- Saturday, 17 January 2026
Inaruwa (Sunsari), Jan 9: Over 3,500 election police personnel are being recruited in Sunsari for the upcoming election to the House of Representatives scheduled for March 5, 2026.
According to the District Police Office, Sunsari, the recruitment process commenced today. A total of 3,578 personnel: 3,149 from the Nepal Police and 429 from the Armed Police Force are to be hired for election purposes, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Chandra Bahadur Khadka.
The recruitment is being conducted in line with the Integrated Procedure on Recruitment Selection, Appointment and Mobilization of Election Police (Nepal Police and Armed Police Force, Nepal) Procedure-2082.
Individuals aged 18 to below 54 years can apply at the District Police Office, Sunsari, and the Armed Police Force Headquarters No. 4 Brigade, Inaruwa, from January 9 to 15 for the selection process.
Sunsari has four electoral constituencies with a total of 580,945 voters. The district has 167 polling stations and 624 polling centres, according to Chief Election Officer Krishna Prasad Paudel of the District Election Office, Sunsari.
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07 – MEPs handed over to local governments to drive clean energy,
sustainable development
Mustang, Jan 9: As a significant step toward strengthening local energy planning and implementation, Municipal Energy Plans (MEPs) of Varagung Muktichhetra and Gharapjhong Rural Municipalities in Mustang have been formally handed over to the respective local governments.
The MEPs were developed by the Municipalities with technical support from the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme – Green Recovery and Empowerment with Energy in Nepal (REEEP-GREEN) project.
Developed through extensive consultations with communities and stakeholders, the five-year plans provide a practical roadmap to address local energy challenges while promoting socio-economic development, climate resilience and clean energy use, REEEP-GREEN Project stated in a press release today.
The handover events highlighted the growing recognition of energy as a cornerstone of local development, improved public services, and climate resilience. Through the MEPs, both municipalities aim to integrate energy planning systematically into their annual plans and broader development strategies.
The plans aim to increase the use of grid-connected electricity and renewable energy technologies to build healthier, more sustainable, and prosperous communities. Key priorities include improving substandard household wiring, reducing reliance on LPG for cooking through a gradual transition to electric cooking, promoting energy-efficient and clean energy–based tourism, and supporting the productive use of energy—particularly for women and marginalized groups.
The handover ceremonies were held at the Municipality offices on January 7 where Dr Ranjan Prakash Shrestha, Senior Project Manager at the European Union Delegation to Nepal and Dr Frank Fecher, Programme Manager at GIZ Nepal formally presented the MEPs to Rinzen Namgel Gurung, Chairperson of Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality, and Mohan Singh Lalchan, Chairperson of Gharapjhong Rural Municipality.
The events were attended by elected representatives, municipal officials, community stakeholders and other representatives from the European Union and GIZ Nepal.
“The Municipal Energy Plan gives us a clear direction to move toward affordable, locally available, and cleaner energy solutions,” said Rinzen Namgel Gurung, Chairperson of Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality. “We aim to implement these activities in collaboration with government agencies and development partners.”
The MEPs include detailed market-based cost estimates, ensuring that the proposed interventions are both technically feasible and economically viable. Varagung Muktichhetra Rural Municipality has estimated a total implementation budget of Rs 147.3 million, while Gharapjhong Rural Municipality has allocated Rs 218.9 million for a five-year period.
Chairperson Mohan Singh Lalchan of Gharapjhong Rural Municipality noted that the plan provides a comprehensive overview of the rural municipality’s situation, priorities and investment needs, serving as a strong foundation for collaboration with government and development partners.
He also highlighted the importance of REEEP-GREEN–supported 21-day house wiring training for local youths, which will improve livelihoods while enhancing electrical safety in the community.
“Municipal Energy Plans are important tools, but their success depends on strong local ownership and implementation,” said Dr Shrestha from the European Union Delegation to Nepal. “These plans can help reduce dependence on imported fuels, lower household energy costs, and strengthen climate resilience in Mustang’s vulnerable communities.”
