Newly Formed Nepal Government to Apologise to Dalits for Decades of Discrimination
Balendra Shah announced that Nepal’s government will formally apologise to Dalit communities for historical discrimination within 15 days. The move, part of a 100-point reform agenda, aims to address caste-based injustice and promote equality, though its impact will depend on effective implementation. The newly formed government of Nepal has decided to issue a formal apology to Dalit and historically marginalised communities for decades of discrimination and exclusion. Prime Minister Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen Shah, took oath on March 27 and made the announcement as part of a 100-point Governance Reform Agenda approved in the Cabinet’s first meeting. Government to Acknowledge Historical Injustice According to the official plan, the state will recognise the injustices faced by Dalits due to long-standing social practices and state policies. “The government will formally apologise on behalf of the state within 15 days and announce programmes focused on justice, equality, and socio-economic upliftment,” the agenda states. This move is being seen as one of the most significant steps by any Nepali government to address caste-based discrimination. Deep Roots of Caste Discrimination Nepal has a long history of caste hierarchy linked to the traditional Hindu social order. The Muluki Ain of 1854 had legally enforced caste divisions and treated Dalits as “untouchables.” Although untouchability was abolished in 1963 and equality was guaranteed in later constitutions, discrimination continues in practice. Dalits, who make up around 13% of the population, still face barriers in education, jobs, and access to public resources. Reports by global organisations have repeatedly highlighted these inequalities. Balen Shah’s Rise to Power Shah became Nepal’s 47th Prime Minister after being appointed by President Ram Chandra Paudel. His rise reflects a shift in public mood, especially among younger voters demanding change. His leadership comes after major protests in 2025, led largely by young people, against corruption and poor governance. The protests resulted in the fall of the previous government and fresh elections. A former rapper and engineer, Shah is considered one of the youngest leaders to hold the post and represents a new political wave in the country. 100-Point Reform Plan Focuses on Governance and Justice The government’s 100-point agenda includes reforms in administration, anti-corruption measures, digital governance, economic policy, and public services. The inclusion of an apology to Dalits highlights the government’s focus on social justice along with governance reforms. Dalit leaders and activists have welcomed the decision. Many, however, stressed that the real impact will depend on how effectively the promised reforms are implemented. Next Steps and Expectations The government has set a 15-day deadline to issue the formal apology and announce detailed programmes for upliftment and inclusion. Observers say the move could mark a new phase in Nepal’s efforts to build a more equal and inclusive society. Courtesy : TOP Note: This news is originally published on https:/theobserverpost.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘Conflict has reached our backyard’: Rahul Gandhi targets Centre after Iranian warship sunk in Indian Ocean
NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday targeted the Centre after a US submarine sank an Iranian warship, IRIS Dena, warning that the conflict in West Asia poses serious risks for India’s energy security. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said the world was entering a turbulent phase and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of saying “nothing”. “The world has entered a volatile phase. Stormy seas lie ahead. India’s oil supplies are under threat, with more than 40% of our imports transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The situation is even worse for LPG and LNG,” Rahul Gandhi wrote. Rahul also referred to the sinking of the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, which had recently taken part in the Indian Navy’s Milan naval exercise before heading back through the Indian Ocean. “The conflict has reached our backyard, with an Iranian warship sunk in the Indian Ocean. Yet the Prime Minister has said nothing,” he said. Calling for stronger leadership in the face of growing geopolitical tensions, Rahul said the country needed a firm and steady response. “At a moment like this, we need a steady hand at the wheel,” he wrote. “Instead, India has a compromised PM who has surrendered our strategic autonomy,” Rahul said. The remarks came after the US Navy sank the Iranian Moudge-class frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean earlier this week using a Mark-48 torpedo launched from a submarine, an attack that reportedly killed dozens of sailors. Iran has strongly condemned the strike, calling it an “atrocity at sea” and warning that the United States would “bitterly regret” the precedent set by attacking the vessel. Iranian officials also pointed out that the frigate had recently visited India as part of naval engagements linked to the Milan exercise. The incident comes amid a rapidly widening conflict in West Asia, with missiles, drones and rockets being exchanged across Iran, Israel and other parts of the region. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
‘India must be morally clear’: Rahul Gandhi urges PM Modi to ‘speak up’ on Iran crisis
NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to take a clear and moral stand amid escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran. In a post on X, Rahul said the region was being pushed “toward wider conflict” and warned that millions, including nearly a crore Indians, faced uncertainty due to the deteriorating security situation. “Escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran are pushing a fragile region toward wider conflict. Crores of people, including nearly a crore Indians, face uncertainty,” Rahul said. “While security concerns are real, attacks that violate sovereignty will only worsen the crisis. The unilateral attacks on Iran, as well as Iran’s attacks on other Middle Eastern nations, must be condemned. Violence begets violence – dialogue and restraint remain the only path to peace,” he added. Rahul said India’s foreign policy traditions demand clarity during periods of global instability. “India must be morally clear. We should have the courage to speak plainly in defence of international law and human lives. Our foreign policy is rooted in sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes — and it must remain consistent,” he said. In a pointed remark aimed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rahul Gandhi questioned the government’s position on recent developments. “PM Modi must speak up. Does he support the assassination of a head of state as a way to define the world order? Silence now diminishes India’s standing in the world,” he added. Meanwhile, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday that limited flight operations have resumed from Dubai amid continued airspace disruptions in the region. US and Israel conducted airstrikes across multiple Iranian cities on February 28, targeting military command centres, air-defence systems, missile sites, and key regime infrastructure. These strikes resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei and four senior military and security officials, with large explosions reported in Tehran and other major cities. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Who was Jesse Strang? 18-year-old named in Canada school shooting that left 10 dead, dozens injured
Canadian authorities are investigating a deadly shooting that killed 10 at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School after reports named 18-year-old Jesse Strang as the suspected gunman.Two Canadian news outlets, Western Standard and Juno News, reported that Strang was also transgender. The outlets said they received the name from a close family member. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) has not officially confirmed the suspect’s identity. The shooting happened on Tuesday at about 1:20 pm local time in Tumbler Ridge, a small town in northeastern British Columbia, about 1,100 kilometers north of Vancouver. Police responded to reports of an active shooter at the school. A public safety alert was sent out telling residents to stay indoors. According to the RCMP, ten people were killed, including the gunman. More than two dozen others were injured. Police said they believe the shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound inside the school. Investigators also found additional victims at a nearby home that they believe is connected to the case. RCMP Superintendent Ken Floyd told reporters that investigators believe they know who the shooter was. However, police are not releasing the name at this time. Floyd said the decision was made out of respect for the victims’ families and to protect the investigation. Police have also said they do not yet know the motive. They are still working to determine how the victims were connected to the suspect. The shelter-in-place order was lifted later that evening after police said there was no longer a threat to the public. Students and staff who remained inside the school were safely evacuated. Tumbler Ridge has a population of about 2,400 people. Authorities said both the elementary and secondary schools will stay closed for the rest of the week. Counseling and support services are being offered to students, staff, and families. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and British Columbia Premier David Eby released statements expressing sorrow and offering condolences to the families of those killed. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
12 Bangladeshi Transgender Nationals Living Illegally Detained in Mumbai, Deportation Process Initiated
The Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) of Versova Police has detained 12 Bangladeshi transgender nationals who were found to be . The Anti-Terrorism Cell (ATC) of Versova Police has detained 12 Bangladeshi transgender nationals who were found to be residing illegally in India. The action was carried out on February 4 and 5, 2026, at multiple locations in Andheri West and Malvani, According to police officials, the first operation was conducted in the early hours of February 4 at around 3:30 am at the premises of Shakrullah Shah Baba Dargah on JP Road, Versova. During routine bandobast duty, police personnel noticed nine transgender individuals conversing in the Bangladeshi dialect. On questioning, all of them admitted to being Bangladeshi nationals and revealed that they had entered India illegally without any valid documents or permission. The second operation took place on February 5 at around 1:30 pm in the Old Madha area of Andheri West, including Hanuman Mandir Lane and a nearby residential complex. Three more Bangladeshi transgender nationals were detained from the spot. During investigation, Bangladeshi mobile numbers, birth certificates and other digital evidence were recovered from their possession, confirming their nationality. Police investigations further revealed that all the detained individuals were using mobile applications to remain in contact with associates in Bangladesh. Action has been initiated against them under the Foreigners Act, and the process to deport them from India has begun. Regional Registration Office (FRRO), and the concerned Deputy Commissioner of Police. The entire operation was carried out under the leadership of Senior Police Inspector Dipshikha Bhagyashree Avhad Ware, under the guidance of the Additional Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Zone-09. Police officials stated that such strict action against foreign nationals residing illegally in India will continue in the future. By vishal.singh Courtesy : Lokmat Times Note: This news is originally published on https:/lokmattimes.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Indo-US trade deal a death knell for farmers: Congress
