- Friday, 29 August 2025
Kathmandu, June 7: The 17th National Food Safety Day is being celebrated today under the theme ‘Food Safety: Science in Action’.
The Department of Food Technology and Quality Control has been organizing various programs to mark the day from June 1 during a week-long celebration, said Mohan Krishna Maharjan, spokesperson of the department.
The main day is being celebrated today in coordination with relevant government and non-government organizations, international development partner organizations, food industry, organizations related to food and nutrition, and organizations working on consumer rights.
According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, every year, more than 200 diseases ranging from diarrhea to cancer are caused by unhygienic and contaminated food in the world. One in every ten people falls ill due to consumption of contaminated food.
The Constitution has ensured the right to food for every Nepali citizen. Accordingly, to make the regulation of food hygiene and quality timely and effective the Food Safety and Quality Act, 2081 BS has been promulgated integrating all the laws related to food safety and quality.
Legal provisions for determining the hygiene and quality of food at all stages of the food chain have been made based on scientific facts to protect human health and consumer interests, says Director General of the department, Sanjeev Kumar Karna.
It may be noted that the 73rd United Nations General Assembly in 2018 had decided to celebrate World Food Safety Day on 7 June every year from 2019.
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Rainfall likely in Koshi and Madhesh
Kathmandu, June 7: Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Koshi and at one or two places of Madhesh Province along with the hilly region of the country.
There are also chances of light rainfall and snowfall at one or two places of the high hilly and mountainous region of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, according to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology. This is due to the impact of westerly winds and local winds in the western and central region of the country and influence of the monsoon winds in Koshi province.
The weather today will remain partly to generally cloudy in Koshi along with the hilly regions of the country and mainly fair to partly cloudy in rest of the country.
Tonight, light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of Koshi and at one or two places of hilly region of Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces. There are chances of light rain and snowfall at a few places of the high hilly and mountainous region of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces.
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Bakar Eid helps spread the message of fraternity and equality: President Paudel
Kathmandu, June 7: President Ramchandra Paudel has expressed his belief that Eid ul Adha (Bakar Eid) help spread the message of fraternity and equality by strengthening unity among diversity.
On the auspicious occasion of Eid ul Adha (Bakar Eid), one of the major festivals of the Muslim community, today, the President has expressed his belief that such festivals carrying the message of faith, dedication and social service will contribute to the preservation, promotion and development of our respective indigenous cultures and traditions based on mutual harmony, tolerance, reconciliation, unity, fraternity and coexistence.
While extending his heartfelt wishes for happiness, peace and prosperity to all Nepali sisters and brothers living at home and abroad, he has also expressed his best wishes that Eid ul Adha will inspire all Nepalis to build a prosperous society by maintaining national unity, tolerance and harmony.
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Halesi Tuwachung honoured with ‘PAN Outstanding Municipality Award-2082’
Khotang, June 7: Halesi Tuwachung Municipality has been honoured with the Koshi Province ‘PAN Outstanding Municipality Award-2082’.
The outstanding municipality award is presented every year by the Principals Association of Nepal (PAN), the association of school principals of Nepal.
Halesi Tuwachung Municipality came out top for its leadership, commitment and innovative works in the field of education, said Sudam Prasad Gautam, President of PAN.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant presented the Award to Mayor of Halesi Tuwachung Municipality Bimala Rai during PAN’s second national conference.
Likewise, Rong Rural Municipality of Ilam in Koshi Province was awarded the Outstanding rural municipality award.
It may be noted that Halesi Tuwachung Municipality was also ranked first in the district in settling financial arrears, third in the province, and tenth among 753 local levels across the country.
Nepal’s call for unified BIMSTEC disaster mechanism
Kathmandu, June 7: Home Secretary Gokarna Mani Duwadee has highlighted steps taken by Nepal in reducing disaster mortality, infrastructure retrofitting, localizing DRR strategies, and improving social protection standards.
He also urged for the creation of a unified BIMSTEC disaster mechanism to harmonize risk assessments, monitor Sendai Framework implementation, and establish a dedicated regional DRR fund.
At the High-Level UNDRR-BIMSTEC event under the eighth edition of the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR 2025) that concluded in Geneva, Switzerland on Friday, Secretary Duwadee presented Nepal’s progress under the Disaster Risk Reduction National Strategic Plan of Action (2018–2030).
Organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) and hosted by the Government of Switzerland the biennial event held from June 2 to 6 saw the participation of more than 3,400 delegates from 166 countries across the globe.
