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Donald Trump has warned Iran that "time is running out" to negotiate a deal on its nuclear programme following the steady build-up of US military forces in the Gulf, BBC reported. 

The US president said a "massive Armada" was "moving quickly, with great power, enthusiasm, and purpose" towards Iran, referring to a large US naval fleet.

In response, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the country's armed forces were ready "with their fingers on the trigger" to "immediately and powerfully respond" to any aggression by land or sea, according to BBC. 

Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) has appointed Managing Director of Surya Nepal Gaurav Tayal as its Vice President . 

A meeting of the Chamber’s Executive Committee meeting held on Tuesday made the decision to this effect. 

Tayal succeeds Ravi Rayavaram in the role. 

He recently assumed charge as Managing Director of Surya Nepal and now takes on the vice-presidential responsibility at NICCI, further strengthening the leadership continuum between the two institutions.

Welcoming the appointment, NICCI President Sunil KC expressed confidence in Tayal’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the Chamber’s mission. “Tayal’s engagement with NICCI will add fresh momentum to our initiatives and help the Chamber expand its reach and impact,” KC said.

The Executive Committee and the President of NICCI jointly welcomed Tayal and conveyed their expectation that, during his tenure, the Chamber will play an even more active role in facilitating bilateral trade, economic cooperation, and broader engagement between Nepal and India. 

Norwegian Ambassador to Nepal Dagny Mjøs paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Sushila Karki today.

During the meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, matters of mutual interest and well-being between the two countries were discussed.

The Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal (JSP-N) has expelled eight leaders for filing nominations against the party’s official candidates to contest the elections to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5, the party said on Wednesday.

Those expelled are Pradeep Yadav, Chandan Kumar Singh, Atma Ram Sah, Kamrullah Ansari, Udayakant Mishra, Hari Narayan Yadav, Nawal Kishor Singh, and Dr. Shiva Ji Yadav.

In a statement, party patron Mahanta Thakur and Chairman Upendra Yadav said the action was taken for violating party policies and decisions.

A border security post has been established at the Miteri Bridge along the Nepal–India border in Birgunj, Parsa.

The facility was established through the collaboration of the Armed Police Force (APF) and the Green City Community Service Center, with support from Birgunj Metropolitan City. 

Birgunj Mayor Rajeshman Singh inaugurated the post, assuring its systematic operation.

Mayor Singh said that beautification works in and around the Miteri Bridge have been going on for the past few months and said the improvements are clearly visible to those passing through the area. He urged everyone to support the local government’s efforts to make Birgunj clean and green.

Likewise, Parsa Chief District Officer Bhola Dahal applauded the border beautification initiatives, including those along the border areas.

Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has said elected Members of Parliament must maintain direct contact with their voters.

Thapa, who is contesting the March 5 elections to the House of Representatives from Sarlahi-4, said he would remain closely engaged with constituents and focus on development by establishing a liaison office in the constituency.

Speaking at a program in Dhankaul, Sarlahi, on Thursday, Thapa said he would prioritise addressing issues related to education, health, and employment in the region. 

He said his previous political experience in the hills and urban areas would help him better understand and work for the Madhes.

“I have come here not only as a leader but as a son of the people,” Thapa said, pledging to respect the mandate of voters and work in line with their aspirations. He also said public suggestions and feedback would be incorporated into his work.

The 49-year-old leader has been holding meetings with party cadres, leaders, and local residents as part of his election campaign.

On the occasion, Thapa, who recently assumed office as president of the country’s oldest democratic party, welcomed new members into the Nepali Congress.

According to his secretariat, Thapa is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on Friday.

National Assembly (NA) members have criticized four former ministers of the incumbent government, who were mandated to conduct the elections, for deciding to contest in the polls themselves.

Speaking at a special session of the upper house on Tuesday, lawmakers said the four ministers had deviated from their responsibilities by entering the electoral race. They expressed concern that such a move raises serious moral questions about the credibility of the government.

Narayan Datta Bhatta said it was objectionable for ministers of a civic or interim government to contest elections, adding that such a tendency appeared to be driven by a desire to access state power.

Similarly, Bishnu Kumari Sapkota said the four ministers had abandoned their moral responsibility by contesting the elections under their respective party banners.

Sumitra B.C. termed the move irresponsible, stating that ministers entrusted with conducting elections within six months of the Jana Andolan (People’s Movement) had failed in their duty by leaving their posts midway.

Shree Krishna Prasad Adhikari and Maya Prasad Sharma called for guarantees to ensure that the elections are conducted in a fair, impartial, and peaceful environment.

Meanwhile, Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar urged the incumbent government to focus on promoting good governance and controlling corruption.

Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal has said that it is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders and authorities to work toward removing Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Gray List related to money laundering issues.

Speaking at a program organized to mark the National Anti- Money Laundering Day - 2082 BS , themed “Money Laundering Prevention: Transparency and Fiscal Discipline,” the minister stressed the need to create a solid foundation for Nepal’s removal from the Gray List within a year by completing all required reform measures.

He said that the economic reform initiatives undertaken by the government are not driven by pressure or compulsion from the international community. Rather, the efforts aim to build corruption-free institutions, promote transparency and good governance, and strengthen the national economy.

According to the minister, initiatives to prevent money laundering do not impose additional economic burdens or unnecessary costs on the country. 

He argued that the lower-than-expected inflow of foreign investment is due to weak confidence in Nepal’s financial system, underscoring the need to create an investment-friendly environment through reforms.

Expressing hope that the reform efforts would be completed by the end of 2026, the minister also called for greater effectiveness in investigation, prosecution, and action in money laundering cases. 

He stressed that cases should be prepared with strong evidence and provisions for the prompt seizure of property.

The minister also raised concerns about transparency issues not only in the financial market but also in the capital market. 

He said that a provision mandating the use of the banking system for corporate transactions exceeding Rs 500,000 thereby putting a ceiling on the cash transactions has been in effect since January 15.

However, he clarified that despite concerns raised by the private sector, the ceiling on cash transactions would not be increased.