- Friday, 17 April 2026
Kathmandu March 15: In comparison to Friday, the local market has seen a decrease in the prices of gold and silver today.
The precious yellow metal has fallen by Rs 4,800 per tola (11.66 grammes), while silver has dropped by Rs 225. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the current price of hallmark gold stands at Rs 309,400 per tola, and silver is priced at Rs 5,270 per tola.
Last Friday, the trading price for one tola of gold was Rs 314,200, and silver was at Rs 5,495.
On Thursday, hallmarked gold was valued at Rs 317,000 per tola, with silver at Rs 5,515.
International reports indicate that one ounce of gold is currently trading at USD 5,023, with the same quantity of silver at USD 81.
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10- Dalit leader Lalita bags Karmayogi Badri Pahadi Samaj Sewa
Puraskar
Kathmandu, March 15: This year’s the Karmayogi Badri Pahadi Samaj Sewa Puraskar is going to be presented to Lalita Das Tatma ‘Bidrohi’.
The award, established by Human Rights and Peace Society (HURPES), carries a purse of Rs 110,000. The decision was taken to confer the award on Lalita for her strong role in the movement of social justice from Dalit community as well as appreciating her contribution for the rights of Dalit, women and marginalized community, said HURPES President Renuka Poudel.
Born on Saun 14, 2042 BS at Sanhaitha village of Siraha district, she is province assembly member of Madhes Province as well as central committee member of Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal.
Lalita has raised her voice from street to parliament against racial and social discrimination as well as active in social movement.
Earlier, she also worked as a radio journalist and has published dozens of articles.
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11- Weather system bringing rain shifts towards east, precipitation
starting from western parts
Kathmandu, March 15: Precipitation has started from this morning in the western region of the country.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said rainfall began in the western parts of the country due to the influence of the Westerly low-pressure system, which is gradually moving eastwards.
Department’s Information Officer Dinakar Kayastha said that it has been raining since early this morning in areas including Dadeldhura, Doti, Achham, Bajura, Bajhang, Gulmi, Kaski, Tanahu, Palpa, Arghakhanchi, and Manang in western Nepal, and that the rainfall-inducing system has now reached Chitwan.
The Meteorological Forecasting Division has also stated that the rainfall, which started from the west, is moving towards the east.
Kayastha stated that Gulmi received 17 millimetres of rain while Tanahu 11 millimetres in the last one hour, and it is still raining.
Currently, Nepal is under the influence of the Westerly low-pressure system, information officer Kayastha said, adding that at present, Madhesh, Bagmati, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces have generally cloudy weather, while Koshi and Gandaki provinces are partly cloudy.
The Department stated that fog has occurred in some areas of the Tarai and the Kathmandu Valley.
The weather bulletin issued today by the Department stated that generally cloudy conditions are expected in the hilly and mountainous areas of Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, Sudurpaschim provinces as well as in Koshi and Bagmati provinces, while partly cloudy conditions are expected in the remaining areas.
Information officer Kayastha said that in some mountainous areas of the country, there is a possibility of moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning, along with snowfall in a few areas.
He added that there is a possibility of moderate rain with thunder and lightning in some hilly areas of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, in a few hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, as well as in one or two places in the Tarai region of Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces.
According to him, cloudy conditions will continue for a few more days.
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12- Development expenditure at 19 percent in eight months
Kathmandu, March 15: Development expenditure until the end of Fagun month (March 14) of the current fiscal year has been weak.
According to the Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO), only about 19 percent of capital expenditure has been made by the second quarter.
The federal government has brought a total budget of Rs 1,964 billion 110 million for the current fiscal year, of which Rs 926 billion 586 million 500 thousand has been spent by the end of Fagun.
This is 47.18 percent of the annual budgetary allocation. Out of an allocation of Rs 118 billion 980 million under the current expenditure heading, 54.37 percent has been spent.
It has been reported by the FCGO that under the capital expenditure heading, out of an allocation of Rs 407 billion 888 million, 19.24 percent has been spent, while under the financial management heading, out of an allocation of Rs 375 billion 242 million, 54.89 percent, that is Rs 205 billion 952 million 300 thousand, has been spent so far.
