Chitwan, June 21: At least seven people died and 18 others were injured in a road accident occurred at Khahare bridge of Rapti municipality in Chitwan district along the East-West Highway today.
Chief of Chitwan Police, Govinda Puri, said the accident took place when a bus en route to Kakadvitta from Dhangadhi and an electric vehicle coming to Narayangadh from Makawanpur collided with each other.
The injured ones are receiving treatment at the Chitwan Medical College, the Old medical College and the Bharatpur Hospital.
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‘Budget not favourable to peasants’
Kathmandu, June 21: Deputy General Secretary of CPN (Maoist Centre), Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has said the budget was not favourable to peasants.
During a programme organized at Sambad Dabali here Friday, Deputy General Secretary Basnet argued the budget document failed to pay heed to farmers’ need and concerns. Also the former Home Minister, leader Basnet viewed his party would carry out its responsibility, staying in opposition.
Recent two-point agreement was a reminder of responsible behaviour by the party, he said, adding that if the agreement was not implemented, the party would launch a protest. “If the government does not enforce the agreement within 30 days, we’re ready for street agitation. However, we’re hopeful that a high-level probe committee will be formed,” leader Basnet voiced.
He related the farmer’s movement to the people’s revolution launched since 2052BS. The farmers’ movement, however, could be given a new form and direction in view of changing social values and need, according to him.
Meanwhile, on Friday itself, Minister for Water Supply, Pradip Yadav, argued the budget had encompassed all sectors and classes.
He made such a claim while addressing the first federal council of the Janata Samajbadi Party. “Some are spreading rumour that budget was focused on certain areas, but it was wrong. This time, budget is inclusive and development-focused,” Yadav reiterated.
The Minister further said drinking water, irrigation, health, education and infrastructures were some of the essential sectors the budget paid heed. It has aimed at economic reform, employment generation and social justice, he added.
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Yoga more than calisthenics: VP Yadav
Kathmandu, June 21: Vice-President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has said yoga helps in strengthening the sentiments of world peace, tolerance and collaboration.
In a message of best wishes on the occasion of the International Yoga Day, 2025 today, Vice-President Yadav mentioned yoga is not only a calisthenics but also a lifestyle. “Yoga makes human life peaceful, prosperous and disciplined by maintaining balance between soul, body and mind”, he argued.
The International Yoga Day is observed on May 21 every year by organizing various programmes with an objective of spreading awareness about yoga’s importance, benefits and its impact in overall aspects of human life.
“The yoga has been established as an effective measure to reduce stress and make oneself physically active. Practicing of yoga on a regular basis will therefore contribute significantly to keep us mentally well with development of positive thinking and inner peace “, reads the message.
The Vice-President pointed out the need of being aware of physical, mental and spiritual health with the adoption of yoga in our lifestyle. Prosperous and strong society can be built through the practice of healthy lifestyle, he underlined.
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Discussion begins on 10 ministries in HoR
Kathmandu, June 21: Discussion on the headings of 10 different ministries under the Appropriation Bill, 2082, began in the House of Representatives amidst the protest of Rastriya Swatantra Party and boycott of Rastriya Prajatantra Party.
Soon after the commencement of today’s HoR meeting, the opposition parties-RSP and RPP-protested by standing up from their respective seats.
After Speaker Devraj Ghimire allocated time for RSP lawmaker Sumana Shrestha to put forth her views, she said her party would continue protest until fair investigation on visit visa scam.
“The government has not committed to forming a parliamentary probe committee or high-level probe committee in this regard. For whom the government is if it does not listen to the voice of the people”, she asked.
Immediately after Speaker Ghimire announced that the meeting would enter in the regular agenda, RPP lawmakers protested, saying they should also be allowed to put forth their views.
RPP lawmaker Roshan Karki mentioned that the government turned its deaf ears towards the voice of citizens who were cheated in the name of visit visa. She clarified that RPP would continue its protest until a high-level prove committee was formed regarding visit visa scam and resignation of Home Minister.
Meanwhile, the ruling parties’ lawmakers countered that lawmakers of the opposition parties did not use decent language in the House and made unnecessary blames against the government.
Today’s meeting entered the regular agenda after the opposition parties continued their protest despite Speaker Ghimire’s frequent request to take their seats.
The RPP lawmakers exited the House, boycotting the meeting.
The discussion would be held under the headings of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and General Administration, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Population, Ministry of Water Supply, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Home Ministry and Ministry of Communications and Information Technology today.