Jandiala Guru: Congress leaders on Friday sounded alarm bells over the Indo-US trade deal, saying it will sound the death knell for the country’s farmers as the US agricultural products will flood Indian markets. They also alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi surrendered under pressure from the US President Donald Trump and was forced to accept these conditions, which were against the country’s interests. Addressing the ‘MGNREGA Bachao Sangram’ rally here on Friday, the Congress leaders resolved that, in the way PM Modi was forced to withdraw the three controversial “black” agricultural laws, the same way he will be forced to restore the MGNREGA by the Congress. Bhupesh promised that, in case the BJP govt does not restore the MGNREGA, the Congress govt, which will be formed in Punjab in 2027, will make special provisions for the poor labourers so that they are not affected by its withdrawal. Similarly, he said, once the Congress govt is formed at the Centre in 2029 with Rahul Gandhi as the PM, the MGNREGA will be restored in its original form. Referring to the Indo-US trade deal, he said it was the sign of a weak PM who completely surrendered before Trump. He said, under Modi, the country was seen as weak as it was being arm-twisted by the US and the Chinese. Speaking on the occasion, the Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring blamed both the central and the state govt for the failure to implement the MGNREGA scheme in Punjab. He said that while Modi scrapped the scheme now, chief minister Mann already failed as Punjab was providing negligible work under this scheme. Warring also lashed out at the BJP and its leaders for trying to distort the conversation between Rahul Gandhi and Ravneet Singh Bittu. Giving details of the conversation, he said he was very much present on the occasion when Rahul addressed Bittu as his “traitor friend”. He condemned the BJP for trying to give communal colour to the issue and accuse Rahul of insulting the Sikhs. He pointed out it was Bittu himself who said it so many times that he started wearing a turban at the behest of Rahul Gandhi only. Moreover, he added, Rahul Gandhi had so much faith and respect for the Sikh religion that he performed seva at Darbar Sahib round the clock. “Can such a person really insult Sikhs?” he asked. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
US SC likely to uphold state bans on transgender athletes in women’s sports
The justices are evaluating claims of sex discrimination lodged by transgender people versus the need for fair competition for women and girls, the main argument made by the states The Supreme Court on Tuesday appeared ready to deal another setback to transgender people and uphold state laws barring transgender girls and women from playing on school athletic teams. The court’s conservative majority, which has repeatedly ruled against transgender Americans in the past year, signaled during more than three hours of arguments it would rule the state bans don’t violate either the Constitution or the federal law known as Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination in education. More than two dozen Republican-led states have adopted bans on female transgender athletes. Lower courts had ruled for the transgender athletes who challenged laws in Idaho and West Virginia. The legal fight is playing out against the backdrop of a broad effort by President Donald Trump to target transgender Americans, beginning on the first day of his second term and including the ouster of transgender people from the military and declaring that gender is immutable and determined at birth. The justices are evaluating claims of sex discrimination lodged by transgender people versus the need for fair competition for women and girls, the main argument made by the states. Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who coached his daughters in girls basketball, seemed concerned about a ruling that might undo the effects of Title IX, which has produced dramatic growth in girls and women’s sports. Kavanaugh called Title IX an amazing and inspiring success. Some girls and women might lose a medal in a competition with transgender athletes, which Kavanaugh called a harm we can’t sweep aside. The three liberal justices seemed focused on trying to marshal a court majority in support of a narrow ruling that would allow the individual transgender athletes involved in the cases to prevail. A ruling for West Virginia and Idaho would effectively apply to the other two dozen Republican-led states with similar laws. But the justices soon might be asked to decide about the laws in an additional roughly two dozen states, led by Democrats, that allow transgender athletes to compete on the teams that match their gender identity. The outcome also could influence separate legal efforts by the Trump administration and others seeking to bar transgender athletes in states that have continued to allow them to compete. The transgender athletes’ cases In the Idaho case, Lindsay Hecox, 25, sued over the state’s