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Bangladesh Attorney General Proposes Removing ‘Secularism’ and ‘Socialism’ from Constitution

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DHAKA, Nov 15: Bangladesh’s Attorney General Mohammad Asazzaman has proposed significant amendments to the country’s Constitution, suggesting the removal of “secularism” and “socialism” as two of its foundational principles. The proposal, made during a High Court hearing on Wednesday, also seeks to eliminate a provision mandating capital punishment for unconstitutional regime changes.

The Attorney General’s remarks came during a writ petition hearing filed by a group of citizens. Asazzaman argued that while Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, widely regarded as the Father of the Nation, was an undisputed leader, the ruling Awami League had “politicized” his legacy for party interests. He further proposed removing Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s official designation in the Constitution to avoid what he termed political exploitation of his name.

These suggestions mark a controversial departure from the original guiding principles enshrined in the Constitution after Bangladesh gained independence in 1971. Secularism and socialism, along with nationalism and democracy, were introduced as the bedrock of the state’s identity under Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s leadership.

The Attorney General’s proposal is likely to spark heated debates, as secularism has remained a key tenet in a country with a Muslim majority but a history of religious pluralism. Socialism, meanwhile, has long been associated with the vision of economic justice that guided the nation’s formative years.

This development comes as Bangladesh approaches parliamentary elections, with political tensions running high between the ruling Awami League and opposition parties. Critics are likely to question whether these proposed changes aim to address ideological concerns or further politicize the Constitution ahead of the elections.

The High Court is yet to deliver its ruling on the writ petition, and the proposed amendments are expected to trigger intense public and political discourse in the coming weeks.

Sri Lanka’s Left-Leaning Alliance Nears Landslide Victory in Snap Elections Amid Economic Turmoil

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Colombo — Sri Lanka’s left-leaning National People’s Power (NPP) coalition, led by recently elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, is set for a decisive victory in the country’s snap parliamentary elections. Official results indicate the NPP has won 141 seats, edging close to the 150-seat mark required for a majority in the 225-member parliament. More results are expected to be announced soon, with many analysts predicting a landslide win for the coalition.

Dissanayake, who became president in September, called for early elections to gain a clear mandate to address the country’s deep-seated economic challenges. Sri Lanka is still reeling from the effects of its worst economic crisis, characterized by soaring inflation, food and fuel shortages, and high living costs. In 2022, these issues sparked a major political shift, leading to the resignation of former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. His successor, Ranil Wickremesinghe, managed to secure a $3 billion IMF bailout, but widespread economic hardship continues, with nearly 26% of Sri Lankans living below the poverty line.

The NPP’s strong showing marks a shift from the previous parliament, where Dissanayake’s Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) party, now leading the NPP coalition, held just three seats. The victory highlights widespread voter dissatisfaction with established political figures, many of whom chose not to seek re-election. Notably absent were members of the Rajapaksa family, who once held a stronghold in Sri Lankan politics but have lost considerable influence amid the crisis.

Dissanayake campaigned on promises to tackle corruption and restore economic stability, drawing on the NPP’s traditional advocacy for strong state intervention and lower taxes. Observers believe his success is due in part to a fractured opposition, which saw numerous parties and leaders splinter into smaller factions or run independently, diminishing their influence.

The coalition’s imminent majority now empowers Dissanayake to pursue his ambitious reform agenda, although he still faces immense challenges. Essential goods and services remain scarce, and economic recovery is slow; the World Bank forecasts just 2.2% growth for Sri Lanka in 2024. Many, like 26-year-old garment worker Manjula Devi, say they continue to struggle with basic expenses despite recent economic measures.

The new government now faces the daunting task of delivering on campaign promises and stabilizing the country’s economy. With a fresh mandate and a clear path ahead, Dissanayake’s administration must act swiftly to address the urgent needs of Sri Lanka’s population, whose hopes rest on meaningful change.

Leaders of HKH countries call for global partnership to tackle climate crisis in Mountains 

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Baku, Azerbaijan  – The  leaders from the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) countries met to discuss the crisis in the continent’s largest frozen water stores, the HKH.

Ministers and heads of delegations from six of the eight countries that share the Earth’s tallest cryosphere zone met at a meeting hosted by Bhutan’s Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay on day two of the global climate conference COP29 in Azerbaijan on 12 November.

The event was attended by Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri, Minister, Ministry of Forests and Environment, Nepal; Romina Khursheed Alam, Coordinator to Prime Minister for the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, Pakistan; Farhina Ahmad, Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bangladesh; Naresh Pal Gangwar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Forest and Climate Change, India; Karma Tshering, Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Bhutan and LU Shize, Deputy DG for the General Department for Responding to Climate Change, Ministry of Ecology and Environment, China.

Also present were Dinara Kemelova, Special Envoy Mountains, Kyrgyzstan, Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials of the Arctic Council and key representatives from the World Bank, UNESCO, ADB and UNEP.

“The HKH region – this biodiversity hotspot to the world – a repository of some of the world’s biggest amounts of ice – this water tower that supports almost 2 billion people, is at risk,” said Tobgay.

