Kathmandu, June 18: Though there is influence of monsoon in Sindhupalchowk and its upper basin area there is possibility of light to moderate rainfall because the influence is weak, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
Issuing a press release on Wednesday, the Department stated that there is possibility of moderate rainfall based on the analysis of weather patterns.
Meanwhile, the District Administration Office, Sindhupalchowk, has urged all those living in and around the costal areas of Bhotekoshi and Sunkoshi rivers to adopt precautions, based on the information received from police office in China, who have predicted heavy rainfall in Tibet.
The Department shared that it has been continuously monitoring the weather condition and flood in present condition where there is influence of monsoon. It would continuously update the information about weather and flood.
It has urged the people there to adopt precautions based on the updated information.
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Nepal beat Scotland by two wickets
Kathmandu, June 18: Nepal has beaten the host Scotland by two wickets in the match held in Glasgow, Scotland on Tuesday under the T20 Tri-Nation Series.
Nepal completed the moderate target of 98 runs presented by Scotland in 19.5 overs with eight wickets down.
To steer Nepal to victory, opener Kushal Bhurtel contributed 30 runs. Likewise, Dipendra Singh Airee gathered 14 runs, Basir Ahamad 13 and Kiran Thagunna 10 while other batters could not score in double digits.
Put to bat first in the third match of the Series, the host was restricted to a meagre 97 runs at the loss of all wickets.
Nepal’s leg spinner Sandeep Lamichhane took 4 wickets for 18 runs including a maiden in his full quota of 4 overs. Karan KC and Dipendra Singh Airee took 2 wickets each while Lalit Rajbansi took one wicket.
For the home team, only three batsmen could score in double digits, the highest being 46 runs by Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen scored 10 runs while captain Matthew Cross scored 15 runs before he was bowled out to Lamichanne.
With the performance in the match, Karan KC has registered 100 wickets in T20 International Cricket. He is the second after Lamichhane to make the record.
Lamichhane was declared the ‘player of the match’ in the play today.
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Heavy rainfall forecast in some places of four provinces
Kathmandu, June 18: The monsoon winds have an influence in some places of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and some eastern areas of Lumbini Province.
Likewise, there is a partial influence of westerly and local winds in the western parts of the country.
The Meteorological Forecasting Division has reported that there is also a partial influence of the low-pressure area formed around West Bengal of India.
The weather this afternoon is expected to remain generally cloudy across the country. There is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in many places of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, as well as some places in other provinces. Heavy to extremely heavy rainfall is likely to take place in one or two areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces. Light rain and snowfall are also possible in some parts of the high hills and mountainous regions of the country.
According to the Division, the weather will remain generally to fully cloudy across the country tonight.
There is a possibility of light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning in many places of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces, as well as some places in other provinces.
Heavy rainfall is predicted in some places of Koshi, Madhesh, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces. In some parts of the high hills and mountainous regions of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, as well as one or two places in the high hills and mountainous regions of other provinces, light rain and snow is likely to occur.
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13 high-performing local governments of Kavre honoured
Kavrepalanchowk, June 18: The 13 local governments of Kavre district with high performance were honoured.
The local governments were honoured amidst the 8th assembly and progress review programme of the District Coordination Committee for the fiscal year 2081/82.
Mahabharat Municipality was feted for being able to keep arrears zero in the current fiscal year, while Banepa Municipality was recognized for being top in the district in the assessment of National Natural Resource and Fiscal Commission.
Likewise, Khanikhola ranked top rural municipality in the district and Namobuddha ranked top among the municipalities in LISA were feted.
Similarly, Dhulikhel has been honoured for successfully declaring itself a health municipality, Bethanchok Municipality for its excellent work in disaster relief and rescue, Rosi Municipality for being outstanding in local government financial governance, Bhumlun for being declared a forest fire-free municipality, Mandandeupur for having the least unemployment among municipalities, Panauti Municipality for its excellence in livestock insurance programmes.
Temal Municipality was recognized for exemplary work in the field of non-communicable diseases, Panchkhal Municipality for boosting income, and Chaurideurali Municipality for outstanding work in the distribution of social security allowances.
Kathmandu University’s Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Achyut Wagley, District Disaster Management Officer Komal Shah, officials from Armed Police Force 15 Battalion, Shrimayor Battalion, and heads of national security agencies including National Investigation were also feted on the same occasion.
Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Kavrepalanchok chapter was also honoured for its contribution through dissemination of information during the disaster.
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Blacktopping of Kakadbhitta-Laukahi section begins
Belbari (Morang), June 18: Blacktopping has begun on the Kakadbhitta-Laukahi section of the ‘Asian Highway’, which aims to connect Asian nations through the road network.
According to Jagat Prajapati, the head of the eastern section office in Itahari, blacktopping of one lane has started on Tuesday from the Lakshmi road.
Around 23 percent of the work has been completed within 15 months since the signing of construction agreement.
Though it was stated earlier to upgrade the 120-km road from Kankadbhitta to Laukahi under Asian Highway Number 2, currently works are being done on 95.76 kilometers.
The target as shared is to blacktop at least 10 kilometers within the current fiscal year.
According to Sunil Babu Pant, the head of the eastern section office in Damak, 21 percent of the work in the eastern section has been completed.
The target is also to blacktop 10 kilometers in the eastern section during the current fiscal year.
At least 50 culverts have been built in the eastern section, and 70 in the western section.
This Highway will be 50 meters wide in market areas, 24 meters in forests, and 33 meters in rural areas.
With financial support of the Asian Development Bank, the work had started since February 2024.
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Beshisahar-Chame road obstructed
Lamjung, June 18: Landslide has obstructed the Besisahar-Chame road section. The road has been disrupted after landslide occurred this morning nearby the Bung Falls in Lamjung Marsyangdi Rural Municipality.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ramesh Bohora informed that the landslide was occurred due to incessant rainfall. Efforts are underway to remove the landslide debris, he said.
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Price of gold continues rise
Kathmandu, June 18: The price of gold has been going up in the international market since June 10 and this has its effect in the domestic market as well.
The price of gold increased by Rs 900 and that of silver by Rs 65 per tola (11.66 grammes), compared to Tuesday, when market opened for trading today. The Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association stated that the price of the yellow metal is Rs 195,500 and that of silver Rs 2,225 per tola today.
According to the international media, the price of gold is 3,393 US dollars per ounce in the international market today.
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Top leaders of three big parties meeting today
Kathmandu, June 18: A meeting of the top leaders of the three big parties, including the Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, is taking place here today.
The meeting will convene at 3.00pm at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers (OPMCM) in Singha Durbar.
Prime Minister and Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (UML) Oli, President of the Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba, and Chairperson of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ will attend the meeting, the Prime Minister’s personal secretary Uday Pokharel said.
In the meeting, the top leaders of the three big parties will discuss on the ongoing obstruction of the meeting of the House of Representatives by the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), as well as on contemporary issues.
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NC decides to mourn the demise of leader Shastri for three days
Kathmandu, June 18: The Nepali Congress (NC) has decided to mourn the passing of its former central committee member and former minister, Dhundiraj Shastri, for three days, beginning today. Shastri died on June 16 in the course of treatment at Kathmandu Medical College. He was 89.
An emergency meeting of the party’s Central Executive Committee held today expressed profound sorrow over Shastri’s demise and endorsed a condolence motion.
In accordance with the decision, the party flag will be flown at half-mast at the central, provincial, and district-level offices from June 18 to June 20. Additionally, all NC offices nationwide will remain closed on June 19. On the 13th day of his passing, the party will organize condolence assemblies at its offices to commemorate the late leader’s contributions to the party’s strengthening and bringing political transformation in the country.
The meeting observed a minute of silence, praying for eternal peace for the departed soul.
Shastri, widely respected as a socialist thinker, had a long and distinguished career in Nepali politics. A devoted follower of BP Koirala, he began his political journey as a student and played a vital role in Nepal’s democratic movements. His commitment to democratic socialism was unwavering, and he endured imprisonment and exile in India for his activism.
Born on Jeth 25, 1993 BS in Kimdanda, Arghakhanchi, Shastri was elected to the House of Representatives from Arghakhanchi Constituency-2 in the general elections of 2048 BS (1991) and 2051 BS (1994).
The NC has paid high tribute to Shastri’s lifelong dedication, loyalty and contributions to nationalism, democracy, and socialism.
In a statement today, the party acknowledged his intellectual legacy, political experience, and key roles in shaping and strengthening the party organization. The NC stated that his commitment and service to both the party and the nation will ever be remembered with high reverence.
