- Friday, 29 August 2025
Karnali, Aug 19: Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Yam Lal Kandel, has stressed the need of keeping environment clean for healthy life.
At a cleanliness programme organised by Surkhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Birendranagar today on the occasion of Establishment Day of Karnali Province and Martyrs Day, Chief Minister Kandel shared, “Clean environment helps build a civilized and prosperous society and all stakeholders should fulfill their responsibilities and duties of keeping environment clean.”
“Everyone should keep their surrounding clean. Clean environment helps make life healthy as well as gives the identity of civilized citizens”, he underlined.
Requesting entrepreneurs and industrialists to carryout creative activities to convert waste to wealth, CM Kandel opined that nature-friendly activities contribute to a healthier living environment.
On the occasion, he also appealed all Karnali folks to celebrate establishment day for three days.
Bhadra 4 is observed as the establishment day of Karnali Province as well as Martyrs' Day.
Chief of security bodies, Deputy-Mayor of Birendranagar municipality, Nil Kantha Khanal, President of Surkhet Chamber of Commerce and Industry, among others were present on the occasion.
---
08- Vehicular movement resumes along Hetauda-Kathmandu section
Bagmati, Aug 19: Vehicular movement along Hetauda-Bhimphedi-Sisneri-Kathmandu section has resumed from this morning.
According to Spokesperson at the District Police Office, Makawanpur, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Shyamu Aryal, the road section has come to full operation after removing dry landside occurred at Jyamire of Indrasorobar rural municipality-3 in Makawanpur along the road section.
The road section was obstructed due to landslide from Saturday.
---
09- NC President Deuba expresses sorrow over Koirala’s demise
Kathmandu, Aug 19: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed profound sorrow over the demise of freedom fighter, Basu (Basudevsharan) Koirala.
Koirala passed away this morning. He was 93 years old. Issuing a condolence message, President Deuba said that the entire party was saddened by Koirala's demise and also paid tributes to late Koirala. He has also extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members.
Born at Khopasi of Kavrepalanchowk, Koirala was associated with NC since 2012 BS.
---
10- Sardar Pande gets featured in postage stamp
Kathmandu, Aug 19: The Department of Postal Services has issued a postage stamp featuring the image of Sardar Bhim Bahadur Pande.
Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, affixed the first cancellation mark on the latest issue of the Department during a programme held here today.
On the occasion, the Minister, who also serves as the government spokesperson, said, “Postage stamps are a means of preserving our history, and they help the nation’s servants gain both national and international recognition.”
Pande, a diplomat, bureaucrat, and author, is the sixth-generation descendant of Kaji Kalu Pande.
He was the first Nepali to earn a master’s degree in commerce from India. The newly issued postage stamp commemorates his significant contribution to Nepal’s administration, diplomacy, literature, and social service. The Minister added that this practice would inspire the younger generation to honour the achievements of those from earlier generations.
The Department has recently been issuing postage stamps featuring individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation and politics, while also highlighting the country’s indigenous crops, culture, traditions, and everyday life.
Himalaya Pande, Pande’s middle son, who was present at the event along with other relatives and family members, expressed that the moment was one of pride and joy for the entire family, stating that it felt like a recognition for all of them.
Radhika Aryal, Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, said that the life, struggles, and contributions of Pande had always served as a source of inspiration for her.
Manamaya Pangeni Bhattarai, Director General of the Department, stated that the issuance of the postage stamp in Pande’s honour was part of the Department’s effort to promote the country’s historic legacy.
—
11- PM Oli inaugurates NADA Auto Show
Kathmandu, Aug 19: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli inaugurated the 17th NADA Auto Show here today.
Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Oli said scientific explorations and studies have led to new developments, innovations and progress, and the state should build an atmosphere for easy public consumption of such developments.
Stating that the government has been supporting youths involved in innovative initiatives in every way possible, he said the government has taken policy measures and infrastructure development for progression and modernization.
