Mustang, June 26: The protracted dispute who to raise utility tax from the excavation, sale and transportation of river-based natural materials of the Kaligandaki River in Mustang has come to an end.
The Conservation Management Committee (CMC) under the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP) has initiated collecting utility tax for the excavation of the river-based natural resources –sand, gravel and stone.
Chief of ACAP Jomsom office, Rajesh Gupta informed that the head office recommends for river-based resource excavation adhering minimum standards of the Kaligandaki River natural resource based for internal purpose.
Earlier, the Supreme Court (SC) acting on a writ registered in July 2021 had ordered to ban excavation of Kaligandaki based resources. The apex court issued order to prohibit obstruction of the river flow, pollution and excavation of stone, sand and gravel.
On 4 November 2024, the SC had scrapped the writ with directive order. In the meantime, Kaski district court had revoked the writ petition registered by CMC of Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality-8 and 9 in Kaski on 15 December 2020. It may be noted that the interim order was issued to follow the existing federal laws while excavating river-based materials in ACAP region.
In lack of proper excavation of the natural river-based resources in Mustang, the disastrous incidents are annually increasing in the Kaligandaki river areas. There is a high risk of land erosion in 13 rural municipalities of Mustang due to rising level of the Kaligandaki river of late.
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Extremely heavy rainfall likely in four provinces, windstorm in Terai
Kathmandu, June 26: Currently there is an influence of monsoons winds across the country.
Now there is partial to generally cloudy weather in the hilly areas of Gandaki, Karnali, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim provinces, while the Madhesh province is mostly clear with partial cloud.
Light to moderate rainfall is occurring in a few places of Gandaki, Karnali, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim provinces.
According to the weather forecasting division, there will be partial to generally cloudy weather across the country during the day.
There is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in some places in the hilly areas of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, as well as a few places in other regions.
In one or two places of the hilly areas of Gandaki, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, there is a likelihood of heavy to extremely heavy rainfall.
The division has predicted light to moderate rainfall/snowfall in a few places of the high hilly and Himalayan regions in all provinces.
As informed there is a chance of thunderstorms in certain areas of the Terai region in Koshi province and some places in Madhesh province.
Tonight, the weather will be partially to generally cloudy throughout the country. There is a possibility of light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning in some places in the hilly areas of the country, including Koshi province, and a few places in the remaining provinces.
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PM Oli to embark on official visit to Spain
Kathmandu, June 26: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is leaving for Spain on coming Saturday for an official visit, leading a Nepali delegation.
In course of the official visit, he is scheduled to participate in the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development from coming June 30 to July 3.
Ambassador of Nepal to Spain, Shanil Nepal told RSS that all preparations for the visit have been completed. He further said the Nepali community in Spain is excited and eager to welcome the PM.
During the visit, PM Oli will hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts. On the occasion, Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) on the expansion of bilateral relations and cooperation will be signed.
The Prime Minister will also interact with the Nepali community and Spanish business fraternity during his visit.
The Embassy has stated that there will be other crucial bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the conference.
Spain is a western European country having a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy. It covers a landmass of approximately 505,990 square kilometers, with a population of around 47 million.
Spain joined the European Union in 1986 and the Schengen area in 1995.
Nepal-Spain diplomatic ties
The diplomatic relations between Nepal and Spain were established on 13 May 1968. However, Nepal established its residential Embassy there in 2018.
Since there is no Spanish Embassy here, the Embassy in Delhi has been looking after diplomatic affairs with Nepal.
Nepal and Spain have exchanged high-level visits since long. The then King Birendra visited Spain in 1983, and Spanish King Carlos also made a four-day state visit to Nepal in 1987. Likewise, the then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ participated in a high-level discussion on the trafficking of conflict-affected persons in 2016.
Similarly, in 2019, former Minister for Communications Gokul Baskota attended a ministerial GSM event held in Spain.
Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari visited Spain in 2021, during which an agreement was reached to cooperate in the areas of climate change and tourism between Nepal and Spain.
In terms of foreign employment, Spain is emerging a new destination for Nepali workers.
Spain has always been a prime tourist destination in the world. Tourism is an important sector among the main sources of income there.
Statistics show that 12.5 million tourists visit Spain annually. Meanwhile, 19,563 tourists from Spain had visited Nepal in 2018.