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Process starts for operating Nepal’s consulate general in Dallas
Texas (USA), June 18: The Government of Nepal has officially initiated the necessary process for the operation of a consulate office in Dallas, Texas, USA.
Suresh Adhikari, who has been appointed as the Joint Secretary and Consul General by the Government of Nepal for Dallas, has said that the process for establishing the office has already begun.
At a reception cum felicitation programme organized by the Nepali community in Texas on Tuesday in Dallas, the Consul General informed that services will begin after the selection of the consulate’s location and approval from the U.S. government.
The newly established consulate in Dallas will serve the Nepali community residing not only in Texas but also in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Kansas, Mississippi, and Colorado.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assigned four staff members to the Consulate General. Among them, Under Secretary Dhana Joshi is currently in Dallas engaging in discussions and coordination with leaders of the Nepali community.
Leaders of the Nepali community attending the programme expressed their commitment to provide full support, stating that the establishment of the Consulate General in Dallas is a necessity and asset for the Nepali community.
The Nepali society, along with various organizations of the Nepali community in Texas, has been making efforts for a long time for the establishment of a consulate in Texas.
In the programme, Rajendra Wagle, the president of the Nepali Society of Texas, expressed gratitude to everyone who supported the campaign for establishing a consulate in Dallas.
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Ramghat farmers attracted to commercial litchi farming
Birendranagar (Surkhet), June 18: Farmers in Ramghat of Bheriganga municipality of Surkhet district are increasingly turning to commercial litchi farming, moving away from traditional maize cultivation.
This shift comes as local farmers found the reason for switching to these crops. They have realised the ‘higher’ profitability of litchi and mango as major cash crops in the area. In recent years, these fruits have gained popularity among farmers who are now growing them not only on field edges and nearby open spaces but also in their home yards.
As they said, litchi and mango farming offers them promising economic returns compared to conventional crops like maize.
At Ramghat, farmers are presently busy harvesting litchis. Each day, they are spotted plucking bunches of ripe fruits with the help of ladders.
Rupa Dhaulakoti of Ramghat-11 shared with RSS that her annual earnings from litchi and mango farming which has now been the main source of her family’s income have been satisfactory. The 46-year-old has planted around 30 litchi trees and 150 mango trees across around four bigha of land (one bigha equals 72,900 square feet). The trees, planted 25 years ago, are now yielding good returns.
“This year, mango fruits couldn’t resist the strong winds, but the litchis remained undamaged,” she said.
Ripe litchis are sold directly from the orchard at prices ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 150 per kg. It means farmers have no difficulty in finding a market for the produce. According to her, her annual income from litchis exceeds Rs 100,000. “With this income, I’ve managed household expenses and made some savings as well,” she added.
Consumers prefer fruits from domestic orchards as they are considered to contain fewer pesticides compared to imported ones.
Like Rupa, Tek Bahadur Dhamala of Ramghat-11 is also currently harvesting litchis. His orchard spans five ropanis of land (one ropani is equal to 508.72 square meters). Despite some pesticide attacks this year, he reports an income of around Rs 100,000 from litchi farming.
Dhamala said that litchi cultivation will give good returns. “The production is good if irrigation and other inputs are applied on time and the plants are looked after well, and it fetches good price in the market. The demand for litchi is also high at present,” he said.
Most houses in Ramghat have two to four litchi trees. Some farmers have started to expand litchi cultivation commercially.
“Many farmers in the village have started cultivating litchi now. Litchi has become attractive because it requires little initial investment and there is no lack of market as well,” he added.
According to him, the farmers have been attracted to litchi farming as the government provides fertilizers, technical support, and market assurance.
Currently, farmers in Ramghat have been selling litchi in the markets of their own area, and in Birendranagar, Nepalgunj and Dang.
According to Suraj BC, the head of the Agriculture Development Branch of Bheriganga Municipality, wards number 11 and 13 of Ramghat are the main centers for litchi and mango production.
He said, “The environmental conditions are suitable for commercial litchi cultivation in ward number 12, 7, and 8 of Ramghat. The weather and soil here are favourable for fruit cultivation.”
According to BC, the head of the Agriculture Development Branch, the Bheriganga Municipality is implementing a grant programme to attract farmers towards fruit cultivation.