“We are vulnerable, and the effects of climate change are already affecting our entire region. The fact that our fast ascending towards 1.5 degree celsius will accelerate disasters for the entire region, 240 million people in HKH and 1.6 billion live downstream. We need to do more. We need to come together with a unified source of vision, with one voice and call for action.” 

Nepal’s Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri shared urgent reminders of climate vulnerability, noting the recent devastating Thame flood that swept away an entire village and the September floods that tragically claimed over 150 lives. He called for solidarity in the fight against climate change and urged everyone to work toward a global partnership.

Romina Khurseed emphasised unity, stating, “As we gather here in Baku, let us unite to protect the invaluable resources of the HKH region through strengthened cooperation, targeted investments and mobilisation of international support, we can foster a sustainable resilient future for the HKH region because it’s not you, it’s not me. It is us.” 

Bangladesh stressed that climate crisis is impacting not only their own country but the entire region. ‘Not only Bangladesh, but the whole region is suffering. It is immeasurable. And if we remain and do our business as usual, the problem will get severe. We should act to prevent the ongoing loss,’ the representative stated. Bangladesh reaffirmed their commitment to raising these issues, both in regional dialogues and through national platforms, to advocate for the Hindu Kush Himalaya region.

India, meanwhile, highlighted air pollution as a pressing, shared challenge within the Indo-Gangetic Airshed. “Most of our countries fall under the same air-shed, i.e., the Indo-Gangetic Airshed. This is a transboundary issue. All countries must work together to address air pollution,” stated Naresh Pal Gangwar. He urged nations, particularly Pakistan and Bangladesh, to take proactive, collaborative steps to manage and mitigate air pollution across borders.

Pema Gyamtsho, Director General of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the intergovernmental research centre for the HKH region, said: “Yet again, across this region this year, families have been mourning their dead, counting lost land, livelihoods, and heritage, or facing up to the agonizing dilemma, of whether to stay in mountain towns and villages, and try to adapt to hugely uncertain conditions, or abandon homes and sever ties with landscapes to which their communities have been entwined for millennia.

“To address this escalating crisis, we must prioritize disaster preparedness, boost adaptation financing and target it where it matters most, pursue the win-win potential of tackling air pollution, drive new investments, quantify economic costs to advocate effectively for loss and damage finance, and support stronger policy coordination.”

Bhutan’s Secretary of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, presented the need to strengthen regional cooperation on several issues of common concerns and interests including cryosphere risk monitoring, disaster preparedness and early warning systems, including resilient infrastructures, air pollution, biodiversity conservation along with building capacity of the region to access funding from global funds such as Adaptation fund, GEF and GCF, innovative financing solutions, coordination and support at global forums like COPs to represent and amplify common HKH issues and concerns. Most importantly, he emphasised the need to have a biennial ministers’ meeting as agreed in the 2020 Ministerial Mountain Summit.

Given the transboundary nature of the issues faced by HKH countries, there is a dire need for cooperation, engagements, and a coherent regional mechanism, the leaders acknowledged.

Developing Countries Demand Urgent Climate Finance Boost Amidst Divisions at COP29 Summit

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Baku — In a critical call to action, a new report from the Independent High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance highlights that developing nations need $1 trillion annually by 2030 to combat climate change, far sooner than the current 2035 goal backed by wealthy countries. The report warns that waiting five more years would deepen the burdens on vulnerable nations, struggling to mitigate emissions and manage escalating climate impacts. As negotiations continue at the COP29 summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, tension builds between rich and poor nations over financing obligations and sources.

The study, unveiled Thursday, comes as ministers and officials from almost 200 countries negotiate new global climate finance commitments. Early drafts reveal significant disagreements, especially concerning the amount of funding required and the sources from which it will come. Although wealthy nations have acknowledged the need for substantial support, they propose relying heavily on private sector investment, which critics argue cannot adequately address adaptation needs.

Nicholas Stern, co-chair of the expert group, emphasized the urgency, stating that it is “more expensive the longer you wait.” The report suggests that half of the required $1 trillion could come from private investment, with an additional $250 billion from multilateral development banks like the World Bank. Other funds could derive from international grants, IMF special drawing rights, and new taxes on aviation and shipping. Stern urged developed countries to act decisively, warning that “kicking the can down the road” will only worsen the crisis.

At COP29, developing countries and climate activists are pushing for grants and public finance over private investment, arguing that vulnerable communities need guaranteed support rather than profit-driven solutions. Mohamed Adow, director of Power Shift Africa, called for robust public funding, noting that “private finance has failed miserably” in addressing adaptation needs. Similarly, Harjeet Singh of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative underscored that “we need real trillions in grants,” cautioning that failure at COP29 to secure such commitments would mean “we’re all on the losing side.”

Despite an announcement by the World Bank and other development banks to double their climate finance pledges to $120 billion annually by 2030, concerns persist that the sum falls short. Yalchin Rafiyev, Azerbaijan’s lead negotiator, expressed optimism, but acknowledged that the road to compromise remains challenging.

As COP29 continues, developing countries hope for a historic breakthrough, calling on wealthier nations to embrace urgent, substantive climate finance commitments and pave the way for a just global transition.

