March 24, Biratnagar – A fire has broken out at Purvanchal Cafe located in the Itahari market of Sunsari district.
The fire reportedly started in the ice cream parlor section of the cafe situated in Itahari Sub-Metropolitan City-6.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. The blaze has put surrounding homes and shops at risk.
The Itahari Area Police Office has informed that efforts to control the fire are ongoing.
File photo
Prepared following editorial review.
March 24, Chitwan – In the current fiscal year, 623 individuals in the district have been diagnosed with tuberculosis. Among them, 27 are children under 14 years old, including four who are younger than four years.
According to Jayaram Duwadi, leprosy and tuberculosis officer at the Public Health Office, 5,382 people have been tested since mid-July. Of those tested, 287 cases were diagnosed as non-contagious tuberculosis, and 336 as contagious tuberculosis. Seven cases were identified as drug-resistant TB.
Patients are receiving regular medication from 107 drug distribution centers across the district. The district has 28 microscopy centers and four gene expert facilities for tuberculosis confirmation. Microscopy testing of 3,081 people confirmed tuberculosis in 143 cases, while gene expert testing of 2,301 people detected infection in 307 cases. Of the infected, 235 are women and 388 are men.
In the previous fiscal year, tuberculosis was diagnosed in 1,089 people, with 22 deaths attributed to the disease. A total of 13,107 people were tested last year. Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Early symptoms include fatigue and weakness during normal activities.
Ignoring these symptoms can worsen the condition. Persistent cough and fever are early indicators of tuberculosis and typically improve within five days. However, if coughing persists, fever continues, or cough lasts more than two weeks, immediate medical consultation is essential.
Patients diagnosed with tuberculosis are advised to avoid tobacco and to stop its use immediately if already consuming. Excessive alcohol, drugs, and other medications should also be avoided.
Health officials recommend completing the regular free medication course, which lasts 6 to 8 months, and undergoing periodic testing after starting treatment.
March 24, Kathmandu – A jury in the United States has ordered social media giant Meta to pay a $375 million fine over accusations that it harmed children’s mental health and exposed them to the risk of sexual exploitation.
After a six-week trial, jurors in New Mexico reached this decision on Tuesday following allegations from state officials claiming the tech giant failed to adequately protect minors.
According to news agencies, this marks the first time any U.S. state has successfully won a child protection case against Meta.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, has faced ongoing legal challenges regarding the impact of its platforms on youth mental health.
The jury sided with prosecutors, concluding that Meta prioritized profit over safety and violated New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act.
The jury also agreed that Meta made false or misleading claims and engaged in unfair business practices by exploiting children’s vulnerability and risks.
The jury reviewed testimony from up to 40 witnesses, including whistleblower employees, along with hundreds of documents, reports, and emails.
A Meta spokesperson stated, “We disagree with this decision and intend to appeal.”
“Our current challenge is identifying and removing harmful or bad actors and content, and we are working hard to keep people safe,” the spokesperson added.
Democratic New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez filed the lawsuit in 2023 against Meta and CEO Mark Zuckerberg.
Torrez’s office conducted a covert operation where investigators posed as users under age 14 on Facebook and Instagram.
The office reported that these fake accounts received sexual material and were contacted by adults seeking such content, resulting in criminal cases against many.
Torrez described the verdict as a “historic victory for children and families” and emphasized the need to send a clear message to prevent recurrence.
He added, “The substantial damages ordered against Meta send a message to executives at big tech firms that all companies are held accountable under the law.”
The next phase of the case against Meta in New Mexico begins in May, where the court will consider ordering additional fines and platform operation reforms.
Separately, a jury in California is also examining whether Meta and YouTube should be held responsible for addiction and other harmful impacts on children.
This case serves as a precedent in a growing number of lawsuits targeting U.S. social media companies.
(Reported from Al Jazeera)
March 23, Kathmandu – The United States has extended congratulations to the Rastriya Swatantra Party (Raswapa) for their recent electoral victory.
