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Singapore's general elections are set for May 3, 2024, following the dissolution of parliament on Prime Minister Lawrence Wong's advice, as announced by the Elections Department.

This election marks Wong's first significant electoral challenge since he succeeded Lee Hsien Loong in May 2022, Reuters reported.

The elections take place at a difficult time for Singapore's export-driven economy, which is facing uncertainty exacerbated by global trade tensions. Wong stressed the significance of this election, stating that it allows Singaporeans to choose their leaders at a "critical juncture" in the country.

With 97 parliamentary seats at stake, the incumbent People's Action Party (PAP) is widely anticipated to retain power, according to Reuters.

Opposition parties are anticipated to campaign strongly, indicating that voters are increasingly interested in political diversity.

A severe sandstorm has swept through central and southern Iraq, blanketing cities in an orange haze and forcing the closure of airports as health facilities reported an alarming increase in respiratory issues.

This storm, the largest of the year, reduced visibility to less than one kilometer in various areas, Reuters reported.

Hospitals have been overwhelmed, with Muthanna province alone reporting approximately 700 cases of suffocation, as confirmed by health official Mazen Al Egeili. In nearby Najaf province, at least 250 individuals were hospitalized due to breathing difficulties, while Diwaniyah province treated around 322 patients, including children.

Additionally, more than 530 residents in Dhi Qar and Basra provinces sought medical assistance for respiratory problems.

In light of the hazardous conditions, airport operations in Najaf and Basra were temporarily halted, according to Reuters.

This latest sandstorm highlights Iraq's vulnerability to such climate events, as research by the United Nations identifies the country as one of the five most affected by climate change.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged Vietnam to stand against "unilateral bullying" in order to maintain a global free trade system, refraining from directly naming the United States. This appeal is part of Xi's diplomatic trip to Southeast Asia, which includes visits to Malaysia and Cambodia, Xinhua reported.

The timing of the trip is significant, as tensions rise from an escalating trade dispute between the US and China. Vietnam faces potential US tariffs of up to 46%, although a 90-day suspension was recently granted by the Trump administration.

As stated by Xinhua, Trump has criticized Xi's engagements with Vietnamese officials, suggesting it is a strategy to undermine American interests.

The trade war between the two countries has heated up, highlighted by the Trump administration's placement of 145% tariffs on a wide variety of Chinese imports, to which Beijing responded with its own 125% duties on American goods entering China.

Detox drinks have, over the past few years, gotten a bad rap as something that is used unnecessarily for weight loss. But there is more to these amazing drinks that can have a horde of health benefits when used right. They can soothe an upset gut, aid digestion, help clear your skin, and even rejuvenate you after a tiring day. Here are some of our favorites, including how to enjoy them.

Turmeric water

Topping the list is the very popular ‘besar paani’ that we tend to drink when we have a cold but this golden concoction is a potent anti-inflammatory drink that we must include in our diets to keep our immune systems strong and fight off infections and illnesses. Great for when you are feeling slightly under the weather and also otherwise, this drink is simple to make and easy on the tummy. Most people tend to drink it on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning. Simply add a pinch of turmeric to plain water, warm or room-temperature, give it a stir, and sip on it. Have it in a clear glass, looking at the brilliant yellow hue.

Amla, ginger shots

This is really fun to make and to have as well. We recommend you buy shot glasses to enjoy this amazing, nutrients-rich concoction. Amla ginger shots are the easiest way to give your body a health boost every morning. Amla and ginger both are powerhouses of nutrients and antioxidants and, when taken regularly, can help tackle a variety of health issues. Amla is the richest source of vitamin C, containing 20 times more than oranges. It helps boost white blood cell production and strengthens immunity. Ginger also has anti-inflammatory properties and can help protect against seasonal illnesses. Together, they can help cleanse your body from the inside. Blend one or two fresh amlas with an inch long piece of ginger and a little water till it becomes smooth. Strain the mixture and add a pinch of black salt for taste and drink it on an empty stomach.