Nepal is also emerging as a destination for Spanish other European tourists with its beautiful natural landscape, diverse culture, spiritual heritage, and potential for adventure tourism, among others.
This high-level visit is expected to further enhance Nepal’s visibility as a tourism and investment space in Europe.
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Flash flood takes life of a sub-engineer
Patan (Lalitpur), June 26: A flash flood occurred in a small stream at Mahankal Rural Municipality-6 Thuladurlung of Lalitpur took the life of sub-engineer Sabin Dahal.
The flood emerged in the stream located in the southeastern region of the district took his life.
According to Mahankal ward-6 chair Binod Chaulagain, the flood occurred in Bharyang stream on Wednesday evening swept away 21-year-old Sabin Dahal, a resident of Mahankal-4 Kaleshwar. He was currently residing in Lalitpur Metropolitan City-29 Harisiddhi.
‘The flood evolved at around 7:30 pm had swept him away. We located his body at 10.00 pm during the search. All roads here are closed, and we have informed the Nepal Army to send helicopters for rescue’, he said.
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Acute water crisis in Damauli: Hours in queue for a jar of water
Tanahun, June 26: Acute water crisis has surfaced in the district headquarters, Damauli, after the disruption of drinking water being supplied from the Drinking Water and Sanitation Users Organization in Byas-4.
Residents of Byas-2 and 3 have to wait for long hours to get a jar of water in various locations such as Prem Kuda, Pani Ghatta, and Panchamandir.
Dev Gajmer, an user from Deuralinagar in Byas Municipality-3, informed that people have been forced to queue up since morning to fetch water from public wells and taps due to disruption in the supply of tap water.
Since there has been no water supply since Tuesday evening, there is often a crowd of people struggling to get water in the late evening.
He said, “On Wednesday evening, up to 100 people were lining up around the well and tap until 9.00 pm to get water”.
Chair of the Damauli Drinking Water and Sanitation Users Organization, Buddhi Man Shrestha, informed that a problem occurred in the water supply after removal of temporary drinking water pipes during the expansion of the Muglin-Pokhara road.
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National Paddy Day slogan- ‘Intensity in Rice Crop: Food Security and Self-reliance’
Kathmandu, June 26: The government has set ‘Intensity in Rice Cultivation: Food Security and Self-reliance’ as the slogan for the National Paddy Day this year.
This slogan has been set to increase rice production for food security. The Department of Agriculture is organizing various programmes on the occasion of the 22nd National Paddy Day and Paddy Plantation Festival, which will be celebrated on June 29 this year, focusing on research on climate-resilient technologies and increasing the rice production.
In this connection, an interaction programme with experts on the protection of indigenous crops, promotion of technology and minimizing the impact of climate change in this region, is scheduled to be organized at Khumaltar. A paddy planting festival cum honouring farmers will also be held on the occasion.
The Director General of the Department, Prakash Sanjel, said that there is a plan to increase rice production and productivity, and to raise awareness among farmers regarding food security.
Rice is the main food crop which has direct bearing on the economic development, and is linked with social, cultural and religious traditions of the country. It is the staple crop of Nepal.
Director General Sanjel stated that in view of the importance of rice, the National Paddy Day and Transplanting Festival have been celebrated every year since June 29, 2004, with the aim of promoting paddy production, modernization and commercialization.
In the fiscal year 2023-24, the production of rice was 5 million 724 thousand 234 metric tonnes, while in the year 2024-25, the production increased to 5 million 955 thousand 476 metric tonnes. In the year 2023-24, rice was planted on 1 million 438 thousand 989 hectares, and in the year 2024-25, rice was planted on 1 million 420 thousand 636 hectares.
Despite a general decrease in the area under rice crop, the increase in productivity has led to an overall rise in rice production, according to Mahananda Joshi, an information officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
He said the production of rice has increased due to use of chemical fertilizers, improved seed varieties and the timely rainfall.
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Minister Khadka addresses SCO Energy Ministers’ Meeting
Kathmandu, June 26: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka has addressed the fifth energy ministers’ level meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states.
Addressing the meeting held in Ningbo city of Zhejiang province in China today, Minister Khadka emphasized the need to create a regional framework and strengthen cooperation, and making it more effective with innovative ideas for investment promotion and energy trade, considering the population, resources, and potential of the SCO member countries.
