Nepal, Oct. 16 -- The government has introduced a policy to prioritize domestically produced materials and technologies in public procurement and infrastructure development, aiming to reduce dependence on imports, boost local industries and create jobs.

The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has unveiled its "Candidate Selection Framework, 2026" for the upcoming local-level elections, aiming to make the candidate selection process scientific, objective, transparent and participatory.

Under the framework, the party has set four criteria for selecting candidates. Primary voting among party members carries the highest weight at 40 percent. Training at the leadership academy and political affiliation and background have been assigned 25 percen...