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Running Legend Fauja Singh Dies at 114 After Road Accident in India

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New Delhi— Fauja Singh, the world’s oldest known marathon runner, has died aged 114 after being struck by a car on July 14 near his birth village, Beas Pind, in Punjab, India.

Born in 1911 (though without a birth certificate), Singh became a global icon after taking up running at age 89. He completed his first London Marathon in 2004 at 93, and at 100, made history by completing the Toronto Marathon—becoming the first centenarian to do so.

A beloved figure in the global running community, Singh inspired millions with his stamina, positivity, and humility. He was a torchbearer in the 2012 London Olympics and received the Spirit of the London Marathon Award in 2018. Singh was also widely celebrated for his philanthropic efforts.

Having moved to Ilford in 1992, Singh trained with the Sikhs In The City running club, whose coach Harmander Singh confirmed his death, calling him an “icon of humanity.”

The club will dedicate upcoming events to his memory and raise funds for a Fauja Singh Clubhouse in Ilford. London Marathon Group CEO Nick Bitel said, “Fauja Singh was an incredible, inspirational human being who epitomised the Spirit of the London Marathon.”

Air India Flight AI171 Crash: Fuel Cut-Off, Pilot Confusion Cited in Preliminary Probe

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NEW DELHI, July 12 – A preliminary investigation into the fatal crash of Air India Flight AI171 in Ahmedabad has revealed that both fuel switches feeding the plane’s engines were cut off seconds after take-off, leading to a tragic crash and raising questions about possible human error in the cockpit.

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) report said the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner reached a speed of 180 knots before the Engine 1 and 2 fuel switches were turned from “RUN” to “CUTOFF” within one second of each other. Cockpit voice recordings captured one pilot questioning the other about the shutdown, who replied, “I didn’t do it.”

The crash occurred on June 12, killing 260 people, including 241 of the 242 onboard. The aircraft struck a medical college hostel shortly after liftoff. The co-pilot was flying the aircraft at the time, with the captain monitoring.

Fuel quality was found satisfactory, and both engines have been quarantined for further examination. No immediate safety recommendations have been issued for other Boeing 787-8 or GE GEnx-1B engine operators.

Air India and Boeing stated they are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

Erratic Monsoons and Rising Temperatures Fuel Deadly Floods in South Asia

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July 11, 2025 — As monsoon rains sweep across South Asia from June to September, the region faces growing devastation instead of relief. Fueled by rising global temperatures, rainfall is becoming more intense and unpredictable, triggering deadly floods, glacial lake overflows, and landslides across India, Nepal, Pakistan, and beyond.

In 2024 alone, nearly 1,300 people died in India due to rain-related disasters. Hundreds more have died across the region in 2025. Climate experts warn that higher temperatures are melting Himalayan glaciers faster, with at least 200 glacial lakes now at risk of overflowing, according to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development.

“The monsoon is no longer steady – it’s now marked by intense downpours and long dry spells,” said Dr. Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist in Pune. “Urban flooding, overwhelmed infrastructure, and crop failures are becoming the new normal.”

More than 60% of South Asia’s population depends on monsoon-based farming, now threatened by both flooding and drought. Experts urge early warning systems, better urban planning, and most importantly, cuts to greenhouse gas emissions.

“There are limits to how much we can adapt,” said glaciologist Miriam Jackson. “Without climate action, the disasters will only worsen.”

South Asia Faces Anaemia Crisis Among Women and Girls, Warns UN and SAARC

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July 10, 2025 — South Asia is the “global epicentre” of anaemia among adolescent girls and women, with over 259 million affected, according to a joint warning from UNICEF, WHO, and SAARC. The condition, which limits the body’s ability to carry oxygen, leads to chronic fatigue, poor maternal health, and reduced economic participation.

“This is a clarion call for action,” said UNICEF’s Regional Director, Sanjay Wijesekera, emphasizing that the crisis signals broader systemic failures.

Anaemia contributes to 40% of low birth weight cases worldwide and costs South Asia an estimated $32.5 billionannually. Yet, it remains both preventable and treatable through iron supplementation, better diets, sanitation, and improved maternal care.

Progress is visible. Nepal has cut anaemia rates among women by 7% since 2016, with community health workers playing a key role. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Bhutan are also scaling up integrated health and nutrition initiatives.

