US seeks to weaken global development finance efforts, UN document shows
According to a draft document obtained by Reuters, the United States is attempting to weaken a UN treaty intended to assist developing nations in addressing financial and climate change issues. In preparation for the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4) in June, the document describes suggested changes to the global financial system, such as those pertaining to credit ratings, taxes, and subsidies for fossil fuels.
The United States opposes these amendments and seeks to eliminate references to "climate," "gender equality," and "sustainability." It also intends to replace a request to "reform the international financial architecture" with softer language about enhancing its resilience.
The US delegation claims that the document is excessively comprehensive and challenges the "ever-widening definition of sustainable development." It also opposes the United Nations influence over institutions like as the World Bank and the IMF, arguing that they should remain independent, Reuters reported.
These positions reflect a broader “America First” approach that resists global coordination on climate and development issues.
OpenAI maintains nonprofit control after restructuring reversal
OpenAI has reversed plans to reduce its nonprofit parent’s control over its for-profit arm, after backlash and a lawsuit from co-founder Elon Musk.
Although the goal of the planned change to a public benefit corporation (PBC) was to increase funding, there was a chance that this would compromise the nonprofit's control, Reuters reported.
The decision may jeopardize OpenAI's original goal of creating artificial intelligence for the good of humanity, according to critics. CEO Sam Altman affirmed on Monday that the nonprofit will continue to have complete authority over the governance of the business, according to Reuters.
While OpenAI plans to restructure its for-profit operations in order to generate funds and remain competitive in the AI market, the nonprofit will continue to oversee its direction. Altman emphasized that the current governance paradigm will not change.
Weather to remain partly to generally cloudy across the country today
The country now is under the influence of westerly and local winds.
The Meteorological Forecasting Division shared that there was a partial impact of water vapour-rich winds coming from the Bay of Bengal and Arabian sea.
The weather, according to the Division, will be partly to generally cloudy throughout the country this afternoon.
Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of the hilly region and at one or two places of the rest of the country.
There are chances of light rain and snowfall in some places of the mountainous and hilly regions of the country. Similarly, the weather will be partly to generally cloudy in the hilly regions of the country, including Koshi, Gandaki and Sudurpaschim Provinces tonight.
Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Koshi, Gandaki and Sudurpaschim Provinces and at one or two places of rest of the provinces.
KIIT suicide case: What we know so far
A female Nepali student was found dead in her hostel room at the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar on Thursday evening, in what police have described as a suspected case of suicide.
Parents arrived in Bhubaneswar
The grieving parents of the first-year B.Tech student arrived at the mortuary in AIIMS Bhubaneswar following the incident. “We received information (about her demise) at 8:00 PM,” the student’s visibly distraught mother told ANI. Her father said the family had spoken to her just hours before the incident. “On the day of the incident, we had a telephone conversation with her at 3:00 PM. She talked to us nicely,” he added.
What authorities are saying
Bhubaneswar Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh stated that preliminary findings suggest it was a case of suicide. “Prima facie, it appears to be a suicide case, as she was found in a hanging position inside a locked room,” Singh told ANI. He added that all necessary evidence had been collected and that the body was sent for a post-mortem at AIIMS.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Jagmohan Meena provided further details, saying the incident came to light during a routine attendance check. “When the hostel warden was taking evening attendance, one student did not respond. On checking, the girl was found hanging inside her room. No note was found,” Meena said.
UGC sets up fact-finding committee
In response to the incident and rising concerns, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has formed a four-member fact-finding committee headed by IGNOU Vice-chancellor Nageshwar Rao. The panel will look into the circumstances surrounding the alleged suicides at KIIT, assess the university’s adherence to student welfare norms, and recommend preventive measures.
Other members of the committee include Shashikala Wanjari (VC, NIEPA), HCS Rathore (former VC, Central University of South Bihar), and Sunita Siwach (Joint Secretary, UGC), who will serve as the committee’s coordination officer.
A worrying pattern?
This is the second such incident involving a Nepali student at KIIT in the last three months. In February, another Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, also died by suicide at the university. The latest case has triggered concerns among students, parents, and diplomatic channels, with police confirming they are in touch with the Nepali embassy. Security arrangements have been made around the campus.