The GPDRR serves as an important global forum where governments, UN agencies, civil society, academia, and the private sector converge to review progress, share insights, identify gaps, and forge pathways to enhance disaster resilience globally. This year’s theme emphasized urgent, integrated action toward risk reduction, innovative financing, and inclusive governance to address escalating climate-induced hazards.
Similarly, Inspector General Raju Aryal of Armed Police Force highlighted the importance of community disaster volunteers and emphasized high-level training and community participation for effective disaster management. He detailed the establishment of Nepal’s Mountain Rescue Training School and disaster management training academy as vital steps toward national resilience. Aryal strongly advocated for collective global effort and inter-agency coordination, reinforcing that isolated actions are insufficient for managing disasters effectively.
At the Ignite Stage, Dr. Raju Thapa of DPNet under the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (NPDRR) presented Nepal’s success story in cost-effectively adopting and localizing the Sphere Minimum Humanitarian Standards following major crises, notably after the devastating 2015 earthquake.
In the Ministerial Roundtable, Secretary Duwadee highlighted Nepal’s vulnerability to multiple natural hazards such as earthquakes, floods, glacial lake outburst flood and cloudbursts, exacerbated by climate change. He vividly illustrated this through the tragic cloudburst incident in Kathmandu in September 2024, which caused 56 fatalities and inflicted over USD 460 million in economic damages.
Highlighting a severe fiscal gap identified through recent assessments, Secretary Duwadee emphasized Nepal’s urgent need for innovative financial solutions, including catastrophe bonds and parametric insurance mechanisms tailored to the nation’s distinct risk profile.
Secretary Duwadee also drew attention to the rapidly worsening climate crisis in the Himalayas, emphasizing that melting glaciers significantly threaten mountain communities. Referring to the recently held Sagarmatha Dialogue in Kathmandu, he reiterated Nepal’s demand for global climate justice and better access to international climate finance tools like the Green Climate Fund, Adaptation Fund, and the Loss and Damage Fund. These resources, he argued, are important for building resilience and implementing long-term adaptation strategies.
In his address to the Multistakeholder Plenary, Duwadee elaborated on Nepal’s commitment to strengthening disaster governance through the establishment of the NDRRMA in 2019 and aligning national development policies with the Green Resilient and Inclusive Development (GRID) initiative. He highlighted the country’s achievements in conducting multi-hazard risk assessments, integrating community participation, and employing advanced technologies like artificial intelligence and real-time data systems to improve early warning and risk communication. The Secretary stressed the importance of inclusive disaster planning, ensuring marginalized groups have access to digital solutions informed by indigenous knowledge.
At the Multi-Stakeholder Forum on Investments in Reducing Risk and Building Resilience at GPDRR 2025, Dharam Raj Uprety of Practical Action Nepal emphasized the importance of risk-informed investments in achieving sustainable development goals.
In the multi-stakeholder plenary, Bivek Kharel from CDM-Nepal highlighted the need for urgent climate action in disaster-prone, low-emission countries, highlighting grassroots initiatives like community disaster plans, green jobs, eco-clubs, and nature-based solutions.
Neera Shrestha from ICIMOD, a panelist at the Learning Lab on Scaling Anticipatory Action, emphasized intergovernmental cooperation for effective regional disaster preparedness and response.
Similarly, innovation platform was exhibited by ICIMOD, Oxfam, and People in Need (PIN), where the Community-Based Flood Early Warning System (CBFEWS) was showcased. Various stakeholders visited the platform to learn from the experiences and best practices shared. Practical Action and Duryog Nivaran also presented in market place on their work, focusing on data intersectionality and gender in DRR.
Nepal’s inclusive participation drew extensive praise, prompting UNDRR head Kamal Kishore, in his closing remarks, to encourage delegates worldwide to learn from Nepal. Kishore shared significant global progress in disaster risk reduction, noting considerable decreases in disaster-related deaths and widespread adoption of national DRR plans. However, he highlighted the urgent need for increased preventive investment, recommending broader engagement from private investors, climate finance mechanisms, and national governments to close financing gaps.
Christian Frutiger from SDC delivered the Geneva Call for Disaster Risk Reduction at the closing session, outlining a clear roadmap emphasizing collaborative action, ethical use of emerging technologies, inclusive governance, comprehensive risk data collection, school safety frameworks, and scaled early warning systems.
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May Bakar Eid inspire a prosperous society: PM Oli
Kathmandu, June 7: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed his best wishes to everyone at home and abroad on the occasion of the festival of Bakar Eid.
