-Siddharaj Rai
Kathmandu, May 28: Nepal is a country rich in social, cultural, linguistic, geographical and ecological diversity. It is full of natural beauty and boasts of varied geography from the Tarai plains to the towering Himalayas.
The essence of tourism is to visit new places, engage in new activities, explore and understand new topics, and enjoy one’s mind. The geographical diversity is a unique identity of Nepal. Geographical diversity has played a significant role in enhancing Nepal’s tourism potential and activities.
This diversity has made mountain climbing, which falls under adventure tourism, possible. For this purpose, Nepal is one of the most attractive destinations in the world. Climbing in Nepal holds a significant and appealing place in the overall tourism sector. The Government of Nepal has opened climbing on more than four hundred mountains, including the highest peak, Sagarmatha or Mt Everest, and all eight mountains that are above eight thousand metres tall.
Mountaineering activities in Nepal can be traced back a century. The first attempt to climb Mount Everest was made in 1921, and studies from that period reveal that a route to climb Mount Everest was discovered. The British government formed the first team to attempt climbing Everest, led by Lieutenant Colonel George Mallory and other climbers and surveyors. This team found a route from Tibet to Everest base camp during the spring of 1921 and is recorded to have reached an altitude of nearly seven thousand metres from the Tibetan side of Everest before turning back. This place is now referred to as the North Col.
The successful ascent of Annapurna in 1950 marks the first attempt of humans to scale mountains above eight thousand metres. On May 29, 1953, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepali Tenzing Norgay Sherpa succeeded in setting foot on the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, for the first time. After this, it would not be an exaggeration to say that mountaineering in Nepal attracted global attention. Along with this, the lakes, waterfalls, adventure sports, and natural beauty found in Nepal’s Mahabharat and Chure mountain ranges have elevated Nepal’s tourism to new heights.
The presence of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, along with the majestic Himalaya mountain range, has established Nepal as a ‘mountain destination.’ The mountain ranges are our pride and identity. The tourism industry flourishing in these ranges can quickly provide results for economic improvement. If tourism is developed and flourishes, we can achieve economic prosperity in no time. The national aspiration, ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepalis’, put forth by the government can be profoundly supported by the tourism sector.
It is believed that as the number of tourists increases, our sources of economic income will grow exponentially. Whether through taking tourists around, providing accommodation and meals, showcasing our art and culture, or selling various products, there are numerous possibilities for significant income generation.
Branding the Himalayas through ecotourism
Branding the Himalayas and building physical infrastructure is the current necessity. We notice that foreign media is also making the activities related to Nepal’s mountains main news. Himalayan tourism will be a new option in the future. We believe that Nepal should take advantage of this.
Recently, the number of trekking tourists in Nepal has increased. There is a growing attraction for trekkers in areas like Mount Everest, the Annapurna region, Langtang, Karnali, eastern regions like Kanchanjangha, and around Pokhara and the Kathmandu Valley. To further enrich mountain tourism, we can only achieve the expected economic success if we manage trekking tourism in an organized manner. Trekking tourism respects the activities of tourists that engage in clean recreation and acquire different experiences without affecting local resources. Tourism in the mountainous regions of Nepal is based on natural and cultural heritages. The reality that we have not been able to fully utilize this is before us. The Himalayas and mountains are invaluable treasures of nature. This region is also recognized as a key area of biodiversity.
In recent days, the mountains and peaks are facing significant impacts of climate change. As the impacts of climate change intensify, the Himalayan region of Nepal has experienced the most adverse environmental impacts. Glaciers are melting, snow is disappearing from the mountains, and challenges arise from irregular weather patterns in the mountainous region. There are serious risks to the livelihoods of communities in the hills and nearby areas, along with agriculture, water resources, and biodiversity. The impact of climate change in the mountains can have far-reaching effects on lower and coastal areas. These issues have yet to receive adequate voice and discussion on the global stage.
There has been no much study and discussion on climate change impact in the mountain areas. It is necessary to invest in adequate research. Continuous dialogue on climate change is essential. In this context, our understanding is that the Sagarmatha Sambaad, a multi-stakeholder dialogue, organized by the government from May 16-18 has attempted, to some extent, to highlight the impact of climate change on Nepal’s mountains in an international forum.
However, with political changes, the perspective on climate change issues also appears to have shifted. This has caused difficulties in bringing Nepal’s issues to the discussion at international forums. Instead of raising issues only during occasional forums for seeking economic support, a continuous campaign must be conducted. Based on the facts obtained from research, it is necessary to review how work is being carried out.
Development should be carried out by enhancing and not degrading the nature. Those who speak can raise issues themselves. But we must also voice for nature conservation and protecting the mother Earth. It seems that this subject is today’s main responsibility. Keeping this in mind, Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) has organized a photo exhibition on mountain tourism.
