- Sunday, 21 June 2026
Kathmandu, June 20: The shortage for the past two months of drugs used to treat cancer is to come to an end.
Kiransundar Bajracharya, Information Officer at the Department of Drug Administration, said that drugs used in chemotherapy treatment will be easily available in a few days. “We will soon facilitate the import of drugs and make them easily available to patients,” Bajracharya said.
There has been a shortage of chemotherapy drugs including Carboplatin and Cisplatin for the past two months.
The department has assigned Janaki Hospital Nepalgunj, Purbanchal Cancer Hospital Birtamod, Birat Medical College Biratnagar, Babina Pharma Pokhara, Poonam Pharmacy Dharan, Ambassador Pvt. Ltd. Bharatpur, Malla Pharmaceuticals Pokhara, Taj Nepal Pvt. Ltd. Kathmandu, DKM Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. Kathmandu, Sijal Pharma and Anmol Health Care Kathmandu to get these medicines.
Cancer patients in Nepal require 1,000 vials of Carboplatin and 600 vials of Cisplatin per month.
Meanwhile, President of the Nepal Drug Suppliers Association, Pawan Acharya, said that they are importing the medicine to Nepal even though it is expensive to prevent shortages in the treatment of patients.
He said that there will be no shortage of medicine after the government adjusts the price.
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10- One dead, 30 hurt in school bus accident
Katari (Udaypur), June 20: A school bus met with an accident today on Madan Bhandari Highway at Jogitole of Udaypurgadhi rural municipality-7, resulting in the death of one and injuries to 30 others.
The bus ( Ba 2 Kha 6438) belonging to Mahottari-based Deep Education English Boarding School was en route to Sunsari from Mahottari, carrying school staff, when it fell around 12 meters off the road, District Police Office, Udaypur said. The deceased has been identified as Bimalesh Dutta, 55. He was declared dead while undergoing treatment.
Rasila Kumari Chaudhary, 38, and her son Sandesh Kumar Chaudhary, 12, who sustained serious injuries in the accident, have been referred to the Neuro Hospital, Biratnagar, for further treatment.
The remaining injured passengers are receiving treatment at the District Hospital, Udaypur.
Driver Jeevan Ale, 28, of Gaushala Municipality-10, Mahottari, who was unhurt in the accident, remains in police custody, according to the police.
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11- World Refugee Day: UN calls for dignity, respect, protection for refugees
Kathmandu, June 20: Today marks the World Refugee Day, which is being organised across the world by organising various programmes.
The Day is observed annually on June 20, expressing respects to all those forced to flee their homes due to persecution, conflict, violence, human rights violations or events seriously disturbing public order.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 117.3 million people worldwide were forcibly displaced by mid-2025 due to human exploitations, conflicts, violence, human rights violations or events disturbing public order. The ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Syrian Arab Kingdom have forced millions of population to leave homes.
The UN has said the protection of refugees is not only a humanitarian concern, but also a foundation for global peace and stability. In the absence of adequate protection, the refugees face the risk of perilous travels, children are deprived of education, and women and girls become more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
The 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol are regarded as the principal international legal instruments for the protection of refugee rights. These instruments guarantee refugees the rights to work, education, shelter, identity, religious freedom and travel documentation. One of the Convention’s key principles is ‘non refoulment’ which prohibits sending refugees to places where their lives or freedom would be under serious threat.
According to the UNHCR, World Refugee Day provides an opportunity to recognise courage, resilience, and determination of refugees as they rebuild their lives. The UN Refugee Agency has called on governments, donor agencies, local communities, and the international community to reaffirm their collective commitment to ensuring refugees’ safety, dignity, and rights.
The UN has also stressed that preventing the forced return of refugees to unsafe areas and ensuing conditions that allow them to live with dignity, even while displaced, remain significant commitments of international community.
Meanwhile, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a message that, as the World observes the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the 1951 Convention Relating to the Statues of Refugees, the commitment to safety and protection remains as relevant as ever for the intentional community.
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12- Yoga beneficial for people with hectic work routines
Bhairahawa (Rupandehi), June 20: Chief of Lumbini Province, Krishna Bahadur Gharti Magar, has said Yoga practice is highly useful for people with urban lifestyles, and busy and demanding work routines.
Addressing a yoga session jointly organised by the Indian Embassy in Nepal and the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre here today, the Province Chief said there are differences between rural and urban lifestyles, and the need for and relevance of yoga vary according to people’s way of life.
