Iran nears deal to buy supersonic anti-ship missiles from China
Iran is close to a deal with China to purchase anti‑ship cruise missiles, according to six people with knowledge of the negotiations, just as the United States deploys a vast naval force near the Iranian coast ahead of possible strikes on the Islamic Republic, Reuters reported.
The deal for the Chinese‑made CM‑302 missiles is near completion, though no delivery date has been set, the people say. The supersonic missiles have a range of about 290 kilometers (180 miles) and are designed to evade shipborne defenses by flying low and fast.
Their deployment would significantly enhance Iran’s strike capabilities and pose a threat to US naval forces in the region, two weapons experts said, according to Reuters.
German chancellor lands in Beijing for inaugural China trip
Germany's chancellor has touched down in China as German businesses sound the alarm about a yawning trade imbalance, BBC reported.
Imports into Germany from China were more than double the value of those exported back last year – according to federal statistics.
"We want a partnership with China that is balanced, reliable, regulated and fair," said Friedrich Merz, before leaving for Beijing, according to BBC.
Ukraine remembers its dead as war enters a fifth year
Four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, people across Ukraine have remembered their dead from a war which shows no sign of ending, BBC reported.
As the conflict enters a fifth year, the Ukrainian military continues to resist being overrun by Russian forces, but military losses are mounting on both sides and Ukraine's population faces near-daily aerial attacks.
On Tuesday, Volodymyr Zelensky said "Ukraine never chose this war", adding: "We have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood."
Japan to deploy missiles on island near Taiwan by 2031
Japan plans to deploy surface-to-air missiles to its remote western island near Taiwan by March 2031, its defence minister said, as regional tensions simmer, BBC reported.
It is the first time that Japan specified a timeline for the missile deployment to Yonaguni island since it was announced in 2022.
China claims self-ruled Taiwan as its own and has not ruled out the use of force to "reunify" with it. Yonaguni is visible from Taiwan's shores on a clear day, located just 110km (68 miles) away, according to BBC.
China to provide USD 4 million for March 5 elections
The Chinese government is to provide USD four million to Nepal for the elections to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5.
A Cabinet meeting held today decided to accept the amount to be received as the grant.
Government Spokesperson and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal also took the decision to approve the investment model for Budhigandaki Project as mentioned in current fiscal year's budget and programme.
Similarly, Chief Judge of Kathmandu District Court, Diwakar Bhatta, has been appointed Chairperson of Consumer Court Kathmandu with the responsibility of overseeing the functions of Kathmandu District Court as well.
The meeting also declared the public holidays for 2083 BS as well as to form Gen Z Council, he added.
Nepse surges by 21. 62 points on Tuesday
The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 21. 62 points to close at 2, 638. 60 points on Tuesday.
Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 2. 31 points to close at 453. 37 points.
A total of 9,364,938-unit shares of 328 companies were traded for Rs 1. 51 billion.
Meanwhile, Salapa Bikas Bank Limited (SABBL) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 10. 00 percent.
At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 43 trillion.
Government declares three-day holiday for March 5 HoR elections
The government has announced a three-day public holiday from March 4 to March 6 for the House of Representatives elections scheduled for March 5.
A Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday made the decision to this effect.
Earlier, the Election Commission had urged the government to grant a three-day holiday in order to encourage enthusiastic voter participation.
UAE expresses sorrow over Dhading bus accident
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed sorrow over the Dhading bus accident that occurred on Monday. .
According to the UAE's Embassy in Kathmandu, the United Arab Emirates has expressed its sincere condolences and solidarity with Nepal following the tragic bus accident in the Dhading area of central Nepal, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of people.
In its statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims, as well as to the government and people of Nepal, and wished a speedy recovery to those injured in this painful tragedy.
Nineteen people lost their lives and 25 others were injured in the accident.
