- Tuesday, 11 August 2026
Chitwan, June 23: A voting under the first General Convention of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has been scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday. According to the party’s Central Election Commission (CEC), the electoral process will be initiated only after the closed session today.
The closed session which began today at 2:00 pm is scheduled to conclude at 6:45 as per the revised time.
The party has prepared for adopting e-voting for electing a new leadership. Party representatives overseas can take part in the voting via the party’s official App. There will be 80 electrronic machines for the voting for electing one president and 99 central members of the party.
No proposer and supporter of any candidate will be eligible for contending in the election.
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15- Heat wave continues in Tarai
Kathmandu, June 23: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has said that even though the monsoon has entered Nepal, the risk of heat wave still continued in the Tarai region.
Although there is a chance of rain in the hilly and mountainous regions of Lumbini Province, there is still a risk of heat wave in one or two places in the Tarai, and the department has also pointed out that a heat wave could occur in the Tarai region of Sudurpashchim Province as well.
According to the weather forecast, there is a possibility of a heat wave in Dhangadhi and Nepalgunj today, with the maximum temperature expected to reach 38 to 40 degrees Celsius in Dhangadhi and 39 to 41 degrees Celsius in Nepalgunj.
The Department stated that places in the Tarai like Birendranagar, Ghorahi and Bairahawa will have ‘hot day’, and there is chance of moderate rain with thunder and lightning in places like Pokhara, Kathmandu, Okhaldhunga, Dhankuta, Biratnagar, Dharan, Jiri and Taplejung.
The department has forecast a 40 percent chance of rain in Pokhara, Okhaldhunga, Dhankuta, Biratnagar and Taplejung.
It stated that there is a 40 percent chance of moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning in the Kathmandu Valley this afternoon, and a 30 percent chance of light rain at night. The Valley’s maximum temperature is expected to be between 29 and 31 degrees Celsius and the minimum temperature between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius.
Department’s meteorologist Sanjeev Adhikari said that the hilly and mountainous regions in most of the country are likely to experience moderate rain with thunderstorms and lightning.
He said there is a possibility of rain in many places in Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces.
According to the province-wise weather forecast issued by the department, there is a possibility of moderate rain with thunder and lightning in many places of the hilly, mountainous and Tarai regions of Koshi Province today.
Similarly, rainfall activity is expected to remain active in the hilly and mountainous areas of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. The Department stated that there will be partial cloudiness with possible thunderstorms and lightning in one or two places of the Tarai region of Madhesh province while there is a possibility of hot days along with rain in the Tarai areas of Bagmati and Gandaki provinces.
The Department has forecasted moderate rain with thunder and lightning in the hilly and mountainous areas of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, while most of the Tarai is expected to have generally clear weather at night.
The Department has urged residents in areas that might be affected by thunderstorms, lightning, and heatwaves to take necessary precautions.
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16- Tech surveillance in public shuttle to ensure safety
Kathmandu, June 23: Use of technology is increasingly embraced in the shuttle service to ensure safety and convenience to passengers in the Kathmandu Valley.
GPS devices, CC camera and dash camera are installed in as many as 3,303 public vehicles in the federal capital for making the passenger-friendly transport.
The Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office shared information that use of technical devices were for the safety of passengers and surveillance of wrongdoing. Such systems are being made mandatory gradually. Both the Department of Transport Management and the traffic police have been monitoring whether the buses have set up surveillance devices. The transport entrepreneurs are following the direction from the authorities.
Chief and senior superintendent of police at the Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office, Suresh Prasad Kafle, informed that dash cams and GPS were useful to monitor treatment to passengers and whether they are fleeced and vehicles driven recklessly.
Importantly, information on both sides- driver/bus and roads- cans be collected from these devices so that accurate information can be drawn in case of accidents, which Kafle argued, would help curb one-sided blame and misuse of accident insurance.
To this, central chairman of the Nepal Transport Entrepreneurs’ Federation, Saroj Sitaula, took it a positive move to install safety monitoring equipment in passenger buses. However, Sitaula expected a clear work procedure for the equipment installation.
Other transport entrepreneurs have also viewed the technical equipment appended in the vehicles would help make transport sector safe, transparent and accountable.
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17- Chief Secretary Aryal’s directive to civil servants for effective service delivery
Lalitpur, June 23: Chief Secretary Suman Raj Aryal has emphasised that all civil servants should work honestly to make the public service delivery effective.
