- Sunday, 27 July 2025
Kathmandu, July 26: Five Nepali nationals who were imprisoned in Iran for various reasons have returned home.
According to the Foreign Ministry, the Nepali nationals were repatriated following the Iran’s Court order to release them.
They were taken back to the home country with the help of Tehran-based Nepali Consulate General and the International Organization of Migration, the ministry informed.
Earlier, nine Nepali nationals were repatriated from Iran with support from Indian government in different dates.
It has been possible to repatriate Nepalis from Iran with the law and order situation there turning normal following the ceasefire between Israel and Iran on 23 June 2025, the foreign ministry added.
The government has extended thanks to all for demonstrating support, initiative and benevolence in the process.
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Light to moderate rain likely in four provinces, strong winds in Terai-Madhes
Kathmandu, July 26: Currently the influence of monsoon across the country is weak.
The Weather Forecasting Division informed that the monsoon low pressure line of the monsoon is located closer to average position.
The weather currently is generally cloudy in the hilly regions across the country, with a possibility of light to moderate rain followed by thunder and lightning in a few places of the hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Karnali provinces.
The division has indicated generally cloudy weather in the hilly regions of the country this afternoon while partial cloud cover will prevail in the remaining areas. Light to moderate rain along with thunder and lightning is predicted in some places of the hilly regions of Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, and Sudurpaschim provinces, as well as in a few places of the remaining regions.
There is a possibility of strong winds in the Terai of Koshi province and some parts of Madhes province.
According to the division, there will generally be cloudy weather in the hilly regions of the country, with partial cloud cover in the remaining areas.
The division has urged the public and those concerned to obtain updated weather information in view of possible heavy rainfall in Terai of Koshi and some places of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces.
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Four-kilometer trekking route constructed
Myagdi, July 26: Over 4.3-km trekking route has been constructed through the projects operated by the Tourism and Industry Office, Myagdi in the fiscal year 2081/82.
A budget of Rs 12 million was appropriated for 10 tourism infrastructure development projects operated by the office, of which Rs 0.96 million has been spent.
Office chief Amrit Kandel informed that infrastructures such as footpaths, rest stations, shelters, and walls have been constructed through the projects.
‘All projects have been implemented through the mobilization of users’ committees’, he said, adding, ‘Due to adverse geography, weather, and delays on part of users, payments for the completed works have been made according to the technical assessment of the incomplete projects’.
Once the tourism infrastructure is established, it has eased the mobility of tourists, locals, and tourism workers.
The Khopra area, developed as a new tourist destination, features a path along with shelters, railings on the trail, and a management system for drinking water pipes.
At Nagidevi Temple, there are two resting places and a 100-meter enclosure with barbed wire.
A concrete drainage system with a walkway on the top has been constructed In Bim Tallogaun. In Barahapakhok’s Peace Park, walls, railings, stone sloping on the ground, and iron benches have been placed.
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Chief Minister Lama expels four ministers
Bagmati, July 26: Chief Minister of the Bagmati Province, Bahadur Singh Lama Tamang has expelled four ministers.
Chief Minister Lama relieved Minister for Internal Affairs and Law Suraj Chandra Lamichhane, Minister for Culture and Tourism Bimal Thakuri, Minister for Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation Madukumar Shrestha and Minister for Youth and Sports Min Krishna Maharjan.
Chief Minister Lama has communicated to the provincial chief Deepak Prasad Devkota, informing him that four ministers have been relieved of their responsibilities in accordance with Article 169(2)(K) of the Constitution 2072.
All four ministers submitted their resignations to Chief Minister Lama via ‘WhatsApp’ on Friday.
They were all part of the province government from the Nepali Congress (NC).
Following their resignations, 21 members of the provincial assembly, including four ministers, had registered a non-confidence motion against Chief Minister Lama at the NC parliamentary party office on Friday.