Over 500 participants, including the Province Chief, Narayan Singh, first secretary at the Indian Embassy, employees of the Lumbini Development Trust, and others took part in the yoga practice session.
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13- Govt. working to improve the agricultural sector, Minister Pokharel
Narayangadh (Chitwan), June 20: The 5th convocation ceremony of the Agriculture and Forest University was held here today. A total of 2,193 students have graduated from the university with a variety of degrees.
On the occasion, University Pro-Chancellor and Minister for Education and Sports, Sasmit Pokharel, said that the government is making every effort to improve this sector as the country’s future relies on the development of agriculture.
The Education Minister also urged the graduating students to consider the academic degree they have received not just as a certificate but as a symbol of responsibility towards the nation, responsibility towards society and commitment towards the future generation and to work accordingly.
He expressed confidence that the knowledge, skills, research capacity and professional competence acquired from the university would help in starting a new era in the country’s agriculture, animal husbandry and natural resource management.
Chief Guest, Vice Chancellor of Ladakh University, in India, Professor Saket Kushwaha, spoke about the common cultural, philosophical and knowledge traditions between Nepal and India and said that education is the guiding light of human life.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Hom Bahadur Basnet, urged the graduating students to become entrepreneurs who create jobs and not just job seekers.
According to the university’s registrar, Prof. Subir Singh, of those graduating today 1,836 graduates have obtained bachelor’s degrees, 327 postgraduate degrees and 30 doctoral degrees.
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14- Rastriya Swatantra Party central committee begins
Chitwan, June 20: The meeting of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP) central committee began here today. The CC is meeting to approve the agenda for the general convention that is taking place at Diyalo Foodland in Bharatpur.
Spokesperson Manish Jha said that the meeting will approve the final list of delegates to the general convention to begin from Sunday. The CC will approve the proposal to amend the statute.
The agenda sent by the secretariat for the central committee will be discussed and approved today. The agenda that is approved by the CC will be presented before the general convention.
The number of central committee members is being increased by amending the statute, while women’s participation is also being increased.
The meeting began under the chair of President Rabi Lamichhane.
Meanwhile, leaders and representatives continue to arrive in Chitwan for the general convention.
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15- RSP first General Convention significant for transformation, says General Secretary Burlakoti
Kathmandu, June 20: The first National General Convention of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is being held on June 21-23 in Chitwan. The party, which emerged as a new as well as the largest political force following the March 5 general elections, is expected to clarify its political perspectives, vision, working policies, on position on international agenda.
The convention will also elect a new central leadership, and amend and endorse the party’s statue.
According to party sources, all preparations for the General Convention have been completed. The party’s top leadership, including President Rabi Lamichhane, has already reached the General Convention Venue.
Talking to RSS on the eve of the event, party General Secretary Kabindra Burlakoti said the party is fully prepared to successfully holding the General Convention and the preparations for ‘historic’ first General Convention have almost neared the final phase. Leaders from other political parties have been invited to the inaugural session.
The draft of the statute’s amendment is being prepared.
Describing the General Convention as a key platform to bring transformations in regard with the party’s polices and leadership, Burlakoti said dialogue, consensus and election are indispensible components of democratic process.
“When dialogue ends within a party, democracy will no longer prevail,” he said, adding that there is no room for unilateralism and dictatorship in the RSP.
He added that, the RSP President believes in strong democratic practices.
Responding to the RSS query, he said the message of the General Convention is that “political transformation can help change the face and fate of the nation.”
He added that the party’s Statute, rules and commitment document have guided the government to ‘deliver with good intentions. “Let’s hope for transformation in the nation.”
The General Secretary of the party, which entered parliament with nearly a two-thirds majority following the March 5 elections, believed that parliamentary practices should be citizen-friendly. He said the RSP is committed to making parliament more creative and result-oriented.
He further claimed that the party aims to address public aspirations through the establishment of good governance. As he said, the upcoming parliamentary session will bring reformative laws at a rapid pace.
In his response to the RSS query about a possible way to introduce the ‘much-awaited’ Federal Civil Service Bill, he said in his view, it would come through a regular parliamentary process, along with other bills.
Commenting on the government’s around 100-day performance, he said the government is moving at a steady pace and appears determined to do more compared to previous governments. However, he pointed out that legal and procedural hurdles remain, which need to be addressed.