Addressing the closing ceremony of the 40th basic training programme for newly appointed Gazetted-level Third Class Section Officers of the Government of Nepal organized by the Nepal Administrative Staff College, he urged the newly-appointed section officers to dedicate themselves to national service rather than being self-centred.
The Chief Secretary stressed on the need to uphold the dignity of the position while fulfilling responsibility towards citizens.
“When working according to the state’s policies and goals, employees should rise above their own interests to be transparent, responsible and service-oriented,” he reiterated.
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18- RSP general convention: Strict election criteria introduced, tougher candidacy requirement enforced
Chitwan, June 23: The ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is currently holding its first ever general convention in Chitwan since June 21. The party was established four years ago in Chitwan.
The ongoing convention which is going to elect a new leadership has come up with stringent eligibility criteria for its leadership elections as part of efforts to ensure that only capable and qualified candidates run for the key positions.
As per the electoral procedures, candidates contesting for the positions of party chairperson, office-bearers and central committee members must secure at least one proposer each.
Likewise, candidates for the chairperson’s post are required to secure support from 51 members, while candidates for other leadership positions must secure 21 supporters each.
According to Bhuvan KC, Chief of the party’s central election commission, neither the proposers nor supporters can be the candidates themselves.
“This provision has been introduced to ensure that leadership responsibilities are entrusted to individuals who have demonstrated their capability and leadership qualities within the party,” he mentioned.
He further explained that as the party aims to establish itself as one of the country’s largest political forces, it requires a competent and qualified leadership team.
The stricter selection process is intended to ensure that only well-prepared and proven leaders be in the fray at the central level.
According to him, members who have played an active role in expanding and strengthening the party organization will find it easier to secure the required support, increasing their chances of securing leadership position.
The election process is set to begin today itself as the closed session of the party is expected to come to an end today.
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19- Postage stamp issued, honoring Shanti Mishra
Kathmandu, June 23: The Department of Postal Services has issued a postage stamp in honour of Shanti Mishra, the founder of first modern library.
Secretary at the Ministry of Information and Communications, Laxmi Kumari Basnet, affixed the first cancellation mark on the stamp amidst a programme here today. Mishra is recognised for significantly contributing to the establishment of the country’s first modern library in 2019 BS.
On the occasion, Secretary Basnet applauded the hard work and dedication of Mishra in transforming the Tribhuvan University (TU) Central Library established in 2016 BS in an advanced facility. She also acknowledged the Department’s decision to issue the stamp in honour of the woman’s contribution.
Mishra’s spouse, Narayan Mishra, spoke about the late Mishra’s dedication to the development of libraries. “She chose the library over teaching career to focus on the development and further institutionalization of libraries.
TU Central Library Chair Sagar Raj Subedi said the facility is founded on the significant contributions of Mishra. The library is now home to over 4,000 collections and has already been transformed into an e-facility.
Department’s Director General Manamaya Bhattarai Pangeni said a stamp is not just a piece of paper but a means for recognizing historic accomplishments and people. “Through this stamp, the Department has acknowledged the contribution of Shanti Mishra and paid homage to the modern library movement.”
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20- Minister Mehta inspects Bakulahar Ratnanagar Hospital
Bharatpur, June 23: Minister for Health and Food Safety Nisha Mehta today conducted an on-site inspection of the Bakulahar Ratnanagar Hospital at Ratnanagar in Chitwan district.
During the visit, Minister Mehta, accompanied by parliamentarian Hari Dhakal, instructed the medical officers and other healthcare providers to deliver quality services in a manner that leaves no room for complaints from patients.
Stating that ensuring accessible healthcare services is the government’s responsibility, the Minister instructed hospital officials and health workers to make sure that beneficiaries face no hassles related to health insurance services.
On the occasion, she pledged the government’s utmost support in the management of technical and human resources required by the hospital.
Stating that it is the responsibility of the government to ensure accessible healthcare services, the Minister directed the Hospital officials and healthcare providers to ensure that no complaints would come regarding health insurance.
On the occasion, she pledged to provide utmost support for technical and human resources management.
Providing an overview of the hospital, Acting Director Dr Ankur Poudel urged the Minister to allocate a budget for a CT scan machine. He also sought support for the expansion of physical infrastructure and strengthening of human resources.
Dr Poudel informed the visiting delegation that more than 1,300 patients receive services from the hospital daily.
Parliamentarian Dhakal shared that efforts are underway to establish a nursing college at the hospital, which operates under the provincial government.
