- Wednesday, 17 September 2025
Kathmandu, May 26: Ruling Party Nepali Congress, President Sher Bahadur Deuba has emphasized the need to make Nepal an education hub for foreign students by ensuring quality education in the country.
During a discussion programme on education policy organized by his party’s Education Department here today, he stated that since education is an important issue, efforts should be made to improve its quality, to keep domestic students in the country and even to attract foreign students.
Former Prime Minister Deuba expressed the view that arrangements should be made to fulfill the desire of all parents to provide good education to their children in the country.
Department head Nain Singh Mahar emphasized the need for developing research-oriented policyin education.
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PM directs authorities to make tourists’ arrival hassle free
Kathmandu, May 26: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged tourism authorities to ensure warm hospitality to tourists visiting Nepal, while avoiding legal and administrative hassles.
At the National Tourism Dialogue organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation at Singha Durbar today, he directed for comprehensive reforms to remove obstacles, if any, and advance the pace of tourism infrastructure development.
Unnecessary hassles for visitors at the immigration, loss of luggage and harassing tourists entering through the land border checkpoints should be put to an end. “Let us take tourism ahead as a basis for prosperity without any shortcomings in the facilitation work required from the concerned authorities,” the Prime Minister said.
Referring to EU ban imposed on Nepali aviation service providers, the Prime Minister also directed the concerned authorities to work to address the terms and conditions and to fulfill other criteria towards that end, including by dividing the aviation regulation authority into licensing and regulatory agencies.
The dialogue emphasized the need for timely construction of major highways and roads including Kathmandu-Muglin-Pokhara, Butwal-Palpa-Pokhara, Kathmandu-Dhulikhel, ease of entry of tourists through border checkpoints, direct air connectivity to European countries, branding Nepal on the world stage, formulation of a master plan for tourism promotion, restructuring of Nepal Airlines Corporation, implementation of conclusions of the Sagarmatha Dialogue, quality investment, human resource management, ease of tax and currency exchange, cleaning of the Himalayas, expansion of digital efficiency and increased inter-agency coordination.
The event was attended by the concerned federal ministers, ministers in charge of tourism of the provincial governments, high-ranking officials, and representatives of the private sector. An action plan prepared on the basis of suggestions received from the private sector regarding the existing problems in the tourism sector and solutions was presented for deliberations at the dialogue.
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Budget allocation will be based on priority of projects
Kathmandu, May 26: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung has said that this year’s budget allocation will be based on the classification and priorities of projects. He mentioned that there will be no ‘populist’ budget.
During an interaction to collect feedback for the progress report of Dordi Rural Municipality in Lamjung and for the annual budget and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83, Minister Gurung said that budget for projects that can only be discussed but not be implemented will be discouraged this time.
As the government’s spokesperson, Minister Gurung also stated, “Many projects have been left unfinished due to excessive spending, and the budget will prioritize completing such neglected projects.”
He said that the projects made without any ‘estimate’ would not be in the priority of the budget. Minister Gurung said that the government would lay emphasis on making the national pride projects successful. He said the government was focused on completing national pride projects first.
Lauding the good practices of Dordi rural municipality, he suggested the local levels to focus on plans to improve the living standard of the people, bring economic prosperity and alleviate poverty while making the budget.
The federal government will implement large projects like roads and highways,” he said, “local government should prioritize plans to eliminate poverty and create jobs.”
He mentioned that in the era of information technology, the ministry has emphasized expanding digital access at the local level to make e-governance more effective.
On the occasion, the municipality released a progress report highlighting achievements in agriculture, employment, health, and education.
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ICRC Nepal pledges support for CIEDP
Kathmandu, May 26: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)’s Nepal Office has articulated its readiness to provide necessary support the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP).
During a courtesy meeting with the CIEDP’s Chairperson Lila Devi Gadtaula, the ICRC Nepal Office’s Head Sandesh Shrestha-led delegation commended the initial undertakings of the Commission, aligning with its mandate.