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Couple electrocuted while charging city rickshaw in Saptari
Rajbiraj (Saptari), July 26: A couple was electrocuted while charging city rickshaw in Rupani Rural Municipality-2, Pauwa of Saptari on Saturday.
Local Baleshwar Khang Mandal, 45, and his 42-year-old wife Ram Kumari Khang were electrocuted while charging an electric city rickshaw, informed Police Inspector of the District Police Office, Kumar Rai.
The husband got electrocuted first while trying to charge the rickshaw at their own home, and the wife also caught electric shocks when she went to rescue him, Police Inspector said.
Police said both of them died on the spot.
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Nearly 8,500 individuals of Udayapur obtain passports in a year
Udayapur (Gaighat), July 26: As many as 8.500 youths had obtained passports in Udayapur district in a year.
According to the District Administration Office of Udaypur, a total of 8,365 individuals obtained passports from the district in the fiscal year 2081/82.
The District Administration Office has informed that the number of men obtaining passports is higher.
Among the passport recipients, include 5,642 men and 2,722 women.
Chief District Officer of Udayapur Prem Prasad Luintel shared preliminary study has shown that the passports were issued primarily for the purpose of foreign employment.
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Gandaki Province former Chief Gurung passes away
Chitwan, July 26 : Nepali Congress leader (NC) and former Chief of Gandaki Province, Prithviman Gurung, passed away today at his private residence. He was 76.
The former NC President in Chitwan, Gurung had been appointed the Chief of Gandaki Province on Saun 12, 2078 BS ( July 27, 2021) and remained on the post till March 14, 2024.
A resident of Bharatpur Metropolis-26, Gurung had also served as the Chair of the Nawalparasi Land Commission, according to NC central member Tek Prasad Gurung.
Born in 2006 BS at Lwanghalel of Machhapuchhre rural municipality in Kaski, he later migrated to Chitwan.
He had been battling cancer for a long time. His last rites are scheduled for Sunday, as the aggrieving family is awaiting the arrival of his son from abroad. Gurung is survived by his spouse and youngest son, while his eldest son had already passed away.
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Lumpy Skin Disease spreads in Sunsari, 53 cattle dead
Inaruwa (Sunsari), July 26: The outbreak of the infection of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is spreading rapidly among domesticated cattle in various places in Sunsari district including district headquarters Inaruwa.
According to Manoj Mehta, Chief of the Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Centre, Sunsari, LSD cases have been detected in several places such as Dharan, Itahari, Duhabi, Barahakshettra, Ramdhuni and Gadhi.
So far, 1,516 cattle across the district were reported to have contracted this infection. Mehta said that Duhabi reported the highest number of cases at 276 while Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City recorded the lowest at 15.
A total of 53 cattle in the district have perished due to the infection. Barahashettra Municipality has reported the highest number of deaths at 13, according to the Centre.
Mehta said that altogether 64,441 cattle have been vaccinated against LSD as a part of the preventive efforts.
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Power from Lower Solu Hydropower Project connected to national grid
Solukhumbu, July 26: Power produced from the 82-MW Lower Solu Hydropower Project has been connected to the national power transmission grid. The project based at the Solukhola of the district is connected to the national grid through the 132 kV double circuit transmission line of the Solu Corridor through the Tingla Substation.
The project promoted by Solu Hydropower Limited started generating electricity from July 20 and was connected to the grid following a test run, shared Krishna Bahadur Chaudhary, the Assistant Manager of the project. Electricity has been generated by constructing a dam in Salme, which is located on the border of Solududhkunda Municipality-7 and 11, and pumping water to an underground powerhouse located in Bhadaure, Tingla, about six kilometers downstream.
A five-kilometer-long tunnel has been constructed to control the flow of the river and generate energy.
Construction of the project began in 2016 and was completed with an investment of Rs 16 billion from various European banks including FMO. The Lower Solu project is targeted to generate a minimum of 23 MW of electricity in the winter and a maximum of 82 MW in the rainy season.
The Lower Solu project is the second largest privately invested hydropower project following the 86 MW Solu Dudhkoshi.