The Prime Minister noted, “New and paved roads are being built in the north and south, we have added international airports. We are using green energy, methane gas, and producing iron. Technology has been transformed. The goal of all of this is development and prosperity. Move forward with confidence and contribute to the nation.”
—
12- Cross-Border Water Security: Solutions for Madhesh Groundwater Sustainability
Kathmandu, Aug 19: With Bangladesh becoming the first South Asian country to accede to the UN Water Convention in June 2025, signaling a shift toward multilateral water diplomacy, Nepal faces critical questions about its own transboundary water strategy. As Madhesh Province experiences severe groundwater depletion affecting millions along the Nepal-India border, the need for innovative diplomatic and technical solutions has never been more urgent. In this exclusive interview, Krishna Adhikari from RSS speaks with Jiwan Mallik, Harvard Kennedy School graduate and energy policy specialist, who explores how Nepal can navigate the changing landscape of regional water diplomacy while addressing the Indo-Gangetic aquifer crisis through engineering innovations and cooperative frameworks.
Bangladesh’s recent accession to the UN Water Convention represents a new approach to transboundary water issues in South Asia. How does this regional shift affect Nepal’s approach to groundwater cooperation, particularly for the Madhesh crisis that spans international borders?
Bangladesh’s move is a game-changer for regional water diplomacy. It signals that bilateralism alone may no longer be sufficient for addressing complex transboundary water challenges. For Nepal’s Madhesh groundwater crisis, this creates both opportunities and pressures.
The Indo-Gangetic aquifer system that underlies Madhesh is essentially one continuous geological formation, but it’s managed by multiple states with different policies, priorities, and technical capacities. When Bihar or Uttar Pradesh increases groundwater extraction for agriculture or industry, it directly impacts water availability in Nepal’s Madhesh districts.
What Bangladesh has done is recognize that multilateral frameworks can provide stronger legal mechanisms and technical support than purely bilateral arrangements. For Nepal, this raises the question: should we also consider multilateral approaches for groundwater management, or can we develop innovative bilateral mechanisms that achieve similar results?
The advantage of multilateral frameworks is third-party technical support and standardized monitoring protocols. But for groundwater specifically, the challenge is that aquifer management requires very localized technical interventions that bilateral cooperation might handle more effectively.
Bangladesh chose the UN Water Convention over other frameworks because it offers robust technical and financial support mechanisms. How can Nepal develop similar institutional support for groundwater cooperation within bilateral arrangements?
Nepal can learn from Bangladesh’s strategic thinking while adapting it to bilateral cooperation frameworks. Bangladesh recognized that effective water cooperation requires more than just legal agreements, it needs institutional support, technical assistance, and financing mechanisms.
For groundwater cooperation with India, Nepal should advocate for a comprehensive bilateral agreement that includes technical working groups, joint monitoring commissions, and shared financing facilities. This creates institutional depth similar to multilateral frameworks but within bilateral arrangements that India prefers.
We also need sub-national cooperation. Madhesh Province should develop sister relationships with adjacent Indian states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. These state-to-state partnerships can move faster than national negotiations while building trust through practical cooperation.
Domestically, Nepal needs updated water laws that recognize transboundary aquifer management as a national priority, with clear institutional mandates and resource allocation mechanisms.
What specific solutions can address groundwater sustainability while respecting cross-border sensitivities?
Successful transboundary groundwater management requires engineering solutions that create mutual benefits rather than zero-sum competition. I see three categories of technical interventions that can work across borders.
First, coordinated artificial recharge systems. Instead of each side building independent recharge infrastructure, we could develop integrated systems that maximize recharge efficiency across the entire aquifer. For example, flood water capture and recharge projects in Nepal’s Chure-Madhesh could be designed to complement similar infrastructure on the Indian side, creating a regional recharge network.
Second, smart monitoring and data sharing systems. Advanced groundwater monitoring using remote sensing, IoT sensors, and hydrogeological modeling can provide real-time aquifer data. When both countries share this information, it enables coordinated management decisions and early warning systems for critical depletion zones.
