Submit your Article

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 27. 19 points to close at 2, 708. 70 points on Thursday. 

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by by 4. 47 points to close at 460. 48 points.

A total of 35,574,627-unit shares of 326 companies were traded for Rs 1. 54 billion.

Meanwhile, Kalinchowk Darshan Limited (KDL), Super Mai Hydropower Limited (SMH) and Modi Energy Limited (MEL) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent. 

Likewise, Super Madi Hydropower Limited (SMHL) was the top loser as its price fell by 9. 98 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 54 trillion.

Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal has urged all concerned authorities to engage confidently in election preparations.

Arriving in Baglung today to monitor the election preparations, the minister assured that the government is working to create an atmosphere in which citizens can participate in voting peacefully. 

He also urged citizens to remain confident that they would be able to exercise their franchise in a fearless environment.

During his visit, the minister inspected the Office of the Chief Election Officer, the District Election Office, and the District Administration Office. 

Following the monitoring, he received information about election-related security arrangements, police mobilization, and other preparations from Chief District Officer Krishna Prasad Acharya. 

Minister Khanal assured that there would be no shortage of resources for conducting the election.

“It is the shared responsibility of all to make the election a success, ensure security arrangements, and fully enforce the election code of conduct,” he said, promising that no stone would be left unturned to conduct the election in a fearless atmosphere.

He further stated that if any issues arise regarding election preparations, they will be resolved promptly if reported in time, emphasizing the need for coordination and cooperation.

Chief Election Officer Sita Sharma briefed the Finance Minister on election-focused peace and security arrangements, the implementation of the election code of conduct, and the preparations made so far.

The US has launched an effort to form a trade zone for critical minerals that are key to making everything from smartphones to weapons as it tries to break China's dominance of the industry, BBC reported. 

On Wednesday, the State Department hosted the first Critical Minerals Ministerial event - which was attended by countries and organisations including the UK, European Union, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Delegates discussed the availability of and access to minerals crucial to the manufacture of things like computer chips and electric vehicle batteries, according to BBC. 

China's leader Xi Jinping called Taiwan "the most important issue" in China-US relations during a phone call with US President Donald Trump on Wednesday, BBC reported. 

Xi had told Trump to be "prudent" when supplying weapons to the island, state media reported, adding that he "attaches great importance" to ties with Washington and hoped both sides will find ways to resolve their differences.

Trump cast the call as "excellent" and "long and thorough".

Former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has been bereaved of his father on Thursday. 

His father, Bhoj Prasad Bhattarai (97) breathed his last at the Kathmandu-based Neuro Hospital Bansbari this morning, Bhattarai's daughter Manushi Yami Bhattarai said.  

"Our grandfather had entered 97 after completing 96 years. He passed away this morning," she informed, adding, his last rites will be performed at Pashupati Aryaghat today. 

The late Bhattarai is survived by two sons and two daughters.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola will ask the Football League for permission to play Marc Guehi in the League Cup final against Arsenal even though the England defender is ineligible for the Wembley showdown, AFP reported. 

Guehi, signed from Crystal Palace in January, was forced to watch from the sidelines as City beat Newcastle 3-1 in the semi-final second leg on Wednesday.

City's 5-1 aggregate victory set up a date with the Premier League leaders Arsenal in the final on March 22, but Guehi is not currently allowed to feature in the showpiece, according to AFP. 

Inaki Williams came off the bench to thump home a 96th-minute winner as Athletic Bilbao edged Valencia 2-1 on Wednesday to reach the Copa del Rey semi-finals, Reuters reported. 

Valencia forward Umar Sadiq had an eventful first half, scoring at both ends.

He first headed into his own goal in the 26th minute while trying to clear a free kick, before making amends nine minutes later when Athletic goalkeeper Alex Padilla spilled a routine ball and Sadiq pounced to fire in the equaliser, according to Reuters. 

Omar Marmoush scored twice as Manchester City set up a League Cup final date with Arsenal after a comprehensive 3-1 second-leg victory over visiting Newcastle United secured a 5-1 aggregate win in their semi-final on Wednesday, Reuters reported. 

The home side were ruthless in the first half as Tijjani Reijnders also got on the scoresheet and now face Arsenal at Wembley on March 22 in a battle between City manager Pep Guardiola and his protege Mikel Arteta.

"We showed a very good mentality," Marmoush told Sky Sports. "We were together as a team, from the first minute we were very focused on the job. We showed our mentality and passion and are very happy to reach the final, according to Reuters.