Sergio Gore, the US Special Envoy for South and Central Asian Affairs, telephoned Raswapa Chairman Ravi Lamichhane to offer his congratulations on the successful election outcome. According to the US Embassy in Nepal, Gore made this call on March 23.
Along with the congratulatory message, the United States expressed its desire to collaborate with the new government of Nepal. The embassy statement said, “America looks forward to working with Nepal’s new government to strengthen our economic partnership and deepen the friendship between our two countries.”
March 24, Kathmandu – A man has been arrested on charges of robbing 1.4 million rupees and fraudulently displaying fake gold.
The arrested individual is 38-year-old Vijay Moktan, also known as Dhanbir Waiba, from Haripur Gaupalika–7 in Sindhuli. He was apprehended by a team deployed from the Thanikot police station and Balambu police precinct.
According to SSP Ramesh Thapa of the Kathmandu District Police Office, on February 22, Waiba tricked 56-year-old Devi Shrestha of Chandragiri by using the pretext of buying and selling land, and stole 1.4 million rupees from her room.
During the course of investigation, Waiba was arrested on March 22 from Tokha. The police stated that he was apprehended from room number 105 at Hotel Tapovan 2, operated by Arjun Shrestha.
Half a kilogram of fake gold, three mobile phones, and a bank check from Nabil Bank were also seized from him.
Seven dogs went missing from a small village near Changchun, the capital of Jilin Province in northeastern China. These dogs walked over 17 kilometers on foot to return home, a story that has gone viral worldwide.
Here is how the incident unfolded:
On the night of March 16, 2026, seven dogs suddenly disappeared from a small village near Changchun. It is believed that thieves stole the dogs by loading them onto a truck, suspected to be for the meat trade.
The truck was en route to a dark marketplace where these innocent animals might have met a grim fate. However, the dogs escaped from the truck and found themselves on the edge of the busy Changshuang Expressway, 17 kilometers away from home, navigating unknown paths in the darkness of night.
Temperatures had dropped below zero degrees Celsius, with the cold wind harshly blowing. Despite this, the dogs did not leave one another’s side. Video footage shows them walking and stopping together. One German Shepherd was injured and stumbling while the other six circled him protectively, waiting and walking together. No dog attempted to run off alone. A small but determined Corgi led the group, while the others guarded the wounded German Shepherd, moving as one.
Their unspoken promise was clear: ‘No dog left behind.’
On the night of March 17, a driver witnessed this scene. Seven dogs were walking in a single line along the highway, their eyes revealing both fear and courage. The driver recorded the video and posted it on social media, where it has gathered over 230 million views.
In the video, dogs of various breeds including Golden Retriever, Labrador, German Shepherd, and Pekingese walk along the busy highway. The Corgi leading them was identified by Chinese media as ‘Dapang,’ meaning ‘Big Fatty.’
Tong Tong, a volunteer with a stray dog rescue center, was deeply concerned after seeing the video. Witnessing the dogs’ struggle in subzero temperatures without food or water, she began knocking on doors in villages and posting flyers to locate the missing dogs.
“On the morning of March 18, I woke up to snow falling in Changchun,” Tong Tong said in a video posted by the rescue center. “I was especially worried about those seven dogs, fearful that they might not have gotten any food or water. So, I launched a drone to help search.”
How did the dogs go missing?
On March 19, news arrived that the dogs had returned home. Three of the dogs belonged to a woman living in a village near Changchun. She shared with media that she had been searching for the dogs for four days and was beginning to lose hope. However, she was overjoyed when Dapang returned home on March 18. Later, searching neighboring villages, she found the remaining dogs in another village.
It is suspected the dogs were stolen for the meat trade, as consumption of dog meat still persists in parts of China. Others speculate they may have been kidnapped to be sold as pets or for other unintended reasons, or possibly simply lost.
One Vivo user commented, “Watching this video moved me to tears. Dogs are mankind’s eternal companions.”
This event has deeply touched many, renewing conversations and debates about the love for dogs and their loyalty. The seven dogs demonstrated courage and solidarity by sticking together through cold weather, busy roads, and exhaustion, refusing to abandon one another and finding their way home.