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PM Oli calls to make yoga a daily life
Lalitpur, June 21: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has requested everyone to make yoga a daily life reasoning it reflects a multidimensional aspect of human life.
Addressing a function organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on the 11th International Yoga Day held under the theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, in Patan today, PM Oli stated yoga is associated with humanity and peace, and that it is meant for the welfare of mankind and world peace. “Yoga is also related to the ‘happy Nepali and the prosperous nation’, he said, adding that discipline counts much for yoga.
He expressed worry over fading discipline from Nepali society. “In absence of discipline, there is no meditation. Focus on good intention is the essence of yoga, and yoga with intellect is the need of hour,” the PM reminded.
PM Oli shared that we are trying to connect yoga with daily life. When it comes to a good health, we need to pay heed to a balanced diet, yoga and rest. “Consumption of pesticide-free food is imperative for good health, not for slaking appetite,” he argued, adding that it is time to increase healthy population rather than population of doctors. Prevention of disease is better than cure.
He further recounted, “When I became Prime Minister, I stressed slogan of ‘be healthy’ for national success. Moreover, the Head of the Government, viewed one could adopt non-violence, truth, discipline, and happiness along with healthy living.
“There is urgency of peace in the world today. Non-violence is the need of hour. If any armed and arrogant people realize it, peace will prevail in the world,” the PM stressed.
He also urged all to foster pure and holy thoughts. Yoga is not only essential for human health but also for smooth functioning of a society. A careless behaviour is detrimental to one’s health, leading to frequenting doctors and hospitals. Yoga and meditation are keys to a happy life, according to him.
Oli also extended best wishes to all on the Yoga Day. He further explained that Yoga is believed to have started by Lord Shiva. Due it this, Shiva is known as Adiyogi. “It was Bishwamitra rishi is believed to have founded surgery and made his grandson Charak a doctor. Similarly, it was Charak founding the health science. In the age of Bishwamitra, the yoga saw a miraculous development,” he shared the mythological history.
The Head of the Government also remembered his jail life and claimed that he was given only tranquilizer which caused his renal failure. The PM, however, reminded that only meditation is not solution if you need a surgery. In addition to yoga, you should believe in work. Yog helps to battle odds.
On the occasion, Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Rajhuji Panta, viewed yoga should be promoted as a cultural heritage. Nepali is the provenance of yoga and meditation.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, said yoga helps us earn good health and it is related to Nepal’s culture. Nepal is the world destination for yoga, he asserted.
Yoga guru professor Dr Dipak Regmi claimed that yoga was being developed in a scientific manner. Health, peace and happiness can be achieved through yoga, he mentioned.
In addition to government officials, many yoga gurus, practitioners and the related organizations attended the event.
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Nepalis in Iran being rescued
Kathmandu, June 21: The Indian government is set to help in rescuing Nepali citizens who are stranded in Iran due to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, following a formal request from the Nepal government.
The Indian Embassy in Iran is set to assist in evacuating them acting on a formal request made by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba.
“We have a small number of Nepali citizens in Iran. I formally requested the Indian government through Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava to help evacuate our citizens alongside theirs. We are waiting for their cooperation,” said Foreign Minister Rana.
There are 16 Nepali citizens in Iran, five of them are in Iranian prisons due to immigration laws. After the Indian Embassy in Iran accepted Nepal’s request, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today contacted Nepalis in Iran and asked them to contact the Indian Embassy, reads a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry today.
The Indian Embassy in Iran has also issued a notice to this effect. The Indian Embassy has also asked citizens of Nepal in Iran to contact the officials.
Foreign Minister Rana has been holding discussions and coordinating efforts for the safety of Nepalis in the region for the past few days. She instructed Ambassador of Nepal to India Dr Shankar Sharma to coordinate the rescue efforts.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri is in regular contact with the Nepalis in Iran and is coordinating with Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Iran, Rakhee Mayuri.
Out of the 16 Nepalis, five Nepalis are in Iranian prisons due to immigration laws, and the Ministry is continuing its initiative to release and repatriate them to Nepal, reads the press release.
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Nepal-France bilateral consultation mechanisms meets in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, June 21: The fifth meeting of the Nepal-France Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) was held in Kathmandu on 19 June. It was conducted as part of a regular dialogue between Nepal and France, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The BCM served as an important platform to take stock of ongoing collaboration and explore new opportunities for deepening engagement between the two countries especially in light of the 75th anniversary of the first ascent of Annapurna by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal.
