- Monday, 25 May 2026
Kanchanpur, May 25: Local levels in Kanchanpur have started closing schools temporarily owing to rising temperatures. Some local governments have already announced the school holidays for a few days, taking into account student’s health concerns.
Such holidays will later be adjusted with the regular summer vacations, it is said.
The Bheemdatta Municipality has already announced the closure of the all institutional and community schools inside the locality for three days beginning today. According to Municipality’s education section chief Hari Dutta Joshi, the decision was made considering that forcing students to attend school in extreme heat could have possible health implications on them.
Likewise, the Krishnapur municipality has also announced a three-day holiday for all schools in the municipality starting today.
The Shuklaphanta municipality is also preparing to close the schools for a few days. Municipality education section chief Tikendra Raj Bhatta said that they are closely monitoring the weather conditions and its possible impact on students’ health.
Teachers said many students have been complaining of headaches and falling asleep in classrooms, finding it hard to concentrate on their studies amidst the increased heat.
“In one hand, not all class rooms have fans, and even the available fans are not functioning well. On the other hand, the classroom are roofed with corrugated zinc sheets. As a result, it has become very uncomfortable for both students and teachers to engage in teaching learning activities,” said a teacher. Daytime temperatures in Kanchanpur and neighboring Kailali have exceeded 40 degrees Celsius.
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02- Influence of Westerly, local winds: hot days, heat wave expected
Kathmandu, May 25: Nepal is currently under the influence of Westerly and local winds, along with a low-pressure system near the eastern part of the country, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division.
At present, there is generally cloudy in the Himalayan and hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, as well as in the Himalayan regions of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.
There is partly cloudy in the hilly regions of Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces, along with Madhesh Province, while the remaining hilly and Tarai regions report mainly fair weather.
Presently, a few places in Koshi and Gandaki provinces report moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning, while one or two places in Bagmati Province have reported light rainfall.
According to the Division, this afternoon, there will be generally cloudy in Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. The hilly and Himalayan regions of the remaining provinces, including Madhesh Province, are likely to experience partly cloudy weather, while the remaining Tarai regions will remain mainly fair.
Moderate rain and snowfall accompanied by thunder and lightning are likely at a few places in Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, as well as at some places in the hilly and Himalayan regions of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, including Madhesh Province.
Meanwhile, meteorological analysis suggests that hilly areas of Sudurpaschim and Lumbini provinces are likely to experience hot weather conditions, while a heat wave is likely to occur in the Tarai region.
Tonight, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, as well as in the remaining Himalayan regions. The hilly areas of the other provinces will remain partly cloudy, while the remaining Tarai regions are likely to stay mainly clear.
The Division has forecast moderate rain and snowfall accompanied by thunder and lightning at a few places in Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, and at some places in the hilly and Himalayan regions of Madhesh, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.
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03- Lumbini Province government to present policies, programmes today
Lumbini, May 25: The policies and programmes of the Lumbini Province government for the upcoming fiscal year ( 2083-84 BS/ 2026-27) are being presented today.
Province Chief Krishna Bahadur Gharti Magar is scheduled to present the government’s annual policies and programmes before the sixth meeting under the eighth session of the Province Assembly, which will commence at 1:00 pm today, said Province Assembly Secretariat.
It is said the Lumbini government is to introduce bring its new policies and programmes focusing on development, good governance, production, jobs creations, agriculture, tourism and infrastructure development, among others.
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04- Summer session of Bagamati Province beginning today
Bagamati, May 25: The summer session of the Bagamati Province Assembly is beginning today.
According to Secretary Ram Kumar Paudel of the Bagamati Province Assembly Secretariat, the session is scheduled to commence at 1:00 pm today, during which the Chief Minister and parliamentary party leaders represented in the Province Assembly will extend their best wishes.
A letter received from the Office of Province Chief regarding the session will also be read out in the meeting.
Earlier, Province Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota, on the recommendation of the Province Government, summoned the summer session, also known as the budget session, in accordance with Article 183 (1) of the Constitution. This session will be dedicated to discussions on the government’s policies and programmes and the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2083-84 BS( 2026-27).
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05- One arrested on charge of beating Dalit woman in Siraha
Siraha, May 25: Police have arrested a man on the charge of physically assaulting a Dalit woman in Siraha. The arrested has been identified as Pabitra Narayan Yadav of Naraha rural municipality-3.
Yadav is alleged of beating a Dalit woman, 60, from the same locality two weeks ago after a buffalo belonging to the woman entered his paddy field, police said. The incident happened in the afternoon of May 10, and he was apprehended by the police in the evening of May 23.
The alleged survivor had filed a complaint against the man under the offence of indecent behavior. Acting on the woman’s complaint, the Area Police Office Choharwa, arrested Yadav after obtaining an arrest warrant from the District Administration Office, Siraha.
DPO’s information officer and Deputy Superintendent of Police, Ramesh Bahadur Pal, said that the accused is in police custody and is being interrogated regarding the alleged offence.
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06- Gandaki Province’s budget session beginning today
Gandaki, May 15: The budget session of the Gandaki Province Assembly is beginning today.