“Ending anaemia is not just a health priority – it’s an investment in our future,” said Md. Golam Sarwar, SAARC Secretary General. Experts urge multi-sector collaboration, stronger health systems, and community-led action to reverse the crisis and empower millions of women and girls.

Deadly Flood in Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River Linked to Supraglacial Lake Drainage in Tibet

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Kathmandu, July 10, 2025 — A devastating flood that swept through Nepal’s Bhote Koshi River this week, killing at least nine people and leaving over two dozen missing, was triggered by the draining of a supraglacial lake in China’s Tibet region, according to the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD).

The torrent struck on Tuesday, sweeping away infrastructure including the iconic Friendship Bridge, a key link between Nepal and China, and devastating nearby settlements and construction sites. Among the missing are at least 19 people, including six Chinese nationals working on the Beijing-funded Inland Container Depot project.

China’s state-run Xinhua news agency reported that 11 people are also unaccounted for on the Chinese side of the mountainous border, underscoring the transboundary impact of the disaster.

Lake Drainage Cited as Trigger

Experts from ICIMOD, based in Kathmandu, have identified the source of the flood as a supraglacial lake situated north of the Langtang Himal range in Tibet.

“This is based on preliminary analysis of satellite imagery,” said Sudan Maharjan, a remote sensing analyst and glacier expert at ICIMOD. The satellite data indicates that the rapid drainage of the lake led to a sudden outburst flood, which surged downstream into the Bhote Koshi River basin.

Supraglacial lakes form on the surface of glaciers, particularly those covered in debris. They begin as small meltwater pools but can rapidly grow, merge, and eventually burst under pressure—especially under the influence of rising global temperatures.

Worsening Climate Crisis in the Hindu Kush Region

“This kind of event is increasing at an unprecedented pace in the Hindu Kush Himalaya region,” noted Saswata Sanyal, another official at ICIMOD. He emphasized the need for deeper investigation into the growing chain-reaction disasters triggered by climate change.

The Hindu Kush region—spanning eight countries including Nepal, India, China, and Pakistan—is particularly vulnerable to climate-induced hazards such as glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), landslides, and extreme weather events.

The June–September monsoon season routinely causes widespread destruction in Nepal. This year, the early monsoon rains have already claimed at least 38 lives or left individuals missing since May 29, according to Nepal’s National Disaster Relief, Reduction and Management Authority.

Urgent Call for Regional Cooperation

As rescue and recovery efforts continue, with the Nepalese Army airlifting stranded residents from the Bhote Koshi region, calls are growing for better cross-border monitoring and early warning systems to manage glacial and hydrological risks in the Himalayas.

“This is not just a national issue; it’s a regional crisis that requires coordinated response and long-term resilience planning,” said an ICIMOD spokesperson.

The tragedy highlights the urgent need for countries across the Hindu Kush region to invest in sustainable environmental strategies, improved infrastructure, and real-time data sharing to prevent further loss of life in the face of a rapidly changing climate.

Flood Along Nepal-China Border Leaves 18 Missing, Hydropower Projects Crippled

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A devastating flood along the Nepal–China border has left 18 people missing, including 12 Nepali nationals and six Chinese workers, local officials confirmed on Tuesday. Triggered by heavy rainfall, the Lhendekhola river overflowed from Tibet into Nepal, sweeping away bridges, vehicles, and critical infrastructure in the Rasuwa district.

The flood severely damaged the Pasang Lhamu Highway, cutting off access to Rasuwagadhi and hampering rescue efforts. Among the missing are three police officers, and a search operation is underway, though poor weather is complicating efforts, said Assistant Chief District Officer Druba Prasad Adhikari.

Landslides and road erosion have blocked the Syafrubesi-Rasuwagadhi section, while floodwaters also swept away electric vehicles and containers near Timure and the Rasuwa Customs Yard.

The Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project dam was severely hit, alongside multiple other stations including Trishuli 3A and Devighat, halting around 200 megawatts of power generation. Chilime Hydropower CEO Baburaja Maharjan said restoration could take months, with external infrastructure completely destroyed.

While the national power grid remains stable due to other hydropower stations operating at capacity during monsoon, the long-term impact on regional power supply is concerning.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation and urge the public to stay away from riverbanks and avoid unnecessary travel.

Macron Arrives in UK for Landmark State Visit Amid Migration and Ukraine Talks

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French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Britain on Tuesday for a three-day state visit, marked by royal ceremony and crucial political discussions. This is the first state visit by a European Union leader since Brexit, symbolizing efforts to reset UK-EU relations.