According to the General Secretary, the government seems effortful to fulfill its 100- point agenda related to the governance reforms. According to him, the government is working in a way that reflects its determination to address public aspirations by fulfilling its commitments to citizens.
At the end, he said the RSP was established with encouragement from the public and has grown on the basis of their support and strength. Therefore, the party believes it should perform in line with public sentiments and expectations. He added that public aspirations may continue to grow, and the party remains committed to identifying and addressing such expectations.
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16- RSP manages funds for General Convention on its own: Spokesperson Jha
Bharatpur, June 20: Spokesperson for the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Manish Jha, has clarified that the party has not sought any donation from the business community in connection with its first General Convention.
Talking to media at General Convention venue in Chitwan today, Jha said the party has already put an end to the political practice of seeking monetary support from business and corporate houses, in the name of organising the General Convention.
“We have managed required resources on our own,” he said, adding that the General Convention is estimated to cost around Rs 40 million. According to him, the budget will be managed through the levy collected from parliamentarians from the party, central committee members, members of various departments and the General Convention representatives.
We parliamentarians contribute Rs 16,500 per month, taking the annual collection to Rs 3.2 million. Likewise, every central committee member contributes Rs 25,000 per annually, while Rs 15 million will be collected from the General Convention representatives. Besides, internally, the party has circulated the party’s official QR among well-wishers,
The RSP first General Convention is being held in Chitwan on June 21-23.
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17- RSP committed to democracy: President Lamichhane
Chitwan, June 20: President of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rabi Lamichhane, has said that his party will always remain committed and oriented towards democracy.
In a meeting held here today ahead of the party’s general convention, he said, “We stand on the foundation of those who contributed to bringing the country to its current state, the federal democratic republic, the constitution of the country, and we are proud of it. We are proudly standing on the threshold of this change. We will not deviate from democracy.”
Stating that if internal democracy cannot be strengthened it will lead to an accident, he said, “We will have to pay a much higher price for such an accident in a political party,”
Instructing the party leaders and cadres to present themselves as responsible citizens regardless of their role, President Lamichhane emphasized the need to stay away from unhealthy competition.
He also expressed confidence that the convention would be successful in making the party more organized and dynamic.
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18- Public participation vital to curb narcotic drug abuse and crime: IGP Karki
Birtamod, June 20: Inspector General of Police (IGP) Dan Bahadur Karki has stressed that active public participation is essential alongside police efforts to control drug abuse and other crimes.
The Head of the primary law enforcement agency of the country said so while addressing the inaugural session of the ‘Jhapa Campaign against Narcotic Drugs Abuse’ in Birtamod, Jhapa district on Saturday.
IGP Karki lamented that despite the implementation of more than 15,000 awareness programmes across the country aimed at preventing drug abuse, the expected outcomes were dismal.
Hence, Karki viewed that the campaign should be taken forward intensely, effectively and strictly to improve effectiveness.
During the event, Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Hikmat Kumar Karki, expressed his concern that Jhapa district remains one of the country’s most sensitive districts in terms of drug-related risks.
He thus called for close coordination and cooperation among all levels of government and agencies to address the challenge collectively.
Likewise, Deputy Inspector General and Chief of Koshi Province Police Office, Binod Ghimire, Chief District Officer of Jhapa, Shivaram Gelal, Mayor of Birtamode Municipality, Pabitra Mahatara Prasai among others univocally highlighted the need to strengthen community-level awareness to reduce narcotic drug abuse.
According to the statistics, the number of people estimated to be abusing drugs in Jhapa currently exceeds 21,000. The district currently operates 42 rehabilitation centres, including five dedicated to women.
The campaigners expressed their confidence that the campaign would further strengthen collaboration among government agencies, security bodies, local governments and communities to address rising drug use and its social impacts.
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19- ‘Toltolma’ Film Festival begins with ‘Penguin Revolution’ and ‘Sawari Sahitya’
Kathmandu, June 20: Kathmandu Metropolitan City ‘Toltolma Film Festival’ or Film Festival in every neighbourhood has begun.
On Friday, the short film ‘Nanda’ directed by Aman Shahi, ‘Sawari Sahitya’ directed by Tarang and ‘Penguin Revolution’ directed by Ishan Bhusal were screened at the khula manch or open theatre.
According to KMC spokesperson Naveen Manandhar, the short films to be screened at these programs have been obtained in collaboration with the Film Development Board, British Council Nepal, UNESCO, Kathmandu Mountain International Film Festival, and Nepal Film Academy.
