- Sunday, 3 May 2026
Kathmandu, Feb 16: Officiating Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari opined that election expenses will remain transparent via the banking system.
During a meeting with bankers at the commission today, he noted that measures have been put in place to prevent cash transactions during elections.
He also revealed that the commission has established a dedicated directory for the purpose.
The commission has made it mandatory for political parties and candidates to arrange separate bank accounts to manage their election spending in a transparent manner.
In the previous election, parties and candidates were not mandated to operate bank accounts for their expenditures. However, this year it is required for parties and candidates to make their election spending through bank accounts.
“A provision has been introduced allowing candidates to spend up to Rs 3.3 million, depending on geographical factors, with monitoring of the funds disbursed from the candidates’ accounts to ensure financial discipline,” Commissioner Bhandari said.
Secretary at the commission, Krishna Bahadur Raut, noted that through all candidates from remote districts like Kalikot have successfully opened bank accounts, many candidates from more accessible districts have yet to do so.
He emphasized that it should not be overly difficult to open an account, given the presence of at least one bank in all 753 local levels.
Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, joint secretary and spokesperson of the commission, reported that out of 3,406 direct (first-past-the-post) candidates, only 671 have opened bank accounts to date.
Santosh Koirala, President of the Nepal Bankers Association, indicated that some candidates have faced challenges in opening bank accounts in absence of national identity cards.
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18. Sudi society organizes free health camp in Pashupati Temple premises
Kathmandu, Feb 16: The Sudhi Samaj (society) in Kathmandu has organized a complimentary health camp at the Pashupatinath Temple grounds in celebration of Mahashivaratri.
Shankar SahSudi, the convener of the Mahashivaratri sub-committee, reported that over 10,000 individuals benefited from the free health check-ups.
Society President Shital Prasad Mahato emphasized that such initiatives significantly contribute to the preservation and promotion of Hindu religion, culture, and harmony.
Member of the Constituent Assembly ShailMahato, along with society members RekhaMahato, PriyankaPurve, MamataMahaseth, and others, were honored during the event.
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19- Tourism Board and Wakayama Prefecture of Japan sign MoU for sustainable tourism cooperation
Kathmandu, Feb 16: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the Wakayama Prefecture of Japan have signed an agreement on tourism cooperation aimed at strengthening tourism diplomacy between Nepal and Japan.
Deepak Raj Joshi, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NTB and Izumi Miyazaki, Governor of the Wakayama Prefecture, signed the MoU amid a programme at NTB office at Bhrikutimandap today.
Under the MoU, both sides have agreed to collaborate on joint promotion, knowledge exchange and sustainable tourism development.
The MoU prioritizes joint tourism promotion and marketing, exchange of tourism-related information and best practices, exchange of visits by experts and officials.
It also seeks to enhance cooperation in communications and public relations while promoting culturally respectful and sustainable tourism.
During the MoU signing ceremony, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Anil Kumar Sinha acknowledged the visit of the governor-led Japanese delegation as a welcome step.
Minister Sinha further noted that this collaboration, taking place in the context of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal–Japan diplomatic relations, would play an important role in advancing sustainable and responsible tourism.
The Minister remarked, “Both countries attach high importance to cultural values. This partnership, marking 70 years of diplomatic ties between Nepal and Japan, will provide a strong foundation for sustainable tourism.”
Likewise, Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, recalled the long-standing relation between Nepal and Japan and termed the agreement a historic step for tourism promotion.
He added that the MoU comes at an opportune time to expand and diversify Nepal’s tourism market, highlighting the country’s identity as the land of the Himalayas and the birthplace of Lord Buddha
Similarly, Izumi Miyazaki, Governor of Wakayama Prefecture, expressed his happiness over the collaboration agreement with Nepal.
He said, “We are happy to have signed an agreement with Nepal, which is rich in history and culture. I am confident that this agreement will further strengthen tourism promotion between Nepal and Wakayama.”
Also speaking at the programme, CEO Joshi mentioned that Japan is one of Nepal’s important tourism source markets and cited that Japanese tourist arrivals have recently increased by around 8 per cent in the recent time.
