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National Assembly (NA) members have criticized four former ministers of the incumbent government, who were mandated to conduct the elections, for deciding to contest in the polls themselves.

Speaking at a special session of the upper house on Tuesday, lawmakers said the four ministers had deviated from their responsibilities by entering the electoral race. They expressed concern that such a move raises serious moral questions about the credibility of the government.

Narayan Datta Bhatta said it was objectionable for ministers of a civic or interim government to contest elections, adding that such a tendency appeared to be driven by a desire to access state power.

Similarly, Bishnu Kumari Sapkota said the four ministers had abandoned their moral responsibility by contesting the elections under their respective party banners.

Sumitra B.C. termed the move irresponsible, stating that ministers entrusted with conducting elections within six months of the Jana Andolan (People’s Movement) had failed in their duty by leaving their posts midway.

Shree Krishna Prasad Adhikari and Maya Prasad Sharma called for guarantees to ensure that the elections are conducted in a fair, impartial, and peaceful environment.

Meanwhile, Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar urged the incumbent government to focus on promoting good governance and controlling corruption.

Finance Minister Rameshwor Prasad Khanal has said that it is the shared responsibility of all stakeholders and authorities to work toward removing Nepal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Gray List related to money laundering issues.

Speaking at a program organized to mark the National Anti- Money Laundering Day - 2082 BS , themed “Money Laundering Prevention: Transparency and Fiscal Discipline,” the minister stressed the need to create a solid foundation for Nepal’s removal from the Gray List within a year by completing all required reform measures.

He said that the economic reform initiatives undertaken by the government are not driven by pressure or compulsion from the international community. Rather, the efforts aim to build corruption-free institutions, promote transparency and good governance, and strengthen the national economy.

According to the minister, initiatives to prevent money laundering do not impose additional economic burdens or unnecessary costs on the country. 

He argued that the lower-than-expected inflow of foreign investment is due to weak confidence in Nepal’s financial system, underscoring the need to create an investment-friendly environment through reforms.

Expressing hope that the reform efforts would be completed by the end of 2026, the minister also called for greater effectiveness in investigation, prosecution, and action in money laundering cases. 

He stressed that cases should be prepared with strong evidence and provisions for the prompt seizure of property.

The minister also raised concerns about transparency issues not only in the financial market but also in the capital market. 

He said that a provision mandating the use of the banking system for corporate transactions exceeding Rs 500,000 thereby putting a ceiling on the cash transactions has been in effect since January 15.

However, he clarified that despite concerns raised by the private sector, the ceiling on cash transactions would not be increased.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Nepal handed over the rehabilitated Chandra Nahar Irrigation System under “The Project for the Rehabilitation of Irrigation System in Eastern Terai Area” at Bhagni Maleth in Saptari district.

The irrigation system was handed over in the presence of Sarita Dawadi, Secretary at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation (MoEWRI); Yasuharu Shinto, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan to Nepal; and Mizuki Matsuzaki, Chief Representative of JICA Nepal, according to a statement issued by JICA.

Completed in 1927, the Chandra Nahar Irrigation System is Nepal’s first modern irrigation system. The nearly century-old infrastructure has played a key role in supporting agricultural production and rural livelihoods in the eastern Terai but has faced deterioration due to aging structures and limited maintenance over the years.

Following a request from the Government of Nepal, JICA provided a Grant Aid of JPY 2.256 billion (approximately Rs 2.05 billion) for the rehabilitation of the system. The project involved the rehabilitation of 32 critical structures, including eight canal underpasses, nine cross-drainage works and 15 canal-crossing bridges.

According to JICA, the rehabilitated system has improved water distribution across 11,000 hectares of farmland and is expected to directly benefit around 35,000 farming households. 

The project also carries historical significance rooted in early Nepal–Japan cooperation in engineering education. In 1902, eight Nepali students traveled to Japan for higher education, including Dilli Jung Thapa, Nepal’s first engineer, who later led the construction of the Chandra Nahar irrigation system.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the Government of Japan and JICA for their invaluable support, which has not only contributed to preserve this important historical infrastructure but has also ensured the successful rehabilitation of the irrigation system in line with modern engineering standards,” Dawadi said, adding, “In addition to the physical infrastructures, the support provided for human resource development—through knowledge and technology transfer, skill enhancement, and the promotion of a culture of constructing quality infrastructure—has greatly benefited the officials, this project and the surrounding communities.”