On the occasion of this year’s Republic Day, a photo exhibition titled ‘Mountain Tourism: Our Pride, Our Identity’ has been organized to support Nepal’s mountain tourism and augment to the ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ programme. This photo exhibition aims to collect and archive photos clicked by RSS photojournalists, preserve the photos published in RSS bulletins for handing down these invaluable assets to future generations. The photo exhibition provides information about the state and potential of mountain tourism in Nepal and gives information about Nepal’s mountains, the mountain lifestyle and activities.
Photos depicting the eight-thousand-meter-high and notable mountains of Nepal, the lifestyle of the people in the Himalayan region, foreign dignitaries who have reached the mountain ranges, tourist destinations in the hilly areas, lakes and ponds have been kept in the exhibition. Journalists from RSS have tried to showcase Nepal’s mountain tourism through nearly one hundred photographs taken by them and published in the news agency’s bulletins. The photos displayed in the exhibition are merely an effort to highlight the tourism developing in Nepal’s mountain and Himalayan regions.
[The author is the General Manager of RSS]
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08- Price of gold decreases
Kathmandu, May 28: The price of gold has slightly decreased while that of silver has increased in the domestic market today as compared to their price the previous day.
Today the price of gold has gone down by Rs 1,600 and that of silver gone up by Rs 10 per tola (11.66 grammes), according to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association.
The price of gold in the international market is 3,326 US dollars per ounce today.
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09- Earthquake tremor felt in Kaski
Kathmandu, May 29: An earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale and with its epicentre around Phulibang struck Kaski district at 11:56 am today, the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center, Lainchaur said.
Earlier, on May 26, an earthquake measuring 4.3 on the Richter scale occurred with its epicenter around Ramidanda in the Jajarkot district.
In recent times, series of tremors has been occurring in Nepal. Due to being in the Himalayan region, Nepal is considered an earthquake-prone area.
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10- NC Gen-Secy Sharma urges govt to prioritize mountain concerns in upcoming budget
Kathmandu, May 28: Nepali Congress (NC) General-Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma urged the incumbent government to incorporate the key mountain issues in the upcoming annual budget.
The government is announcing the annual estimate of income and expenditure (budget) for the fiscal year 2025/26 tomorrow.
In an open letter addressed to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli upon returning from the Everest Base Camp recently, leader Sharma called for budgetary provisions to support mountain communities and to conserve mountain heritage.
He requested the government to consider issues such as insurance for ‘respected’ porters, pension for professional climbers, establishment of a government tower at the Everest Base Camp, improved access in technology and government’s presence in the Everest region in the upcoming budget.
In the letter titled ‘Mountain life, mountain tourism and expectations from the government’, the NC leader drew the attention of the government towards construction of roads along the trekking route (without destroying the existing trekking trail) and construction of a suspension bridge at Thukla.
Earlier, the leader had penned a letter to PM Oli from the Everest Base Camp prodding the current leadership to take the lead for climate action and climate justice.
During his trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp and near Camp III of Sagarmatha (Mt Everest) this spring, the leader had observed and experienced numerous challenges, shortfalls and ordeals that he later highlighted in his maiden letter to the Head of the Government.
Underscoring urgency to protect mountains from the adverse impact of climate change, he also emphasized the need for Nepal to expand ‘Sagarmatha Sambaad’ into a global leadership platform on climate change.
Nepal remains one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world despite contributing negligible (0.027 per cent) to global carbon emission.
“Immediate direction is imperative. It is essential to strike a budgetary balance among Tarai, Hill and Mountain and while achieving balance in the budget, we must ensure that the mountains are not left without justice. Let the Himalayas be visible in this budget,” Sharma appealed in the letter.
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11- Obstacles in Chobhar gorge to be removed to prevent inundation
Kathmandu, May 28: The government has decided to remove the accumulated trash and other obstacles in the Bagmati river at Chobhar gorge, which serves as an outlet for the Kathmandu Valley.
The meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee presided over by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak today has decided to remove the accumulated and floating debris in the river at Chobhar gorge through the Nepali Army under the leadership of the Ministry of Urban Development.
The meeting concluded that there were some obstructions in the flow of the Bagmati river in Chobhar last year, causing flooding in the coastal areas, and decided to remove those obstructions, said Dinesh Prasad Bhatta, the Executive Chief of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
The meeting has approved the ‘Monsoon Preparedness and Response National Plan, 2082’.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has projected that there will be more rainfall than average during this year’s monsoon period. It predicted that more than average rainfall will occur from June 1 to 30 and less than average precipitation from July 1 to 31, and from August 1 to 31.
On the occasion, the Home Minister directed the bodies concerned to start work according to the National Action Plan on Disaster Preparedness from now on, executive chief Bhatta said.
The meeting was attended by the secretaries of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, the Inspector General of Police, the Inspector General of the Armed Police Force Nepal, senior officials of the Nepali Army, representatives of the private sector, and the joint secretaries from various ministries.
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12- NC committed to promoting indigenous skills, knowledge: party president Deuba
Patan, May 28: Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has reaffirmed the party’s commitment to preserving and promoting the ancestral knowledge and skills of indigenous nationalities.
Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day province-level Training of Trainers program organized by the Nepal Democratic Indigenous Federation today, Deuba expressed the NC’s dedication to effectively implementing proportional representation and inclusion, along with upholding republicanism and secularism—milestones he said were achieved under the party’s leadership.
Deuba added that the official recognition of indigenous cultural festivals as national festivals had begun under an NC-led government. He also underscored the need to further empower the Indigenous Nationalities Commission, the Tharu Commission, and the Indigenous Ethnic Upliftment National Academy by ensuring adequate resources and support.
“The NC has been working for the rights and welfare of indigenous nationalities since its inception,” he said, pledging to enhance the constitutional achievements of indigenous communities through an amendment in the future.
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13- Major opposition demands resignation of Home Minister
Kathmandu, May 28: The major opposition CPN (Maoist Centre) has concluded that Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak should step down from the post for his alleged involvement in the ‘visit visa’ scam.
A meeting of the oppositions held at the Federal Parliament Building, New Baneshwar today accused the Home Minister of being responsible for the irregularities.
Chair of Aam Janata Party Prabhu Sah who was also present in the meeting said that the House proceedings will be halted until the Home Minister resigns.
As he reported, Maoist Centre Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had a telephonic conversation amidst the meeting.
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14- Positive and capable youth can be catalyst for social transformation: DPM Singh
Patan (Lalitpur), May 28: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakash Man Singh asserted that the capable youth with a positive mindset could be the key driver for social transformation.
Inaugurating the Model United Nations-2025 organized by the National Youth Council at Lalitpur today, DPM Singh said that youths who are considered to be the source of creativity and courage would contribute to the nation identifying its needs.
Expressing concern over the growing trend of internal and external migration, Singh encouraged the Nepali youths to stay in and contribute to homeland rather than going abroad. “Today, more than ever, the nation needs its youth,” the DPM expressed.
Recalling the establishment of the National Youth Council in 2072 BS to foster youth development and engage youths from policy-making to implementation, Singh called on youths for suggestions and contributions in government’s initiatives.
The DPM also expressed his confidence that the summit could be useful in sensitizing youths about the pressing global issues such as ecological issues, environmental degradation, political polarization, international relations and nuclear weapons thereby urging the youths to engage in discussions, dialogue to forge a shared responsibility to address those issues.
Citing that 42.56 per cent of Nepal’s population is aged between 16-40 years as per the latest census, he saw this period as the demographic opportunity to leverage the youth force for the greater good of the country. .
Likewise, Minister for Youth and Sports Tejulal Chaudhary acknowledged the youths’ role in overall development of the country. He shed light on the creative pursuits of the Council to ensure youth’s meaningful engagement in policy-making level.
He was confidence that the Model United Nations would help prepare the youths for leadership roles both at national and international levels.
Similarly, UNDP’s Country Representatives for Nepal, Kyoko Yokosuka, recognized that the Model United Nations as a platform to foster diversity, inclusivity, diplomacy and democratic values.
Council’s Vice-Chairperson Surendra Basnet informed that the four-day event aims to develop leadership among the youths and engaging them on deliberations and debates on the global issues, cultural understanding and Sustainable Development Goals among others.
Youths from various parts of the event are participating in this simulation programme.
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15- Home Minister’s resignation demanded in NA
Kathmandu, May 28: The resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has been demanded in a meeting of the National Assembly (NA) today.
Demanding time in the today’s upper house session, lawmaker Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami called for an impartial investigation into the ‘visit visa scandal’, urging the Minister to step down from the post, paving a way for an independent investigation.
“The Chief and some employees of the Immigration Office at Tribhuvan International Airport have been already interrogated by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and concerns have been expressed over the suspicious role of the Home Minister as well,” he said, adding that the developments demand the Minister’s resignation. He alleged that the government with a two-thirds majority of failure to become responsible towards the citizens.
In response, NA Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal said the NA’s attention has been drawn to the matter.
It may be noted that opposition parties have continued to obstruct the business at the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Federal Parliament, for the second consecutive day today, seeking the Home Minister’s resignation.
However, the NA session continues to run.
In the meeting, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya is scheduled to table a proposal to send the Bill to Amend Some of Nepal’s Acts-2080 BS to the Legislative Management Committee for the clause-wise deliberations.
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16- Around 2 million people likely to be affected from upcoming monsoon-induced disasters
Kathmandu, May 28: As many as two million people of 450,000 households are likely to be affected from this year’s monsoon.
The 32nd meeting of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Executive Committee, chaired by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, has made this assessment here today.
The meeting has also approved the Monsoon Preparedness and Response National Action Plan, 2082 BS prepared by analyzing all the related factors based on the data of the Department of Meteorology.
Spokesperson of the National Disaster Risk Response and Management Authority (NDRRMA), Ram Bahadur KC told RSS that the action plan was charted out with estimation that 10 percent of the affected people might require rescue and relief.
A committee led by the NDRRMA with representatives from various stakeholder ministries and departments has reported that this year’s monsoon disasters are estimated to affect approximately 457,145 households and a population of 1,997,731 across the country.
