"per year"

#13310247

12 February 2026

Nepali workers paint the structures around Pashupatinath temple ahead of the Maha Shivaratri festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2026. The Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the protector, falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. An estimated 2 million pilgrims are expected to visit the temple this year. ''Maha Shivaratri,'' known as the night of Lord Shiva, is observed with great fervor in Nepal, as well as in India and other Hindu populous countries. Generally, the day of Maha Shivaratri falls on the 13th night or 14th day of the luni-solar month according to the Lunar Calendar. Every temple of Lord Shiva is flocked with pilgrims on the day of Shivaratri. One of the major festivals of Nepal, Maha Shivaratri literally means ''Night of the Shiva.'' It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are in the most optimum positions to help raise a person's spiritual energy. It is also believed that the Shiva principle is most active on this day of the year. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performs the ''Tandav,'' the cosmic dance.

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#13310248

12 February 2026

Nepali workers paint the structures around Pashupatinath temple ahead of the Maha Shivaratri festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2026. The Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the protector, falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. An estimated 2 million pilgrims are expected to visit the temple this year. ''Maha Shivaratri,'' known as the night of Lord Shiva, is observed with great fervor in Nepal, as well as in India and other Hindu populous countries. Generally, the day of Maha Shivaratri falls on the 13th night or 14th day of the luni-solar month according to the Lunar Calendar. Every temple of Lord Shiva is flocked with pilgrims on the day of Shivaratri. One of the major festivals of Nepal, Maha Shivaratri literally means ''Night of the Shiva.'' It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are in the most optimum positions to help raise a person's spiritual energy. It is also believed that the Shiva principle is most active on this day of the year. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performs the ''Tandav,'' the cosmic dance.

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#13310249

12 February 2026

Nepali workers paint the structures around Pashupatinath temple ahead of the Maha Shivaratri festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2026. The Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the protector, falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. An estimated 2 million pilgrims are expected to visit the temple this year. ''Maha Shivaratri,'' known as the night of Lord Shiva, is observed with great fervor in Nepal, as well as in India and other Hindu populous countries. Generally, the day of Maha Shivaratri falls on the 13th night or 14th day of the luni-solar month according to the Lunar Calendar. Every temple of Lord Shiva is flocked with pilgrims on the day of Shivaratri. One of the major festivals of Nepal, Maha Shivaratri literally means ''Night of the Shiva.'' It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are in the most optimum positions to help raise a person's spiritual energy. It is also believed that the Shiva principle is most active on this day of the year. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performs the ''Tandav,'' the cosmic dance.

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#13310250

12 February 2026

Nepali workers paint the structures around Pashupatinath temple ahead of the Maha Shivaratri festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2026. The Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the protector, falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. An estimated 2 million pilgrims are expected to visit the temple this year. ''Maha Shivaratri,'' known as the night of Lord Shiva, is observed with great fervor in Nepal, as well as in India and other Hindu populous countries. Generally, the day of Maha Shivaratri falls on the 13th night or 14th day of the luni-solar month according to the Lunar Calendar. Every temple of Lord Shiva is flocked with pilgrims on the day of Shivaratri. One of the major festivals of Nepal, Maha Shivaratri literally means ''Night of the Shiva.'' It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are in the most optimum positions to help raise a person's spiritual energy. It is also believed that the Shiva principle is most active on this day of the year. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performs the ''Tandav,'' the cosmic dance.

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#13310251

12 February 2026

Nepali workers paint the structures around Pashupatinath temple ahead of the Maha Shivaratri festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2026. The Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the protector, falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. An estimated 2 million pilgrims are expected to visit the temple this year. ''Maha Shivaratri,'' known as the night of Lord Shiva, is observed with great fervor in Nepal, as well as in India and other Hindu populous countries. Generally, the day of Maha Shivaratri falls on the 13th night or 14th day of the luni-solar month according to the Lunar Calendar. Every temple of Lord Shiva is flocked with pilgrims on the day of Shivaratri. One of the major festivals of Nepal, Maha Shivaratri literally means ''Night of the Shiva.'' It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are in the most optimum positions to help raise a person's spiritual energy. It is also believed that the Shiva principle is most active on this day of the year. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performs the ''Tandav,'' the cosmic dance.