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21- Schools to remain closed for three days in Nepalgunj
Nepalgunj (Banke), June 23: As many as 163 schools operating in Nepalgunj would remain closed for three days from tomorrow onward due to extreme heat.
Issuing a public notice earlier, Nepalgunj Sub-metropolis had shut the schools due to heat wave. The Nepalgunj Sub-metropolis decided to close the schools considering the adverse health effects caused by extreme heat.
Chief of Education Division at the Metropolitan City, Gorkha Bahadur Khatri, noted that all teaching-learning activities would be shut for three days based on the suggestions including that of Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
“We are compelled to close the schools operations after students in most of the schools started falling unconscious, and suffering from headache with immoderate rise in temperature,” he added.
There are 163 schools in operations in Nepalgunj Sub-metropolis. According to Ram Prasad Awasthi, senior divisional hydrologist at the Office of Hydrology and Meteorology, Kohalpur, today’s temperature in Nepalgunj is recorded 40 degree Celsius and 39.6 degree Celsius in Khajura.
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22- RSP general convention: Closed-door session begins
Chitwan, June 23: The closed-door session under the first general convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has begun.
The session that was supposed to commence at 8:30 am on Monday had actually began today at 3:30 pm due to technical reasons, according to the party sources.
The closed session of the convention is kicking off with remarks from the party president, Rabi Lamichhane. According to RSP’s general secretary, Kabindra Burlakoti, the session will be inaugurated by the party president, Lamichhane.
As per the schedule, Ramakant Rimal will present the report of the Disciplinary Committee in the session which will then be put for discussion.
Party’s treasurer Lima Adhikari is also scheduled to present the financial report for discussion on the occasion.
There is also an agenda to discuss the organizational report presented by general secretary Kabindra Burlakoti.
During the session, deputy general secretary, Bipin Kumar Acharya, will present the proposal to amend the party statute. Once Acharya’s proposal is approved, Vice-president Dr. Swarnim Wagle will present the party’s economic-political proposal.
Likewise, party president Lamichhane will present the political report at the closed session. During this time, he is also expected to announce the interim management committee of the party.
During the process of the general convention, the committee plans to provide information about the party’s election process and publish the schedule.
The closed-door session under the general convention, which was inaugurated at the ‘Guesthouse’ ground in Bharatpur on Sunday afternoon, has started at the Exhibition Centre in Chitwan Chamber of Commerce and Industries.
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23- RSP senior leader and PM Shah attends closed session
Chitwan, June 23: Senior leader of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and Prime Minister Balendra Shah joined the closed session of the general convention of the party underway here since the past two days.
During the session, Party President Rabi Lamichhane is presenting the political report. Earlier, the disciplinary commission’s report, financial report and organizational report were presented.
Similarly, party Vice President Swarnim Wagle presented the economic and political proposal while Joint General Secretary Bipin Kumar Acharya presented the statute amendment proposal passed by the central committee.
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24- Trust towards institution increases only if people become happy: Minister Dr Timilsina
Chitwan, June 23: Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina has emphasized on the need of carrying out activities in a way to make people happy as they are at the centre in a democracy.
After inspecting the District Postal Office here on Tuesday, Minister Dr Timilsina opined that trust towards the institution would increase only if the people become happy. “Trust towards an institution will increase only if the people become happy. Importance of works is increased only if people’s trust increases. Jobs of those working in the institution will not be secured until the organization becomes strong.”
Instructing the employees, the Communications Minister underlined, “You have to think who you are working for.” He said that postal office is an institution carrying a long history, with still in relevance in the developed countries.
Stating that some of the documents would be safe while sending from postal office, he stressed the need of creating the situation where people should be proud to work at this office.
On the occasion, Office Chief Shalikram Basyal briefed the Minister about office progress and problems.
Meanwhile, taking to media persons after making an onsite inspection and observation of different government offices today, Minister Timilsina said politics is a tool to serve the people. It is not a weapon to demonstrate anyone’s power.
He said that the government would work responsibly according to the sentiments of the people, as the current government is committed to fulfilling the promises made to the people.
Stating that the people will take action if there is misuse of office, he reiterated that the government would work by keeping the country and the people at the center.
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25- RSP President Lamichhane instructs not to form factions
Chitwan, June 23: President of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Rabi Lamichhane has instructed members of his party to not indulge in the action of forming factions within the party.