In the meeting, the Executive Chief of the NDRRMA and the Secretary of the Executive Committee, Dinesh Prasad Bhatta, presented a review of the decisions made at the 31st meeting of the Executive Committee and the monitoring report on the implementation status of the Emergency Warehouse Operation Procedure, 2081 BS (First Amendment), the National Strategic Action Plan for Disaster Risk Reduction (2018–2030), and the proposals including the management of the natural flow of the Bagmati river at Chobhar gorge.
NDRRMA spokesperson KC said the meeting approved the ‘Monsoon Preparedness and Response National Action Plan, 2082 BS’, which includes the forecast of this year’s monsoon, the estimated caseload affected by disasters, responsibilities of relevant ministries, departments, and bodies regarding disaster preparedness and response, the monsoon preparedness and response action plans of specific sectors and relevant bodies, the necessary contact details for preparedness and response, an inventory of materials, and the details of skilled human resources to respond to the disasters.
KC further informed that the proposed action plan has put forth the actions, including monthly monitoring, evaluation and review of the disaster.
According to the monsoon forecasts unveiled by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, there would be extreme rainfall with lower minimum and higher maximum temperature.
Being based on the forecasts, the NDRRMA has prepared the disaster response national action plan considering recommendations of the stakeholders and organizations.
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17- NA session: Lawmakers voice various issues including reducing number of local levels
Kathmandu, May 28: Lawmakers speaking in the meeting of the National Assembly (NA), the upper house of the Federal Parliament, today, spoke on various topics related to public concern, including the need to reducing the number of local units in the country.
The lawmakers drew the government’s attention to the urgency to address issues seen in the child corrections homes. They also wanted the government to make adequate preparations for the upcoming monsoon.
Airing his views in a zero hour of the NA session, Krishna Bahadur Rokaya said the number of child correction homes across the country is just nine and they are overwhelmed by dwellers, causing numerous issues in the proper management of such facilities.
As he said, the Karnali Province has no such facility. Overcrowding, the lack of proper facilities for sanitation, toilet, education, counselling and other basic requirements are among the challenges in such facilities, he said, urging the government to implement reform measures.
Ghanashyam Rijal urged the government to be fully prepared for resisting potential consequences from the above-average rains forecast in this monsoon.
Puja Chaudhary underlined the need of intervening in alleged activeness of ‘fake’ medical professionals in Rautahat. “A woman lost her life to an illegal surgery by fake medical professionals in the district,” she said, demanding a legal intervention in the offense.
Rukmini Koirala called for effective implementation of the fundamental right, proposing to down size the number of local levels from existing 753 to 553 while Bishnu Kumari Sapkota demanded the government’s efforts to promote local products and find a better market for them.
Shree Krishna Prasad Adhikari and Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma urged Home Minister to resign from the post on a moral ground paving a way for an impartial investigation in the visit visa scam.
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18- Energy Minister Khadka and US Ambassador Thompson discuss MCC project
Kathmandu, May 28: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka and US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R Thompson held a meeting at the Ministry in Singha Durbar today.
On the occasion, they discussed various aspects of energy cooperation between the two countries and the implementation of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) project.
During the meeting, Energy Minister Khadka stated that although the projects being carried out under the MCC project are progressing, the MCC has been on hold for some time, which has created some uncertainty.
He expressed the confidence that the MCC project would be continued and expected US’s additional assistance in the energy sector.
During the meeting, US Ambassador Thompson said the United States will continue to support and cooperate in Nepal’s energy sector. He mentioned that all possible initiatives and efforts are being made to advance the MCC project.
He urged for the support that needs to be provided by the Government of Nepal to continually advance the projects being carried out under the MCC.
As per an agreement signed under the MCC, the US is supposed to invest 500 million dollars while Nepal would spend 197 million dollars for the MCC-funded MCA project.
Under this project, the construction of the 400 kV transmission line and associated substations will take place from Lapsiphedi–Ratmate, Ratmate–Damauli, Damauli–Butwal, and Butwal to the Nepal–India border (Gorakhpur).
Representatives of MCC and the MCA as well as the Ministry’s senior officials were present at the meeting.
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19- PM lays foundation stone for Dhulikhel Hospital’s Trauma and Emergency Center
Kavrepalanchowk, May 28: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli today laid a foundation stone for a new building to be constructed for trauma and emergency services of the Dhulikhel Hospital in Kavrepalanchowk.
The facility is going to be constructed on the financial support of the Japan Government. The government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) had signed an agreement to this regard.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister stated that development is a gradual process, requiring integrity and continuous effort to turn dreams of transformation into reality. “Those who envisioned an advanced healthcare facility here many years ago have contributed to making it a reality today,” he said.
He also praised the local community for contributing land for the hospital’s construction and expressed hope that the hospital would leave no stone unturned in delivering quality services to those in need.
As per the latest agreement reached between the two sides on May 16, the Government of Japan will provide an additional grant of 3.02 billion yen for the improvement project of the Trauma and Emergency Center (internal grant), according to the hospital. The agreement for the grant assistance was signed by the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel and Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ikuina Akiko.