first-in-the-nation ban for the chance to try out for the women’s track and cross-country teams at Boise State University in Idaho. She didn’t make either squad because she was too slow, her lawyer, Kathleen Hartnett, told the court Tuesday, but she competed in club-level soccer and running. Becky Pepper-Jackson, a 15-year-old high school sophomore, was in the courtroom Tuesday. She has been taking puberty-blocking medication, has publicly identified as a girl since age 8 and has been issued a West Virginia birth certificate recognizing her as female. She is the only transgender person who has sought to compete in girls sports in West Virginia. Pepper-Jackson has progressed from a back-of-the-pack cross-country runner in middle school to a statewide third-place finish in the discus in just her first year of high school. Prominent women in sports have weighed in on both sides. Tennis champion Martina Navratilova, swimmers Summer Sanders and Donna de Varona and beach volleyball player Kerri Walsh-Jennings are supporting the state bans. Soccer stars Megan Rapinoe and Becky Sauerbrunn and basketball players Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart back the transgender athletes. In 2020, the Supreme Court ruled LGBTQ people are protected by a landmark federal civil rights law that prohibits sex discrimination in the workplace, finding that sex plays an unmistakable role in employers’ decisions to punish transgender people for traits and behavior they otherwise tolerate. But last year, the six conservative justices declined to apply the same sort of analysis when they upheld state bans on gender-affirming care for transgender minors. Chief Justice John Roberts signaled Tuesday he sees differences between the 2020 case, in which he supported the claims of discrimination, and the current dispute. The states supporting the prohibitions on transgender athletes argue there is no reason to extend the ruling barring workplace discrimination to Title IX. Idaho’s law, state Solicitor General Alan Hurst, said, is necessary for fair competition because, where sports are concerned, men and women are obviously not the same. Lawyers for Pepper-Jackson argue that such distinctions generally make sense, but that their client has none of those advantages because of the unique circumstances of her early transition. In Hecox’s case, her lawyers want the court to dismiss the case because she has forsworn trying to play on women’s teams. NCAA president Charlie Baker told Congress in 2024 that he was aware of only 10 transgender athletes out of more than a half-million students on college teams. But despite the small numbers, the issue has taken on outsize importance. Baker’s NCAA and the US Olympic and Paralympic Committees banned transgender women from women’s sports after Trump, a Republican, signed an executive order aimed at barring their participation. About 2.1 million adults, or 0.8 per cent, and 724,000 people age 13 to 17, or 3.3 per cent, identify as transgender in the US, according to the Williams Institute at the UCLA School of Law. A decision is expected by early summer. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) AP Washington Courtesy : Business Standard Note: This news is originally published on https:/businessstandard.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Indian Tourist Beaten By Transgender Group In Pattaya After Payment Row, Video Viral
After Raj was injured, a formal complaint was filed, prompting legal action. However, Jasuja has not yet made any public statement regarding the matter. An Indian tourist was assaulted by a group of transgender women in Thailand’s Pattaya following an alleged dispute over payment for sexual services, according to local reports. The incident took place in the early hours of December 27 and was captured on camera. Pulled Out of Car, Beaten in Public The victim, identified as 52-year-old Raj Jasuja, was reportedly dragged out of his car and beaten after he refused to pay the agreed amount. The assault occurred on a public road, with footage of the incident later circulating online. Victim Hospitalised With Injuries Jasuja sustained injuries to his face and head during the attack and was subsequently admitted to hospital for treatment. Details regarding the extent of his injuries were not immediately available. Attacks On Indians On The Rise Lately, attacks on Indian tourists have been on the rise in Pattaya. Pongpol Boonchid, a 19 year-old told police that the quarrel escalated when the two began chasing each other and a physical attack ensued. After Raj was injured, a formal complaint was filed, prompting legal action. However, Jasuja has not yet made any public statement regarding the matter. Several such disputes have been occurring between Indian tourists and transwomen sex workers in Pattaya in recent months. Previously, in September an Indian man was attacked, and in October three transwomen were also accused of assaulting two Indians and fleeing with nearly 24,000 baht in cash. By Sagarika Chakraborty About the author Sagarika Chakraborty Sagarika Chakraborty is a Senior Copy Editor at ABP Live English, where she handles business coverage and key developments in general news, while also actively chasing breaking stories. With a foundation in advertising, she transitioned into journalism to craft in-depth stories and explainers on the economy, real estate, and personal finance. She also engages in interviews and podcasts, bringing out expert insights. Courtesy : abp live Note: This news is originally published on https:/abplive.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Indian Man, 52, Beaten On Road Over ‘Unpaid Sex Service’ By Transgender Women In Thailand