Taking to his social media account, Prime Minister Oli has wished that may this festival further strengthen mutual harmony, social unity and national unity in our multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multicultural country. “Eid Mubarak! , the Prime Minister Oli said and wished may Bakar Eid continue to inspire in building a just, tolerant and prosperous society.
The second great festival of Muslims, Bakar Eid or Eid-ul Adha is being celebrated across the country today.
There is a religious tradition of celebrating Bakar Eid on the 70th day of Eid-ul-Fitr, i.e. the 70th day of Ramadan. Muslims take a bath early in the morning, go to the nearest mosque or Idgah and offer mass prayers. After the prayers, greetings are exchanged.
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Stay vigilant and safe during the rainy season, says PM Oli
Kathmandu, June 7: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged everyone to remain vigilant and safe during the ongoing rainy season.
Taking to his social media account this morning, Prime Minister Oli has urged everyone to remain alert considering the high risk of disasters like floods and landslides. “The risk of disasters like floods and landslides is high during the rainy season. We need to be vigilant at all times to avoid disasters,” Prime Minister Oli has said said. “We should seek direct information about it and adopt measures to be safe. Let us be vigilant and stay safe.”
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Two boys drown in pond
Jhapa, June 7: Two boys died after drowning in a pond of Namuna community forest in Arjundhara municipality-19 this morning.
The deceased have been identified as 12-year-old Mahasus Gurung and 10-year-old Sujal Gurung from Jirikhimti of Terhathum district, according to Information Officer at the District Police Office, Khagendra Khadka.
The boys were the relatives of Purna Bahadur Rai from Arjundhara-11. They had gone swimming in the pond this morning. The locals rescued the boys from the pond and rushed to the B&C Hospital, Birtamod, but in vain.
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General Secretary Thapa for avoiding impulsive politics
Dharan, June 7: General Secretary of Nepali Congress, Gagan Thapa, has reminded the party leaders and cadres that NC is not the party that adopts impulsive and provocative politics.
“The NC does not believe in mob and incitement,” General Secretary Thapa said while addressing the first general convention of Nepal Democratic Yakthung Limbu Association here Friday. He also recollected the leading role the NC played in promulgation of constitution and its enforcement.
Thapa argued the provocative politics prompts questions over the democracy, so the party has been shouldering the responsibility of establishing peace, stability and institutional reform. “The political foundation of NC is democratic values, debate and consensus. Manipulation of human emotion harms politics and nation,” he reiterated.
According to him, it is necessary to focus on people’s mandate, policy, discretion and inclusive debate.
In his view, democratic system has contributed tremendously to socioeconomic transformation of Nepal, so no regressive force would return in the country in the name of ‘nationalism’. “It is time to make the two-party government strong,” General Secretary Thapa underscored.
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Minister Yadav emphasizes use of bicycle to minimize air pollution
Kathmandu, June 7: Minister for Drinking Water Pradeep Yadav has suggested all concerned to promote use of bicycle to reduce air pollution in the dense cities and urban areas.
Inaugurating the cycle rally organized by the Marwadi Youth Forum on the occasion of the World Environment Day here today, Minister Yadav called for using bicycle for reducing traffic congestion and get rid of unhealthy lifestyle.
Use of green vehicles do not produce smoke as they do not consume fossil fuel, he reminded, adding that building a green world requires utmost use of clean and renewable energy. The Minister pledged more investment in policy making and infrastructures to promote environment-friendly transportations.
He also encouraged schools, public offices and local levels to use bicycle. The Minister, on the occasion, acknowledged and appreciated the Youth Forum’s efforts to conserve environment.
On a different note, Minister Yadav expressed his concern over the snow-capped mountains of Nepal turning into black and bare due to the impacts of climate change. “It’s important to protect our mountains. The climate change induced challenges and problems needs collective initiatives,” he urged.
Similarly, Marwardi Sewa Samiti’s Chairperson Pramod Kumar Chaudhary highlighted the benefits of using bicycle, stating that the use of bicycle would contribute to personal fitness as well as reduction of air and sound pollution in the cities.
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Five women returned from India test coronavirus positive
Kanchanpur, June 7: Five women of Sudurpaschim Province, who returned home from India via Gauriphanta check point, have tested positive for coronavirus infection.
The India returnees via this check point were found suffering from coronavirus in course of antigen test on Friday. Of them, three are from Kailali district and two from Achham.
Information Officer at Health Emergency Operation Centre in the province, Hem Raj Joshi, said 30 suspected people returned from India underwent the antigen test at the checkpoint. All the coronavirus infected women were advised to stay at home.
Earlier on Wednesday, out of 36 people, who returned from India via the same checkpoint and underwent antigen test, three had tested positive for coronavirus. Joshi shared that eight people returned from India tested positive for coronavirus in the gap of three days.