Although a grant agreement of 3.02 billion yen had already been signed between the two sides in 2023 for the implementation of the project, the additional grant was ensured as the initial budget had been insufficient to implement the project due to price rise and other financial issues.
As per the agreement, Japan shall bear 60% of the cost for the building and 40% for all sorts of medical devices. The facility will have a five-story building with three levels of basements, a parking lot, ICUs, three operation theaters, HDUs, laboratories, a pharmacy, waste management, and all other necessary service mechanism.
Health and Population Minister Pradip Paudel was also present on the occasion.
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20- Minister Sudi emphasizes practical implementation of Act on disability
Kathmandu, May 28: Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Nawal Kishore Sah Sudi called for practical implementation of the Act on Rights of Persons with Disability (RPWD)-2074 BS.
Unveiling a research report at a programme organized by Koshish Nepal here today, Minister Sudi also expressed his commitment to amend the local legislations that contradict the Article 19 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)-2006.
The Article 19 of the Convention recognizes the rights of all Persons with Disabilities (PWD) to live indecently and being included in the community.
Sudi reiterated, “I pledge to work towards timely revision of the legislations that are inconsistent with the Article 19 of the CRPD-2006 , the legal framework that restricts the people with disability from living independently and being included in the community.”
Furthermore, the Minister vowed to amend those legislations formulated and implemented on the contrary of the spirit of the Article 12 of the same Convention and make them more timely.
He also reaffirmed to restore legal capacity by repealing or revising all legal provisions that deny legal capacity of the underrepresented PAW by using the indecent words in the legislation and making it a basis for qualification thereby preventing their participation in socio-economic and public life.
Nepal signed the CRPD-2006 and its Optional Protocol to the Convention 2006 in 2008 and the then legislative assembly ratified it on December 27, 2009.
The erstwhile government domesticated this Convention in Nepal by issuing the Act on Rights of Persons with Disability (RPWD)-2074 BS and relevant Regulations, 2077 BS.
These legal frameworks have been enforced to protect and promote the rights of PWD.
Minister Sudi, however, said that complaints were rife that the Act and Regulations related to PAW do not address the issues of autism, intellectual disability, psychosocial disability and hearing-impairment disability.
During the programme, an amendment proposal was presented to Minister Sudi which was prepared after collecting suggestions from PWD from all seven provinces in coordination among the National Indigenous Disabled Women Association and National Federation of the Deaf Nepal.
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21- HoR meeting postponed until 1:30 pm Thursday
Kathmandu, May 28: A meeting of the House of Representatives has been postponed until 1:30 pm tomorrow.
The federal parliament secretariat shared this information, issuing a notice today. The meeting scheduled for 11:00 am had started at 1:00 pm today. The meeting was postponed for half an hour after the opposition lawmakers protested demanding resignation of the Home Minister and formation of high-level probe committee, citing irregularities on visit visa.
As the parliament failed to convene, the secretariat then rescheduled it for 3:30 pm by issuing a notice. Speaker Devraj Ghimire held a discussion with chief whips of major political parties to forge consensus on the differences, but the agreement eluded, thereby prompting Speaker to postpone the meeting against until Thursday.
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22- Minister Paudel asks community hospitals to collaborate with
government
Kavrepalanchowk, May 28: Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, has reminded the community hospitals to collaborate with government in order to achieve excellence.
Laying a stone foundation for the Trauma and Emergency Centre in the premises of Dhulikhel Hospital on Wednesday, Minister Paudel pointed out the need of collaboration, as the government has made revision on policy-level issues in order to incorporate the community hospitals.
“Health institutions including community hospitals have involved for collaboration in the budget going to be unveiled tomorrow. Excellence could be achieved in health sector through collaborative efforts”, he mentioned.
The Health Minister argued the government has launched many schemes to improve health sector. However, efforts to secure sources were underway for its implementation, he informed.
Stressing that the state should work towards strengthening the capacity to invest in health sector as per need, he laid emphasis on the need of searching alternative to insurance scheme.
On the occasion, Chief Representative of Japanese International Cooperation Agency in Nepal, Matsuzaki Mizuki, said JICA had been working in health and education sectors of in Nepal because Japan and Nepal have been enjoying friendship since 1970.
JICA has provided 3.60 billion Japanese Yen grant support for the construction of the Trauma and Emergency Centre where the Japan would provide 60 per cent support in the construction of the Centre and 40 per cent in medical equipment.
The Centre will have an ICU, three operation theaters, HDU, lab, pharmacy, parking lot.
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23- DPM Singh floats concept of rural urbanization
Kathmandu, May 28: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, has said every local level would have an urban centre.
The concept of ‘rural urbanization’ will be materialized at each local level where there will have bazaar, health facility, community buildings and other amenities, DPM Singh shared while responding to the queries raised during the National Assembly meeting on Wednesday.
