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Prices of gold and silver have continued to climb over the past several days, repeatedly setting new records.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of hallmark gold has been fixed at Rs 268,100 per tola (11.66 grams) today, while silver is priced at Rs 4,420 per tola.

These are the highest prices recorded so far for both precious metals.

On Sunday, gold was priced at Rs 258,300 per tola and silver at Rs 4,105 per tola.

The prices increased on Monday to Rs 261,700 and Rs 4,235 per tola respectively, and rose further on Tuesday to Rs 267,200 for gold and Rs 4,255 for silver.

Market analysts attribute the continued rise in gold and silver prices to a stronger US dollar.

In the international market, gold is currently trading at USD 4,525 per ounce, while silver is priced at USD 73 per ounce.

Qatar's Al-Sadd staged a late fightback to claim a 4-2 victory over Shabab Al-Ahli in Doha on Tuesday, earning Roberto Mancini a first win in the Asian Champions League Elite as head coach and keeping the team's slim hopes of a place in the last 16 alive, Reuters reported. 

Subsitute Rafa Mujica scored a hat-trick, including striking twice in stoppage time, as Al-Sadd overcame a two-goal deficit to pick up a win that moves them onto five points from six matches in the western league phase of the competition. 

"I'm happy for the team, for the three points," said Mujica. "We needed these three points, according to Reuters. 

Mohamed Salah became the first Egyptian player to score in five consecutive editions of the African Cup of Nations with his late strike in a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe on Monday, Reuters reported. 

Egypt’s captain, starting his first game after four successive matches on the bench at Liverpool, fired home a left-footed effort in the 91st minute to give the seven-time champions a late victory and Hossam Hassan's side a comfortable start in Morocco, setting a new record for Egypt.

"Our national team captain Mohamed Salah becomes the first Egyptian player to score in five consecutive editions of the Africa Cup of Nations" the Egyptian FA posted on X, according to Reuters. 

American businesswoman and television personality Martha Stewart has joined Swansea City as a co-owner, the Welsh soccer club announced on Tuesday, Reuters reported. 

Lifestyle expert Stewart, the first female self-made billionaire in the United States, was in attendance as a guest for Swansea's 2-1 Championship win over Wrexham last Friday.

"We are very excited to welcome Martha on board," the club said in a statement, according to Reuters. 

Kepa Arrizabalaga said he had to make a quick shift in mindset after a late Crystal Palace equaliser took Tuesday's League Cup quarter-final to a shootout, where the Arsenal goalkeeper made a crucial save to earn his side a spot in the last four, Reuters reported. 

A Maxence Lacroix own goal gave Arsenal the lead in the 80th minute before Palace's Marc Guehi levelled in stoppage time to take the tie to penalties.

Arrizabalaga then made it an even more miserable night for Lacroix by saving the Frenchman's effort as Arsenal won the shootout 8-7, according to Reuters. 

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.