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A massive fire broke at a play industry in Dang, destroying wood, raw materials and machinery. There are no human casualties, police said.  

According to Nepal Police, the fire broke out at the Sangrila Ply Industry in Khaira, Ghorahi Sub-Metropolis.

Sociologist Meena Poudel has released her latest book, ‘Sahas’, which delves into the experiences of women who have returned after being trafficked. The book, based on research involving 28 women from 18 districts, has been published by Kitab Publishers. Speaking at the book launch event in Kathmandu on Friday, Poudel described ‘Sahas’ not just as a book but as a voice of resistance against human trafficking. She credited editor Paras Prakash Nepal for his support in shaping the final manuscript.  

Commenting on the book, gender analyst Bindu Pokharel remarked that Nepal’s women’s movement has yet to become strategically effective, which has hindered the elimination of structural discrimination in society. She noted that the book highlights the challenges faced by survivors in reintegrating into society. Anthropologist Suresh Dhakal pointed out that the book vividly portrays the marginalization and discrimination that trafficked women endure upon their return. Similarly, writer JB Bishwokarma stated that ‘Sahas’ reflects the oppression faced by vulnerable communities in Nepal. He suggested that incorporating socialist feminism perspectives would have further enriched the book.  

Before its release in Nepali, ‘Sahas’ had already been published in six languages, including English, Spanish, and German. The book challenges traditional perceptions of human trafficking in Nepal, offering a contemporary understanding of its dimensions. It also examines the strategies of resistance employed by trafficked women against the social, economic, political, and legal exclusion they face. During the event, women’s rights activists Durga Ghimire and Bhagwati Nepal were also honored for their contributions to gender equality and social justice.

OPPO has launched the A5 Pro in Nepal, bringing flagship-level durability and performance to its A Series lineup. The smartphone boasts IP69 water and dust resistance, Military-Grade Shock Resistance, and a sleek yet rugged design available in Mocha Brown and Olive Green.

Equipped with the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6s 4G Gen1 processor, the A5 Pro offers smooth performance with up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It features a 50MP Ultra-Clear Main Camera, AI-enhanced gaming with GameBoost, and a 5,800mAh battery supporting 45W SUPERVOOC Flash Charge for extended use. The 1,000-nit Ultra Bright Display and dual stereo speakers further enhance the entertainment experience. The OPPO A5 Pro (8GB+256GB) is priced at Rs 32,999 in Nepal. Pre-orders are open until March 24, with a Rs 1,000 cashback offer for the first 500 customers.

Pearson has expanded its PTE (Pearson Test of English) presence in Nepal by opening a new test center in Chitwan, with additional centers planned for Jhapa and Janakpur. This expansion aims to improve accessibility for Nepali students and professionals seeking international education and work opportunities. Prabhul Ravindran, Director of English Language Learning at Pearson India, emphasized Nepal’s growing demand for English proficiency tests. “Nepal is an important market, with many students and professionals aspiring to study or work abroad. Expanding our footprint here remains a key objective,” he stated. 

According to Ravindran, PTE is known for its AI-driven assessment system, offering a fully computerized exam that evaluates speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills. The test delivers results within 48 hours, making it a preferred option for those needing quick and accurate certification for visa and academic applications.  

“The new center in Chitwan will cater to increasing demand outside Kathmandu, providing a convenient option for test-takers in the region,” he says. “The planned centers in Jhapa and Janakpur are expected to further enhance accessibility across Nepal.”

Salah al-Bardaweel, a leading Hamas political figure, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, a Hamas spokesman informed the BBC.

Bardaweel, considered the top political figure in Hamas, and his wife were murdered in the airstrike, according to locals. There was no immediate response from Israeli officials, according to BBC.

The statements of health officials in the Palestinian region controlled by Hamas, at least 18 people have been murdered so far on Sunday in Rafah and Khan Yunis, farther south.

Israel began significant bombings on Gaza earlier this week, thus ending the first phase of a nearly two-month ceasefire. It accused Hamas of rejecting a new US request to extend the truce, BBC reported.

Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of abandoning the initial arrangement, which had been negotiated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. It envisaged the withdrawal of Israeli troops and the following release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees, as well as negotiations to end the war and rebuild Gaza.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 53. 04 points to close at 2, 616.26 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 8. 08 points to close at 439. 26 points.

A total of 12,371,280-unit shares of 317 companies were traded for Rs 6. 32 billion.

Meanwhile, Kutheli Bukhari Small Hydropower Limited (KBSH) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 8. 72 percent. Likewise, Mithila LaghuBitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (MLBBL) was the top loser as its price fell by 10. 00 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 34 trillion.

Istanbul Mayor Ekrem Imamoglu was officially placed under custody by a Turkish court for trial on corruption charges, just days after his detention sparked nationwide protests, Aljazeera reported.

Imamoglu and at least 20 other people were imprisoned as part of a corruption investigation, the court said. A decision on a separate probe into terror has not yet been made.

The court opted to release the mayor under judicial control measures for a second terror-related charge, according to stations Halk TV and AHaber, potentially preventing the government from choosing a trustee to oversee the country's largest city, according to Aljazeera

The mayor, a key opposition member and prospective contender to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, was jailed by the government on Wednesday on charges of "terrorism" and corruption.

Imamoglu has refuted all claims, referring to them as part of a "smear campaign".

Eleven tourists have died due to altitude sickness in Mustang district in the last one year. Nine foreign backpackers and two Nepalis died due to altitude sickness from April 13, 2024 till date.

Information Officer at the District Police Office, Police Inspector Bishal Adhikari, said that most of the Indian tourists died while visiting the Muktinath temple and other places in the district.

According to Adhikari, among those who came to Mustang for worshipping at Muktinath temple and for trek in other places, five died in Muktinath of Waragung Muktikshetra-1, five in Jomsom of Gharpajhong-4 and one in Thasang Rural Municipality-2.

Among the dead are tourists aged between 58 and 81 years.

The District Police Office said two tourists died in the month of April, one in May, two in September, five in October and one in December. A 63-year-old American citizen was among those who died from altitude sickness, police inspector Adhikari said.

In 2023 BS, 17 people lost their lives due to altitude sickness. The deceased include 11 foreigners and six Nepali nationals, Adhikari added.