The two sides held comprehensive discussions on a range of issues like economic partnership, science, technology, education, culture, and climate action. They expressed mutual interest in strengthening cooperation in both existing and emerging sectors such as renewable energy, early warning system for disaster risk reduction. Regional and global matters were also discussed with both sides reaffirming their firm commitment to multilateralism.
The Nepali delegation was led by Joint Secretary and Head of the Europe and the Americas Division at the Ministry, Mr. Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, with the representatives from various ministries. Similarly, the French delegation was led by Director for Asia and Oceania at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Benoît Guidée, and comprised of Ambassador of France to Nepal, Virginie Corteval, Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Elsa Calley, and desk officer, Ms. Hélène Schinkel.
The sixth meeting is scheduled to take place in Paris at a mutually convenient date.
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10 injured in clash during road expansion in Sarlahi
Sarlahi, June 21: Ten people, including police persons, were injured in a clash occurred during road expansion at Khairaba of Barahathawa municipality-4 in Sarlahi today.
Two groups for and against the road expansion had clashed each other, prompting police to open a firing to tame the situation.
Those favouring road widening drive and those against the drive pelted stones to each other. Police had to baton-charge the protestors and event opened a firing to bring the situation under control, according to Balistar Singh, officiating police spokesperson at the District Police Office.
In the incident, police inspector Divakar Ganesh received injury in his right hand and a constable Parmeshwor Ray Yadav on his head. They have been undergoing treatment at a local health facility.
Similarly, others injured in the skirmish were Tika Bahadur Karki, 50; Kul Bahadur Karki,52; Sanjay Kushwaha, 35; Ramesh Mahato, 42; Indu Devi,38; Pradip Kushwaha,26; Anil Kushwaha,28; and Umesh Mahato,35 from Khairawa of Barahathawas municipality-4.
Among them, Tika Bahadur Karki and Kul Bahadur Karki who were injured critically have been referred to better hospital in Kathmandu, while others are receiving treatment at the local health facility.
Seven involved in clash have been taken under control.
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Vehicular movement at Narayangadh-Butwal section restricted for 10 hours daily
Nawalpur, June 21: Vehicular movement at Narayangadh-Butwal road section along the East-West Highway will be restricted for 10 hours every day from today.
According to the Department of Roads Project Directorate, the road section would be completely closed from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am from today until next notice, keeping in mind the risk of road accident at Dumkibas section.
Director at the Project Directorate, engineer Chudaraj Dhakal, shared that a meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief District Officer in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Susta East), Bhabishwor Pandey, on Friday had taken a decision to this regard.
There would be no vehicles plying on the road in the mentioned road section until a new bridge comes into operation constructed.
Similarly, movement of large and vehicles carrying goods have been restricted at this section round the clock from today, he added. The good carriers have been suggested to use the alternative routes.
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HoR meeting: Lawmakers deliberate on Appropriation Bill
Kathmandu, June 21: The lawmakers continued discussion on various headings under 10 ministries in the meeting of the House of Representatives today.
They expressed views for and against the budget allocations on different topics during the deliberation.
Nepali Congress lawmaker and former Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat said it is important to focus on how the budget would be implemented effectively rather than talk about amount of allocation. He argued the budget allocation was based on availability of resources.
UML lawmaker and former Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai viewed as the budget making process was not inclusive, various problems were surfaced. We need to establish a development council in each province to design budget in a participatory manner.
He urged the Home Minister to conduct a probe on visit visa scam and implement the two-point agreement.
Lawmaker of CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Home Minister Shakti Bahadur Basnet complained that the budget allocated for rehabilitation of earthquake affected households was inadequate. All basic health services must be ensured free to all, he demanded.
Leader of the CPN (Unified Socialist) and former Minister Kisan Kumar Shrestha argued that credibility of budget has down due to trend of increasing budget by the powerful leaders and ministers in their respective constituencies. He expressed the view that the country could make a speedy development if adequate budget was allocated in major projects.
Saying the ministers have increased budget only in their constituencies, lawmaker Abdul Khan of Janamat Party argued such trend could not help develop country in a balanced manner.
Ram Prakash Chaudhary commented that priority was not given to Madhes Province in the budget, drawing attention of the government to take initiatives to repatriate the bodies of the Nepalis, who died abroad.
The discussion is going on under the headings of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and General Administration, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Population, Ministry of Water Supply, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Home Ministry, and Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is underway.
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China’s Xizang Connections Culture Week begins in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, June 21: A weeklong China’s Xizang Connections Culture Week event has commenced in Kathmandu today to commemorate the 70th diplomatic ties between Nepal and China.
