- Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Kathmandu, May 26: The House of Representatives (HoR) is meeting at 11:00am today.
The federal parliament secretariat has made public the schedule that Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadak Raj Paudel, would present a proposal, seeking consideration on ‘Tourism Bill, 2081’ in the HoR meeting.
On behalf of Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Sobhita Gautam, is scheduled to table a proposal on ‘National Forensic Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2081’, seeking a clause-wise discussion at a related committee under the parliament.
Also in the schedule are the proposals for clause-wise discussions and passages of the ‘HoR Member Election (First Amendment) Bill, 2083’ and the ‘Voter List (First Amendment) Bill, 2083’.
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02- Kathmandu-Kalinga Literature Festival on June 6-7
Kathmandu, May 26: The fourth edition of the Kathmandu-Kalinga Literature Festival is being held on June 6 and 7. The two-day literary evident will have participation of literati, artists, musicians, diplomats, writers and intellects from South Asia.
Festival director Ranjana Niraula informed that the literature festival would dwell on widening sphere of South Asian literature and cultural traditions across the globe. The issues such as identity, migration, inclusion, spirituality, environment and social participation would feature during the event.
“The way South Asian literature, art and intellectual traditions are interacting with modern global environment, socio-cultural change, identity, inclusion and spirituality would be debated,” she explained, adding that various segments like group discussion, keynote speech, poetry recitation, songs, interactions with authors, book launch and international literary collaborations are in the schedule.
The Yashasbi Pragyan Pratishthan is co-organizing the festival.
The Kalinga Literature Festival (KLF) based on Bhubaneswar of Odisa, India is one of India’s significant literary and cultural programmes. KLF has been organizing the festival in Nepal as well since 2022 with its focus on literature, culture and intellectual exchanges of South Asian countries.
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03- Dr Acharya’s poetry ‘Dinbhari Pani Parirahanchha’ released in USA
Kathmandu, May 26: Dr Tulasi Acharya’s poetry collection ‘Dinabhari Pani Parirahanchha’ (All Day It Rains) has been released recently at the 9th International Nepali Literary Conference held in Colorado, the USA.
Prominent Nepali poet Dr Naba Raj Lamsal and central board members of International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) jointly released the book.
Numerous Nepali literary figures and media persons from Nepal and those living the US attended the international event that ran from May 22-25 in Colorado.
It is the latest creative work of Dr Acharya who has already authored nearly a dozen of books ranging from memoire, fictions and research.
It was informed that the poetry collection dwells on modern diaspora, and is written by adopting bold, experimental styles. The book is available on Amazon and major digital and media platforms.
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04- Woman dies in house collapse
Chandrapur (Rautahat), May 26: A woman died after her house caved in owing to a storm in the district on Monday evening.
Phul Kumari Devi, 35, from Dhamauratol of Brindaban Municipality in the district was crushed to death in the house collapse.
According to an officiating information officer at the District Police Office, Rohit Kumar Sharma Badhai, Phul Kumari, who was seriously injured in the house collapse died while undergoing treatment at Better Nepal Hospital of Garuda, Rautahat last night.
Phul Kumari was living in a tile-roof house, which was destroyed by the storm.
Meanwhile, the district police arrested 10 persons who had been absconding over various cases.
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05- Weather forecast: Moderate rainfall, hotter days
Kathmandu, May 26: Light to moderate rainfall has been predicted across the country today. Few places of hilly and mountainous areas in Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces will have moderate rainfall.
The light to moderate rainfall coupled with thunder and lightning is also forecasted in Madhes Province and Tarai belts of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, according to Weather Forecasting Division.
The southern plains of Sudurpaschim and Lumbini Provinces are witnessing hotter days. Similarly, few places in Tarai belts of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, and Madhes Province are likely to witness storm.
Currently, Nepal is experiencing the impacts of westerly wind and local wind, while low pressure belt is near eastern part of the country. It has resulted in rains in some places including the Kathmandu Valley early morning.