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Indian national held with Rs one million with unknown source
Siraha, July 26: The Armed Police Force (APF) in Siraha today arrested an Indian national in possession of Rs one million, the source of which remains unverified. He was apprehended from Hospital Chowk in Lahan-3.
The arrested has been identified as Rahul Kumar of around 24 years of age from Madhubani district in India.
According to APF Superintendent of Police Naresh Bhandari, Kumar was apprehended by an APF squad from its Lahan security base camp while he was traveling by bus from Inarwa to Lahan.
Until the filing of this report, preparations were underway to hand over the suspect along with the confiscated cash to the customs office for further investigation.
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Significant reforms in education urgent, says CM Kandel
Karnali, July 26: Chief Minister of Karnali province government, Yamlal Kandel, has pressed the need for innovative reforms in the existing education system.
During a foundation stone-laying ceremony of an administrative and educational building of the Surkhet-based Shree Amarjyoti Secondary School in Birendranagar municipality-12 today, he spoke of the urgency of a significant reform in the existing education system.
“We still rely on the education system which is traditional requiring students to just focus on textbooks and secure good marks.”But they need education that is capable of making them competent, capable and productive,” he argued.
He spoke of the need for reforms in physical infrastructure and the enhancement of education quality by making it practical, technology-friendly, and innovative. Kandel also called for revising the curriculum, teaching methods, and evaluation system.
The Chief Minister stated that policy reforms, resource management, the presence of competent teachers, and the condition of physical infrastructure play a vital role in transforming education. He pledged to pay close attention to ensuring all these requirements are met in Karnali schools.
Under a project costing Rs 58.92 million funded by the Karnali provincial government, a 33-room facility will be constructed by end of December 2026.
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President pays tribute to the late Gurung, former province chief of Gandaki
Kathmandu, July 26: President Ramchandra Paudel has paid heartfelt tributes to Prithviman Gurung, former chief of Gandaki province, who succumbed to cancer earlier today.
In his condolences message today, the President has expressed sorrow over the demise of the former province chief, remembering his significant contribution to the establishment and restoration of democracy in the country, according to the President’s Private Secretariat.
Gurung passed away at 8:00 am today at his private residence in Chitwan after his long battle against cancer. The President highlighted the leading role played by Gurung in Chitwan during the 1990’s people’s movement. The Head of the State also expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.
Gurung, the former district (Chitwan) president of Nepali Congress served as the Chief of Gandaki Province from July 27, 2021 to March 14, 2024.
His last rites are scheduled for Sunday, as the aggrieving family is awaiting the arrival of his son from abroad. Gurung is survived by his spouse and youngest son, while his eldest son has already passed away.
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Preparation underway to generate 100 MW of wind power in Gulmi
Gulmi, July 26: Preparation is afoot to start a feasibility study for establishment of a 100-megawatt wind energy project at Resunga Municipality-7 in Gulmi district.
An all-party and all-stakeholder meeting recently convened in the ward reached a consensus to move forward with the project, said Ram Prasad Panthi, ward no 7 chairperson. The meetings emphasized the need to develop Arjunchettra not only as a tourist destination but also as a centre for generating wind power.
The idea for running the Project was initially recommended to the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre about two years ago while the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation has accelerated the feasibility study for the same, informed Panthi.
Since the distance between Unayachaur sub-station and Arjunchettra is only around 800 metres, it is believed that the energy harnessed from wind turbines could be sold to the national electricity transmission grid.
The project, once operational, is estimated to generate up to Rs 2.8 million of annual income. The feasibility study and construction of initial infrastructures are expected to require an investment of Rs 15 million.
While the local residents of the ward will have an opportunity to invest in the project through allocation of shares, remaining funding will be managed through collaboration among the federal, provincial governments and Centre.
All people’s representatives in the ward have expressed their solidarity for this Project deeming it appropriate and timely, it was said.