Various local partner organisations have joined to host the film festival programs in public places, parks, squares, and chowks.
The KMC says that the main objective of this festival is to connect the creative industry and community to contribute to the development and expansion of the Nepali film sector.
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21- 23 arrested with illegal drugs in various locations
Kathmandu, June 20: Police today arrested 23 people from various places across the country in possession of illegal drugs.
According to the central police newsroom of the Nepal Police, five people were arrested in Dhanusha district, three each in Jhapa, Saptari and Kailali districts, two each in Ilam and Banke districts and one each in Morang, Udaypur, Kathmandu and Sunsari districts.
A team of police on a regular patrol held them with banned narcotics, said the police.
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22- Literature festival to be dedicated to Kavi Shiromani Paudyal
Lalitpur, June 20: The Himalayan Literature Festival & Writers’ Workshop 2027 is to be dedicated to Nepal’s celebrated poet Kavi Shiromani Lekhnath Paudyal.
As part of this initiative, selected works of Lekhnath Paudyal will be translated into French, German, Spanish, and other international languages, introducing his literary achievements to a broader global readership and strengthening Nepal’s presence in world literature.
Founder and Festival Director of the HLF-WWK Yuyutsu Sharma announced that the theme of HLF-WWK 2027 will be “Nature Writing, Travel Writing, and the Spirit: Writing the Earth, Mapping the Soul. He noted that the forthcoming edition will explore the profound connections between landscape, culture, memory, spirituality, and storytelling, while continuing to build literary bridges across nations and traditions.
This information was shared during a literary gathering featuring a review of the recently concluded Himalayan Literature Festival & Writers’ Workshop (HLF-WWK) 2026 and a discussion on Lava, the latest poetry collection by Nepali poet Shyam Rimal, on Saturday.
The event brought together poets, writers, critics, and literary enthusiasts for an engaging exchange on contemporary poetry, literary culture, and the future direction of the Himalayan Literature Festival.
Offering critical reflections on Rimal’s latest collection, senior poet Shailendra Sakar observed that the poems engage directly with the concerns, anxieties, aspirations, and cultural shifts associated with the Generation Z experience. He noted that the collection captures the spirit of a generation navigating social change, political uncertainty, and questions of identity. Yuyutsu Sharma praised Rimal’s evolving poetic voice, stating that Lava represents a significant new phase in the poet’s creative journey.
He noted that the collection is marked by political disillusionment, social critique, and an energetic, rebellious spirit. Sharma suggested that, in its resistance to complacency and its challenge to established norms, the collection recalls the radical poetic legacy of Gopal Prasad Rimal, one of Nepal’s pioneering modernist poets.
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23- President Paudel observes Bhoto Jatra
Kathmandu, June 20: President Ramchandra Paudel observed Bhoto Jatra, as part of the Machhindranath festival on Saturday afternoon.
President Paudel attended the festival dedicated to Rato Machhindranath, revered as the deity of rain and prosperity at Jawalakhel, Lalitpur district.
The Head of the State, accompanied by First Lady Sabita Paudel along with other dignitaries, marked his presence in the ceremony where the centuries-old ritual of displaying the jewel-studded sacred vest (bhoto) was carried out.
The bhoto is a mythical vest studded with jewels and believed to belong to Lord Machhindranath.
During the ceremony, officials from the Guthi Sansthan displayed the sacred bhoto.
The ritual has it that the bhoto is exhibited on the fourth day after the chariot of Rato Machindranath reaches Jawalakhel from Lagankhel.
President Paudel, on the occasion, also paid obeisance to Rato Machhindranath and received blessings from the Living Goddess Kumari.
Rato Machhindranath is widely worshipped as the provider of food, the bringer of rain, and a protector against hardship and famine, giving the festival deep cultural, religious and historical significance.
The ceremony was attended by Vice-President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Chief Justice Dr Manoj Kumar Sharma and Chairperson of National Assembly Narayan Dahal among others dignitaries.
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24- Heavy rain continues, as heat rises in Tarai
Kathmandu, June 20: With the latest change in the weather, the country has been experiencing rain since the last few days. According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, it has rained in many places except in some areas of Tarai today.
The temperature, which exceeded 41 degrees in some districts, has decreased today to 40 degrees in Nepalgunj. However, some areas of the Tarai will remain hot for a few more days, said the department’s information officer Dinkar Kayastha. Rainfall will continue for a few more days.