Cucumber and mint infused water

One of the most cooling and refreshing drinks, this is a really hydrating mix for hot summer months. If you are one of those people who have to be reminded to drink water, then this one will make you chug it by the liter. Simply wash and slice some cucumbers and add it to a large jar of fresh water. Wash and crush some sprigs of mint and add that to the mix as well. You can also add some lemon slices or just let it be with cucumber and mint. Let the water sit for half an hour and then pour it into a glass to enjoy sip by sip. Cucumber and mint both have antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Cumin and carom tea

Most of us drink black or milk tea to start our day or wind down after a long day with a cup of oolong tea. But what if we told you there was a healthier alternative to caffeine laden teas that could potentially mess with your sleep cycle? Jeera (cumin) and ajwain (carom) are spices that are found in most kitchens and you can use these staples to make a healthy tea that calms your nerves and helps you relax. All you have to do is boil a teaspoon of each of these seeds in water and strain and drink the golden liquid. Both these spices are known for their digestive properties and help to relieve gas and indigestion. Studies have shown that cumin water also helps stabilize blood sugar levels. The drink aids detoxification and helps boost metabolism as well.

Fennel water

Did you know that you can make a refreshing drink by simply soaking fennel seeds in water overnight? Most of us consume fennel seeds after meals. We have it at home and most restaurants also serve this, along with other dry spices, at the end of a meal. But soaking fennel seeds and drinking the water can have a lot more benefits than simply consuming a few pinches of fennel seeds. It can help build immunity, aid digestion, help with water retention, promote a healthy complexion, and support weight loss. It can also help deal with period pains. If you like a warm drink to kick start your mornings, then you can add a teaspoon of fennel seeds to one and a half cups of water, bring it to a boil, and reduce it to a cup and strain and drink it as a tea as well. You don’t have to soak the seeds overnight for this.

Cabbage, beet, and ginger juice

We all know how great the classic apple, beet, carrot juice is. Cabbage, beet, ginger, on the other hand, might sound like an odd mix, and even seem a little unappealing but hear us out. It’s a tried and tested recipe that has been a hit with people of all ages and taste preferences. Cucumber and cabbage help to eliminate excess fluid in the body while ginger helps to accelerate metabolism. This helps to burn fat and aids weight loss. You need two cabbage leaves, a tablespoon of fresh mint leaves, one small beet, half a small cucumber, one teaspoon grated ginger and a cup of water to make this drink. Blend all the ingredients together, strain the mixture, and drink it. You can also keep it in the fridge for upto a day.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 26.55 points to close at 2,688.63 points on Tuesday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 4.29 points to close at 450. 74 points.

A total of 21,841,047-unit shares of 320 companies were traded for Rs 8. 54 billion.

Meanwhile, Corporate Development Bank Limited (CORBL), Green Development Bank Ltd. (GRDBL) and Saptakoshi Development Bank Ltd (SAPDBL) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Balephi Hydropower Limited (BHL) was the top loser as its price fell by 9.99 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 47 trillion.

Police have arrested a person with 6. 97 kg of cannabis from Tribhuvan International Airport. The arrestee is a 27-year-old man from India.  

TIA Security Chief and Senior Superintendent of Police, Somendra Singh Rathaur confirmed the arrest of the Indian national from TIA who arrived in Nepal on Thai Air flight last night.

The contraband was found during a luggage check at arrivals. He has been sent to the Narcotics Bureau Koteshwor for further investigation into the case. 

Recent rainfall may have brought brief respite from the choking smog that blanketed Kathmandu and other urban areas, but the problem is far from over. The haze has settled—for now. But the plastic waste and air pollutants that fueled it haven’t gone anywhere. If anything, the clean skies may lull the public into forgetting a crisis that is both ongoing and worsening.

