European court finds Russia liable for MH17 and rights abuses
Europe’s top human rights court has ruled that Russia violated international law in Ukraine and was responsible for the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, which killed 298 people, according to Al Jazeera.
The decision, part of cases brought by Ukraine and the Netherlands, marks the first international court ruling holding Moscow accountable for human rights abuses since its 2022 invasion. While symbolic—Russia was expelled from the court in 2022—it is seen as a key step in seeking justice.
The ruling follows a record Russian drone assault on Ukraine and renewed Western pledges of military support.
JICA extends scholarships for governmental officials
Nepal and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement for “The Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship (JDS)” for Fiscal Year 2025.
The grant amounting to 572 million Japanese Yen (JPY 572,000,000) will provide 22 scholarships to the government officials of Nepal through advanced education.
The Government of Japan has been providing scholarships continuously since 2016.
Ghanashyam Upadhaya, Secretary, Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of Nepal and MAEDA Toru, Ambassador of Japan to Nepal on behalf of the Government of Japan signed the agreement, reads a statement issued by JICA.
Similarly, the grant agreement was signed by Dhani Ram Sharma, Joint Secretary, International Economic Cooperation Coordination Division (IECCD), Ministry of Finance on behalf of the Government of Nepal and MATSUZAKI Mizuki, Chief Representative of JICA Nepal Office.
Each year, the scholarship offers 20 seats for two-year master’s degree courses (since 2016) and two seats for three-year Doctoral level courses (starting 2019) to reputed universities in Japan.
These scholarships enable participants to study at prestigious Japanese universities, enhancing their expertise in fields such as judiciary and economic policy among others while also expanding their global professional networks. Since 2016, 209 civil servants have been awarded scholarships through the JDS Grant Aid program.
On the occasion, MATSUZAKI Mizuki, Chief Representative of JICA Nepal Office, emphasized JICA’s commitment to strengthen human resources in Nepal.
Typhoon Danas makes third landfall in Zhejiang, China
Typhoon Danas made its third landfall late Tuesday in Rui’an City, Zhejiang Province, with strong winds and heavy rain, local officials confirmed.
It first hit Taiwan on Monday, then Wenzhou’s Dongtou District earlier Tuesday night before moving further inland, according to Xinhua.
Authorities continue to monitor the typhoon’s impact as it moves inland.
Bridge collapse in India’s Gujarat kills nine, rescue underway
At least nine people were killed and five others injured when part of the Gambhira Bridge collapsed in India’s western Gujarat state on Wednesday morning, sending vehicles plunging into the Mahisagar River.
The bridge, built in 1985 in Vadodara district, gave way unexpectedly, according to state officials. Rescue teams continue to search the river as recovery efforts remain ongoing, according to Al Jazeera.
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the tragedy “deeply saddening” and offered condolences to the victims’ families. Poor infrastructure safety has long troubled India, with a 2022 bridge collapse in Gujarat killing over 130 people.