Moreover, the samples of all eight people have been sent to Kathmandu-based laboratory. The Emergency Operation Centre has been conducting testing for coronavirus by setting up a health desk at the checkpoint.
“We will also set up a health desk at Gaddachauki checkpoint and conduct antigen test within few days”, he shared.
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Minister Rana asks civil servants to ensure effective public service
Kathmandu, June 7: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has urged civil servants to be sensitive and responsible while providing service that have a direct bearing on citizens.
She said it while addressing an orientation organised by the Passport Department for the employees involved in passport service at the District Administration Offices of Sudrupaschim Province in Dhangadhi today.
“Passport is no longer a luxury but a fundamental right of every citizen. So, service providers must be serious in providing services in a timely and efficient way,” she reminded, urging prompt delivery of services.
Dr Rana informed that the government is working tirelessly to make service in the Sudurpaschim Province and other remote districts more convenient and inclusive. “The situation for obtaining a passport is not complicated compared to the previous time. However, I have heard that there are still some problems inconveniencing the service seekers. So, it is government’s duty to make the services simple, convenient and accessible.”
The Minister also sought suggestions from service seekers on how the passport-related services could be improved. “People should inform the government about the problems they face, and the government will make timely improvements acting on their suggestions,” she opined.
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Bajura fire: 35 shops perish, property loss worth Rs 87.7 million
Bajura, June 7: At least 35 shops were burnt to ashes at Bamla bazaar of Budhiganga municipality-6. The fire started when a cooking gas cylinder exploded at a local Nabadurga hotel while cooking food on Friday afternoon.
According to the District Police Office, all the shops at Bamka bazaar were destroyed in fire. As per the preliminary investigation, property worth Rs 87.7 million gutted in the inferno, said Information Officer Dev Bahadur Chaudhary. He shared that the fire destroyed the property worth Rs 18 million belonging to Yognath Neupane, Rs 15 million each of Toyanath Neupane, Chhatra Thapa and Dhan Bahadur Saud.
However, the complete details of the losses caused by fire are awaited.
Various sorts of outlets—fancy, medical, electronic, stationery and hotels – turned into ashes. Even a motorcycle (Su Pa Pra 01-001 Pa 4681) was burnt.
Victims complained that a huge amount of property was destroyed for lack of fire engine at local level.
A meeting of the District Disaster Management Committee held on Friday decided to ask the province and federal governments to make arrangement of relief and rehabilitation to the victims.
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Solar power production in Kalikot
Manma (Kalikot), June 7: Shuvakalika rural municipality-5 has produced solar power at Chauli Rarakatiya.
The solar power was produced with the joint investment of Chankheli Energy Pvt, the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC), and rural municipality with the assistance of Nepal Electricity Authority.
The production of 100-KW solar power has reached a final stage. The local level has aimed at producing solar power with the partnership of private sector as per government priority.
Chankheli Energy Pvt invested Rs 13 million while AEPC poured in Rs 29 million and the local level ensured spending for roads, field, wall and fencing, according to Jajraj Shahi, Chair of Chankheli Energy. “So far Rs 62.5 million has been spent for the project. Nepal Electricity Authority has assisted in setting up poles,” he added.
Similarly, Chairman of Shuvakalika rural municipality, Govind Acharya, said the solar energy would contribute to electrification of the local level. “We need adequate electricity. The power generated in the local level will be consumed here,” he added.
Shahi shared that the electricity would be generated within this week.
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Maoist Centre to know people’s problems: Leelamani Pokharel
Chitwan, June 7: Secretary of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Leelamani Pokharel, has said his party had reached people’s doorsteps to know about their problems.
Talking to media persons here today, Secretary Pokharel shared the Maoist Centre had planned various activities to reach people’s doorsteps. “These activities will not only know about people’s concern but also foster atmosphere to build work alliance with other parties, paving way for unification,” he made it clear.
On a different note, leader Pokharel argued the case filed by the anti-graft body, CIAA, against former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal was a revengeful act. The Cabinet decisions are policy-level decisions, he reminded.
He, however, said, “It is right to make people’s representatives accountable to people and country, but a wrong use of power is sheer revenge.”
Pokharel further demanded investigation into the visit visa scam.
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Minister Gurung stresses modernization of postal service
Morang, June 7: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has pointed out the need of modernizing postal service.
At an interaction organized by the Department of Postal Service in Biratnagar today, Minister Gurung emphasized postal service should be abreast with modern needs- technological adoption and restructure. He mentioned, “Whether people’s needs are served by the post office counts much.”