In the meeting with the theme of ‘Integrated Innovation for Energy Future’, Minister Khadka stressed on the need for regional unity, cooperation, and collaboration among SCO member states in promoting energy development, grid connectivity, innovation, and energy security.
The Energy Minister informed the meeting that Nepal has set a target to generate 28,500 megawatts of electricity by the year 2035, and has launched plans and programmes to export 15,000 megawatts.
Currently, more than approximately 3,500 megawatts of electricity has been produced in Nepal, and work is being carried out with the plan to double this in the near future, he added.
Stating that electricity trade has already begun with neighbouring countries, Energy Minister Khadka clarified that the implementation of the trilateral energy cooperation policy has been initiated by exporting electricity to Bangladesh for the first time using India’s grid.
Expressing commitment to continuously contribute to regional energy cooperation as a dialogue partner of the SCO, he made it clear that Nepal is in favour of the development and expansion of the energy sector based on mutual collaboration and cooperation, along with the concepts of environmental balance, innovation, and sustainable development.
Minister Khadka had left here for China on June 24 in connection with participating in this meeting.
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Foreign Affairs Minister to attend 44th Session of FAO Conference
Kathmandu, June 26: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba is leaving tomorrow to participate in the 44th Session of the FAO Conference being held in Rome, Italy from 28 June to 4 July 2025.
Minister Rana is scheduled to address the main session and other high-level events at the FAO Conference, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release today.
The Foreign Affairs Minister is leading a Nepali delegation comprising Bharat Kumar Regmi, Ambassador of Nepal to Austria/Permanent Representative of Nepal to the FAO, as well as officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, to the Conference.
Following the Conference, the Foreign Minister is scheduled to participate in programmes organized by the Investment Board of Nepal in Milan, Italy as well as in Hamburg and Berlin, Germany.
She will return to Kathmandu on July 13, 2025.
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Home Minister announces establishment of dedicated department against drug abuse
Kathmandu, June 26: The government is set to establish a dedicated department for the drug control.This information was shared here today at a programme held on the occasion of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which is observed on June 26 each year.
It has been said the department will be established in the upcoming fiscal year.During the programme, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak announced the government plan of setting up the department dedicated to drug control.
On the occasion, he said that the Ministry has already been implementing awareness programmes and prevention efforts along with provisions of punishment against drug abuse.
As he said, drug abuse is the reason for various unwanted consequences, including road accidents, suicides, cybercrimes, and other incidents.
Underlining the need of its prevention, he highlighted the need for public awareness towards that end.
“Our society has been affected by drug abuse in a devastating way and awareness programmes against drug abuse must reach communities, homes, neighbourhoods, and schools,” the Minister asserted.
Appealing to one and all to join hands in the campaign against drugs, the Minister said the government efforts against drug abuse alone are not enough to meet the goals.
Presenting the data that the present number of drug users across the country is around 134,000, he said the society has suffered severe consequences of drug abuse.
“Drug abusers, suppliers and those involved in its storage make up the second highest portion among the prisoners across the country,” he said, indicating the gravity of this issue.
Home Secretary Gokarnamani Duwadi, Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa, Chief of the National Investigation Department Hutaraj Thapa, and representatives from various concerned bodies, as well as government and non-government organizations attended the event.
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Minister Bhandari insists on dignified labour and migration
Patan (Lalitpur), June 26: Minister for Labor, Employment and Social Security Sharat Singh Bhandari has said that our workers working in various countries must be respected.
Inaugurating the ‘Hami App Launching and Immigration Conference’ organized by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) here today, he stated that our workers have contributed to the development of the destination countries through their hard work and emphasized the importance of dignified labour and safe migration.
“The workers from our country are contributing to the economic development of the destination countries and their labor must be respected. In foreign employment, 14,000 Nepalis have so far lost their lives in the last 16 years. They go to work, not to lose their lives. There has not been adequate health screening for those going for foreign employment, which also needs to be addressed,” he emphasized.
Stating that at the Labour Conference in Geneva, he had spoken of the need to move forward by embracing Korea’s experience from the 1960s, Minister Bhandari stressed on learning from the Korean experience and adopting exemplary actions accordingly in the labour sector.
