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US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a two-hour phone call on Monday, discussing prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.

Reuters reported that Putin described the call as “informative and useful,” indicating that a ceasefire could be possible if mutual agreements are reached. He stated that both sides must find compromises and that Russia is ready to work on a memorandum for future peace talks.

The conversation followed brief contact between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. While Kyiv has signaled openness to a ceasefire, Moscow insists certain conditions must be met first.

Vice President JD Vance said the US recognizes a current impasse and may reconsider its role if progress stalls. Trump, who has vowed to end the war swiftly, supported recent talks in Istanbul, though no breakthrough was achieved. The White House has not yet commented on the calls, according to Reuters.

Leela Devi Gadtaula and Mahesh Thapa took the oath of office and secrecy as the Chair of the Commission on Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons, and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, respectively. 

The newly appointed chairs of the  commissions on transitional justice took the oath before Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut.  The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Supreme Court today. 

After taking the oath, both chairs administered the oath of office and secrecy to the members of the respective commissions.   

The CIEDP chaired by Gadtaula comprises Gopalnath Yogi, Agni Prasad Thapaliya, Sirjana Pokhrel and Binita Nepali as the members. 

Similarly, the TRC chaired by Thapa includes Achut Prasad Bhandari, Dr Tika Prasad Dhakal, Padam Bahadur Shahi and Kumari Kaushalya Ojha as the members. 

The Cabinet on May 15 made the appointments at the both commissions based on the recommendations made in accordance with the Disappeared Persons Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act, 2071 BS (amended).

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said the religion should not be used to address political interests. 

At a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the Minister said any incidence of violence should not be covered up and excused in the name of religion.

"I do not mean to say that one religion is best and another is not. I do clearly mean that the Tinkune violent incident and the arson that took place on March 8 should not be judged from linking those incidents with any religion or religious faith," he said, adding that "The Hindu faith believes in non-violence, peace and fraternity which were not reflected during the Tinkune demonstrations."  

The advocacy for monarchy made during the Tinkune demonstration is against Nepal's constitution, the Home Minister said adding that such a move can't be judged as an appropriate one under any pretexts. 

According to him, the necessary investigations and prosecutions against those responsible for the violence in Tinkune are currently underway. He stated, "Anyone found guilty during the investigation will be brought to justice." Regarding the violent demonstrations carried out by pro-monarchist forces in Tinkune, he said he has already informed the respected State Affairs Committee of Parliament.

According to him, photojournalist Suresh Rajak from Avenues Television was killed in a fire set in a private house in Tinkune, while another individual, Sabin Maharjan, succumbed to bullet wounds during the efforts to control the demonstration.

"The government is clear that the organisers of the demonstrations should take responsibility for the arson at a herbal medicine manufacturing company. Investigations are going on to determine the details of the damages caused during the Tinkune demonstrations," he said.

Of the injured during the demonstration, three individuals are currently receiving treatment, while the others have already returned home after recovering. The government has guaranteed free treatment for those injured, he added.

In response to a question regarding the delay in implementing the Supreme Court's verdict on the Giribandhu Tea Estate, the Minister explained that since the Ministry is not a defendant in the case, it is not in a position to receive information or engage in correspondence regarding the implementation of the verdict.

"I would like to request that the relevant ministries and bodies take action regarding the implementation of the verdict issued by the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench on 2080-10-24 BS (February 7, 2024)," he stated.

Minister Lekhak further said the Ministry of Home Affairs is fully prepared to implement the Constitution of Nepal, the laws of Nepal, and the decisions and verdicts of the respected courts, ensuring the protection and promotion of government and public property.

The government has decided to celebrate Republic Day with grandeur for three days this year also.

A meeting held at Singha Durbar on Monday formed the Main Celebrations Committee under the headship of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to celebrate Republic Day 2082.

Deputy Prime Minister, ministers, state ministers, Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor, Chief Secretary of the Government of Nepal, Chief of Army Staff, Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor and heads of security agencies among others are the members of the Committee.