- Tuesday, 9 June 2026
Kathmandu: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that literature, art and music would strengthen social unity.
At Natikaji National Music Award and Prize Distribution programme organised at Sheetal Niwas on Friday, President Paudel argued that literature, art and music have brought all Nepalis to unity.
Stating that literature, art and music have laid foundation for national wealth and identity of our country with pluralism and diversities, he noted, “Art, literature and music set foundation to bolster national unity by increasing love, friendship and fraternity among each other.”
President Paudel stressed on the promotion of Nepali songs and music, and urged to strike balance between its development and modernization.
Crafting new creations through the use of modern technology and innovative practice by preserving traditional styles are both challenge and opportunity to creators, he underlined.
The President opined that the state should always respect and honour to those involved in the field of art and music. “The government and bodies concerned should always support for the respect of litterateurs, protection of culture and development of music,” the Head of the State added.
Mentioning that contribution of Natikaji in the creation of modern songs and music following Nepali folk rhythm is exemplary, President Paudel said, “Awareness, love, patriotism and human sentiments in Natikaji’s creations have immortalized him forever among Nepali songs and music lovers.”
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11- Govt. dismisses honorary consuls in various countries
Kathmandu: The government has dismissed 15 honorary consuls serving in various countries.
A meeting of the Council of Ministers on Friday took the decision in this regard. According to the government Spokesperson and Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Sasmit Pokharel, the meeting decided to request the President Ramchandra Paudel to address the upcoming joint meeting of both Houses of the Federal Parliament scheduled for 4:00 pm on March 11.
Similarly, the government took the decision to table the Protocol No. 29 of 2014 to the Forced Labour Convention of the International Labour Organisation 1930 at the Parliament for endorsement.
Similarly, the Labour Inspection Convention, 1947 (No 81) would be tabled in the Parliament for approval.
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12- Nepal receives 263-run victory target
Kathmandu: The United States has presented a 263-run victory target for Nepal in the ongoing one-day match.
In the match held at Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground today, the USA won the toss and chose to bat first. It gathered 262 runs in allotted 50 overs at the loss of eight wickets.
Smit Patel of the US stroke 116 runs off 107 balls. Similarly, Harmeet Singh scored 25 runs (not out) and Jasdeep Singh made 33 runs (not out).
Likewise, other batsmen contributing to the team were Shayan Jahangir (9), Monank Patel (20), Saiteja Mukkamalla (10), Milind Kumar (7), Shubham Ranjane (16), Sanjay Krishnamurthi (15) and Shehan Jaysurya (7).
Towards bawling, Pawan Sarraf of Nepal ‘A’ took two wickets while Bipin Khatri, Shahab Alam, Basir Ahmad, Sher Malla, Rashid Khan and Narayan Joshi took one wicket each.
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13- ‘Honey hunting’ festival in Khotang
Khotang: A ‘honey hunting’ festival is to be organized in Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality of Khotang in the third week of May.
The Rural Municipality in cahoots with the Koshi Province Ministry of Forest and Environment is hosting the festival on May 22 to promote local tourism by conserving endangered giant cliff honeybee (bhir mauri).
The festival to be held in Fedi which is connected with the ‘Mundum Trail’, one of the 100 tourist destinations designated by the Government of Nepal, is expected to help in the conservation of cliff honeybees and the promotion of tourism, Kepilasgadhi chair Sameer Rai said.
“Many cliffs in the rural municipality are the habitats of honeybees. This year, the ‘Honey Hunting’ festival has been organized to conserve the cliff honeybees, which are on the verge of extinction, and link them with tourism,” he added.
The festival also features indigenous food consumed by the local community. The festival to be held in Terawa area of Fedi will have participation from personalities from various fields related to biodiversity as well as domestic tourists, it is shared.
More than a dozen cliffs have been found to host honeybees for years in the community forest areas of Kepilasgadhi Rural Municipality-1 Fedi located in the northern region of the district.
Honeybees have been living for years in cliffs such as Kuhireshang Cliff in Ripdaula of Phungalung Community Forest, Mahbehir Waterfall in Makhamla of Chilim Lahure Community Forest, and the Terawa Cliff in Terawa.