Invited by King Charles III, Macron and his wife Brigitte were welcomed with full royal honors, including a horse-drawn carriage procession to Windsor Castle and a state banquet hosted by the King and Queen Camilla.

Macron is set to address both houses of Parliament and hold key talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Central to their discussions will be migration control — particularly stopping small-boat crossings from France to the UK — and joint efforts to support Ukraine, including plans for a post-ceasefire security force.

On Thursday, a UK-France summit will bring senior officials together to address the ongoing challenge of Channel crossings, a long-standing issue affecting both nations.

The visit highlights a renewed spirit of cooperation, even as thorny issues like migration and international security remain on the agenda.

Nepal Secures $36.1 Million to Prevent Glacial Lake Floods in the Himalayas

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Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea – In a major boost to climate resilience, the Green Climate Fund (GCF) has approved a $36.1 million grant to help Nepal tackle the rising threat of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) — one of the most pressing climate risks in the Himalayas.

The seven-year initiative, led by Nepal’s Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), marks a shift from reactive disaster response to proactive flood prevention. It aims to protect 2.3 million people living in vulnerable high-altitude regions.

Key elements include lowering water levels in four high-risk glacial lakes — Thulagi, Lower Barun, Lumding Tsho and Hongu 2 — and strengthening flood-prone zones through reforestation and protective infrastructure like check dams and gabion walls. Early warning systems will also be expanded and upgraded, helping local authorities and communities prepare more effectively.

“This project enhances resilience in Nepal’s most vulnerable Himalayan areas, protecting lives and infrastructure,” said Kamal Ram Joshi, Director General of DHM. “Strong local partnerships will ensure its long-term sustainability.”

The Himalayas are warming faster than the global average, accelerating glacier melt and raising the risk of deadly floods. Nepal has over 2,000 glacial lakes, with 21 identified as potentially dangerous.

Henry Gonzalez, Chief Investment Officer of GCF, stressed the urgency: “2025 is a milestone year for global glaciers. This initiative is crucial for mountain communities facing rising climate threats.”

With an additional $14 million in co-financing, the total project budget nears $50 million. The project will also partner with hydropower firms, tourism operators, and local governments to expand monitoring systems and promote community-led adaptation.

UNDP’s Kyoko Yokosuka called it “a game-changing investment in climate resilience where it’s needed most.”

Drones Join the Climb to Clean Mount Everest

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Kathmandu — Mount Everest, long hailed as the world’s highest peak, is now also infamous as the “world’s highest garbage dump.” But a high-tech solution is taking flight. During the most recent climbing season, drones were deployed for the first time to help Sherpas carry trash off the mountain — and the results are promising.

Two DJI FlyCart 30 drones, operated by Nepal’s Airlift Technology, hauled over 280 kilograms of refuse from Camp 1 (6,065 metres) down to base camp, a journey that takes Sherpas four hours on foot but only six minutes by drone. These drones, originally used to carry climbing supplies up, return loaded with trash — including human waste, oxygen canisters, and old ladders.

Sherpas, who typically shoulder 20 kilograms each through hazardous glacier terrain, welcomed the help. “We’re very happy,” said Lhakpa Nuru Sherpa of Asian Trekking. “Around 70% of the garbage our team usually carries was handled by drones this year.”

Everest’s garbage crisis has worsened since the 1990s. Despite efforts by Sherpas and the Nepalese Army, more than 100 tons of waste still litter the mountain. New government rules require climbers to carry down 8kg of trash or risk losing a US$4,000 deposit.

With climate change accelerating glacial melt and revealing decades-old waste, the urgency is rising. However, drone use is limited — they can’t fly to higher camps where the air is too thin, and unpredictable winds can cause accidents.

Still, Airlift plans to expand testing with international drone partners, aiming to scale clean-up operations across other Himalayan peaks. “At these altitudes,” said co-founder Milan Pandey, “we’re the only company in the world doing this.”

Nepali officials urge British investors to invest in Nepal’s IT sector

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London  — Nepali officials have called upon British investors to invest in the Himalayan nation’s Information Technology (IT) and energy sector, among others. 

