A missile landed next to a journalist during a live television broadcast from Lebanon
A missile landed beside a reporter who was broadcasting live from southern Lebanon, a video released by Russian state television channel RT has shown.
Following the incident, RT’s Lebanon Bureau Chief Steve Sweeney and his cameraman were taken to hospital for treatment.
The authenticity of the footage has been confirmed by the BBC.
Israel has intensified air and ground attacks against the Hezbollah militant group in southern Lebanon.
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The title of the eighth edition ‘Entertainment Table Tennis Championship’ was claimed by the team of Mahesh Shrestha, Diksha Dahal, and Rinoj Thakuri.
The runner-up position was secured by the team of Ravi Dhakkhwa, Allen Maharjan, and Bipul Maharjan, while the team of Rakesh Maharjan, Swabeccha Nembang, and Pramesh Karki took third place.
ETT President Suman Khadgi announced prizes including an overseas trip for the winners, a trip to Pokhara for the runners-up, and mobile phones for the third-place team.
March 21, Kathmandu – The prestigious title of the eighth edition of the ‘Entertainment Table Tennis Championship’ was won by the team comprising Mahesh Shrestha, Diksha Dahal, and Rinoj Thakuri.
The tournament, organized by the Entertainment Table Tennis Organization (ETT), concluded at Bulls Health Club in Nakhu, Lalitpur. The team of Ravi Dhakkhwa, Allen Maharjan, and Bipul Maharjan secured the runner-up position, while Rakesh Maharjan, Swabeccha Nembang, and Pramesh Karki claimed the third place.
Suman Khadgi, ETT President and Vice President of the All Nepal Table Tennis Association, shared that the winning team is awarded an overseas trip, the runners-up will enjoy a trip to Pokhara, and the third-place team will receive mobile phones as prizes.
The tournament, held under the slogan ‘For the nation’s table tennis, for health,’ featured a total of 96 players competing, both male and female, according to organizer Sunil Shakya.
Due to shortages of LPG for cooking, consumers are increasingly attracted to electric stoves.
In the current fiscal year 2082/83, 147,864 electric stoves were imported into Nepal within eight months.
Among the imported units, 104,717 are induction stoves and 42,218 infrared stoves, with a total import value of NPR 304.112 million.
March 22, Kathmandu – With the scarcity of LPG for cooking, consumers have become attracted to electric stoves as an alternative option.
According to customs department data for the current fiscal year 2082/83 (from mid-July to mid-March), a total of 147,864 various types of electric stoves have been imported into Nepal during this period.
Among the imported stoves, induction cooktops have gained the highest popularity. By the end of the current fiscal year’s mid-March period alone, 104,717 induction stoves were brought into the country.
Similarly, the import of infrared stoves is also significant. During the same period, customs reported importing 42,218 infrared stoves. Aside from induction and infrared, only 929 units of other electric stove types were imported.
From a financial perspective, a substantial amount has been spent on importing these electric stoves. The total value of over 147,000 stoves imported in eight months amounts to NPR 304.112 million.
The import value of induction stoves alone stands at NPR 222.74 million, while infrared stoves amount to NPR 76.77 million. Revenue collected by the government from these imports totals NPR 43.37 million.
Two individuals, Upendra Khatri from Budhanilkantha Municipality–2, Kathmandu, and Nijar Sapkota from Gauriganga Municipality–2, Kailali, have been arrested for allegedly stealing 26 tolas of gold.
A team from District Police Office Kathmandu arrested them for allegedly stealing 26 tolas and 8 aana of gold along with silver jewelry worth 33,000 NPR from a house in Kalopul on March 19.
Police have recovered stolen gold and silver jewelry, a kukri knife, rod, sword, scooter, and cash amounting to 249,000 NPR from the accused individuals.
March 21, Kathmandu – Two men have been arrested on charges of stealing 26 tolas of gold.
The arrested are 23-year-old Upendra Khatri from Budhanilkantha Municipality–2, Kathmandu, and 26-year-old Nijar Sapkota from Gauriganga Municipality–2, Kailali.
They were taken into custody by a team from the District Police Office Kathmandu. The suspects are accused of stealing 26 tolas 8 aana of gold and silver jewelry worth 33,000 NPR from a residence in Kalopul on March 19.
Police have recovered stolen gold and silver jewelry from them. Additionally, a kukri, rod, sword, scooter used in the theft, and cash totaling 249,000 NPR were also seized, according to the police.
