Burnt Vehicles Removed from Singha Durbar
Kathmandu authorities have begun clearing vehicles torched during the Gen-Z protests from the Singha Durbar premises. The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport is relocating and repairing the damaged vehicles in coordination with other ministries. Minister Kulman Ghising directed their removal, saying the burnt remains created an “ugly” impression in the government complex.
Govt Forms Capital Market Taskforce
The Ministry of Finance has set up a four-member taskforce to address problems plaguing Nepal’s capital market. Headed by SEBON’s Executive Director Rupesh KC, the group will recommend reforms and a roadmap to restore investor confidence. Representatives from Nepal Rastra Bank, NEPSE, and the ministry are also part of the taskforce.
Gen-Z Martyrs’ Families Demand Change
Families of youths killed in the September Gen-Z protests say their children died fighting corruption and injustice. Parents of martyrs like Abhishek Chaulagain and Mahesh Budhathoki shared emotional accounts of loss, urging leaders to ensure their sacrifices bring real transformation. The bereaved families reject compensation, demanding instead a corruption-free Nepal.
PM Karki Acknowledges Youth Anger on Constitution Day
Prime Minister Sushila Karki, addressing Constitution Day celebrations at Tundikhel, said the Gen-Z demonstrations reflected public frustration with corruption and poor governance. She pledged reforms, youth participation in governance, and elections by March 2026. Karki also paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the movement.
Also read: When Everything Crumbled, The Constitution Stayed Standing: Nepal’s Last Line of Stability
Nepal Marks Constitution Day, National Day
Nepalis observed Constitution Day and National Day 2025 with official events in Kathmandu. President Ramchandra Paudel and PM Karki attended the main ceremony at Army Pavilion. Due to recent political unrest, the usual parades and processions were scaled down.
South Korea’s Overseas Investment Declines
South Korea’s overseas direct investment fell 13.4% in Q2 2025 to $14.15 billion, driven by drops in manufacturing, real estate, and ICT sectors. While investments in North America and Asia shrank, European investment surged 44.4%, government data showed.
UN Warns of Worsening Sudan War
The UN reported rising civilian deaths and ethnic violence as Sudan’s war entered its third year. Over 3,300 civilians were killed in the first half of 2025 alone. UN rights chief Volker Turk urged global action to halt atrocities, warning the conflict risks tearing apart Sudan’s social fabric.
Six Killed in Pakistan Bomb Blast
A bomb blast at a taxi stand in Balochistan’s Chaman district killed six and injured one on Thursday. No group has claimed responsibility. PM Shehbaz Sharif condemned the attack, vowing perpetrators will be punished and attempts to destabilize the province will fail.
Singapore Tops Global Safety Index
Singapore has been named the world’s safest country for the 12th time since 2006, according to Gallup’s Global Safety Report. In 2024, 98% of Singaporeans said they felt safe walking at night, with nearly identical figures across genders. Analysts credit low crime and strong law enforcement.
Trump, Xi to Discuss TikTok, Trade
US President Donald Trump said he will speak with Chinese leader Xi Jinping Friday on trade and the future of TikTok. Trump hopes to finalize a deal forcing TikTok’s US arm into American ownership. Analysts expect both leaders to frame the talks as diplomatic wins amid tariff disputes.
Strong Quake Hits Indonesia’s Papua
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Central Papua, Indonesia, early Friday near Nabire town, USGS reported. No immediate reports of casualties have surfaced, but aftershocks were recorded. Indonesia, located on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” frequently experiences seismic activity.
