Nepse surges by 53. 01 points on Wednesday
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 53.01 points to close at 2,819.10 points on Wednesday.
Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 8.52 points to close at 483. 42 points.
A total of 14,986,142-unit shares of 321 companies were traded for Rs 7. 68 billion.
Meanwhile, Bikash Hydropower Company Limited (BHCL) was the top gainer today, with its price surging by 10. 00 percent. Likewise, 10.25% KBL Debenture 2086 (KBLD86) was the top loser as its price fell by 5. 79 percent.
At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 71 trillion.
South Korea bans phones in school classrooms nationwide
South Korea has passed a law banning mobile phones during class hours in schools starting March 2026. According to BBC, the move aims to address growing concerns over smartphone addiction, which surveys show affects nearly half of the country’s teenagers.
The law grants teachers authority to restrict phone use on school grounds, while allowing exemptions for emergencies, educational purposes and students with special needs.
Supporters believe it will reduce classroom distractions and bullying, while critics argue it overlooks deeper issues such as academic pressure. South Korea is among the first countries to enshrine such a ban in law, BBC reported.
Monk behind Thailand Aids hospice arrested for embezzlement
A respected Thai monk who founded a hospice for HIV/Aids patients has been arrested over alleged embezzlement of donations, BBC reported.
Police detained 65-year-old Luang Phor Alongkot, abbot of Wat Phrabatnampu temple in Lopburi, along with influencer Seksan Sapsubbsakul, who had helped raise funds. Both deny wrongdoing.
Alongkot, who established the hospice in 1992, resigned last week amid growing suspicions of misused funds.
According to BBC, monks are highly revered in Thailand, but recent scandals over fraud and misconduct have put the Buddhist clergy under increased scrutiny.
Palestinians flee Israel’s fierce bombardment of Gaza City
Thousands of Palestinians are fleeing Gaza City as Israeli forces intensify their assault, flattening entire neighborhoods and leaving residents with few places to seek safety, according to Al Jazeera.
Israeli tanks and warplanes have struck areas including Sabra, Shujayea, Tuffah and Jabalia, destroying homes, roads and infrastructure. Locals described the bombardments as “earthquakes” aimed at driving people from their homes.
Despite mounting protests in Israel and international condemnation, the military says it is targeting tunnels and weapons. Since August 6, more than 1,000 buildings have been destroyed in Gaza City’s Zeitoun and Sabra districts, according to Palestinian Civil Defence.
Half of Gaza’s population lives in the city, with thousands now pushing westward toward the coast or further south to areas like Khan Younis and al-Mawasi in search of refuge, Al Jazeera reported.
Trump's doubling of tariffs on Indian imports takes effect, hiking tensions
President Donald Trump’s tariff hike on Indian goods took effect Wednesday, doubling duties to as much as 50 percent on products like textiles, jewelry, footwear, furniture and chemicals, Reuters reported.
The move, tied partly to India’s Russian oil purchases, puts thousands of exporters and jobs at risk, especially in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s home state of Gujarat. India’s Commerce Ministry says it will support affected businesses and encourage them to seek new markets in Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
A short grace period allows goods already in transit to enter the US at lower rates until September 17.
Washington argues Indian tariffs unfairly restrict US exports, pointing to rates as high as 100 percent on autos and heavy duties on farm goods. India counters its average tariff on US imports is only 7.5 percent, according to Reuters.
Rubi Sah murder case: Main accused Paswan found with his body badly burned in Rautahat
The main accused of the Rubi Sah murder case was found with his whole body badly burned in Rautahat on Wednesday.
Police said that Laxman Paswan was found with burn injuries on the way to Bisunpurwa-Manpur road from Madhopur, Madhav Narayan Municipality-6, Rautahat.
Police took him under control and rushed to the Garuda Hospital, but he was referred to Kathmandu after treatment was not possible at the hospital, informed SP Netramani Giri, Chief at the District Police Office, Rautahat.
SP Giri suspected that Paswan might have set himself on fire.
Rubi Sah had been living in the rented room at Madhavpatti, Gaur-2.
The body of Sah was found inside a suitcase in Gaur on Sunday.
Israel destroys entire neighborhoods in push to occupy Gaza City
Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza City, with tanks and airstrikes flattening entire blocks, according to Al Jazeera correspondent Tareq Abu Azzoum. At least 64 Palestinians were killed in attacks across Gaza on Tuesday, including five at a local market.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the escalation, following an Israeli raid in Ramallah that injured dozens in the occupied West Bank.
Since the conflict began, Israeli strikes have killed over 62,800 Palestinians and wounded more than 158,600. In Israel, at least 1,139 people were killed and over 200 taken captive during the October 7 attacks led by Hamas, Al Jazeera reported.
France returns human skulls to Madagascar, 128 years after French massacre
France has returned three human skulls to Madagascar, including one believed to belong to King Toera, who was decapitated by French troops in 1897. The remains, from the Sakalava ethnic group, were handed over at a ceremony in Paris, Al Jazeera reported.
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati acknowledged the violation of human dignity, while Madagascar’s Volamiranty Donna Mara called it a step toward healing a “century-old open wound.”
The skulls, confirmed by a scientific committee, will be buried in Madagascar, with a tribute planned on the anniversary of King Toera’s execution, according to Al Jazeera.
