Cash aid curbs included in 63-point Nepal election code
KATHMANDU, Feb 15: Nepal’s Election Commission of Nepal issued a 63-point Code of Conduct ahead of the March 5 general elections, setting strict rules for political parties and candidates. The commission mandated that financial contributions above NRs 25,000 must be received only through banking channels, aiming to enhance transparency. Campaigning is allowed until March 2, between 7 am and 7 pm, with all activities to stop 48 hours before polling. The EC also imposed restrictions on publicity materials, including banning plastic and polythene use, in line with previous election practices. Violations of the code may result in legal action, including cancellation of candidacy or disqualification from any elections for six years. The guidelines are designed to ensure fair, transparent, and environmentally responsible campaigning during the upcoming polls. (PTI)
Thousands flock to Nepal temples on Maha Shivratri
KATHMANDU, Feb 15: Thousands of Hindu devotees thronged Pashupatinath Temple and other Shiva temples across Nepal on Maha Shivratri, with gates opening at 2:00 am. Around 800,000 visitors, including 30% from India, are expected. Devotees also visited Gokarneshwor, Makhan Mahadev, and temples outside Kathmandu. About 4,500 sadhus, including Naga Babas, participated in prayers. The temple was decorated, with three external lines arranged for worship and over 6,000 security personnel deployed, as Nepal prepares for March 5 parliamentary elections. (PTI)
Indian student found dead days after going missing in US
New York, Feb 15: A 22-year-old Indian postgraduate student who went missing in the US less than a week ago has been found dead, the Indian mission here has said. Saketh Sreenivasaiah, a student at the University of California, Berkeley, hailing from Karnataka, had been missing since Monday. In an X post on Saturday (local time), the Indian Consulate in San Francisco confirmed the recovery of his body. “The Consulate deeply regrets to inform that local police have confirmed the recovery of the body of the missing Indian student, Saketh Sreenivasaiah,” it said. Extending condolences to his loved ones, the Consulate said it “stands ready to provide all necessary assistance to the family, including coordination with local authorities and arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains to India at the earliest.” “Our consular officers are in direct contact with the family and will support them with all required formalities and services,” it added. Sreenivasaiah was enrolled in the Master of Science programme at the University of California, Berkeley. His backpack, with his passport and laptop, was found on a doorstep in the Park Hills neighbourhood, The Berkeley Scanner news portal had reported. Earlier, local police had urged anyone with information about Sreenivasaiah to notify local law enforcement. (PTI)