The Nepali Congress has resolved to demand the government to publicly release the report of the commission led by former Chief Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki.
The Karki Commission investigated the incidents of the Genji movement on Bhadra 23 and 24 and has already submitted its report to the Prime Minister.
With the government not yet releasing the report, protests have taken place, and Congress asserts that the government has the responsibility to make the report public.
March 21, Kathmandu – The Nepali Congress has decided to press the government to publish the findings of the Karki Commission. In a recent Central Committee meeting, the party resolved to urge the government to disclose the report submitted by the commission led by former Chief Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, which examined the Genji movement events.
‘The Central Committee meeting concluded that the government should be demanded to release the commission’s report,’ stated Congress General Secretary Pradeep Paudel. ‘It is the government’s duty and responsibility to make the report public, and the party will formally request the government to do so.’
The government had formed this commission to investigate the human and material damages incurred during the Genji movement on Bhadra 23 and 24. The commission worked for over six months before submitting the report to the Prime Minister. However, the government has yet to make the report public. Demonstrations are also ongoing, demanding the disclosure of the commission’s findings.
The number of injured in the missile attack on the city of Arad in southern Israel has reached 88. According to Israel’s national ambulance service, 10 people are in serious condition while 19 have sustained moderate injuries. As the conflict with Iran enters its fourth week, missile and drone attacks on Israeli cities have intensified.
March 21, Kathmandu – Following a severe missile attack on the city of Arad in southern Israel, the injured count has risen to 88. The national ambulance service in Israel reported that the injured have been immediately admitted to hospitals, with 10 in critical condition and 19 moderately wounded. The remaining 55 have been classified as minor injuries. Earlier, the reported injured number was 64, but recent updates indicate the number has increased.
As the war with Iran enters its fourth week, missile and drone strikes across various Israeli cities have escalated. The damage in Arad is being regarded as the largest human toll in the area so far. The Israeli military has issued a stern warning of a strong response to the attack.
Business stakeholders in Nepal are monitoring potential impacts on local pharmaceutical production and imports due to supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with officials assuring suitable strategies will be implemented accordingly.
According to the Department of Drug Administration’s website, Nepal hosts approximately 130 pharmaceutical industries, of which over 80 are currently operational, as reported by the Nepal Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs Association.
The association’s president warned that alongside disruptions in petroleum supply, shortages of essential raw materials for medicine production have already begun to manifest, with continued conflict potentially exacerbating the situation significantly.
The Department of Drug Administration’s director general highlighted that several co-products derived from petroleum processing are used in pharmaceuticals, suggesting global supply issues may also affect Nepal.
He mentioned that the shortage of raw materials necessary for saline solution production is already being reported and that a comprehensive assessment of potential impacts will be undertaken.
The founder of one of Nepal’s leading pharmaceutical companies urged the government to eliminate complex procedures and adopt more industry-friendly policies.
What Are Pharmaceutical Producers Saying?
Image source, PA Media
Haribakta Sharma, founder and executive director of Deurali Janata Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd., which has been producing medicines since 1991, stated the government must adopt supportive policies to aid manufacturers facing rising raw material costs.
He said, “Many suppliers have already stopped taking orders from us. If raw materials become unavailable, producing medicines in the future will become very difficult. We are currently working with existing raw materials to minimize supply disruptions.”
“However, if imports are halted and prices escalate significantly, industries will be unable to procure necessary materials. Given Nepal’s small market size, global contracting capabilities are limited, hence policy reforms are essential.”
He added that the government has mandated selling medicines at a fixed price for nearly two decades, and the new administration should consider revising this policy.
Prakash Khandelwal, president of the Nepal Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs Association, emphasized that producing medicines without vital petroleum by-products is impossible and shortages of these materials have already begun.
He stated, “Our primary source of raw materials is India, where problems are also mounting. The duration of this war and its effects on us remain uncertain.”
Khandelwal added, “Since most raw materials come from India, any shortage there will reflect here. If this situation persists, the challenges for us will grow.”
According to a recent report in The Times of India, shortages of propane gas—essential for reactor and vapor emissions—have forced many pharmaceutical companies in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh to partly or fully shut down operations.
This has affected the production of medicines such as paracetamol, vitamins, hormones, and certain antibiotics.
What Is the Role of the Regulatory Authority?