Locals of Fedi have traditionally hunted cliff honey twice a year, during the months of Jestha–Asar (mid-May – mid-June) and Kartik–Mangsir (mid-October – mid-November).
Local honey hunters have reported that honey worth at least five to seven lakh rupees can be harvested from a single cliff in one season. Hasta Ram Rai, a local honey hunter, said cliff honeybee hunting has been practiced as a popular Kirant tradition for generations in Fedi.
“I have been in the business for nearly 48 years. Now, youths are being attracted to honey hunting. We have transferred our skills to the new generations about honey hunting,” he shared.
Bee hunting in cliffs is done in a traditional way with the help of various local materials. Locals residing around Terawa, Makhamla and Piping areas of Fedi gather with diverse food varieties to celebrate the honey hunting day.
Honey extracted from cliff beehives in Fedi is supplied to Diktel bazaar, Dharan, Biratnagar, Kathmandu as well as cities such as London, Hong Kong and Singapore. Kirant Rai (Sampang) community of Fedi has also linked the practice of honey hunting with traditional culture. They brought the honey of giant Himalayan bees to home after hunting and consuming as a prasad.
They have a tradition of offering it to their departed family members. Honey of giant Himalayan bees is considered to have medicinal properties as the endangered species of bee produces honey from herbaceous flowers.
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14- Meche appointed UML whip in NA
Kathmandu: Roshani Meche has been appointed whip of the CPN (UML) in the National Assembly.
CPN (UML) Parliamentary Party leader Ram Bahadur Thapa appointed Meche as the whip today.
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15- Student organisations dismissed as per their commitment paper: Minister Pokharel
Kathmandu: Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Sasmit Pokharel, said that student organisations were revoked in accordance with the commitment paper of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).
Talking to media persons at Singha Durbar today, Pokharel, also the government Spokesperson, clarified that further discussion on the issue was not necessary as the people had already approved the commitment paper through ballot.
He shared the ministry has been receiving complaints that schools have charged extra admission or annual fee breaching stipulated norms and criteria, adding discussion was held with office-bearers of Municipal Association of Nepal, National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal and representatives of Kathmandu Valley Mayors Forum on this issue.
“We are ready to lend support if any needed from federal government for the implementation of stipulated criteria and rules. But the onus of responsibility mainly lies in the local level government. A regulatory body should do the needful from its side,” he underlined.
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16- Natikaji Memorial Society honours 21 artists
Kathmandu: The Natikaji Memorial Society honoured 21 artists from various genres during a function held at the Office of the President today.
President Ramchandra Paudel presented honours and awards. The ‘Natikaji National Special Music Award’ was presented to Narayan Kumar Acharya, Sabu Gadal Karki, Birendra Pathak, Shashi Gurung, Ganesh Parajuli, Jujukaji Ranjit, Asta Lama, Dr Bhimarjun Acharya and Nirwan Singh Gurung.
Similarly, the ‘Natikaji National Music Award’ was confirmed on Manoj Khadka, Roshan Gurung, Tara Prakash Limbu, Sarita Shahi, Chand Singh, Maheswar Man Rajbhandari, while the ‘Natikaji New Talent Award’ was presented to Bipana Tamang, Sahima Shrestha and Suresh Lama.
The ‘Natikaji National Classical Music Award’ was conferred on Pramod Upadhyay, according to Society Chair Shambhujeet Banskota. Similarly, Anant Wagle and Gita Adhikari received the ‘Natikaji National Art Journalism Award’.
Chair Banskota said Natikaji, a legendry Nepali singer, musician and lyricist, explored and practiced music as a powerful creative tool for awakening the society. His creations reflect a fusion of patriortism, love for culture, human emotions, and extraordinary life philosophy, which have greatly contributed to elevating Nepali music to new heights.
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17- ‘Koshi Province for adventure tourism’
Dharan (Sunsari): Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, has said Koshi Province government would promote adventurous tourism to make the province known to international arena. Even the international sports would be organized here.
CM Karki said it while inaugurating a 3-day International Paragliding Premier League Competition kicked on in Dharan. The event is organized by Nepal Paragliding and Hanggliding Association. Tourism promotion is linked to province identity in addition to national economy, capital formation and growth, according to him.
