- Saturday, 17 January 2026
Kathmandu, Dec 7: The Westerly wind has its partial influence in the country at present, said the Meteorological Forecasting Division. The weather is partly cloudy in all provinces of the country.
Fog has occurred at a few places of the Tarai region in Koshi, Madhes and Sudurpaschim provinces while haze has occurred in the rest of the Tarai and some parts of the Kathmandu Valley.
It will be partly cloudy in most parts of the country towards the afternoon today.
Similarly, tonight, the weather will be partly cloudy in the hilly areas of Koshi, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim, as well as Gandaki Province, while the rest of the Terai region will mainly experience clear weather.
There is a possibility of light rain and snowfall in a few areas of the mountainous region of Gandaki Province.
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08- Bagmti Province Health Ministry to operate ‘Adolescent Digital Park’
Bhaktapur, Dec 7: Health Ministry of the Bagmati Province Government is to operate ‘Adolescent Digital Park’ in the current fiscal year as a pilot project with an objective of promoting safe sexual and reproductive behaviour among adolescents.
Briefing the media persons here today, Health Minister Kiran Thapa Magar said the digital park is going to be operated with the aim of making sexual and reproductive health of adolescents safe.
The concept of digital park was introduced realizing the need of education related to safe sex and reproductive health at a time when unsafe sex, unsafe abortion, sexually transmitted diseases are increasing among adolescents.
The Province Health Minister opined that the project would be brought into implementation at coordination and partnership of local levels.
He added podcasts would be created on various issues including changes seen during sexual and physical development among adolescents, menstruation and hygiene, child marriage, rape, safe reproductive health, effects of smoking and alcohol, sexual abuse, awareness and they would be placed through digital board it the park where teenage boys and girls gather.
Similarly, Secretary at the Ministry, Dr Sumitra Gautam, shared that the Ministry is going to introduce such programme for the first time across the country to provide counseling and disseminate message regarding physical and mental development of adolescents.
The Ministry has already allocated Rs 2.5 million for this programme. Director at the Bagmati Province Health Directorate, Dr Narendra Jha, mentioned that the programme would be implemented at coordination and collaboration of the concerned local level.
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09- NHRC submits its Annual Report to President
Kathmandu, Dec 7: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has presented the Annual Report 2024/25 to President Ramchandra Paudel.
NHRC Chairman Tap Bahadur Magar submitted the Annual Report to the President amid a programme organized at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas, today.
The report has been presented before the Head of State in accordance with the provision that the Commission must submit an annual report to the President as per Article 294 of the Constitution of Nepal, the Office of the President stated.
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10- Madhesh Province Chief Minister to take vote of confidence on December 10
Dhanusha, Dec 7: The newly appointed Chief Minister of Madhesh Province, Krishna Prasad Yadav, is preparing to seek a vote of confidence from the Province Assembly (PA) on December 10.
The ruling seven-party coalition that met today decided to seek a vote of confidence, informed Ram Ashish Yadav, the Janata Samajbadi Party’s Chief Whip in the PA.
Yadav from the Nepali Congress, who was appointed Chief Minister by on December 5, is preparing to form the Council of Ministers today.
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11- HoR elections on scheduled date: Communications Minister Kharel
Patan (Lalitpur), Dec 7: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel said that the current government is prioritizing on rooting out corruption through effective governance and ensuring that elections in slated date.
During the inauguration of a week-long religious event at Krishna Mandir in Imadol, Lalitpur, organized by the Shrikrishna Pranami District Service Committee Lalitpur today, he encouraged citizens to elect the right representatives in the forthcoming elections.
He remarked, “The present government is built on the spirit of the Gen Z movement. Our primary objective is to successfully carry out the elections.”
Minister Kharel also emphasized the importance of religion in the society.
Laxmi Maharjan, the Deputy Mayor of Mahalaxmi Municipality, highlighted the importance of adhering to the spirit of good deeds and participating in social service.
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12- Doha Forum opens with discussions centred on dynamic and solution-
oriented dialogue
Dharmendra Jha/RSS
Doha (Qatar), Dec 7: The Doha Forum kicked off here on Saturday, with the delegates holding extensive discussions on global pressing challenges including world trade, technological development, and the transformative rise of artificial intelligence.
The two-day conference, organised with the aim of bringing together world leaders, policymakers, and global experts for a dynamic and solution-oriented dialogue, is believed to establish the platform as a timely centre for multilateral engagement against the backdrop of increasing geopolitical tensions and humanitarian needs.
The organisers have stated that the main topics included in the agenda include the Gaza crisis, global health financing, and the responsibility of relevant nations to raise funds for essential services.Participants are expected to engage in intensive discussions at the meeting about the need to reconsider global trade routes amid changing national policies.In a session held on Saturday, in-depth discussions were held on the direct and indirect impacts of AI and the US-China relationship. Although the US-China tariff dispute has affected trade and supply chains worldwide, it was expressed with satisfaction that recent agreements are reshaping global economic activity.