Alongside the MEP handover, the event marked the inauguration of the energy-retrofitted office room at Gharapjhong Rural Municipality office, demonstrating the practical application of energy efficiency measures in public buildings. The retrofit was implemented under the Building Energy Efficiency in Nepal (BEEN) project with financial support from the European Union.
The EU-GIZ team concluded their visit on January 9 with an observation of a recently completed hydro-powered lift irrigation system in Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality–5, Rivan, Kaski, supported under REEEP-GREEN project.
The system uses a Hypump-Turbine that harnesses the kinetic energy of flowing water, irrigating 7.5 hectares of higher-elevation farmland, benefiting 50 households that had previously relied solely on rainwater. Operating without electricity or fossil fuels, the system demonstrates a sustainable and climate-resilient irrigation solution.
During the visit, community members shared that access to reliable irrigation has already begun transforming their farming practices. The system has enabled a shift from subsistence, rain-fed agriculture toward diversified cash crop production, creating opportunities for increased household incomes and laying the foundation for stronger, more resilient local livelihoods.
About REEEP-GREEN
Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme – Green Recovery and Empowerment with Energy in Nepal (REEEP-GREEN) is a technical cooperation project between the Government of Nepal, the Federal Republic of Germany (BMZ) and the European Union (EU). The project promotes renewable energy and energy efficiency across Nepal.
The project has, among other activities, provided technical support to municipalities in formulating over 50 Municipal Energy Plans, promoted renewable energy solutions for socio-economic development, and implemented numerous renewable energy and energy efficiency initiatives in collaboration with public and private sector partners.
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08- Warm clothes provided to 300 needy children in Shuklaphanta
Kanchanpur, Jan 9: Warm clothes and other essential goods have been provided to 306 children from impoverished families in Shuklaphanta Municipality in the district to protect them from cold.
On the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Office, the Save the Children Surkhet provided materials to children in various wards of the municipality.Out of the 12 wards of the municipality, children from extremely impoverished families in eight wards were selected, and the materials were distributed to them at the schools they attend.
The materials distributed include jackets, sweaters, trousers, thermoses, bags, hats, scarves, gloves, socks, and mufflers, according to Deputy Mayor Kalpana Panta.According to Deputy Mayor Kalpana Panta, materials have been distributed to 40 children in Ward No. 1, to 27 children in Ward No. 2, to 40 children in Ward No. 3, to 11 children in Ward No. 5, to 30 children in Ward No. 6, to 40 children in Ward No. 7, to 74 children in Ward No. 11, and to 40 in Ward No. 12.
Deputy Mayor Panta said that this assistance is important to protect children from the increasing cold wave and cold weather.
Principal of Siddhabhim Basic School, Ganesh Prasad Pant, expressed confidence that this support would help reduce students leaving school midway due to the cold.
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09- Nepal closely following recent developments in Venezuela
Kathmandu, Jan 9: The Government of Nepal has been closely following the recent developments in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release on Wednesday.
“Nepal calls upon all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and to avoid actions that may further escalate tensions,” reads the press release.
It stated that Nepal underscores the importance of fully respecting the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence of states, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations.
Nepal emphasises that disputes should be resolved peacefully through dialogue, diplomacy and mutual understanding, the Ministry stated.
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10- Nepal’s first Fish Sanctuary announced
Bhimsma Raj Ojha/ RSS
Kathmandu, Jan 9: Nepal’s first Fish Sanctuary has been announced in a historic move toward the conservation of aquatic biodiversity and the sustainable management of fish resources.
Municipality in Bardiya and Tikapur Municipality in Kailali have jointly declared a Fish Sanctuary in the lower stretch of the Karnali River. The sanctuary covers an area of approximately 3.9 kilometers, extending from Tedhiya in the southern part of Rajapur Municipality–3 and Chhediya of Tikapur–4 to Anarhawa of Tikapur–8.