From The Guardian
Editorial review completed.
March 24, Kathmandu – Jetstar New Zealand announced cancellations of certain domestic flights and those between Australia and New Zealand due to increased aviation fuel prices caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The airline stated that around 12% of its flights in May will be affected, including services connecting main hubs such as Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Sydney, and Brisbane.
Jetstar has informed that most passengers will be offered alternative flights on the same day as an option.
“We have made some temporary adjustments to our flight schedule primarily due to the conflict in the Middle East and the resultant increase in fuel prices alongside other rising costs,” a company spokesperson said.
“We apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate the understanding of our customers,” the spokesperson added.
Similarly, Vietnam Airlines also canceled about two dozen domestic flights per week due to fuel price surges and availability challenges, while airlines in Myanmar have reduced their domestic flight schedules for the same reasons.
Reviewed Facts.
March 24, Kathmandu – The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced the Nepal women’s cricket squad for the first-ever ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy.
CAN has named a camp squad that blends seasoned players with fresh young talent. Captain Indu Burma, who previously missed the tournament due to injury, has been recalled to the team.
The squad includes Indu Burma along with Pooja Mahto, Rubina Kshetri, Sita Rana Magar, Bindu Rawal, Samjhana Khadka, Ruby Poddar, Kavita Joshi, Kavita Kunwar, Riya Sharma, Roma Thapa, Suman Bisht, Anu Kadayat, Seemana KC, and Rajmati Airi.
Additionally, the team features Manisha Upadhyay, Rachana Chaudhary, Soni Pakhrin, Sana Praveen, Khushi Dangol, Sudha Dhami, Kiran Kunwar, Laxmi Saud, Alisha Yadav, Trishna Bike, Kusum Godar, Yashoda Bisht, Anji Pathak, and Rama Budhathoki.
The ICC has introduced this new tournament as part of its restructured format, aimed at emerging cricketing nations. The competition is scheduled to take place in the second week of April in Rwanda, though the ICC has not yet officially released the exact dates or confirmed the participating teams.
The ICC plans to include five teams in the event—one each from the Asia, Africa, Europe, Americas, and East Asia-Pacific regions.
This structure is part of the ICC’s three-tier system to develop women’s cricket globally, with the ICC Women’s Challenge Trophy representing the entry-level competition. The tournament offers newer and less established teams valuable international experience on a global stage.
Editing reviewed.
March 24, Kathmandu – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have officially retired the No. 12 jersey to honor Andre Russell.
The announcement was made during the “Unplugged in Kolkata” event held in Kolkata on Tuesday ahead of the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
With this decision, no player in KKR will wear the No. 12 jersey in the future. KKR CEO Venky Mysore made this declaration on stage, stating, “We want to retire this number in your honor.”
Russell made the jersey iconic through his aggressive performances, representing KKR with excellence for over a decade.
Ahead of the last IPL auction, Russell had hinted at possibly leaving KKR. However, he released a personal video clarifying that he will not play for any team other than KKR in the IPL.
Though Russell will not appear on the field this season either with bat or ball, he will serve as KKR’s power coach, mentoring young players in finishing techniques.
During his tenure with KKR, Russell amassed 2,651 runs and took 123 wickets. He played a crucial role in KKR’s two IPL title victories.
Russell began his IPL journey in 2012 with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) and has been delivering aggressive performances since joining KKR in 2024.
Watching the video of his journey with KKR, Russell became emotional. “Watching that video made me a bit emotional,” he said.
“It was a special feeling to achieve tremendous success for over a decade and be part of a team that won two titles. Seeing what success means to everyone gave me unique happiness. Winning the World Cup is special, but winning the IPL is a completely different experience. I was emotional when we last won the title,” he added. “When you give your all on the field, there are no regrets when you step away from the game. I played every match as if it was my last IPL game.”
Russell expressed excitement to take on the role of coach. “I have no regrets in this role; I am excited,” he stated.
He also expressed his happiness to work alongside KKR’s head coach Abhishek Nayar and assistant coach Shane Watson.