The all-party and all-stakeholder meeting had also decided to allocate the budget received from the municipality for this new fiscal year 2025/26 solely on the wind energy project and in priorities areas rather than in physical infrastructures development.
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Deuba expresses grief over demise of former Gandaki Province Chief
Kathmandu, July 26: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed grief over the demise of former Nepali Congress Chitwan President and former Gandaki Province Chief Prithviman Gurung.
Issuing a statement of condolences today, President Deuba said that he was deeply saddened over the news of the demise of former Congress Chitwan President and former Gandaki Province Chief Prithviman Gurung. “Late Gurung’s leadership role in building the Nepali Congress organization and Nepal’s democratic movement will always be remembered.”
Paying heartfelt tributes to the late Gurung, he has also prayed for the eternal peace of his soul and extended deep condolences on behalf of the party and himself to the bereaved family.
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Minister Neupane promises increase in budget allocation to Bandipur
Damauli (Tanahu), July 26: Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Bhagawati Neupane has said the government is committed to the development of Bandipur, a touristic site in Tahanu.
During a meeting with local political representatives of CPN (UML) at Dharampani of Bandipur rural municipality-6 today, the Minister pledged special attention from the federal government for the development of the area, one of the country’s popular touristic sites.
Remembering hospitality that she had received from Dharampani during her engagements with the party organisation here, she also promised to prioritise the area in the development endevours and make efforts for increasing budget allocation in the upcoming years.
Bandipur rural municipality Chair Surendra Thapa, Vice Chair Panchamaya Gurung and ward chair Bal Bahadur Gurung were also there to welcome the Minister.
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Child missing in canal found dead
Kathmandu, July 26: A child who had gone missing in the Kamala Canal at Bagaha in Kajarnaha Municipality-11, Siraha, was found dead a day after, police confirmed.
The around six-year-old child had been bathing in the canal on Thursday late morning while he drowned. He went to take a bath while grazing buffaloes accompanying his grandmother.
According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Birendra Paswan, the child’s body was retrieved from the southern part of the canal in Mirchaiya-3 at around 4:00 pm on Friday. He had reportedly gone missing at around 10:00 am, and the police were informed of the incident at around 2:30 pm. Initially, the family and the locals had searched for him, it is said.
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Dahal stresses on meaningful Communist unity
Kathmandu, July 26: Chairperson of CPN (Maoist Centre) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has underlined the need for proceeding with the Communist unification on the basis of policies and ideologies.
During his address to a programme held marking the centennial birth anniversary and 47th death anniversary of Pushpalal, the founder of Nepal Communist Party here today, he spoke of the possibility of a meaningful unification among the left forces that are against crony capitalism. “The resolution against crony capitalism is a true respect and tribute to Pushpalal and this very point is also a take-off for the Communist unity.”
Also speaking at the programme, respected leader of CPN (Unified Socialist) Jhalanath Khanal also pressed the need for right thoughts and policies for the Communist unity.
The two leaders also collectively launched a book entitled ‘ Nirvasan’ (exile ) centered on the lifecycle of Pushpalal by Lokkrishna Bhattarai .
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CM Acharya urges hospital to treat patients without referrals
Nawalparashi (Bardaghat), July 26: Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya, called on the hospitals to offer in-house services to the patients rather than referring them elsewhere.
The CM made this appeal while inaugurating a 50-bed hospital building of Prithvichandra Hospital at West Nawalparashi of Nawalparashi (Bardaghat Susta West) today.
CM Acharya stressed that the hospitals should provide all available medical services on-site and only refer patients elsewhere for complex cases they are unable to treat.
Acknowledging the economic challenges faced by local patients, Acharya said, “The financial condition of the service-seekers here is weak and they cannot afford to travel to bigger healthcare facilities for treatment. The provincial government, taking cognizance of this situation, is working to introduce specialist services across all sectors to make hospitals more self-reliant in service delivery.”
The CM also assured that there will be full support from the provincial government to the Prithvichandra Hospital to enhance its capacity and improve its service delivery.
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