Nepal to hold local polls after two decades

India on Thursday welcomed Nepal's successful elections, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulating Rabi Lamichhane and Balendra Shah on their victory, signalling a fresh chapter in the bilateral relationship between the two neighbouring nations.

Bangladesh's 13th Parliament unanimously elected veteran BNP leader Hafizuddin Ahmed as Speaker and Barrister Kayser Kamal as Deputy Speaker. Following the BNP's recent election victory, the two leaders were sworn in by President Shahabuddin in a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, marking the new legislative journey.

North Korea is intensifying preparations for its upcoming parliamentary elections scheduled for next week, including forming election committees and reviewing candidates for the Supreme People's Assembly, according to a report by Yonhap News Agency citing North Korean state media on Wednesday.

The vote counting for the March 5 election in Nepal's House of Representatives has concluded late Wednesday, with Nepal's Election Commission (EC) making final preparations for the official announcement of results.

In an interview with ANI, Alba Party spokesperson and parliamentary candidate for Glasgow South, Dhruva Kumar, said that the debate around Scottish independence has shifted from a theoretical aspiration to a practical necessity in a post-Brexit world.

Gor recalled Sandhu's stint as the former Ambassador of India to the United States, saying he has worked hard to promote US-India ties. A seasoned diplomat with over three decades of experience, Sandhu has played a key role in strengthening India-US ties, serving as India's Ambassador to the United States from 2020 to 2024.

Secretary Hegseth underscored a shift in American military doctrine, distancing the current administration from the "endless nation-building" of previous decades. "Those days are dead," Hegseth stated. "Instead, we're winning decisively with brutal efficiency and an unbreakable will to accomplish the President's objectives."

Shah also extended greetings to India for successfully winning the World Cup title for two consecutive times.

Speaking to ANI from Kathmandu, Chaulagain said the incoming leadership would likely receive support from neighbouring countries, including India, to navigate the evolving geopolitical environment and strengthen regional cooperation.

With counting completed in 164 out of the total 165 constituencies, RSP has won 125 seats with Nepali Congress has secured 18 seats while the CPN-UML has won nine constituencies. The Nepali Communist Party has secured seven seats under the FPTP category.