Image source, PA Medicine
Image caption, Concerns expressed in India over rising costs of pharmaceutical raw materials
Narayan Dhakal, director general of the Department of Drug Administration, acknowledged that Nepal may experience effects due to the global supply disruptions and has initiated discussions with stakeholders.
“The impact is inevitable and will manifest soon. Transportation costs will rise and raw material supply will be affected, increasing pressure. I am in talks with producers and believe VAT on some items should be reviewed,” he noted.
Following reports of potential shortages in raw materials for saline solution, Dhakal said efforts are underway to evaluate possible consequences of this crisis.
“I have instructed producers to provide detailed, objective information on these effects; within one to two days we will have a clearer picture,” he added.
“Industries typically stock raw materials for two to four months. However, with increasing disruptions in India, we must monitor the coming period closely. Discussions with business stakeholders will clarify the full impact.”
What Suggestions Are Business Leaders Offering?
Image source, Getty Images
Prakash Khandelwal, president of Nepal Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs Association, stressed the need for the government to pursue diplomatic efforts to ensure uninterrupted supplies of raw materials from India and China.
He informally shared these concerns with the Ministry of Health, adding, “Our neighboring nations have large populations with significant medicine demands. Given Nepal’s small market, proactive steps must be taken immediately.”
Amid preparations for a National Independent Party-led government following elections in the third week of the Nepali month of Falgun, challenges related to fuel and supply systems have begun to surface.
With the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key international maritime route in Iran’s sphere of influence, reports have emerged indicating potential disruptions to pharmaceutical supply chains reaching the United States.
Founder Haribakta Sharma pointed out that Nepal’s pharmaceutical industry is heavily burdened by excessive regulations and control, warning that current supply chain challenges could force industries to shut down.
He emphasized, “Worldwide, consumer price indexes determine pricing, and inflation also influences costs. Yet, our government enforces a fixed price for medicines by official gazette notification, even though a cup of tea costs between 25 to 30 rupees.”
“The focus on price without considering quality poses a significant problem in Nepal. Without reforms, industries will shut and importing medicines will become impossible. Immediate revision of outdated policies is critical,” he concluded.
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Nepal Police Club successfully defended the Jay Trophy cricket title by defeating Tribhuvan Army Club by 4 wickets in the final.
Police chased down the target of 227 runs set by Army on the third day’s third session, losing 6 wickets in the process.
Rashid Khan scored the highest 81 runs for Police, while Sagar Dhakal took 4 wickets. Army’s Pawan Karki and Shahab Alam claimed 2 wickets each.
March 19, Kathmandu – Nepal Police Club has successfully defended its Jay Trophy cricket title by defeating Tribhuvan Army Club by 4 wickets in the final, securing the championship for the second consecutive time.
Chasing a target of 227 runs set by Army, Police reached the target by the third session on the third day, losing 6 wickets. Rashid Khan led the charge with a top score of 81 runs, while Kushal Bhurtel contributed 51 runs.
For Army, Pawan Karki and Shahab Alam claimed 2 wickets each, while Akash Chand and Bhim Sarki took one wicket apiece.
By the end of the second day, Army held a lead of 178 runs, adding another 48 runs on the third day to extend their total. Akash Chand had been in a 49-run partnership for the last wicket.
Army posted 221 runs in their first innings, a total matched by Police, who were also dismissed for 221 in their first innings before starting their second innings. Army then posted 226 runs in their second innings before being all out.
Key contributions for Army included Akash Chand’s 37 runs, along with 36 by Kushal Malla, 33 by Shahab Alam, and 32 by Bhim Sarki. Sompal Kami remained unbeaten with 23 runs, Tritraj Das added 20, and Imran Sheikh scored 15, while Akash Chand remained not out on 15 runs.
Sagar Dhakal took 4 wickets for Police, while Karan KC and Lalit Rajwanshi claimed 3 wickets each.
In their first innings, Police batted 61.4 overs to score 221 runs before all out. Since Army posted the same score in their first innings, there was no lead gained.
Batting at number nine, Karan KC led Police’s efforts with an unbeaten 72 runs from 109 balls, hitting 2 fours and 1 six. He shared a 62-run partnership with Lalit Rajwanshi for the ninth wicket. Captain Arif Sheikh contributed 44 runs, Lalit Rajwanshi added 20, Kushal Bhurtel scored 18, and Dinesh Kharel made 17 runs.
Army’s Sompal Kami took 5 wickets conceding 72 runs over 17 overs, while Akash Chand picked up 2 wickets. Shahab Alam, Pawan Karki, and Naren Saud took one wicket each.