Similarly, the government’s revenue collection until the end of Fagun stands at 49.89 percent of the annual target. The government had set a target to collect Rs 1,533 billion 446 million 900 thousand in revenue for the current fiscal year, out of which R 765 billion 101 million 600 thousand has been collected until the end of Fagun.
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13- PM Karki offers condolences to UML Chair Oli and family
Kathmandu, March 15: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has extended heartfelt condolences to the CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli and his family members on the demise of his father.
PM Karki visited the former Prime Minister Oli’s residence at Gundu, Bhaktapur to convey her condolences to him.
Chair Oli’s father, Mohan Prasad Oli, passed away on March 13 at the age of 97.
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14 – RSP recommends 57 candidates for proportional representation
Kathmandu, March 15: A central secretariat meeting of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has finalized the names of 57 lawmakers for proportional representation to the House of Representatives.
The RSP would submit the list of PR lawmakers to the Election Commission today itself.
The meeting recommended the names of 17 lawmakers for the Khas Arya cluster, 16 lawmakers for the indigenous nationalities cluster, three lawmakers for the Muslim cluster, eight lawmakers for the Dalit cluster and four lawmakers for the Tharu cluster, said party Spokesperson Manish Jha.
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15 – National Security Training commences
Kathmandu, March 15: A national security training for senior officials of the government and public entities and the media has started at the Army Command and Staff College in Shivpuri. The training is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Nepali Army.
Chief of Army Staff Ashok Raj Sigdel inaugurated the training attended by representatives of various ministries of the federal government, constitutional bodies, universities, media houses, the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force Nepal and the National Investigation Department.
On the occasion, Defence Secretary Kedarnath Sharma highlighted the relevance of the training that will continue until April 1.
A total of 252 participants have so far attended the National Security Training, which began since 2015.
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16 – Interview: Neither old parties need to panic nor new ones gloat over, PM Karki cautions
Kathmandu, March 15: Prime Minister Sushila Karki had taken up the responsibility of the head of the executive when the country was in difficult circumstances and has successfully fulfilled the task of conducting the House of Representatives election within the stipulated time.
Amidst doubts about whether the elections would take place or not, it appears that Prime Minister Karki has found a kind of satisfaction as the elections were peacefully conducted on March 5, the election results have been announced, and preparations for forming the new government have now begun.
Prime Minister Karki spoke candidly spoke with RSS Reporter Kalika Khadka about the problems and challenges faced while fulfilling the responsibility of conducting elections and her experiences leading the government as a former Chief Justice.
The edited excerpts of the tete-a-tete with PM Karki:
Q. The election to the House of Representatives members was completed peacefully. You led the successful conduction of the election as the Prime Minister. How does it feel?
I particularly do not have a different type of feeling. However, everyone was concerned about the country. Despite uncertainty, the elections were concluded peacefully. Everyone who cares about the country and wishes for its well-being is happy. I am also happy. We were able to fulfill the responsibility assigned to the government on time. It feels like joy.
Q. You took on the responsibility of the executive head in the country’s difficult situation. Since it was the period after the Gen Z Movement, there were certainly challenges in the initial days. How do you remember those challenges?
There were many challenges when I was in a leadership role. I also wondered whether I could manage the work or not. The time available was only six months. On top of that, many critics attacked us. They also doubted us. All the established parties stood against us. Some who identified themselves as Gen-Z leaders even suggested abandoning the government immediately. They said we had hijacked the movement. At that time, there were very few people to support us.
The members of the Council of Ministers worked while consoling each other. Even when meeting with representatives of foreign diplomatic missions, questions like ‘Is it possible?’ would come up. There were no talk of peace and sympathy from many sides.
We did not have a large line of supporters or organisation behind us. We were a few people in the government. There were many attacks during that time. People did not have faith in us. On top of that, there were comments about me being a woman. But I listened with one ear and let it fly out of the other. I did not abandon my work.
Q. In such a difficult situation, where did the courage, confidence, and the daring to say ‘I can lead the nation’ come from?
The feeling that I can do it came from within. I had surmised it before becoming the Prime Minister. My physique, strength, and power felt like that of a 16 to 18-year-old. If one thinks that he/she could not carry out the responsibility, their BP is likely to go high. Criticism was coming from all over in newspapers and the media. Instead of my blood pressure rising, it was decreasing. The doctor was even astonished. But I do not have a habit of panicking. I have gone through that too.