These contributions have made a significant impact on Nepal’s agriculture and irrigation sector, strengthening both its productivity and sustainability, Dawadi further said. 

Matsuzaki in his remarks appreciated the cooperation and partnership of Government of Nepal, Ministry and other stakeholders to complete this historic project successfully and reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to working together with Nepal to support national priorities in agriculture, water resources that contribute to broader socio-economic development.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 5. 08 points to close at 2, 731. 59 points on Wednesday. 

The sensitive index, however, dropped by 0. 19 points to close at 464. 26 points.

A total of 23,618,186-unit shares of 334 companies were traded for Rs 1. 56 billion.

Meanwhile, Corporate Development Bank Limited (CORBL) and Ankhu Khola Jalvidhyut Company Ltd (AKJCL) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10. 00 percent. 

Likewise, 12 % Goodwill Finance Limited Debenture 2083 (GWFD83) was the top loser as its price fell by 8. 07 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 58 trillion.

A complaint has been lodged with the Election Commission (EC) stating that the Guthi Sansthan has removed the Head Lama of the Shree Boudha and Melamchi Ghyang Guthi from his position, contrary to the election code of conduct.

The EC Assistant Spokesperson, Kul Bahadur GC said that since a complaint has been registered alleging that the Guthi Sansthan acted against the election code of conduct, a necessary investigation and inquiry process regarding this matter will begin from today.

The EC had implemented the Election Code of Conduct, 2082 from midnight on January 18.

Clause 3 (h) of the code of conduct mentions that the code of conduct also applies to the offices and employees of government, semi-government and public institutions.

According to Harish Gole Tamang of the Head Lama's secretariat, the Guthi Sansthan decided to remove Bhupatibajra Lama, Head of Shree Boudha and Melamchi Ghyang Guthi, from his position on January 23.

The Guthi Sansthan had sought clarification from the Head Lama on January 18, the very day the election code of conduct came into force.

Assistant spokesperson GC stated that the EC has so far sought 15 clarifications after investigating complaints filed with it alleging violation of the code of conduct from various political parties, candidates, public bodies, and institutions.

The report of the election of the National Assembly held on January 25 has been submitted to President Ram Chandra Paudel.

Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari presented the report to the President at a ceremony held at the Rastrapati Bhawan, Shital Niwas today.

High officials including the Commission's two commissioners Sagun Shamsher JBR and Dr Janaki Kumari Tuladhar, and Secretary Krishna Bahadur Raut were present on the occasion.

The Mid-Hill Highway has been completely blocked due to heavy snowfall accompanied by rainfall since Tuesday night. 

The Highway was obstructed by thick snow accumulation at Patihalne area, the junction of Baglung and Rukum (East) districts. 

With the Highway obstructed, hundreds of passengers have been stranded, said Inspector Tilak Manandhar, also Chief of Area Police Office, Burtibang.

Vehicles plying short and long routes have come to a halt due to obstruction in the Highway, added Inspector Manandhar. 

As snowfall continues, the likelihood of the road reopening immediately remains low, informed Inspector Manandhar.

He shared that the vehicles that had departed from Kathmandu to Rukum, Jajarkot and Dolpa districts have been halted at Bhalkot Sip in Nishikhola Rural Municipality-2 in Baglung. 

A South Korean court has sentenced former first lady Kim Keon Hee to one year and eight months in prison after finding her guilty of accepting bribes from officials linked to the Unification Church in exchange for political favours.

Kim, the wife of former president Yoon Suk Yeol, was cleared of charges related to stock price manipulation and violations of political funding laws. According to Reuters, prosecutors had sought a 15-year sentence and heavy fines, accusing her of receiving luxury gifts including Chanel bags and a diamond necklace.

The ruling, which can be appealed, comes amid a wave of legal cases tied to Yoon’s failed martial law bid in 2024. Kim has denied wrongdoing, while Yoon himself is facing multiple trials, including charges of insurrection, following his removal from office last year.