- Sunday, 24 May 2026
Kathmandu, May 24: Visiting UK Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Indo-Pacific and Minister for Equalities, Seema Malhotra, has said the British government was willing to expand collaboration with Nepal in the sector of technical education.
Malhotra, who is currently in a 3-day Nepal visit, said it during a high-level discussion organized by the Nepal-Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industries in the federal capital today. She was speaking on ‘British education partnership for Nepal’.
The collaboration would further deepen Nepal-Britain ties, she said, arguing that expansion of educational access and employment could be promoted to link education with economy. “We’re thinking how youths can be linked to entrepreneurship and industry through education,” she said, reminding, “The number of colleges getting British university affiliation and Nepali students in the colleges in Britain reflect educational collaboration and ties between the two countries.”
She further showed readiness of her government to work together on educational priorities aligning them with Nepal government’s plan.
On the occasion, British Ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn informed that the visiting British Minister held talks to Nepal’s dignitaries including Education Minister on topics of sustainable investment.
Joint Secretary at Ministry of Education and Sports, Chandrakant Bhusal, informed that Nepal government was also willing to establish collaboration on the issues of diversity, equitable inclusion, technical education and good governance.
Former Member Secretary at CTEVT, Dr Ramhari Lamichhane, said Nepal is in need of establishment of ‘sector skill council’ and research-oriented higher education.
Director General of the Federation of Nepal Educational Consultancies, Dr Uddhav Khadka, informed that as many as 23,000 Nepalis had gone to the UK for higher study in the last fiscal year alone.
Various other speakers dwelt on range of issues on Nepal-Britain educational collaboration.
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13- Govt gradually addresses citizens’ issues: Minister Pokharel
Kathmandu, May 24: Minister for Education and Sports, Sasmit Pokharel, informed that the government would gradually address public concerns.
During his address to a public hearing in Kathmandu constituency-5 today, the Minister, who was elected as the House of Representatives (HoR) member from the same constituency, promised to make all possible measures so that issues of roadways, sewage, electricity and drinking water would be addressed.
The public hearing was organised in line with a commitment Minister Pokharel made during the HoR election campaign. He had vowed to hold a public hearing once in a month if the voters elected him as their representative.
Minister Pokharel who also serves as the government Spokesperson said that the government has a clear policy of hearing civic voices before making any decisions. He assured the assessments of physical infrastructure at community schools across the country, and budget allocation and resources management accordingly.
The practice of allocating equal budget to all schools had created another issue, he said, stating that the budget allocation from the next year would be need based. He took time to say that an expert committee would select vice chancellors for universities taking into account efficiency, competence and expertise and making the selection process more transparent and professional.
During the interaction, locals informed the Minister about various issues ranging from school enrollment to roads and drinking water. They also expressed concern over delays in publishing the results of examinations conducted under the Tribhuvan University Service Commission.
Upon hearing their concerns, the Minister urged schools to follow the government directions for student enrollment. He also assured that the supply of quality drinking water would be in place in coordination with the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control.
Furthermore, the Minister pledged to regularise the publication of the TU Service Commission results and taking all possible measures to address public concerns.
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14- Nepali National Cricket Squad announced for Men’s Asian Games Qualifier 2026
Kathmandu, May 24: A Nepali National Cricket Squad has been announced in view of the Men’s Asian Games Qualifier 2026 scheduled to be held in Singapore from May 31 to June 9.
The team with Dipendra Singh Airee as its captain announced by the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) comprises Kushal Bhurtel, Aasif Sheikh, Rohit Paudel, Sundeep Jora, Kushal Malla, Lokesh Bam, Sandip Lamichhane and Sompal Kami.
The remaining players in the 14-member team are Karan KC, Aarif Sheikh, Shahab Alam and Bhim Sarki, the CAN said in a press statement today.
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15- Person absconding after banking offense held
Kathmandu, May 24: The Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested a person, who had been absconding after committing a banking offense.
