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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Sunday European leaders had agreed to draw up a Ukraine peace plan to present to the United States, a vital step for Washington to be able to offer security guarantees that Kyiv says are essential to deter Russia.

At a summit in London just two days after Volodymyr Zelenskiy clashed with U.S. President Donald Trump and cut short a visit to Washington, European leaders offered a strong show of support to the Ukrainian president and promised to do more to help his nation.

European leaders agreed they must spend more on defence to show Trump the continent can protect itself, and the European Commission chief suggested the bloc could ease rules that limit debt levels.

Starmer, who welcomed a visibly shaken Zelenskiy on Saturday with a warm hug, said Britain, Ukraine, France and some other nations would form a "coalition of the willing" and draw up a peace plan to take to Trump.

"This is not a moment for more talk. It's time to act. Time to step up and lead and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace," Starmer said.

Leaders did not provide details of their plan. Before the summit, French President Emmanuel Macron told newspaper Le Figaro that the plan would involve a one-month ceasefire that would apply to air and sea attacks but not to ground combat.

European troops would be deployed if a more substantial peace agreement was reached, he said. It was not clear whether other nations had agreed to the terms.

Zelenskiy said after the meeting that he left London with "Europe's clear support" and readiness to cooperate.

"There will be diplomacy for the sake of peace," he said in his nightly video address. "And for the sake of us all being together - Ukraine, all of Europe and definitely, definitely America."

Earlier, Zelenskiy told reporters that Ukraine would not cede any territory to Russia as part of a peace agreement and said he was still willing to sign a minerals deal with the United States.

Zelenskiy said he believed he could salvage his relationship with Trump after Friday's shouting match, but that talks would have to take place behind closed doors.

"The format of what happened, I don't think it brought something positive or additional to us as partners," he said.

Europe is scrambling to ensure that Kyiv is not squeezed out of any talks after the Oval Office clash raised fears that the U.S. could pull support for Ukraine and impose a peace plan negotiated with Russia.

Several European leaders said they must increase defence spending - something that could help bring Trump on side to offer a U.S. security guarantee in the event of peace.

"After a long time of underinvestment, it is now of utmost importance to step up the defence investment for a prolonged period of time," Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, the EU's executive body, told reporters.

Europe needs to turn "Ukraine into a steel porcupine that is indigestible for potential invaders," she said.

LACKING WEAPONRY, STOCKS

Europe, which lacks the weaponry and depth of ammunition stocks of the U.S., hopes to convince Trump that it can defend itself but that Russia will only adhere to a peace deal if it comes with the backing of the United States.

Talks with the U.S. have centred on Washington providing a so-called backstop for a European peacekeeping role, possibly in the form of air cover, intelligence and surveillance and a greater but unspecified threat if Russian President Vladimir Putin again sought to take more territory.

Crucial to getting any agreement from Trump is for European nations to increase defence spending and signal they would take part in any peacekeeping role - something Starmer acknowledged was difficult to get unanimity on.

Starmer increased the UK's defence spending before his visit to Washington last week, and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said some European leaders had privately set out new plans on defence spending at the meeting but he declined to give details.

'UNCOMFORTABLE VIEWING'

Trump has upended U.S. policy on the three-year-old war since he returned to the White House in January, casting doubt on U.S. military and political support for Ukraine - and Europe - and ending the isolation of Moscow.

"We should spend less time worrying about Putin, and more time worrying about migrant rape gangs, drug lords, murderers, and people from mental institutions entering our Country - So that we don't end up like Europe!" Trump said in a post on his Truth Social network late on Sunday.

Trump had blindsided Europe by calling Putin without warning and sending a delegation to Saudi Arabia for talks with Russia without including Ukraine or Europe. Trump has falsely suggested that Kyiv was responsible for starting the war, and on Friday, he criticised Zelenskiy for not being grateful for U.S. aid.

Zelenskiy, who has in the past thanked the U.S. for their support, said on Monday that: "There has not been a day when we have not felt this gratitude" to Washington.

Zelenskiy's clash with Trump ended a week when Europe had appeared to be in a better position in its drive to encourage Trump to continue to offer support to Ukraine after cordial visits to Washington by Macron and Starmer.

Starmer described watching the spat between Zelenskiy and Trump in the Oval Office as uncomfortable viewing, but he was keen to push the conversation forward by offering himself as a go-between for Europe and the United States.

In a further show of support for the Ukrainian leader, Zelenskiy later on Sunday flew to meet King Charles at his private residence in eastern England.