Addressing the Nepal-UK Tech Forum hosted by the Embassy of Nepal, London, on Friday,  Ambassador of Nepal to the UK, Chandra Kumar Ghimire, highlighted the country’s recent economic and policy transformations. “Nepal is now a power-exporting country and is home to a vibrant IT market. We are racing like a leopard,” he said. According to a 2022 survey by IIDS, a think tank,  Nepal’s IT industry was valued at USD 515 million, with over 15,000 graduates entering the market annually—many trained to global standards and offering a cost-competitive edge. Ambassador Ghimire urged British companies to outsource IT services to Nepal, describing it as “one of the best countries for British trade and investment.” 

British Ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn, emphasized the importance of building investment bridges, particularly in IT and renewable energy. “We haven’t yet seen the full force of what foreign investment can do in Nepal,” he noted, urging British investors to take advantage of opportunities in the under-invested Himalayan nation. Ambassador Fenn also mentioned that the UK government, through British International Investment (BII), is actively supporting green growth in Nepal. “Together with the World Bank, IFC, and Nepali banks, we’ve already delivered $60 million in green bonds,” he said. Plans are underway to conclude a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Nepal to improve the investment climate further, he added.

Sushil Gyewali, CEO of the Investment Board Nepal (IBN), outlined  Nepal’s ambition to attract USD 15 billion in foreign investment over the next three years, with a focus on energy, ICT, and infrastructure. “Nepal is the third most favourable business destination in South Asia, according to the World Bank,” Gyewali noted. With 100% FDI allowed in the IT sector, tax holidays of up to seven years, and profit repatriation permitted, he said Nepal was ready to position itself as a digital powerhouse by 2030. Mr Gyewali also revealed plans to establish major IT parks in all seven provinces and to create an IT Promotion Board chaired by the Prime Minister. “We aim to make Nepal a regional hub for AI, data economy, and digital innovation, among others,”  he added.

Anjani Phuyal, CEO of Genese Solution – a UK-based  IT consulting and cybersecurity firm, emphasized his mission to expand digital access and promote gender inclusion in tech. “Nepal offers an unbeatable combination of low cost and high-quality talent,” he said, urging more UK-based companies to take advantage of this opportunity. “Nepali Universities are now offering state-of-the art course like AI, Cloud and Cybersecurity, and Nepali talents are now working for top global banks while based in Nepal,” he said.

Tim Gocher, Founder and CEO of Dolma Impact Fund, highlighted the transformative potential of AI and data centres in Nepal. With 12,000 jobs already created through Dolma’s investments, he said Nepal is uniquely positioned to lead in tech-driven productivity across sectors like healthcare and logistics. “We need brains and broadband. Nepal has both,” he said. Gocher also emphasized Nepal’s natural advantages—cool climate, clean energy, and digital workforce—for building world-class data centres.

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Chandra P Dhakal said that  FNCCI has established an FDI support desk to facilitate foreign investors. “We have showcased Nepal’s potential ,  highly skilled, cost-effective tech force, young entrepreneurs ready to work with global partners. IT Parks will further enhance our competitiveness. Our digital and service sector remain globally competitive. We invite you to collaborate in Nepal to build digital future. Investment in digital platform and market linkages,” he said.

Chair of All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Nepal, Alex Baker, MP, thanked the Embassy of Nepal for organizing such an impactful event to promote Nepal’s IT sector in the UK. Alex Baker, MP. “There is a need for closer interactions between our governments, people and ideas,” said Ms Baker. She also advised that introducing direct flight between Kathmandu and London would be helpful on many fronts. 

Panel discussions were organized  on the themes ‘Governing the Digital Future: Policy Perspectives on Infotech’, ‘Changing Landscapes of Digital Trade in Nepal-UK Relation: Success, Challenge & Way Forward,’ and ‘FDI Prospects in Nepal-UK Digital Relations: Success, Challenge & Way Forward.’ Hosting a panel discussion on the theme ‘Diaspora & Digital Diplomacy – The Power of Global Nepalis,’ Niranjan Kunwar, Global CTO & CISO at Genese Solution, urged the government of Nepali to recognize the value Nepali diaspora were adding to the country’s overall development. He urged the Nepal government to allow continuity of Nepali citizenship of dual citizenship – if possible- to involve them as a major stakeholder in the country’s transformation.

Craig Somers from CloudFactory praised Nepali tech talent for its resilience, innovation, and global contributions in areas like autonomous vehicles, AI, and drone technology. “Nepal is not just a country of mountains—it’s a country of technological peaks,” he said.

