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The UK Supreme Court has unanimously determined that a woman is defined by her biological sex under equalities law.

It marks the end of a long court dispute that might have far-reaching consequences for how sex-based rights are applied in Scotland, England, and Wales, according to BBC.

The court sided with the campaign group For Women Scotland, which filed a case against the Scottish government saying that sex-based protections should only apply to persons who are born female.

Judge Lord Hodge stated that the verdict should not be interpreted as a victory for one side over another, and emphasized that transgender individuals continue to be protected from discrimination under the law.

The Scottish government contended in court that transgender people having a gender recognition certificate (GRC) had the same sex-based rights as biological women.

The Supreme Court was requested to rule on the right interpretation of the 2010 Equality Act, which applies throughout Britain, BBC reported.

Public reactions to the court's ruling have been mixed, with supporters and opponents gathering outside the Supreme Court to express a range of emotions regarding its implications for gender identity and women's rights.

Activists from both sides voiced their concerns about the ruling's impact. Legal experts indicate that this decision will likely shape future debates and legislative discussions on gender identity and legal protections in the UK, marking a critical point in the ongoing conversation about equality before the law in an increasingly complex social landscape.

A Peruvian court has sentenced former President Ollanta Humala and his wife, Nadine Heredia, to 15 years in prison for laundering $3 million from Brazilian construction firm Odebrecht and $200,000 from the administration of former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Following the verdict, Humala, 62, was taken into custody, while Heredia, 48, sought asylum at the Brazilian embassy in Lima and was later granted safe passage to Brazil with their youngest son, Al Jazeera reported.

During the three-year trial, which began after an investigation in 2016, Humala maintained that the charges stemmed from political persecution. His legal team has announced plans to appeal the court's decision.

Humala, a retired military officer who led the Andean nation from 2011 to 2016, will likely carry out his sentence on a police base built specially to house Peru’s jailed leaders.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has signed a legally binding pact to increase global preparedness for future pandemics, following more than three years of negotiations sparked by the COVID-19 catastrophe, Reuters reported.

The pact outlines measures to prevent future outbreaks, including the creation of a global pathogen access and benefit-sharing system, improved research capabilities across regions and the development of a global supply chain and logistics network. It also advocates for stronger, more resilient healthcare systems around the world.

“This marks a major step forward in efforts to make the world safer from pandemics,” the WHO said in a statement.

The agreement is widely seen as a victory for the global health agency, at a time when multilateral organizations like the WHO have been battered by sharp cuts in U.S. foreign funding, according to Reuters.

The United States withdrew from the talks earlier this year after President Donald Trump exited the WHO through an executive order in February.

For many who grew up in rural Nepal, the sharp, tangy taste of kabro (Ficus lacor) pickle brings back warm childhood memories. This seasonal treat was once a favourite among children, who often ate the young shoots and fruits straight from the trees. The fresh leaves, buds, and fruits were not just tasty—they were part of everyday cooking in many homes.

But eating too much kabro had its side effects. Many children joked about how it could cause an upset stomach or diarrhea. Still, this wild ingredient had a special place in both the kitchen and traditional medicine. Sadly, like many other native foods, kabro is disappearing from Nepali households, replaced by modern and processed foods.

What is kabro?

Kabro, or Ficus lacor, is a large, fast-growing tree found in Nepal, India, Bhutan, Myanmar, and across Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Moraceae family, which also includes figs and mulberries. The tree grows well in tropical and subtropical climates. Apart from feeding humans, it also supports wildlife—its fruits are a favourite of many birds and animals.

In Nepal, making pickles from kabro is an age-old tradition. The young buds, leaves, and fruits are harvested during specific seasons and used to make a tangy, slightly bitter pickle that goes perfectly with rice and dhido (a traditional buckwheat porridge).

The best time to pick kabro is when the buds or leaves are young and reddish in colour. Once they mature, they are mostly used as animal fodder.

Ingredients for kabro pickle

• Tender kabro shoots or young leaves
• Turmeric powder
• Salt
• Timur (Sichuan pepper)
• Red chilies
• Cardamom
• Ginger and garlic paste
• Mustard oil
• Lemon juice

Methodology 

Wash the young leaves and shoots properly. Lightly boil them to remove some of the bitterness and soften the texture. Let them cool, then mix with turmeric, salt, and other spices. Sauté the mixture in mustard oil until it smells rich and aromatic. Add lemon juice for a tangy twist. Leave the pickle in sunlight for a few days to let it mature. The result is a delicious blend of bitter, sour, and spicy flavours—a taste that brings back memories for many Nepalis.

Kabro in traditional Medicine

Kabro isn’t just a tasty pickle. It has long been valued for its healing properties in traditional medicine. In small amounts, kabro supports digestion and relieves bloating. It’s often used to treat indigestion and gastric discomfort. Packed with antioxidants, it helps strengthen the immune system. The bark and leaves have anti-inflammatory properties. Some studies suggest kabro helps lower blood sugar.

A tradition at risk

As more people move to cities and processed foods become common, traditional items like kabro pickle are being forgotten. Reviving them is important—not just for nostalgia, but to protect Nepal’s rich culinary heritage and improve food diversity.

How to bring kabro pickle back

Promote in local communities

Raise awareness of kabro’s health benefits and traditional value.=

Feature in restaurants

Traditional eateries can include kabro pickle on their menus to attract curious food lovers.

Encourage small-scale production

Kabro pickle can be packaged and sold as a specialty item, offering economic opportunities for rural communities.

Kabro beyond Nepal

Kabro isn’t just known in Nepal. Cultures across Asia use it in their own ways. For example, in Northern Thailand, a delicious curry is made using the young leaves of Ficus lacor.

Here’s a simple way to prepare kabro curry with Chicken or Pork, inspired by Thai cuisine. Pick only the soft young leaves, removing the thick leaf stems. Fry Thai curry paste (or make your own curry paste) in a pot until aromatic. Add chicken or pork, and stir until the meat is well-coated and cooked. Pour in water and bring to a boil. Add the kabro leaves and boil until they are tender. Turn off the heat. The curry is ready to serve. This dish has a rich, earthy flavour and is a wonderful way to enjoy kabro beyond pickles.

Bringing back a lost flavor

The kabro pickle is a piece of Nepal’s food history. As we explore new tastes, we should not forget the value of the past. By reintroducing kabro into our diets, we are not only reconnecting with tradition but also making a healthy, sustainable choice. Let’s bring kabro back to our kitchens and preserve this forgotten gem for future generations.

The author is a London-based R&D chef