Various fruits are currently being cultivated commercially in the Ramghat area. Mangoes are grown on 29.9 hectares, oranges on 3.1 hectares, bananas on 16 hectares, lemons on 7.8 hectares, and litchi on 13.5 hectares. Almost 80 percent of the land in the Ramghat area is covered by wards number 11 and 13.
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Improving living standard, achieving nation’s prosperity are goals set by constitution and republic: President Paudel
Kathmandu, June 18: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that improving the living standards of the people and achieving prosperity of the nation is the very goal of our constitution and federal democratic republic.
During the distribution ceremony of the Pushpalal National Award 2082 today, he mentioned that the struggles, sacrifices of senior leaders, and the great sacrifice of the Nepali people led to the attainment of the federal democratic republic, highlighting the improvement in the living standards of the people and the prosperity of the country.
The Award is instituted in the name of the founder leader of the Nepal Communist Party, the late Pushpalal Shrestha. The Award carries a purse of Rs 100 thousand and it is presented by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation every year.
On the occasion, President Paudel honored Shanta Manavi from the field of politics, Dr. Medini Prasad Sedai for his contributions to history, and Ram Mani Pokhrel for his work in literature.
“Through the proper utilization of our means and resources with efficiency in service delivery to the people and the promotion of good governance, the goals set by democracy and the constitution will be achieved. Only by achieving this goal will there be a true tribute to the leaders who have dedicated themselves to democracy,” the Head of State said.
The President mentioned that the late Pushpalal also contributed by meticulously documenting the economic structure, class analysis, production systems and the contradictions of society in Nepal.
The Head of State said, “Pushpalal is that personality who succeeded in creating and establishing a distinct line of thought and identity even among the communists. Though he belonged to the Marxist ideology and the theory of class struggle, he firmly believed that solutions to problems could be explored and found out through democratic processes.”
“I personally believe that Pushpalal’s ideology laid significant intellectual foundation for taking the Nepali communists to democratic processes,” the President said, adding that the 2046 BS (1990’s) political transformation is a testament to prove this statement.
Also speaking on the occasion, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, said that Pushpalal’s ideology was vital and meaningful in shaping and guiding Nepal’s leftist movement.
Dr Beduram Bhusal of CPN (Unified Socialist) said the 1990’s political transformation proved the relevancy of Pushpalal’s ideology that advocated for taking the left-democratic wave simultaneously.
Honoured politician Manavi talked about her experiences that how she dedicated her days for bringing changes in the society during the autocratic Panchayat system.
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Deputy Speaker Rana leaves for South Africa
Kathmandu, June 18: Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar today left here for South Africa to attend a high-level dialogue on democracy taking place in Pretoria on June 19-20.
She is scheduled to attend the high-level dialogue on “Re-Imagining Democracy in Africa: Comparative Experiences from the Global South” to be organised by the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, the Open Society Foundation and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa.
The Deputy Speaker is scheduled to return home on June 22.
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High-level Good Governance Commission’s first meeting held
Kathmandu, June 18: The High-level Good Governance Commission held its maiden meeting today. The meeting was chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
The meeting held at the Prime Minister’s Office in Singha Durbar discussed about the purpose of forming the commission, determining the scope of work, and the priority agenda.
The second full meeting will be held next week to promptly nominate representatives from political parties, experts, and the private sector.
The Cabinet meeting on April 21 formed a 15-member commission under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Oli.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, and Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Rajkumar Gupta among others are in the commission.
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President certifies Sahid Dasharath Chand Health Science University Bill
Kathmandu, June 18: President Ramchandra Paudel has certified the Bill Designed to Provide for the Sahid Dasharath Chand Health Science University.
The President certified the Bill, which was passed by both houses of the Federal Parliament and presented before him for certification, has been certified today in accordance with Article 113 (2) of the Constitution of Nepal, the Office of the President stated.
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Interaction on Nepal-China trade facilitation and border management held
Kathmandu, June 18: The Consulate General of Nepal in Lhasa organized interactions in Lomanthang and Jomsom focusing on Nepal-China trade facilitation and border management.
During the discussion in Lomanthang, Chairperson of Loghekar Damodarkunda Rural Municipality, Raju Bista, and Chairperson of Lomanthang Rural Municipality, Tashi Nurbu, along with other local representatives, participated actively in the dialogue.