The province government is scheduled to present a proposal seeking theoretical discussions on its policies and programmes for the fiscal year 2083-84 BS (2026-27) at a meeting of the Province Assembly taking place at 2:00 pm today, said Secretary Gobinda Paudel of Gandaki Province Assembly Secretariat.
On May 19, Province Chief Dilli Raj Bhatta, on the recommendation of the Gandaki Province government, summoned the budget session, also known as the summer session, which will be focused on discussions about the province government’s policies, programmes and the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
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07- 1.15 million collected in 24 hours from traffic fines
Kathmandu, May 25: In the past 24 hours up to this morning, the Kathmandu Valley recorded 2,453 cases of traffic violations. Rs 1.15 in revenue was collected as fines from the violators of traffic rules.
According to the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, such cases include 105 of drunk-driving, 238 of ride-sharing against the rules, 184 of violations of traffic signals, 14 of lane discipline violations, 186 for over-speeding, said Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office Spokesperson and Superintendent of Police, Naresh Raj Subedi.
Likewise, 119 cases are related to unauthorized honking in prohibited areas, 100 of parking on roadsides and pavements, 139 of over- speeding , 319 for driving on one-way route and 1,368 of other traffic-related violations.
The Office has reminded public that drunk-driving and driving by violating all other set traffic rules are against the law. If anyone notices such cases, they are urged to report to the nearby traffic office, traffic control room (hotline number 103) or the police (hotline number 100).
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08- Veterinary Laboratory starts functioning as National Rabies Referral Laboratory
Kanchanpur, May 25: The Veterinary Laboratory (Animal Disease Research Laboratory) based in Dhangadhi, the capital of the Sudurpaschim Province, has been lately assigned with the responsibility of undertaking research on and preventive activities against rabies at the national level. With this, the facility is to be operated as the National Rabies Referral Laboratory.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has assigned the laboratory to collect suspected samples across from the country, test them, and undertake related research and studies, exploring all possible preventive measures against this viral disease.
Prior to this, the lab’s working area was limited to nine districts in the Sudurpaschim Province with undertaking research and preventive measures against zoonotic diseases including the rabies.
With the new responsibilities, its jurisdiction has been expanded to the national level.
According to Laboratory Chief and Senior Veterinarian Doctor Naresh Prasad Joshi, now works are at progress to manage the required advanced equipment and workforce to ensure that test based on reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), PCR and indirect fluorescent antibody test (FAT) methods.
The facility provides 24-hour emergency services.
Last year, in technical, and structural support from the government and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), works on enhancing physical infrastructure and structural reforms warranted to develop the lab into a national-level entity were carried out, he said, assuring the lab’s advanced technical and testing capacity.
It is noted that the World Veterinary Association has set a goal of reducing the deaths from the rabies-infected dogs to zero by 2030 and the lab is expected to play a role in achieving this goal both for the Association and in Nepal.
According to Dr Joshi, the collection of brain samples from dead animals is itself considered highly challenging, sensitive and risky. A larger technical workforce in Nepal is yet to be well-informed and trained about this procedure. To address this gap, the laboratory has launched a virtual direct support system to make the sample collection procedures safer and more systematic.
Joshi added that FAT method-based rabies test is globally considered a reliable and gold-standard test. The World Health Organisation has also acknowledged this method. The laboratory has now accorded top priority to rabies prevention and counselling services based on PCR and FAT methods.
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09- Reservoir-type hydroelectric projects in government’s high priority: Energy Minister
Kathmandu, May 25: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, has said that reservoir projects are a high priority for the government.
After the observation of the Kulekhani Hydroelectricity Project on Sunday, the Energy Minister stated that reservoir-based projects should now be promoted as a national priority for Nepal’s long-term energy security, industrial development, and overall economic transformation.
Minister Shrestha asserted that the government’s main focus in the coming days will be on the development of the reservoir-based projects.
He further stated that such projects would serve as a backbone not only for electricity generation but also for water management, flood control, irrigation expansion, and tourism promotion.
In discussions with employees of all three hydropower plants in Kulekhani, Minister Shrestha mentioned that the importance of structures for water storage for the future has increased, considering the rising natural risks and irregular rainfall due to climate change.
“Climate change has increased the risk of glaciers melting and altering rainfall patterns; in such a situation, there is no alternative to reservoir-based projects for energy security,” he added.
Minister Shrestha emphasized the need for increased electricity production during peak hours to support the industrial sector, particularly the data centre and information technology industries.
He directed the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) to develop an integrated model for reservoir projects and highlighted the importance of attracting both domestic and foreign investments.
To facilitate this, the government has established a 50-year license period for such projects, aiming to encourage private sector investment. The Minister cited the Kulekhani project as a ‘role model’ for the country and called for immediate action to address social issues and complaints from local communities.
He noted that waste management has become a significant challenge due to rising tourist activities around the reservoir and urged collaboration with local stakeholders to protect the environment in the Indrasarovar area.