The river stretches included in the sanctuary have been identified as ecologically significant zones, as they serve as breeding, spawning, and nursery habitats for indigenous fish species. In addition, these areas provide essential habitats for nationally and internationally important aquatic animals such as dolphins, gharials, and otters.
According to Tikapur Municipality Mayor Ramlal Dagaura, the joint decision reflects the full support, endorsement, and ownership of both local governments—Rajapur and Tikapur municipalities. He stressed that the initiative highlights collective responsibility, beginning at the local level, for the conservation of aquatic wildlife. “This is a historic step taken by the people of Rajapur and Tikapur to protect aquatic animals and biodiversity for future generations,” he said.
The announcement has been made in accordance with the Aquatic Animals Protection Act, it is said.
Rajapur Municipality Mayor Dipesh Tharu said the local government has fully embraced the initiative, emphasizing that conserving the lower Karnali belt is its responsibility.
“This step marks the beginning of long-term conservation and responsible leadership through coordinated collaboration among local governments and communities. It serves a take-off point towards organized, coordinated, and sustainable efforts for the protection of aquatic life,” he said.
Both municipalities have jointly made eight-point declaration commitment. The management of the fish sanctuary would be done in accordance with co-management model under leadership of local government in active partnership of river-dependent communities.
Community-based river segment management groups have been formed to conduct management, monitoring, public awareness raising and facilitation of rule compliance. Such groups would carry out activities coordinating with division forest office and concerned security bodies at the direction and monitoring of concerned municipality.
Special emphasis has been given on the meaningful participation of especially river-dependent -Sonaha and Tharu communities whose livelihoods and cultural practices are deeply connected with Karnali river.
Such initiative was forwarded by the WWF Nepal through technical and financial support funded project under the Darwin Initiative of the UK government. This project is being launched in collaboration with the Government of Nepal, WWF Nepal and local partnership organisations—Sonaha Development Society, Freed Kamalari Development Forum, Dolphin Conservation Centre and Small Mammals Conservation and Research Foundation.
Country representative of WWF Nepal, Dr Ghan Shyam Gurung said the announcement of fish sanctuary has the significant achievement to protect the habitat of iconic wildlife—gharials, dolphins preserving the river ecosystem.
Gurung opined, “In these areas, fishing is not only the basis of livelihood of locals but it is linked to the cultural and religious identity. When we protect fish, we also protect water. When we protect water, we are also protecting life. By doing this, we ensure our future.”
It has been expected that the announcement of fish sanctuary would contribute to bio-diversity conservation, food security, preservation of local art and livelihood.
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11 –Minister Pun averse to foreign visits unless country’s economy improves
Kathmandu, Jan 9: Minister for Education, Science and Technology Mahabir Pun has said that he is not willing to go abroad in his capacity as a minister, as simply traveling abroad will not improve the country’s economy.
Minister Pun stated that he had been invited to three foreign trips and programmes previously but did not attend them, and he has now clarified through social media that he will not be attending two invitations he has received recently.
“No matter who the Prime Minister or Finance Minister is, there will be no progress unless the country’s economy is improved, because doing anything requires money. Will the economy improve just by traveling abroad,” the Education Minister wondered.
He has also made public the invitation letters he received to attend the ministerial meeting in Jerusalem, Israel, from February 4 to 6, and the ‘Human Capacity Initiative’ programme in Saudi Arabia from May 3 to 4.
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12 – NFDIN launches free public service exam preparation classes for
indigenous nationalities
Kathmandu, Jan 9: The National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities (NFDIN) has launched free online preparation classes for the people from the indigenous nationalities communities preparing for the Public Service examinations for the Gazetted First Class Officer and the Non-Gazetted officer level positions.
Addressing the inauguration programme, Gyandendra Pun, the member-secretary of the NFDIN, said that the Foundation is currently conducting orientation training in all seven provinces.