Speakers including Tim Gocher- Founder and CEO, Dolma Impact Fund, Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan, CEO at Nepal Clearing House Ltd., Hem Raj Dhakal, Co-Founder & Managing Director IME Group Nepal  (IME),  Abhinav Sinha, Santosh Koirala, President-NASIT-Nepal, and Entrepreneur Ms Ruby Raut highlighted the prospects of IT sector in Nepal and called upon the British businesses to tap on Nepal’s IT and other potentials.

Starlink Launches in Sri Lanka, Expands South Asian Footprint

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Colombo — Starlink, the satellite internet service by SpaceX, has officially launched in Sri Lanka, marking its third entry into the South Asian market after Bhutan and Bangladesh. The announcement was made by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk via X (formerly Twitter).

The launch follows months of regional engagement, including meetings between Starlink’s India executive Parnil Urdhwareshe and Sri Lankan presidential adviser Ruwan Wijewardene. Urdhwareshe has also played a key role in Starlink’s expansion into Bangladesh.

In Sri Lanka, residential Starlink plans are priced between LKR 12,000 and 15,000 per month, while portable “roam” packages range from LKR 15,000 to 30,100. The hardware kit costs between LKR 60,200 and 118,000 — consistent with pricing in neighboring markets.

Meanwhile, Starlink is still navigating regulatory hurdles in India, where it recently secured a GMPCS license but awaits orbital slot and spectrum approvals. Similar efforts are underway in Nepal, Myanmar, and Pakistan.

The Sri Lanka launch underscores Starlink’s commitment to bridging the digital divide in remote regions. While India’s rollout remains pending, regulatory progress signals a future where satellite internet could transform connectivity across South Asia.

Nepal Welcomes Over 577,000 Tourists in First Half of 2025

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Kathmandu — Nepal received a total of 577,689 foreign tourists in the first six months of 2025, according to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB). This marks a slight decline of 0.91% compared to the same period in 2024, when 583,011 tourists visited the country.

Despite the overall dip, June 2025 saw a modest increase in arrivals, with 76,425 tourists entering Nepal — up from 76,333 in June 2024. Notably, this figure represents a full recovery to 102% of pre-pandemic levels recorded in June 2019.

March recorded the highest monthly arrivals with 121,687 tourists, followed by April (116,490), February (96,880), May (86,216), and January (79,991).

India remained the top source of tourists in June, contributing 32,662 visitors — 42.7% of the total. The U.S. followed with 9,696 tourists, then China (6,736), Bangladesh (5,449), and the UK (2,284).

Tourism in Nepal has been steadily rebounding since the pandemic, with 1.147 million tourists visiting in 2024 — a 13.1% increase from 2023. The NTB sees this as a sign of growing global interest in Nepal’s natural and cultural attractions.

Debt is a major concern for Least Developed Countries: DrKarki

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Kathmandu – Global Coordinator of LDC Watch, a global civil society network, Dr Arjun Karki has said debt is a majorconcern for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDS), and other developing countries. 

Addressing on the theme Challenges faced by LDCs, LLDCs, SIDS and other developing countries and the tax justice agenda during the sideline event at the International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) in Seville, Spain, Dr Karki said total public debt of LDCs reached a record-high level of USD 774 billion in 2023, having tripled in nominal terms since 2010. By April 2023, six LDCs were already in debt distress, while 17 others were at high risk. Alarmingly, in 2021, LDCs were spending four to five times more on public and publicly guaranteed debt service than in 2009, a sign of an increasingly unsustainable debt burden.

He stressed the deep structural challenges faced by in advancing the tax justice agenda and called for broader systemic reform. He emphasized that these countries – 44 LDCs, 32 LLDCs, and 39 SIDS – represent the most vulnerable groups of the international community. “These countries are not only economically small and geographically isolated but also politically marginalized. Their realities often remain invisible on the global radar. The challenges they face go far beyond poverty; many struggle with shrinking democratic space and increasing exclusion from global decision-making,” he said.

In terms of domestic revenue mobilization, many LDCs have struggled to meet the Addis Ababa Action Agenda (AAAA)’s 15 percent tax-to-GDP target. On average, the tax-to-GDP ratio in LDCs increased only slightly, from 12.6 percent in 2015 to 13.2 percent in 2022. Similarly, many LLDCs, including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, and Bhutan, had ratios below 15 percent during 2016-2020. While some SIDS have relatively higher tax-to-GDP ratios, exceeding 20 percent, their economies remain highly vulnerable and undiversified.