Dr Omar Khleif Al Gharaibeh, Associate Dean for Quality at the Business School of Al al-Bayt University in Jordan, told journalists in a forward-looking analysis about the forum’s agenda and its impact, “Amid global geopolitical turbulence, sluggish economic growth, and fluctuations among economically powerful nations, the ongoing International Doha Forum will prove to be a milestone in favour of balancing and strengthening the world economy, with a historic moment.”
Associate Dean of the Business School for Quality at Al Al Bayt University in Jordan, Dr Omar Khleif Al Gharaibeh, told journalists that the international Doha forum, taking place amidst global geopolitical instability, sluggish economic growth, and the ups and downs in trade ties among economically powerful nations, will prove to be a milestone with a historic moment in favour of balancing and strengthening the world economy.
He stated that ‘reimagining the future of business’ is no longer merely theoretical; it is a strategic necessity to recalibrate the global economic structure for flexibility and adaptability.Al Gharaibeh described the emerging paradigm as flexible globalization, a departure from linear models, designed to navigate escalating risks.
He opined that yet this shift, while vital, faces real-world headwinds, including rising protectionism and the strategic weaponization of supply chains by global powers. These dynamics, he noted, render the reorganization of global trade more intricate than it appears on paper.
Associate Dean Al Gharaibeh explained that flexible globalization hinges on diversifying supply chains, reducing overreliance on limited production hubs, and selectively reshoring critical industries. It also calls for a regulatory overhaul that balances market openness with economic security.However, these ambitions are challenged by intensifying tech wars and strategic rivalries, which hinder consensus on trade rules in sensitive sectors.Al Gharaibeh emphasized that the forum’s theme, “Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress,” aligns with the mission to recalibrate trade rules as a lever for global equity, not a mechanism for widening wealth gaps. This begins with empowering developing nations to access advanced markets, integrate into value chains through innovative financing, and boost digital readiness.
Deliberations on conflict resolution and sustainable peace building
Another debate held on Saturday in collaboration of the major Think Tank and global organisations discussed the responsibility of regional and global actors in international economic crisis, conflict resolution and sustainable peace building. Discussion was also held about relations between Gulf countries and European Union in the session co-organised by International Policy Research Centre, Konrad Adenauer Foundation and Gulf Research Centre. It would assess changing geopolitical dynamics and opportunities for renewed cooperation.
The Forum with partnership of the Gates Foundation would address the instability of global health financing, it is said. Discussion was held about new ways to strengthen primary health service systems when declining international assistance could put the achieved progress at risk. A session with ‘Centre for China and Globalization’ focused on the study and effects of the evolving US-China relations including an assessment for trade, diplomacy, and re-establishment of power in the changing world context. More than 6,000 participants and around 500 speakers of more than 160 countries in the world have made Doha Forum more effective and prestigious. The Forum as a global dialogue platform has tried to link diplomacy with partnership forwarding cooperation, accountability and shared progress.
In inaugural ceremony, Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said, “The role of Qatar in the global forum is focused to maintaining dialogue and mediation. We will help to resolve conflict and end human sufferings without favouring any side.” He opined that Qatar played an active role at the initiative for the establishment of peace in Gaza and Ukraine.
In Doha Forum, world-renowned industrialist and founder of Microsoft Bill Gates pointed out the need of financial support and use of technology to strengthen global health system. “We should take collective initiative to tackle health challenges in future and attention should be paid in system-wise reform,” he viewed.
Qatar’s Al-Raya daily has emphasized the significance of the Doha Forum 2025, stating that this event is crucial given the current delicate global landscape. “The forum will aid in steering the world towards a just path amidst political strife, humanitarian emergencies, and swift technological advancements,” the daily notes.
The Doha Forum has positioned Qatar not just as a host but as an active contributor to shaping the future of the globe. Various sessions at the forum have focused on critical topics such as mediation, the Gaza crisis, funding for global health, strategies for artificial intelligence, and relations among major powers.
Participants have indicated that these discussions have delivered a vital message: practical solutions are essential for constructing a sustainable, equitable, and balanced world. Al-Raya reported that the Doha Forum 2025 reaffirmed Qatar’s robust dedication to multilateral diplomacy and bolstered the dialogue and cooperation necessary to tackle significant global challenges.
Power of Media and the Search for Truth discussed
In another noteworthy discussion programme titled ‘The Power of Media and the Search for Truth,’ held in partnership with international media, there was significant involvement from senior journalists from various nations worldwide.
The panel discussion, led by Sky News journalist Yalda Hakim, included thorough discussions on urgent global matters and potential solutions. The programme, co-organized by Neil Patel, executive director and co-founder of the American political debate programme Tucker Carlson Network, saw participants commend the resilience and bravery of journalists engaged in on-the-ground reporting in the Gaza area.