Meanwhile, KKR has appointed Rinku Singh as the vice-captain for the new season, with Ajinkya Rahane confirmed as the captain.
March 24, Kathmandu – Rishibabu Pariyar, a central member of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), has decided to leave the party. He has resigned on ethical grounds and will no longer remain a general member of RPP.
Pariyar stated that although the RPP adopted the agenda of the monarchy, the party did not comply with royal directives and lacked sensitivity toward Dalit issues, which prompted his departure. He noted, “Out of four proportional seats, it was possible to include one Khas Arya and one Dalit member, but the party failed to represent Dalits.”
Also a member of the central executive committee, Pariyar accused the RPP of lacking political and ideological clarity. He said, “Reducing the monarchy to a political symbol, weakening the movement for the restoration of the monarchy, and displaying biased behavior toward true patriotic leaders and activists within the party are the reasons I am leaving.”
Pariyar served as a central member of RPP, a member of the executive committee, a member of the central directive committee, and as a senior leader of the organization representing oppressed Dalits within the party.
March 24, Kathmandu – The ongoing conflict in the Middle East and the blockade of the Hormuz Strait have begun to severely impact neighboring Asian countries.
Due to acute fuel shortages and rising prices, the Philippines has declared a national energy emergency, while Sri Lanka has issued strict energy-saving guidelines for its government agencies.
The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran has heavily affected the Philippines. The country imports nearly 98 percent of its oil from the Gulf region, and since February 28, petrol and diesel prices have more than doubled.
In response to the severe fuel supply crisis, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed an executive order declaring a one-year national energy emergency. The Philippines is the first country in the world to implement such an emergency due to the Iran-related conflict.
According to Philippine Energy Secretary Sharon Garin, the country currently has approximately 45 days’ worth of fuel reserves. To manage the high cost of gas, the government plans to increase reliance on coal-powered plants in the short term. The frequent blockade of the Hormuz Strait poses significant risks to Asian markets, where 90 percent of the world’s oil and gas trade is concentrated.
Workers Take to Streets and Announce Strikes
Following the emergency declaration, the government formed a special committee to ease the distribution of fuel, food, and medicine and gained direct authority to purchase fuel.
Measures to reduce fuel consumption include limiting government workers to a four-day work week and reducing ferry services.
However, labor groups such as the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) have opposed the emergency declaration, arguing that the current law restricts their right to strike during such periods. In protest against rising costs and perceived government inaction, transport workers and ride-share drivers have announced two-day strikes on Thursday and Friday.
The protesters demand elimination of fuel taxes, price reductions, and increases in fares and wages. Meanwhile, business leaders have expressed support for the government’s actions during the crisis.
Sri Lanka’s Strict Measures: Lifts and Air Conditioning Banned in Offices
Anticipating possible fuel shortages and an energy crisis, Sri Lanka has also issued stringent energy conservation directives for government bodies. According to reports, the country’s key essential services office circulated guidelines to all ministry secretaries and department heads to reduce fuel and electricity consumption.
Under the new rules, employees are required to use public or shared transportation instead of personal vehicles. The number of vehicles used for fieldwork should be minimized by preparing daily travel plans.
To conserve electricity, offices have been instructed to use fans instead of air conditioning, maximize natural daylight during working hours, and promote stair use instead of elevators.
Streetlights outside high-security zones should not be lit unnecessarily, and technology should be utilized to enable employees to work from home wherever possible. The Sri Lankan government has urged all officials to lead by example in the national energy conservation efforts.
(With agency contributions)
March 24, Kathmandu – According to American and Israeli media reports, the United States has sent a 15-point plan to Iran aimed at reaching an agreement.
The New York Times, Reuters, and Israeli media outlet Channel 12 have reported that the proposal was delivered to Iran through Pakistan.
These media organizations cited anonymous sources, while the BBC noted that it has not seen the document and that efforts to verify the claim are ongoing.
Earlier, Pakistan had expressed willingness to host peace talks between the warring countries.
According to Channel 12, the agreement document sent by the US to Iran includes a provision to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and to declare it a free maritime zone.