Third, demand management through precision irrigation and crop optimization. By introducing water-efficient technologies and climate-appropriate crop varieties simultaneously across the border region, we can reduce overall groundwater demand while maintaining agricultural productivity. This requires coordinated agricultural extension services and technology transfer programs.
The key is designing interventions that provide immediate local benefits while contributing to regional sustainability. Farmers need to see improved water security and crop yields, not just abstract aquifer health improvements.
How can Nepal develop effective policy frameworks for transboundary groundwater cooperation with India?
Nepal needs a multi-layered policy approach that operates at local, national, and international levels simultaneously. The most effective transboundary water cooperation happens when local communities, technical experts, and government officials all see clear benefits from collaboration.
At the bilateral level, Nepal should advocate for a formal India-Nepal Groundwater Management Agreement, similar to existing surface water treaties but adapted for aquifer characteristics. This agreement should establish joint monitoring protocols, shared data standards, and coordinated management decisions for critical aquifer zones.
But equally important is sub-national cooperation. Madhesh Province should develop sister relationships with adjacent Indian states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. These state-to-state partnerships can address technical cooperation, data sharing, and joint project implementation more quickly than waiting for national-level agreements.
Domestically, Nepal needs updated water laws that recognize transboundary aquifer management as a national priority. Our current legal framework treats groundwater as a local resource, but transboundary aquifers require national-level policy coordination and resource allocation.
How can international organizations and development partners support transboundary groundwater sustainability in Madhesh?
International partners can play crucial roles as neutral facilitators, technical advisors, and funding sources for transboundary cooperation. The most effective support provides incentives for collaboration while building local capacity for long-term management.
The World Bank and Asian Development Bank have experience with transboundary water projects that could be adapted for groundwater. Their regional approach to infrastructure financing can support coordinated investments that benefit multiple countries while addressing shared aquifer sustainability.
What is your vision for sustainable groundwater management in the Madhesh region over the next decade?
I envision the Madhesh-Bihar-UP region becoming a model for transboundary groundwater cooperation—demonstrating how shared water resources can strengthen rather than strain international relationships.
By 2035, we should have stabilized groundwater levels across the region through coordinated management, innovative technology, and agricultural transformation. This means integrated monitoring systems providing real-time aquifer data, coordinated artificial recharge networks capturing monsoon floods for groundwater banking, and precision irrigation systems that maintain agricultural productivity while reducing water demand.
This vision requires persistent effort and political will. If aquifer depletion and water conflict will be continued, it will be far worse for both countries. The question isn’t whether we can afford to cooperate, but whether we can afford not to cooperate on this fundamental resource that millions depend on for their survival and prosperity.
—
13- One in Interpol notice arrested in UAE
Kathmandu, Aug 19: A person on the Interpol Red Notice for charges related to human trafficking and transportation has been arrested in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The arrestee identified as Kal Bahadur Basnet from Bafikot rural municipality-2 in Rukum West, and temporarily from Gamcha, Kirtipur municipality-4, was apprehended and subsequently brought back to Nepal on Monday through the cooperation of the National Central Bureau (NCB), according to the Nepal Police Central News Room.
Meanwhile, nine individuals have been arrested from various parts of the country in possession of illegal narcotics. The arrests were made in Kathmandu, Amargadhi of Dadeldhura, and Badhaiyatal rural municipality in Bardiya, it is said.
—
14- DRR under the leadership of local level: Home Minister Lekhak
Kathmandu, Aug 19: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that the disaster risk reduction is being carried out under the leadership of the local level governments in the country.
Inaugurating the ‘Nepal Humanitarian Conference’ that began in Kathmandu today on the occasion of World Humanitarian Day-2025, Home Minister Lekhak said that Nepal is prone to disasters due to its geographical location and hence the government has given high priority to its management. He said that the government is preparing for emergencies in partnership with different sectors, and by formulating necessary laws and policies for it.
“The need of the hour is to empower local leadership and strengthen equal partnerships. Regional unity should be strengthened by empowering the humanitarian system,” he said.
Home Minister Lekhak said that in the context of depleting funding scenario transformation is necessary for disaster management around the world.