Chief District Office of Mustang, Bishnu Prasad Bhusal, people’s representatives, social workers and chiefs of security bodies joined the Jomsom discussions.
In both interactions, participants stressed the need for basic infrastructure including water, electricity, and workforce support for a four-room building constructed by the provincial government on the Nepali side along the Nepal-China border in Korala.
As they said, this facility is intended to facilitate trade between Nepal and China.
According to them, in contrast, the Chinese side has already developed advanced physical infrastructure at the Korala transit point on their territory.
A key issue raised was the implementation of a provision that requires foreign nationals to pay a minimum of USD 500 to enter Upper Mustang, which is a restricted area.
The participants called for the immediate construction of integrated infrastructure at the Korala border point to provide immigration, customs, quarantine, and other services so as to facilitate the regulated entry of foreign nationals into Upper Mustang.
Addressing both events, Consul General Laxmi Prasad Niraula pledged to make efforts to address the concerns raised by the local stakeholders.
He also held separate discussions with senior officials from customs, immigration, local authorities, and port management offices in Drongpa, in Xizang of China. On that occasion, both the Nepali and Chinese sides expressed their commitment to taking initiatives from their respective ends to manage and operationalize the Korala border point effectively.
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NA Chair stresses on entrepreneurship based on science and technology
Patan (Lalitpur), June 18: The Chairman of the National Assembly (NA), the upper house of the Federal Parliament, Narayan Prasad Dahal, has said that the state should take the initiative for the development of entrepreneurship based on science and technology.
Addressing the youth scientist conference organized by the National Youth Council in Lalitpur today, he emphasized the need for a clear state policy, adequate investment, a system of cooperation, and infrastructure development for the promotion of entrepreneurship based on scientific research and technology.
“Nepal is unable to achieve significant success at the international level in the field of scientific research and innovation due to the lack of conducive research structures and infrastructure, insufficient government investment, and the absence of a system to transform innovations into businesses; thus, the state must take these issues seriously,” he said.
He stressed on the need to utilize the creative plans, skills, and capabilities present in the youth for nation-building.
The National Assembly Chair emphasized the need to build a clear legal framework for research grants, innovation funds, strengthening technical education, and protecting intellectual property rights.
He expressed his commitment to take the initiative to make science and technology-related laws youth-friendly.
NA Chair Dahal expressed confidence that the bills, including the Information Technology and Cyber Security Bill, the Social Media Bill, the National Forensic Science Laboratory Bill, and the Media Council Bill, are currently under discussion in the federal parliament and will be passed soon.
The conference organized in collaboration with the National Youth Council, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Robotics Association of Nepal, among other organisations, had participation from young scientists, researchers, and youth innovating in technology.
The Executive Vice President of the National Youth Council, Surendra Basnet, said that the conference will include an exhibition of innovative technologies along with a programme for exchanging ideas on various scientific topics by the experts.
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Government advised to choose Dukuchhap not Khokana as zero point of Kathmandu/Terai Fast Track
Kathmandu, June 18: The Indigenous Nationalities Commission today called on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today with the submission that the starting point for the Kathmandu-Terai/Madhesh Fast Track/ Expressway be shifted to Dukuchhap of Godavari municipality-8 from Phudol of Khokana in Lalitpur.
During the meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singha Durbar, Commission Chair Ram Bahadur Thapa Magar presented the submission of the study report to the Prime Minister.
The document states that the proposed zero point of the project at Phudol in Khokana, Lalitpur metropolis–21, poses a risk of displacement for the indigenous Newar community and violates the human rights of the local residents.
The report highlights the identity of Khokana as a religious and cultural heritage of the Newar community, indicating that why it is not appropriate to implement the road construction project here. Furthermore, the report recommends that the government obtain prior informed consent from the local indigenous communities before deciding to implement development projects.
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Labour and Employment Ministry concerned over safety of Nepalis in Iran, Israel
Kathmandu, June 18: The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security has decided to write to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requesting it to direct Nepal’s diplomatic missions to take necessary measures for ensuring the safety of Nepali workers in Israel and Iran.
This move comes in response to the ongoing conflict between the two countries and aims to mitigate potential risks to Nepali citizens residing or working in the affected regions.
A meeting of the concerned stakeholders held under the convenorship of Secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar, also decided to collect regular updates on the status of Nepali nationals in Israel, Iran, and neighbouring affected areas through diplomatic channels.
