UK to buy nuclear-capable F-35A fighter jets
The UK government is to buy at least 12 new fighter jets that can carry nuclear bombs, the prime minister has announced, BBC reported.
Sir Keir Starmer said at the Nato summit in The Hague that the new US-made F-35A jets would join Nato's airborne nuclear mission.
"We will procure at least 12 and we will make these aircraft able to bear nuclear weapons if necessary," said the prime minister, adding the procurement was in "response to a growing nuclear threat".
Downing Street says the move is "the biggest strengthening of the UK's nuclear posture in a generation".
NATO leaders agree to mutually increase defense spending
President Donald Trump is meeting with members of a NATO alliance that he has worked to bend to his will over the years, Associated Press reported.
NATO leaders agreed Wednesday on a massive hike in defense spending after pressure from Trump, and expressed their “ironclad commitment” to come to each other’s aid if attacked.
The 32 leaders endorsed a final summit statement saying: “Allies commit to invest 5% of GDP annually on core defence requirements as well as defence-and security-related spending by 2035 to ensure our individual and collective obligations.”
Landmark Land Ownership Certificate Distribution ceremony held in Lamahi Municipality with Korea’s assistance
The landmark Land Ownership Certificate (LOC) Distribution ceremony was held in Kanchhi Tole-3 of Lamahi Municipality in Dang district on Wednesday, with technical support of the Korean government and UN-Habitat.
The event marked a significant milestone as 24 landless families, displaced and resettled for nearly four decades, were formally recognized as landowners for the first time in the district, reads a statement issued by the Korean Embassy in Nepal.
This remarkable achievement was the result of two years of persistent efforts led by Lamahi Municipality, in close coordination with the Land Issues Resolution Commission, the District Survey Office and the Land Revenue and Survey Offices.
Importantly, members of the landless community themselves played vital roles throughout the enumeration process ensuring a transparent and participatory approach for land tenure security.
UN-Habitat as part of the project funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea provided technical support in the initiatives.
The joy spread among the 24 families of Kanchhi Tol after receiving the certificate was remarkable when Sarita Chaudhary shared 'We used to be looked down upon for being landless, according to the statement.
The Korean government funded “A Safety Net of Innovative Land Tenure Solutions for Near Landless Sharecroppers and for a Greener Rural Nepal”, funded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea, and implemented by UN-Habitat in collaboration with Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation (MOLMCPA) has been implemented with the support of key implementing partners including Good Neighbors International Nepal, Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI), Korea Land and Geospatial Informatix Corporation (LX), and the Community Self-Reliant Service Centre (CSRC) and covers areas of support to land tenure security, increased access to sustainable livelihoods and green economic activities of near-landless and promote sustainable, climate smart and inclusive land use in the four municipalities of Deukhuri Valley in Dang district.
Malaysia Airlines enhances Bonus Side Trip for international travellers
Malaysia Airlines continues to redefine the travel experience with its innovative Bonus Side Trip (BST) programme, offering international travellers the opportunity to explore Malaysia’s hidden gems at no extra fare.
Whether transiting through Kuala Lumpur or planning an extended stay, travellers can explore a second Malaysian destination effortlessly, experiencing more of the country’s cultural richness, natural landscapes, and authentic local hospitality.
Available to Malaysia Airlines’ international passengers who travel through Kuala Lumpur, BST offers a domestic return flight to one of seven selected Malaysian destinations at no extra fare.
Travellers can choose to stop over in Langkawi, Penang, Johor Bahru, Kuantan, Alor Star, Kuala Terrengganu and Kota Bharu before continuing to the last leg of their journey.
Unlike traditional stopover packages, BST is fully integrated into the ticket fare and booking journey, turning every international journey into a multi-destination Malaysian adventure.
Disaster management post set up in Solukhumbu
For the first time in Solukhumbu district, a joint disaster management post has been established, aiming to enhance emergency preparedness and response during the monsoon season.
The facility has been set up at Jorbouddha in Solududhkunda Municipality-6 and is currently operational.
Specially trained personnel from the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force have been deployed, with an 11-member security team providing 24/7 service, according to Chief District Officer (CDO) Anoj Kumar Ghimire.
A system is now in place to mobilize rescue teams shortly after receiving emergency information.
The post has been established targeting the three-month monsoon period (Asar, Saun, and Bhadau (mid-June to mid-September) when the risk of natural disasters is at its peak.
CDO Ghimire emphasized that the long-term objective is to institutionalize and expand the post, making it a permanent and resilient structure that can serve all local levels across the district.
Garma Bazar has been designated as the operational center of the post due to its strategic geographical location.
In addition to field operations, the post has already begun direct coordination with local disaster management committees throughout the district.
Birgunj Customs Office collects Rs 73.18 billion in revenue from petroleum products
Birgunj Customs Office has collected the highest revenue--Rs 73.18 billion from the import of petroleum products in 11 months of the current fiscal year.
The Office had spent Rs 174 billion to import five types of petroleum products in the 11 months.
Of the total revenue collected from the import of 20 major goods, petroleum products have the share of 46.43 pecent.
Chief Customs Administrator of the Office, Deepak Lamichhane, said import of petroleum products and vehicles is the main basis of the revenue of Birgunj Customs Office.
Similarly, a total of 17.70 billion was collected in revenue import of vehicles and their spares which stood at 11.23 percent.
Likewise, the Office collected Rs 5.78 billion in revenue from iron and things manufactured from iron while Rs 5.26 billion in revenue was collected from import of machinery goods and their parts.
Lamichhane shared that Rs 3.67 billion in revenue was collected from the import of electric machinery and their parts as well as Rs 3.06 billion in revenue was collected from import of all types of clothes during the period.
The Office collected Rs 2.58 billion in revenue from the import of tobacco and tobacco related products, Rs 2.52 billion from cosmetic products, Rs 2.32 billion from raw material of plastics, and Rs 2.19 billion from other lubricant oil, he mentioned.
UML Secretariat meeting being held today
The Secretariat meeting of the CPN-UML is being held today.
The meeting under the chairmanship of Prime Minister and party Chair KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to be held at the UML headquarters in Chyasal, Lalitpur at 1 pm.
Secretary of the UML Central Office Bhishma Adhikari said that the meeting will discuss preparations for the statute general convention, the party's organizational activities, and contemporary political issues.
Gold price drops by Rs 1, 500 per tola on Wednesday
The price of gold has dropped by Rs 1, 500 per tola in the domestic market on Wednesday.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 192, 000 per tola today.
Similarly, the price of silver has dropped by 20 and is being traded at Rs 2, 140 per tola today.