The MoU will come into effect from the date of signing. As per the agreement, both parties will designate contact point for coordinating cooperation activities.
Furthermore, the MoU states that both parties will bear their respective expenses.
Although the MoU is not legally binding, this agreement based on mutual goodwill and trust is expected to further enhance the seven-decade long Nepal-Japan relations through tourism cooperation.
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20- Elections should be policy-oriented, says Acting CEC Bhandari
Kathmandu, Feb 16: Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has said that elections should be policy-oriented rather than money-oriented.
Addressing a program organized by the Election Commission on ‘Election Campaign Expenditure Management and Promoting a Safe Environment for Women in Elections’, he emphasized that parties and candidates should be mobilized by giving priority to policy. He recalled that in 2043 BS, Rup Chandra Bista won the election by collecting funds from the people along with his policies and programs for the people.
He also said that nine such candidates won at that time.
“If the election expenditure limit is exceeded, action will be taken up to the point of cancellation of the candidacy. On Sunday alone, the Commission has released 63 points of Dos and Don’ts to be followed while campaigning for the election.”
Also speaking at the event, former Chief Election Commissioner Bhojraj Pokharel recalled that the first Constituent Assembly election in 2064 BS was held by formulating new laws compared to the previous laws. As expenses made during elections have become a means of increasing corruption in the country, the Commission’s initiative to reform the election expenditure is positive.
Secretary of the Commission Krishna Bahadur Raut said that elections are a basic principle of democracy and that the parties and candidates participating in the election should make their expenditure transparent.
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21- NKL’s second season to begin in June
Kathmandu, Feb 16: The second season of the Nepal Kabaddi League (NKL) is set to begin in coming June.
The league will be held at the National Sports Council (NSC) Covered Hall in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, according NKL Astronics Management Chief Amit Kumar Begani at a press conference held here Monday. A total of 512 Nepali kabbadi players and more than 100 foreign players from 15 countries have registered for the second season.
Begani also said that along with experienced Indian players from the Pro Kabaddi League, kabbadi players from Iran, Korea, Poland and other countries are ready to come to Nepal to play in the NKL. Astronics Management’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Vikas Agrawal said that the NKL will be operated with a budget of Rs 100 million.
Astronics Management has also signed an agreement with Kantipur Max TV HD as the broadcast partner for NKL Season 2. As per the agreement, the NKL Season 2 matches will be broadcast live on Kantipur Max TV HD.
In the first season, six teams representing six cities – Biratnagar Bandits, Janakpur Knights, Kathmandu Mavericks, Pokhara Lakers, Himalayan Raiders (Butwal) and Dhangadhi Wildcats took part in the franchise-based competition. Janakpur emerged as the NKL champion after defeating Kathmandu 43-41 in the final.
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22- NRB takes action against three commercial banks
Kathmandu, Feb 16: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has taken action against three commercial banks.
The central bank has slapped action against the NIC Asia Bank, Global IME Bank Limited and Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited for allegedly functioning against the Nepal Rastra Bank Act and the integrated directives issued for the banks and financial institutions.
“NIC Asia Bank Limited has repeatedly breached the central bank’s directives by publishing financial statements and not complied with the written orders issued to the bank”, it is stated.
Former Chairperson of the NIC Asia Bank’s Board of Directors, Tulsi Ram Agrawal, and former Chief Executive Officer, Roshan Kumar Nyaupane, have been fined Rs 200,000 each in cash as per Section 100 (2)(c) of the Nepal Rastra Bank Act, 2058 (including the second amendment of 2073).
It is mentioned in the details of actions taken during the second quarter of the current fiscal year, released today by the central bank.
Similarly, NIC Asia’s Chief Executive Officer has been cautioned based on the on-site inspection report of Global IME Bank Limited, 2082.
After observing certain conditions, Global IME Bank was reported to have been cautioned for it not establishing adequate loan loss provisions and not fully complying with arrangements related to loan rescheduling and restructuring as per the Integrated Directives 2081.
During the on-site inspection of the bank, the central bank reported that there was a possibility to recreate settled loans in the ‘core banking software’ by keeping them at their old ‘value date.’