Commission’s member and Spokesperson Shreejana Pokharel shared that the ICRC Nepal’s delegates also lauded the steps taken by the Commission and progress achieved in a short span of time. The ICRC Nepal’s delegation, on the occasion, expressed its commitment to provide whatever support needing the Commission.
During the meeting, ICRC Nepal Head Shrestha posed queries about the Commission’s process and procedures related to the investigation of the enforced disappearance cases in the coming days.
After the appointment of the new office-bearers this month, the Commission has already sent a notice to all the concerned offices, and also started drafting necessary regulations. It is taking forward its works in accordance with the mandate, as the ICRC Nepal delegation was appraised.
The Commission thereafter will hold discussions with the conflict survivors and experts.
The CIEDP has a plan to outline a four-year action-plan and proceed accordingly once the regulations are finalized, mentioned Pokharel, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to work in a survivor-friendly manner.
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Himalayan Travel Mart from June 3
Kathmandu, May 26: The 5th edition of Himalayan Travel Mart (HTM) is scheduled to take place from coming June 3 to 5 in Kathmandu.
Nepal’s premier international travel and tourism trade show is being hosted by the PATA Nepal Chapter in collaboration with the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Airlines, and other prominent tourism associations and partner organizations at both national and international levels.
This year’s edition of HTM holds special significance as it coincides with the Golden Jubilee year of the PATA Nepal Chapter, celebrating 50 years of impactful contributions to Nepal’s tourism development and global connectivity. Additionally, the inauguration day marks a historic milestone—the 75th Anniversary of the first ascent of Mount Annapurna by the legendary French mountaineer Maurice Herzog, whose family is visiting Nepal to honor this legacy, according to a press release issued by PATA Nepal Chapter here today.
Held annually in June in Kathmandu HTM is Nepal’s flagship international tourism trade show, fostering unparalleled networking, business opportunities, and valuable industry insights among global tourism and hospitality organizations, professionals, and individuals engaged in diverse sectors of the industry.
The 5th edition of HTM 2025 will bring together a remarkable gathering of global buyers, diverse sellers, travel bloggers, influencers, thought leaders, high-profile speakers, national and international media, travel professionals, and delegates from around the world.
Organisers are expecting over 700 delegates from more than 30 countries, including more than 100 international guests, and a large representation from Nepal’s public and private tourism sectors.
With the overarching theme and vision of positioning “Nepal: Gateway to the Himalayas,” HTM aims to establish Nepal as a premier, year-round travel destination while creating value for all stakeholders through a dynamic platform for promotion, dialogue, and partnership. This year, HTM will focus on enhancing insightful conference sessions, destination marketing, and mutually rewarding B2B opportunities between registered sellers and hosted buyers, adds the release.
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Avoid making provocative statements, says NHRC
Kathmandu, May 26: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged individuals to exercise restraint while expressing their views. In a press release issued today by the Commission’s spokesperson Dr Tika Ram Pokharel, responsible individuals have been urged to be restrained while expressing themselves in public.
The Commission has urged one and all to not make negative comments targeting other individuals, groups, or parties; while the security bodies have been requested to strengthen law and order in the capital and surrounding areas. The NHRC has also urged all parties to make their protests and demonstrations peaceful.
Noting that while the responsibility for maintaining the country’s law and order lies with the government’s security agencies, the human rights watchdog agency has said that capturing any area by any particular political party is contrary to the rule of law and amounts to endorsing prohibition in a democracy.
‘The constitution and laws of Nepal do not prohibit peaceful expression of thoughts and opinions, but in this context, the statement made by the Prime Minister targeting the views, expressions, and demonstrations of others is concerning,’ the statement said.
‘While any individual, group, and party have the freedom to express their thoughts and opinions, provocative expressions that can incite confrontation contradicts the values of human rights.’
The commission has further stated that it had received information that a pro-monarchy led people’s movement committee plans to hold a public movement in Kathmandu starting from May 29, and commission has been requested for monitoring of this event.