Army won the toss and opted to bat first, scoring 221 runs in 58.2 overs during their first innings. Their opener Imran Sheikh made the top score of 50 runs. Bhim Sarki scored 39, Kushal Malla 38, Tritraj Das 32, and Basir Ahmad contributed 30 runs.
For Police, Rashid Khan took 4 wickets, while Karan KC and Lalit Rajwanshi took 3 wickets apiece.
Police had also defeated Tribhuvan Army Club in the final of the previous edition, winning the title then as well.
Mahalaxmi Development Bank conducted a week-long financial literacy, rally, and awareness campaign from Chaitra 2 to 8, coinciding with Global Money Week.
The bank’s various branches and regional offices provided information on savings, loans, investments, and financial services to students and youth.
On the occasion of Global Money Week 2026, the Nepalgunj branch distributed educational materials to students at Yuddha Sanskrit Secondary School.
Chaitra 8, Kathmandu – Mahalaxmi Development Bank successfully completed a series of activities from Chaitra 2 to 8 in celebration of Global Money Week.
On this occasion, the bank identified various target groups with limited financial access and organized financial literacy, rallies, and awareness programs through its branches and regional offices, the bank stated.
As part of the week-long campaign, branches and regional offices in Darbarmarg, Hetauda, Itahari, Bhairahawa, Vijaypur, Pokhara, Birgunj, Dhangadhi, Suryapura, Dadeldhura, Lahan, Bichbazar, Mangalsen, Chipledhunga, and other locations conducted financial literacy programs aimed at students and young people, according to the bank.
The nationwide event was held under the slogan “Smart Money Talks” and saw participation exceeding one thousand individuals. During the programs, participants received information on savings, loans, investments, clean currency notes, electronic financial services, remittance, grievance redressal, financial service providers, securities market, risk management, insurance, financial fraud, and financial discipline.
The bank also actively participated in morning rally programs including financial literacy sessions organized by Nepal Rastra Bank and various other institutions.
In honor of Global Money Week 2026, the Nepalgunj branch of the bank distributed educational materials to students studying at Yuddha Sanskrit Secondary School in Banke district.
Three individuals, including Pravesh Khalis from West Bengal, India, have been arrested on charges of cryptocurrency trading. Among those detained are Naresh Reul from Nepalgunj, Banke, and Deepti Pokharel from Sarlahi. Authorities have found that they conducted cryptocurrency transactions worth NPR 1,530,000 and have seized four mobile phones from them.
Kathmandu, 22 March — A team from the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office apprehended three people accused of cryptocurrency trading, including an Indian national from West Bengal named Pravesh Khalis. The others arrested are Naresh Reul of Nepalgunj in Banke and Deepti Pokharel from Sarlahi. According to Manohar Prasad Bhatt, SP and spokesperson of the Crime Investigation Office, the suspects were involved in cryptocurrency transactions amounting to NPR 1,530,000. Four mobile phones were also confiscated during the operation. The detainees have been handed over to the Kathmandu District Police Office.
The Nepali Congress has decided to urge the government to make public the report prepared by the commission led by former Chief Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki. The Karki Commission investigated the events of the Genji protests on September 8 and 9 (Bhadra 23 and 24) and submitted its report to the Prime Minister. However, the government has yet to release the report, prompting ongoing demonstrations. The Congress has stated that making the report public is the government’s obligation. Kathmandu, March 21.
During a recent meeting of the party’s Central Committee, the Nepali Congress resolved to call on the government to publish the findings of the commission formed to investigate the Genji protest incidents. The commission, chaired by former Chief Justice Gauri Bahadur Karki, handed over the report to the government several months ago. “The Central Committee has decided to demand that the government make the commission’s report public,” said Congress General Secretary Pradeep Paudel. “Publishing the report is the government’s duty and responsibility. Our party will formally request the government to release it.”
The government had formed the commission to probe the human and material losses during the Genji protests on Bhadra 23 and 24. After approximately six months of investigation, the commission submitted its report to the Prime Minister. However, the government has not disclosed its contents to the public. Protests continue to demand the report’s publication.
Scientists have discovered an extremely rare and new species of crocodile in the Gloucestershire area of the United Kingdom. This creature, dating back approximately 215 million years to the Triassic period, was not aquatic like today’s crocodiles but was capable of running at high speeds on land, according to the research. Its physical structure closely resembles that of a modern greyhound dog, using its long legs to hunt small animals in dry plains.