Official Development Assistance (ODA) is also on a worrying decline. According to the OECD (2024), ODA from DAC countries fell by 7.4 percent in real terms compared to 2023. Net bilateral aid to LDCs dropped to USD 35 billion, which is a 3 percent decrease. Only four countries met the long-standing 0.7 percent of GNI target in 2024: Denmark (0.71 per cent), Luxembourg (1.00 per cent), Norway (1.02 per cent), and Sweden (0.79%). He criticized the inclusion of security and defense costs in ODA, following a DAC decision in 2016, which has allowed aid to be militarized, diverting funds from critical socio-economic development needs, said Dr Karki, who is also Executive President of Rural Reconstruction Nepal (RRN).

The situation is no better in climate finance. Although the adoption of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) in December 2024 marked a new phase, it still falls far short of addressing the massive USD 5-6 trillion climate finance gap projected for developing countries by 2030. For SIDS, only USD 2.4 billion was allocated in 2023, compared to the estimated USD 36 billion needed for adaptation alone, as reported by the Standing Committee on Finance. Climate finance to countries that are both SIDS and LDCs dropped by nearly 65 percent between 2022 and 2023, amounting to a USD 380 million reduction. In contrast, LDCs received USD 13.5 billion in 2023. While both groups face severe climate challenges, the disproportionate allocation demonstrates that the specific vulnerabilities of SIDS are still not being prioritized. Karki reiterated that climate finance must be public, new and additional to the ODA commitment.

Karki addressed the persistent issue of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs). According to the UNCTAD, Africa alone loses an average of USD 88.6 billion per year to IFFs, which is around 3.7 percent of the continent’s GDP. Tackling IFFs could reduce Africa’s financing gap by as much as 33 per cent.

Dr Karki, a former envoy of Nepal to the US, underscored the urgency of systemic reform to support these countries. Their structural disadvantages, fiscal constraints, climate vulnerabilities, and limited global influence demand a more just and inclusive international financial architecture that addresses root causes and delivers on long-standing commitments, he said.

UK Immigration Rules Tighten, But Some Lower-Skilled Office Jobs Still Qualify for Visas

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London — Debt collectors, mortgage administrators, and HR officers will continue to be eligible for UK skilled-worker visas despite sweeping reforms to immigration rules laid in Parliament on Tuesday. The changes, part of a broader effort to restrict work visas to graduate-level roles, raise salary thresholds and aim to reduce overall migration numbers.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper described the reforms as a “complete reset” designed to bring “proper control and order” by focusing on “higher skills, lower number and tighter controls.”

However, the newly introduced “temporary shortage list” — valid until the end of 2026 — includes several non-graduate occupations, allowing employers to continue recruiting internationally for roles such as IT help desk technicians, book-keepers, and sales staff. These positions will no longer allow migrants to bring dependents and will not benefit from visa fee discounts.

Some roles were included due to chronic shortages, while others were deemed critical to the UK’s industrial strategy, which highlights creative, tech, and infrastructure sectors.

Brian Bell, chair of the Migration Advisory Committee, noted the urgency behind the reforms to avoid a last-minute hiring surge. From 2027, only sectors with clear UK workforce training plans may retain visa access.

UN experts demand answers  re  ‘missing’ Bhutanese Human Rights activist

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The Hague  —

Four United Nations experts have sought information from the governments of Bhutan and India regarding the whereabouts of Lok Nath Acharya, a Bhutanese human rights activist, who remains ‘missing’ for the last 11 years.

Ms Mary Lowler,  UN Special Rapporteur on human rights defenders,  has sent separate letters to the governments of Bhutan and India enquiring them regarding whereabouts of Mr Acharya, a Nepali speaking Bhutanese human rights defender.

Mr. Acharya, a refugee belonging to the Nepali-speaking, Bhutanese ethnic minority evicted from Bhutan in the early 1990s, was a member of the Human Rights Organization of Bhutan. From exile, he worked to document and raise awareness about Bhutan’s human rights situation. On 16 October 2014, he traveled to West Bengal, India, reportedly to attend a human rights meeting. There, he was detained and subsequently extradited to Bhutan by plain-clothed individuals believed to be Royal Bhutan Police officers. Since then, his whereabouts are unknown. To this day, his family remain in uncertainty, still awaiting his safe return. 

