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The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Nepal hosted an interaction program with media professionals in Kathmandu on December 22, coinciding with the New Year celebrations and Russian Christmas, observed on January 7.

The event aimed to mark and strengthen constructive cooperation between the embassy and Nepal’s journalistic community. 

It provided a platform for exchanging views on contemporary issues, reviewing ongoing collaboration, and reaffirming Russia’s commitment to open and professional engagement with the media.

Speaking on the occasion, Charge d’Affaires Andrei Kiselenko highlighted Nepal–Russia diplomatic relations and acknowledged the role of the Nepali media in strengthening bilateral ties. 

He expressed hope for continued media support and further expansion of cooperation between the two countries.

The Department of Commerce, Supplies and Consumer Protection has imposed a penalty on three eateries for not complying with the quality standards.

According to the department, a fine of Rs 15,000 has been imposed on Thakkhola Thakali Bhasna Ghar, Rs 10,000 on Pakkala Pvt. Ltd. and Rs 20,000 on Indreni Food World and Banquet in Kathmandu. 

Action has been taken against the offenders under Section 38 (d) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2075 BS.

Section 38(d) of the Act guarantees the consumer's right to obtain essential information about goods, specifically details on quantity, ingredients, and percentage of mixed substances, ensuring transparency and empowering informed choices against potential harm or misrepresentation. 

Out of a total of 18 hotels and eateries inspected by the department, three were penalized while 15 have been cautioned along with a directive to make the required improvement.

The Department of Passport will now issue passports within two working days. 

The Department has received new 396,000 passport booklets to be distributed to those who need them urgently.

The Department is now supplying passports at full capacity. 

With the supply of the passport booklets, the Department will personalize the passports at full capacity and provide them to those who have applied from the district, area administration offices and Nepali missions abroad.

Those who applied by last December 1 will be provided with new passports by December 30, and the rest will be provided gradually following it, the Department has stated.

The Department has clarified that the distribution of new passports will now be smooth, as the new passport booklets have been available for the interim period. 

The government had decided to procure 700,000 booklets for the interim period.

As the date of the election to members of the House of Representatives draws closer, political parties have intensified internal preparations. 

Political parties in the dissolved House of Representatives and all newly registered parties are conducting necessary political discussions and preparations to decide on the proportional list. 

According to Election Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, 93 parties have applied to be on the proportional list for the House of Representatives elections. 

The Commission has already prepared a time table for political parties participating in the proportional election system.

The deadline for parties to form inclusive groups based on the new percentage and submit closed lists of candidates has been set for the upcoming December 28 and 29. 

The Commission has provided necessary training to political parties for the selection of candidates for the proportional system, making it easier to address the changed provision of determining the percentage for the proportional system and the population.

The Commission has determined the percentage for the proportional system based on the population according to the National Population Census, 2078 (2021).

The Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI) has welcomed the decision of the Governments of Nepal and India to permit the use of Indian currency notes of Rs 200 and Rs 500 within Nepal, calling it a significant step toward easing cross-border transactions and strengthening bilateral economic ties.

NICCI said the decision reflects the strong spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding between the two neighboring countries and is expected to facilitate cross-border trade, tourism, and people-to-people movement, particularly in border regions and major commercial hubs.

Welcoming the move, NICCI President Sunil KC said the availability of commonly used Indian currency denominations would make travel more convenient for Indian tourists visiting Nepal and encourage greater tourism flows between the two countries. He added that the decision would also benefit businesses operating in the tourism, hospitality, and trade sectors.

Government Spokesperson and Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel said the decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held on December 15. According to him, Nepali and Indian citizens will now be allowed to carry up to INR 25,000 in cash in denominations of Rs 200 and Rs 500 while crossing the border. However, only Indian currency notes issued after November 9, 2016, will be accepted.

NICCI noted that the policy would provide practical relief to Indian visitors and Nepali businesses alike by enhancing transparency and convenience in everyday transactions. The Chamber also acknowledged the proactive role of Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Bishwo Nath Poudel, noting that NICCI had raised the issue during a meeting with him on May 28 and received a positive response.

The Chamber further appreciated the coordinated efforts of authorities in both countries in addressing long-standing concerns of the business community. Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Nepal–India economic relations, NICCI expressed confidence that continued collaboration would promote trade, investment, and sustainable economic growth.

Armed men have kidnapped 28 people travelling to an annual Islamic event in Nigeria's central Plateau state, local police told the BBC.

The victims, including women and children, were ambushed in their bus on Sunday night as it was driving between villages.

Police spokesperson Alabo Alfred said the authorities have "deployed assets" to the affected area to ensure that those abducted are rescued, according to BBC. 

The Libyan army chief has been killed in an air crash in Turkey, Libya's prime minister has said, BBC reported. 

Gen Mohammed Ali Ahmed al-Haddad and four others were on board a Falcon 50 aircraft flying out of the Turkish capital, Ankara, on Tuesday evening. 

In a post on X, Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said signal with the business jet was lost at 20:52 local time (17:52 GMT) - about 42 minutes after it took off from Ankara's airport, according to BBC. 

Ukrainian troops have withdrawn from the embattled eastern town of Siversk, as Russia continues its steady - albeit slow - advance, BBC reported. 

The Ukrainian military said on Tuesday it acted "to preserve the lives of our soldiers and the combat capability of units", adding that Russian forces had a "significant advantage in manpower".

The capture of Siversk brings Russia closer to the last remaining "fortress belt" cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk still in Ukrainian hands in the industrial Donetsk region, according to BBC.