At the program, Chief Executive Officer of National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, Dinesh Prasad Bhatta, said that it is necessary to empower local communities in disaster management, while sharing that 81 percent of the rescues in disasters were done by local bodies and 18 percent by security agencies.
At the conference, NSET President Dr Amodmani Dixit, Executive Director and Conference Coordinator Suryanarayan Shrestha, DPNet President Raju Thapa, UN Resident Coordinator Hanna Singer, among others, emphasized necessary collaboration for promoting humanity.
Inspiring stories of humanitarian assistance from Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan are being shared at the event, which also includes presentations on humanitarian rescue, assistance and local community-led disaster management by representatives from countries including Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, according to NSET Structural Engineer Rabin Chaulagain.
Representatives from 15 different countries in the Asia-Pacific region as well as Australia and the US are taking part in the conference organized by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority.
—
15- Government committed to complete democracy with RTI promotion
Kathmandu, Aug 19: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the government is effortful to establishing a complete democracy by implementing the fundamental rights of the citizens including the Right to Information (RTI).
During his address to the 19th National Information Day celebration organised by the National Information Commission here today, the Prime Minister said every citizen should have access to information. But the practice of seeking the information requiring confidentiality by the law and those irrelevant is not expected, according to the Prime Minister.
“Democracy was secured through tremendous contributions of us all. The government is crystal clear about its duties and responsibility for the enforcement of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. We all aspire for building a wide, independent and disciplined society and the strengthened democracy which also incorporates the RTI as the means of advancing towards that end,” the head of the government said.
He added, “But demand for confidential information and the information under investigation is not warranted,” he said, stressing that some information are obviously meant to be kept secret by the State.”
The Prime Minister took the time to echo the need for promoting the RTI with discipline and dignity.
Refuting any sorts of clash of interests between the government and the National Information Commission, the Prime Minister insisted on the management of issues seen in the course of the enforcement of fundamental rights.
He utilised the forum to say that the government is clear that social networking sites be registered and brought to the tax net.
On the occasion, RTI activists, journalists and employees including the information officers contributing to the promotion of RTI were honoured.
—
16- SI, FPCA to collaborate for causes of autism care
Kathmandu, Aug 19: Society International Travels (SI), a leading General Sales Agent in Nepal, has partnered with Friends of Parents of Children with Autism (FPCA) to support autism care in the country.
The collaboration, announced during a ceremony in Kathmandu today, marks a significant step in SI’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, it is said.
SI is committed to providing monthly financial aid to FPCA throughout the year, with the first installment handed over to FPCA President, Elina Bajracharya Tuladhar.
On the occasion, Santosh Bikram Rana, Head of GSA Affairs at SI, emphasized the importance of addressing social stigma and ensuring inclusive opportunities for children with autism.
Tuladhar, also a parent to a child with autism, highlighted that SI’s support will help expand essential services to families under financial and emotional strain.
Founded in 2013, the FPCA runs Nepal’s only nonprofit day-care and learning center solely for children with autism. The center currently serves 15 children through individualized education plans, therapy sessions, and skill-development programs led by trained educators and family members.
This partnership not only enhances FPCA’s impact but also reflects SI’s broader commitment to community welfare through inclusive development, education, and healthcare initiatives, said Tuladhar.
—
17- HKH Parliamentarians’ Meet concludes with five-point call for action
The KHK Parliamentarians’ Meet was organised by Agriculture, Cooperatives and Natural Resources Committee of the House of Representatives for the first in Nepal.
The two-day event that was held under the theme ‘Sustaining Nature Empowering People’ in Kathmandu from Monday concluded today.
Parliamentarians and representatives from the countries in this region called to take immediate steps in the sectors of climate change, air pollution and bio diversity conservation through regional cooperation.
At the concluding ceremony, Coordinator and member of the organising committee, Bir Bahadur Balayer informed about the Meet’s conclusions.