The Trump administration on Sunday continued to criticise Zelenskiy. White House national security adviser Mike Waltz told CNN that the U.S. needs a Ukrainian leader who is willing to secure a lasting peace with Russia, but that it is not clear Zelenskiy is prepared to do so.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov praised Trump's "common sense" approach and accused European countries of seeking to prolong the conflict by propping up Zelenskiy "with their bayonets in the form of peacekeeping units".

Starmer said the leaders on Sunday also agreed to work to ensure Kyiv is at the table of any peace talks and boost the country's own defence capabilities.

"Europe must do the heavy lifting, but to support peace in our continent and to succeed, this effort must have strong U.S. backing," Starmer told a news conference. REUTERS

The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has appointed Australian coach Matt Ross as the head coach of the Nepal national football team. Ross will make his debut as Nepal’s head coach in an international friendly against Singapore on March 21. Following this, Nepal will face Malaysia on March 25 in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers.

Although Nepal was originally scheduled to host Malaysia, the match will now be played in Malaysia due to the Dasarath Stadium not meeting international standards. Despite the official announcement of his appointment only 19 days before these crucial matches, Ross had already arrived in Nepal. He expressed his excitement about taking on the role and praised the country’s football environment.

“Since arriving in Nepal, I have seen an immense passion for football. I watched the Women’s League, the International Women’s Championship, and the KP Oli Cup. I am excited to start working with the players,” Ross said.

“I know many Nepali players have gone to Australia. Coming from Australia myself, I find this an important issue,” he stated. He acknowledged the technical strengths of Nepali players and emphasized the importance of quick preparation for the upcoming matches against Singapore and Malaysia. “Malaysia and Singapore pose tough challenges for us. We have very limited time to prepare, so it is crucial to start training immediately and establish a connection with the players. Despite the challenges, we are ready,” he added.

Ross aims to secure points in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers and improve Nepal’s footballing standards. He outlined his long-term vision, which includes grassroots development, improving Nepal’s FIFA rankings, and winning the SAFF Championship in both men’s and women’s categories. Calling for support from fans, Ross stated, “Support from the fans will be crucial, and I urge everyone to stand with us.”

The 47-year-old Ross holds a UEFA Pro License. In 2020, he served as the assistant coach of the South Korean women’s national team, which reached the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 final, where they lost 3-2 to China.

Before his stint in Korea, Ross coached China’s U15 women’s team and worked for four years as a video analyst for the German Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt’s women’s team. During his time at the club, Frankfurt won the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2015. He later obtained his UEFA Pro License and coached Frankfurt for two years before moving to Sweden’s top-division women’s club Växjö in 2017. From Sweden, he transitioned to China and later to Korea. Most recently, he was an assistant coach at United FC in the UAE.

Nepal is placed in Group F alongside Vietnam, Laos, and Malaysia in the final round of the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers. Only the group winners will qualify for the AFC Asian Cup 2027, set to be hosted in Saudi Arabia.

Singers Arjun Sapkota and Samjhana Bhandari have released their latest song, ‘Kyari Bhulam Mero Man’. The song’s official music video premiered on Samjhana Bhandari’s YouTube channel on Thursday morning. The song captures the emotions of love and heartbreak, with lyrics penned by Santosh Sapkota. Arjun Sapkota has composed the music, while HBN Kismat handled the arrangement.

The music video features Sapkota and Sarita Dhungana in lead roles. Speaking about the initial response, Arjun shared that the song has been gaining traction on TikTok and receiving positive feedback on YouTube. Directed by Bishal Ghimire, the video is shot by Buddha Thapa and edited by Anish Mahat. Since its release on Feb 27, the song has garnered over 400,000 views.

The Nepal Eye Program, under the Tilganga Institute of Ophthalmology (TIO), has emerged as a cornerstone in the fight against blindness in Nepal. Established in 1992, TIO has evolved into a comprehensive ophthalmic center with six key divisions: Tilganga Eye Hospital, Academic and Training, Outreach, Research, Nepal Eye Bank, and a Lens Manufacturing Laboratory. Notably, TIO has pioneered advanced cataract surgery techniques in collaboration with the Fred Hollows Foundation and established Nepal’s first eye bank, which has been instrumental in restoring sight to thousands.

Initially, TIO’s location in the capital, Kathmandu, limited accessibility for people across the country. To address this, TIO established Community and Surgical Eye Centers in coordination with local bodies. Managed by the Outreach Department, these centers now number 26, strategically distributed across Nepal’s regions and provinces. Centers have been established in remote areas such as Solukhumbu, Mustang, Ramechhap, Rolpa, Manang, Jiri, Charikot, Melamchi, and Palung, where transportation and healthcare services are scarce. Additionally, TIO has set up specialized community hospitals in Bhaktapur (Khwopa Tilganga Community Eye Hospital), Hetauda (Hetauda Community Eye Hospital), and most recently in Nijgadh (Nijgadh Tilganga Community Eye Hospital) in the Bara district, serving the Madhes province and beyond.