Koshi Province is home to all three geographies- mountain, hill and southern plains- having diverse climates, so adventurous sports like paragliding and rafting find proper destinations here, CM Karki said, adding that Dharan city would be made known to the world through such sports. He further viewed, sports attract youths and foster skills and discipline in them.
The CM vowed government’s continuous assistance for the sports tourism. Even the budget would be allocated for holding an international event coming fiscal year, Karki added.
Preparation is on to hold over 10 sports of international level linking those to tourism promotion and visit year.
On the occasion, Association Chair Bhupendra Chamling informed that 32 pilots from Nepal and India are taking part in the competition. The pilot standing first in the competition would be handed over Rs 150 thousand cash prize, while the second Rs 100 thousand and the third Rs 75,000.
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18- Enhance disaster preparedness for improved forecasting: Minister Shrestha
Kathmandu: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, has said it is essential to enhance disaster preparedness for effective weather forecasting, which he argued, would help minimize human and property loss.
During an event hosted by the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology on Friday, he stated that utilization of water and weather data is significant for mitigating damages of social, economic, and physical infrastructures caused by rain-induced disasters. Minister Shrestha viewed correct weather forecasting carries equal significance in agriculture sector eg crop management, irrigation, and production planning.
He pointed out urgency of bettering understanding of the weather system which was growing uncertain and complex owing to climate change. Promotion of research and adoption of modern technology would be helpful in enhancing the quality of weather services.
The Minister Shrestha shared that the ministry was committed to improving the effectiveness of weather forecasting with the application of modern technology like AI, machine learning and advanced algorithms.
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19- Kanchanpur-based institutional schools directed not to overcharge students
Kanchanpur: The Education Development and Coordination Unit, Kanchanpur has directed institutional (private) schools in the district not to charge students additional fees.
Unit Chief Laxman Giri said that complaints have been received that some institutional schools have overcharged students, collected annual fees under various headings, and imposed exam fees for the new admission. They are alleged of not providing official payment receipt as well.
The Unit has reminded private schools that such activities are against the existing Education Act, Regulations and Schools Classification and Fees Determination Procedure-2078 BS, urging them to promptly halt such practices. It has also urged the respective local levels to monitor the schools fee structures and collections and take action if any unlawful collection is found.
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20- EU reaffirms its commitment to support Nepal in essential sectors
Kathmandu: The European Union (EU) has shown its dedication to assist Nepal in vital areas identified by the current government.
The EU Ambassador Veronique Lorenzo today met with Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Sasmit Pokharel, at latter’s office in Singh Durbar and discussed potential areas of collaboration.
On the occasion, Minister Pokharel recognized the EU’s substantial contributions to Nepal’s educational sector, emphasizing initiatives focused on ensuring equitable access, enhancing quality and promoting professional development for teachers.
He expressed hope for future partnerships in areas such as inclusive education, infrastructure improvement and further professional growth for educators.
Ambassador Lorenzo reiterated the EU’s commitment to supporting the priority areas highlighted by Nepal’s new administration.
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21- Kirati joins Shram Sanskriti Party
Kathmandu: Sudan Kirati, former Minister and member of the Presidium Council of Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party (PLP), joined the Shram Sanskriti Party on Friday.
Kirati, a former Maoist leader, was associated with the PLP, which came into existence before the last House of Representatives (HoR) elections.
Shram Sanskriti Party Chair Harka Sangpang Rai officially welcomed Kirati in the party during a promgramme here today.
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22- ‘Diplomatic efforts on to resolve Lipulek, Kalapani border disputes’
Kathmandu: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the government is making efforts to resolve the border issues concerning the Limpiyadhura, Lipulek and Kalapani areas through diplomatic means.
Speaking at a programme organised by the Ministry here on Friday, Ministry Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said the government has already made its position clear regarding Lipulek. “The Ministry is clear that diplomatic efforts are warranted to address these borders issues.”
He added that on May 3, the government had publicly stated that the pilgrimage route to the Kailash Mansarovar being operated between China and Nepal passes through Nepal’s territory at Lipulek.