UK Universities Struggle as Visa Restrictions

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London — UK universities, renowned for their prestige, are grappling with financial strain as recent visa restrictions and Brexit-related challenges reduce international student enrollment. The UK is a top global education destination, with 760,000 foreign students enrolled in 2022, particularly from India, China, and Nigeria. However, last year’s 5% drop in student visas, compounded by a 16% decrease in visa applications between July and September, signals a troubling trend.

Foreign students, who pay significantly higher fees than domestic students, are vital for UK universities’ finances. For instance, Leo Xui, a Chinese student at University College London, pays £31,000 per year, compared to the £9,250 cap for British students. The Labour government recently raised this cap slightly to £9,535, but inflation has diminished its value, with Universities UK (UUK) estimating the current fee’s worth at under £6,000.

Visa restrictions imposed by the former Conservative government have intensified recruitment difficulties. Policies preventing international students from bringing family members and barring in-study work visa transitions have dampened the UK’s appeal. Nick Hillman of the Higher Education Policy Institute expressed concerns over the UK’s declining attractiveness as a study destination. Coventry University’s Provost, Ian Dunn, highlighted Brexit’s impact, noting EU student numbers fell from 4,400 to just 10% of that.

To mitigate losses, some institutions have lowered admission criteria for foreign students. Coventry University has pioneered overseas partnerships, establishing campuses in Egypt, Morocco, India, and China, allowing students to earn UK degrees without setting foot in the UK.

As universities face mounting financial pressures, some students are choosing alternative destinations like Canada, Australia, and the Netherlands, where English-taught courses are available and visa policies are more favorable.

UN Climate Summit Urges Private Sector to Boost Climate Finance Amid Global Tensions

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Baku— At the UN’s Cop29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, the host nation’s environment minister, Mukhtar Babayev, issued a clear call for private sector investment to help developing countries transition to low-carbon economies. Writing in The Guardian, Babayev emphasized the urgency of mobilizing private finance, warning that without this support, achieving climate goals would be impossible. He argued that relying solely on government funding is no longer sufficient, stating, “Without the private sector, there is no climate solution. The world needs more funds and it needs them faster.”

Nearly 200 countries’ representatives are gathered in Baku to discuss a new framework for climate finance, particularly for developing countries that require significant support to reduce emissions and adapt to worsening extreme weather. Currently, climate finance for these nations is around $100 billion annually, but developing countries are advocating for a tenfold increase to $1 trillion by 2035.

The summit’s atmosphere is tense due to the re-election of Donald Trump in the U.S., who has pledged to withdraw the country from the Paris climate agreement. This move could weaken global commitments to emissions reduction and make meeting climate finance goals more challenging. Without the U.S., developed nations may struggle to meet targets, potentially shifting the burden to the private sector to meet the ambitious $1 trillion goal.

However, an increased role for private finance is controversial. Private funding often involves loans, raising concerns about increasing the debt burden of developing nations. Christian Aid’s Mariana Paoli expressed skepticism, asserting that private finance is driven by profit and can exacerbate debt, whereas government grants offer a more effective means of support.

While many developing countries acknowledge the need for private finance, they stress that public funds from developed countries must remain central. A representative from the Alliance of Small Island States highlighted the importance of public finance, supplemented by private funding through strategic interventions.

UN climate chief Simon Stiell also weighed in, noting that inflation and economic instability are directly tied to continued fossil fuel dependency. He emphasized that climate finance is not charity but a global necessity, warning that failure to act swiftly could destabilize the global economy.

Least Developed Countries demand at least US$ 1 trillion by 2030 to deal with the climate crisis 

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Baku, Azerbaijan —  Least Developed Countries, also known as LDCs, have demanded at least US$ 1 trillion by 2030 to deal with the climate crisis.

The LDC Group, that represents 45 countries and 1.1 billion people, has called for scaled up, new, additional, and easily accessible climate finance, for the poorest countries in the world.

“We urgently demand  finance that meets the unique needs of our vulnerable communities, and is delivered as grants, not loans,” said Evans Njewa, Chair of the LDC Climate Group.

“For too long, debt burdens have crippled our economies and deepened our vulnerabilities. Through partially costed estimates, the LDCs alone are in need of at least US$ 1 trillion by 2030 to implement our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). A failure to conclude COP29 without a bold new finance goal would be a tragic disservice to both the planet and vulnerable populations,” he said.

 This year alone, severe flooding and landslides devastated lives and property across countries including Nepal, Chad, Ethiopia, Bangladesh.

“LDCs have been bearing the brunt of climate change despite having no historic contribution to cause the crisis in the first place. Studies suggest that Nepal alone needs at least USD 33 billion to deal with severe impacts of climate change over the next five years,” said Manjeet Dhakal, climate change advisor to the LDC Group Chair. “We are calling upon the developed countries not only to fulfil their past commitments but also scale up their pledges.”

The world must step up with a game-changing climate finance goal that matches the true scale of our needs. Not billions, but trillions. It’s more important than ever that countries remain committed to continuing to work together to address this global crisis and collectively step up efforts, the Group said.

