting disaster response to states. FEMA aid began after Trump’s disaster declaration, though he hasn’t addressed its long-term future, BBC reported.

US restarts military aid to Ukraine via NATO

US has resumed military supplies to Ukraine after a brief pause, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed, as Russia steps up attacks on Kyiv.

Zelensky had asked for more support, including ten Patriot missile systems, amid growing pressure from Russian strikes, according to Firstpost.

US President Trump said the US is now sending weapons through NATO, which will cover the full cost. “NATO’s paying 100 percent. They get the weapons and pass them to Ukraine,” he told NBC News.

Trump also said he’ll make a major statement on Russia Monday and criticized Russia's President Putin over the ongoing war. He expects the Senate to pass a tough sanctions bill, which he may choose to enforce, Firstpost reported.

 

Ayodhya decks up for flag hoisting ceremony at Ram Temple

A flag-hoisting ceremony is set to take place at the Ram temple in Ayodhya in November with thousands of special guests expected to attend and Prime Minister Narendra Modi likely to be the chief guest.

An official of the temple trust, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told PTI that the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra trust has shortlisted two dates in November for this significant event. Preparations for the ceremony are gaining momentum.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi might be present as the chief guest on this auspicious occasion,” the official said. According to sources within the temple, the Ram flag will be hoisted atop the 161-foot-high spire of the temple. In addition, flags will also be hoisted on the spires of all other temples within the complex, marking a major milestone towards the completion of the temple’s construction.

Anil Mishra, a trustee of the Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra told PTI, “The final program is still being prepared. As soon as it is ready, it will be shared.”

Temple sources further told PTI that the flag-hoisting ceremony is expected to be as grand as the consecration of Lord Ram. The trust is preparing an extensive guest list that includes saints, religious leaders, distinguished dignitaries and devotees from across India and abroad. The trust estimates that thousands of guests will witness this second historic occasion following the consecration ceremony of the deity Ram Lalla.

A senior official from the Ayodhya administration confirmed that preparations are in full swing to welcome the guests. The temple trust and the administrative machinery have started booking rooms in hotels, while arrangements are also being made in major dharamshalas and guest houses across the city, the official added. According to temple sources, astrologers are determining the most auspicious time for the ceremony in November. Discussions are underway to finalise one of the two proposed dates—Nov 16 or Nov 25.

Lord Vishnu took birth on earth in the Treta Yuga as a prince in the royal household of King Dashrath in Ayodhya (now, also referred to as Ram Janmabhoomi) to his first queen, Kaushalya. His eighth avatar was nothing short of a challenge as he endured all the hardships, despite being a man of great principles. Centuries have passed, but his life continues to inspire millions of people across the globe. And the man, blessed with divine powers was none other than Shri Rama, the one who is hailed as Maryada Purushottam. The story of Shri Rama’s birth is a fascinating one. Read on to know how the divine powers planned Lord Rama's arrival on earth.

Gulmi youths turn to agriculture

In recent years, many Nepali youths have aspired to go abroad in search of better opportunities, aiming to support their families or pursue higher education. However, while migration remains a trend, a group of young individuals in Gulmi district is charting a different path—choosing agriculture and animal husbandry as their future.

Gorkan Nepali from Isma Rural Municipality-3, Bishal Thapa of Gulmidurbar Rural Municipality-6, and Meghnath Aryal of Dhurkot Rural Municipality-6, Sistung, have committed themselves to farming and livestock, becoming notable examples of youth who believe in building their future within Nepal.

These three were recently honored as ‘Excellent Farmers’ by the Veterinary Hospital and Animal Expert Center in Gulmi. According to the Center, the recognition was part of an annual program under the fiscal year 2024/25.

Dron Bahadur Khatri, Chief of the District Coordination Committee, Gulmi, presented the awards, which included cash prizes and certificates. Gorkan Nepali received Rs 10,000 and a certificate as the Best Farmer, while Thapa and Aryal each received Rs 5,000 and certificates. The awards followed a competitive process, with only seven applications submitted from across the district. Based on established criteria, three were selected as outstanding farmers.

Gorkan Nepali is cultivating improved grass varieties on over 120 ropanis of land. Through his Galaxy Agriculture and Livestock Farm, he distributes grass seedlings to more than 53 districts across Nepal. He expects to generate a turnover of around Rs 4 million this fiscal year. Alongside grass cultivation, he is also rearing 50 breeds of goats. His efforts have earned him recognition for leading an agricultural revolution in his community through long-term planning, research, and professionalism.

Bishal Thapa runs the Resunga Agro and Research Farm, which currently houses about 150 goats. Thapa plans to expand the farm into a resource and research center focused on goat breeding. “We are engaged in research-based commercial animal husbandry,” he said. “Support from the government has encouraged farmers like us to continue our work with more enthusiasm.”

Meghnath Aryal has been involved in agriculture and livestock since 2020. He operates a large-scale farm with over 30 buffaloes, producing approximately 100 liters of milk daily, which is sold locally. With support from Dhurkot Rural Municipality and Heifer Project Nepal, Aryal has also started a food processing and packaging unit. He is now marketing local Dhurkote rice, which has seen rising demand in cities like Butwal due to its organic nature. “I left a lucrative job abroad to start an agricultural industry in the village,” Aryal said. “Our goal is to process local products and bring them to urban markets.”

Khatri emphasized the need for farmers to move beyond short-term profit motives and focus on long-term, research-driven practices. “Technicians should be in direct contact with farmers to identify and address problems effectively,” he added.