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06- Govt demanded to curb import of foreign medicines which are already produced in Nepal
Chitwan, May 26: The Association of Pharmaceutical Producers of Nepal (APPON) has demanded the government to curb unnecessary import of foreign medicines.
Internal competition should be promoted and import of foreign medicines curbed, APPON said, reminding the government that Nepal was self sufficient in a varieties of medicines. The government is suggested the import of only raw materials for medicines.
There are nearly 1,000 drug producing companies in Nepal, while 10 have already closed and 50 facing closure owing to failure to compete the market of imported medicines. Even the industries which are producing medicines are running at 30 to 40 percent capacity.
Reasoning such situation, the Association called on the government to take concrete measures to protect national industries on drug production.
Former central chairman of APPON, Narayan Bahadur Chhetri, shared the plight that it was difficult for them to compete with imported medicines while Nepal itself has produced same medicines.
Although the industries related to medicines have witnessed gradual development for three decades, these are running subpar. “The industries are running only at 30 percent strength. The major barriers they face for thriving is the market dominated by imported medicines,” he said, adding that the medicines of 200 foreign industries including that of India are imported to Nepal.
India manufactures huge amount and varieties of medicines at relatively low cost. On the other hand, the production cost in Nepal is high and we have a small market. The low customs duty on the import of foreign medicines is another factor behind their thriving market in Nepal, according to him.
Moreover, the Nepali pharmaceutical industries are compelled to pay higher customs duty and VAT while importing the items for packaging medicines and glasses. It further dents Nepali industries’ capacity and encouragement. “The government must adopt a policy of importing only raw materials of medicines rather than the medicines which are already produced in Nepal,” he reiterated.
Similarly, central chairman of APPON, Biplav Adhikari, informed that over Rs 40 billion has been invested in the Nepali pharmaceutical industry, of which, 50 to 60 percent is the banking investment. He also expressed worry over dwindling condition of such industries.
“Nearly 50 of the existing industries are facing imminent closure. Only 10 of the industries are capable to run smoothly. Some have been facing financial crisis to the extent that they are unable to pay employees and bank loans,” Adhikari explained.
He complained that though the government in 2074 BS had decided to stop the import of 30 medicines that are produced within Nepal, it was not implemented so far. “Once the import of medicines, which are already produced within Nepal, is checked, the national industries survive well, thereby contributing to government’s revenue,” the chairman added. He also said customs duties and VAT were equally important issues to address this problem.
Delay in drug licenses is harassing drug entrepreneurs. The entrepreneurs are not for control but facilitation of government in this regard.
It is estimated that Nepal consumes the medicines of around Rs 7 billion annually. Of these, only half make up the Nepali medicines’ market. The manufacturers claim that Nepal-produced medicines have quality, so the export of similar medicines need checked.
Echoing similar concern, vice chairman of APPON, Santosh Baral, demanded government that it checked the import of foreign medicines if Nepali pharmaceutical industries are to thrive. Discount on bank interest rate, better facilitation in import of technology, export of Nepal-made medicines are other areas drawing attention and engagement.
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07- Bagmati Province govt unveiling policies and programmes today
Bagmati, May 26: Bagmati Province government is presenting policies and programmes for the upcoming fiscal year, 2083/84 later today.
Chief of Province, Dipak Prasad Devkota, is scheduled to present the policies and programmes in the Province Assembly at 5:00pm, according to Raj Kumar Paudel, secretary at Province Assembly secretariat.
Even the principles and priorities of the appropriation bill (except tax) for the upcoming fiscal year will be discussed from today, he added.
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08- Women attracted to driving three-wheeler provided training
Karnali, May 26: The women in Karnali region are found gradually attracted to driving a three-wheeler ‘auto’ in recent times.
Descended from the hilly and mountainous districts by breaking social barriers, the number of women finding niche in driving auto-rickshaws has increased in Surkhet.