The police made public Pranab Lal Singh, 53, a resident of Kathmandu Metropolis-22. Spokesperson at Bureau and superintendent of police Rameshwor Karki informed that a team mobilized from the Bureau arrested Singh from Chhauni, Kathmandu for an investigation into a case of banking crime.
An arrest warrant had already been issued against Singh. Further action has been forwarded.
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16- Over-speed attributes to over 50 percent of road accidents
Kathmandu, May 24: Over-speed is found to be a major contributing factor to road accidents recorded nationwide in the month of Baisakh (April-May) 2026.
According to the Nepal Police data, the country recorded a total of 2,294 road accidents in the given time, of which, 1,253 were attributed to over-speeding.
Likewise, negligence on part of drivers led to 137 accidents followed by 133 from careless road crossing, 112 related to drunk-driving, and 46 due to overtaking. Such accidents caused 239 deaths: 158 men, 54 women and 27 children.
Similarly, the number of severe injuries was 752 followed by 3,220 minor injuries. In the month of Baisakh, police recorded 137,094 traffic rule violations and collected fines totaling Rs 118.02 million. During the period, a total of 3,334 vehicles were involved in the accidents, with two-wheelers accounting for the highest number.
The highest number of accidents took place from 6:00 pm to 12:00 midnight.
Meanwhile, three people died in separate accidents occurred in various parts of the country in the past 24 hours, while 94 received injuries. All deaths were in Bagamati Province, police added.
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17- Mechi-Mahakali national rescue drive: 120 rescued from streets
Mahendranagar, May 24: A charity, Manavsewa Ashram, has continued a campaign of rescuing street persons. Two persons were rescued from the street of Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur during the Mechi-Mahakali National Rescue Journey lately.
Following the rescue, they were taken to the Dhangadhi-based Manasewa Ashram. So far, 120 people have been taken to safety during the campaign.
During the drive that was launched by the Ashram itself on May 11 from Mechi of Jhapa has now reached Mahendranagar, said organization member Urbin Sapkota.
The journey aims at supporting the organisation’s ambition of making Nepal a ‘street people free country’, it is said. The tour is supported by the Ani Chyoing Dolma Foundation.
Twenty-six volunteers under the leadership of singer and social worker Dolma have been mobilised to free the citizens living on the streets without support of family or relatives and ensured them safety at the rehabilitation centres of different districts across the country.
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18- Govt forms committee to study technical aspects concerning border between Bajura and Humla
Kathmandu, May 24: The government has formed a committee coordinated by Deputy Director General of Survey Department, Sushil Dangol, to study about technical aspects concerning the border between Bajura and Humla districts.
A meeting of the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration today decided to form the committee. The meeting held in Singha Durbar was chaired by Minister Pratibha Rawal.
The committee comprises one each representatives from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs and General Administration, from the Office of Chief Ministers and Council of Ministers in Karnali and Sudurpashim Provinces. Survey Department’s Director has been assigned the responsibility of the committee’s Member-Secretary.
The meeting was attended by secretary Madan Bhujel, Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s press and research expert Dipa Dahal, joint-secretaries Anand Kafle and Prakash Dahal, Survey Department’s director general Prakash Joshi, under-secretary Bhim Budha, Survey Department’s director Dayanand Joshi and survey officer Jyoti Dhakal.
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19- Koshi Provincial Assembly begins discussions on policies and programs
Biratnagar, May 24: Discussions on the annual policies and programs presented by the Koshi Provincial Government for the fiscal year 2083/84 began at the meeting today of the Koshi Provincial Assembly.
The discussion began after Speaker Ambar Bahadur Bista announced unanimous approval of the proposal tabled by Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki seeking discussions on the annual policies and programs of his government.
Taking part in the discussion, Koshi Provincial Assembly member Sapana Darji claimed that although the policy and program is good in paper it would be hard to implement them.
Another Member Rajendra Karki expressed the view that the government should allocate sufficient budget for implementation of tourism, infrastructure, agriculture and employment-related initiatives mentioned in the policy and programmes.
