Hondurans vote in election shadowed by Trump aid threats

Hondurans have cast their ballots in a general election dominated by threats from US President Donald Trump, BBC reported. 

There are five presidential candidates, but the poll is essentially being seen as a three-way race between former defence minister Rixi Moncada of the leftist Libre party, TV host Salvador Nasralla from the centrist Liberals, and businessman Nasry "Tito" Asfura, of the right-wing National Party.

Trump has thrown his support behind Asfura and threatened to cut financial aid to the Central American nation if he does not win, according to BBC.

Sri Lanka declares state of emergency after floods and mudslides

The death toll from devastating floods and mudslides in Sri Lanka has exceeded 330 people, as the country grapples with one of its worst weather disasters in years, BBC reported.

More than 200 are missing, and some 20,000 homes have been destroyed, sending 108,000 people to state-run temporary shelters, the Disaster Management Centre reported.

Officials said that about a third of the country was without electricity or running water as a state of emergency was announced, in the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, according to BBC.

Ukraine talks 'productive' but more work needed, Rubio says

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says talks with Ukraine over a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war were productive, but there's "more work to be done".

The talks, held in Florida, were attended by a Ukrainian delegation led by national security council secretary Rustem Umerov, Ukraine's new chief negotiator, BBC reported.

Also at the meeting were President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. Witkoff is due to visit Moscow for talks next week.

Women are more vulnerable to violence from relatives: Nepal Police report

Women in the country are highly vulnerable to violence, particularly from relatives and kin, who account for up to 91 percent of sexual violence cases against women, according to data from Nepal Police.

The findings were highlighted in the annual report of the Nepal Police Headquarters, released today, marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

The report also points to an alarming rate of domestic violence, emphasizing the urgent need to build safer homes and supportive families for women.

Superintendent of Police Basundhara Khadka from the Crime Investigation Department presented the findings, detailing the facts surrounding violence against women.

Inspector General of Police Dan Bahadur Karki noted that while cases of violence against women are rising, so is the number of survivors reporting incidents to authorities, including the police. “Women have started breaking the silence about the violence they face,” he said.

Police Chief Karki stressed the need for combined efforts to address the issue, expressing concern over the growing number of cases. He added that neither educated nor uneducated individuals are immune from committing or experiencing violence.

The report also suggests that increased use of information technology has contributed to the rise in cases, and police efforts alone are insufficient to combat the problem. Economic hardship and financial dependence, he noted, further discourage survivors from seeking justice.

Nepal Police currently provides services to women, children, and senior citizens through 260 units across the country, Karki added.

Under Secretary Kabita Aryal of the Department of Health Services said no woman, regardless of age or geographic location, is untouched by violence. She added that only 28 percent of survivors have approached authorities for support, highlighting that silence surrounding violence remains a serious concern.

Officials from various government bodies, including Milan Bhattarai from the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Meena Aryal from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Roshani Devi Karki of the National Women Commission, echoed the urgency of collective action to combat violence against women.

Karki also stated that hostility toward survivors remains a significant challenge in delivering justice. She highlighted the National Women Commission’s “Let’s Report 1145” hotline, which has been operating for years to respond to cases of violence, and emphasized the need for survivor-centered service approaches.

 

Nepse plunges by 26. 51 points on Sunday

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 26. 51 points to close at 2, 649. 52 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 4. 67 points to close at 456. 98 points.

A total of 15,736,372-unit shares of 342 companies were traded for Rs 7. 08 billion.

Meanwhile, Sagar Distillery Limited (SAGAR) was the top gainer today with its price surging by 10. 00 percent.
Likewise, 10% NIMB Debenture 2090 (NIMBD90) was the top loser as its price fell by 8. 99 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 1. 50 trillion.

BIN makes Global debut as Nepal’s first fully integrated BPO company

BIN (BPO in Nepal) has officially made its global debut as the country’s first fully integrated Business Process Outsourcing company, stepping onto the international stage with the ambition to compete at a world-class level.

The launch marks a significant milestone for Nepal’s service industry, reinforcing the nation’s growing potential as a rising hub for high-value outsourcing solutions.

Under the leadership of Co-Founder and Chairman Bhaban Bhatta, former President of the Non-Resident NepaliAssociation (NRNA) and an accomplished international entrepreneur, BIN aims to expand Nepal’s presence in the globalBPO sector.

With a clear goal of redefining business support services through innovation, efficiency, and integrated delivery, thecompany is committed to providing world-class solutions tailored to the evolving needs of domestic and internationalclients. 

BIN’s comprehensive service portfolio includes:

1. Digital Marketing & Branding

 2. Video Production & Creative Content

 3. Web Development & IT Solutions

 4. Customer Support Services

 5. Legal & Compliance Services

 6. Accounting & Bookkeeping Services

7. Investment Advisory & Business Consulting

8. HR Outsourcing & Talent Management

“Our objective is to position Nepal as a competitive global outsourcing hub,” said Chairman Bhaban Bhatta, underscoring BIN's ambition to blend diverse expertise with advanced technology. “By integrating specialized skills and modernsolutions, we aim to empower businesses worldwide with enhanced efficiency, scalability, and trust.”

 

4. 4 ML earthquake jolts Bajhang

An earthquake measuring 4. 4 on the Richter scale struck Bajhang district on Monday. 

The earthquake monitoring center in Surkhet said that the epicenter of the earthquake that jolted the district at 12: 09 pm today is around Saipal Himal. 

Local people were left panic stricken following the tremor. 

Earthquakes have started occurring frequently in the western region.

Mountainous districts like Bajura, Bajhang and surrounding areas of Sudurpaschim Province are at risk of earthquakes. 

The District Administration Office, Bajura has urged everyone to take precaution.

 

 

Gorkhapatra Corporation to establish ‘Gorkhapatra Academy’

Gorkhapatra Corporation is going to establish 'Gorkhapatra Academy'.

The Corporation, which has carried the historical legacy of Nepali journalism, has decided to establish the Gorkhapatra Academy with an objective to play a leading role in enhancing the quality and professionalism of the journalism sector.

The Corporation said that the Academy is going to be established for the development of human resources required for the journalism sector, conducting research on contemporary issues, training, publishing books and journals among others.

A meeting of the Board of Directors held on November 28 under the headship of General Manager Lal Bahadur Airee decided to establish the Gorkhapatra Academy, Tara Bahadur Basyal, Acting Director of the Planning Department of the Corporation, informed.

Gorkhapatra Corporation Act, Section 17 (6), 2019 specifies the functions, duties and powers of the Corporation.

Basyal said that the Academy established with the vision of General Manager Airee will be operated within the boundaries set by the Section.

The meeting also approved the Gorkhapatra Academy Operation Procedures, 2082.

According to procedures, the Academy will work to improve the quality of the Corporation’s publications and develop the professional capacity of its human resources.

Similarly, the Academy will also work to enhance media and digital literacy for the professional development of journalism and increase the income of Gorkhapatra Corporation.

General Manager Airee said that capacity development, curriculum-based training and coaching programs will be conducted through the Academy to all media personnel.

Similarly, he said that the Academy will be established to conduct research and training programs.

A task force will be formed to operate the Academy with the chairman and general manager of the Corporation as patrons.