WÒRDS FÒR YÒU

Nepal is slowly stabilising after one of the deadliest protest waves in decades, as the appointment of an interim government begins to reshape the political scene. The Gen-Z and Janjati-led demonstrations earlier this month left scores dead, major government buildings torched, and forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli’s resignation. Former Leaders in Protective Custody Due to threats during the violent unrest, the Nepali Army continues to provide security for two former prime ministers: K.P. Sharma Oli and Sher Bahadur Deuba . Both remain under protection at Shivpuri Army Barracks. Sources say the army relocated Oli on September 10 after protesters stormed his Baluwatar residence. Deuba and his wife, Dr. Arju Rana, were rescued from their Budhanilkantha home after it was set ablaze by demonstrators. Other senior leaders — including former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda,” Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhala Nath Khanal, and Baburam Bhattarai — were also briefly moved to safe l...

 A long-awaited 50% reduction in data charges, approved by the Cabinet earlier this year, remains in limbo as the Bhutan InfoComm and Media Authority (BICMA) has yet to take a final decision. The Cabinet had endorsed the proposal in March 2025, with plans to roll out the reduced tariffs by July. However, more than two months past the scheduled rollout, the revised rates have not been implemented. Bhutan Telecom confirmed that it submitted a revised proposal to BICMA about a month ago. The authority is currently reviewing the proposal, leaving consumers uncertain about when they can expect relief from high data costs. Karma, a concerned citizen, remarked that while the Cabinet has already given its approval, the delay now lies with BICMA. He questioned whether the government is actively reminding the regulator or if the authority is progressing on its own pace. “A quick decision would be more impactful for the people,” Karma added, emp...

US President Donald Trump has launched a $15 billion (S$19.2 billion) lawsuit against The New York Times , four of its journalists, and publishing giant Penguin Random House, accusing them of defamation and libel that he claims damaged both his reputation and financial standing. The case, filed in the Middle District Court of Florida, cites a series of articles from The New York Times — including one opinion piece ahead of the 2024 election labeling Trump “unfit for office.” It also targets a Penguin Random House publication titled Lucky Loser: How Donald Trump Squandered His Father’s Fortune and Created the Illusion of Success . According to the court filing, Trump’s legal team argues that the defendants “knowingly released false and damaging material,” which they say inflicted “massive economic harm” on his brand and contributed to losses, including a drop in Trump Media and Technology Group’s stock value. The lawsuit comes shortly after Trump warned of legal action against The Ne...

Kathmandu |  Nepal’s interim prime minister, Sushila Karki, has selected reformist and anti-graft figures as Cabinet ministers, a move seen as a direct response to the country’s largest youth-driven protests in decades. The unrest erupted last week after the government blocked access to popular social media platforms. Demonstrations swept across the Himalayan nation on Monday and Tuesday, leaving at least 72 people dead and dozens of government buildings damaged. In Kathmandu, the epicenter of the protests, charred walls of the parliament building and nearby ministries remain untouched — stark reminders of the fury that gripped the capital. Karki, a former chief justice who assumed leadership after the resignation of Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli, announced three new Cabinet members on Monday. The finance and interior portfolios were handed to figures described by major media outlets as pro-reform and staunchly anti-corruption. Analysts say the selections reflect ...

The mountainous kingdom of Bhutan is set to host a groundbreaking event, the first-ever Bathing Carnival Bhutan (BCB), from September 22–24, 2025. Held in the serene landscapes of Telung, Nganglam in Pemagatshel, the three-day carnival will transform the age-old tradition of Thruebab (Blessed Rainy Day) into a vibrant celebration of water, culture, and adventure. Organized by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with the Pemagatshel Dzongkhag Administration, the event aims to promote regenerative and high-value tourism while honoring a cherished national tradition. Thruebab, which marks the transition from monsoon to autumn, is believed to be a time when all water sources become sacred, purifying both body and mind. The carnival will merge this cultural significance with modern attractions, offering a refreshing experience for both local and international visitors. Highlights include a lively “Tug of Water War,” a mass bathing and pool party, a serene floating dinne...

In a landmark moment for Nepal and the region, Sushila Karki has been appointed as the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal, marking a new chapter in the country’s democratic journey, tasked with leading an interim government President Ram Chandra Paudel officially appointed Karki on Friday under Article 61 of Nepal’s Constitution. This historic development comes after the resignation of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, whose coalition government collapsed amid the GenZ movement protests. Sushila Karki, who previously served as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice, has now broken yet another barrier, setting an inspiring precedent for women’s leadership in South Asia. The GenZ movement, led by the younger generation, played a pivotal role in this transition. After tragic clashes in which at least 19 young protesters lost their lives, nationwide demonstrations demanded accountability and change. The interim government under Karki’s leadership was agreed upon to address these...

Thimphu, September 10, 2025  – The Opposition Party has formally called on the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) to launch an independent and thorough investigation into alleged irregularities in the disbursement of loans under Bhutan’s Economic Stimulus Program (ESP). The move follows widely circulated social media posts accusing prominent figures linked to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) of misusing ESP loans through political favoritism, conflicts of interest, and possible abuse of power. The allegations suggest that large sums of ESP loans, routed through the Bhutan Development Bank Limited (BDBL), were sanctioned to already established businesses and politically connected individuals while genuine entrepreneurs were denied access. According to the circulated reports: Nu. 98 million  was sanctioned for  M/s Farm Feed Project  in Tsirang. Nu. 90 million  was sanctioned for a  Polythene Pipe Factory  in Thimphu. Nu. 50 million  was allegedly ...