Himalaya Times

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 14-member national squad for the Men's Asian Games Qualifier 2026, scheduled to be held in Singapore from May 31 to June 9. Dipendra Singh Airee has been appointed as the captain of the team, which includes prominent players like Rohit Paudel and Sandeep Lamichhane.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah met with non-resident ambassadors and heads of missions from European Union member nations to discuss Nepal's current priorities, strengthen bilateral relations, and explore areas of cooperation. The meeting, held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, was described by press advisor Deepa Dahal as an opportunity to inform diplomats about Nepal's objectives.

A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine in Shanxi Province, China, has resulted in the deaths of at least 90 workers, with nine others still unaccounted for. The incident, which occurred on Friday, is considered the country's deadliest mining disaster in 17 years. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and authorities have placed individuals responsible for the company under control.

Taiwanese companies are significantly increasing drone exports, with the majority heading to the Czech Republic and Poland, as they seek international markets to remain viable. This surge in exports comes as domestic demand and government orders are hampered by budget delays in Taiwan's parliament, impacting the development of a local drone industry. Industry insiders suggest that while officially non-red, many exported drones may be destined for Ukraine.

India's ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has ordered the establishment of detention centers for undocumented migrants, including Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, in West Bengal. This directive has ignited fears among minority communities of arbitrary expulsions, with the government defending the policy as a necessary measure against illegal migration with security and socio-economic ramifications.

Kristian Gkolomeev "beat" a world record in the men's 50m freestyle at the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas, an event where performance-enhancing substances are permitted, raising health concerns. His unofficial time of 20.81 seconds surpassed Cameron McEvoy's mark, earning Gkolomeev a $1 million bonus, though governing bodies will not recognize the record.

The Nepali film 'Elephant in the Fog,' directed by Abinash Bikram Shah, has won the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a historic achievement for Nepali cinema. Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, stated that Nepal's presence and recognition at the festival have elevated the stature of the nation's film and creative industries on a global stage.

The United States and Iran are reportedly close to reaching a deal that would end the ongoing war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and see Iran relinquish its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that negotiations are proceeding constructively but cautioned representatives against rushing into an agreement.

Southern India is experiencing a severe heatwave, with at least 16 deaths attributed to heatstroke in the state of Telangana. Temperatures have soared above 45°C in several cities, prompting officials to issue warnings and advise vulnerable populations to stay indoors. The intensity of the heat has been described as unprecedented, with health experts highlighting the risks of dehydration and organ failure.

European diplomats, led by EU Ambassador Véronique Lorenzo, have expressed strong confidence in Prime Minister Balendra Shah's reform agenda and commitment to Nepal's development. Following a meeting in Kathmandu, the delegation noted Shah's clear vision and structured roadmap for implementing impactful transformations in the country, signaling a new phase of cooperation.

As of mid-April, 338 local levels across the country have successfully completed the classification of their land use plans. This initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Land, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs, and General Administration, aims to improve land use strategies and is crucial for agricultural protection, production, and urbanization.

Scientists have discovered a new species of small, blue octopus near the Galapagos Islands at a depth of approximately 1,800 meters. The creature, named Microeledone galapagensis, was identified using CT scans after researchers opted not to dissect the single specimen found. Octopus expert Janet Voight noted its unique characteristics and distant relation to known species.