Plastic pollution has become a silent emergency in Nepal. According to a 2022 report by the Ministry of Forests and Environment and ICIMOD, Nepal generates over 60,000 metric tons of plastic waste annually. Alarmingly, nearly one-third of it ends up in rivers. This staggering volume exposes a stark reality: Nepal’s waste management systems are overwhelmed. Landfills are overflowing, open dumping is rampant, and in many municipalities, the default response is to burn plastic waste—releasing toxic fumes and microplastics into the air. The result is not only deteriorating air quality but also a serious public health threat.

This isn’t just about pollution—it’s about the systems’ failure. Government policies exist, such as the ban on plastic bags thinner than 40 microns, but enforcement remains weak. Most municipalities lack basic infrastructure like waste segregation units or recycling centers. There’s a wide gap between the demand for structured recycling solutions and the supply of services to meet it.

Experts say Nepal must urgently adopt a proven, practical solution: plastic recycling.

Recycling isn’t a novel idea. It’s a globally recognized, cost-effective method for reducing waste, cutting emissions, and recovering valuable materials. Countries across Asia, Europe, and the Americas have shown that recycling can transform plastic from a threat into a resource—turning waste into opportunity.

In Nepal, however, recycling remains underutilized. Informal waste pickers form the backbone of the system, yet they work without safety gear, proper training, or fair compensation. Even so, much of the plastic they collect is eventually burned or dumped due to the absence of structured recycling systems and markets. Only around 15 percent of Nepal’s plastic waste is recycled, according to a 2023 UNEP assessment.

To bridge this gap, Nepal needs to invest in a formal, inclusive recycling infrastructure. This includes supporting municipalities with proper waste segregation systems, funding recycling facilities, and integrating informal waste workers into official supply chains—offering them fair wages, dignity, and protection. 

There are already small glimmers of progress. In some areas, plastic waste is being turned into eco-bricks or construction blocks. Others are piloting neighborhood-based recycling hubs. These initiatives demonstrate that localized, creative solutions can work—but they remain small-scale and isolated without broader government backing.

Another critical issue is the low level of awareness among policymakers. Despite the growing threat of plastic pollution, the topic rarely ranks high on political agendas. Experts believe a national-level behavioral shift is necessary—not just among citizens but also within local governments and decision-makers.

Public participation is equally vital. Recycling begins at the household level, with simple acts like separating plastic from organic waste. Civic education, school outreach programs, and mass campaigns are essential to build a culture where recycling becomes a norm, not a novelty.

On the regulatory front, Nepal can draw inspiration from global best practices. For example, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws—where producers are held accountable for managing plastic at the end of its life cycle—have driven recycling rates up in countries like Germany, Japan, and South Korea. Such policies can provide funding for infrastructure, promote innovation, and shift the cost burden away from municipalities and informal workers.

Experts emphasize that while banning plastic outright might not be feasible in the short term, better management absolutely is. Recycling isn’t just an environmental solution—it’s a long-term strategy for resilience. It reduces pollution, conserves resources, and creates green jobs in the process.

But time is running out. The rain may have temporarily cleared the air, but unless Nepal changes how it handles plastic, we’ll be right back under the same toxic haze or perhaps even worse. We must stop treating pollution as a seasonal inconvenience and start addressing it as a structural failure that demands systemic, sustained action.

Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone said he was not bothered by his team's tendency to fall behind as they fight their way back into games, following their 4-2 comeback home win over Real Valladolid on Monday, Reuters reported.

Third-placed Atletico fell behind early to LaLiga’s bottom side, but two penalties from Julian Alvarez plus goals by Giuliano Simeone and Alexander Sorloth, sealed a victory that boosts their slim title hopes.

They are now seven points behind leaders Barcelona and three off second-placed Real Madrid.

It was the second comeback in a row for Atletico after they last week salvaged a last-minute 2-1 win at Sevilla to snap a three-game winless run.

"It happened against Sevilla and today too," Simeone told reporters. "Valladolid's goals were fortuitous.

"What's important is the team's reaction, the penalty and Giuliano's goal came, then we slowed the game down again but after that it went the way we wanted, according to Reuters.

"We know that there is no such thing as an easy game, there will always be difficult moments. You can't control the game all the time.