In line with the meeting’s decisions, the Ministry will provide counseling and up-to-date travel information to address the safety needs of Nepalis engaged in foreign employment.
The Ministry has been tasked with staying on standby to carry out relief, rescue, and safe repatriation operations for Nepalis in Israel, Iran, and other affected areas, as required. If necessary, the Ministry will coordinate with third countries for transit arrangements during repatriation efforts.
Furthermore, the meeting has recommended mobilizing the Labour Migration and Foreign Employment Resolution Taskforce, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as an emergency response team to support these efforts.
It has been decided to request the relevant authorities to take necessary initiatives for the security and assistance of Nepali citizens in the respective countries through security diplomacy, and to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation to arrange for a waiver of additional fees that may be incurred in the case of transferring air tickets for Nepalis going for foreign employment to Israel, Iran, and affected neighboring countries.
Secretary Pushkar said the meeting instructed the bodies concerned to prepare the statistics of Nepali citizens currently in foreign employment in Israel, Iran, and other affected neighbouring countries by obtaining labour approval.
The meeting has directed the Department of Foreign Employment, the Foreign Employment Board, and the Social Security Fund to prepare for the expansion of ‘virtual’ and ‘telemedicine’ services to provide mental health counseling services to and the immediate rescue of Nepali citizens in Israel, Iran, and the affected neighbouring countries.
The Ministry has requested for taking necessary precautions as per the notice issued by the relevant country and the Government of Nepal.
Attendees in the meeting included the secretary of the relevant parliamentary committee and the representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Departments of Immigration and Foreign Employment, and representatives from umbrella organizations in the private sector.
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Incessant rainfall obstructs highways
Kathmandu, June 18: The incessant rainfall that occurred at different places of the country has obstructed different highways, while limiting some to one-way traffic.
According to the Nepal Police Headquarters, the Araniko highway at Kodari of Bhotekoshi rural municipality-2, Larcha of Bhotekoshi-3 and Koplad of Bhotekoshi-2 in Sindhupalchowk have been completely obstructed.
Similarly, Bheri corridor of Tripurasundari municipality-1 in Dolpa district and Gokuleshwor Khalanga highway at Mahakali municipality-5 in Darchula district have come to a standstill.
Likewise, only one-way traffic is operational at Jumla-Mugu road section in Jumla district, Kaligandaki Corridor in Gulmi district and Rabi-Rake-Bhedetar road in Dhankuta district, added the Police headquarters.
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One held with 1.15kg of gold from TIA
Kathmandu, June 18: Police have arrested a person in possession of 1.15kg of gold from the Tribhuvan International Airport.
Spokesperson of Nepal Police, Binod Ghimire, said that an Indian national, Minasurjeet Singh Khemani, 53, was arrested from the TIA. “Khemani had arrived in Kathmandu from Sharjah, UAE in the flight of the Air Arabia,”
The yellow metal was found wrapped with plastic in her possession, Spokesperson Ghimire said, adding that further investigation was underway.
She was held from the Tunnel Gate of arrival customs area.
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Photos in RSS expo beautiful and knowledgeable: Pakistani envoy
Kathmandu, June 18: Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal, Abrar H Hashmi, has said the photographs on display in the photo exhibition organized by Rastriya Samachar Samiti are knowledgeable, while also being very beautiful.
Observing the photo exhibition held under the theme ‘Mountain Tourism: Our Pride, Our Identity’ on the occasion of the 18th Republic Day at RSS central office today, the Pakistani Ambassador mentioned that the matter raised through the expo are worth exploring.
Even without reaching the mountains I got a chance to see them through lenses of RSS journalists, Ambassador Hashmi said.A total of 96 pictures have put on display in the expo that began from May 25.
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Govt to receive Rs 50.51 billion soft loan from WB
Kathmandu, June 18: The government has decided to accept Rs 50.51 billion in soft loan provided by the World Bank for various projects ranging from roads to bridges. The subsidized loan would be utilized for the projects of strategic road network and upgrading of trade route and bridges.
Spokesperson of the government and Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, told media persons that WB Group was providing Nepal some Rs 29.72 billion for strategic road network and trade route upgrading projects and around Rs 20.79 billion grant for the third phase of bridge upgrading project.