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#13310252

12 February 2026

Nepali workers paint the structures around Pashupatinath temple ahead of the Maha Shivaratri festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2026. The Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the protector, falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. An estimated 2 million pilgrims are expected to visit the temple this year. ''Maha Shivaratri,'' known as the night of Lord Shiva, is observed with great fervor in Nepal, as well as in India and other Hindu populous countries. Generally, the day of Maha Shivaratri falls on the 13th night or 14th day of the luni-solar month according to the Lunar Calendar. Every temple of Lord Shiva is flocked with pilgrims on the day of Shivaratri. One of the major festivals of Nepal, Maha Shivaratri literally means ''Night of the Shiva.'' It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are in the most optimum positions to help raise a person's spiritual energy. It is also believed that the Shiva principle is most active on this day of the year. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performs the ''Tandav,'' the cosmic dance.

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#13310253

12 February 2026

Nepali workers paint the structures around Pashupatinath temple ahead of the Maha Shivaratri festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2026. The Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the protector, falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. An estimated 2 million pilgrims are expected to visit the temple this year. ''Maha Shivaratri,'' known as the night of Lord Shiva, is observed with great fervor in Nepal, as well as in India and other Hindu populous countries. Generally, the day of Maha Shivaratri falls on the 13th night or 14th day of the luni-solar month according to the Lunar Calendar. Every temple of Lord Shiva is flocked with pilgrims on the day of Shivaratri. One of the major festivals of Nepal, Maha Shivaratri literally means ''Night of the Shiva.'' It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are in the most optimum positions to help raise a person's spiritual energy. It is also believed that the Shiva principle is most active on this day of the year. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performs the ''Tandav,'' the cosmic dance.

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#13310254

12 February 2026

Nepali workers paint the structures around Pashupatinath temple ahead of the Maha Shivaratri festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2026. The Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the protector, falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. An estimated 2 million pilgrims are expected to visit the temple this year. ''Maha Shivaratri,'' known as the night of Lord Shiva, is observed with great fervor in Nepal, as well as in India and other Hindu populous countries. Generally, the day of Maha Shivaratri falls on the 13th night or 14th day of the luni-solar month according to the Lunar Calendar. Every temple of Lord Shiva is flocked with pilgrims on the day of Shivaratri. One of the major festivals of Nepal, Maha Shivaratri literally means ''Night of the Shiva.'' It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are in the most optimum positions to help raise a person's spiritual energy. It is also believed that the Shiva principle is most active on this day of the year. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performs the ''Tandav,'' the cosmic dance.

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#13310255

12 February 2026

Nepali workers paint the structures around Pashupatinath temple ahead of the Maha Shivaratri festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2026. The Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the protector, falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. An estimated 2 million pilgrims are expected to visit the temple this year. ''Maha Shivaratri,'' known as the night of Lord Shiva, is observed with great fervor in Nepal, as well as in India and other Hindu populous countries. Generally, the day of Maha Shivaratri falls on the 13th night or 14th day of the luni-solar month according to the Lunar Calendar. Every temple of Lord Shiva is flocked with pilgrims on the day of Shivaratri. One of the major festivals of Nepal, Maha Shivaratri literally means ''Night of the Shiva.'' It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are in the most optimum positions to help raise a person's spiritual energy. It is also believed that the Shiva principle is most active on this day of the year. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performs the ''Tandav,'' the cosmic dance.

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#13310256

12 February 2026

Nepali workers paint the structures around Pashupatinath temple ahead of the Maha Shivaratri festival in Kathmandu, Nepal, on February 12, 2026. The Maha Shivaratri, a night dedicated to Lord Shiva, the protector, falls on Sunday, February 15, this year. An estimated 2 million pilgrims are expected to visit the temple this year. ''Maha Shivaratri,'' known as the night of Lord Shiva, is observed with great fervor in Nepal, as well as in India and other Hindu populous countries. Generally, the day of Maha Shivaratri falls on the 13th night or 14th day of the luni-solar month according to the Lunar Calendar. Every temple of Lord Shiva is flocked with pilgrims on the day of Shivaratri. One of the major festivals of Nepal, Maha Shivaratri literally means ''Night of the Shiva.'' It is celebrated on the 14th day of the dark fortnight of the Magha month, as per the Hindu lunar calendar. It is believed that on this day, the stars in the Northern Hemisphere are in the most optimum positions to help raise a person's spiritual energy. It is also believed that the Shiva principle is most active on this day of the year. Maha Shivaratri is celebrated marking the convergence of Shiva and Shakti. Maha Shivaratri also celebrates the night when Lord Shiva performs the ''Tandav,'' the cosmic dance.