Member of Parliament Ganesh Upreti said that it was unfortunate to see that the policy and program does not speak about the issue of landless squatters while Hom Bahadur Thapa expressed confidence that the policy and program, which covers all sectors, would provide a roadmap for the development of the province.
MP Baburam Gautam claimed that target people will not benefit from the policies and programs brought without discussing with the stakeholders. MP Radhakrishna Khanal expressed the view that the government has raised hopes of becoming a ‘clean, happy and prosperous’ province through the policies and programs while MP Premraj Thamsang commented that the policies and programs will help determine the bright future of the common citizen.
Member of Provincial Assembly Jayaprakash Chaudhary expressed the view that the policies and programs should be citizen-friendly and encourage domestic and foreign investment.
MP Kishore Chandra Dulal said the government’s path ahead will be reflected on annual budget estimates to be based on these policies and programs. Also today, the PA approved the ‘Province Sports (First Amendment) Ordinance, 2083’.
The next meeting of the assembly will be held at 1:oo pm on Monday.
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20- Govt vows to revive Hetauda Cement Industry
Bagmati, May 24: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Gaurikumari Yadav, inspected the state-owned Hetauda Cement Industry at Lamshure, Hetauda on Sunday. The industry has been battered by prolonged financial and operational crisis.
During a discussion with management and employees following the inspection, Minister Yadav remarked that it was ‘very unfortunate’ that a state-owned cement factory had been forced to shut down while, she observed, private cement companies continue operating regularly.
The Minister shared that the government is studying ways to resume the Cement Industry’s regular operation. She also reaffirmed government’s commitment to reopening all closed state-owned industries.
Minister Yadav argued that the closure of such industries not only affects employment but also impedes the national economy and thus called for cooperation from management and workers to revive sick and defunct industries.
Likewise, Acting General Manager of the Cement Industry, Shivanarayan Sah briefed Minister Yadav that the industry had shut down due to outdated machinery, frequent breakdowns and a shortage of raw materials caused by financial difficulties.
He shared that the employees had not received salaries and benefits for the past 11 months, while, he added, the industry had also failed to clear old dues to raw material suppliers and pay electricity bills.
Established in 2033 BS at Lamsure, Hetauda, the cement industry began cement production since 2043 BS. Technical experts said that its equipment has become redundant and is no longer capable of efficient production, calling for State’s positive intervention to breathe new life into this sick industry.
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21- Will bring implementable, result-oriented budget, says Lumbini’s Economic Affairs Minister
Lumbini, May 24: Economic Affairs and Planning Minister of Lumbini Province Dhanendra Karki has said that the upcoming fiscal year’s budget of the province government will be implementable, result-focused and practical.
Responding to the concerns raised by the province assembly meeting today on the principles and priorities of Appropriation Bill, 2083 BS of the Lumbini Province Government, Minister Karki said the budget will be made based on the commitments of the government and the recommendations of the province assembly members.
He added that the budget will give more focus on expansion of capital and technology, adding tourism, industry and employment generation were the key priorities. Modernization of agriculture, promotion of organic fertilizer and diversified productions to create employment and income generation were the government’s policies.
Stating that making the budget effective and implementable was a common agenda of all, Minister Karki assured to apply innovative ideas in the implementation.
Province Assembly Members Baijanath Kalawar, Dil Kumari Budha, Tara Thapa, Rewati Gurung, Chandra Kesh Gupta, Mina Budhamagar, Shanti Lodh, Mina Kumari Shrestha, Madhu Sudan Sharan Chaudhary Kurmi, Surul Pun and Basanti Neupane put forth their views on the principles and priorities of the province government.
After the deliberations, Speaker Tularam Ghartimagar announced the closure of discussions on the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill, 2083.
The next meeting of the province assembly shall held at 1:00 pm on Monday.