Addressing the closed session of the general convention here today, he said that factions and sub-factions will not do any good to the party. “If we also form factions the results we get from our party will be the same as those of the old parties. There will be no difference. If we want to get different results, we have to do something different.”
Urging people to use their discretion in the general convention, he said, “5.2 million people used their discretion to give us a victory, we should also use that same discretion.”
He also clarified that Rs 5,000 paid by the delegates was optional, and could be withdrawn if necessary. The expenses have been high for so many days, and it would be better if those who can afford it say that they will pay for their friends.
Regarding the general convention election, he expressed his belief that the one carrying the bell will win no matter who wins. “I am not in favour of anyone,” Lamichhane said, “Who you vote for is your business. The RSP is not the one who tells you not to vote for.”
He also clarified that no one will be denied the right to run for election. The rumors that people who are MPs or ministers will not be allowed to run are baseless.
Emphasizing that general dissatisfaction and disagreements within the party should be resolved through discussions within the room, President Lamichhane warned the delegates not to turn them into a spectacle by taking them to the streets. Stating that the RSP should set an example of a party that can end all its differences, he called for making history by concluding the general convention in a dispute-free, healthy and clean manner.
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26- EU promotes regional aviation safety initiatives in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, June 23: The European Union continues to strengthen its partnership with Nepal and South Asia through two new regional initiatives taking place in Kathmandu under the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project (EU–South Asia APP).
Over a two-week period, aviation authorities, airlines, industry representatives and technical experts from across South Asia will gather in Nepal to exchange experience, strengthen professional networks and discuss practical approaches to enhancing aviation safety, according to a statement released by the EU Delegation to Nepal here today.
Starting today, the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) hosted the third module of the Regional Aviation Safety Programme (RASP), organised jointly with ATR. The module will focus on Crew Training and Operational Standards, addressing the human and procedural dimensions of flight operations, including decision-making, operational resilience and fatigue management.
Speaking at the opening today, Chargé d’affaires at the Delegation of the European Union to Nepal, Thomas Millar, said air safety is clearly a priority for the Government of Nepal, and we have taken note of the recent remarks by the Finance Minister in his budget speech, aiming to address the concerns of the European Commission. “We also appreciate the recent submission of the full package concerning the implementation of the Corrective Action Plan.”
The European Union and its Member States are keen to continue working side by side with the Government of Nepal to help achieve the level of safety that Nepali citizens and travellers deserve, he added. “Both the EU and its Member States are already providing technical assistance and have worked closely with all stakeholders to support progress.”
A distinctive feature of this module that will run till June 25 will be the contribution of airlines from the region, which will share operational experience, practical case studies and lessons learned alongside industry experts. By bringing together regulators, operators and industry representatives, the programme aims to foster practical and sustainable approaches to aviation safety.
In the second activity, which takes place from 29 June to 2 July, Kathmandu will also host a Regulatory Updates in Continuing Airworthiness Workshop under the South Asia Regional Initiative (SARI). The workshop will examine recent developments in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations and modern oversight concepts, supporting authorities and industry in their implementation of evolving international requirements.
Together, these activities demonstrate the evolution of the EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project from individual technical exchanges towards a more structured and sustained programme of regional cooperation.
They also reinforce Nepal’s growing role as a platform for aviation dialogue in South Asia and illustrate the European Union’s commitment to supporting aviation stakeholders through practical, demand-driven and long-term partnerships.
Strong aviation safety systems are essential to enabling connectivity, tourism and economic development. By supporting closer cooperation between authorities, operators and industry, the European Union contributes to safer, more resilient and future-ready air transport systems across South Asia.
The EU–South Asia Aviation Partnership Project forms part of the wider EU–Asia Aviation Partnership Project, a regional technical cooperation programme funded by the European Union and implemented by the EASA.
The project supports civil aviation authorities and aviation stakeholders across South Asia through regulatory dialogue, technical exchange and targeted capacity-building activities, promoting high levels of aviation safety and effective oversight in line with international standards.
This cooperation contributes to the objectives of the EU’s Global Gateway strategy by promoting safe, sustainable and resilient connectivity across the region, adds the release.
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27- Internal Moot Court Competition organised in Biratnagar
Biratnagar, June 23: The three-day internal moot court competition that began from June 20 concluded in Biratnagar on Monday. The Manmohan Institute of Law, a departmental campus under Manmohan Technical University, had organized the competition.
The moot court training was conducted as part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Manmohan Technical University and Amity University, aimed at strengthening academic collaboration and practical legal education.