“COP29 must be clear on this, encouraging countries to submit strong new climate action plans – Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – early next year that are aligned with the 1.5°C goal. Additionally, our countries must be provided with adequate support to implement these plans. COP29 must also finalise the remaining rules on carbon markets, ensuring the market mechanisms support emissions reductions and don’t compromise environmental integrity,” said Njewa.

The 29th conference of parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) – popularly known as COP 29- is to kick off in Baku on Monday.A total of 197 United Nations members as well as the European Union will be attending the conference 

 The Least Developed Countries (LDC) Group is made up of 45 countries across Africa, the Asia-pacific and the Caribbean, with a joint population of over one billion people. Incredibly vulnerable to environmental and economic shocks, and disproportionately affected by the climate crisis, LDCs negotiate together as a bloc at UN climate talks to advance their shared interest in a fair and ambitious global response to climate change.

British Asian Rugby Awards Celebrate South Asian Contributions to Rugby

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London — The inaugural British Asian Rugby Awards took place at the Palace of Westminster, celebrating the achievements and contributions of British South Asians to rugby. Organized by the British Asian Rugby Association (BARA) and supported by the Rugby Football League (RFL) and Rugby Football Union (RFU), the awards aim to inspire engagement, promote role models, and increase South Asian representation in rugby. Hosted in Speakers House by RFL President Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, the event marked a historic milestone, with over 100 attendees honoring individuals who have positively impacted rugby and their communities.

The awards recognized players, coaches, schools, and clubs that champion diversity, including 18-year-old Hamza Butt, who was awarded the Outstanding Talent Award. Butt, a promising centre from Burnley, has joined Wigan Warriors Academy after successful stints with Wigan St Pats and Leigh Miners Rangers. Huddersfield Giants and Bradford Bulls were also honored for their dedication to creating an inclusive environment within Rugby League.

BARA founder Dr. Ikram Butt, the first British South Asian to represent England in rugby, emphasized the event’s significance. “These awards highlight the success of South Asians who have inspired others, challenged stereotypes, and uplifted communities,” said Dr. Butt. “Hosting this in Parliament underscores the importance of representation and inclusivity in sport. BARA has always used rugby to drive social change, foster cultural understanding, and promote community cohesion. In challenging times, sport has the power to unite, break down prejudices, and create a sense of belonging.”

The awards also spotlighted the RFL’s commitment to inclusivity. Tony Sutton, RFL CEO, expressed his pride in the event, saying, “Rugby League is about unity, breaking down barriers, and creating opportunities for all. We are thrilled to support BARA in this initiative and look forward to championing these efforts for years to come.” Ben Abberstein, RFL Senior EDI Partner, highlighted the impact of the awards: “It was uplifting to see so many from the South Asian community involved in Rugby League. Through BARA, we are able to amplify their stories and inspire future generations.”

British Asian Rugby Awards Winners:

  • Rising Star Award: Nimrah Gul (Halifax Panthers)
  • Outstanding Talent Award: Hamza Butt (Wigan Warriors)
  • School Sport Excellence: Parkinson Lane Primary, Olive Tree Primary
  • Inclusion Awards: Manjinder Nagra, Beena Chadha
  • Grassroots Excellence: Mick Johal, Humayun Islam
  • Professional Club: Huddersfield Giants, Bradford Bulls
  • Coach of Excellence: Navneet Sembi
  • Community Excellence: Zeinab Drabu, Starr Zaman
  • International Excellence: Nasser Hussain

BARA Hall of Fame Inductees: Jaswant Chatha, Mandip Sehmi PLY, Manjinder Nagra, Jagmohan Johal, Junaid Malik, Syed Ali, Mamminder Singh Samra

Narendra Modi Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Ratan Tata: “An Inspiration to Generations”

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New Delhi —Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has penned a moving tribute to Ratan Tata, honoring the legendary industrialist’s enduring legacy a month after his passing. Tata, who died at 86 on October 10, is remembered for his profound impact on Indian industry, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. In his blog post, PM Modi commemorated Tata’s “steadfast commitment to the values of integrity, excellence, and service,” underscoring his achievements that lifted the Tata Group to new heights of global respect.

For millions of Indians, Tata epitomized the spirit of Indian enterprise. PM Modi recalled Tata’s role in nurturing India’s startup ecosystem, investing in promising ventures, and supporting young entrepreneurs. “He empowered a generation of dreamers,” Modi wrote, celebrating Tata’s unwavering support for innovation and a culture of entrepreneurship that will continue shaping India’s future.

PM Modi also highlighted Tata’s deep compassion, not only for people but for animals, exemplified by his dedication to animal welfare. Modi described Tata’s commitment to society as exemplifying “true leadership,” marked by empathy and support for the vulnerable.

Tata’s patriotism was also celebrated, with Modi recalling his swift reopening of the Taj Hotel in Mumbai after the 26/11 attacks as a symbol of resilience. Modi concluded by saying that Tata’s legacy lives on in the lives he touched, inspiring generations with his vision for a kinder, more compassionate India.