They underscored the increasing significance of new media in contemporary journalism, predominantly accessed via smart devices and mobile phones, particularly on social media platforms. This shift has transformed how news and information are shared in today’s world, necessitating that mass communicators become proficient in these tools as technology evolves. The speakers emphasized the critical role of these platforms in enhancing and speeding up the distribution of news content generated by traditional media outlets, such as newspapers, radio stations, news agencies, and television networks. They also addressed some of the drawbacks associated with certain modern media tools during their discussion.
The programme specifically pointed out the role of AI technologies in the rapid spread of unverified information or the creation of false or misleading content.
At the conclusion of the event, the panelists called for a cautious approach to media that disseminates deceptive or fabricated news without credible sources. They advocated for a focus on creative and meaningful journalism that contributes to societal development and progress through effective communication, while also urging the responsible use of AI to foster more refined and responsible journalism.
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13- Madhes Province Chief Minister Yadav and ministers take oath of office
Janakpurdham, Dec 7: The newly-appointed Chief Minister of the Government of Madhesh Province, Krishna Prasad Yadav, has taken the oath of office and secrecy.
Chief of the Madhes Province, Dr Surendra Labh Karna, administered the oath of office and secrecy to Chief Minister Yadav during a ceremony held here today.
Chief Minister Yadav has been appointed as the sixth Chief Minister of Madhesh Province.He was appointed as the Chief Minister based on the support and consensus of 77 Province Assembly members, including those from the Nepali Congress, Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal, Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP) Nepal, Nepal Communist Party (Maoist Centre), Nepal Communist Party (Unified Socialist) and Janamat Party.
At the same ceremony, Province Chief Dr Karna administered the oath of office and secrecy to three newly appointed ministers also.Mahesh Prasad Yadav from the Janamat Party has been appointed as the Finance Minister, Jagilal Raya from the Nepali Congress as a Minister without portfolio, and Kanish Patel from the Nepali Communist Party as a Minister without portfolio. Leaders of various political parties and former chief ministers were present on the occasion.
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14 – Former ambassador Shrestha passes away
Kathmandu, Dec 7: Former Ambassador Professor Surendra Bahadur Shrestha has passed away.
Nepal’s former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Shrestha died at the Mediciti Hospital, Lalitpur on Saturday. He was 89, his son Sanjay said.
Shrestha, who completed his postgraduate studies in political science from the University of Allahabad, India, had taught at Patan Multiple Campus, Trichandra College and Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur. He was one of the founders of the Saraswati College.
He had served as the Zonal Commissioner of the then Lumbini and Koshi zones and as the chairman of the Council of World Affairs.
Shrestha also worked as the member in the then Decentralisation Commission, served as a member of the Constitution Commission formed after 2037 BS. Known for his honesty, courage, love of justice, and clean image, Shrestha entered government service from the position of Deputy Director at the Nepal Administrative Staff College in Jawalakhel.
He had worked for more than a year as a visiting professor at various universities in the United States of America.
Representing Nepal, he had attended the General Assembly twice as an expert member of the annual delegation to the United Nations. His mortal remains will be cremated at Pashupati Aryaghat on Monday. He is survived by his wife and two sons.
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15 – Home Ministry forms probe committee to look into Bardiya incident
Kathmandu, Dec 7: The Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a committee to look into the incident that occurred in Bardiya’s Badaiyatal-4, where a young woman reportedly committed suicide after failing to obtain citizenship.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has announced that the investigation committee will be led by Suresh Panthi, joint-secretary of the Ministry and Head of the Policy, Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation Division.
Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, expressing that the Ministry is deeply concerned following the extensive attention and worry surrounding this incident, has decided, through a secretary-level resolution, to form a committee under the leadership of Joint Secretary Panthi, which will also include Under Secretary Kulashekar Aryal from the Ministry and one additional member, as stated by Minister Aryal’s secretariat.
The committee has been allotted a period of five days to conduct an impartial and factual investigation into the incident and to submit a report.
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has also directed Home Minister Aryal to look into the issue.
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16 – Prime Minister Karki and former President Bhandari meet
Kathmandu, Dec 7: Prime Minister Sushila Karki and former President Bidya Devi Bhandari had a meeting at the former’s office in Singha Durbar today.
Former President Bhandari engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Karki following an assessment of the structures at Singha Durbar, which sustained damage during the protests on September 9.
According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, they discussed current political matters concerning the nation.
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17 – NRCS Kalikot hands over search, rescue and first aid supplies to TilagufaEOC
Galje (Kalikot), Dec 7: Nepal Red Cross Society, Kalikot, has handed over materials related to search, rescue, and first aid to the Emergency Operation Centre run by Tilagufa municipality.