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#13213194

18 January 2026

Former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, gestures after arriving at the party office of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 18, 2026, formally joining the party to contest the March election. The rapper-turned-mayor is presented as the next Prime Minister by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The former rapper, who wins the local election of 2022 from the Nepali capital, also assumes the charge of senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). On December 28, Balen strikes a deal with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) where it is agreed that he will be the next Prime Ministerial candidate from the party. As per the 7-point agreement, RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane continues as the party's central chairman, while Shah is presented as the party's parliamentary leader after the elections and its prime ministerial candidate. The RSP emerges as the fourth largest political force, winning 21 seats in the dissolved House of Representatives within a year of its establishment. With candidacy filing scheduled for January 20, Shah prepares to contest from the Jhapa-5 constituency in the March 5 elections, with the declared aim of beating four-time prime minister and CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli in his own constituency. Balen promises to institutionalize the agenda raised by September's Gen-Z movement. The electoral battle in Jhapa-5 shapes up to be an intriguing contest this time.

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#13213195

18 January 2026

Former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, arrives at the party office of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 18, 2026, formally joining the party to contest the March election. The rapper-turned-mayor is presented as the next Prime Minister by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The former rapper, who won the local election of 2022 from the Nepali capital, also assumes the role of senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). On December 28, Balen strikes a deal with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) where it is agreed that he will be the next Prime Ministerial candidate from the party. As per the 7-point agreement, RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane continues as the party's central chairman, while Shah is presented as the party's parliamentary leader after the elections and its prime ministerial candidate. The RSP emerges as the fourth largest political force, winning 21 seats in the dissolved House of Representatives within a year of its establishment. With candidacy filing scheduled for January 20, Shah prepares to contest from the Jhapa-5 constituency in the March 5 elections, with the declared aim of beating four-time prime minister and CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli in his own constituency. Balen promises to institutionalize the agenda raised by September's Gen-Z movement. The electoral battle in Jhapa-5 shapes up to be an intriguing contest this time.

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#13213290

18 January 2026

Former Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, also known as Balen, rings a traditional bell after arriving at the party office of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 18, 2026, formally joining the party to contest the March election. The rapper turned mayor is presented as the next Prime Minister by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). The former rapper, who wins the local election of 2022 from the Nepali capital, also assumes the charge of senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). On December 28, Balen strikes a deal with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) where it is agreed that he will be the next Prime Ministerial candidate from the party. As per the 7-point agreement, RSP chair Rabi Lamichhane continues as the party's central chairman, while Shah is presented as the party's parliamentary leader after the elections and its prime ministerial candidate. The RSP emerges as the fourth largest political force, winning 21 seats in the dissolved House of Representatives within a year of its establishment. With candidacy filing scheduled for January 20, Shah prepares to contest from the Jhapa-5 constituency in the March 5 elections, with the declared aim of beating four-time prime minister and CPN-UML chair KP Sharma Oli in his own constituency. Balen promises to institutionalize the agenda raised by September's Gen-Z movement. The electoral battle in Jhapa-5 shapes up to be an intriguing contest this time.

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#13169275

8 January 2026

Plastic waste is seen at an open-air storage area for plastic waste in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on January 07, 2026. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB, 2022), nearly 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually in India. India ranks third globally in single-use plastic waste generation, producing approximately 5.5 million tonnes per year (Ghanshyam and Minakshi, 2024). Mismanaged plastic waste is widespread and is a major contributor to plastic pollution in air, water, and soil.

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#13169277

8 January 2026

Plastic waste is seen at an open-air storage area for plastic waste in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, on January 07, 2026. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB, 2022), nearly 3.5 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually in India. India ranks third globally in single-use plastic waste generation, producing approximately 5.5 million tonnes per year (Ghanshyam and Minakshi, 2024). Mismanaged plastic waste is widespread and is a major contributor to plastic pollution in air, water, and soil.

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#13153916

4 January 2026

A woman counts Indian currency notes and coins after taking them out of a money box in Tehatta, West Bengal, India, on January 3, 2026. The Indian Rupee falls below 90 per dollar, marking its second weekly decline due to strong year-end dollar demand. It faces its largest annual drop in three years, influenced by equity outflows and the lack of a U.S. trade deal, limiting recovery amid a broader Asian market rally.

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