Politics has a certain value. Even people in the judiciary have experienced it. I have myself faced a tough situation before also. In court, one feels it immediately. But it is not allowed to be expressed there. Here, one can even express it.
One thing is that since childhood I was taught ‘you have to endure, you must not panic’. Since childhood, I thought that if I dared to do something, anything could be accomplished. I also had confidence. Many a times, I also solicited God’s support in overcoming the myriad of challenges before me.
I said to God, ‘I no longer need anything personal, just save the country where I was born and raised, God.’ Whatever I asked for, that was enough. That must have been a blessing from my father and mother from above. I said it wouldn’t rain on the Election Day, and it didn’t. I said it wouldn’t snow, and it didn’t. I had said this with my confidence. Fortunately, the weather was favourable on the Election Day. And I have also thanked nature for this.
Q. While leading the country, was there ever a moment when you felt you could no longer continue?
It felt like that happened repeatedly. The day the parents of the martyrs of the Gen-Z Movement came to Baluwatar and cried, it felt like I am getting a heart attack. Newspapers kept saying ‘the government cannot deliver’. One Gen-Z guy even said, ‘We should have run the government, why did you run it?’ They first could not tell the President ‘I can’. Towards the end of the government’s term, they were coming to me and saying, ‘Make me a minister’.
But I did not get upset, I thought that those children, they are immature youngsters. A few even said, ‘I will make her fail and become Prime Minister myself.’ The political parties also said that even if you become Prime Minister, you should run the government by keeping ministers from the political party.
In this country, it seems the Prime Minister is considered the most important person. For me, that is not so invaluable. Even now I prefer to be called as former Chief Justice. I like the judicial field itself. But people seem to value and are attracted to the post of Prime Minister. People also mockingly commented: ‘That Sushila can do and we cannot?’ They spoke derogatory words too. Whatever the criticism, like my wearing such and such types of clothes, bangles like that, and walking with a tilted gait, they said all kinds of things like that. No matter how much they criticise, it does not affect me. It’s one’s own perspective.
Q. At what point did you feel confident that the elections will now take place?
I was appointed as the Prime Minister on 27th Bhadra (12th September 2025). The next day was Saturday, and from the 14th of September, the Election Commission began its work. First of all, we focused on the problems of the families of the martyrs who had sacrificed in the Gen-Z Movement. We listened to what their families said and worked accordingly.
After that, we focused on the election. We also requested neighbouring countries for assistance in the election. There were not enough vehicles for the police. Assistance was also received from friendly nations, India and China. We worked by focusing primarily on the election. We facilitated everything requested by the Election Commission. We discussed with the President to create a conducive environment to be mentally prepared for the election.
About 21 to 22 groups of Gen-Z youths emerged. One says one thing, another group says another. The Gen-Z became like the party’s sister organisation. Some talked about the executive prime minister, some about the directly-elected prime minister, and some about amending the constitution itself. They were even saying things that were not allowed by the constitution. Even the things said by the Gen-Z youths could not be ignored. Political parties say– this government will only hold elections. The Gen-Z say– do all the work, because this is a government that came from a rebellion.
We were so confused and overwhelmed. That situation had also to be endured. Amidst various ups and downs, a historically peaceful election was conducted.
Q. Do you think you have completed extraordinary job to drive the nation towards right political course? Are you extremely satisfied for your performance?
I didn’t share that sentiment. Throughout my life, I took an exam for one grade and succeeded. I also took an exam for two grades and passed. While pursuing my studies, I completed my postgraduate degree. Life consistently challenges you as time goes on.
Honestly, it was a tough journey. At first, I declared, ‘No one should lose their life during an election. Not a single drop of blood should be spilled.’ Ultimately, it turned out to be peaceful. I extend my gratitude to the general public, the Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, National Investigation Department, election police, and all security personnel played a significant role in ensuring the success of this election. As Prime Minister, I am deeply thankful.