Different materials including washing machine, electric heater, water filters, stretchers, first aid supplies were handed over under the Integrated Recovery and Disaster Risk Reduction Programme launched with the financial and technical support of Luxembourg Red Cross.
The handed-over first aid supplies would be utilized at 11 different schools in the municipality while washing machine, electric heaters, water treatment gadgets will be used by the Rachuli municipal hospital.
Treasurer of Nepal Red Cross Society, Kalikot, Kul Man Shahi, and District Coordinator of Integreted Recovery and Disaster Risk Reduction Programme, Rabi Lamichhane, jointly handed over the materials to Mayor of Tilagufa municipality, Shankar Prasad Upadhyaya.
This municipality connected with Karnali highway is considered as a risk area from the disaster risk perspective.
On the occasion, mayor Upadhyaya argued that Nepal Red Cross has become their friend during disasters, expressing special gratitude towards the Luxembourg Red Cross.
Likewise, Coordinator Lamichhane shared that the project has been working in collaboration with the municipality in the sector of drinking water and sanitation, institutional capacity development and developing the educational quality.
All the 11 wards of the municipality are at the risk in view of different types of disaster and health.
Nepal Red Cross, with financial and technical support of the Luxembourg Red Cross, has been running different activities related to drinking water and sanitation, small irrigation projects, health, livelihood and education in collaboration with the municipality.
Galje drinking water project, Dalit Tole Badamwada drinking water project, Deurukh drinking water project have already been handed over and more than 1,000 families from poorest communities have been benefitted from these projects.
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18 – Government making preparations to continue PCL nursing programme
Chitwan, Dec 7: Minister for Health and Population Dr Sudha Sharma Gautam has announced that the government is set to resume the Proficiency Certificate Level (PCL) in Nursing programme for students passing the SEE examination.
During a programme held following the inauguration of the Trauma Centre and Pharmacy at Bharatpur Hospital today, she indicated that efforts are underway to implement the PCL nursing programme in response to the current shortage of staff nurses at hospitals.
Minister Gautam stated, “We are working to enable colleges affiliated with large medical institutions and possessing their own hospitals to provide nursing education after the SEE examination.” She highlighted that the government and the ministry are strategizing to initiate the programme by incorporating even a single point through an ordinance. She mentioned that the ministry is actively focusing on enhancing seven specific areas.
Minister Gautam shared that the services are directed towards mental health, worker health, women’s health, and child health. She noted that initiatives are being undertaken in reform areas to enhance health insurance, guarantee the quality of medications, and streamline procurement processes to eliminate corruption.
Minister Gautam remarked, “We are in the process of preparing reports and formulating action plans. Results will be forthcoming shortly.” She also reflected on her beginnings in government service at Bharatpur Hospital and expressed her satisfaction with the advancements achieved there.
It was announced that 101 million rupees were allocated for the construction of the trauma centre, while 25 million rupees were invested in equipment. The center has commenced operations with 15 beds, with plans to expand to 50 beds in the near future.
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19 – Election will be held on schedule: Finance Minister Khanal
Kathmandu, Dec 7: Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal has said the election to the House of Representatives would be held on slated date at consent of all parties and participation of general people.
Inaugurating the 16th annual general meeting of the Nepalese Association of Financial Journalists here today, Finance Minister mentioned that the incumbent government was actively involved to hold the election successfully as per the responsibility it has received.
He opined that discussion with stakeholders was underway to hold election in a fearless and impartial manner at remarkable participation of the general people, adding the country might be pushed towards uncertainty and instability if the election is not conducted on the slated date.
Stating that private sector would be encouraged for economic progress, the Finance Minister viewed, “Structures and property prepared by the private sector is also the property of the Nepali people. It was wrong to destroy them. All should lay emphasis for the protection of private sector.”
“The government was ready to punish if anyone involved in crime. There will be negative impacts on economy if any wrong step is taken upon industrialists. Let’s always work in favour of nation and the people,” the Finance Minister added.
He shared that the government was effortful to make good governance and service deliver transparent incorporating the sentiment of Gen Z protest.
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20 – Former President confident of timely rebuilding of damaged structures in
Singha Durbar
Kathmandu, Dec 7: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has expressed the confidence that the structures in the Singha Durbar complex, damaged during the protest on September 9, will be rebuilt soon.
After inspecting the structures in the Singha Durbar complex, damaged during the Gen-Z protests, former President Bhandari said she felt sorry seeing the structures destroyed and expressed her belief that the Government of Nepal would rebuild them quickly.
Former President Bhandari also wished that such incidents would not occur in the future. She had inspected the damaged offices, including the former Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ offices.
Former President Bhandari was welcomed by Minister for Communication and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel, who facilitated the office visit. After the inspection, former President Bhandari met with Prime Minister Sushila Karki.
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