- Sunday, 28 December 2025
Kathmandu, Dec 28: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has scheduled a meeting of its Central Executive Committee for December 29 (Monday).
According to Mohan Kumar Shrestha, spokesperson and head of the publicity department of the RPP, the meeting aims to deliberate on preparations for the upcoming House of Representatives election, the roster of proportional candidates, and several issues concerning the present political environment.
He stated, “The meeting will take place at the party’s central office located in Dhumbarahi. We will discuss election preparations, the list of proportional candidates, and various matters related to the current political context.”
Environment for HoR polls has been created after all-party meeting: Minister Kharel
Pokhara, Dec 28: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel has said that the political environment for the House of Representatives (HoR) election slated for March 5 has been established after an all-party meeting with political parties and Gen Z representatives.
Inaugurating the interaction programme jointly organised by the Ministry of Communications and the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Gandaki Province Chapter here today, Minister Kharel, who is also the government spokesperson, stated that the election has been ensured due to the government’s commitment, the preparedness of the Election Commission, and the eagerness of political parties.
He mentioned that the environment for the HoR election has been created and requested everyone to support the government in moving forward with the commitment to hold the election on the announced date.
The Minister for Communications and Information Technology discussed the concerns being raised about the media sector, which is responsible for informing the people, and requested media persons to deliver news content that is more impartial, creative, reliable and fact-based with a positive mindset.
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The green gold: Cardamom becomes Kakarbhitta’s number one export
Jhapa, Dec 28: In the initial five months of the ongoing fiscal year, cardamom has emerged as the top export from the Kakarbhitta border customs office.
Ishwar Kumar Humagain, the information officer at the office, reported that during this timeframe, cardamom exports to India amounted to Rs 5 billion 533 million 249 thousand.
The office also noted that tea exports reached Rs 1 billion 856 million 207 thousand, while plywood exports totaled Rs 837 million 86 thousand. Additionally, exports included chhurpi valued at Rs 485 million 273 thousand, veneer sheets worth Rs 449 million 11 thousand, and ginger and sutho totaling Rs 374 million 538 thousand.
Amriso (broom grass) exports were recorded at Rs 304 million 49 thousand, with cauliflower and cabbage exports reaching Rs 113 million 91 thousand. Customs data further indicated that lentils worth Rs 91 million thousand and iron sheets valued at Rs 37 million 83 thousand were also exported.
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Herbs export through Nepalgunj border customs increases
Banke, Dec 28: Export of herbs has increased through Nepalgunj border has increased in the five months of the current fiscal year 2025/26.
According to Information Officer of Nepalgunj Customs Office, Pabitra Kumar Khadka, said herbs worth Rs 250 million were exported via Nepalgunj border till December 15 from the beginning of the current fiscal year.
A total of 841,338 kilogrammes of different species of herbs were exported, he added. It was more by Rs 100 million has compared to corresponding period of the last fiscal year.
Herbs worth Rs 146.27 million were exported through Nepalgunj border in first five months of the previous last year.
Specially, timur (Nepali pepper), kaulo, satuwa, cinnamon, bojho and amala (Indian gooseberry) are exported via Nepalgunj border. Around 85 per cent herbs are exported to India from Nepalgunj border, said Chairperson of Association of Herbs Entrepreneurs, Tanka Sharma.
The export of herbs has increased via the Nepalgunj border in recent period, he added. There is a problem in mountainous districts to reach the district headquarter to acquire permission to collect and export herbs.
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Vehicular movement through Friendship Bridge resumed in Rasuwa
Rasuwa, Dec 28: Cross-border movement has resumed today at the Rasuwagadhi border, which had been closed for six months.
Trucks have started heading towards Kerung from Nepal side since 7:00 this morning. Chief District Officer of Rasuwa, Rajesh Panthi, said that the Bailey bridge being constructed over the Lhende River on the border between Nepal and China has been completed. He added that Chinese counterparts in the border area have sent information about opening the Rasuwagadhi checkpoint from January 1, 2026.
Inspector Bikram Kunwar of the Timure border police post stated that the Nepali lorry and container drivers and representatives of businessmen have already departed towards Kerung for bringing cargo containers from there. These containers had gone to Kerung to bring goods before July 8 when flood and landslide following heavy rains damaged the Bridge.
Chief Customs Officer Tulsi Prasad Bhattarai said that due to the flood washing away the Friendship Bridge over the Lhendekhola rivulet and businesses being closed since July 8, there has already been a revenue loss of 20 billion rupees in customs duties compared to the same period last year.
The flood in Lhendekhola damaged the under-construction dry port at Timure, and the 16 kilometres road from Rasuwagadhi to Syafrubesi was washed away in several places by the river.