He said the government has implemented the ‘Shram Sansar’ online platform to provide right information regarding labour and that after 10 years, the situation of Nepali’s compulsion of going abroad for employment would come to an end.
Stating that Nepalis consider Korea as an attractive labour destination, he stressed on the need of managing it and making it dignified.
“The ‘Hami App’ is an important tool for protecting the rights of Nepali workers and it helps in systematizing the migration process. The government is committed to developing policies that ensure safe migration and successful reintegration,” the Minister said.
Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nepal, Park Tae-young, said that this year marks the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Korea, and this joint programme is a symbol of cooperation in people-to-people relations between the two countries.
“The ‘Hami App’, which supports the entire journey of migrant workers, is a symbol of partnership between Korea and Nepal. We expect continuous cooperation and partnership in the field of labor migration,” said Ambassador Park Tae-young on the occasion.
The ‘Hami App’ project is said to be part of the ‘ Phased Strengthening of the Support System for the Stable Reintegration of Migrant Workers Returning to Nepal’ project launched by KOICA in 2022.
Through the ‘Hami App’, the Nepali workers going to Korea for work through the Employment Permit System are provided with information on various topics such as perspective building, financial literacy, and life safety training during the pre-migration phase, access to necessary information and resources during the migration phase, as well as available skill and entrepreneurship training on weekends while in Korea, as well as information on reintegration after migration, entrepreneurship training, and details on seed capital support for starting a new business when they return to Nepal.
This app is said to be established as a sustainable model for the strengthening of workers’ rights.
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NA session: lawmakers draw government’s attention to contemporary issues
Kathmandu, June 26: In a meeting of the National Assembly (NA) today, lawmakers drew the government’s attention to various contemporary matters.
Expressing views in the upper house session, Krishna Bahadur Rokaya demanded action those responsible for a trafficking some youths to Uttarakhand of India, falsely promising them of lucrative jobs. The youths were recently rescued after reportedly being held hostage.
Ghanashyam Rijal expressed concern regarding the prolonged absence of chief administrative officers in 201 local levels, urging the government to resolve the issue promptly.
Rukmini Koirala stressed the need for fair recognition and management of women health volunteers, highlighting their vital role in improving maternal and infant health across the country.
Renu Chand demanded an investigation into the recent arson attack on the CPN (Maoist Centre) office in Baitadi, which resulted in the destruction of important documents.
Bishnu Kumari Sapkota said the public are happy following the discovery of a natural gas reserve in Dailekh, calling for its proper utilization to benefit the nation.
Bishnudevi Pudasaini urged the government to ensure the full enforcement of pollution control standards to protect public health and the environment.
Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma called for swift government action to control the spread of dengue and COVID-19 infections across the country.
Krishna Prasad Adhikari highlighted persistent transportation problems along the Daunne section of the East-West Highway in Nawalparasi, calling for the government intervention.
Sabitri Malla reiterated the importance of utilizing the estimated 1.12 billion cubic meters of natural gas discovered in Dailekh, stressing its potential to contribute significantly to the country’s economic development.
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Government committed to protecting Garva Palace in Kailali: Culture Minister Pandey
Kathmandu, June 26: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has said the government is committed to protecting the Kailali-based historic Garva Palace with the promotion of language and cultural diversities of the country.
In his replies to concerns regarding the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation in a National Assembly (NA) session today, the Minister said, “The Garva Palace based in Chure rural municipality-4 in Kailali has been already listed in the list of archeological heritages.”
He was replying to concerns from NA member Madan Kumari Shah (Garima) regarding the government’s policies and programmes for the conservation of Garva Palace and tourism business in Kanchanpur.
The Department of Archeology is working on the preparation of a detailed study report after a field inspection to the site and the budget of Rs 400,000 has been proposed for the document preparation in the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83, he added.
Meantime, in response to concerns by NA member Mohammed Khalid, the Minister expressed the commitments to promoting to the language and culture diversities in the country.
In accordance with Article 6 of the Constitution, all the mother tongues spoken in Nepal are the national languages, he said, adding that the Language Commission formed in line with Article 287 is engaged in the protection, study, research; and promotion of such languages.
