Norwegian diplomat steps down over Epstein ties, in widening scandal
Norway's foreign ministry on Sunday said a prominent ambassador, Mona Juul, would step down due to a "serious failure of judgement" over ties to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, part of a growing scandal in the Nordic country and across Europe, Reuters reported.
The ministry earlier this week suspended Juul from her position as ambassador to Jordan and Iraq pending an internal inquiry of links to Epstein found in a massive set of files released by the United States government.
"Juul's contact with convicted sex offender Epstein has shown a serious failure of judgment. The case makes it difficult to rebuild the trust that the role requires," Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said in a statement, according to Reuters .
Three Nepali workers killed, one missing in Meghalaya coal mine blast
Three youths from the same village in Khotang district, Nepal died and another one is still missing after an explosion at an illegally-run coal mine in Meghalaya, India.
It is said that a Nepali from Khotang district is missing and two others were critically injured in the coal mine blast.
Purniram Khapangi Magar (27), Surendra Khapangi Magar (24) and Nar Bahadur Khapangi Magar (35) of Bhanjyang Village at Barapokhari Rural Municipality-1 in the district were killed in the explosion on February 5.
Ratna Rai (50) of Jorkafal Village, Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-5 was missing in the explosion, Nepali workers from Meghalaya have informed the local authorities and victims' families in Khotang.
According to Indian media outlets, the incident occurred in the remote Mynsyngat Village in the Thangsko area, around 22 kilometers from Khliehriat, the district headquarters of East Jaintia Hills.
The burnt bodies of the Nepali workers are not recognizable, it is shared.
Ranta, who is missing in the blast, had gone to India for a job some six months ago.
As per information shared by locals and victims' families, Karna Bahadur Khapangi Magar (46) and Bam Bahadur Khapangi Magar (40) of Barapokhari Rural Municipality-1 in Khotang and Lalit Lungeli Magar of Saune Village in Udayapur district are critically injured in the blast.
They are receiving treatment in a local health facility in Meghalaya, according to a Nepali fellow worker in Meghalaya from Barapokhari, Tara Bal Magar.
The victims' families have faced difficulties bringing the bodies back home, it is stated.
Man City snatch chaotic 2-1 win at Liverpool to stay on Arsenal's heels
Manchester City's Erling Haaland converted a stoppage-time penalty to give his side a 2-1 victory at Liverpool on Sunday, narrowing the gap with Premier League leaders Arsenal to six points and breathing new life into the title race, Reuters reported.
The Norwegian's 21st league goal of the season capped a thrilling comeback after Dominik Szoboszlai's stunning free kick put Liverpool ahead in the 74th minute, only for Bernardo Silva to equalise late before Haaland's decisive spot-kick.
In a chaotic finale, City's Rayan Cherki appeared to have scored from the halfway line after goalkeeper Alisson ventured upfield, with Haaland and Szoboszlai both sprinting and grappling as the ball crept over the line, according to Reuters.
EC intensifies voter education program ahead of March 5 polls
The Election Commission (EC) has expedited the voter education program to raise voter awareness and reduce the number of invalid ballots ahead of the March 5 elections to the House of Representatives (HoR).
The EC has created and circulated content through digital platforms, according to the EC.
The EC has already approved the voter education related programs on February 2 for this purpose.
The EC shared that volunteers would be mobilized to effectively disseminate messages on voter education.
A volunteer would be deputed at the ward level from the concerned Office of the Returning Officer.
It is shared that the volunteers are going to be deputed in all 6743 wards of the country.
Child development facilitators, women health volunteers and community service centre operators would be appointed for voter education.
The EC has already signed the agreement with the state-owned media houses and regulatory body for the production of voter education content and effective mobilization.



