13.79 million ballot papers printed so far for HoR elections
A total of 13.79 ballot papers have been printed for 110 constituencies of 47 districts for the elections to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5.
According to the Election Commission, the ballot papers have been printed for Dolpa, Mugu, Kalikot, Humla, Jajarkot, Dailekh, Rukum (West), Salyan, Surkhet, Bajura, Achham, Bajhang, Doti, Dadeldhura, Darchula, Baitadi, Kailali, Kanchanpur, Panchthar, Ilam, Tehrathum, Bhojpur, Okhaldhunga, Sunsari, Taplejung, Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, Khotang, Dhankuta, Baglung, Gulmi, Jhapa, Gorkha, Myagdi, Parbat, Nawalparasi (Susta West), Morang, Udayapur, Mustang, Lamjung, Tanahu, Syangja, Bardiya, Rukum East, Dang and Banke districts.
Around 1.5 million ballot papers are being printed every day.
Similarly, a total of 20.83 million ballot papers for the proportional representation electoral system have already been printed.
A total of 20. 32 million ballot papers have to be printed for the first-past-the-post electoral system.
Four killed in Ramechhap bus accident
At least four persons died in a bus accident near Manthali of Ramechhap district on Tuesday.
DSP Bhola Bhatta of the District Police Office, Ramechhap said that six people including the bus driver were injured in the incident.
The accident took place when the bus belonging to Araniko Transport heading towards Okhaldhunga from Kathmandu plunged into Tamakoshi river at Masantar in Manthali Municipality-6, Ramechhap.
Some of the injured have been rescued and taken to the nearby hospital for treatment.
Problems have surfaced to carry out rescue operations as the bus has been plunged into the river, added Bhatta.
Details of the accident are awaited.
Trump threatens to block opening of US-Canada bridge
President Donald Trump has threatened to block the opening of a bridge connecting the US and Canada until Washington is "fully compensated for everything" it has given to its northern neighbour, BBC reported.
The Gordie Howe International Bridge, connecting the Canadian province of Ontario to the US state of Michigan, would not open until Ottawa "treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve", Trump wrote on social media.
According to the project's website, the bridge is being funded by the Canadian government but will be publicly owned by both Canada and Michigan, according to BBC.
Maxwell refuses to answer questions about Epstein in congressional hearing
Ghislaine Maxwell, the convicted associate of sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, refused to answer questions from the US House Oversight Committee on Monday, BBC reported.
Maxwell appeared virtually for a closed-door deposition from the Texas prison where she is serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking.
Republican House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer said that "as expected", Maxwell pleaded the Fifth Amendment, invoking her right to remain silent, according to BBC.
Police Head Constable found dead in Darchula
Nepal Police Head Constable Yogendra Singh Gharti of Darchula was found dead on Monday night.
Gharti, aged around 38–40 years, was found dead with deep cuts on his head, according to Mahakali Municipality–4 Ward Chair Jagat Bahadur Chunara.
His body was recovered from near the Bangabagad market.
Preliminary investigation suggests that the incident is suspicious.
He had sustained multiple deep cuts on his head and is believed to have been stabbed to death.
Gharti was a permanent resident of Mahakali Municipality–4.
The body has been taken to the District Hospital, Darchula, for postmortem.
Police said that further investigation into the case is underway.
Gharti had been assigned to the Bangabagad Community Police under the District Police Office, Darchula.
Araniko Travels bus plunges into Tamakoshi River in Ramechhap
The bus belonging to Araniko Travels plunged into the Tamakoshi River near Triveni, Ramechhap on Tuesday.
According to the District Police Office, Ramechhap, some passengers were seriously injured when the bus heading towards Polthali in Okhaldhunga from Kathmandu met with an accident this morning.
It has been reported that locals are rescuing the injured.
Further details are awaited.
Gold price increases by Rs 900 per tola on Tuesday
The price of gold has increased by Rs 900 per tola in the domestic market on Tuesday.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 305, 500 per tola today.
The price of silver, however, has dropped by Rs 10 and is being traded at Rs 5, 240 per tola today.
Four held for attacking APF personnel in Birgunj
The District Police Office, Birgunj, has arrested four individuals on charges of attacking personnel of the Armed Police Force (APF), Nepal, during a raid on an illegally operated warehouse in Birgunj on Monday.
Three APF personnel sustained injuries and two vehicles were damaged when local traders allegedly attacked the security team in the Adarshanagar area following the raid conducted jointly by the Birgunj Customs Office and the APF.
Spokesperson of the District Police Office in Parsa and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Hari Bahadur Basnet confirmed that the assaulters were held last night.
Basnet said that the details of arrested individuals will be shared later citing ongoing investigation.
The incident occurred as the police attempted to raid the illegally run godown acting on a tip-off of goods smuggling.
Police also seized goods worth Rs 1.25 million from the site.