Organized by Xizang Media Group, the event was jointly inaugurated by National Assembly Vice Chairperson Bimala Ghimire, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song and Vice President of the Xizang International Culture Association of China Luo Jun amid a special function.
On the occasion, NA Vice Chairperson Ghimire expressed the confidence that such events would be instrumental to further strengthen the cultural relations between China and Nepal, and deepen people to people ties.
She argued that Nepal-China relations was based on the foundation of shared history, culture, religion and civilizations. Ghimire also reiterated Nepal’s commitment to One-China Principle.
Likewise, Ambassador Chen Song shared about China’s development on economic, social, tourism, physical development, connectivity network, information technology and other areas as well as China’s path to economic prosperity.
Vice President of the Xizang International Culture Association of China Luo Jun expressed happiness for progress on cultural relations between the two countries and hoped that Nepal and China would work jointly to further deepen trade, tourism and culture ties.
On the inaugural session, different cultural demonstrations showcasing Xizang’s (Tibet) geographical diversity, livelihood, culture, costumes and physical developments were showcased.
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History of British Gurkha servicemen is prideful, says Deuba
Patan (Lalitpur), June 21: Former Prime Minster and Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that the history of British Gurkha servicemen was worth glorifying.
At a programme organized here today to release a book ‘Sugauli Treaty and Citizenship in Nepal’ written by Senior Advocate Dr Chandra Kant Gyawali, NC President Deuba said that the gallantry, hard work, dedication and discipline of British Gurkha servicemen is appreciated across the world.
He said that the Gurkha servicemen made significant contributions to the British government by fighting for the British regime in the First Word War and the Second World War. “Nepalis are serving the British Army even today. The British Gurkha force has been established as a crucial entity of Nepal-UK relations in the present time,” Deuba added.
Saying that the British Gurkha servicemen have been raising the issues of equal pay and their rights, Deuba stated that Nepal government’s position for equal pay has been clearly communicated with the British officials.
“I am clear that the British Gurkha servicemen too should get equal services and facilities getting by the other army personnel there (in Britain). The British Gurkha servicemen have been continuously raising the issue of Nepali citizenship. In this connection, Nepal’s political parties should reach a conclusion by holding discussions on this issue,” Deuba stated.
Over the issue of Nepali citizenship to the British Gurkha servicemen, former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai also seconded the views of NC President Deuba.
Writer of the book, Dr Gyawali, said that the British Gurkha servicemen should not be deprived to obtain Nepali citizenship by descent.
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Kaligandaki Corridor blocked, landslide continues
Gulmi, June 21: The Kaligandaki Corridor that has been disrupted since Friday remained closed today as well due to incessant landslides.
The corridor has been completely obstructed following a continuous dry landslide that occurred in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-1, Harmichaur-Arbeni of the district.
Due to landslides, there are difficulties in operating the road traffic, said Information Officer at District Police Office, Ganga Bahadur Saru. “The dry landslide is continuously taking place. In consideration of the safety, travelers have been asked to use alternative routes,” said Saru.
Meanwhile, the Ridi-Bamitaksar road section, which has been blocked, is currently operating one-way.
The police shared that the road section has been partially opened after removal of some portions of the landslide in Chandrakot Rural Municipality-7, Sisnebhir.
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Policy-level reforms stressed for agro modernization
Kathmandu, June 21: Member of the National Planning Commission, Dr Prakash Shrestha has underlined the need of policy-level reforms for agro modernization and commercialization.
At an interaction organized here today by the Nepal Forum of Economic Journalists, he emphasized on the policy improvements to boost agriculture yields and take the country to economic development.
The government should mechanize subsidy and concession to the farmers based on the production, he said.
The agriculture, tourism, infrastructure and industry sectors create employment opportunities for youths, he said, adding that the commercial banks need to flow investment based on regional specialization for capital management.
Dr Shrestha clarified that the policy of excluding projects costing below Rs 30 million has been adopted to shun distributive budget.
Chief Executive Officer of Nabil Bank, Manoj Gywali highlighted the crucial role of banks and financial institutions for capital collection and investment expansion. He stressed that the banks should be attentive of collateral security while flowing the money deposited by the general public as the loan.
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PM awards winners of body building championship
Kathmandu, June 21: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has provided awards to the winners of the ‘First Mister Metropolitan City Body Building Championship’ on Saturday.
Prime Minister Oli today awarded Rs. 500,000 and a trophy to Krish Maherjan, the winner of the championship organized by Kathmandu Metropolitan City-22.