Q. Who contributed to the success of the election and the government?
The primary duty of the government was to oversee the election. I attribute 50 percent of the success to the Election Commission. The efforts led by officiating Chief Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari and the three commissioners are unforgettable in history. Although the commission was meant to have five officials, these three achieved an incredible feat. As Prime Minister, I express my gratitude to all three officials and the entire commission. In the cabinet, I owe the most thanks to Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal. He has dedicated himself tirelessly. I also appreciate the other ministers. Every citizen has played an equal part in the government’s achievements. The leaders of all four security agencies were instrumental in devising a comprehensive security plan and executing it effectively to ensure the country’s safe transition to this phase.
Q. In the meantime you reshuffle the secretariat by lessening human resources. Why did you do so?
When some forces intensely tried to attack me but they failed and shifted to attack the secretariat. Then I decided to so. At the age of 73, I was forced to do all the work myself by reshuffling the secretariat in a small shape. But today, I want to thank all of them.
Q. How did you face that challenge? There were 125 to 130 parties in the country how you convinced them for election?
Initially, the main challenge in conducting the elections was to have dialogue with political parties. We met various people from political parties. We also had discussions with leaders of the then major political parties, including the then President of Nepali Congress Sher Bahadur Deuba, CPN (UML) Chairperson KP Sharma Oli, Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, leaders of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, and representatives from all 125 parties. There were so many movements. From that situation, we have brought the country to its current state.
For this, tireless efforts were made. I held 14 meetings in a single day. Many times we have stayed till 2-3 o’clock in the night. Every day, attended dozens of the meeting with different stakeholders. It was for the purpose of trying to create an environment positive for elections. Again, the culture was such that everyone had to meet the Prime Minister, take a photo, and that was also done. Because, somehow, the election atmosphere had to be created.
The possibility of an attack was prevented during the voting. Tensions were created in various places over religious and communal issues. We stopped them as well. The National Investigation Department (NID) was made redundant by keeping it under the Prime Minister.
Q. The major parties at the time even went to the Supreme Court for the reinstatement of the dissolved parliament, right?
Yes, but the government wanted to hold the election at any cost on scheduled timeframe. We kept communicating and discussing with all the parties repeatedly. Work was done to steer the entire country towards the elections. Ultimately, it was successful. In the election, a new party has achieved victory with nearly a two-thirds majority, and the established parties appeared weak.
Q. How do you take this result?
This result is of youths, also the effect of Gen Z movement as well as desire of change. But legacy parties should not be worry. The election result was beyond our expectation and I had not thought that Chair Oli would lose the election. Everyone should respect the people’s vote and RSP should respect the votes it has got in this election as well as legacy parties.
Opposition parties should always protect the wrong doings of ruling parties. Politics is a social service. People do not forget matured leaders of Nepal. Unprecedented wave of RSP swept the country this time and a new wave might take place next time.
Q. What activities have the incumbent government carried out to maintain good governance and corruption in line with sentiments of Gen Z movement occurred on September 8 and 9?
We carried out all possible efforts to maintain good governance and control corruption. We curtailed various types of unnecessary expenses. I reside in the official residence of the Prime Minister but did not take salary. Some ministers also have not accepted any benefits including salary.
Total Rs 32 billion was spent in March 5 election. It was also spent on police, army and security equipment that could be utilized in coming days. The Election Commission spent minimal budget being very frugal. Only Rs 20 million was spent in the National Assembly election against the estimate of Rs 40 million. We did not add burden to state treasurer by going foreign visit. I think, the country never had such government in the past that practiced such frugal.
We made appointment and promotion based on seniority and work efficiency in bureaucracy and security organisation as well as boosted the morale of such organisations. We did not interfere in the appointment at universities.
Organisations like Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, Nepal Police and Central Investigation Bureau carried out works with professional freedom and I highly praised the chiefs and office-bearers of such organisations. Department of Money Laundering Investigation, Department of Revenue Investigation and national Investigation Department, previously placed under the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers were returned to line ministries.
Q. The probe commission formed to investigate incident occurred on September 8 and 9 has already submitted its report. Demands are being raised to make public the report and its implementation. What is the government doing about it?
The probe commission has submitted the report. A cabinet meeting is taking place today. We will discuss in the meeting and take decision on it. We do not have much time. Country has got a new mandate. A new government will be formed within few days and it would forward remaining process.