Pakistan’s Multan Air Pollution Crisis: AQI Surges to Hazardous Levels

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Multan, Pakistan – The air quality crisis in Pakistan’s Punjab province has escalated, with Multan recording an alarming Air Quality Index (AQI) of 2,553 on Friday morning. This unprecedented level forced officials to close parks, schools, and public spaces, implementing a “smart lockdown” and early closure of shops at 8 p.m.

The concentration of toxic particulate matter (PM2.5) in Multan has reached 947 micrograms per cubic meter—189.4 times above World Health Organization guidelines, which set a safe limit at 5 micrograms. Smog, a harmful mix of smoke and fog, blankets the city, endangering public health and causing respiratory issues.

Authorities have attributed the rise in pollution to unusual wind patterns, claiming a “wind pool” from India’s Jaipur and Bikaner has worsened air quality in Punjab. Pakistani officials have also placed vehicles emitting smoke and stubble burning practices under increased scrutiny.

Declaring smog a “calamity,” the Punjab government has closed schools in 18 districts until November 18. The deteriorating air quality crisis mirrors similar conditions in India, where Delhi logged a “very poor” AQI of 359 on Saturday.

With health risks soaring, public officials urge swift actions to address the pollution emergency across the region.

Suicide Blast at Quetta Railway Station Kills 24, Injures 46

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Quetta, Pakistan – A suicide blast at Quetta Railway Station on Saturday claimed at least 24 lives and injured 46 others, according to Quetta Division Commissioner Hamza Shafqat. The attack occurred as a Jaffar Express train was preparing to depart for Peshawar, leaving rubble scattered across the platform.

The banned Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) claimed responsibility for the attack, marking the latest in a series of escalating terrorist incidents in Pakistan’s Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces. The blast follows a deadly bombing near a girls’ school and hospital in Mastung district last week that killed eight, including five children.

Commissioner Shafqat stated that train services in the area would be suspended, and he urged the public to donate blood for the injured. An emergency was declared at local hospitals to handle the influx of casualties.

Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti condemned the attack, calling it a “continuation of targeting innocent people.” He vowed that those responsible would be brought to justice, adding that operations to root out terrorism in Balochistan would continue.

Over the past year, Pakistan has seen a spike in violence, with over 1,500 fatalities in terror-related incidents in 2023 alone. Recent attacks in Balochistan have included bombings targeting police, as well as armed attacks on laborers and construction sites.

Security forces have secured the blast site, and a Bomb Disposal Squad is collecting evidence. Authorities are investigating the incident while the Balochistan government has called for intensified operations against terrorist groups in the region.

The Sari: A Timeless Tradition Woven Through South Asian Culture

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Sneha Rae

The sari, a symbol of South Asian heritage, has been a defining garment for women across countries like Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka for millennia. With origins as early as 2800-1800 BCE, the sari represents not just a style of dress but a rich cultural tradition that has evolved through time.

Originally woven from cotton, the earliest saris in the Indian subcontinent were adorned with natural dyes like indigo, turmeric, and red madder, giving them vibrant colors long before synthetic dyes existed. The simple cotton fabric eventually became more elaborate, with new materials and decorative techniques arriving over the centuries. Gold threads, precious stones, and intricate motifs found their way into saris, especially for those of higher social standing, transforming them from practical garments into status symbols and works of art.

A sari typically measures between 4.5 and 9 meters, wrapping elegantly around the waist and draping over the shoulder in a way that flatters all body types. With over 100 documented styles of draping, the sari is versatile and open to personal interpretation, allowing each woman to bring her unique flair to the garment. Among these styles, the Nivi drape—characterized by pleats tucked at the waist and the end draped over the shoulder—remains the most popular across South Asia.

The word “sari” itself has evolved from the ancient term “Sattika,” a three-piece ensemble from 6th-century BCE texts, which included a skirt, a veil, and a chest band. The influence of various cultures and imports through the ages expanded the possibilities for the sari, bringing new colors, textiles, and patterns. Printing techniques introduced florals, figurative designs, and motifs, making each sari distinct and a representation of the region and culture it came from.

While the sari is still worn in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, it has become a cultural icon most closely associated with India. Each region has its unique draping style, embodying local traditions, foods, and dialects within the very fabric of the garment. Today, saris are made from a variety of materials, including silk, cotton, and even polyester. While there is some debate about modern innovations, such as synthetic materials and Western influences, these adaptations highlight the sari’s ability to evolve with the times while preserving its essence.

One of the sari’s most enduring qualities is its role as a garment for women of all social classes and ages. From the wealthy to the working-class, saris have historically been a choice for everyone. Their one-size-fits-all nature means they can be passed down from one generation to another, bearing both family history and tradition. Many women receive saris from their mothers and grandmothers, creating a powerful, personal connection to their heritage. This passing down of saris mirrors the way stories and values are shared within families, knitting together generations in the same way the sari itself is woven.

Today, the sari industry remains a significant economic force, particularly in India, where as of 2023, it employed an estimated 11 million people. Though modern-day saris might integrate Western fashion elements, they remain cherished heirlooms, reflecting a timeless beauty that has adapted across centuries. The sari’s ability to blend the old with the new while symbolizing a shared cultural identity has cemented it as a treasured emblem of womanhood and tradition across South Asia.