In the event conducted in collaboration with Nepal Physical Bodybuilding and Fitness, winners of recent international bodybuilding competitions and sports sector contributors were honored.
On this occasion, Prime Minister Oli emphasized that maintaining good health is a great asset, noting bodybuilding contributes to a healthy life. He urged everyone to pay attention to health as the main objective of the health policy is to make Nepal a disease-free nation.
The Prime Minister also mentioned that the government has been providing cash awards to encourage athletes winning international competitions and make the country known worldwide.
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Deliberations on budget appropriation for 10 ministries conclude
Kathmandu, June 21: Today’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) on Saturday concluded deliberations on the Appropriation Bill, 2082 BS focusing the headings of 10 ministries.
Deliberations were held on various headings of the Ministries of Federal Affairs and General Administration, Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Defense, Health and Population, Drinking Water, Education, Science and Technology, Foreign Affairs, Labor, Employment and Social Security, Home, and Communications and Information Technology under the Appropriation Bill.
Lawmakers, including Dr. Chandrakanta Bhandari, Sunita Baral, Devendra Poudel, Rama Koirala Poudel, Bhagwati Chaudhary, Mina Tamang, Lal Prasad Limbu, Bimala Subedi, Deepa Sharma, Dev Prasad Timilsina, Nagina Yadav, Saraj Ahmad Farooqi, Kantika Sejuwal, Hitaraj Pandey, Dinesh Kumar Yadav, Narayan Prasad Acharya, Shanti BK, and Hridya Ram Thani took part in the discussions.
Speaker Devaraj Ghimire informed that deliberations on the headings of various ministries and secretariats, and responses from the line ministers, have been scheduled for the June 22, 23 and 24.
Ghimire shared that there will be a discussion on budget titles related to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Finance and Urban Development, Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, National Planning Commission, Office of the President, and Office of the Vice President in the HoR meeting scheduled for 11.00 am on June 22 (Sunday).
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‘Education on sexual and reproductive health needed in school level textbooks’
Kathmandu, June 21: Stakeholders have said that challenges relating to the sexual and reproductive health could be addressed in time if the schoolchildren were provided with education including this topic in their textbooks.
At a two-day orientation programme on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights organized by Skill Information Society Nepal and Plan International Nepal in Kathmandu, the participants highlighted the status of knowledge gap and limited awareness on sexual and reproductive health adding that wider textbook-based knowledge was needed on this topic.
Executive Director of Skill Information Society Nepal Khumananda Subedi said that several challenges on sexual and reproductive health could be addressed if the related topics were taught at the school level.
He argued that implementation of the adolescent-centric planning could bring in positive result in this area.
Subedi was of the view that optional status of health education at the school level textbook was not a right decision. “Sexual education should be made compulsory,” he added.
Expert on sexual and reproductive health, Khem Karki, argued that this issue was not openly discussed at the society though sexual health was equally important to all.
Karki called for advocacy and partnership among media and civil society to sensitize the aspects of sexual and reproductive health.
The journalists from Dhanusha, Mahottari, Banke, Bardiya, Kalikot, Jumla and other districts were present at the orientation programme that concluded on Saturday.
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12th national conference of ‘Clinical Pathologists’ concludes
Kathmandu, June 21: The 12th National Conference of the Association of Clinical Pathologists of Nepal (ACPN) concluded here today.
The Association and International Academy of Pathology Nepalese Division organized the one-day conference.
Association’s President Prof Dr Abhimanyu Jha informed that the conference is organized every year focusing on a key issue.
This year the conference had a discussion on the theme ‘Empowering Women’s Health: Precision in Pathology’.
“We put women health on priority. Specifically, working papers were presented on the topics related to cervical cancer and breast cancer”, he shared.
As many as 300 participants, including experts from India, Norway, China and the US took part in the conference. The Association has 400 plus members.
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CM Singh for making human welfare effective
Birgunj (Parsa), June 21: Chief Minister of Madhesh Province, Satish Kumar Singh, has expressed the commitment to making the programmes conducted in the field of human welfare more effective.
While observing the Human Service Ashram here today, Chief Minister Singh stated that they would coordinate and collaborate with organizations catering human services.
“The Human Service Ashram has set a unique example of humanity with services to the helpless, disabled, and destitute citizens,” he said, adding “We will move forward in cahoots with such humanitarian organizations.”
The Human Service Ashram has been providing shelter, treatment, and rehabilitation related services to individuals who are poor, mentally retarded, and surviving an impoverished life. The Ashram family noted Chief Minister’s visit as crucial event to sensitize the provincial government on the organization’s services and works.
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