Similarly, it was reported that Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited, contrary to the instructions issued by the central bank, did not properly secure the documents related to loans and did not obtain the customer’s signature while disbursing more loans than the guaranteed amount.
The central bank stated that action was taken because the interest rate on similar types of loans was maintained with a difference of more than two percentage points, and new short-term loans were disbursed in the last months of the quarter in violation of the provisions of the Current Capital Loan Guidelines, 2079.
The bank’s board of directors and chief executive officer were therefore warned.
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23- Fire in sugarcane field in Siraha incurs damages worth over 10 million
Siraha, Feb 16: Sugarcane planted across 30 bigha of land in Siraha district was destroyed when a fire broke out and spread across the sugarcane field at Ghaletole at Lahan Municipality-13 in Siraha district on Monday noon.
According to the preliminary details of the police, fire caused an estimated loss of around Rs 11.6 million to 25 local sugarcane farmers.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Kailash Rai, also Chief of Area Police Office, Lahan, shared that a police team was immediately deployed to the site after receiving information that the fire had erupted from the middle of the sugarcane plantation in the afternoon.
DSP Rai further said that with the assistance of local residents, the fire was prevented from spreading to nearby human settlements.
After the water jetting motor of the fire engine from the Lahan Municipality malfunctioned, a backup support was immediately sought from Golbazar Municipality which completely extinguished the blaze after four hours of coordinated efforts among the security personnel, firemen and local residents.
Police suspect that the fire may have been caused by a discarded cigarette or bidi or possibly set intentionally since it started from the middle of the sugarcane field. An investigation has been launched into the incident.
Farmer Ram Lakhan Mandal, expressing his distress, said that he had planned to sell the sugarcane to manage household expenses and repay loans. “Even the investment has sunk,” he grieved, calling on the authorities to identify the culprits and bringing them to book.
He also demanded due compensation to farmers like him whose cash crop have been gutted in fire.
Another victim farmer Kapil Dev Yadav also sought legal action against anyone found responsible. “Whoever has set fire to sugarcane field has committed a crime against farmers,” he languished.
According to him, sugarcane yields an average of 30 to 35 quintals per kattha with adequate fertilizer and irrigation facilities.
He mentioned that when sold to the sugar industry, farmers receive Rs 620 per quintal along with a government subsidy of Rs 70, totaling Rs 690 per quintal.
Based on this estimate, around 18,000 quintals of sugarcane are believed to have been destroyed by fire, putting the projected loss at approximately Rs 12.42 million.
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24- Machhindra wins Jhapa Gold Cup
Surunga (Jhapa), Feb 16: Machhindra Football Club Kathmandu has been crowned the champions of 7th Jhapa Gold Cup football tournament.
Machhindra lifted the Jhapa Gold Cup trophy for the first time by defeating Armed Police Force’s, APF Football Club, by 3 goals to 1.
Machhindra took the lead in the 31st minute of the game with striker Pradeep Budhathoki scoring the team’s first goal on a pass from foreign recruit Ayola Hamjat. Then in the injury time of the first half (45th minute), Frank Anoh converted Devendra Tamang’s long shot into a goal, putting Machhindra in a comfortable 2-0 lead.
In the 76th minute of the game, APF was reduced to 10 players after defender Man Bahadur Rana Magar received a red card. However, a few minutes later, in the 82nd minute, Dipesh Dhimal got APF back into the game scoring from Biswas Udas’ free-kick that Machhindra defenders failed to clear.
But Machhindra scored the decisive goal a minute later, with Defender Alison Alizonov heading Ayola Hamzat’s corner to secure the win.
Along with title and gold cup, Machhindra received Rs. 1.5 million in cash while runner-up APF settled for Rs. 750,000. This edition of the Jhapa Gold Cup was dedicated to the former Chairperson of the Gold Cup Management Committee, Binod Basnet, who passed away last year. This was the tournament’s highest prize money so far.
Machhindra’s Pradeep Budhathoki was declared the ‘Player of the Match’ in the final and received a cash prize of Rs 25,000. Pema Tamang was declared the best player of the tournament and received a Yamaha motorcycle. Bishal Shrestha was declared the best goalkeeper, Prabhesh Katwal the best coach and Jonathan Zorilla the top scorer. They received Rs 35,000 each.