Beyond its permanent facilities, TIO organizes eye camps in rural areas to provide essential eye care to underserved communities. The process begins with a thorough assessment of potential locations, considering both the area’s needs and financial situation. TIO collaborates with local partners and organizations to gather support for these camps. Once the timeline is set, TIO staff visit the selected areas to conduct screening camps, identifying individuals requiring surgery or other treatments. A team of doctors from Kathmandu then travels to these areas to perform free surgeries, primarily focusing on cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in Nepal. Other conditions, such as pterygium (growth of tissue on the eye’s surface), are also treated during these camps.

Cornea donation plays a vital role in restoring sight to those suffering from corneal diseases, a significant cause of blindness worldwide. Eye donation, particularly after death, can greatly increase the availability of corneal transplants. The process is simple yet impactful: one donation can restore vision for two individuals. The Nepal Eye Bank has been training staff to safely and effectively retrieve corneas immediately or within hours of death. These staff are stationed in hospitals and crematory areas, such as Pashupatinath, where they handle consent, counseling with family members, and cornea retrieval. According to the Nepal Eye Bank’s data, 1,200–1,500 corneas are collected annually.

Eye health is essential for preventing and managing vision problems, ranging from refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness) to serious conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. Regular eye exams are critical for early detection, as many eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms. Public education on protecting eye health—through proper nutrition, wearing sunglasses, reducing screen time, and avoiding smoking—can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss. Accessible eye care services and timely treatment are key to preserving sight and improving quality of life.

As a teenager, I have gained unique insights into the world of eye care through my parents, both of whom are doctors. While learning about healthcare has always been accessible to me, observing it in action was truly inspiring. During a visit to TIO, I had the opportunity to tour this renowned institution, which embodies history, hope, and heightened awareness. I visited the Fred Hollows Intraocular Lens Laboratory (FHIOL) within the TIO premises, where the hum of machines and the dedication of workers left a lasting impression. The laboratory produces lenses for cataract surgery, playing a crucial role in preventing blindness. TIO also organizes annual surgical camps for underprivileged communities, restoring sight to countless individuals.

Witnessing the joy of patients who regained their vision and the humility of the staff who made it possible was deeply moving. I observed my mother and other staff members dedicating their time and energy to each patient, which was incredibly inspiring. I also had the chance to watch experienced doctors perform surgeries in the operating theater. Although access to certain areas was restricted, the focus and determination of the surgeons were evident.

Overall, my visit to TIO was an eye-opening experience. As a teenager, I initially viewed it as just another workplace for my mother. However, exploring its various branches, laboratories, operating theaters, and statistical boards revealed its profound impact. TIO is not merely a hospital for eye checkups and glasses; it is a comprehensive hub for eye care, serving Nepal and beyond. It has also become a global learning institute, attracting eye health professionals worldwide. TIO’s philosophy of serving people across all socio-economic backgrounds in the pursuit of preserving vision and curing treatable blindness is truly remarkable. With the privilege of this experience, I hope to spread awareness about the incredible work being done at TIO and the importance of eye health.

Kriti Rajbhandari

Rato Bangla School, Lalitpur

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said the government is seriously and sensitively working to ensure peace, order and security for the citizens with maximum utilization of available resources towards that end.

In his replies to lawmakers' queries in a session of the National Assembly today, the Minister reiterated the government compulsion to work amidst limited resources.

He also claimed that following his assumption on the post, various efforts have been launched for policy and legal reforms.

"Your feedback, submissions and concerns are always the guidelines for me," he told the lawmakers, arguing that his work speed and spirit matched with the concerns of lawmakers for peace and security, service delivery, disaster management and so on.

He apprised the House that Nepal Police Bill, Armed Police Force Bill, Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill are already the properties of the Parliament and discussions with stakeholders concerned are underway regarding the need and relevance of other policy and legal reforms.

"The reconstruction of structures damaged by monsoon-related disasters and the earthquake is progressing, and the mechanisms under the Home Ministry are actively working to implement laws that promote civic freedom, the rule of law, human rights, and the democratic values guaranteed by Nepal’s Constitution," he added.

Meanwhile, during the zero hour, Suresh Kumar Ale Magar demanded the continuity of citizenship by descent for ex British Gurkhas. There are rumors that citizenship by descent for them will be discontinued, he said.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the government is committed to providing every possible support for the all-round development of youths.