The Communications Minister also reminded the employees about the annual calendar to make postal service systematic. He pledged support to make the service technology-friendly.
In addition to making postal service trustworthy, courier service could be branched out 193 countries of the world, the Minister suggested. E-commerce could also be adopted as part of modernizing service.
On the occasion, Ministry Secretary Radhika Aryal viewed postal service should be commercial with its classification and restructuring.
Pointing out the need of taking postal service to a new height, Minister for Internal Affairs and Law of Koshi Province, Rewati Raman Bhandari, said postal office should be made self-reliant.
Director General at the Department, Manmaya Pangeni, Chief of District Coordination Committee, Morang, Ajambar Rai, among others sought for trustworthy service.
Representatives from various post offices and organisations of Koshi Province were present on the occasion.
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‘Promotion of indigenous crops, pesticide-free produces in govt priority’
Kathmandu, June 7: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari said the government is launching additional programmes for the preservation and promotion of indigenous crops and pesticide-free agricultural produces.
During the celebration of the 100 weeks of the ‘Indigenous Agriculture Market’ organized by the Agri Product Nepal here today, Minister Adhikari said the government is also actively working to preserve traditional agricultural skills.
He hailed increasing awareness among people regarding the production and consumption of indigenous crops and organic food. Minister Adhikari emphasized commercial production of agricultural produces at scale so as to replace the import of the essential food items.
The Indigenous Agriculture Market has played an instrumental role in spreading awareness about the importance of organic and local produces and facilitating consumers’ access to such food items, he observed. In his view, the local levels and entrepreneurs play the important roles in preservation and promotion of indigenous crops.
On a different note, Minister Adhikari saw the need of cultivating marijuana and other medicinal herbs, which he argued, would generate substantial revenue thereby addressing constraints of financial resources.
“Currently we are compelled to import essential goods which are exerting pressure on the national economy. We all acknowledge this reality. If we legalize marijuana cultivation and other medicinal herbs, it would generate substantial revenue. Hence, it is imperative the government takes necessary actions towards this and we are positive,” the Minister stated.
Likewise, former Minister Sher Bahadur Tamang urged local levels to take concrete actions to preserve indigenous seeds, crops and skills. He said that there should be a provision wherein the farmers could avail low-interest loans rather than grant.
Echoing with Minister Adhikari, he proposed legalizing marijuana cultivation and branding of the indigenous products such as alcohol made from millet.
Likewise, Joint-Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, Dr Ramkrishna Shrestha, shared that the government of Nepal has been providing conditional grants to around 300 municipalities across the country since fiscal year 2020/21 to support preservation, development, promotion of indigenous crops and agricultural skills.
On the occasion Agri Product Nepal’s President Tilak Dhakal shared that the weekly market had been connecting farmers and producers with the consumers.
There are some 35 stalls put in the weekly market which generally attract 300 to 400 consumers on average, resulting in an estimated turnover of Rs 30 million till date, he informed.
Present on the occasion were entrepreneurs and people’s representatives, farmers and consumers who univocally called for collective efforts to preserve Nepal’s indigenous seeds, crops and traditional skills.
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Maulapur municipality declared best in education in Madhesh Province
Kathmandu, June 7: The Maulapur municipality of Rautahat district has been recognized as the best municipality in education sector in Madhesh Province.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Panta awarded the Maulapur municipality for the outstanding performance and excellent results in education.
Municipality Mayor Reena Kumari Shah received the award on the behalf of the municipality amid the ongoing second national summit of the Principal Association of Nepal (PAN) in Pokhara today.
The award is annually distributed by the PAN. The local level met all 25 educational criteria set by the selection committee led by educationist Prof Dr Bidhyanath Koirala to bag the esteemed award, it was shared.
The municipality reported a 75 per cent pass percentage in the latest annual exam. However, the pass percentage among the students appearing the last Secondary Education Exam (SEE) in the Madhesh Province remained dismal at 30 per cent, it was shared.
According to municipality’s Chief Administrator Ram Babu Shah, the local level allocated significant portion of its annual development budget for the education sector in the ongoing fiscal year which reflects the municipality’s commitment to the development of education.
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PM Oli inaugurates Jivan Bikas Hospital in Morang
Morang, June 7: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has inaugurated the Jivan Bikas Community Hospital and the Technical Education Foundation located at Katahari-2 in Morang district.
PM Oli inaugurated the hospital amidst a special programme organized here today. The hospital has been established with the objective of ensuring poor people’s access to affordable and quality health service in the eastern belt of the country.
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