According to the National Census 2078 BS (2021), a total of 124 languages have been identified so far and among them 93 languages (around 75 percent) are concerned with indigenous communities.
Minister Pandey also mentioned that the government has been continuously engaged in the preservation, documentation, and promotion of these languages.
He made it clear that government’s policies and programmes accord priorities to the protection of language and culture.
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Two persons arrested for fleecing five people of Rs 5.8 million
Kathmandu, June 26: The police have arrested and made public two individuals on charges of defrauding Rs 5.8 million under the pretext of sending people to the UK and Qatar for foreign employment.
Thirty one-year-old Nabina Dahal Ghimire from Baiteshwor Rural Municipality-3, Dolakha and 43-year-old Lachhuman Sah Teli from Kaudena Municipality-4, Siraha have been arrested and made public on the charge of cheating people of the said amount, said Superintendent of Police Kaji Kumar Acharya, the information officer at the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Division.
“They were arrested from Kathmandu based on the complaint of the victims, who reported that Nabina had taken Rs 5.2 million from two people on the false promise of sending them to the UK and Lachhuman had taken Rs 600,000 from three people claiming to send them to Qatar,” SP Acharya said.
The information officer Acharya stated that the detained individuals have been sent to the Foreign Employment Department in Tahachal for necessary investigation and action.
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Government ready for disaster response: Minister Lekhak
Kathmandu, June 26: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said bearing in mind the potentiality of occurrence of disaster at any time during monsoon, the government is ready for disaster preparedness and response.
Speaking at a meeting of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources today, the Minister said the government is aware of the potential for disasters such as floods, landslides, inundation, and road obstructions during the monsoon, and has put preparedness measures in place through security agencies. He added that helicopter rescue operations have been arranged for emergencies.
The province governments have been already given the authority to ensure effective rescue efforts through the emergency humanitarian assistance centers, he said, urging the local governments to expand such facilities to the local level as well.
Executive Officer of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority’s Executive Officer Engineer Dinesh Prasad Bhatta briefed the meeting about the disaster preparedness measures, underlining the role of locals in the rescue efforts.
Similarly, Director General of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology Kamal Ram Joshi said above-average rainfall has been expected during this monsoon.
Committee President Kushum Devi Thapa urged the Ministry and bodies concerned to update the Committee about the disaster preparedness efforts and make sure that such measures will be more effective than of the past.
Committee members Bir Bahadur Balayar, Saraswoti Subba, Rupa Sosi Chaudhary, Bhanubhakta Joshi, Surya Prasad Dhakal, Anisha Nepali, Ashok Kumar Chaudhary, Samjhana Thapaliya, Amrit Lal Rajbanshi and Bijula Rayamajhi were among those present in the meeting.
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NA passes resolution motion on citizen’s access to drinking water
Kathmandu, June 26: The Committee for Legislation Management of the National Assembly (NA) has presented its report on the “Bill to Amend Some of Nepal’s Acts, 2080 BS,” along with messages received from the House of Representatives (HoR).
Committee President Tulasa Kumari Dahal introduced the report during today’s session of the upper house. In the same meeting, National Assembly (NA) Secretary Dr Surendra Aryal tabled the HoR message regarding the Appropriation Bill for the fiscal year 2082 BS (2025-26).
As one of the major highlights of the session, a ‘resolution motion on increasing citizens’ access to clean drinking water, granting facilities to sanitation institutions and committees, and establishing bleaching powder industries within Nepal’ was unanimously endorsed.
The resolution motion, proposed by lawmaker Jaga Prasad Sharma, was seconded by Krishna Bahadur Rokaya, Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami, Bhagawati Neupane, Madan Kumari Shah (Garima), and Mohammed Khalid.
Announcing the unanimous passage of the resolution motion, NA Chairperson Narayana Prasad Sharma directed the government to advance to its implementation phase. He also instructed the concerned committee to actively monitor the enforcement of the resolution.
Prior to that, lawmaker Sharma who proposed the resolution motion, presented the proposal entitled ‘Facilitating the Drinking Water and Sanitation Organizations/Committees to Enhance Access to Drinking Water Services for Every Citizen and to Open a Bleaching Powder Industry in Nepal.’