He said so while addressing the National Cadet Corps (NCC)'s SN 19 Senior Division Pass-out Parade at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel today.

The PM reiterated that NCC's this program is in the government's high priority as the nation is always in need of youths, who are disciplined, have allegiance to the National Flag by internalizing the maxim 'Janani Janmabhumishcha Swargadapi Gariyesi' or 'the Motherland is Greater than Heaven.'

"The hopes and dreams of not only your parents but also of your instructors, relatives and society are vested in you. Therefore, in order to build the best society, you should enhance your morale and develop efficient leadership, in your youth, follow moral conduct and discipline, understand your duty towards your society and the nation and start becoming an able citizen to fulfilling it," the Prime Minister, who is also the NCC's Chief Patron, said on the occasion.

He further said: "As a true Nepali citizen, you will play an important leadership role by dedicating yourself with selfless service when the nation needs it. I am confident that the knowledge gained in this training will motivate and support you in this work."

Extending best wishes to the passed-out students for patriotism, dutifulness and superiority, PM Oli urged them to dedicate themselves to the development of the country on the basis of fair competition and not by playing foul against others.

First Lady Radhika Shakya, Defense Minister Manbir Rai, National Planning Commission (NPC) Vice-Chairman Prof Dr Shiva Raj Adhikari, Chief of the Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel, Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) Sunita Dangol and the chiefs of the security bodies attended the programme.

The delegations of the National Cadet Corps of India and the Maldives, and Bhutan Scouts were also present on the occasion.

 The NCC, having the motto 'Discipline is the Main Foundation of Nation Service', was established in 2022 BS with the objective of developing the personality of the youths. It has been making the youth disciplined, dignified, dedicated to the country and cultured citizens who respect the institutions of the state, who are well-trained and can be mobilized as volunteers during times of disasters.

NCC has enrolled 7,704 students in this fiscal year and aims to increase the number of enrolled students to 11,550 next year. So far, 82,184 people have graduated from NCC.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 75. 24 points to close at 2, 890.28 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 14. 47 points to close at 484. 30 points.

A total of 29,166,656-unit shares of 302 companies were traded for Rs 14. 25 billion.

Meanwhile, Himalayan Distillery Limited (HDL), Guardian Micro Life Insurance Limited (GMLI) and Nepal Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (NLIC) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Likewise, Samaj Laghubittya Bittiya Sanstha Limited (SAMAJ) the top loser as its price fell by 10.00 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 79 trillion.

The rhino census, which is conducted every five years, has become uncertain due to lack of budget.

This year, there has been a shortage of budget for conducting rhino count as it has been done depending on funding from donors.

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation has been conducting rhino census in collaboration with various agencies working with the park.

Department's ecologist and information officer Haribhadra Acharya said that an agreement had been reached with USAID's 'Jal Jungle project' for the purchase of the necessary equipment for conducting the rhino census, but the census has become uncertain now that the project is suspended.

The project had already started the process of procuring materials by issuing a tender notice. The project was to bear the expenses of GPS equipment, laptops, large cooking utensils, tents and other materials required during the census inside the park.

"The project was supposed to provide materials worth Rs 5 million. It is estimated that around Rs 15 million would be required to complete the census," he said.

Preparations were made to conduct the census in partnership with the World Wildlife Fund Nepal, ZSL Nepal, National Trust for Nature Conservation and other organizations.

According to him, the rhino census has to be done by mid-April. Preparations were made to conduct the census from March 18 to April 7 and release the results by the second week of April.

"The census can't be beyond mid-April. The preparations for it take at least 10 days,” he explained.

Acharya, the Department's Information Officer, said that the department's census program would be affected as the project of the donor agency was suspended in the last hour.

Director General of the Department, Dr Ram Chandra Kandel, said that the suspension of the donor support has affected the counting during the final preparations.

He added that the rhino census could be conducted if the budget is received after discussing the matter with the ministry or else, they will be forced to suspend it.

The tiger census will have to be carried out next year and he said that it would be easier to conduct the tiger census next year if rhino count could be done this year as it would not be possible to conduct both censuses at the same time.

Although the rhinos are being monitored, the census has to be done to find out their exact number and condition. The last rhino census was conducted in 2021.

The census will make it easy to determine the number of rhinos inhabiting a particular area and to manage it.

The endangered one-horned rhino is found in Chitwan, Parsa, Bardiya and Shukla Phanta national parks. The Chitwan National Park has the highest number of rhinos at 694 as per the 2021 census. The number of rhinos in Nepal has reached 752.