Submit your Article

India and ASEAN nations strengthened their bond at the 22nd ASEAN-India Summit on Sunday in Kuala Lumpur. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted key areas for collaboration—counter—terrorism, early review of the ASEAN-India FTA, maritime security, among others.

The Prime Minister stated that terrorism poses a serious challenge to global peace and security and stressed the importance of unity in the fight against it, according to the Ministry of External Affairs press release.

PM Modi participated virtually in the Summit. The Prime Minister and ASEAN leaders jointly reviewed progress in ASEAN-India relations and discussed initiatives to strengthen the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This was the Prime Minister’s 12th participation in the India-ASEAN Summit.

Prime Minister Modi Emphasized that early review of the ASEAN-India FTA (AITIGA) can unleash the full economic potential of our relationship for the benefit of our peoples and further strengthen regional cooperation. (ANI)

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 2, 000 per tola in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 239, 900 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 241, 900 per tola on Sunday.

Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by Rs 35 and is being traded at Rs 2, 980 per tola.

Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Coordinator of the CPN (Maoist Center) general convention organizing committee, has highlighted the importance of enhancing mutual respect, social harmony, and cooperation among progressive forces.

On the occasion of Chhath, a significant festival of public faith, social unity, and gratitude towards nature, he conveyed his greetings to all Nepali brothers and sisters both at home and abroad, stating, 'I believe that by fostering mutual respect, social harmony, and cooperation among progressive forces, we can collectively advance towards creating a prosperous, just, and socialist Nepal.'

In the current challenging political, economic, and social landscape, the message of self-confidence, patience, and optimism that Chhath embodies has become increasingly vital, he remarked.

The former Prime Minister added, “May the Chhath festival illuminate the darkness within nature and humanity, bringing forth light, purity, and positive energy in everyone. I earnestly wish for a new era of peace, prosperity, and stability in the nation.”

Celebrated as the principal festival of Madhesh-Terai, Chhath is intricately linked with our culture, traditions, labor relations, and everyday life. It enhances the bond between humans and nature, promoting awareness of coexistence, balance, and self-purification.

Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) Devraj Ghimire has highlighted the urgent need to turn the country's challenging situation, which arose following the Gen Z movement, into peace and stability as quickly as possible.

On the occasion of Chhath Festival 2082 BS, Speaker Ghimire shared a message of best wishes today, stating, “In the wake of the movement led by the younger generation, it is essential for the government, political parties, youth, civil society, and the citizens of Nepal to collaborate in transforming the current unrest into peace and stability. It is crucial for all of us to collectively commit to addressing the youth's demands for an end to corruption and the establishment of good governance.”

He conveyed his warm wishes to all Nepali brothers and sisters, both in home and abroad, expressing hope that this festival will help eliminate social, caste, and gender inequalities, thereby further enhancing national unity.

He remarked, 'I genuinely hope that the worship of the Sun God and the blessings of Mother Chhathi will motivate us all to safeguard our constitutional achievements and progress towards creating a prosperous, inclusive, and well-governed Nepal.'

Preparations for Chhath festival are going on in full swing in various places of Kathmandu. Construction of Chhath ghat is also underway in Kamalpokhari.

Chhath festival, which is mainly celebrated in Tarai, is now being celebrated by a large number of people in the Kathmandu Valley.

During this festival, ghats are prepared by decorating the banks of rivers, lakes, and ponds.

As a major part of the festival, the setting sun is worshiped by offering argha while the same process is followed to worship the rising sun to bring the festival to an end.

Revelers observe a fast and stay awake all night and offer prayers to the rising sun.

It is widely believed that observing a fast in obeisance of Chhathi goddess will bring desired results and well-being for the family and all of their sorrows and troubles will vanish away.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki is preparing to expand the Cabinet for the third time on Sunday.

According to a source at the Prime Minister’s Office, Khagendra Sunar, Ganapati Lal Shrestha, Dr Sudha Sharma Gautam and Bablu Gupta will be appointed as the ministers.

Dr Sharma will be appointed as the Minister for Health and Population, Sunar as Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Shrestha as Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation and Gupta as Minister for Youth and Sports.

Anil Kumar Sinha has currently been looking after the Ministry of Land Management.

The President’s Office informed that the newly appointed ministers will take the oath of office and secrecy at Sheetal Niwas today itself.

Earlier, a seven-member Cabinet was formed.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 11, 600 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 241, 900 per tola today.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 3, 015 per tola.

Pakistan's defence minister said on Saturday he believes Afghanistan wants peace but that failure to reach an agreement during talks in Istanbul would mean "open war," days after both sides agreed to a ceasefire following deadly border clashes, Telegraph India reported.

The talks in Istanbul, which began on Saturday and are expected to continue into Sunday, mark the latest attempt by Pakistan and Afghanistan to prevent a relapse into violence after the worst border fighting since the Taliban's 2021 takeover of Kabul.

The talks are meant to devise a mechanism to enforce the Doha ceasefire longer term, according to Telegraph India.