During a recent inspection of the Kulekhani project, Minister Shrestha instructed the demarcation of land within the project area, the management of debris entering the reservoir from floods, and the prompt repair and replacement of outdated equipment.
The Kulekhani project, completed in 1982, is Nepal’s first reservoir-type hydroelectric project, with a total capacity of 106 MW, comprising Kulekhani-1 (60 MW), Kulekhani-2 (32 MW), and Kulekhani-3 (14 MW).
10- Prices of gold, silver climb
Kathmandu, May 25: The price of gold has increased by Rs 1,900 per tola (11.66 grammes) in the domestic market today.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the hallmark gold was traded at Rs 290,900 per tola on Sunday, while for today its price has been set at Rs 292,800.
Similarly, the price of silver has increased by Rs 40 per tola. The price of silver, which was traded at Rs 5,010 per tola on Sunday, has been set at Rs 5,150 for today, the Federation stated.
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11- Sarod maestro Rajopadhyay honoured with ‘Kalakshetram‘ title in India
Kathmandu, May 25: Renowned Nepali sarod maestro Sudarshan Rajopadhyay has been honoured with the prestigious Kalakshetram title in Pune, India, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to music and cultural promotion.
The award was presented to Rajopadhyay during Bharat Utsav 2026, organized recently by the Akhil Lokkala Cultural Organization in Maharashtra’s cultural city of Pune.
According to the Organization’s General Secretary, Dr. Pramod Nanavare, the Bharat Utsav featured performances by more than 3,500 artists from various Indian states, showcasing classical and folk art forms including Bharatanatyam and Kathakali and dramas.
Sarod maestro Rajopadhyay was invited to serve as one of the jury members at the week-long cultural festival held from May 16 to 22.
He was feted with the distinguished Kalakshetram honour during the event in recognition of his artistic brilliance and international contribution to music.
Over the years, Rajopadhyay has played a significant role in promoting Nepali art and culture on international platforms.
He has previously received several honours in India, including the ‘Surtaal International Honor Award 2025′, ‘Vividhta Mein Ekta National Award 2020,’ ‘Indian Besties Award 2019’ and the title of ‘Sangeetmanjari’ from the government of West Bengal.
Likewise, he was also awarded the ‘Swarnapatra’ honour in Gujarat, India by Surili Sanjh organization.
In Nepal, Rajopadhyay had bagged first prize in the district-level music competition organized by Radio Nepal in 2002.
He has also earned accolades such as the ‘Shastra Samman 2018’ and the Save the Nation Award as well as other awards and honours.
Apart from his mastery of the sarod, the stringed musical instrument which is much smaller than the sitar, Rajopadhyay has released numerous musical albums and recordings.
His Nepali works include Palpal, Paanisari, and Tyo Raat, while his Nepal Bhasa compositions include Nasala, Hasna, Chhanhuninhu, and Chhagu Matina.
In the classical genre, he has produced works such as One Day Ragas, Soulful Music for Meditation and Surili Music in 2015 released in India.
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12- 338 local levels complete land use plan so far
Kathmandu, May 25: A total of 338 local levels in the country have properly completed the classification of their land use plans by mid-April. This initiative aims to enhance the formulation and implementation of land use strategies across the country.
Among these, 169 local levels have not only classified their land but also updated their maps and collected relevant statistical data. However, 47 local levels were unable to commence this work due to various reasons.
Meanwhile, 15 local levels have developed standards with updated maps specifically for the agricultural sector.
Currently, 50 local levels are in the process of preparing their bases and standards for the land use plan.
The Ministry of Land, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs, and General Administration has emphasized that the Land Use Act grants local levels the authority to classify land.
The Ministry also highlighted the importance of timely classification of agricultural and non-agricultural land, which is expected to lead to several benefits, including the protection of arable land, improved agricultural production, enhanced food security through chaklabandi (managed unified plotting for systematic farming), and better infrastructure development for orderly urbanization and natural resource conservation.
The deadline for completing land use classification is set for mid-July.
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13- Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve attracts 11,603 visitors so far in current fiscal year
Dharan (Sunsari), May 25: The Koshi Tappu Reserve has welcomed a total of 11,603 visitors so far in the fiscal year 2081-82 BS (2026-27)
Among them, 11,214 were from home, 42 women and 45 men: a total of 87 from the SAARC countries. Likewise 302 visitors comprising 151 women and 151 men were from other countries, said Reserve Chief and Senior Conservation Officer, Bhupendra Prasad Yadav.
Spreads across an island formed by the Saptakoshi River in Sunsari and Saptari is especially famous for the population of wild buffaloes. Its area measures 348 sq.km, including the buffer zone of 173 sq.km.
The Koshi Tappu, the only wildlife reserve in Nepal, serves as habitat for indigenous wild buffalo, crocodiles (Gharial and mugger), dolphin and other various species of fish.
The area has been listed in the Wetland (Ramsar) list since 1987.
It is also regarded as a biological corridor connected to eastern India. Although the reserve has fewer large carnivorous, except for leopards, it represents the unique forest characteristics, biodiversity, and natural environment of the represents the forest features of the eastern Tarai and Madhesh region.
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