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22- Myanmar govt honours Dr Lama with ‘Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja’ title
Kathmandu, May 24: Khenpo Chime Tsering, popularly known as Dr. Lharkyal Lama, has been honoured with the prestigious ‘Maha Saddamma Jotikadhaja religious title by the government of Myanmar.
The honour was presented to Dr Lama amid a special ceremony held at Ngagyur Palyul Ling Monastery at Manichud, Sankhu of Shankharapur Municipality-8 in Kathmandu on Saturday.
Myanmar’s Ambassador to Nepal, U Thant Sin, conferred the title on Dr Lama on behalf of the government of Myanmar in recognition of his contributions to the preservation and global promotion of Buddhism.
According to the organizers, Myanmar government annually confers this religious honour to monks, nuns and laypersons who have made distinguished contributions to Buddhist scholarship, spiritual practice and the protection and promotion of Buddhist teachings.
The event was attended by diplomats and representatives from religious organizations, including officials from the embassies of Myanmar, Sri Lanka India and the USA in Nepal.
Also, present in the event were representatives from the Maha Bodhi Society in Bengaluru, India, the All Nepal Bhikkhu Association of Nepal as well as members of the Hyolmo (Yolmo) community who are mainly from the Helambu region north of Kathmandu.
Guests from Bhutan, including scholar Dr. Karam Phuntsok also attended the ceremony.
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23- RSP first general convention schedule made public
Kathmandu, May 24: The Rastriya Swatantra Party has approved the preparation schedule for its first national general convention. The party’s Central Election Commission has circulated the preparation schedule for the general convention to provincial and district presidents.
According to the approved schedule, election committees should be formed in 77 districts and seven provinces by Jestha 15 in the Lunar Calendar. Similarly, the reports of local and district conventions will be collected by Jestha 20 and the district convention and election reports will be submitted by Jestha 30.
Similarly, the list of general convention delegates should be submitted by Jestha 25, the details of elected office bearers in the provincial convention will be submitted by Asad 5 and discussions on electronic voting will be held, shared Ram Gurung, Deputy Chief of the Central Election Commission.
The Rastriya Swatantra Party is scheduled to hold its first national general convention in Chitwan on coming Asad 7, 8 and 9 (coming June 21, 22 and 23).
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24- Changunarayan declared ‘Yoganagar’
Bhaktapur, May 24: Changunarayan Municipality has been declared ‘Yoganagar’ today.
Chief Minister of Bagmati Province Indra Bahadur Baniya read out the declaration terming Changunarayan as ‘Yoganagar’ at a program organized by the municipality today.
On the occasion, Minister for Culture and Tourism of Bagmati Province Suresh Shrestha expressed confidence that the declaration of Yoganagar will add a new dimension to the tourism development of Changunarayan.
Mayor of Changunarayan, Jeevan Khatri, said that the municipality has prioritized yoga for the health, positive thinking and prosperity of the residents of Changunarayan.
Federal MP Guru Baral, National Chair of Patanjali Yoga Committee Nepal Sudarshan Subedi, Bagmati Province Ministry of Health, Expert Member of Provincial Yoga Committee Nawaraj Kafle, Chair of Yoga District Coordination Committee Bhaktapur Bijendra Dhavani, among others, highlighted the importance of yoga.
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25- Will continue to fight against dowry and child marriage: Deputy Speaker Thakur
Barahathawa (Sarlahi), May 24: Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Rubi Kumari Thakur, has reaffirmed her commitment to continue fighting against the deeply rooted harmful practices of dowry and child marriage, mostly prevalent in the Madhesh region.
Speaking at a programme organized here on Sunday by the Chandranagar Rural Municipality in Sarlahi district on the elimination of child marriage and dowry practice, Deputy Speaker Thakur stated that such harmful traditions must be eradicated not only from Madhesh but from the entire country.
Thakur observed that gender-based discrimination and the perception of daughters as a burden continue to encourage the harmful practice of child marriage in the society.
