- Sunday, 17 May 2026
Kathmandu, May 17: Annually, on May 17, nations worldwide unite to observe World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. This occasion serves as a reminder of the beneficial effects that the internet and information and communication technology (ICT) can exert on our society and economy. The theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026 is ‘Strengthening digital lifelines for a resilient and connected world.’ The phrase “digital divide” refers to the disparity between individuals who have access to information and communication technologies—such as the internet, computers, and smartphones—and those who do not.
It particularly underscores the variations in internet accessibility, technological proficiency, digital education, and information access. Often, individuals residing in remote villages do not have the same access to these resources as those in urban areas, where internet and online services are easily accessible. World Telecommunication Day has been commemorated since 1969, coinciding with the establishment of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the signing of the inaugural International Telegraph Convention in 1865.
The day was officially acknowledged by the ITU’s Plenipotentiary Conference in Malaga-Torremolinos, Spain, in 1973 through Resolution No. 46. In 2005, the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) urged the United Nations General Assembly to designate May 17 as World Information Society Day. The General Assembly consented to celebrate this day each year, adopting a resolution in 2006 aimed at enhancing awareness regarding various issues associated with the information society and the importance of information technology. As stated by the United Nations, the primary objective of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day is to foster awareness of the opportunities presented by digital communication.
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02- Westerly wind effect: Predicting slight rainfall in Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces
Kathmandu, May 17: The Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD) has reported that the current influence of westerly and local winds is causing rainfall in parts of the Gandaki, Bagmati, and Koshi provinces. This afternoon, a normal to full change in weather pattern is expected in the hilly and mountainous areas of Bagmati, Gandaki, and Karnali provinces, with partial changes in other regions. Light to moderate rain or thundershowers, accompanied by temporary gusty winds, are anticipated in several districts of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces. Additionally, the MFD has indicated that rain or thundershowers may occur in the hilly regions of Lumbini and Far-Western Province, as well as in the Terai region of Koshi Province.
There is a cautionary note regarding the potential for hail in the Terai regions of Madhes and Koshi Province. Temperatures are expected to rise in certain areas of the far-western and Lumbini provinces. Tonight, a general change in weather is forecasted for the hilly and mountainous terrains of Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, with partial changes in the hilly areas of Karnali and Madhes provinces.
The remaining hilly and low-lying areas are likely to experience mainly clear weather. The MFD has advised that light to moderate rain or thundershowers, along with temporary gusty winds, may occur in parts of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, urging all concerned to take necessary precautions due to the possibility of thunderstorms in the Terai region.
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03- 169 pilgrims in four days, setting journey for Kailash Mansarobar
Humla, May 17: The influx of Indian religious tourists to Mansarovar Kailash has begun with the onset of the rainy season, as evidenced by the arrival of 169 pilgrims in just four days.
This surge is facilitated by flights from Nepalgunj to Simkot and then to Hilsa, which serves as a gateway to the pilgrimage site in China.
According to Simkot Airport Chief Mahendra Singh, the arrivals from May 13 included 147 Indians and 22 international passengers. Despite challenging weather conditions, 47 pilgrims successfully reached Simkot on a Summit Air flight, which operated three flights on Saturday.
However, some travelers were unable to proceed to Kailash Mansarovar due to a lack of necessary permits. The number of Indian tourists is anticipated to rise further in the coming days, reflecting a growing interest in the pilgrimage since the reopening of the Hilsa pass post-COVID-19 restrictions.
Historically, the route saw a significant number of visitors, with 6,500 Indian tourists making the pilgrimage last year after China resumed access.
This year marks the first arrivals in Simkot since May 13.
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04- Today marks 33rd Madan-Ashrit Memorial Day
Kathmandu, May 17: Today marks the 33rd Memorial Day for Madan Kumar Bhandari, the former general secretary of the CPN (UML), and Jeevraj Ashrit, head of the Organization Department.
The CPN (UML) is commemorating this occasion with various programmes across the country, including memorial meetings and seminars. Key events are taking place at Madannagar Balkhu and the Madan Bhandari Memorial Foundation in Gothatar, where discussions on the contributions of Bhandari and Ashrit will be held.
Additionally, the memorial activities include tree planting, blood donation drives, health camps, and the distribution of fruits to hospital patients.
Bhandari and Ashrit tragically lost their lives in a car accident in Dasthdhunga, Chitwan, on 3rd Jestha 2050 BS.