Nepalese Teenager Breaks Record as Youngest to Summit All 14 Highest Peaks

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In a remarkable feat, 18-year-old Nima Rinji Sherpa from Nepal has set a new world record as the youngest mountaineer to conquer Earth’s 14 highest peaks, each over 8,000 meters. Early on Wednesday, Nima Rinji stood atop Mount Shishapangma in Tibet, his final summit in the prestigious “eight-thousander” list, achieving the record at approximately 6:05 a.m. local time.

Nima Rinji, who began his high-altitude climbing journey at 16, scaled all 14 peaks within an impressive 740 days. His first major summit was Nepal’s Manaslu on September 30, 2022, just after he had completed his 10th-grade exams. Throughout his journey, he was accompanied by his climbing partner, Pasang Nurbu Sherpa, forming a duo that exemplifies the next generation of skilled Sherpa mountaineers.

This record-breaking summit on Wednesday is the latest in a series of milestones for Nima Rinji, who has also become the youngest to scale Pakistan’s G1 and G2 peaks, Kashmir’s formidable Nanga Parbat, and Nepal’s Mount Everest and Lhotse within a span of 10 hours. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasized that his accomplishments go beyond individual triumphs; they represent a tribute to the Sherpa community.

“This summit is not just the culmination of my personal journey, but a tribute to every Sherpa who has ever dared to dream beyond the traditional boundaries set for us,” Nima Rinji said. “Mountaineering is more than labor; it is a testament to our strength, resilience, and passion.”

The Sherpa community is well known as the backbone of Himalayan expeditions, yet often stereotyped as guides or porters for foreign climbers. However, Nima Rinji aims to change this perception. “We are not just guides; we are trailblazers,” he said, urging younger Sherpas to “rise above the stereotype of being only support climbers and embrace their potential as top-tier athletes, adventurers, and creators.”

Nima Rinji’s dedication to changing the image of Sherpa mountaineers reflects his heritage, as he comes from a family steeped in mountaineering accomplishments. His family runs Seven Summit Treks, Nepal’s largest mountaineering expedition company, which organized his historic Shishapangma climb.

Following the successful summit, his father, Tashi Lakpa Sherpa, shared a proud moment, recounting a call with his son via satellite phone. “He told me, ‘Dad, I reached the summit at 6:05 Chinese time. My colleague Pasang Norbu and I have arrived,’” Tashi Lakpa recalled. “Being highly trained and professional, he wasn’t even thrilled; it was normal. I said, ‘I had faith in you. Return safely.’”

Rakesh Gurung, Director of Adventure Tourism and Mountaineering under Nepal’s Department of Tourism, confirmed the record, stating that Nima Rinji will receive official certification upon his return to base camp. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Nepali climber Mingma Gyabu ‘David’ Sherpa, who completed the eight-thousanders at age 30 in 2019.

All of the 14 eight-thousanders are located in Asia, within the Himalayan and Karakoram mountain ranges. As Nima Rinji stands as the youngest to conquer these peaks, he not only sets a new world record but redefines the role and potential of Sherpa climbers on the global mountaineering stage.

Foreign Tech Giants, Including Apple and Google, Start Paying Digital Service Tax in Nepal

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Kathmandu, Nepal – Major international tech companies such as Apple, Google, Microsoft, Meta, TikTok, and Netflix have started paying Nepal’s newly implemented Digital Service Tax (DST) for providing electronic services to consumers in the country. This tax mandates a 2% levy on the transaction value of electronic services provided to Nepali consumers.

According to Dhurba Prasad Pandey, Chief Tax Officer and Information Officer at Nepal’s Large Taxpayers’ Office, 20 foreign companies are now registered and compliant with the DST requirement, established under the Economic Act for Fiscal Year 2022/23. This DST provision, which went into effect two years ago, was the country’s first attempt to tax foreign digital services, though not all companies operating in Nepal’s digital economy are yet covered by the framework.

Notable companies registered under the DST framework include Google Asia Pacific Private Limited, Google Ireland Limited, LinkedIn Singapore Private Limited, and Amazon’s divisions. Also registered are Ipsco International, Microsoft Regional Sales, Adobe Systems Software Ireland, Netflix, Zoho Corporation, Prometric Japan, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Pearson Education, and Apple Distribution International.

TikTok, which faced a temporary ban in Nepal earlier this year, will also now pay DST. Its return to the platform is contingent on compliance with certain regulatory conditions. Google Asia Pacific Private Limited, the parent company of Google, is among the most prominent registrants, overseeing popular services like Google Search and YouTube. Social media giants Facebook (operating through Meta, which also owns Instagram and WhatsApp), LinkedIn, and TikTok are likewise aligned with Nepal’s new tax regulations.

The registration of these companies marks a significant step toward formalizing Nepal’s digital economy and ensuring revenue from global tech giants conducting business in the country.

