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Kathmandu: Nepal Police are operating free bus service in the Kathmandu Valley on Bijayadashami today. 

The free bus service will be made available on two routes in the valley for the convenience of general people who travel to receive Dashain Tika, said Deputy Inspector General of Police Kuber Kadayat, the central police spokesperson. 

According to him, one bus operates from Naksal through Teaching Hospital, Chakra Path, Jawalakhel and Lagankhel before returning to Naksal and another bus goes through Airport, Bhaktapur, Sallaghari and Suryabinayak before returning to Naksal. Timing for the bus operation is from 8:30 am to 4 pm. 

Kathmandu: The 10th day of the Bada Dashain festival is being celebrated all over the country today with great enthusiasm as people receive ‘tika’ and blessings from their elders.

On the day of Bijaya Dashami, the ceremonial immersion (bisarjan) of the festival’s Goddess into rivers and ponds is performed at 10:37 am according to religious rituals.

The auspicious hour for receiving ‘tika’ is 11:02 am, as determined by the Nepal Calendar Determination Committee.

While the auspicious hour for receiving the Prasad of Devi is set at 11:02 am as per the calendar’s requirement, the entire day following the immersion of the Goddess is considered auspicious for this purpose.

The worship of Sri Durga Bhawani at Dasainghars over the nine days concludes formally on the day of Bijaya Dashami after the Abhishekh or the sprinkling of holy water takes place, marking the beginning of ‘tika’ ceremonies.

People continue to receive ‘tika’ and ‘jamara’ until the full moon day. ‘Tika’ and ‘jamara’ are considered auspicious gifts from the Goddess Navadurga, symbolizing prosperity.

It is believed that one need not seek an auspicious time if undertaking a new assignment, campaign, or journey on the auspicious day of Bijaya Dashami.

The Bijaya Dashami festival is celebrated in commemoration of the victory of truth over evil and the triumph of divine forces over demonic forces.

A third fleet of vehicles carrying essential aid made its way into Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, as reported by CNN.

Gaza, home to over 2m civilians, faces the ongoing threat of severe dehydration and starvation due to Israel's persistent bombardment and complete blockade.

Over the weekend, on Saturday and Sunday, a total of 34 trucks transported much-needed supplies, including food, water, medications, and medical equipment from Egypt to Gaza via the same crossing.

The convoy on Sunday underwent additional security inspections, as confirmed by a security official speaking to CNN.

Despite these efforts, human rights organizations have expressed concerns that insufficient aid has reached the Palestinian enclave.

UN experts declared Israel's actions in Gaza to be tantamount to crimes against humanity on Thursday. With Israel's border crossings closed to Gaza, the Rafah crossing connecting Egypt and Gaza remains the only viable route for delivering aid to the Palestinian enclave, CNN reported.

US President Joe Biden held a telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, with both leaders affirming the need to ensure the continued flow of humanitarian aid and relief materials into Gaza.

The White House shared a statement saying that President Biden called up Netanyahu to discuss developments in Gaza and in the surrounding region.

"The leaders affirmed that there will now be a continued flow of this critical assistance into Gaza," the White House statement said.

Meanwhile, President Biden welcomed the first two convoys of humanitarian assistance since Hamas's Oct 7 terrorist attack.

According to the statement, the aid has crossed the border into Gaza and is being distributed to Palestinians in need. Moreover, Biden expressed appreciation for Israel's support in helping to accommodate the release of two American hostages.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed on Saturday the release of two US citizens, who were being held hostage by Hamas. The two Americans released were identified as Judith Tai Raanan and her 17-year-old daughter, Natali Raanan, both from Chicago, according to CNN.

Their family members said they had been visiting relatives in Nahal Oz, a farming community in southern Israel, and were released on "humanitarian grounds" due to the mother's poor health.

Moreover, the two leaders discussed ongoing efforts to further secure the release of all the remaining hostages, including US citizens, taken by Hamas.

They also discussed the way to provide safe passage for US citizens and other civilians in Gaza who wish to depart, according to the statement.

"The President and the Prime Minister agreed to stay in close touch," the White House statement added.

ANI

Dhaka: A passenger train on Monday afternoon rear-ended a goods train in Bhairab upazila, Kishoreganj, resulting in at least 12 fatalities and multiple injuries, Dhaka Tribune reported.

Firefighter Rasel from Bhairab Bazar Fire Station confirmed the incident, which caused damage to two rear coaches of the Egarosindhur Godhuli train.

Witnesses reported individuals trapped under the train, while Bhairab Station Master Yusuf stated that the death toll is likely to rise, according to Dhaka Tribune.

Bhairab Station Master Yusuf said, "The incident took place around 3:30 pm. The death toll is expected to rise further. Rail connectivity from Dhaka to Chittagong, Sylhet and Kishoreganj is suspended."

Rail connectivity from Dhaka to Chittagong, Sylhet, and Kishoreganj has been suspended, and rescue efforts by police and fire service personnel are ongoing at the scene. Twelve deaths have been reported at the time of filing this report.

ANI