Bhandari is remembered as a significant figure in the movement for multi-party democracy, emerging from a communist ideology.
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05- 2,029 motorists penalized for breaching traffic regulations in 24 hrs
Kathmandu, May 17: Over the last 24 hours, a total of two thousand 29 motorists have been penalized for breaching traffic regulations.
Consequently, a revenue amounting to Rs. 4 lakh 17 thousand has been credited to the state treasury. According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, measures were taken against 59 individuals for driving under the alcoholic drinks influence, 119 for engaging in illegal ride-sharing, 132 for disregarding traffic signals, and 208 for exceeding speed limits.
Additionally, 57 individuals were penalized for failing to adhere to lane discipline, 94 for honking in restricted areas, 95 for parking in road zones, 126 for driving on one-way streets, and 1,139 for violating various other traffic regulations.
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06- Sahitya Sandhya holds discussions on contemporary issues
Kathmandu. May 17: The 476th monthly edition of Sahitya Sandhya, a Literary Organization, was held on Saturday dwelling on ‘Nepal’s geopolitical dimensions and relevant issues. a Literary Organization, in collaboration with the Budhanilkantha Municipality
Former ambassador Hiranya Lal Shrestha stated preparation to travel Indian pilgrims to Kailash Mansarovar, China via Nepali territory without taking consent of Nepal violates the international law and diplomatic norms.
At the event, the anthology of poems ‘Pushpanjali’ and ‘Yugasandesh’, written by Laxman Timilsina, were unveiled.
Various literary figures, including Om Prasad Koirala, Kanad Maharshi, Basudev Adhikari, Bishwanath Tamang, Anita Lama, Balaram Bista, Katyayan, Khemraj Niraula, Maheshraj Kharel, Bindu Adhikari, Kumar Nepal, Ganga Karmacharya, Radhika Sapkota, Krishna Bause, Parasnath Acharya, Nityaraj Acharya, Ganga Khadka, Yashoda Adhikari, Narmadeshwari Satyal, Rajan Acharya, Balika Giri, Ganesh Kumar Mishra, Dhan Bahadur Magar, Prakash Silwal, and Achyut Ghimire, made literary presentations.
Budhanilkantha Municipality Mayor Mitharam Adhikari and Deputy Mayor Anita Lama urged the literary community to continue writing against corruption and irregularities.
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07- Traffic awareness to mark Global Road Safety Week in Parsa
Birgunj (Parsa), May 17: The District Police Office here organized a public awareness event to mark the 8th Global Road Safety Week. The Week runs from May 12 to 18 every year.
The public awareness programme was held from Maisthan to Ghantagar of Birgunj city in a bid to reduce road accidents. Chief of District Traffic Office, Yubraj Katwal, informed that not only drivers of heavy and light vehicles but also the pedestrians and rickshaw pullers were made aware on the traffic rules.
Katwal said, “Number of people losing lives in road accidents is on rise of late. We believe the public awareness drive would help reduce the incidents. We’ve been continuing the awareness campaigns even at schools.”
The event was held in coordination with a local Birgunj Youth Club.
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08- Preparations on to launch teaching learning on ethnic Kham language
Myagdi, May 17: Raghuganga Rural Municipality in Myagdi district has been prepared for launching teaching learning activities in the Magar Kham language in community schools within the locality. It is said such preparations are underway targeting 15 schools of Raghuganga with Magar-majority communities.
Recently, a weeklong teachers’ training on the Magar Kham language concluded here. It was jointly organised by the Nepal Pun Magar Society and the local government.
With the financial support from the local government, the Society has published a Grade 1 book in the Magar Kham language, according to Society chair Tika Pun Magar. Teachers from 15 schools attended the training, which was facilitated by Magar language expert Karna Bahadur Budha Magar.
The Magar Kham language which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family is especially spoken by the Magar community in the hilly districts of western Nepal such as Myagdi, Rolpa, Rukum and Baglung districts.
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09- Seeds bank to preserve indigenous agro seeds in northern Bhojpur
Bhojpur, May 17: Shadananda Municipality in Bhojpur district of Koshi Province has established a seeds bank, aiming at preserving and promoting indigenous agricultural seeds. The local government decided to launch a campaign to conserve the indigenous seeds for the long run so that it would help minimize growing threat to native crops.
“The major objectives of the campaign are to provide farmers with quality native seeds, to revive the production of locally endangered varieties of crops and to protect the agricultural biodiversity,” said Mayor Surendra Kumar Udas.