What Trump’s victory means for Ukraine, the Middle East, China and the rest of the world

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 Stefan Wolff, University of Birmingham

Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025, combined with a Republican-led US Senate, was widely feared among international allies and will be cheered by some of America’s foes. While the former put on a brave face, the latter are finding it hard to hide their glee.

On the war in Ukraine, Trump is likely to try to force Kyiv and Moscow into at least a ceasefire along the current front lines. This could possibly involve a permanent settlement that would acknowledge Russia’s territorial gains, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the territories occupied since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

It is also likely that Trump would accept demands by the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, to prevent a future Ukrainian Nato membership. Given Trump’s well-known animosity to Nato, this would also be an important pressure on Kyiv’s European allies. Trump could, once again, threaten to abandon the alliance in order to get Europeans to sign up to a deal with Putin over Ukraine.

When it comes to the Middle East, Trump has been a staunch supporter of Israel and Saudi Arabia in the past. He is likely to double down on this, including by taking an even tougher line on Iran. This aligns well with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s current priorities.

Netanyahu seems determined to destroy Iran’s proxies Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen and severely degrade Iranian capabilities. By dismissing his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, a critic of his conduct of the offensive in Gaza, Netanyahu has laid the ground for a continuation of the conflict there.

It also prepares for a widening of the offensive in Lebanon and a potentially devastating strike against Iran in response to any further Iranian attack on Israel.

Trump’s election will embolden Netanyahu to act. And this in turn would also strengthen Trump’s position towards Putin, who has come to depend on Iranian support for his war in Ukraine. Trump could offer to restrain Netanyahu in the future as a bargaining chip with Putin in his gamble to secure a deal on Ukraine.

Pivot to China

While Ukraine and the Middle East are two areas in which change looms, relations with China will most likely be characterised more by continuity than by change. With Chinese relations being perhaps the key strategic foreign policy challenge for the US, the Biden administration continued many of the policies Trump adopted in his first term – and Trump is likely to double down on them in a second term.

A Trump White House is likely to increase import tariffs, and he has talked a great deal about using them to target China. But Trump is also just as likely to be open to pragmatic, transactional deals with Chinese president Xi Jinping.
Just like in relations with his European allies in Nato, a serious question mark hangs over Trump’s commitment to the defence of Taiwan and other treaty allies in Asia, including the Philippines, South Korea, and potentially Japan. Trump is at best lukewarm on US security guarantees.

But as his on-and-off relationship with North Korea in his first term demonstrated, Trump is, at times, willing to push the envelope dangerously close to war. This happened in 2017 in response to a North Korean test of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The unpredictability of the regime in Pyongyang makes another close brush of this kind as likely as Trump’s unpredictability makes it conceivable that he would accept a nuclear-armed North Korea as part of a broader deal with Russia, which has developed increasingly close relations with Kim Jong-un’s regime.

Doing so would give Trump additional leverage over China, which has been worried over growing ties between Russia and North Korea.

Preparing for a Trump White House

Friends and foes alike are going to use the remaining months before Trump returns to the White House to try to improve their positions and get things done that would be more difficult to do once he is in office.

An expectation of a Trump push for an end to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East is likely to lead to an intensification of the fighting there to create what the different parties think might be a more acceptable status quo for them. This does not bode well for the humanitarian crises already brewing in both regions.

Increasing tensions in and around the Korean peninsula are also conceivable. Pyongyang is likely to want to boost its credentials with yet more missile – and potentially nuclear – tests.
A ratcheting-up of the fighting in Europe and the Middle East and of tensions in Asia is also likely to strain relations between the US and its allies in all three regions. In Europe, the fear is that Trump may make deals with Russia over the head of its EU and Nato allies and threaten them with abandonment.

This would undermine the longevity of any Ukrainian (or broader European) deal with Moscow. The relatively dismal state of European defence capabilities and the diminishing credibility of the US nuclear umbrella would not but help to encourage Putin to push his imperial ambitions further once he has secured a deal with Trump.

In the Middle East, Netanyahu would be completely unrestrained. And yet while some Arab regimes might cheer Israel striking Iran and Iranian proxies, they will worry about backlash over the plight of Palestinians. Without resolving this perennial issue, stability in the region, let alone peace, will be all but impossible.

In Asia, the challenges are different. Here the problem is less US withdrawal and more an unpredictable and potentially unmanageable escalation. Under Trump, it is much more likely that the US and China will find it hard to escape the so-called Thucydides trap – the inevitability of war between a dominant but declining power and its rising challenger.

This then raises the question of whether US alliances in the region are safe in the long term or whether some of its partners, like Indonesia or India, will consider realigning themselves with China.

At best, all of this spells greater uncertainty and instability – not only after Trump’s inauguration but also in the months until then.

At worst, it will prove the undoing of Trump’s self-proclaimed infallibility. But by the time he and his team come to realise that geopolitics is a more complicated affair than real estate, they may have ushered in the very chaos that they have accused Biden and Harris of.(From : The Conversation )

US election: how does the electoral college voting system work?