The new species has been named Galahadosuchus jonesi. The name honors the Arthurian legend character Galahad and David Rice Jones, a physics teacher of the study’s lead author, Ivan Bodenham. Ivan, a doctoral student at London’s Natural History Museum and University College London, noted that the curiosity and inspiration his teachers instilled in him made this discovery possible.
A detailed analysis of fossils found in caves of South Wales and Southwest England revealed that this species differs in thirteen distinct ways from the previously identified Terrestrisuchus. Scientists believe this discovery significantly enhances understanding of the ecosystem just before the Triassic-Jurassic mass extinction. As volcanic eruptions and climate change led to the extinction of many species, studying how such creatures adapted offers valuable insights into potential responses to future environmental fluctuations on Earth.
Three weeks after the joint US-Israel military action against Iran began, the conflict has descended into a fog of uncertainty and mixed messages. Public statements by US President Donald Trump often diverge from the on-ground realities. He has claimed the war is “largely over” and announced that a new US ground unit, including a marine regiment, is heading to the region. Yet, US and Israeli bombings and missile attacks on Iranian targets persist.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage responsible for about 20% of the world’s oil exports, remains nominally closed. Although Trump refers to opening the strait as a “simple military maneuver,” currently only ships authorized by Iran are passing through these waters. Despite Trump’s assertions that the Iranian military is “finished,” drones and missiles continue to strike targets there. Trump issued a warning that if Iran does not fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz “safely” within 48 hours, US forces will target Iranian energy installations.
Unlike his emphasis during the early days of the conflict, Trump’s statements now omit calls for approval of any other Iranian leadership or demands for “unconditional surrender.” Given that Iran’s current anti-American leadership remains in place, its oil exports continue, and it retains some degree of control over the Strait of Hormuz, prospects for a swift end to US military operations appear slim.
Earlier last week, US media reported that the Trump administration is preparing to request an emergency congressional allocation of $200 billion to fund ongoing military operations against Iran. This indicates that the White House is preparing for a prolonged and costly conflict rather than an imminent conclusion. Initial reactions from Congress, including Republican allies of Trump, have been cautious and demanding of thorough vetting.
Nepal Police Club has won the title of the Jai Trophy cricket tournament. Lalit Rajwanshi, a bowler from Nepal Police Club, has been declared the best player of the competition. Ishan Pandey was named the top batsman as Nepal Police Club defeated Tribhuvan Army Club in the final. 5 Chaitra, Kathmandu.
Lalit Rajwanshi delivered an outstanding performance in the tournament by taking 26 wickets in 8 innings across 4 matches, earning him the best player award. Expressing his joy after being named best player, Lalit said, “I am very happy; we have also been consecutive champions. I am enjoying this moment.” He added that he felt no pressure in the final and the team’s confidence in their abilities was key to their success.
Similarly, batsman Ishan Pandey from Bagmati Province was declared the top batsman. He scored 331 runs in 6 innings with an average of 66. In the final held on Thursday, Nepal Police Club defeated Tribhuvan Army Club to claim the championship.
On Tuesday morning around 9 a.m., a bright meteor was observed over Cleveland, Ohio. According to NASA, the space rock was approximately 6 feet in diameter and weighed around 7 tons. This event surprised both local residents and the scientific community. Typically visible only at night, the meteor appeared in broad daylight and produced a powerful explosion. Fortunately, the meteor landed in an uninhabited area, causing no damage.
At about 9 a.m. local time on Tuesday, a very bright fireball was seen in the sky. Many witnesses compared it to a powerful explosive blast. Eyewitnesses reported feeling momentarily alarmed by the intense light descending from the sky, followed by the loud explosion. The American Meteor Society noted that the event was not limited to Ohio; it was observed across a wide area stretching from Wisconsin to Maryland.
NASA stated that the object was a solid asteroid approximately 6 feet in diameter and weighing 7 tons. The meteor entered Earth’s atmosphere at a speed of about 72,400 kilometers per hour. Scientists estimate that the energy released was equivalent to roughly 250 tons of TNT. Had the meteor struck a densely populated area, it could have caused catastrophic damage.
This incident highlights that Earth’s atmospheric defense is not entirely foolproof. Astronomers emphasize the need for more advanced technology and enhanced international cooperation to improve prediction and risk management of such events in the future.
