- Friday, 29 August 2025
Kathmandu, Aug 26: First Lady Sabita Paudel visited the Pashupatinath Temple on Tuesday to pay homage to Lord Pashupatinath on the occasion of the Teej festival.
On the occasion, temple’s chief priest, Ganesh Rawal Bhatta, offered her tika and prasad.
Prior to the rituals, she was welcomed by Subhash Chandra Joshi, Acting Member Secretary of the Pashupati Area Development Trust, along with other officials.
A large number of women devotees thronged the temple to celebrate Teej, a major festival observed by Nepali Hindu women.
The temple premises remained vibrant with cultural singing and dancing as part of the Teej celebrations.
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President Paudel seeks Jordan monarch’s cooperation for Bipin’s release
Kathmandu, Aug 26: President Ramchandra Paudel has urged King Abdullah II of Jordan to take necessary initiative for the release of Bipin Joshi, a resident of Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, who has allegedly been taken hostage by Hamas, a Palestinian armed group.
In an official message dispatched to the Jordanian monarch on Tuesday, President Paudel requested immediate efforts to ascertain Joshi’s present status, ensure his safe release, and facilitate his return to Nepal.
The President said that Nepal would deeply appreciate any humanitarian and diplomatic initiatives undertaken by King Abdullah II in this regard.
Earlier on Sunday, Bipin’s mother and sister called on President Paudel and appealed for his support in securing his release. In response, the President assured them that he would make all possible efforts to that end.
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Energy Minister, South Korean Ambassador discuss bilateral cooperation
Kathmandu, Aug 26: Ambassador of South Korea to Nepal, Park Tae Young paid a courtesy call on Minster for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka.
At the meeting held at the Ministry of Energy on Tuesday, various matters related to bilateral collaboration were discussed, the minster’s secretariat said.
Also discussed during the meeting was the preparation of Global Infrastructure Corporation Conference (GICC), 2025 to be held in Korea from September 16-18.
On the occasion, Ambassador Young apprised the Minister of confirmation of participation from 35 countries in the conference so far.
The Ambassador expressed the confidence that Nepal could emphatically utilize the opportunity to present its energy projects at international forum.
The secretariat further informed that discussion was also held on various projects Nepal has advanced with the Korean assistance along with Upper Trishuli Hydropower Project and Transmission Line Project.
Extending gratefulness for ongoing Korean cooperation and investment in Nepal, Minister Khadka expressed his commitment to advance the collaboration being made in the transmission line and other energy infrastructure projects to a positive direction.
The minster expressed his hope for attracting further volume of Korean investment in energy, water resources and irrigation sectors.
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Investment from NRNs is necessary for a prosperous Nepal: Finance Minister
Kathmandu, Aug 26: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel has invited Nepalis living in different parts of the world to invest in Nepal.
Inaugurating the first convention of the Association of Nepali Origin (ANO) Nepal Chapter today, he said the development and prosperity of the country are a matter of happiness and prosperity for all Nepalis so the government is working accordingly. “Cooperation of Nepalis living abroad is necessary and the government is creating an investment-friendly environment and is ready to facilitate it further,” he said.
Stating that the ANO also has a role to play in connecting Nepalis around the globe, he stressed the need for exchange programs.
ANO Central President Dilli Adhikari shared that the organization was formed in Thailand last year with the participation of Nepalis living in 32 countries of the world with the aim of helping build a golden future for all Nepalis.
A 13-member Nepal Chapter of ANO has also been formed under the coordination of former President Krishna Prasad Sapkota. Rajendra Adhikari has been elected as the vice-chair, Phulmman Bal the general secretary, Krishna Prasad Odari the secretary, and Yamuna Parajuli Adhikari the treasurer. In addition, Geeta Gurung, Dr Sushila Nepali, Ranjan Bidari, Krishna BK, Ravita Tamang, Sunil Thapa and Diksha Chapai were elected members of the ANO Nepal Chapter.
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Ahimsa Festival Nepal 2025 from August 28 in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, Aug 26: Preparations have been completed for the upcoming ‘Ahimsa (Non-Violence) Festival Nepal 2025’, which is set to begin this Thursday, August 28, at the Nepal Police Club, Kathmandu.
The three-day event, organized by the Nepal Vegetarian Association (NVA), will run until August 30 under the theme “Compassion Connects.”
Entry to the festival is free, according to the organizers. The festival aims to promote vegetarian and vegan lifestyles, highlighting their importance for animal welfare, human health, and the preservation of the environment and the planet. It seeks to serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration focusing on non-violence among supporters of non-violence, vegetarians and vegans, animal rights activists, relevant organizations, and the broader community.
As part of the festival’s promotional activities, a race competition was held last Saturday, successfully drawing attention to the event’s message and objectives.
The festival will also feature interactive sessions on sustainable living, the benefits of vegetarian and vegan diets, and the importance of animal rights. These discussions will be enriched by the participation of international speakers and experts in the field.
In addition to its educational components, the event will include a range of cultural performances, including musical and singing presentations. A key attraction will be the vegan food stalls, some of which will offer free vegan food samples to visitors.
According to the NVA, the festival is expected to attract over 50,000 attendees over the three days.
It is worth noting that the Nepal Vegetarian Association previously hosted the 8th Asia-Pacific Vegetarian Congress (APVC) in 2074 BS, marking a significant milestone in its advocacy efforts.