He stated that such targeted programmes have been conducted with the aim of making the youth of indigenous communities well-prepared for the public service examination.
Foundation’s Vice Chairperson, Keshav Gurung, mentioned that the NFDIN has been continuously working to protect the rights and empower indigenous communities.“If we make the best use of the objectives of this programme, we can produce competent and capable civil servant employees for the country,” he said.
Former Chairman of the Public Service Commission, Umesh Mainali, said that the Public Service Commission is Nepal’s first democratic institution and clarified that the commission has established its credibility for fairness in its functioning. He expressed the view that being able to serve the nation by earning a salary through the public service is a matter of pride.
According to the institution, under the PSC Exam Preparation Class Programme, a 160-day preparatory class will be conducted for those aspiring for the Gazetted First Class Officer positions and a 115-day preparatory class for those aspiring for the Non-Gazetted officer level positions.
NFDIN is going to conduct classes in collaboration with Network Education Academy. It is expected that more than two thousand students across the country will benefit from this programme.
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13 – Two die on the spot in jeep accident
Kakrebihar, Jan 9: Two persons died on the spot in a jeep accident at Baharnakhola of Chhedagada municipality-8 in Jajarkot district this morning.
The deceased have been identified as Nanda Kala Adhikari, 70, of Chhedagad municipality-9 and Raju Adhikari, 28, said Chief of Jajarkot Police, Basanta Kumar Sharma.
The accident took place when the jeep (Karnali Province 02-001 Cha 1327) heading towards Thalaha from Chhedagad municipality-9 fell some 150 meters off the road, added police.
Similarly, Krishna Adhikari, 24, of Chhedagad-9, Laxmi Khatri, 20, of ward no-8, Bir Bahadur Rokaya, 39, of ward no-9 and Sheetal Rawat, 23, of Dailekh Naumule rural municipality-6 were injured in the incident. The injured ones are receiving treatment at Chhedagad municipal hospital.
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14- Minister Chaulagain assumes office of Ministry of Physical
Infrastructure and Transport
Kathmandu, Jan 9: Minister for Forests and Environment Madhav Prasad Chaulagain today assumed the additional responsibility of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
On the occasion, he signed a minute endorsing a decision to urge the Asian Development Bank to include the Karnali Highway in its project pipeline for road upgrading and safety improvement.
Similarly, he approved a decision to relocate the Bailey bridge over the Hima River at Nagma, located on the border of Jumla and Kalikot, following the construction of a concrete bridge over the river. The Bailey bridge will be shifted to the Tila River to connect wards 5 and 4 of Tatopani Rural Municipality in Jumla.
The Minister also signed a decision to form a five-member committee under the coordination of Joint Secretary Sushil Babu Dhakal. The committee will submit recommendations for amending the criteria related to the qualifications of Class ‘D’ construction entrepreneurs as mentioned in Schedule 13 of the Construction Business Rules, 2056 BS.
The post at the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport had fallen vacant following the resignation of former Minister Kulman Ghising. Prime Minister Sushila Karki assigned Chaulagain the responsibility of the Ministry.
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16- Bagmati provincial government forms committee for managing
cooperatives
Bagmati, Jan 9: The Bagmati Province Government has decided to form a management committee for problematical cooperatives.
The Provincial Council of Ministers made the decision to form a management committee for troubled cooperatives based on the proposal of the Ministry of Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation.
Spokesperson of the provincial government and Minister of Economic Affairs and Planning, Prabhat Tamang, said that the meeting decided to appoint Shiva Prasad Sigdel as the chairman of the committee and Deepak KC and Rameshwar Dhakal as members.
Minister Tamang stated that the meeting decided, based on the Ministry of Health’s proposal, to relocate the provincial health laboratory operating in Dhulikhel, Kavre, to Bhaktapur. He added that the third procedural amendment for implementing the ‘One School, One Nurse’ programme has also been passed based on the Ministry of Health’s proposal.