He argued the facilities available in cities would be ensured at local levels as per this concept. “The Ministry of Urban Development has prepared an outline for the sustainable and inclusive urbanization. It is aimed at bridging the rural-urban divide, thereby creating a foundation for modern, prosperous and well managed cities. The new concepts would be enforced gradually,” he explained, adding, “Concept of integrated urban development was introduced to link villages with cities. Essential urban facilities such as road, electricity, health, education would be reached to villages that further aim to connect cities to rural productions.”
As the DPM explained, the concept of ‘land pooling’ was forwarded again to build 10 new cities along the mid-hill highway that is spacious for the households of at least 100 thousand people. It will be enforced under the new urban project.
Ten more places (including Kathmandu, Pokhara and Butwal) would be developed as smart cities which incorporate facilities like digital technology, green energy and well managed transport system. “These will be modern environment-friendly cities. Nepal government has also endorsed the smart city indictors, 2082 to develop the smart city outline,” the DPM informed the lawmakers at National Assembly.
In view of the dwindling infrastructures in the old cities like Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Birgunj and Janakpur, the government is planning to restructure these cities with the protection of social aspects. The cultural heritages would be preserved and developed as touristy places, he shared.
Cooperation with local levels would be strengthened, especially on road expansion, and management of drainage and garbage. The ministry was for balanced urbanization in all seven provinces. Total 54 cities would be made systematic along with some new establishments.
The DPM further explained the schemes like establishment of industries would be based on locally available resources and tools so that new cities could be built as economic hubs. Ecology-friendly cities would be prioritized by the government in all geographical regions.
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24- Bagmati government tables its Policy and program
Bagmati, May 28: The Bagmati Province government is going to give priority to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of physical infrastructure in the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83.
Presenting the policy and program of the province government for the upcoming fiscal year in the meeting of the Province Assembly today, Province Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota announced that the reconstruction and rehabilitation of physical infrastructure will be given priority in coordination with the different levels of government.
The government’s policies and programs include completing the province’s pride projects, multi-year projects and sequential projects within the specified time, making the project selection system systematic and transparent, managing the province project bank to maintain good governance in the budget preparation and implementation process.
Ensuring the partnership between the public, private and cooperative sectors and recognizing the leading role of the private sector in creating production and employment, transferring the infrastructure built with full or co-investment of the province to the local level are also mentioned in the policy and programme.
Reading out the government policy and programmes for the new FY, Province Chief Devkota said the existing organisation structure and human resources of the province will be reviewed and unnecessary structures will be abolished, merged and streamlined, making the administrative and monitoring of the provincial government based on an electronic system, selecting and effectively implementing projects that are highly profitable and contribute to internal income generation, increasing production and creating employment opportunities, and maintaining frugality in public spending by increasing financial discipline.
The government has proposed the policy to expand the scope of provincial revenue and control revenue leakage by maintaining uniformity in tax rates through inter-provincial coordination, developing, expanding and upgrading provincial highways on a priority basis by updating the provincial road and transport master plan, and building a provincial-level infrastructure and quality laboratory.
The government has decided to formulate a law to effectively regulate and bring ride sharing under the scope of revenue, increase the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology in the construction process and monitoring and evaluation system, prepare a digital transformation action plan and prepare and implement a provincial strategic action plan with a zero tolerance policy against corruption, and continue the Model Ward Socialist Program and the Innovation Promotion Program at the local level.
Province Chief Devkota informed the provincial assembly that the policy and program emphasizes promotion of agriculture and farmers and the creation of physical infrastructure to increase agricultural production, the construction and maintenance of small irrigation structures, and the construction and maintenance of grain storage houses, among other programs.
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25- New Zealand’s DPM Peters pays courtesy call on PM Oli
Kathmandu, May 28: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of New Zealand, Winston Peters, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
During the meeting held at the official residence of the Prime Minister at Baluwatar on Wednesday, matters of strengthening bilateral interests, mutual relations and multifaceted collaboration were discussed, while recognizing that there is immense potential for cooperation in the sectors of agriculture, tourism, education and investment.
On the occasion, Prime Minister Oli briefed that the incumbent government had given priority to stability, development, good governance, social justice and social transformation along with national ambition of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’.
Similarly, the visiting Deputy Prime Minister Peters stressed the need of boosting the collaboration between the two countries even in the international forums for Nepal’s development and prosperity. High-ranking officials of the Foreign Ministry were also present on the occasion.
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26- Chinese Sagarmatha summiteers enthralled by mountain photos at RSS
Rosha Basnet/RSS
Kathmandu, May 28: A group of 30 Chinese nationals who visited the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS)’s central office on Wednesday noon were seemingly awestruck.
What beckoned the visitors who had summitted the highest mountain in the world- Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest)- over different period of time was the beauty of Nepal’s majestic mountains and exquisite Himalayan heritages oozing altogether 100 photos displayed in the ongoing photo exhibition at the RSS.
No sooner they got off their bus in front of the RSS’s central office at Bhadrakali, the climbers comprising 28 men and 2 women, excitedly jostled to enter the exhibition hall even before RSS Executive Chairperson Dharmendra Jha and staffs could officially welcome them.