The HKH Meet drew the conclusions that growing climate risk, pollution and loss of biodiversity in the Hindu Kush Himalayan region, which have shared ecological, social and economic importance, have posed serious challenges to community and ecosystem.
Similarly, the event also stressed on climate tolerance, clean air and bio-diversity conservation to be kept on priority for secured future of coming generation and called for cooperation for regional unity, inclusive development and sustainability by making the legislative role of parliamentarians effective.
The issues including organising the meet regularly, and exploring possibility for establishment of ‘Hindu Kush Himalaya Parliamentarians Forum’ for regional talks, exchanging experiences and best practices are also incorporated in the call for action.
Nepal, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar and Pakistan fall under the Hindu Kush Himalayan Region.
Earlier, addressing the concluding session, Speaker Devraj Ghimire has said that joint efforts of all countries are indispensable as common challenges such as climate change, air pollution and biodiversity loss cannot be solved by any single country alone.
Stating that the Hindu Kush Himalaya region is home to 240 million people and about two billion people depend on the natural resources of this region, he said that it is one of the most sensitive regions of the Earth. “The temperature in this region is increasing at a rate almost double that of global warming, causing serious impacts such as melting of glaciers, devastating floods, water crisis and increasing droughts.”
—
01- Two hospitals listed for health insurance programme
Kavre, Aug 19: Two more hospitals in Kavre have received approval for the health insurance programme. With the new ones, a total of seven health care facilities joined the health insurance programme in Kavre district.
The Banepa Basic Hospital, run by the Banepa Municipality and Mandan Deupur Basic Hospital have joined as the first stop service for the health insurance programme. Mandan Deupur Basic Hospital is a health care facility run by the Mandan Deupur Municipality.
The representatives of the two municipalities signed the separate agreements with the Health Insurance Board recently.
After the agreement, the Mayor of Mandan Deupur Municipality Tok Bahadur Waiba vowed to effectively run the health insurance programme.
—
02- Heavy rainfall likely in hilly parts of Koshi, Bagmati provinces
Kathmandu, Aug 19: There is a possibility of heavy rainfall at one or two places in the hilly areas of Koshi and Bagmati provinces today.
With the weather remaining generally cloudy across the country, there is also a possibility of moderate rainfall at some places in the Tarai and hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, according to the Weather Forecasting Division.
The Division has forecasted the possibility of heavy rainfall in one or two hilly areas of Koshi and Bagmati provinces today.
However, the Division shared that the monsoon has remained comparatively weak as the low-pressure trough is slightly towards the south to its average position.
Tonight, the weather will be generally cloudy in Koshi and Gandaki provinces, and the hilly areas of the remaining provinces, and partly cloudy at other places of the country. There is a possibility of moderate rainfall at a few places in the hilly and Tarai areas of Koshi, and the hilly areas of the remaining provinces.
There is a possibility of heavy rainfall at one or two places in the Tarai and hilly areas of the Koshi Province tonight.
—
03- NA meeting today
Kathmandu, Aug 19: The National Assembly is meeting at 1:15 pm today at the Federal Parliament Building, New Baneshwor. As per the NA meeting agenda, the Minister for Urban Development is scheduled to answer the concerns raised about the ministry.
The agenda of the meeting is to take a decision on a clause-wise discussion on the ‘Tourism Bill, 2081’.
In today’s meeting, Chair of the Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee Maya Prasad Pandey is to present a Study Report on Policy-Level Issues Concerning the National Parks, 2082 BS.
Similarly, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung would table the Social Network Bill, 2081 by seeking consideration of the NA, the Federal Parliament Secretariat General Secretary Padma Prasad Pandey said.
Likewise, the meetings of the Finance Committee and the Committee on Law, Justice and Human Rights are also taking place today.
The Finance Committee is scheduled to hold discussions on the Alternative Development Finance Mobilization Bill and Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee will hold clause-wise discussions on the Nepal Bar Council Bill (Second Amendment), 2081 BS.
—
04- Birgunj prison is overcrowded
Birgunj (Parsa), Aug 19: Overcrowding has added challenges to the management issue in Birgunj prison.