The viral video shows a tense situation escalating when the women demanded money from the Indian tourist who allegedly declined to pay. An Indian tourist became the centre of a violent confrontation in Thailand’s Pattaya after he allegedly refused to pay for sexual services that left him injured. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of December 27, was caught on camera and shows the man being beaten by a group of transgender women in a public area. According to a report in Thaiger, the Indian national has been identified as 52-year-old Raj Jasuja. The video shows a tense situation escalating when the women demanded money from Jasuja who reportedly declined to pay. Transgender Women Beat Indian Man In Thailand In the video, three transgender women can be seen confronting Jasuja allegedly over payment for sexual services. When he attempted to leave in his car, one of the transgender women blocked the door to prevent him from driving away. With the assistance of a man nearby and some bystanders, the group pulled Jasuja out of the vehicle. He was then repeatedly kicked and struck by the group before emergency responders arrived at the scene. “No Money, No Honey.” Eyewitness Account As per the report, a local witness, 19-year-old Phongphon, told rescue workers that he saw Jasuja arguing with a transgender sex worker near the entrance to the walking street. The argument escalated and according to the witness, the woman then summoned several friends to assist her. Rescue And Medical Attention Rescue workers from the Sawang Boriboon Dhammastan Foundation received a report at around 5:30 AM after which they immediately rushed to the scene. They found Jasuja with injuries to his face and the back of his head. He was administered first aid at the scene before being shifted to Pattamakom Hospital for further treatment. “Free s*x services give injuries.” What Are People Saying Online The video circulated online and received hundreds of comments with one user writing, “My guy really thought not paying was gonna work out fine.” Another said, “Well deserved,” while someone else remarked, “Someone’s husband and father btw.” Ariana Grande, Amanda Seyfried, Ethan Hawke, Kristen Bell Arrive At The Critics’ Choice Awards; N18G New Parents Sidharth Malhotra & Kiara Advani Glow As They’re Spotted Together Police Response Police later informed the We Love Pattaya Facebook page that they would request Jasuja to file a formal complaint once he fully recovers, Thaigar reported. Further investigation will then proceed according to Thai law. Curated By : Buzz Staff Courtesy : News18 Note: This news is originally published on https:/news18.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights
Riley Gaines takes bold stand to attend Supreme Court hearings on transgender athlete participation in women’s sports
Riley Gaines has once again stepped into the national spotlight. The former collegiate swimmer announced that she plans to attend two major Supreme Court hearings that could shape the future of women’s sports in the United States. The cases focus on whether states can legally restrict transgender athletes from competing in women’s categories. Gaines said the upcoming decisions are extremely important. She believes the rulings will determine whether laws designed to protect women’s sports are constitutional. The hearings involve laws from West Virginia and Idaho. Both cases have drawn national attention and sparked strong opinions on fairness, safety, and equal opportunity in sports. Riley Gaines backs state laws and supports female athletes speaking out — riley_gaines_ (@riley_gaines_) Riley Gaines confirmed she will be present at the Supreme Court in two weeks for the hearings of West Virginia v. B.P.J. and Little v. Hecox. She explained that these cases will decide if states are allowed to protect women’s sports under the Constitution. Gaines also encouraged her supporters to make their voices heard by signing a related petition. The West Virginia case centers on a state law that prevents transgender girls from competing in female sports categories. A middle school athlete named Becky challenged the law, arguing that it violates constitutional rights and Title IX protections. Becky has reportedly been on medication since the start of puberty. Gaines believes the case will have a major impact on youth and school sports nationwide. The second case, Little v. Hecox, involves Idaho’s HB 500 law. This law banned transgender athletes from women’s sports. Lindsay, a transgender college student at Boise State University, was affected by the rule and challenged it in court. The Supreme Court agreed to review both cases. In addition to her legal advocacy, Gaines recently voiced strong support for San Jose State University volleyball player Brooke Slusser. In a Fox News interview, Slusser shared the emotional stress she faced after learning a transgender athlete, Blaire Flemming, was competing on her team. Gaines accused the school of failing to inform female athletes about the situation. Gaines said Slusser only spoke up after realizing she had been living with and sharing hotel rooms with a biological male during team trips. She added that Slusser eventually left school and returned home due to concerns for her safety and mental health. Gaines described the situation as abusive. Slusser later revealed that the experience deeply affected her health. She said the stress led to an eating disorder and caused her to temporarily lose her menstrual cycle. Gaines continues to argue that these stories highlight why women’s voices must be central in discussions about sports policies. Courtesy : TOI Note: This news is originally published on https:/timesofindia.com/bha and is used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes, especially human rights