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Schools in Mahottari shut down due to severe cold
Jaleshwor (Mahottari), Dec 28: In response to the harsh cold, local authorities in Mahottari have declared school closures. The prevalent cold weather, cold wave, and thick fog have disrupted daily activities, prompting all 15 local levels in Mahottari to suspend classes temporarily.
Currently, a holiday of two to three days has been announced, which will be subtracted from the annual vacation days.
According to a statement from the local authorities, the intense cold has begun to impact students, leading to the closure of schools within the municipalities.
In the Terai-Madhesh region, cold waves and chilly winds have been prevalent in recent days. The extreme cold has particularly affected children and the elderly.
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Casino Waldo Dynasty Entertainment chairman Chan arrested
Kathmandu, Dec 28: The police today arrested Chairman of Casino Waldo Dynasty Entertainment, Chinese national Chan Min Ching.
Pawan Bhattarai, spokesperson and Deputy Superintendent of Police at the District Police Range Kathmandu, said that Ching has been arrested on charges of fraud.
He said, “The police had previously arrested four Indians and two Nepalis from the casino on charges of cheating by creating dummy players in the casino and installing lenses in the eyes and chips in the cards. Ching has been arrested for investigation into the same matter.”
The police stated that the Indian group ran a fraudulent operation by organising gambling under the name of ‘Casino Event’ at the casino operated within the Aloft Hotel premises.
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Election atmosphere emerges in country: Minister Kharel
Pokhara, Dec 28: Jagadish Kharel, the Minister for Communications and Information Technology, has argued that an election atmosphere has taken shape in the country as all political parties have recently shifted their focus towards the elections.
During a welcome event held today by the Nepal Telecom Gandaki Province Office, Minister Kharel noted that political parties are prepared for the elections and stressed the importance of conducting timely elections to ensure stability within the country.
Minister Kharel also pointed out that reforms in policy are essential for the telecom sector. He underscored the necessity for telecommunications to become more professional, competitive, and aligned with contemporary needs.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of enhancing employee career development and improving service delivery efficiency.
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‘Mithila Cosmos VII: Journey of a Pilgrim’ solo art show opens at Siddhartha Art Gallery
Kathmandu, Dec 28: A solo art exhibition by artist S.C. Suman, entitled ‘Mithila Cosmos VII: Journey of a Pilgrim’, began at Babarmahal-based Siddhartha Art Gallery from today.
The canvas paintings, based on a pilgrim’s journey, that are put on display in the expo feature a resplendent combination of culture, colour and feminism.
Suman said, “The role of women is significant to take our culture to new generation by protecting it. My canvas reflects this feature. I have tried to depict culture, biography and country’s situation in the paintings.”
The artist, through this edition, has connected development of art with cultural memory and mythological story. In the seventh edition of art based on diversity and spirituality, Suman has captured his experiences of physical and spiritual journey.
He shared the experience that he visited Pashupatinath Temple twice while painting the Pashupatinath Temple that is kept in the expo.
“I started painting from the beginning of Navaratra. I completed only on the 10th day. My objective is to incorporate culture of Kathmandu Valley, Madhes and other areas in one canvas. I have tried to depict the diversity of the country in every piece of painting. These paintings represent my psychology,” he explained.
Total 31 paintings have been put on display in the expo which will run till January 10, 2026.
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NC urges National Assembly Chair to call the Upper House session
Kathmandu, Dec 28: The Nepali Congress has met with Chairman of the National Assembly, Narayan Prasad Dahal, and urged him to immediately call a session of the Assembly, the upper house of the Federal Parliament.
A team led by the Nepali Congress National Assembly Chief Whip, Krishna Bahadur Rokaya, today called on Chairman Dahal today to inform him about the decision of the Congress parliamentary party and made this request.
National Assembly members Kamala Devi Pant, Kiran Babu Shrestha, Bishnu Sapkota and Padam Pariyar, among others, participated in the meeting.
The Nepali Congress parliamentary party meeting held on December 25 had decided to demand the National Assembly to convene a session, stating that the House of Representatives, the lower house, was dissolved unconstitutionally amid the changed political situation in the country.
The party has demanded the immediate convening of a National Assembly session, stating that a meeting of the National Assembly was necessary since only it remains active under the sovereign federal parliament that raises the voices of the people.
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EC decides on starting collection of names of temporary voters
Kathmandu, Dec 28: The Election Commission (EC) has made the decision to initiate the collection of name list of temporary voters for the purpose of participating in the voting in the proportional election system during the forthcoming House of Representatives election.
The Commission has sanctioned the temporary voter list collection programme in accordance with Section 30 of the Voter List Act, 2073 BS, along with the Temporary Voter List Procedures, 2082 BS.
As stated by the EC spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the particulars of voters to be incorporated into the temporary voter list must be validated by the heads of the respective organizations from January 3 until February 1, and subsequently submitted to the office of the Chief Registration Officer or the Provincial or District Election Officer.