There are over 100 women auto drivers in Surkhet alone. With skills and diligence, they opted for driving a light vehicle over short distance so that they could manage their livelihood and even begin saving.
In this connection, the Social Development Ministry of Karnali Province has provided training to 54 women auto drivers in a bid to ensure their self-reliance with occupational sustainability.
The women attending the training also spoke openly on the risks associated with this auto driving, social perspective towards them and challenges they face in daily life.
Auto driver Sushila Sapkota viewed the women were not that weak the society regard, but bold and diligent to face challenges and make themselves employed.
Mayor of Birendranagar Municipality Mohan Maya Dhakal suggested women auto drivers that they continued the profession with commitment.
Similarly, they were suggested keeping proper care of their persons and children’s health. Gynecologist and obstetrician at Karnali Province Hospital, Dr Lalit Shahi, said the women drivers could also undergo health check-up from time to time.
Chief of Highway and Traffic Management Office in Surkhet, SP Mukunda Prasad Rijal, informed that the training would be beneficial for the female auto drivers to be disciplined. Public awareness on road safety is equally vital.
Another trainer was Khagendra Prakash Gaire, an official from the Health Service Division at Social Development Ministry of the province. He shared information on mental health issues and non-communicable diseases to the women drivers.
Gaire also informed that the government hospitals were providing 12 types of medicine for free of cost.
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09- NAIHS plans to include more Bachelor’s degree programmes from next session
Kathmandu, May 26: Super-specialty degrees in three disciplines, namely Doctorate of Medicine in cardiology, critical care and MCH Urology have been launched in the Nepal Army Institute of Health Sciences (NAIHS), Bhandarkhal.
Classes for these programmes have already begun, said Institute Executive Director Major General Prof Dr Devendra Bahadur Khatri.
The Institute presently offers five bachelor’s degree programmes: MBBS, BPH, BSC MLT, BNS, and BSc Nursing Programme while towards the Master’s Degree (MD/MS), classes are conducted in 18 subjects, while five subjects are available under the MN programme.
At the bachelor’s level, 1,215 students are enrolled, while 265 are pursuing degrees on various disciplines under the Master’s degree.
According to Dr Khatri, a total of 96 MBBS graduates attended the license exams conducted by the Nepal Medical Council in 2082 BS, achieving a hundred percent success results. Similarly success was recorded in the licensing exams conducted by the Nepal Health Professional Council, for the BPH and MLT programmes, as well as by the Nepal Nursing Council.
It is said the Institute established on Bhadau 30, 2067 BS (September 15, 2010) on the initiation of the then Chief of Army Staff, Chhatraman Singh Gurung, has planned for introducing more programmes: Bachelor in Physiotherapy and Bachelor in Pharmacy from the upcoming academic session.
The Institute is handled by 38 professors, 68 associate profess and 142 lecturers.
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10- PM holding joint meeting with EU nations’ ambassadors, heads of missions today
Kathmandu, May 26: Prime Minister Balendra Shah is holding a joint meeting with non-resident ambassadors and heads of missions of countries of the European Union (EU).
The joint meeting and discussion will take place at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at 11:30 am, it is stated.
According to Deepa Dahal, the Prime Minister’s press and research advisor, the collective meeting will focus on providing information about Nepal’s current priorities, further strengthening bilateral relations, and discussing various areas of cooperation.
Earlier, on April 8, Prime Minister Shah had a collective meeting and dialogue with ambassadors of various countries and heads of diplomatic missions in Nepal.
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11- NTB and UNDP discuss five-year strategic plan to advance sustainable tourism
Kathmandu, May 26: The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the UNDP have jointly conducted a discussion to devise a five-year strategic plan for promotion of sustainable tourism.
During the discussion on the ‘International Marketing Strategy and Five-Year Action-plan’ organized here on Tuesday, participants stressed the need for an effective global marketing approach to position Nepal as a leading tourism destination.