All lawmakers from the ruling side and the opposition side expressed their support for the proposal when it was presented in the Parliament for decision. The proposal was seconded by lawmakers Krishna Bahadur Rokaya, Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami, Bhagawati Neupane, Madan Kumari Shah, and Mohammad Khalid while registering it.
MP Sharma who brought up the proposal presented it in order to provide income tax and revenue exemption to the consumer committee and the organisations for establishing and operating a bleaching powder industry in the country.
“Water supply is purely a service oriented institution. It is the responsibility of the state to support, motivate, and encourage it. But it should not be treated as a profit-making organisation; such institutions should not be subjected to revenue and tax collection, VAT deductions, or interest charges,” he argued.
He mentioned that this proposal has been brought to ensure access to drinking water services for all and to make the management of drinking water services effective through consumer committees or organisations.
The resolution proposal has proposed for tax exemptions including revenue, income tax, VAT, etc for the consumer committee or organisation.
It is proposed to reduce the interest on loans provided by the Town Development Fund, to undertake public participation according to the National Water Supply and Sanitation Policy, 2080 BS, and to establish and operate a bleaching powder industry within the country. Likewise, it has been mentioned in the proposal to waive the electricity demand charges as well.
The proposal registered on May 20 was discussed in today’s meeting. NA Chair Dahal on the occasion informed that he has not received any notification regarding the amendment to the proposal.
In the discussions on the proposal, Dr Anjan Shakya stated that policy clarity is necessary for improving accessibility.
Lawmakers Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar, Bishnu Kumari Sapkota, Tulasa Kumari Dahal, Ghanashyam Rijal, Maya Prasad Sharma, Sumitra BC, Rajendra Lakshmi Gaire, and Krishna Prasad Adhikari expressed their views on the proposal and showed support to it.
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NA passes Appropriation Bill
Kathmandu, June 26: The meeting of the National Assembly (NA) today passed the Appropriation Bill, 2082.
A proposal tabled by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel seeking endorsement of the ‘Appropriation Bill, 2082′ was passed by a majority of the NA meeting.
Prior to this, Finance Minister Paudel responded to the NA members’ concerns during the theoretical discussion on the proposal stating that the upcoming fiscal year’s budget was implementable and balanced.
He said the budget was realistic and the Ministry has paid attention to achieve the results of the budget estimates.
Paudel added that the budget is made balanced even determining the size of the budget and resources management.
Likewise, Minister Paudel said that implementation of the budget was a shared responsibility of all ministries.
In today’s theoretical discussions, NA members Urmila Aryal, Padam Bahadur Pariyar, Gopal Bhattarai, Shekhar Kumar Singh, Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar, Tulasa Dahal, Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami and Sumitra BC shared their views.
The next meeting of the NA is summoned for Sunday.
The government had presented the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 in a joint meeting of the Federal Parliament on May 29.
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Stakeholders discuss migration governance, implementation of GCM commitments
Kathmandu, June 26: The “Asia-GCC Dialogue on Implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (GCM)” organized here by the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) concluded on Thursday.
The Dialogue witnessed participation of government representatives, international organizations, and non-state actors from across Asia and the Gulf region, according to the IOM.
The event provided a platform for countries and key partners to explore practical and comprehensive approaches to improve labour mobility and implementation of the GCM commitments.
In his inaugural speech, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Sharat Singh Bhandari reaffirmed Nepal’s commitment to improving migration governance.
Participants engaged in interactive sessions delving into GCM objectives, with a focus on developing regular migration pathways, promoting fair recruitment and decent work, advancing skills development and recognition, and enhancing migrant welfare and access to social protection, according to the IOM.
“Throughout these two days, we hope to share best practices that can help build on the work already achieved so far to strengthen labour governance across Asia and the GCC and ensure more is done to address ongoing issues and strengthen regular pathways between the two regions,” said Stuart Simpson, Deputy Regional Director for Operations, IOM Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.
This dialogue is built on the outcomes of the 2023 Asia-GCC Senior Officials Meeting and the Second GCM Regional Reviews of Middle East and North Africa and Asia and Pacific.
The Dialogue stressed the need for safer and more regular migration pathways, and explored practical, rights-based solutions. The discussion emphasized the importance of regional platforms and South-South cooperation in building trust between labour-sending and receiving countries, said Prajwal Sharma, the Head of Migration and Development at IOM Nepal
This dialogue also provided an avenue to discuss national and regional actions and prepare for the 2026 International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), where global progress on migration commitments will be reviewed. Policy recommendations from this event will contribute to the 2026 review.