The 1816 Sugauli Treaty clearly states that Limpiyadhura, Lipulek and Kalapani, located to the east of the Mahakali River, are parts of Nepal, and the government’s diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the disputes based on this position, according to the Spokesperson.
He said that both neighbours: India and China, have been informed and reminded of Nepal’s stance time and again.
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23- Scooter rider dies in accident
Dhanusha: A scooter rider was killed after a jeep hit her vehicle at Sapahichowk of Laxminiya Rural Municipality-4 in Dhanusha on Friday. The deceased has been identified as local Punam Shah, 30.
Shah was severely injured in the accident which occurred along the Dhalkebar-Janakpur route and died on the way to the Provincial Hospital Janakpur. According to the Area Police Office, Mahendranagar, Shah’s electric scooter, which was on a test rider, was struck by the jeep (Ba Pra 01-031 Cha 9063).
Following the accident, police have apprehended jeep driver Naresh Rathi, 52, from Biratnagar Metropolis-7 of Morang. Further investigation into the accident is underway.
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24- Forest technicians call for controlling forest encroachment
Arghakhanchi: Nepal Forest Technicians’ Association in Lumbini Province emphasized the urgency of controlling encroachment upon forests.
Since the incidents of forest encroachment are on rise in various districts of late, a campaign to curb encroachment should be intensified along with coordination and collaboration among the concerned bodies.
Association President Keshar Khadka issued an appeal and requested all government and non-government bodies, local levels, security agencies, forest user groups and general public in the province to foster cooperation and participate in the drive against forest encroachment. Even a campaign of forest conservation is urgent, he added.
Those using the forest land after encroachment are also requested to leave the illegal occupancy and extend cooperation in forest conservation bid. Encroachment of forest areas is one of the causes of deforestation.
Protection and utilization of natural resources, biodiversity, habitat to wildlife and environmental balance are present needs, for every citizen in Nepal has been guaranteed right to a clean and healthy environment, the appeal mentioned, adding that efforts of all sides- government, community and citizens- are vital to protect forest areas and control encroachment.
Even the unity among forest technicians, security agencies, local levels and relevant stakeholders is imperative to make the anti-encroachment campaign successful.
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25- Speaker Aryal observes e-attendance system
Kathmandu: Speaker at the House of Representatives, Dol Prasad Aryal, has reviewed the upcoming sign language service and e-attendance system that are being launched in the federal parliament building.
Deputy Speaker Rubi Kumari and Secretary at the Federal Parliament Secretariat, Dr Rojnath Pandey, were also present on the occasion.
These services are expected to enhance technology-oriented and efficient parliamentary practices, thereby facilitating a more convenient, accessible and organized functioning of the parliament.
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26- Consultation with experts to resolve land issues: Minister Rawal
Kathmandu: Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Pratibha Rawal, has said a committee of experts would be consulted to resolve land related problems.
At a parliamentary committee meeting held on Friday, Minister Rawal said the land related problems had been pending for long because of undue political interferences in the Land Dispute Resolution Commission. Actually, the Commission should have experts, she said, pledging a formation of an experts’ committee to wipe out problems. The Minister was speaking at the meeting of Agriculture, Cooperatives and Natural Resources under the House of Representatives.
She made it clear that it is not present government arranging the budget of Rs 250 million to be provided to the depositors in problematic cooperatives. It was the amount set previously, but now managed in a revolving fund. “We created a revolving fund with the same money as per the budget announced last year. We have not done anything new, it is a continuation of the old programme,” she explained.
Minister Rawal informed that many debtors contacted the ministry after the issuance of a 15-day notice to recover the loans of troubled cooperatives. Once the names of such borrowers were made public, the number grew, pledging the clearance of loan.
In regards to the unmanaged settlements, no further actions would be taken without proper identification. Rather, she complained that government recent evacuation of illegal occupancy was termed dozer terror, which was exaggerated. “No the victims but those in the guise of victims could be afraid. The land related problem will be resolved by using the existing mechanism. A meeting of the Ministry of Land Management and Urban Development will be held today itself,” she shared at the meeting.