March 25, Kathmandu – Canadian Energy Minister Tim Hudak has stated that the world is currently experiencing the largest disruption in energy supply in history.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Minister Hudak mentioned that Canadian producers are well-positioned to ensure alternative energy supplies.
Speaking during the CERAWeek Energy Conference in Houston, Hudak said, “The importance of energy security for our national security and that of our partner nations had not been as clearly recognized for such an extended period. In many ways, this is Canada’s moment.”
He added, “The war in Iran has placed Asian countries in a crisis similar to the one Europe faced after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Back then, rising energy prices threatened to cripple much of the economy.”
Highlighting the global state of desperation, he stressed, “They need a reliable supplier.”
Staff at Australia’s public broadcaster ABC have initiated a 24-hour national strike demanding pay increases and other conditions. The strike has disrupted ABC’s television, radio, and digital services. As a result, ABC Television has been compelled to broadcast BBC programs, while radio stations have resorted to airing older shows and music.
The employees have also sought assurances against the use of artificial intelligence in their work. More than 2,000 ABC staff have joined the protest with various demands. The Guardian has noted that this is the first major industrial action of its kind in the last 20 years. Regarding pay increases, management has proposed a 10 percent rise over three years, which the staff have dismissed as insufficient.
Renowned ABC presenter Fran Kelly addressed the picketers outside the Sydney headquarters, stating, “Many skilled journalists and producers have been forced to leave their jobs because it’s impossible to live in an expensive city like Sydney on these wages.”
Following the broadcast interruption, with assistance from the BBC, ABC News channel began airing BBC World Service programs starting from 11 a.m. Wednesday, coinciding with staff walking off the job and demonstrating on the streets. ABC’s Managing Director Hugh Marks indicated management’s firm stance against conceding to the staff demands. He warned that employee wages already account for 60 percent of operational costs, and any significant pay increase would necessitate staff reductions.
Image source, Getty Images
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US President Donald Trump stated that “recent” talks to end the war with Iran are underway and that people involved in the discussions are eager to reach an agreement.
Trump made these remarks a day after Iranian officials dismissed reports of talks as “misleading news” and denied any contact with the US.
Additionally, Iran has faced accusations of actions impacting the oil market.
Following Trump’s comments, effects were observed in Asian oil markets on Wednesday morning.
According to recent reports, Brent crude oil prices dropped by 6.5% to reach 97.65 US dollars per barrel, down from 100 dollars on Tuesday.
Similarly, oil traded in the US showed a 6% decline.
However, these prices remain significantly higher than before the Iran–Iraq war began.
That conflict triggered a global energy crisis, and in recent weeks, many governments worldwide have announced various measures to mitigate the negative economic impacts.
The conflict has also caused significant volatility in financial markets.
Trump stated that members of his administration are in talks with the “right people” in Iran. He mentioned Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are involved in these discussions.
He also reiterated his assertion that Iranian leadership has accepted never to develop nuclear weapons, a claim he has made previously. Trump added that the strikes on Tehran led to a “regime change.”
The US has also reportedly received an “important reward” from Iranian negotiators, which relates to oil, gas, and the Strait of Hormuz.
No further details on this have been disclosed.
US and Israeli media, citing anonymous sources, report that the US has presented Iran with a 15-point plan to end the war. These documents have not been revealed, but confirmation attempts are ongoing.
According to diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams, Iran’s decision to allow hostile ships passage through the Strait of Hormuz suggests Tehran aims to maintain control over this strategic waterway even before any formal agreement.
Additionally, the Pentagon is reportedly preparing to deploy soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East, according to US partner CBS News.
Image source, Getty Images
Meanwhile, Israel and Iran continue reciprocal attacks and counterstrikes.
According to the Iranian Red Cross, more than 82,000 sites, including hospitals, have been damaged since the conflict began.
Lebanon’s national news agency reported on Wednesday that at least six people were killed in Israeli attacks in the south.
Residents of southern Lebanon have also been warned by the Israeli military to evacuate the area.
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