Although the monsoon has entered from the eastern part of Nepal, it has not been able to enter other areas. However, there is a change in weather due to the active local and westerly winds. The influence of monsoon winds is weak in the east. However, heavy rain has occurred in some measurement centers of the country.
According to the department, the highest rainfall in the last 24 hours as of 8:30 pm tonight was recorded in Tanahun at 133 millimeters. Similarly, 68 millimeters of rainfall was recorded in Parbat, 51 millimeters in Kaski, 60 millimeters in Lamjung, 55.6 millimeters in Khotang, and 63 millimeters each in Morang and Sunsari.
Light to moderate rainfall was recorded in many other measurement stations. However, there was not much rainfall in Lumbini, Sudurpaschim and Kanali Provinces.
According to the weather bulletin issued by the department this evening, there is a possibility of heavy rainfall in the hilly areas of Koshi and Gandaki Provinces and one or two places in the Tarai region of Koshi Province tonight.
Tomorrow, Sunday, there is a possibility of heavy rain in one or two places in the hilly and Tarai areas of Koshi Province. The day will remain hot in some places in the Tarai areas of Lumbini, Sudurpaschim, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces.
Similarly, there is a possibility of heavy rain in the hilly and Tarai areas of Koshi Province.
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25- ‘Efforts to establish Nepal as ‘Dev Bhoomi’ is commendable’
Kathmandu, June 20: Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avadheshananda Giri of Juna Akhada in Rishikesh, India, has praised the Nepal government’s policy to establish the country as a ‘Dev Bhoomi’ or Land of the Gods before the world.
Addressing a symposium organized by Hindu Swayamsewak Sangh Nepal here Saturday, he said that Nepal is a ‘Dev Bhoomi’ because of its high spiritual glory and cultural pride. Emphasizing that the cultural and spiritual consciousness of Nepal and India is inseparable, Swami Avadheshananda reminded the fact that for Western culture, the world is just a ‘market’, but our Sanatan culture considers the world as ‘one family’ (vasudhaiva kutumbakam).
He also praised Nepal’s Kumari tradition as being an original and direct form of the goddess.
Former Chief Justice Gopal Parajuli, National Chair of the Sangh, Kalyan Kumar Timsina, the Sangh’s publicist Kapil Bhatta also spoke at the program reflecting on the diversity and originality of Nepal and its culture.
Chhaliya dance, Sakhiya dance, Manjushree dance, flute playing and dance based on the story of Shivasati were displayed on the occasion.
Former Kumari Trishna Shakya was also present on the stage.
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54- Zoo Chief under probe for allegedly concealing bird flu outbreak in Central Zoo
Kathmandu, June 20: Chief of the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, Satyanarayan Sah, is under investigation for allegedly concealing confirmed bird flu (H5N1) outbreak from the central office of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).
Acting on the directive of NTNC Chairperson and Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment, Geeta Chaudhary, the Trust has relieved Satyanarayan Sah from his position as Chief of the Zoo.
Furthermore, a three-member investigation committee led by its spokesperson and Head of the Species Department, Rachana Shah has been formed to examine the handling of the bird flu outbreak at the zoo, according to the NTNC.
The Committee also includes NTNC Administration Chief Hari Bikram Singh and Head of the Conservation Area Department Dr Madhu Kshetri. The Committee has been tasked to complete the inquiry and submit a report within one week.
Citing concerns over inadequate attention to wildlife safety and failure in timely information sharing, the Trust has transferred Sah to the central office pending investigation.
The Ministry stated that senior officer Babulal Tiruwa has been assigned as Acting Chief of the Zoo.
Laboratory testing conducted by the Department of Livestock Services confirmed bird flu infection among animals and birds housed at the Zoo.
The Zoo, sprawling across six hectare of land in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur district, is home to 1,272 animals and birds of 112 species.
According to Zoo officials, birds and animals had reportedly been dying at the Zoo for around 10 days before the outbreak was formally reported, but no information had been conveyed to the NTNC headquarters during that period.
Subsequent testing confirmed bird flu infection in several species, including herons, owls and vultures, as well as mammals such as civet cats and clouded leopards.
Authorities informed disciplinary action and investigation were initiated after it emerged that wildlife deaths linked to the disease had not been reported for several days.
The Trust explained that the failure to promptly notify the central office about such a sensitive issue, alongside a series of recent incidents at the zoo, prompted the departmental action against Sah.
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