Immediately later, they queued up to enter the exhibition hall showing striking images of Nepal’s mountains, alluring mountain cultures and traditions, trekking trails, glacial lakes, flora and fauna, and cultural festivities.
Chairperson Jha and the staffs then formally greeted the northern neighbours at the main entrance. Jha offered each climber a red scarf bearing the RSS logo as a symbol of hospitality and respect.
Inside, the visitors would see a photo with a banner bearing the same RSS logo —hoisted atop the Sagarmatha on May 23, 2018, by RSS editor Rosha Basnet, who was also present to welcome the group.
The exhibition showcased the photographs taken by RSS journalists and photojournalists over different period of time.
Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung and Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey had jointly inaugurated the exhibition titled ‘Mountain Tourism: Our Pride, Our Identity’ on May 25 in commemoration of the Republic Day-2025.
During today’s visit, Chinese climbers were deeply moved and expressed a strong emotional connection to the-Sagarmatha, Nepal’s iconic natural heritage that lies on the border between Nepal and China.
Surprisingly, the photos’ captions that were in Nepali did not seem to be ‘Greek’ to the Chinese visitors. They could instantly recognize many of the towering mountains- particularly Sagarmatha, Kanchenjunga, Annapurna, Manaslu, Makalu and other Himalayan giants, perhaps due to photos speaking for themselves.
“Wow! Amazing!” one climber exclaimed with a thumbs-up as he pointed to a photograph of Sagarmatha featuring the RSS’s banner.
Several gathered around, murmuring in their native language and eagerly identifying familiar scenes, including the routes they had opted to climb the 8,848.86 meters mountain.
A particularly heartwarming moment occurred for a climber who discovered he had scaled the Sagarmatha via the same route and in the same year (2018) as journalist Basnet, the Nepali journalist who had hoisted the RSS’s banner there.
The visitors briefly shared stories, photos, and smiles- a symbol of mountaineering camaraderie across borders.
RSS Chairperson Jha, in his welcome speech, introduced RSS as the country news agency similar like China’s state news agency-Xinhua News Agency.
Shedding light on the objectives of the exhibition, he explained that the exhibition aimed to promote Nepal’s mountain tourism and its unique identity as the home to eight of the world’s ten highest mountains above 8,000 metres.
His remarks, translated into Chinese by a Nepali interpreter, elicited an enthusiastic applause from the visitors.
Throughout their visit, the climbers captured images of their experiences in the exhibition, recorded the event in their tiny cameras and mobile phones and congenially engaged in conversation with fellow Nepali Sagarmatha climber lady as well as other RSS journalists.
Some appeared nostalgic and ecstatic, reliving their past expedition through the images of Sagarmatha, also known as the ‘Top of the World.’
One climber articulated his willingness to climb from south-east-ridge (from Nepal side) as well and visit the Everest Base Camp in Nepal side, provided both time and health permitting.
Another climber, who first scaled Sagarmatha in 1988 and later in 2003, expressed joy at seeing various facades of Sagarmatha (Chomolungma as they refer to Sagarmatha in their native language) captured from different angles.
Another voiced for sustainable mountain tourism, highlighting the impact of climate change on the vulnerable mountains and mountain region he had witnessed first-hand during this expedition and subsequent visits to the Everest region.
“Preserve the mountains,” he urged, suggesting people to enjoy nature ‘responsibly.’
One visitor, tired from a football match played earlier with the other Everest summiteers participating in the Everest Summiteers Summit-2025 held previous day, gushed that picturesque images rejuvenated his spirit as he laid his eyes on them.
“My fatigue vanished into the thin air!” he chimed in, gesturing animatedly in a mix of Chinese and English and gesture.
As they departed, the Chinese climbers- all wearing the red scarves they had received-carried with them memories of the allure of photos at display and the warm reception accorded to them from the country’s only state-owned news agency. (photo included)
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27 – Lumbini province member Gurung relieved from post
Lumbini , May 28: Geeta Gurung, a member of the Lumbini Province Assembly, has been relieved from her post. A member of the provincial assembly on a proportional representation basis from the Janamat Party, Gurung has been relieved of her post on the ground of continuous absence.
According to Article 180 (d) of the Constitution, the posts of members of parliament who remain absent for 10 consecutive meetings without prior notice are to be vacated.
According to the same provision, Speaker Tularam Gharti Magar announced the post of Gurung falling vacant in the 11th meeting of the sixth session of the Assembly held today. Rule 190 of the Provincial Assembly Rules, 2079 also has a provision for the Speaker to inform the Assembly if any member’s seat falls vacant.
She attended only 34 out of the 83 meetings held during the fifth session. She did not attend the sixth session.
Janamat Party parliamentary party leader Chandrakesh Gupta had sent a letter to the Speaker requesting him to declare Gurung’s post vacant as per the Constitution as she was absent in 10 consecutive meetings.
After the vacancy of Gurung’s post, Lumbini Province now has 86 MPs out of 87 seats.