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UML central committee meeting postponed citing inadequate preparation
Kathmandu, Aug 26: The 10th central committee meeting of the CPN (UML) called for August 29 has been postponed.
UML central publicity department chief, Rajendra Gautam shared that the meeting set for August 29 at the central office in Chyasal, Lalitpur has been adjourned.
The pre-set meeting has been postponed due to inadequate preparation, he shared. It may be noted that the UML had set the meeting meant for gearing up preparation for its second statutory convention.
There was an agenda to present the report with recommendations on party statute amendment at the central committee, but it is still continuing, so the meeting has to be put off, Gautam added.
A fresh date will be ascertained soon, he said. The party has set August 27 as the deadline for its subordinate committees to submit recommendations on the statute amendment.
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One killed, 11 injured in road accident
Madhyabindu (Nawalparasi), Aug 26: One person has died and 11 others were injured in a road accident that took place in Devchuli Municipality-6.
The deceased has been identified as 35-year-old Rijuwan Khatun, a resident of Motihari, India, died. The incident took place when an auto (Lu 1 Sa 9094) coming from Kirtipur towards Daldale met with an accident near Tokrekhola Bridge in Ward No. 6.
According to Superintendent of Police Yadav Dhakal of the District Police Office, there were 12 people including the driver in the auto that fell off the road. All the injured, who Indian visitors, have been taken to Chitwan for treatment.
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Koshi CM promises further discussions on Mass Communications Bill
Morang, Aug 26: Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, has said he is concerned over the issues raised by stakeholders regarding the proposed Mass Communications Bill.
While receiving a memorandum from a delegation of the Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), Morang, on Tuesday, the Chief Minister acknowledged the media’s concerns and assured that the Bill would only be taken ahead after thorough discussions with the stakeholders concerned.
The delegation was led by FNJ Morang Chair, Bharat Khadka. Chief Minister Karki stated that chances are very slim for the endorsement of the Bill by the current session of the Province Assembly.
He further added the Bill, which was endorsed by the Justice, Administration, and Legislation Management Committee, has been criticized for not being media-friendly. Since assuming office, Karki said, he has been committed to strengthening journalism institutions, and the Bill also aims is to support that vision. However, he admitted that some provisions may need reconsideration.
The FNJ, the umbrella organization of Nepali journalists, has been enraged by certain ‘controversial’ provisions in the Bill, particularly that propose fines of up to Rs 100,000 against journalists merely for writing news stories. The Bill also grants the Press Registrar the authority to impose such fines and seek compensation, which the FNJ strongly opposes.
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Pokhara and Korea’s Cheong Sports Committee join hands for sports development
Kaski, Aug 26: Pokhara Metropolitan City and Cheong Yang County Sports Committee of South Korea have entered into a partnership for enhancing friendly and collaborative relations in the sports activities.
Chief Administrative Officer, on behalf of the metropolitan city, Muktiram Aryal and Chairman Han Gwang Seok on behalf of Cheong Yong County signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Pokhara today.
On the occasion, Mayor Dhanraj Acharya stated that the partnership aims to enhance friendly relations through sports activities, facilitate exchange visits among athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts, and provide coordination support to further enhance performance of Pokhara’s players, as well as coordinate and collaborate for the export of sports-related products and other goods and services from Korea.
“The MoU will be spectacular in honing in our athletes’ skills in various sports. The international cooperation has validated the intent of making Pokhara, the tourist capital, a hub for sports”, he noted.
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Third Nepal Snake Festival to take place in Purandaha
Dhanushadham, Aug 26: The Third Nepal Snake Festival is to take place in Mithila Bihari Municipality-2, Purandaha of Dhanusha district.
Chairperson of Mithila Wildlife Trust, Dev Narayan Mandal informed that the two-day festival is to be jointly organized by the Trust and Save the Lives on coming September 18-19.
Earlier, the first snake festival was held in Nawalparasi (West) and second in Tilottama municipality of Rupandehi.
Mandal shared that the aim of the festival is to create public awareness about snakes. The festival includes several programmes such as awareness creating drama on snake, poetry recitation, documentary screening and musical performance.
The festival will also feature a ‘snake museum’.
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Agreement to build GP hospital during PM’s India visit: Minister Paudel
Damauli (Tanahun), Aug 26: Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Paudel has said that an agreement will be signed for the construction of a 300-bed hospital building at GP Koirala Respiratory Treatment Center during the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to India.
Inaugurating the ‘Electronic Medical Record’ system at the Center in Belchautara, Shuklagandaki Municipality-5, Tanahun on Tuesday, Minister Paudel said that the hospital will be expanded to a 300-bed capacity and an agreement will be signed with the Indian government for the same.
The Indian government has already agreed to help upgrade the hospital and an agreement in this regard will be signed during Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s near-coming visit to India and the construction process will begin, Minister Poudel said.
The goal is to upgrade the hospital and make it the largest respiratory treatment center in the country.
Speaking at the event, Chief of World Health Organization in Nepal, Dr Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav, said that the WHO will continuing its significant support to Nepal’s health sector.
The e-medical record system was implemented at the hospital with the technical assistance of the World Health Organization.
Executive Director of the hospital, Dr. Ram Kumar Shrestha, said that with the launch of this system, it will be easy to get information on ticketing, billing, reports, medicines, etc. through the online system.
It will also reduce errors in patient treatment and that health workers’ time will be focused more on treatment than on paperwork, and it will help in policy planning and research as well.
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