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The virtual meeting of the Nepali Congress (NC)'s Central Working Committee (CWC) held today endorsed the party's manifesto for the March 5 elections to the House of Representatives (HoR). 

The meeting presided over by party President Gagan Kumar Thapa unanimously passed the party's manifesto, informed Krishna Prasad Dulal, Acting Chief Secretary. 

The NC is set to officially unveil the manifesto today at a special ceremony in Janakpur. 

Party President Thapa, Vice-President Bishwo Prakash Sharma among other central leaders are scheduled to address the manifesto unveiling ceremony, it has been said. . 

Devraj Chalise, party's Spokesperson, asserted that the manifesto unveiling ceremony to be held in the historic and cultural city of Janakpurdham is not merely a political program but a historic opportunity intended to convey a message of Madhesh's dignity, inclusive democracy and national unity.

He shared that a press conference will be organized later today at the party's central office in Sanepa, Lalitpur to provide details about the manifesto unveiled in Janakpur. 

A briefing on the manifesto took place today at 4 pm.

The level of air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley declined today as compared to the previous day. 

It is said that the less flow of motor vehicles today, the public holiday for the Gyalpo Lhosar, caused the air pollution level to fall. 

Till 1 pm of Tuesday, the Kathmandu Valley's Air Quality Index was 191, unhealthy for all. Today, it dropped to 114 at the same hour.  On Tuesday, the Kathmandu Valley was listed the third most polluted city across the world and today, it ranks at 14. 

Today, Lahore of Pakistan is listed as the most polluted city in the world with AQI 193 while Dakar, Capital of Senegal, comes in second place with AQI 192. 

AQI 101–150, highlighted in orange, is considered unhealthy for sensitive groups, who may experience health effects. 

According to environment expert Bhushan Tuladhar, the role of the transport sector is crucial for the determination of air pollution.

Vehicles are considered the direct source of air pollution. According to Superintendent of Police, Naresh Raj Subedi, the vehicular traffic on a public holiday decreased tentatively by around 10 percent.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff said talks between Ukraine and Russia had "brought about meaningful progress" to end the war, as both sides prepared for a second day of negotiations in Geneva on Wednesday, BBC reported. 

However, hopes of a breakthrough remain low, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saying it "was not fair" that US President Donald Trump keeps asking his country to compromise, adding that "peace wouldn't be achieved if victory is handed to Russia".

US President Donald Trump has recently suggested it is up to Ukraine to ensure talks in Switzerland are successful, without mentioning Russia, according to BBC. 

Farmers in Annapurna Rural Municipality, Myagdi  supplied oranges worth around Rs 40 million this year, according to data collected by the Agricultural Development Section of the rural municipality.

Section technician Samjhana Khatri said the municipality supplied oranges worth Rs 38.8 million this year. All seven wards contributed to the sales, with each ward supplying oranges valued between Rs 1 million and Rs 18.8 million.

More than 200 farmers sold oranges ranging from a minimum of Rs 50,000 to as much as Rs 2 million. The highest sales were recorded by Bikash Shrestha of Dosalle in Ward-7.

Although orange production declined by 40 percent this year, farmers received nearly double the price compared to last year, with oranges fetching up to Rs 200 per kilogram.

Orange is a major cash crop of Annapurna Rural Municipality, which is also well known for potato production.

Rural municipality Vice-Chair Diwa Tilija Pun said the local government has been supporting farmers in expanding and managing orange orchards.