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28- 117 new projects entered in project bank
Kathmandu, May 28: As many as 117 new projects have been entered in the national project bank (NPB). The Economic Work Procedure and Financial Accountability Regulation, 2077 has mandated the budget allocations to the projects which are entered in the NPB.
The secretariat of Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, Dr Shivaraj Adhikari, shared the information that the projects were entered in the NPB before unveiling the budget for the fiscal year, 2082/83.
The NPC had issued the NPB (Operation and Management, 2081) Standards in February earlier. It has stipulated the compulsory entry of new projects before the end of year, Chaitra. However, the deadline could not be met, so it was extended till May 27, two days before the launch of budget for the coming fiscal year.
By May 27, the management information system of NPB recorded the entry of total 1,327 projects. Among these, 1,141 are of the cost of Rs 30 million, while 79 of the cost ranging from Rs 30 to 50 million, 44 of the cost ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 100 million, and 23 of the cost ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 1 billion, the secretariat added.
Most of the projects (19) costing over Rs 1 billion are related to Ministry of Physical Infrastructures and Transport. Similarly, the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology have such projects numbering 11.
Of the total projects, 117 (8.81 percent) are new ones, while 89 (6.70 percent) are in sequence and 1,121 (84.47 percent) under study phase.
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29- Former MP Aftab Alam acquitted of murder by High Court
Birgunj (Parsa) May 28: The High Court, Janakpur, temporary bench, Birgunj, has acquitted former Nepali Congress MP Mohammad Aftab Alam, of murder charges. Alam was convicted of murdering persons by burning them to death in a brick kiln.
A joint bench of Justices Khushi Prasad Tharu and Arjun Maharjan of the High Court, Janakpur, temporary bench, Birgunj today overturned the verdict of the Rautahat District Court that had found Alam guilty of murder.
The Rautahat District Court had convicted Alam and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Former MP Alam was accused of killing persons who has injured in a bomb explosion in Rajpur, Rautahat a day before the 2064 BS Constituent Assembly election. They were reportedly thrown alive into a brick kiln furnace.
Alam appealed against the decision of the district court at the High Court.
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30 – Home Minister to assist investigations on visit visa scam
Kathmandu, May 28: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has stated that he is prepared to cooperate with the investigation into the visit visa scam.
At a press conference held on Wednesday, Lekhak mentioned that he is ready to assist in the investigation process as the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority has initiated an inquiry into the matter. He further added he could cooperate ensure good governance is established in the state.
“After the investigation by the commission, whoever is found guilty will be punished according to the law, so let us not be hasty and make presumptions by bypassing the competent authority,” said Minister Lekhak. “As the conclusion of the investigation by the independent and competent constitutional body will be the ultimate truth there was no need for further clarification on this matter.”
He questioned whether the departmental minister would take responsibility if any government employee needed to be investigated, researched, or if a case was filed against them, and whether the minister would assume responsibility for the cases arising every year from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority.
“I had requested time through the Speaker on the very day misleading news was disseminated about me to respond to it. Being a people representative who supports democracy and parliamentary supremacy, I wanted to clarify the questions raised about me directly from the people’s forum, but that was not possible.”
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31- Former MP Alam released from Nakkhu prison
Kathmandu, May 28: Former Nepali Congress MP Mohammad Aftab Alam, who was acquitted of murder by the temporary bench of the High Court, Janakpur, Birgunj, has been released from jail.
Jailer Bhimraj Koirala of Nakkhu prison told RSS that he was released in the custody of his family. Earlier, the Rautahat District Court had found Alam guilty of the Rajpur bomb blast and the subsequent murder and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
The High Court today acquitted Alam, overturning the District Court’s decision, shared the court’s Registrar Deepak Bhandari.
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32 – ‘Persons with disabilities have not been able to exercise legal capacity’
Kathmandu, May 28: Persons with disabilities (PWDs), who are underrepresented in Nepal, have not been able to exercise legal power.
A study report on ‘Legal Capacity of lowly represented PWDs and decision making with support persons by National Mental Health Self-Help Organisation, KOSHISH, and National Federation of Disabled unveiled here on Wednesday, reads that persons with disabilities are deprived of exercising the legal capacity.
The report mentioned that the persons with disabilities have not been able to use legal capacity like other citizens.
On the occasion, Executive Director of KOSHISH, Matrika Prasad Devkota, such persons have been facing different types to problems in lack of legal arrangements.
Eighty-nine per cent persons with disabilities said service provider officers did not provide them information about the decision related to legal capacity and help, he added.
The study was conducted on two PWDs each of 24 districts of seven provinces. Of them, 66 per cent said there should not be any obstruction for the persons with intellectual, hearing and visual impairment and autism-related disabilities in exercising their legal capacity.
There was no effective and full participation due to limited or lack of communication materials for PWDs, shared a researcher Mukunda Hari Dahal.
Legal knowledge and awareness was found very weak on service providers, parents, family members as well as the persons with disabilities, he added.
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