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President Ram Chandra Paudel has called on all sides concerned to devote themselves to nation building by internalizing the mandate given by the citizens. 

He stressed the need for leadership with renewed thinking, style, plans, dedication, energy, conduct, and integrity to fulfill that mandate.

Addressing a program organized on the occasion of the 31st Kathmandu Metropolis Day in the federal capital today, the Head of State said, “It is our responsibility to hand over a prosperous nation to future generations by addressing the needs of the present time. I believe we should not deviate from fulfilling our responsibilities.”

“It is necessary for us to cultivate the feeling that politics is neither a profession nor a business; rather, it is the noblest means of social service,” the President said, adding that this is precisely what the Nepali people expect at this moment. “The same sentiment was also expressed through the recent movement of the younger generation,” he added.

Stating that seeking the people’s mandate to find solutions to the nation’s existing problems is the supreme method in a democracy, the President called on all to move forward by making the upcoming elections to the House of Representatives a success.

“The House of Representatives elections will be held on March 5 to address the aspirations of the youth for change,” Paudel reminded. “Let us move ahead by making it a success and engage in building a prosperous Nepal along with the establishment of social justice and good governance.”

The President applauded Kathmandu Metropolitan City for its innovative achievements in economic, social, and physical development efforts as well as urban management.

“I believe that the services, facilities, and programs delivered to service seekers and beneficiaries have validated the meaningful role played by youth leadership and energetic elected representatives in the metropolitan city,” President Paudel said.

He praised the local government for setting examples in urban management, river and water systems, promotion of greenery, conservation of natural heritage, restoration of temples, monasteries, ponds, lakes, stone spouts, and physical heritage, as well as in efforts toward integrated urban development.

The President added that the Kathmandu Metropolitan City has ensured its services are citizen-friendly, accountable, transparent, and service-oriented through the maximum use of information and communication technology, the operation of a single service center, and the prioritization of a grievance-management system. “This has sent a message to the public that the level of government closest to their doorstep is capable of effective local governance,” he said.

Stating that not only the policies, plans, actions, and programs implemented by the metropolitan city but also its experiences and lessons learned would serve as examples for other local levels, the President expressed his belief that the local government will continue striving to come up with the best possible policies, programmes, and plans.

He also said that for the prosperity of the capital city, the policies, programs, and plans formulated by the metropolitan municipality require support and cooperation of all bodies, including the federal and provincial governments, for effective implementation.

The President expressed confidence that Kathmandu Metropolitan City will be able to deliver more effectively in the days ahead in addressing the needs, aspirations, and dreams of its residents.

Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, and National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal were also present at the event.

On the occasion, the President honoured individuals with outstanding contributions in various fields, while the Vice President awarded local representatives for their best performances in their respective areas.

Five men have been arrested in Germany suspected of being involved in a plot to drive a vehicle into people at a Christmas market, BBC reported. 

Three Moroccans, an Egyptian and a Syrian were detained on Friday over the plan to target a market in the southern Bavarian state. Authorities said they suspected an "Islamist motive".

Prosecutors said the Egyptian - a 56-year-old - was alleged to have "called for a vehicle attack... with the aim of killing or injuring as many people as possible". The Moroccans allegedly agreed to carry out the attack, according to BBC. 

Hong Kong pro-democracy campaigner and media tycoon Jimmy Lai has been found guilty of colluding with foreign forces under the the city's controversial national security law (NSL), Reuters reported. 

The 78-year-old, who has been in jail since December 2020, pleaded not guilty. He faces life in prison and is expected to be sentenced early next year. 

Lai used his now-defunct Apple Daily newspaper as part of a wider effort to lobby foreign governments to impose sanctions on Hong Kong and China, the court found, according to Reuters. 

Legendary Hollywood film-maker and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele have been found dead in their Los Angeles home, BBC reported. 

Authorities are investigating the incident as an apparent homicide after police and firefighters were called to the couple's house on Sunday afternoon in an upmarket neighbourhood of LA.

Reiner is known for directing classic films including The Princess Bride, This is Spinal Tap, When Harry Met Sally, Misery and A Few Good Men, according to BBC. 

Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said that the government is fully committed to conducting fresh elections to the members of the House of Representatives (HoR) on the announced date.

The HoR election has been scheduled for March 5, 2026.

While inaugurating a regional-level (Gandaki) security seminar in Pokhara today, the Minister said the government is focused on building an integrated security plan along with managerial preparations for conducting the elections. 

He stated that the government was formed with the major mandate of conducting the elections and that its primary responsibility is to hand over government leadership to a people elected government by successfully organizing the polls.

“The election schedule has already been unveiled. It will be conducted on March 5,” he said.

Stating that the government is in talks with concerned stakeholders, including political parties, to create an environment of trust for the elections, he added that an integrated security plan targeting the elections has been put in place. 

The election security strategy will be finalized after assessing the security situation in the provinces and districts.

He further said that among the prisoners who had escaped prisons during the September 8–9 Gen Z movement, 70 percent have returned, and the process of recovering the looted arms is underway. 

According to the Minister, the government is seriously working to normalize security challenges in the aftermath of the Gen Z movement and to ensure that peace and security prevail in the country. 

He also highlighted the role of provincial governments in successfully holding the elections.

Security chiefs, including representatives from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police, and Armed Police Force, from all 11 districts of Gandaki Province are attending the seminar.

According to Joint Secretary at the Home Ministry, Govinda Rijal, the event aims to prepare a future security strategy and action plan for the province. 

It will also discuss election security plans.

The price of gold has increased by Rs 1, 900 per tola in the domestic market on Monday. 

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 260, 700  per tola today. It was traded at Rs 258, 800 per tola on  Wednesday.

Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 45 and is being traded at Rs 3, 870 per tola today.

Sunderland savoured their sweetest victory in years on Sunday, beating Newcastle United 1-0 in a Premier League derby that served as perfect revenge for a painful FA Cup humiliation in 2024, Reuters reported. 

Sunderland's triumph at the Stadium of Light was sealed by an unfortunate own goal from Newcastle's Nick Woltemade, lifting the hosts to seventh place and within two points of the top four.

The victory was particularly sweet for defender Dan Ballard, who had scored an own goal in Sunderland's crushing 3-0 FA Cup defeat by Newcastle in January 2024 - the teams' only meeting since March 2016 before Sunday's lively encounter, according to Reuters. 

Inter Milan moved to the top of Serie A on Sunday with a 2-1 victory at Genoa thanks to first-half goals from Yann Bisseck and Lautaro Martinez, Reuters reported. 

The result put Inter on 33 points, one ahead of city rivals AC Milan and two ahead of Napoli in third. Genoa are 16th with 14 points.

The match was preceded by unrest outside the stadium as supporters of both teams clashed, with several vehicles set on fire before police restored order. The incident did not delay kickoff, according to Reuters.