The Minister shared it while making public the Cabinet decisions. As per the Cabinet decision, the government will also accept the grants of some Rs 1.8 billion to be provided by South Korea for the enforcement of project on inclusive rural development in Bardiya district.
The minister was sharing the decisions the government made in the Cabinet meeting held on Monday. Accordingly, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli would visit Spain, leading a Nepali delegation from June 30 to July 5.
It was decided to table an agreement to be made with WTO on fishery in the federal parliament.
The Cabinet also made transfers of the some high officials including secretaries. DIG of the Armed Police Force, Ganesh Bahadur Thadamagar, would be promoted to the post of AIG and made appointment accordingly.
A Nepali delegation will be formed to attend the 16th meeting of Nepal-India bilateral consultation group to be held in Pune, India on June 23-24.
Similarly, use of 43.66 hectares of land in the national forest covering Nawalparasi Purba area would be allowed for constructing the 400-KV double circuit power transmission by the Millennium Challenge Account Nepal Development Committee (MCA).
The government also endorsed the foreign visits of some ministers in the international events including that of Minister Gurung- in the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20), and the AI for Good Summit, 2025 being held in Geneva, Switzerland from July 7 to July 11.
The Cabinet also provided approval to acquire the membership of the International Big Cat Alliance or IBCA. The Alliance is a global initiative launched by India in 2023 to facilitate collaboration in the protection and conservation of seven big cat species: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah.
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Promotion of mountains necessary for ecotourism: Ambassador Park
Kathmandu, June 18: South Korean Ambassador to Nepal Park Tae-young has said that promotion of mountains is necessary for the development of ecotourism.
After observing a photo exhibition held on the theme of ‘Mountain Tourism: Our Pride, Our Identity’ organized by Rastriya Samachar Samiti on the occasion of the 18th Republic Day today, he said that the photos related to the mountains displayed in the exhibition are beautiful as well as informative.
He mentioned that the photo exhibition also provides information about the status of the mountainous areas. A total of 96 pictures have put on display in the expo that began from May 25.
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UNESCO Nepal Representative calls on Minister Gurung
Kathmandu, June 18: UNESCO Representative to Nepal and Head of the Office, Jaco du Toit, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, on Wednesday.
During the meeting held at Ministry, UNESCO Representative Toit learned about the Digital Nepal Framework and various bills the Ministry was forwarding.
Minister Gurung shared the information that a bill relating to social networking site was tabled in the parliament in a bid to manage the speech via social networking sites that he argued could disturb social harmony, national unity and sovereignty. Similarly, he said Nepal had adopted the policy to make people digitally literate, and foster IT development.
UNESCO Representative made commitment to collaborate with the Nepal government to realize the aims set by the Digital Nepal Framework. He also agreed on the issue that all social media users including youths were in need of right use with proper literacy.
Also attending the meeting was Ministry Secretary Radhika Aryal, IT officials and others.
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No shortage of funds for disaster management, says FM
Kathmandu, June 18: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel has said that the government will ensure budget for disaster management in the country.
In a discussion held with a joint team of elected people’s representatives from Lalitpur district on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister Poudel said that the disaster-induced floods and landslides will be managed as soon as possible.
Expressing his commitment to allocate budget through the concerned ministry in necessary coordination with the NDRRMA, he also responded positively to all the issues raised by the all-party team of people’s representatives.
The team led by Nepali Congress leader and House of Representatives member Udaya Shumsher Rana sought funds for immediate reconstruction of settlements and structures damaged due to the floods that occurred last monsoon.
The team also urged that the budget of Rs 250 million allocated for the Lele-Bhardeu-Chandanpur-Thuladurlung road be mobilized as a multi-year project. The team has demanded immediate compensation for those impacted by the Satdobato-Chapagaun and Satdobato-Godavari road expansion works.
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Interim order to not suspend KMC police chief
Kathmandu, June 18: The High Court, Patan has issued an interim order to the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) asking it not to suspend its police chief Rajunath Pande.
A division bench of high court Judge Rishi Rajbhandari and Dilliratna Shrestha ordered KMC to give continuity to municipal police chief Pande in his work. Information to this was shared by information officer at High Court, Parbati Hitan.
Chief Administrative Officer at KMC, Saroj Guragain, had suspended Pande on June 3 for six months. Against this, Pande had filed a writ petition of certiorari.
Pande has been allowed to continue his works till the final hearing of the petition.
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