Nepal to mark Gen Z Martyr Day annually to honor protest victims
KATHMANDU, Dec 4: The Nepal government has decided to observe Gen Z Martyr Day annually on Bhadra 23 (Bikram Era) to honor those killed in anti-government protests. This year, the day fell on September 8, when at least 22 people, mostly students, were shot by the K P Sharma Oli-led government near Kathmandu’s Parliament, with a total of 76 deaths over the two-day protests. The Cabinet announced that martyrs’ families would receive identity cards, provided to parents, spouses, and unmarried children. The protests forced Oli to resign after demonstrators torched government buildings, including the Prime Minister’s residence, Parliament, and Singhdurbar. Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki was appointed interim prime minister on September 12, and President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved Parliament on her recommendation. Nepal’s next general election is scheduled for March 5, 2026. (PTI)
FBI arrests suspect in 5-yr-old DC pipe bomb case
WASHINGTON, Dec 4: The FBI has arrested a suspect in its nearly five-year investigation into pipe bombs placed in Washington, DC, on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot, officials told the Associated Press. The arrest marks the first breakthrough in a case that has long confounded investigators, generated conspiracy theories, and remained unsolved. The bombs, placed near the Democratic and Republican national committee offices on Jan. 5, 2021, were safely rendered inoperative, though both could have been lethal. The suspect, a man, was apprehended Thursday morning, but charges and further details have not been released. Over the years, the FBI reviewed thousands of video files, conducted interviews, and sought public assistance, including releasing footage and physical descriptions of the bomber. Under new leadership, the FBI increased investigative resources, personnel, and rewards, aiming to solve the high-profile case. The motive and connection to the Capitol riot remain under investigation. (AP)
Bamboo scaffolding defended after Hong Kong fire
HONG KONG, Dec 4: After Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades at Wang Fuk Court, residents, experts, and former officials are defending bamboo scaffolding, arguing it was unfairly blamed for the rapid spread of flames. While authorities focus on replacing bamboo with metal scaffolding, experts say the fire was exacerbated by substandard green netting and flammable foam boards, not bamboo itself. Bamboo remains widely used for its flexibility, lightness, and cost-effectiveness in dense, irregular urban landscapes. Critics warn that banning it would ignore deeper issues like regulatory lapses, substandard materials, and enforcement failures. Authorities have arrested 15 people over suspected corruption and negligence in the renovation project. Officials have ordered netting removal at other sites, and an independent committee will investigate the fire. Experts call for evidence-based reforms to improve safety without disrupting Hong Kong’s long-standing construction practices. (AP)