A programme is in place for the publication of a consolidated voter list, the submission of claims and objections, as well as the verification and publication of the final provisional voter list.
The Commission has indicated that the final voter list released by the Commission will encompass the names of employees serving in the Government of Nepal, provincial governments, local bodies, and institutions owned or overseen by the Government of Nepal or provincial governments.
Likewise, personnel of the Nepali Army stationed in barracks, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel, inmates in correctional facilities, senior citizens living in shelter homes managed by the Government of Nepal, provincial governments, or local bodies, or those residing in institutions authorized by the Government of Nepal, provincial governments, or local bodies, in addition to officials of constitutional bodies will be included in the temporary voter list.
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Sharma elected HISSAN Chairman
Kathmandu, Dec 28: The Ninth National Convention of the Higher Institutions and Secondary Schools’ Association Nepal (HISSAN) has elected Yuvraj Sharma as its Central Committee Chairman.
The HISSAN 9th National Convention election committee has stated that during the election for new leadership held on the occasion of the convention in Kathmandu on December 26 and 27, candidate Sharma received 160 votes for the position of Chairperson, while his competitor Lok Bahadur Bhandari received 106 votes.
The newly-elected Chairman Sharma is the outgoing Vice Chairman and Bhandari is the outgoing General Secretary.
Similarly, Tanka Raj Acharya and Dr Swagat Shrestha have been elected as the Senior Vice Chairpersons, Ram Hari Silwal as the General Secretary, and Shiva Adhikari as the Treasurer. The outgoing Chairman, Ramesh Kumar Silwal, congratulated the newly elected committee.
The Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav inaugurated the HISSAN 9th Convention on Saturday.
HISSAN is a national level umbrella association of privately funded Secondary Schools and higher institutions throughout the country.
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163 women, girls at risk of trafficking rescued from Birgunj check point in a year
Birgunj, Dec 28: Maiti Nepal has rescued 163 women and girls, who were at risk of trafficking, from Birgunj check point.
The organisation rescued such number of women and girls by conducting surveillance at check point in 2025.
Supervisor of the Maiti Nepal Birgunj, Goma Kumari Poudel said out of 163 women and girls, 130 have been kept at Maiti Nepal’s protection home while the remaining have been handed over to their parents through Nepal Police.
The organisation had rescued 135 women and girls from bordering areas in 2024 while 192 in 2023.
Poudel shared that out of the at-risk women and girls rescued, 40 girls are under 18 years and 123 are above 19 years.
Maiti Nepal had organised public awareness programme against human trafficking for 22,500 people in 2025.
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EU calls young entrepreneurs to furnish new ideas for sustainable packaging
Kathmandu, Dec 28: The European Union has called for proposals for innovation ideas of grant worth Rs 700,000 targeting the young entrepreneurs with an objective of sustainable packaging promotion.
The grant would be provided to young entrepreneur presenting new ideas related to environment-friendly and sustainable packaging that can be used as an alternative to plastic bags under the Green Shift Nepal Project run by Creation Nepal with the support of EU.
The youths of Bagmati Province, Lumbini Province and Madhes Province are invited to submit their proposals with their ideas within coming January 15.
Programme Director of Creation Nepal, Sujata Koirala shared that along with grant, the winner team would get different types of support including technical and to identify market of their production and other investment sources to sustain business in a long-term manner.
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Election code of conduct approved, to be effective from January 15
Kathmandu, Dec 28: The Election Commission has sanctioned the Election Code of Conduct 2082 BS, which will be implemented for the forthcoming House of Representatives elections slated for March 5.
The code of conduct, which was published on the Commission’s website today, is set to take effect in the first week of Magh (Mid-January). To ensure that the elections are clean, free, fearless, respectful, and credible, the Commission has revised certain aspects of the previous code. The approval of this code followed the incorporation of suggestions received on the draft.
According to Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the spokesperson for the Commission, the code will be applicable to the Government of Nepal and its Ministers, Provincial Governments and their Ministers, constitutional bodies and officeholders, as well as bodies and officials under the Government of Nepal or Provincial Governments, local executives and their members, and employees at federal, provincial, and local levels.
This code of conduct for elections will extend to the Government of Nepal and its Ministers, provincial governments and their Ministers, constitutional bodies and officials, agencies of the Government of Nepal or provincial governments and their officials, local executive bodies and their members, along with employees of the federal, provincial, and local levels.
It will also encompass security agencies, security personnel and employees, offices and employees of government, and public institutions, political parties and their affiliated organizations, candidates and related individuals, election representatives and vote counting representatives of political parties and candidates, as well as individuals holding public office, as mandated by the Commission.
Such a code of conduct is established prior to each election to guarantee cleanliness, fairness, transparency, and a fear-free environment during the electoral.
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