US cuts $450m in Harvard grants amid policy dispute
The US administration has withdrawn $450m in subsidies to Harvard University in response to Harvard President Alan Garber's criticism of alleged government overreach. This comes on top of the $2.2bn in federal funding that were halted last month.
Harvard, according to the administration's Joint Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, has failed to confront antisemitism and racial prejudice. It has also threatened to suspend the university's tax-exempt status and access to international student programs, as reported by Xinhua.
Harvard has rejected the demands, which include governance reforms and policy adjustments, and is now suing the government. The dispute is part of a larger federal assault on university diversity policies and campus antisemitism.
Canadian PM Mark Carney unveils new cabinet amid US trade tensions
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled a new 28-member cabinet and ten secretaries of state, committing rapid economic action in the face of rising trade tensions with the US.
The reshuffle adds 24 new ministers, 13 of them are first-time MPs. Key portfolios, such as housing, immigration, and energy, have been handed to newcomers. Carney also named a new foreign minister to oversee the troubled US-Canada relationship, following his recent meeting with Donald Trump to discuss a potential trade deal, according to BBC.
Veterans from Justin Trudeau's government, including Chrystia Freeland, Melanie Joly, and Anita Anand, have returned to cabinet. Carney continues the policy of gender parity, calling the team “purpose-built for this hinge moment.”
PM Oli calls for keeping NRNA intact, dignified and goal-oriented
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) to be united, dignified and purpose-driven.
Inaugurating the 'NRNA Global Conclave' organized by the NRNA today, PM Oli said that it is inappropriate to see trends that do not align with the objectives of this organization and urged it to abandon narrow-mindedness and strive for a higher level of unity.
"It is not good to have disputes in this kind of collective organization that needs to work together in unity. An organization cannot function by altering the rules for individual purposes. Let reason and logic prevail in this. The organization should not develop into a place to do anything for personal interest," said Prime Minister Oli.
The organization should not be deviated from the sacred purpose of the rights and interests of the Nepali diaspora, mutual acquaintance, the continuity of Nepali culture and traditions, and what contributions can be made for the country, he said, adding that there should be no party politics in this and attempts to divide the organization will not be successful. "The Nepal government will support it in legitimate matters."
The Prime Minister on the occasion expressed his dismay for what he called the indecent and indecorous activities that occurred during the NRN convention, stating that this did not send a good message to society. He urged the non-resident Nepali community to move forward by embracing democratic values with due process.
The PM expressed the confidence that since the current term of NRNA president Dr Badri KC is still valid, this would allow for a democratic and legal transition of leadership through a general assembly. He also committed that the government would carry out work based on the suggestions received for the amendments needed in the laws related to non-resident Nepalis.
UML’s Bartaula urges government to rescue Nepalis stranded in Saudi Arabia
CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula has urged the government to rescue Nepalis stranded in Saudi Arabia after the closure of the company they were working in.
Speaking during the 'call attention hour' in the meeting of the House of Representatives today, he drew the government's attention to the fact that 469 Nepali workers have been stranded after the closure of Sandran International Company Limited in the Jubail City of Saudi Arabia, urging for immediate rescue and assistance.
"Among the 469 workers, 226 workers want to return to Nepal. They have expressed their intention to return to Nepal by contacting the embassy there,” Bartula said, adding that among those rendered jobless, 243 have requested to arrange for employing them in other companies.
Stating that the Nepali workers have reportedly not received their salaries for two to nine months since the closure of the company, lawmaker Bartaula informed the House that despite repeatedly drawing the management's attention to the issue of salaries, no action has been taken.
“Those Nepalis rendered jobless are currently staying in the camp. They are facing a food shortage, some have fallen ill, and have not received medical treatment,” said lawmaker Bartaula.
According to him, those wishing to return to Nepal have not been able to come back home as their visa term has expired. "I urge the government to mobilize quickly for the rescue of those Nepalis and provide the necessary assistance and facilitation.”