The GCM provides a practical roadmap for aligning migration governance with national development priorities and global commitments under the 2030 Agenda.
The Asia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) corridor is among the world’s largest labour migration routes, sustaining economies across both regions. With over 25 million Asian migrants living and working in the GCC countries, strengthening migration pathways is essential, not only to safeguard migrant rights, but also to harness their skills for broader societal benefit.
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PHC receives seven complaints against proposed SC justices
Kathmandu, June 26: The Parliamentary Hearing Committee (PHC) has received five complaints against three proposed justices of the Supreme Court (SC) and two other complaints were received regarding the procedural issues of hearing process.
Committee President Ishwori Devi Neupane shared that two complaints were filed against Senior Advocate Meghraj Pokharel, two against Shreekant Poudel, Chief Judge of High Court, Janakpur, and one against Shanti Singh Thapa, Chief Judge of High Court Dipayal.
The Committee will hold discussions with complainants on Friday and conduct hearing on June 29. The Committee had called the complainants in today’s meeting.
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Sanskrit language is world’s treasure: President Paudel
Kathmandu, June 26: President Ramchandra Paudel has said the Sanskrit language was the world’s treasure adding that this language was not merely limited only in Nepal and India.
Addressing the World Sanskrit Conference today in Kathmandu, President Paudel argued that the Sanskrit language, literature and culture have imprinted deep impressions in South Asia and its impacts are worldwide now.
He shared, “The future of the Sanskrit language is promising due to the use of computer and AI. The present restless global society has expected hope and trust from the Sanskrit literature.”
The President opined that the Sanskrit conference should disseminate a message that protection and development of earth, humans and human civilization as well as happiness and satisfaction were possible only from peace, compassion and friendship.
Stating that Nepal has been working for the protection and development of Sanskrit, he mentioned that many works are still left to do and collaboration was necessary for this.
President Paudel added that Nepal is the birthplace, and a place for meditation for Rishi Maharshi (saints) since the ancient time, and also the Ved Vyas was born here. He added Rajashri Janak, Buddha, Panini and Baba Gorakshyanath are the treasures of this land.
Creation of thousands of texts in the Sanskrit language during Malla and Shah dynasties as well as in the present period has proved that Nepal is the fertile land for Sanskrit, not only the origin, he shared.
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‘We’ Mobile App launched in collaboration with Korean Govt.
Kathmandu, June 26: Government of the Republic of Korea has launched ‘We Mobile App’ to provide essential information related to employment in a simplified way to those who are in the foreign employment.
Launched with the financial support of the Government of Korea, the app will be operated with the support of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security of the Government of Nepal. The app was launched here in Kathmandu today.
On the occasion, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Sharat Singh Bhandari said that the government plans to ensure transparency and policy decisions through the use of digital technology in the labour market. He called for everyone’s cooperation adding that safe and limited labour management would be possible through collective efforts in collaboration with stakeholders.
The app includes resources for skill development, financial planning and mental health with a user-friendly interface in Nepali and English.
On the occasion, Korean Ambassador to Nepal Tae-young Park stated that the app will provide support and guidance based on the needs of the workers to access accurate, reliable and timely information.
He mentioned that the migrant workers who have returned home after working in South Korea are an important asset for the future of Nepal.
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‘Shram Sansar App’ launched to collect data on Nepalis living abroad
Kathmandu, June 26: The Government of Nepal has launched the ‘Shram Sansar App’, a digital platform designed to collect information and details of Nepalis living and working abroad. T
The app, launched jointly by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba and Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Sharad Singh Bhandari amid an event at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, aims to gather data on Nepalis in labour destination countries and the Nepali diaspora.
Once registered, users of the app will help the Nepali missions in the destination countries and the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Labour get real-time information about the status, locations and needs of the Nepalis in foreign lands.
The app will also help provide consular service and enable prompt rescue and help in emergency situations.
Addressing the event, Minister Rana viewed that the app would be instrumental in addressing problems facing Nepalis abroad.