Despite its capacity to house 1,000 inmates, there are more than 1,300 jailbirds including some foreign nationals in the Birgunj prison, making it tougher for its management.
The Chief of District Prison Parsa, Khimraj Bhusal, said they have faced difficulties due to the overcrowded jail.
The District Administration Office and the authorities have planned to shift the prison house to a larger space but the plan has not been materialized for long.
Likewise, the post of medical officer in the prison has remained vacant for several years. The district prison has one post for the doctor but a Health Assistant is providing the health care services at present.
The stakeholders have raised the issue of the deployment of a doctor in the prison for regular health checkups of the jailbirds.
Bhusal stated that the convicts and prisoners sometimes witness seasonal health issues. For lack of doctors, the patients with serious illness are sent to the Narayani Hospital, he added.
—
05- China Foundation for Rural Development marks 10th anniversary in Nepal
Kathmandu, Aug 19: The China Foundation for Rural Development (CFRD) celebrated its 10th anniversary in Nepal by organizing a special event in Kathmandu on Monday.
The event was attended by the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nepal Chen Song, Executive Director of China Foundation for Rural Development Chen Hongtao, former ministers, leaders of major political parties, diplomats and several others.
On the occasion, Chinese Ambassador Chen appreciated the CFRD’s contributions to Nepal’s rural development, education, and disaster relief. He emphasized that the milestone celebration also reflects the enduring friendship between China and Nepal during the historic 70th year of diplomatic relations. He said “China is committed to continuing collaboration in sustainable development initiatives, humanitarian assistance, and community-focused programmes in Nepal, emphasizing the importance of mutual cooperation for long-term prosperity and shared development goals.”
Similarly, Nanda Lal Majhi, the Vice-Chairperson of the Social Welfare Council of Nepal noted that CFRD’s initiatives in education, agriculture, and community development have not only provided immediate support but have also built long-term capacities within communities.
Likewise, Executive Director of the CFRD Chen Hongtao said this celebration is about reaffirming our shared commitment to building a more inclusive and resilient future for rural communities in Nepal. Its commitment to integrating China’s poverty reduction experience with Nepal’s local development needs, continuing to foster sustainable growth and strengthen people-to-people ties between the two nations, he added.
On the occasion, Kimtang’s Tea Project from Nuwakot district; Khokana and Gotikhel villages of Lalitpur district signed separate agreements with three cooperatives from China’s Sichuan Province on knowledge sharing and exchanges on agriculture. The signing agreement was witnessed by the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, and former Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sujata Koirala, among others.
It is said that the agreement is aimed at deepening agricultural cooperation and rural revitalization by linking Nepalese villages with successful Chinese cooperatives. The CFRD has been supporting Nepal’s villages in sustainable rural development, advancing education, promoting livelihoods, and improving community well-being.
During the event, a research publication documenting the CFRD’s decade-long journey in Nepal, recognition and appreciation of NGO partners, and exhibition stalls showcasing products made by women beneficiaries of the Women’s Occupational Support program and accomplishments of several comprehensive projects of CFRD in Nepal, according to the CFRD.
The Country Director of CFRD Nepal Office Zou Zhiqiang, mayors and deputies of different local levels, representatives of the UN agencies in Nepal, and others also attended the event.
—
06- CPN (US) summons SC meeting
Kathmandu, Aug 19: The CPN (Unified Socialist) has summoned its standing committee (SC) meeting on September 10. The meeting is expected to dwell on resolving intraparty disputes in the CPN (US).
Deputy Chief of the party’s central publicity department, Damodar Aryal, said that the conventions of the party’s province, district and other committee’s conventions, intraparty feuds, the party’s upcoming strategies and other issues would be discussed in the SC meeting.
Likewise, he said that the party’s political campaigns and its nationwide impacts, contemporary political issues, socialist programme, party’s organizational behaviour and other related aspects would also be reviewed.
It is said that the party’s SC meeting would endorse the proposal for the likeminded left parties’ unity and collaboration with the socialist parties would be discussed.
—
