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The Maha Shivaratri festival is being celebrated across the country today. 

The day that falls on Falgun Krishna Chaturdashi, the fourteenth day of the first half of the lunar month of Falgun, is considered the most auspicious for Lord Shiva. 

From early morning, devotees have been taking ritual baths in rivers and ponds, visiting Shiva temples, and offering prayers. 

On the occasion of Maha Shivaratri, the Pashulati Area Development Trust (PADT) has announced that all four gates of Pashupatinath temple have been kept open since 2 am. 

Last year, more than one million devotees visited the Pashupati area on Maha Shivaratri. 

The PADT has announced that this year, three external lines have been arranged for offering worship at Pashupatinath for Maha Shivaratri. 

Japanese authorities say they have seized a Chinese fishing vessel that tried to flee when ordered to stop for an inspection, in a move that may further fuel tensions with Beijing, BBC reported. 

The boat was in Japan's exclusive economic zone off Nagasaki Prefecture in the south-west when it was intercepted and its captain arrested on Thursday, according to the country's fisheries agency.

"The vessel's captain was ordered to stop for an inspection by a fisheries inspector, but the vessel failed to comply and fled," the fisheries agency said, according to BBC. 

A person has been arrested with a pistol and four rounds of bullets from Chandragiri Municipality-2, Nagdhunga on Friday. 

Keyur Puri (30) of Kirtipur Municipality-2, was nabbed with the pistol when carrying out a search on his car (registration number Ba 19 Cha 690), police said. 

He was heading towards Kathmandu from Chitwan. 

Former King Gyanendra Shah returned to Kathmandu from Jhapa on Friday.

A large gathering of pro-monarchy supporters welcomed him at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

Durga Prasain, coordinator of the Nation, Nationality, Religion, Culture and Citizen Protection Campaign Nepal, and Kamal Thapa, chair of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, among other supporters assembled at the airport to welcome the former monarch.

Despite issuing restrictions on mass gatherings in and around the airport by the local administration, supporters gathered in considerable numbers.

Meanwhile, security has been tightened around the airport. 

Newly appointed Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chang MaoMing arrived in Kathmandu on Friday.  

The Chinese Foreign Ministry appointed Chang as the new ambassador following the completion of tenure by his predecessor Chen Song, who recently returned to Beijing. 

Prior to his new assignment, Chang served as deputy director-general of the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s Department of Asian Affairs.

He landed at Tribhuvan International Airport on Friday morning on an Air China flight. Chinese Embassy officials welcomed him at the Tribhuvan International Airport. 

Chang will take up his diplomatic post after presenting his credentials to President Ram Chandra Paudel.

Prime Minister Sushila Karki has urged one and all to actively participate in the upcoming elections to ensure the country's progress. 

PM Karki made this appeal while interacting with locals in Pathibhara, Taplejung during her visit to the eastern hill districts today. She emphasized that everyone's contribution is necessary to ensure a peaceful election.

Prime Minister Karki also held discussions in Phungling with the Chief Election Officer, Chief District Officer, and district chiefs of security agencies regarding election preparations and security, said the PM's press advisor Ram Bahadur Rawal.

Prime Minister Karki also visited the Pathibhara Temple during her tour of the eastern hill districts today.

The Nepali Congress has stated that strengthening the party, ensuring policy clarity, and restoring public trust are the top priorities of its current leadership.

In a press statement issued today, the party said the new leadership is committed to guiding the nation toward good governance, inclusion, and prosperity, while further advancing political awareness.

Through the statement, the party leadership has urged everyone to support its campaign to promote 'democratic norms and values'.

The party has called upon those who believe in building alternative forces, as well as social dignitaries from various sectors including medicine, education, law, information technology, agriculture, labor, industry, and civil society who wish to contribute to social transformation by engaging in political processes, to support and help make the party’s campaign successful.

“The Nepali Congress has always remained a democratic forum, a confluence of thoughts, ideologies, conscience, and commitment, where institutional norms are placed above personal interests. Transparency, accountability, and policy-based politics will be implemented and promoted. We believe that new ideas, fresh energy, and the participation of experienced individuals are essential for strengthening the nation and democracy,” the statement reads.

The price of gold has dropped by Rs 3, 000 per tola in the domestic market on Friday. .  

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the yellow metal is being traded at Rs 303, 500 per tola today.  It was traded at Rs 306, 500 per tola on Thursday. 

The price of silver, however, has increased by Rs 340 and is being traded at Rs 5, 000 per tola.