The drive is expected to contribute substantively in the preservation of native crops, he said.
Through the bank, seeds of millet, buckwheat, barley, Chino (Proso millet) , Kaguno (Foxtail millet), gahat ( horse gram), soybean, bean, maize and other local crops have been collected and stored safely. The bank has so far conserved 115 species of 27 sorts of crops that are locally produced, said Municipality’s agricultural section chief Dipen Thapa.
Farmers have access to such store on 50-percnet subsidy, it is said.
Similarly, various initiatives including the training to farmers on the selection of seeds, conservation and promotion techniques are being implemented through the bank.
Deputy-Mayor Pramila Rai expressed hope that such initiatives would prove significant in preventing invasive crops species and protecting traditional groups. The local government also aims to further enhance the marketing, branding and reasonable pricing of home-grown crops, thereby increasing farmers’ proceeds.
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10- Former President Bhandari pays tribute to Madan-Ashrit
Kathmandu, May 17: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has paid tribute to the then general secretary of the CPN UML, Madan Bhadari, and chief of Organization Department, Jibraj Ashrit.
She reminded the constructions of late Bhadari and Ashrit in Nepali communist movement. The leaders had worked untiringly for reaching communist movement among general people, she added.
In a message of tribute she released today, the 33rd Memorial Day of Madan Bhandari and Jibraj Ashrit, Bhandari said the ‘people’s multi-party democracy’ propounded by the popular leader Madan Bhandari is instrumental in ensuring social justice, prosperity and transformation via democratic system.
She further argued the leaders had played vital roles in establishing the UML as a dominant political party in the country.
Similarly, UML chairman KP Sharma Oli paid tribute to the late Bhandari and Ashrit. He remembered the roles they played in consolidation of party organization and development. “I revere their contribution and pay tribute,” he stated in a press release today.
According to leader Oli, both Bhandari and Ashrit were his close friends and leaders. “Although those past were painful, the haunting memory is further touching,” he observed.
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11- Dahal for all-party government in Madhes
Birendranagar, May 17: Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said his party would join a government in the Madhes Province provided that it was formed on the basis of an all-party consensus.
Speaking at a press meet organised by the Press Centre at Birendranagar, Surkhet today, the leader said the party was not in favor of forming the government in alliance with the Nepali Congress and the CPN (UML).
“Our party will join government only if it is formed with the participation of all parties including the Madhes-centric ones,” he said, adding that the party had received separate proposals from the NC and UML for government formation in Madhes and such proposal, he argued, were not entertained.
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12- Minister Khanal asks local govt to stress long-term plan
Kathmandu, May 17: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the local government needs to focus on long-term plan rather the temporary politics.
At a programme organized by Tokha Municipality to garner suggestions for upcoming policies, programmes and budget today, Minister Khanal reiterated that it was not wise to stress immediate political benefit in the plans but the sustainable development approaches. “The local governments have the opportunity to work for the coming generation- for 20/25 years. So, shun shortsighted attitude,” he asked.
Also the lawmaker from constituency no 6 of Kathmandu, Minister Khanal suggested that Tokha Municipality could think of raising well managed settlements in the northern belt because the population there is still sparse compared to the lower belt. Management of the Saturday bazaar featuring indigenous Newari culture of Tokha could boost tourism, while running homestays is equally rewarding, according to him.
He also viewed the expansion of Tokha-Chhahare tunnel way could create problems to several settlements in Tokha area, so measures to minimize problems could be considered on time. Other issues he suggested were development of Sanglakhola and Bishnumati River corridors as alternative routes with less invasion and enforcement of digital service for tax payment.
On the occasion, Bagmati Province Member and former minister at province, Hari Prabha Khadgi, suggested that the local level could keep in centre the people by utilizing the available resources. Politics in the name of development is no more acceptable, she underscored.
Former minister Dr Banshidhar Mishra also reminded the aspiration of locals and constitutional rights to forward development activities.
Mayor Prakash Adhikari informed that the local government would incorporate the genuine suggestions from the stakeholders in the forthcoming policies and programmes and budget.
Chief administrative officer Kamal Bhattarai was of the view that they had given special priorities to social initiatives like day meal to students, health check up, children nutrition programme, and conservation of public lands, among others. Even the corridor construction is underway, he added.
There are 11 wards in Tokha Municipality which houses 137 thousand people.
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