US Senate approves $9bn cuts to foreign aid and public broadcasting funds

The US Senate has approved a $9bn spending cut bill in a 51–48 vote, targeting foreign aid and public broadcasting. Passed after an overnight session, the bill is part of President Donald Trump’s broader effort to reduce federal spending, BBC reported.

The Senate version trims $8bn from international aid, including global health programs, and over $1bn from public broadcasting, affecting rural radio stations. A proposed $400m cut to the HIV/AIDS program Pepfar was dropped.

The bill now returns to the House, where its future remains uncertain ahead of Friday’s deadline, according to BBC.

Home Minister Lekhak pledges action against culprits of VAW, menstrual discrimination

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said facilities from the local levels will be denied to those compelling menstruating women to isolate and stay in a hut. 

He said that circulars towards that end will be issued for local levels across the country.

During his meeting with office-bearers of the Inter Party Women's Alliance today, the Home Minister said the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration will be requested for issuing the circular. 

"Superstition has a great role in the menstrual discriminations," he said, seeking the support and advice from the Alliance towards the elimination of such discriminations.    

The Minister reiterated that the government is serious about the existence of violence against women including sexual assaults. "The government is serious about the need to work towards the dignity, pride, prestige and security of women," he said, pledging that those responsible for the violence against women will be brought to justice. 

During the meeting Alliance President Mamata Giri submitted a memorandum to the Minister, demanding an end to all sorts of discrimination against women. They expressed their grave concerns over increasing case of violence and discrimination against women.

 

Kirtipur Cricket Stadium construction in final stage: PM Oli

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the construction of the cricket stadium in Kirtipur has reached its final stage.

Taking to his social site today, he mentioned that the contractor company is currently proceeding ahead with the work by paying compensation because they did not complete the construction of the stadium on time.

"Even while working in three shifts, there could have been delays due to the monsoon and other technical reasons. However, the government has now made provision for penalties and rewards to ensure results and maintain discipline in work, which is a positive step," Prime Minister Oli wrote on his social media wall.

He also mentioned that this system of reward and punishment is being implemented in other related public construction works as well.

 

Chair Dahal urges YCL to build strong relationships with people

CPN (Maoist Center) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has pointed out the need of taking labor and production together by building strong relationships with the people.

Inaugurating the 'YCL in labor and production' campaign organized by YCL Nepal Central Committee at Balkumari ground of Sunakothi in Lalitpur today, Chair Dahal urged YCL members to help stop possible destruction from incessant rainfall, flood and landslide.

"Conspiracy has been hatched to reverse the change and it can be made unsuccessful. Significant changes can be achieved with participation of youth. It should be forwarded as a campaign", he argued.

Vice-Chairperson Pampha Bhusal, In-charge of Bagmati Province Saral Sahayatri, central members Hari Dahal, Ramkaji Maharjan, among others were present on the occasion. 

YCL Nepal In-Charge Ram Prasad Sapkota 'Deepshikha' shared that the campaign would be launched across the country in Shrawan and Bhadra, adding the campaign has been launched in 50 districts today itself.

YCL Nepal would carry out activities giving priority to production, labor and disaster management, he opined.