The strategy is prepared by Spain-based international consultancy- Business Initiative Directions (Beed Group. It will be implemented from 2026 to 2030 with an aim to shift Nepal’s tourism strategy from volume-based to value-based tourism, shared Sujeev Shakya, CEO of Beed.
The strategy includes market analysis, consumer behavior, competitive analysis, and distribution systems. It was developed after holding consultations with 135 stakeholders, it was told.
During the discussion, stakeholders and authorities underscored the need to promote Nepal not only as an adventure tourism hub but also as a destination for culture, spirituality, wellness, nature and sustainable tourism experiences.
Representatives of tourism organizations such as Nepal Mountaineering Association, Nepal Association Tour and Travel Agents among others highlighted the need to strengthen Nepal’s international branding.
Tourism entrepreneurs also saw the need to make digital marketing more effective, promote new destinations and expand cooperation between government and private sectors for sustainable tourism.
Officiating CEO of NTB, Hikmat Singh Ayer, said that although significant investment is being made in the tourism sector in Nepal’s border cities, there is still a lack of a coordinated marketing strategy.
He informed that the Board has been organized various tourism marts to connect cities outside the Kathmandu Valley to the tourism network.
Likewise, Dharma Swarnakar, representing the UNDP, asserted that tourism is the cornerstone of national development and argued that value-based tourism strategy is the need of the hour.
He, however, remarked that the country is still failing to capitalize on its tourism potential.
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12- HoR session begins, endorsement of two bills expected
Kathmandu, May 26: A meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) scheduled for today started 30 minutes late.
The meeting is expected to pass the Election of the Members to the House of Representatives (First Amendment) Bill- 2083 BS and the Voter Education (First Amendment) Bill-2083 BS.
At the meeting, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadak Raj Paudel is scheduled to present a proposal seeking consideration on the Tourism Bill, 2082 BS, while Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Sobita Gautam, on behalf of Prime Minister, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Home, Science, Technology and Innovation, is to propose the session for sending the National Forensic Lab (Establishment and Operation) Bill- 2082 BS to a respective committee for clause-wise deliberations.
Similarly, Minister Gautam will propose the session to hold clause-wise deliberations on the Election of the Members to the House of Representatives (First Amendment) Bill- 2083 BS and the Voter Education (First Amendment) Bill-2083 BS.
The Minister will later propose the House to endorse these two bills, said Federal Parliament Secretariat, Padma Prasad Pandey.
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13- Directive to preserve Bouddhanath Area records
Kathmandu, May 26: The Office of the Auditor General has directed the Shree Bouddhanath Area Development Committee to properly preserve records related to its annual research and studies conducted in the Bouddhanath area in Kathmandu.
According to the 63rd Annual Report of the Auditor General, the Committee has not maintained a systematic archive of research materials related to the social, economic, cultural and archaeological aspects of Buddhism within the Bouddhanath area, which houses the Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the most ancient, largest and magnificent stupas in the Kathmandu Valley.
The Committee, under the Section 4 of the Committee Formation Order, 2053 BS, is mandated to protect social, economic, cultural and archaeological heritage associated with Buddhism in the Bouddhanath Stupa area.
The report pointed out that although the Committee conducts annual research and study programmes on tangible and intangible Buddhist heritage in the area, it has failed to establish a mechanism to preserve these materials digitally through archives or by other scientific methods.
Amidst this, the Office of the Auditor General has instructed the Committee to properly manage and securely preserve such records and documents.
The report also noted ongoing disputes between the Committee and the Buddha and Melamchi Ghyang Guthi regarding the management of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bouddhanath area.
Due to longstanding disagreements between the Guthi, which operates under the Guthi Sansthan of the Ministry of Land Management and the Committee under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, proper development of heritage sites in the Bouddhanath area has been impeded.
As a result, infrastructures capable of attracting more foreign tourists have not been adequately developed in this area situated eight kilometres to the east of downtown Kathmandu district.
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