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National Fine Arts Exhibition-2082 from May 29
Kathmandu, May 26: Nepal Academy of Fine Arts is going to organize the National Fine Arts Exhibition-2082 from coming May 29, marking the Republic Day.
The academy is going to organize a 15-day fine arts exhibition that will include Nepali painting, sculpture, folk art, handicrafts, architecture and other creative multi-dimensional arts in various genres and sub-genres, according to information shared at a press conference here today.
The artworks selected through the ‘Regional Fine Arts Exhibition-2081’, which was held under theme of ‘Social Transformation: Campaign of Fine Arts’ are also being exhibited during the event.
Academy Chancellor Naradamani Hartamchali said that 606 artworks by 571 artists, including those participating in the provincial fine arts exhibition and those not participating in it, will be exhibited this year.
Meanwhile, the ‘Araniko Lalitkala Rastriya Pragya Samman’ will be presented to senior artists Dr Seema Sharma Shah and Mangal Lama. The award carries a purse of Rs 150,000 each and a certificate.
Likewise, the National Fine Arts Writing Award will be presented to Saroj Bajracharya, the National Fine Arts Journalism Award to Shiva Tamang and Hemanta Gautam of Gorkhapatra Daily and Nepal Television respectively. The Fine Arts Writing Award carries a cash prize of Rs 60,000 and a citation, and the Fine Arts Journalism Award carries a cash prize of Rs 30,000 each and a citation. The Fine Arts Promotion Award will be given to Nepal Handicrafts Federation and Pratima Pandey.
Similarly, the Best National Fine Arts Award will be presented to Ninnam Dangol (Traditional Painting) including a cash prize of Rs 100,000 and a citation.
Various other individual and group awards in different genre have also been announced by the Academy.
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Training on identification and preservation of traditional food of indigenous communities
Bharatpur (Chitwan), May 26: The organizations working for the cause of indigenous communities have come together to identify and preserve the traditional food delicacies of various indigenous nationalities across the country.
A five-day training on bio-restoration techniques and food systems rooted in indigenous traditions have kicked off here from Monday. A total of 54 participants from 26 organizations are taking part in the training.
Inaugurating the training, Minister for Forest and Environment of Bagmati Province, Krishna Silwal, emphasized on the urgency to conserve the traditional crop seeds such as barely, buckwheat, kaguno and uwa that are on the verge of extinction.
Shedding light on the adverse impacts of climate change on Nepal’s food system, the Minister asserted the international communities should pay attention towards it.
Likewise, Bagmati Province Assembly member Bharati Pathak saw the need to protect food system in Nepal that, he added, is closely connected to water, forest and land.
Vice-Chancellor of the Agriculture and Forestry University, Prof Dr Sharada Thapaliya, urged the indigenous communities to preserve and promote their indigenous crops as a crucial part of their cultural identity.
She informed the trainees that her University had begun incorporating study materials on the indigenous crops in its academic curriculum.
Yubraj Jirel, Central Vice-President of the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities expressed concern over modernization disrupting the traditional food system thereby leading to endangering the native seeds.
On the occasion, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Country Representatives for Nepal, Ken Shimizu presented a working paper on the global status of indigenous communities and their food system.
During the training, 10 experts including three from India will train participants on bio-restoration and identification of indigenous food.
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‘Akshat Antarctica’ awarded the ‘ Uttam Shanti Award’
Kathmandu, May 26: The book ‘Akshat Antarctica’, by Jeeva Lamichhane based on memoirs of his journey to Antarctica, has been awarded the ‘Uttam Shanti Award’ for the year 2081 BS.
In a ceremony held today at the Krishna Yoga Centre in Maitidevi, the author Lamichhane was presented the award of Rs. 100,000 by Dr Parthiveshwar Prasad Timilsina, president of the ‘Uttam Kunwar Memorial Prize Trust’, and veteran Critic Dr Basudev Tripathi.
The author Lamichhane mentioned that the award has given him energy as a writer. “Receiving this highly prestigious award has made me feel an increased sense of responsibility. It has not only added to my responsibilities as a writer but also provided me with energy to move forward,” he said.
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