More than 20 law students participated in the competition and training sessions. Through the mooting exercises, participants gained hands-on experience in legal drafting, case preparation, and oral pleading before a simulated court.
The organizers stated that the program is expected to enhance students’ advocacy skills and provide practical exposure to courtroom procedures, an essential component of legal education.
The program was attended by Principal Koshraj Neupane and Coordinator Gobinda Niraula. The event was facilitated by Shivam Raj, Assistant Professor at Amity University Patna, India.
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28- RSP general convention: Election calendar rescheduled
Chitwan, June 23: The election schedule of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)’s first general convention has been amended thrice before it is published.
The central election commission today unveiled the re-scheduled calendar of the election. As per the schedule, the final name list of the general convention delegates has been made public.
According to the Election Commission Chief Bhuwan KC, the names of the convention delegates were made public today at 5:00 pm.
There is a schedule to distribute forms for the party president candidates from 7:00 to 7:30 pm this evening.
For party central members, forms will be distributed and registered from 7:30 to 9:30 pm.
He shared that the preliminary list of candidates will be published at 10:00 pm today. Time is provided until 10:30 pm to file objections against any candidate. The verification of candidates with protest will be done by 11:00 pm.
Likewise, candidates can withdraw their nomination through the commission’s secretariat at 11:15 pm. The final list will be published at 11:45 pm, he informed.
KC mentioned that the first phase of voting will take place on Wednesday morning. The commission stated that counting will be done and results announced two hours after the voting ends.
Once the results of the first phase are announced, the schedule for the second phase of candidates and other additional schedules will be published.
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29- UML Vice-Chair Poudel remanded to custody for seven days
Kathmandu, June 23: The Special Court has given permission to the Department of Money Laundering Investigation to keep CPN (UML) Vice-Chairperson Bishnu Prasad Poudel into judicial custody for seven days for investigation.
A division bench of Judges at the Special Court—Narayan Prasad Poudel, Hemant Rawal and Umesh Koirala gave such permission to the Department to be effective from Monday.
Former Finance Minister Poudel was presented at the Special Court today after he was apprehended in Surkhet and brought to the capital.
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30- Initiatives to run Shaktikhor industrial underway: Minister Gupta
Bharatpur, June 23: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Gauri Kumari Yadav, has shared that activities for the construction of Shaktikhor Industrial zone in Chitwan would be forwarded.
At a programme organised by Chitwan Association of Industries today, Minister Yadav opined that initiatives are underway to run industrial zone and activities in this regard would be forwarded soon.
She underlined that the government would encourage the industrialists and businessmen to invest and create jobs, adding power supply of the industries violating rules has been cut off.
Similarly, Vice-President of Chitwan Association of Industries, Gopal Prasad Gaire, briefed the Minister about Association’s projects and drew government’s attention on the issues of operation of Shaktikhor industrial zone.
Likewise, an entrepreneur Arjun Sapkota stressed that the government should provide discount in raw materials for Nepali industries.
Around Rs 37 billion has been estimated for the construction of Shaktikhor industrial zone.
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31- Lamichhane, only candidate for the post of RSP President
Chitwan, June 23: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane has filed his candidacy for the post of central president of the party. He is the only candidate for the post of president.
His candidacy was proposed by Senior party leader and Prime Minister Balendra Shah. Central Election Commission Chair Bhuwan KC confirmed that Lamichhane is the only one to register candidacy for the post of the RSP President in the first general convention of the party.
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32- Bird flu detected in 82 places of 11 districts
Kathmandu, June 23: Bird flu has been detected in 82 places of 11 districts so far. According to Director General of the Department of Livestock Services, Dr Umesh Dahal, bird flu that was detected in Morang district on March 18, 2026 has spread in Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur and Kavrepalanchowk districts.
Around 569,858 fowls were affected from bird flu and 989,313 eggs and 195,485 kilogrammes poultry feed were destroyed so far.
Dr Dahal mentioned that transport of fowls was restricted in Koshi province for one month to prevent the bird flu and now the restriction has been relaxed.
The bird flu in Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Mahottari, Bara, Chitwan and Nawalparasi districts has come under the control. However, bird flu continues to spread in three districts of Kathmandu Valley and some places of Kavre.
Meanwhile, the Department has urged one and all to adopt special precautions in Kathmandu Valley. The Department under the leadership of Deputy Director General started launching a campaign to bring the bird flu under control with coordination of federation, provinces and local levels by establishing bird flu control room at bird flu affected areas.
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