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At least eight people died and several others injured in a stampede at the Sheetla Temple in Nalanda district, Bihar on Tuesday.

The incident occurred during worship at the temple, where a large number of devotees had gathered. According to officials, the stampede broke out suddenly amid the crowd.

Dr Bishwajit Kumar of Bihar Sharif’s Model Hospital said that most of the deceased were women. “Around 13–14 people were brought to the hospital. Eight have died, while the others are undergoing treatment. Two critically injured patients have been referred to another hospital,” he said.

The injured are currently receiving treatment at nearby medical facilities.

Authorities said the temple premises were heavily crowded as it was the last Tuesday of the month of Chaitra, a day that draws a significant number of worshippers.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) surged by 19. 70 points to close at 2, 851. 09 points on Tuesday. 

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 3. 26 points to close at 484. 84 points.

A total of 27,942,779-unit shares of 339 companies were traded for Rs 1. 63 billion.

Meanwhile, Reliance Spinning Mills Limited (RSML), Bhujung Hydropower Limited (BJHL), Super Khudi Hydropower Limited (SKHL), Ridge Line Energy Limited (RLEL) and Hotel Forest Inn Limited (HFIN) were the top gainers today with its price surging by 10. 00 percent.

Similarly, Saptakoshi Development Bank Ltd (SAPDBL) was the top loser as its price fell by 8. 96 points. 

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 84 trillion.

The National Planning Commission (NPC) and the government ministries are engaged in preliminary discussions about the upcoming budget, focusing on ensuring sufficient budget allocation for the completion of underway projects as soon as possible.

Similarly, the discussions focused on proposing new plans and programs that have already undergone prior preparation, including cost–benefit analysis, and are ready for prompt implementation.

The Commission has prepared a checklist aimed at making the budget formulation process for the upcoming fiscal year 2083–84 BS (2026–27) more disciplined, results-oriented, and realistic.

The Commission is discussing with the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, and the Ministries of Federal Affairs and General Administration; Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation; and Health and Population today, according to Commission Assistant Spokesperson Dr Diwakar Luintel.

On Wednesday, discussions will be held with the Ministries of Forests and Environment; Labour, Employment and Social Security; Physical Infrastructure and Transport; and Urban Development.

Similarly, the current status of national pride projects and major programs included in the project bank should be clearly mentioned. It is expected that it would facilitate in progress evaluation of projects of long-term importance. 

The government has also emphasized on aligning the budget with the 16th plan. As per this, the ministries have to clearly propose transformational strategies and key programs and projects to be implemented in the coming fiscal year.

The ministries would have to submit proposals with realistic projections of resources and expenditure as per the budget ceiling and medium-term expenditure structure for next three years (2083/84-2085/86) provided by the Finance Ministry. 

In accordance with Financial Procedures and Financial Responsibility Act, 2076, details like the feasibility study, environmental assessment study, detailed project report, design, cost estimation, land acquisition situation, implementation schedule and purchase plan should be mandatorily included in the proposed plans.  

Similarly, arrangements have been made where expected outcome from the projects should be clearly mentioned. The details of guarantee of resources for national pride projects and multi-year projects should be compulsorily submitted. It is believed that it would increase transparency of budget commitment. 

The government has adopted a policy to give special priority to the projects that will yield quick return, can be completed on slated time and cost and will be completed in the next fiscal year. 

Projects that should be restructured or reviewed along with the details of incomplete and sick projects should be presented separately.  

Likewise, it is mandatory to disclose whether or not the financial liabilities created by previously completed projects are included in the budget.  

Earlier, the Finance Ministry had given March 29 as a deadline to propose plans and programs for the budget of the coming fiscal year, but it has extended the deadline, citing lack of homework.

"We had asked to enter the proposed plans and programs into Line Ministry Budget Information System (LMBIS) by March 29. But, the Finance Ministry will be flexible on it," Joint-Spokesperson of the Commission, Luintel. 

It is necessary to extend the deadline for proposing the plans and programmes into LMBIS in order to incorporate the provisions mentioned in the 100-point reform program, Good Governance Blueprint, 2082, election manifesto of the ruling party in the  budget, added the Finance Ministry.

Three Chinese vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz following coordination with relevant parties, according to China’s Foreign Ministry, AP reported.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the transit was conducted with assistance from unnamed parties. “We appreciate the assistance provided by the relevant parties,” she stated, without offering further details.

Mao reiterated China’s call for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing the strategic importance of the strait as a key route for global goods and energy trade, according to AP.