Similarly, among the spectators who bought tickets to watch the match, Preeti Moktan of Birtamod received a Yamaha scooter through a lottery. Three departmental teams from Nepal, various ‘A’ division clubs and clubs from India, Bhutan and Malaysia participated in the competition.
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25- Thai Buddhist monks head to Lumbini from Chitwan
Chitwan, Feb 16: A group of 25 Buddhist monks from Thailand, who arrived Nepal as a part of their pilgrimage, have set out towards Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
The group of 25 monks had reached Maha Boudhha Monastery in Tinkhole of Bharatpur at 4:45 PM on Sunday after completing 52 days of journey from Thailand.
The group departed on Monday morning for Lumbini via Pulchowk in Narayangadh and along the Gaindakot route on the 53rd day of their journey.
The Buddhist Dharma Service Committee at Tinkhole welcomed them on Sunday and hosted overnight at the monastery. According to the Committee’s Chairperson, Dal Bahadur Gurung, the Thai monks were formally bid farewell Monday morning.
Chairperson Gurung shared that the group of monks travelled from Thailand through Assam and Tripura in India before entering Nepal on their way to Lumbini.
Expressing happiness at the opportunity to welcome monks at the historic monastery, Committee Chairperson Gurung informed that the well-wishers had greeted the monks at Gondrang in Bharatpur, Chitwan.
Supporters accompanied them on foot to the monastery and escorted them further to Pulchowk as they continued their pilgrimage towards Lumbini.
The pilgrimage carrying a slogan ‘Dhamma Yattra for Peace: To Lumbini, the Birthplace of Gautam Buddha’ is being coordinated by monk Medhang Karesath Sthavir.
Sthavir shared that the Nepal-bound team is one of five groups currently undertaking a world peace pilgrimage.
The monks embarked on this mission with prayers for peace, seeking to help curb violence, killings, and criminal activities occurring around the world due to various reasons.
“The Bhantes (monks) have been enduring a very arduous journey for many days. They are undertaking this challenging pilgrimage for the welfare of all living beings,” he said.
He expressing his confidence that this pilgrimage would help spread the message of peace, non-violence and moral living.
Having reached Chitwan on the seventh day after entering Nepal, the group plans to walk a total of 319 kilometers within the country to reach Lumbini.
Their journey in Nepal will continue until February 22, marking 15 days since their entry.
Along the route, they are coordinating with monasteries and Buddhist stupas for rest stops and community interactions.
The monks, who have embarked on a nearly 5,000-km journey from Thailand, are walking approximately 35 km per day.
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26- President Paudel attends cultural function hosted by Nepal Army
Kathmandu, Feb 16: President Ramchandra Paudel attended a cultural function organized at the army headquarters in Bhadrakali this evening on the occasion of Mahashivaratri festival and the 263rd anniversary of the establishment of the Nepali Army.
The function was attended by Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, ministers, heads of constitutional bodies. The program was attended by high-ranking officials of the government, representatives of diplomatic missions in Nepal, and distinguished personalities from various sectors of the society.
The Nepali Army had celebrated its anniversary on the day of Mahashivaratri on Sunday.
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27- Court to not proceed with any immediate proceedings in the case of RSP President
Gandaki, Feb 16: The Kaski District Court has decided not to proceed with any immediate proceedings in the organized crime and money laundering case against Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane.
After the hearing on Monday on the application filed by the District Government Attorney’s Office to withdraw the organized crime and money laundering case against Lamichhane, the court ordered the case to be ‘ put on hold’ for the time being, informed the court’s clerk Rajan Khanal.
After the Attorney General’s Office decided to withdraw the organized crime and money laundering case against Lamichhane, the District Government Attorney’s Office had filed an application with the District Court to withdraw the case. The bench of District Judge Nitish Rai decided to proceed with the necessary proceedings only after the order comes from the Supreme Court as a writ petition has also been filed in the Apex Court regarding the decision of the Attorney General’s Office.
In the Surya Darshan Cooperative fraud case in Pokhara, Lamichhane was also charged with cooperative fraud and organized crime and money laundering.
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