Q. What is your message to a new government?
At first, the new government should address three demands put forth by Gen-Zs– good governance, corruption control and employment. Lack of employment has become the major problem. There is nepotism in available opportunities. Economic situation should be improved by removing such situation. Corruption should be controlled.
I have seen that the huge reforms should be done within Singha Durbar. Political biasness is seen on employees working there that makes 75 per cent affect on activities. No projects are completed on time. Today, I am sad to say that we did not get any support. I see that a revolutionary step should be taken to reform bureaucracy.
Q. You have created a history as the first woman prime minister. What will you do after completing this responsibility?
I have completed the works that I had to do as the prime minister during the difficult circumstances. I will return to normal personal life.
Q. There is talk about your appointment as President?
I have no more desire. There are many people who are more deserving than me and have not got any opportunity.
Q. At last, do you have anything to say from the position of the Prime Minister?
The incumbent government had the responsibility to hold election and we completed it. Some initiatives are taken in development sector. The new government should provide employment to youths and create environment to sty all Nepalis inside the country.
Reform in education is necessary and an environment of trust towards the country should be built. Nepal is very beautiful in view of natural resources. Now, the country does not need conflict and tension.
I understand that the election campaign of Balen has given a message that Tarai, hilly and mountainous regions are united. I have trust upon Balen. I hope something will happen.
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17 – NA Chair Dahal extends condolences to UML Chair Oli
Kathmandu, March 15: Chairman of the National Assembly (NA), Narayan Prasad Dahal, has extended deep condolences to CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli and his family members on the demise of his father.
The Chairman of the upper house of the Federal Parliament went to Oli’s residence at Gundu, Bhaktapur to convey his condolences.
Oli’s father, Mohan Prasad Oli, passed away on March 13. He was 97.
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18 – RPP picks its HoR members under PR electoral system
Kathmandu, March 15: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has recommended four people for the House of Representatives (HoR) Member under the proportional representation electoral system.
Party spokesperson Mohan Kumar Shrestha said that today’s meeting of the party’s central executive committee recommended Bharat Giri (Khas Arya male) from Mahottari, Tahir Ali (Muslim male) from Rupandehi, Khusbu Oli (Khas Arya female) from Jhapa, and Saraswati Lama (Indigenous female) from Dhading as the HoR members.
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19 – Two killed in separate accidents in Palpa and Udayapur
Kathmandu, March 15: Two people have died in separate accidents occurred in Palpa and Udayapur districts today.
In Palpa, a person was killed when his scooter and a pick-up jeep collided at Rokadanda of Baganaskali Rural Municipality-2.
According to Police Inspector Kushal Singh Thakuri of the District Police Office, 36-year-old Khileshwar Ghartimagar from Mathagadhi Rural Municipality–1 died when a pickup jeep and a scooter collided.
The District Police Office stated that the jeep driver has been taken into custody by the police for investigation.
In Udayapur, a tractor driver died on the spot when the tractor he was driving met with an accident. The accident took place at Ban Danda, Belka Municipality-2.
District Police Office’s Information Officer and Deputy Superintendent of Police Niranjan Thapa said that 18-year-old Sokindar Chandravanshi from Belka-2 Bandanda died on the spot of the accident.
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20- Simkot and its surrounding areas reeling under water crisis
Humla, March 15: Simkot town and its surrounding areas in Humla district are reeling under the shortage of drinking water for the past two weeks.
Drinking water crisis has surfaced after sources of drinking water started drying up in lack of adequate snowfall this year.
Locals of lower village of Simkot are compelled to walk around three hours to reach Pinara water source t fetch water. A local Nain Singh Rawat said shortage of drinking water has surfaced after a Keukeu drinking water source located at Simkot rural municipality-4 started drying up as well as water supplied through a pipeline started freezing inside the pipe.
The drinking water is supplied from the drinking water project brought into operation from Tangin river located at Namkha rural municipality-1.
Saying earlier they did not face drinking water shortage even though there was up to 10 feet snow, Rawat mentioned, adding problem of drinking water shortage has surfaced in the district this year after most of the water sources started drying up following lack of adequate snowfall.
Meanwhile, Agriculture Development Office, Humla, has distributed 3,876 saplings of walnut and apple to 550 farmers in grant. —