The Deputy Speaker mentioned, “People should not be saddened by the birth of a daughter, thinking additional burden has fallen on the household. In the land of Mother Sita, the birth of a daughter is a matter of pride and fortune.”
She argued that dowry and child marriage often lead to family breakdowns after marriage.
Referring to the growing trend of teenagers leaving home, she urged young people not to rebel against parental guidance without understanding their genuine concerns and advices.
Likewise, parliamentarian Nitima Karki, elected from Sarlahi-1, noted that the practices of dowry and child marriage have persisted in Madhesh region for decades without significant change.
She highlighted the importance of education, stating that it is the only ‘effective tool’ to eliminate such social evils and encouraged families to prioritize educating daughters.
The event was attended by vice-chairpersons and deputy mayors of various local governments across the Madhesh Province.
During the programme, parents who educated their daughters up to Grade 12 and arranged marriage only after the age of 20, parents supporting daughters-in-law in higher education and couples who married without dowry were honoured with shawls and certificates.
To help reduce child marriage, the Chandranagar Rural Municipality has introduced incentive programmes that provide Rs. 50,000 to women who consider marrying after the age of 20.
The Municipality also offers a lump-sum educational support of Rs. 11,000 to girls studying up to Grade 12 to encourage continued education.
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26- Home Ministry urges citizens of Humla and Bajura to exercise restraint
Kathmandu, May 24: The Ministry of Home Affairs has urged citizens of Humla and Bajura districts to exercise restraint.
Stating that the ministry has formed a team under the coordination of Senior Superintendent of Police to investigate the incident that took place in the border areas of Humla and Bajura, the ministry has in a press statement today noted that the government is fully committed to protecting the lives and property of the common people and maintaining peace in the border areas.
The investigation team has been instructed to immediately work at the incident site and submit a report.
The ministry has said that in order to ensure the security of citizens and further strengthen peace and order in the border area, the District Security Committee has been to maintain high alert and adopt a security strategy to prevent such incidents from recurring.
Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force have been instructed to mobilize additional forces to bring the situation under control and maintain long-term peace.
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27- Foreign Minister Khanal emphasizes on economic diplomacy
Kathmandu, May 24: Minister for Foreign Affairs Shisir Khanal has stressed on the need to transform traditional diplomacy into economic diplomacy for Nepal’s prosperity.
Addressing a function organized on the occasion of Nepal Foreign Service Day here today, he pointed out the need for strong diplomatic efforts to enhance the dignity and image of the country at the international level.
Minister Khanal said that international partnerships should be utilized for foreign investment, tourism development, technology transfer and market access for Nepali products.
Speaking at the event, Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amrit Bahadur Rai, extended respect to the seniors who have made special contribution to Nepal’s foreign service and requested the members of the Foreign Service to present themselves professionally.
On that occasion, newly appointed Foreign Service officers were welcomed and retired officers and employees were honored.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials of the ministry, former chief secretaries, former foreign secretaries, former ambassadors, among others.
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28- CAVA Women’s Volleyball Championship: Nepal defeats Maldives to enter semifinals
Kathmandu, May 24: The Nepali national volleyball team on Sunday defeated the Maldives in the ongoing Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Women’s Volleyball Championship, which is being held in Kathmandu from Friday.
In the match played at the covered hall of the National Sports Council in Tripureshwor, Nepal registered its second win by defeating the Maldives by 3-0. With this victory, Nepal secured its place into the semifinals. Earlier, Nepal defeated Kyrgyzstan on Saturday.
Nepal has gathered seven points from the three matches played so far and has remained in the top of the score board in the group, while India has managed five points to remain in the second of the score board.
Kyrgyzstan from the same group has collected three points but the Maldives is relegated from the game being pointless in the championship.
Nepal’s position in the group will be finalized after the result of the game between Kyrgyzstan and India, which is s scheduled to be held on Monday.
Likewise, Kazakhstan and Iran have reached the semifinals from the Group ‘B’.
The Championship is being attended by players from Nepal, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, the Maldives and Kazakhstan.
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