She noted that the Ministry has been receiving complaints about the hardships endured by the Nepalis abroad. She said the app will help those who have reached the destination country without a work permit obtain a ‘legalised labour permit’ by issuing a work permit from the Nepali embassy in the relevant country.
“Especially for those who have reached various countries without a work permit and are currently working there, this ‘legalised labour permit’ has been arranged by issuing it from the relevant embassy for their protection and security. This does not mean that those who go illegally are encouraged”, she added.
The Foreign MInister informed that the ministry has already formed a task force to address the problems faced by the Nepali diaspora and implementation efforts are ongoing.
Simlarly, Labour Minister Bhandari said the app and the legalised labour permit would provide great relief in the foreign employment sector.
He said it will not only provide information about the states of Nepalis in foreign lands, but also provide a great help to Nepali workers without documents and labour permit and those deprived of basic services and facilities.
Arrangements have been made for the Nepali embassies in the relevant countries to regularly update the app, ensuring accuracy and effectiveness of the system.
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CJ Raut inspects Military Special Court
Kathmandu, June 26: Chief Justice (CJ) Prakashman Singh Raut on Thursday inspected the Military Special Court as part of regular inspection job of judicial organs from the Supreme Court.
Chief of Army Staff, Ashok Raj Sigdel, welcomed CJ Raut at Nepali Army Headquarters.
On the occasion, the CJ-led team enquired about the activities carried out by the Military Special Court.
Likewise, CJ Raut issued a special direction to the officials related to the military justice system.
Chief Judge of High Court Patan, Lal Bahadur Kunwar, Chairperson of Military Special Court, Lekhnath Poudel and Registrar of the Supreme Court, Bimal, Poudel, among others were present on the occasion.
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Cooperation of all needed in drug control: Chief Minister Karki
Inaruwa (Sunsari), June 26: Chief Minister of Koshi Province Hikmat Kumar Karki has said that the cooperation and coordination of all is necessary to control drug abuse in the society. At a programme organized by the District Police Office and Fan District Executive Committee in Sunsari headquarters Inaruwa today, he pointed out the need to move forward with everyone’s cooperation and coordination as everyone’s role will be important in drug control.
He stressed the need for individuals, families and society to play a coordinating role from their respective places as everyone has a role and responsibility in controlling drug abuse, which is an obstacle to the country’s development, prosperity and good governance.
Minister for Internal Affairs and Law, Revati Raman Bhandari said that the province government is on a campaign to control the abuse of drug.
He opined that everyone should cooperate as it would lead to a serious problem if the drug abuse could not be controlled in time.
Chief of the Koshi Province Police Office, Deputy Inspector General of Police Ishwar Karki said that all efforts should be made to reduce the use of drugs in the society.
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Pokhara-Jomsom flight suspended for two months
Mustang, June 26: Private airlines have decided to suspend the Pokhara-Jomsom flights for two months due to the declining number of passengers in the route during the rainy season.
Tara Airlines’ Jomsom station in-charge Sujan Lalchhan said that the company has decided to suspend its flights for two months from June 16. Tara Airlines has been regularly operating the flights on this routine.
According to him, Tara Airlines will resume flights from the first week of September. “Due to low number of passengers and adverse weather conditions, Tara Airlines has suspended flights,” he clarified.
Likewise, Summit Airlines has also announced the flights suspension on this route for two months from July 4. Suman Thakali, the station in-charge of Summit Airlines in Jomsom, said the decision was taken to suspend Pokhara-Jomsom flight for two months citing lower number of passengers.
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Drishti Weekly’s Editor Shrestha granted Rs 25,000 bail
Kathmandu, June 26: The Editor of Drishti Weekly Shambhulal Shrestha and Editor of drishtinews.com MP Subba have been released on bail on Thursday.
After a hearing on contempt of court, the Special Court granted Rs 25,000 bail to Shrestha and Subba.
A division bench of Chairman of Special Court Tek Narayan Kunwar, members Tej Narayan Singh Rai, Ram Bahadur Thapa, Murari Babu Shrestha, Ritendra Thapa and Bidur Koirala ordered the release of the two journalists after the hearing and recording their statements.
Lawyers Dinesh Tripathi, Dekendra Subedi, Anantaraj Luintel and other legal practitioners defended the case on behalf of Drishti Media.
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