In the meeting, Committee Chairman Ashok Kumar Chaudhary informed that a subcommittee was formed under the coordination of RSP lawmaker KP Khanal. He informed that the subcommittee includes Santosh Subba of Nepali Congress, Laxmi Prasad Pokharel of CPN-UML, Prem Bahadur Bayak of Nepali Communist Party, and Tahir Ali Bhat of RPP.
In the meeting, lawmakers Umesh Dhakal, Uttam Prasad Poudel, Laxmi Prasad Pokharel, Suresh Kumar Chaudhary, Shambhu Prasad Dhakal, KP Khanal, Basu Maya Tamang, Ashika Tamang, Santosh Subba, Samina Miya, Tahir Ali Bhat, Rajiv Khatri, Sujata Tamang, Punam Agrawal, Madhav Bahadur Thapa, Prem Bahadur Bayak, and Ganga Lakshmi Awal, among others spoke on land-related problems in various parts of the country, which requires proper resolution. Similarly, savings of depositors should be returned quickly, and the directors and employees of cooperatives misappropriating savings of depositors should be initiated legal action. Even the problems relating to the Guthi warrant resolution, they added.
Secretary at the Ministry, Madan Bhujel, shared before the lawmakers that the Cooperative Act, 2074 BS, was amended through an ordinance in a bid to resolve the problems plaguing cooperative sector. The recovery of cooperative loans was speeded up and a new Guthi Act being drafted to wipe out problems in the Guthi sector.
Joint Secretary at the Ministry Govinda Prasad Rijal and Director General at the Department of Land Management Shiva Regmi informed the lawmakers on the additional works being carried out in the fields of cooperatives and land management.
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27- MoFA furnishes suggestions to reduce impact of ongoing tensions in West Asia
Kathmandu: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a report suggesting the measures on how the government could develop an action plan containing short to long-term efforts in order to reduce impact of ongoing tensions in West Asia.
During a press conference held on Friday, Ministry Spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri shared major points of the inter-ministerial high-level task force that was established to study the West Asia crisis and its impact in Nepal. The report stresses the need for the government to create comprehensive policies and action plans so that diverse impacts of this adversity could be minimized.
Spokesperson Chhetri said the Ministry was closely observing the current situation in West Asia. It has both direct and indirect consequences on various aspects of Nepal’s economy, agriculture, industry, tourism, trade, investment, foreign employment, remittances, foreign currency reserves, balance of payments and the supply of energy, fuel, food and medicine.
He underscored implementation of policy level decisions to lessen the adverse effects. “The repercussions of war befall developing countries like ours at different times,” he said, adding that timely policy measures are essential to avert adversity triggered by the conflict.
According to the Ministry, around 1.8 million Nepalis work in the Gulf countries, playing vital role in propping national economy through remittance. Chhetri also mentioned that the livelihood of many Nepalis is influenced by the West Asia region, highlighting the report’s findings on the impact of rising prices across sectors spanning agriculture to industry.
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28- Speaker Aryal calls for fostering effective diplomatic practices
Kathmandu: Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has said in the present global context, the significance of international relations and diplomatic exercises has further increased.
During his address to a programme organised here Friday on the occasion of the 78th anniversary of Nepal Council of World Affairs (NCWA), the Speaker echoed the need to protect and foster national interest, economic diplomacy and development being based on the major pillars of Nepal’s international relations and affairs.
The Speaker lauded the roles of NCWA in contributing significantly at the both national and international levels in addition to strengthening Nepal’s international recognition through the formulations of foreign policies, engagements in research and intellectual debates and the promotion of civic participation.
“Effective diplomatic practices are needed to ensure the reinforcement of Nepal’s diplomatic and cultural relations, achievement of sustainable development in tourism sector,” he said, adding that in the present global scenario, there are several challenges and opportunities simultaneously.
Impacts of global pandemics have created new challenges in travel, tourism and conservation of heritages, he reminded.
A diplomacy based on the non-alignment policy will have a great role in building Nepal’s positive image globally regarding Nepal’s national recognition, the Speaker recollected and spoke for bolstering global diplomatic relations to secure an economic prosperity.