Posted on by SAT News Desk

Richard Hargy, Queen’s University Belfast
On November 5, millions of Americans will cast their votes for president, with the vast majority deciding between Democrat Kamala Harris or Republican Donald Trump. This historic election, however, is not determined by a singular national poll, but rather a state-by-state contest. Many people outside the US, and some inside, do not understand how this complicated system works.

Here are five things to know about the electoral college system:

1. It’s not one electoral contest, but 50 separate races

The founding fathers opted against a national popular vote where the winning candidate just has to gain a majority of votes to claim victory. They decided instead to establish an electoral college under Article II of the US Constitution.

Under this system, voters in every US state and the District of Columbia decide the outcome of a winner-takes-all contest for their state’s electoral votes. Each state is allocated a set number of electoral votes, in line with the size of its population. For example, Texas, with a population of over 29 million, has 50 electoral votes. North Dakota, on the other hand, has a population of under 800,000 and is apportioned three.

By securing a majority of the vote in a state, a candidate collects its allotted electoral college votes. There are 538 in total, with the winner needing at least 270 to secure the presidency (with their running-mate becoming vice-president). 

Maine and Nebraska are the only two exceptions to the winner-takes-all approach. These states also use their congressional districts to allocate some electoral college votes: two go to each state’s overall popular vote winner, while one goes to the popular vote winner in each congressional district (two districts in Maine, three in Nebraska).

So, when Americans mark their ballot with their choice for president, this vote is technically not awarded automatically to the candidate. Rather, it goes to the individual state’s electors. These people convene across all 50 states once the election is complete, then formally send their state’s electoral votes to the US Congress. The electors are usually state election officials or prominent party members. 

Brown University professor of political science Wendy Schiller explained the choice of an electoral college system more than 200 years ago was rooted in a distrust of citizens to make a reasoned choice: “The origins of the electoral college were not supposed to reflect voter opinion at all – it was to be a gate against making a bad choice. It was an elite bulwark against popular opinion.” 

2. It can allow for unpredictable and unruly outcomes

By its very nature, the electoral college can result in two unusual, but not improbable, scenarios. First, a candidate can win the electoral college while losing the popular vote and still become president – as happened most recently in 2000 with George W. Bush and in 2016 with Trump.

Secondly, the system allows for a situation were neither candidate wins a majority of electoral votes. If there is a 269-269 tie, a “contingent election” is held under the 12th Amendment. In this case, members of the new House of Representatives, sworn in on January 3 2025, would choose the next president. They do not vote based on individual preference. Instead, every state delegation gets one vote, with a simple majority of 26 state delegation votes needed to decide who becomes president. This has happened only twice in presidential elections, in 1801 and 1825. The House must continue voting until a president is elected.A history of the electoral college system.

3. In 2020, Trump’s supporters sought to challenge the electoral college results

State legislators can object to their state’s general election outcome during the congressional certification. This happened in 2020 when a group of Republicans objected to results in Pennsylvania and Arizona – both won by Democrat Joe Biden. After supporters of Trump stormed the Capitol building in January 2021, protesting the official authorisation of votes, Congress updated the 1800s-era Electoral Count Act to make it harder to challenge the electoral college result.

Following the 2020 election, certain electors in several swing states attempted to falsely declare Trump the winner. These included high-profile Republicans in Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Arizona and Wisconsin. Trump’s campaign lawyer, Kenneth Chesebro, pleaded guilty in Georgia to his role in subverting the election.

There are fears of a potential repeat of this scenario in 2024, should Trump lose again. Documentation returned to state election officials has revealed that over a dozen of these individuals are returning as potential electorsthis year.

4. Criticism includes national security concerns and disinformation

Some call the electorial college system undemocratic. Others point to the “faithless elector” issue, whereby the electors within a state cast their vote against the preference of their state’s popular vote. 

Small vote margins often secure all the votes in key swing states. For example, in 2016, Trump won Michigan by just 13,080 votes (0.3%), Wisconsin by 27,257 votes (1.0%), and Pennsylvania by 68,236 votes (1.2%). This allocated Trump 46 electoral votes as well as victory in the presidential election.

This has led Brookings Institution fellows Elaine Kamarck and Darrell M. West to conclude that “false newspurveyors don’t have to persuade 99% of American voters to be influential, but simply a tiny amount in [certain states] … A shift of 1% of the vote or less based on false narratives would have altered the outcome.”

Harvard University professor of government Ryan Enostold me that foreign adversaries with an interest in the outcome of the US election are “aware of how decentralised the system is, and how chaos can be sowed by putting pressure on particular states”. 

5. Some people want to abolish it

The process remains highly contentious and can result in a more fractious political climate. Consequently, there many who want to abolish it. West, a senior fellow of governance studies at Brookings, said the US should get rid of the electoral college. He called it a relic that was established “as an elite-based mechanism to basically choose the president because [America’s founding fathers] did not trust the general public”. 

However, Barnard College professor of political science Sheri Berman had a different view, saying that if you believe different states should have some guaranteed level of representation regardless of their population, then designing a system that gives this to them could be viewed as legitimate. 

Ultimately, despite its unusual elements, Christine Stenglein, a research analyst at Brookings, believes “the electoral college is part of the US constitution, and therefore not likely to change any time soon”.