Here are some of the most current news points from Nepal:

Nepal Welcomes Gaza Ceasefire Agreement: The Nepalese government has expressed support for the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, emphasizing the need for peace and urging the release of Bipin Joshi and other hostages.

Power Cuts in Lalitpur: The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) announced scheduled power cuts in various parts of Lalitpur to replace electric poles, affecting local residents and businesses.

Hydropower Project Agreement: Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) has signed a deal with SJVN Ltd., GMR Energy Ltd., and Nepal Electricity Authority for a 900 MW Hydropower Project in Nepal.

Disaster Statistics: According to the National Emergency Operation Center (NEOC), 679 people died, 66 went missing, and 1,323 were injured in Nepal due to natural disasters like floods, landslides, and fires over a recent period.

Political Instability: Observers are noting the recent political instability in Nepal, which complicates its foreign relations, particularly with India and China. This has been discussed in relation to the frequent changes in government leadership.

Legislative Updates: The Public Service Broadcasting Bill was recently passed, with Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung acknowledging there is still much work to be done in this area.

Transgender Candidates in Elections: In a significant step for representation, two transgender candidates ran for election in Nepal, marking a historic moment for transgender political participation.

Here are some of the top news stories for today:

Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Deal: The Israeli security cabinet has recommended approving a ceasefire and hostage return deal in Gaza, ahead of a full cabinet meeting. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delayed the vote, citing last-minute changes by Hamas.

Trump's Cabinet Confirmation Hearings: Confirmation hearings for Donald Trump's cabinet picks are ongoing, with significant focus on the nominations for Defense Secretary, Interior Secretary, and others. There's particular attention on Pete Hegseth's suitability for Defense Secretary following a contentious Senate hearing.

TikTok in the U.S.: The Biden administration is exploring ways to keep TikTok available in the U.S., as a ban on the app is set to begin if no action is taken by the Supreme Court.

NFL Playoffs: CBS News featured insights from Bill Cowher on the upcoming NFL divisional round, highlighting key matchups like the Baltimore Ravens vs. Buffalo Bills.

Health News: The American Cancer Society has reported an increase in cancer rates among women, surpassing men in some cases, with CBS News discussing the implications.

Biden's Farewell Speech: Outgoing President Joe Biden gave a farewell speech focusing on his record of upholding democracy, warning against the concentration of power and the impacts of climate change.

Space News: The European Space Agency released new images of Mercury's surface, capturing details of its permanently shadowed craters and volcanic plains.

Local News (Minnesota): A man was arrested following a hit-and-run incident on New Year's Day in Minneapolis, and the weather in Minnesota is expected to remain mild with a thaw.

Los Angels must be rebuilt.

US Economy: The Fed voted to lower interest rates by a half percentage point. The first reduction since 2020 will bring the benchmark federal-funds rate to a range between 4.75% and 5%.

Georgia School Shooter’s Father Charged:
The father of the 14-year-old who allegedly opened fire and killed four people at a high school outside of Atlanta was charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.

In retrospect: who banned who—X, a public town-square, or #Brazil, a neo-authoritarian regime? Serious concerns about democratic backsliding & threats to institutions there. Clearly, the regime dislikes @elonmusk's #X. Authoritarians hate public debates since they’re damn wrong.

NEWS ALERT: Brazil Bans X, Outlawing Access to App for Millions
Brazil’s highest court banned X, outlawing the social-media platform for millions of people as tensions continue to escalate between Elon Musk and South America’s largest country over what speech is protected online.

के शयनकक्षबाट बाथरूम हुँदै छरिएका रक्तका थुप्रोहरूले हराइरहेकी #Mamta का शवका अंशहरूलाई खुलासा गर्छन्? हामीलाई भोलि केही संकेतहरू प्राप्त हुन सक्छ।

हराएको र मरेको मानिएको मानेसास पार्ककी आमा, मम्ता काफ्ले भट्टको पति नरेश भट्टलाई सोमबार अदालतमा आफ्नो पत्नीको हराएको घटनासँग सम्बन्धित जमानत सुनुवाइ हुन गइरहेको छ। हामी घटनाको विकासमा नजिकबाट नजर राख्नेछौँ...