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17- Seven cameras meant for tiger census lost, damaged
Chitwan, Jan 9: Among the cameras installed in Chitwan National Park for the ongoing tiger census, five have gone missing and two were damaged an elephant.
For the tiger census that began on December 16, 2026, cameras were installed across around 286 grids. According to CNP Information Officer Abinash Thapa Magar, three cameras went missing from the Thumsi area and two from the Tamaspur area. In the Tiger Tops area, two cameras were smashed by the elephant.
The cameras were lost while the park authorities were preparing to retrieve them after completing the first phase of the census. The census was initiated by treating Chitwan and Parsa National Parks as a single block. The first cluster covered the Tribeni, Amaltari, Kasara and Barandabhar areas.
The census is currently underway in the second cluster, where 13 camps have been established. This cluster includes Sauraha, Khagendramalli, Lothar, Pratappur, Harda, Bote Simar, Someshwar, Bagai, Ambuwa and extends up to Shikari Bas.
Earlier, in the tiger census conducted in 2022, Nepal had the presence of a total of 355 adult tigers. Of these, 128 were found in Chitwan National Park, 125 in Bardiya National Park, 25 in Banke National Park, 41 in Parsa National Park and 36 in Shuklaphanta National Park.
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18 – Scotland defeats Nepal in practice match
Kathmandu, Jan 9: Nepal suffered a defeat against Scotland in the practice match for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Global Qualifier.
During the match held at Kirtipur-based TU Cricket ground today, Scotland defeated Nepal by 27 runs.
Chasing the 184-run victory target posted by Scotland, Nepal was limited to 156 runs in allotted 20 overs at the loss of six wickets.
For Nepal’s Samjhana Khadka scored the highest 52 runs (not out). Similarly, Kabita Kunwar made 29 runs, Captain Indu Barma 28 runs and Kabita Joshi 22 runs.
Darcey Carter of Scotland took three wickets while Kathryn Bryce, Olivia Bell and Chloe Abel took one wicket each.
Earlier, chose to bat first after winning the toss, Scotland gathered 183 runs in 20 overs by losing six wickets. Kathryn Bryce made 62 runs (not out) in 28 balls while Priyanaz Chatterji 40 runs (not out).
Likewise, Rubina Chhetri and Kabita Kunwar of Nepal took wickets each while Riya Sharma and Rachana Chaudhary one wicket each.
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19 – GIOMS mandatory in all ministries: Communications Minister Kharel
Kathmandu, Jan 9: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Jagadish Kharel has instructed the Department of Information Technology to work towards making the Government Integrated Office Management System (GIOMS) mandatory in all ministries.
Addressing a programme held today at the Department under the Ministry of Communications, he emphasized that all ministries and agencies need to go paperless to make the ministry’s service delivery efficient and effective.
Minister Kharel said, “I urge all the bodies concerned that GIOMS be made mandatory in every ministry during the current term itself, as it will help maintain service efficiency and good governance.”
He stressed that since information technology plays an important role in the country’s development and economic prosperity along with good governance, the Department needs to be reformed both policy-wise and structurally.
Currently, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Communications have already implemented GIOMS. It is said that this system was initiated to implement the government’s concept of carrying out work conducted by government agencies in a simple, easy, efficient, cost-effective, transparent, and effective manner through a single information technology system, making it paperless.
This system, developed by the Information Technology Department, is designed to be used for electronic execution of tasks such as issuing orders and decisions, comments, registering and dispatching letters, recording attendance, approving leave and official tours, and record management, all requiring mandatory use of electronic signatures.
On another note, Minister Kharel, who also serves as the government’s spokesperson, expressed his belief that the elections will be held on the scheduled date and that the resulting parliament and government will be dominated by youth, which will make a significant contribution to the development of the country’s information technology sector.
Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Radhika Aryal, urged the Department to make its work more technology-friendly and its services more efficient and effective.
Director General of the Information Technology Department, Chandra Saha, expressed the confidence that the Department would be made technology-friendly by implementing policy and structural reforms.
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20- NTA report shows income of 27–46 age group exceeds expenditure
Kathmandu, Jan 9: Average income exceeds expenditure among people aged 27–46 years in Nepal, according to the National Transfer Account (NTA) report released today by the National Statistics Office.
The report, which focuses on Lifetime Deficit Analysis, highlights that consumption among those below 27 and above 46 exceeds their income, indicating a lifetime deficit.
During the report launch, Finance Minister Rameshore Prasad Khanal said that the document will be crucial for the effective implementation of social security programs, industrial policies, and job creation initiatives.
“Without reliable statistics, we cannot formulate genuine policies. The National Transfer Accounts and Small Area Estimation of Poverty reports guide us on the types of policies and plans we need to develop,” he said, stressing the importance of generating such data domestically.
He further added that government-funded studies and reliable data play a significant role in policy reform and development planning.
At the programme, National Statistics Office Chief Statistics Officer Kamal Prasad Pokhrel stated that the NTA report was prepared for the first time in Nepal, analyzing income, consumption, savings, and resource transfers across different age groups. Similarly, the Small Area Estimation of Poverty report has been prepared for the first time following the implementation of federalism in the country.
These reports are expected to help formulate accurate, poverty-targeted plans and programs at the federal, provincial, and local levels.
The NTA report analyzed life-cycle accounts of individuals based on per capita and total figures. When the population is divided into three age groups: children and youth (0–24), working-age population (25–64), and the elderly (65 and above), the lowest lifetime deficit for the fiscal year 2078–79 BS was found in the 25–64 age group. However, the report notes that even this group does not save adequately.
The highest per capita lifecycle deficit is in the age of 65 years and the above as well as in overall, the highest deficit is seen in the age group of 0-24 years.
The highest per capita consumption is seen in the age group of 25-65 years while the lowest in the age between 0-24 years.
Similarly, there is a big gap between the consumption and labour income and labour income is relatively lower than consumption that results lifecycle deficit. Lifecycle surplus is seen as income of people aged 27-47 years is exceeding than consumption. There is lifecycle deficit above 47 years as consumption exceeds than labour income.
As per the report, in Nepal per capita lifecycle profit is comparatively seen in around the age of 20. Per capita private consumption is wise than public consumption while separating private and public consumption.
In fiscal year 2021/22, per capita net labour income was around 87,814. Of the total labour income, salary and remuneration stands at 69 per cent while employment at 31 per cent.
As per the age groups, the share of income received from salary and remuneration of the age group 25-64 years is 71 per cent which is the highest and lowest 35 per cent of the individuals of 65 years and above.
This shows a relatively large difference between consumption and labor income. The report states that there is a large lifecycle deficit because total labor income is less than total consumption in the country.
The Nepal Labour Force Survey 2017/18 shows an unemployment rate of 11.4 percent in Nepal, which clearly indicates that unemployment has created a significant gap between consumption and labor income in the country.
This means that in the absence of adequate employment opportunities, low wages and the limited income from self-employment have not been sufficient for labor earnings to meet the necessary basic consumption.
“In Nepal, the working-age group of 15 to 64 years constitutes 65 percent of the total population, which shows ample potential for economic growth. However, strategic policy interventions are needed for its effective utilization,” the report stated.
According to the report, the labor force participation rate in the labor market is only 38.5 percent, while youth unemployment stands at 12.7 percent, and this situation of unemployment highlights the urgent need to enhance skill development and employment creation programmes.
The report mentions that labor income is much lower than the country’s total consumption. Although the share of the working-age group is higher, limited employment and skill inequalities are increasing youth unemployment.
A significant portion of the working-age population is employed abroad, which has prevented domestic economic activities from growing as expected. —