In her letter, Ms Lowler has formally requested information regarding the circumstances surrounding Mr. Acharya’s detention in India, his subsequent extradition to Bhutan, and his enforced disappearance. She has further asked the Royal Government of Bhutan (RGOB) to outline any investigative actions undertaken to establish Mr. Acharya’s whereabouts, also seeking updates regarding his physical and psychological condition. Should Mr. Acharya be held in custody, the Rapporteur requested the RGOB to provide legal grounds for his detention, ensuring the measures comply with international human rights standards. Finally, she has urged the RGOB to disclose any information taken to coordinate with other States allegedly involved in Mr. Acharya’s detention, subsequent extradition, and enforced disappearance.   

In an official statement, Ms Lowler expressed her concerns over Mr. Acharya’s case, noting the fear that he was targeted because of “his human rights activities in Bhutan and outside the country.” 

The Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan (GCRPPB),  a civil-society organization advocating for the release of 32 identified Bhutanese political prisoners, continues to work closely with UN human rights mechanisms, including the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, to which Mr. Acharya’s case has now been formally transmitted. 

“GCRPPB maintains that continued lobbying efforts with international human rights mechanisms, including UN Special Procedures, contribute to increasing global pressure on the RGOB. Such efforts are intended to encourage the RGOB to strengthen its human rights record and improve its international standing. We urge the RGOB and His Majesty Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to lean into international communications in good faith, by cooperating transparently with UN inquiries and upholding international human rights standards with a genuine commitment to human rights for all individuals,” said Ram Karki, Founder and Global Coordinator of GCRPPB.

Earlier this year, GCRPPB initiated engagement with Ms. Lowlor’s office, following referrals from the U.S. Department of State. In collaboration with Ms. Srijana Acharya, daughter of Mr. Lok Nath Acharya, Global Campaign for the Release of Political Prisoners in Bhutan  (GCRPPB) submitted a formal report detailing his case, a statement said.

Yoga –  A Way of Life

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By Samina Sharma

I have been practicing yoga for many years. From my experience, yoga is not just about touching our toes or doing physical exercises like asanas. It is much more than that. Yoga is a lifestyle and a spiritual practice that helps us cultivate peace of mind, discipline, focus, and emotional balance. It is a path to living life meaningfully and joyfully.

International Yoga Day is observed every year on June 21 to raise awareness about the importance of yoga and to inspire people to live a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Yoga is not just a physical exercise — it is a holistic practice that connects the body, mind, and soul. The word “yoga” comes from the Sanskrit root “yuj”, which means “to join” or “to unite.” Yoga helps us achieve harmony between the body, mind, and our inner self, bringing mental clarity and emotional stability. In today’s world, where stress, anxiety, and unhealthy habits are common, yoga offers a simple yet powerful solution.

As the great yogi Swami Vivekananda said, “Yoga not only brightens the mind, it awakens the soul.” Many people think yoga is only for June 21 — but yoga is not a one-day event. It is a way of living. Even a simple 20–25 minutes of yoga every morning can bring amazing benefits. We don’t need expensive equipment or a large space. A quiet place and genuine dedication are enough. Sadly, today’s generation — from children to the elderly — suffers from physical, mental, and emotional issues. Yoga can be a powerful solution for all these problems. But we must remember: yoga is not just about physical postures (asanas). It includes our thoughts, our food, our behavior, our discipline, and how we live each moment of our lives. By integrating yoga into our lifestyle, we can learn to live with more strength, balance, peace, and health. Let’s embrace yoga — not just as a practice, but as a path to live life meaningfully and joyfully.

Since I started practicing yoga personally, I have experienced deep changes — not just in my body, but in my mindset as well. It has helped me stay calm, reduce stress, and feel more energetic and focused throughout the day. And one thing I’ve truly learned is that we don’t need to wait for June 21 to do yoga. Yoga is not a one-day event. It is something we should include in our daily routine, like brushing our teeth or eating food. Just 15–30 minutes of simple yoga every morning can bring great benefits to our lifestyle. It keeps the body active, the mind fresh, and the soul at peace

A Yoga teacher & Naturopathy Practitioner, Samina lives in Kohalpur, Banke, Nepal and is studying in Swami Vivekananda University Banglore, India.