Also speaking on the occasion, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal acknowledged a coordinating role that the Council had played since its establishment between the educational sector and the government practical policy formations. The Council had provided a meaningful forum for discourses and dialogues among the global community regarding Nepal’s position during the Nepal’s membership in the United Nations and the preliminary phase of the development of non-aligned movement.
At the moment, the world is passing through a state of poly-crisis which can’t be addressed by the efforts of a single nation, he said, adding that Nepal is required to explore a way for connecting its economy to the world market by facing the crisis like obstruction in global supplies chain and challenges for energy security and keeping the national sovereignty intact.
As he said, today’s foreign policy is not just limited to the organisation of a high-level conference and official talks, instead it is related to citizens’ daily life and the safety and dignity of our migrant workers, he added. The Minister said the Ministry is committed to supporting the efforts and affairs of the Council, adding it will highly acknowledge its feedback and contribution to foreign polices and diplomacy.
“Knowledge and experiences of the Council members are of the national assets and we wish to utilise them continuously.” Council Chair Dr Suresh Malla said the Council, remaining as an independent and non-political think tank with around eight-decade of glorious history, has been established as a vital forum for dialogues, discourse, research and policy submissions.
Stating that an incident occurring one part of the country can have its impact on the other parts in today’s rapidly changing global context, he highlighted the need for an end to war and conflict for the sake of humanity.
Even a journal published by the Council was launched in the event. The publication has 19 articles themed “International Scenario and Its impact on Nepal.”
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29- Agriculture Minister for ensuring food quality
Kathmandu: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, and Forest and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, emphasized the role the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control could play for enhancing food quality.
She urged the Department to streamline its services, enhance transparency and improve overall effectiveness. During her visit to the Department on Friday, Minister Chaudhary urged it to work effectively in safeguarding public health. Citizen’s health and hygiene count much, so quality standard is essential, according to her.
Improvement of nutrition and promotion of exports by adopting food technology are vital for Nepal, she said, admitting that regulatory functions were however becoming increasingly challenging amidst universities.
The Minister praised Department’s efforts in regular market monitoring, quality check, development of food technology, and action against rule violators.
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30- First phase of evacuating riverbank settlements over, govt for managing squatters
Kathmandu: The first phase of evacuating unplanned and vulnerable settlements on the banks of Bagamati River and its tributaries has been over in the Kathmandu Valley.
Such settlements had occupied government and public lands. The first round of the evacuation has now concluded. The drive to remove the settlements was jointly launched by the Kathmandu Metropolis, Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, High-Powered Bagamati Civilisation Integrated Development Committee and the District Administration Office, Kathmandu. It was launched on April 25.
According to the DAO Kathmandu, during the campaign, a total of 2,687 structures (houses and huts) built on the government and public lands were removed. The drive, which began in Thapathali and Gaurigaun, was later carried out in Manohara Area, Kalopul, Balkhu, Bansikhat, Shankhamul, Kalimati, Balaju, Swoyambhu, Gaushala, Dhobhikhola and Kapan.
The government has arranged temporary shelters for the displaced residents through holding centres. According to the Urban Development Ministry, preparations are underway to provide them with temporary housing in Inchangunarayan and other areas. The government is also ensuring that children’s education and guardians’ employment are not adversely affected during the resettlement process.
With the completion of the first round of the operation, the government adopted a strategy to assess other settlements built on public and government lands only after indentifying genuine squatters and arranging proper management for them, according to Prime Minister Balen Shah’s press and research expert, Dipa Dahal.
“The government aims to protect public property while ensuring a safe housing for the genuine landless people and squatters. It has a clear plan towards that end,” she said.
Digital recording of illegal settlers begins
Similarly, digital recording of landless and unorganized residents has kicked off in Kathmandu. The Kathmandu Valley Development Authority, under the direction of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, is preparing to compile and integrated digital records of landless residents and squatters.
According to Dipa Dahal, press and research expert for Prime Minister, the preparations for the digital logging reached a launch stage. She mentioned that in the initial phase, the integrated digital records of individuals currently residing in and out of the holding centre would be collected. It would be continued in other districts gradually.
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