- Saturday, 30 August 2025
Chitwan, June 21: At least seven people died and 18 others were injured in a road accident occurred at Khahare bridge of Rapti municipality in Chitwan district along the East-West Highway today.
Chief of Chitwan Police, Govinda Puri, said the accident took place when a bus en route to Kakadvitta from Dhangadhi and an electric vehicle coming to Narayangadh from Makawanpur collided with each other.
The injured ones are receiving treatment at the Chitwan Medical College, the Old medical College and the Bharatpur Hospital.
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‘Budget not favourable to peasants’
Kathmandu, June 21: Deputy General Secretary of CPN (Maoist Centre), Shakti Bahadur Basnet, has said the budget was not favourable to peasants.
During a programme organized at Sambad Dabali here Friday, Deputy General Secretary Basnet argued the budget document failed to pay heed to farmers’ need and concerns. Also the former Home Minister, leader Basnet viewed his party would carry out its responsibility, staying in opposition.
Recent two-point agreement was a reminder of responsible behaviour by the party, he said, adding that if the agreement was not implemented, the party would launch a protest. “If the government does not enforce the agreement within 30 days, we’re ready for street agitation. However, we’re hopeful that a high-level probe committee will be formed,” leader Basnet voiced.
He related the farmer’s movement to the people’s revolution launched since 2052BS. The farmers’ movement, however, could be given a new form and direction in view of changing social values and need, according to him.
Meanwhile, on Friday itself, Minister for Water Supply, Pradip Yadav, argued the budget had encompassed all sectors and classes.
He made such a claim while addressing the first federal council of the Janata Samajbadi Party. “Some are spreading rumour that budget was focused on certain areas, but it was wrong. This time, budget is inclusive and development-focused,” Yadav reiterated.
The Minister further said drinking water, irrigation, health, education and infrastructures were some of the essential sectors the budget paid heed. It has aimed at economic reform, employment generation and social justice, he added.
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Yoga more than calisthenics: VP Yadav
Kathmandu, June 21: Vice-President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has said yoga helps in strengthening the sentiments of world peace, tolerance and collaboration.
In a message of best wishes on the occasion of the International Yoga Day, 2025 today, Vice-President Yadav mentioned yoga is not only a calisthenics but also a lifestyle. “Yoga makes human life peaceful, prosperous and disciplined by maintaining balance between soul, body and mind”, he argued.
The International Yoga Day is observed on May 21 every year by organizing various programmes with an objective of spreading awareness about yoga’s importance, benefits and its impact in overall aspects of human life.
“The yoga has been established as an effective measure to reduce stress and make oneself physically active. Practicing of yoga on a regular basis will therefore contribute significantly to keep us mentally well with development of positive thinking and inner peace “, reads the message.
The Vice-President pointed out the need of being aware of physical, mental and spiritual health with the adoption of yoga in our lifestyle. Prosperous and strong society can be built through the practice of healthy lifestyle, he underlined.
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Discussion begins on 10 ministries in HoR
Kathmandu, June 21: Discussion on the headings of 10 different ministries under the Appropriation Bill, 2082, began in the House of Representatives amidst the protest of Rastriya Swatantra Party and boycott of Rastriya Prajatantra Party.
Soon after the commencement of today’s HoR meeting, the opposition parties-RSP and RPP-protested by standing up from their respective seats.
After Speaker Devraj Ghimire allocated time for RSP lawmaker Sumana Shrestha to put forth her views, she said her party would continue protest until fair investigation on visit visa scam.
“The government has not committed to forming a parliamentary probe committee or high-level probe committee in this regard. For whom the government is if it does not listen to the voice of the people”, she asked.
Immediately after Speaker Ghimire announced that the meeting would enter in the regular agenda, RPP lawmakers protested, saying they should also be allowed to put forth their views.
RPP lawmaker Roshan Karki mentioned that the government turned its deaf ears towards the voice of citizens who were cheated in the name of visit visa. She clarified that RPP would continue its protest until a high-level prove committee was formed regarding visit visa scam and resignation of Home Minister.
Meanwhile, the ruling parties’ lawmakers countered that lawmakers of the opposition parties did not use decent language in the House and made unnecessary blames against the government.
Today’s meeting entered the regular agenda after the opposition parties continued their protest despite Speaker Ghimire’s frequent request to take their seats.
The RPP lawmakers exited the House, boycotting the meeting.
The discussion would be held under the headings of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and General Administration, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Population, Ministry of Water Supply, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Home Ministry and Ministry of Communications and Information Technology today.
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PM Oli calls to make yoga a daily life
Lalitpur, June 21: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has requested everyone to make yoga a daily life reasoning it reflects a multidimensional aspect of human life.
Addressing a function organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on the 11th International Yoga Day held under the theme, ‘Yoga for One Earth, One Health’, in Patan today, PM Oli stated yoga is associated with humanity and peace, and that it is meant for the welfare of mankind and world peace. “Yoga is also related to the ‘happy Nepali and the prosperous nation’, he said, adding that discipline counts much for yoga.
He expressed worry over fading discipline from Nepali society. “In absence of discipline, there is no meditation. Focus on good intention is the essence of yoga, and yoga with intellect is the need of hour,” the PM reminded.
PM Oli shared that we are trying to connect yoga with daily life. When it comes to a good health, we need to pay heed to a balanced diet, yoga and rest. “Consumption of pesticide-free food is imperative for good health, not for slaking appetite,” he argued, adding that it is time to increase healthy population rather than population of doctors. Prevention of disease is better than cure.
He further recounted, “When I became Prime Minister, I stressed slogan of ‘be healthy’ for national success. Moreover, the Head of the Government, viewed one could adopt non-violence, truth, discipline, and happiness along with healthy living.
“There is urgency of peace in the world today. Non-violence is the need of hour. If any armed and arrogant people realize it, peace will prevail in the world,” the PM stressed.
He also urged all to foster pure and holy thoughts. Yoga is not only essential for human health but also for smooth functioning of a society. A careless behaviour is detrimental to one’s health, leading to frequenting doctors and hospitals. Yoga and meditation are keys to a happy life, according to him.
Oli also extended best wishes to all on the Yoga Day. He further explained that Yoga is believed to have started by Lord Shiva. Due it this, Shiva is known as Adiyogi. “It was Bishwamitra rishi is believed to have founded surgery and made his grandson Charak a doctor. Similarly, it was Charak founding the health science. In the age of Bishwamitra, the yoga saw a miraculous development,” he shared the mythological history.
The Head of the Government also remembered his jail life and claimed that he was given only tranquilizer which caused his renal failure. The PM, however, reminded that only meditation is not solution if you need a surgery. In addition to yoga, you should believe in work. Yog helps to battle odds.
On the occasion, Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Rajhuji Panta, viewed yoga should be promoted as a cultural heritage. Nepali is the provenance of yoga and meditation.
Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, said yoga helps us earn good health and it is related to Nepal’s culture. Nepal is the world destination for yoga, he asserted.
Yoga guru professor Dr Dipak Regmi claimed that yoga was being developed in a scientific manner. Health, peace and happiness can be achieved through yoga, he mentioned.
In addition to government officials, many yoga gurus, practitioners and the related organizations attended the event.
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Nepalis in Iran being rescued
Kathmandu, June 21: The Indian government is set to help in rescuing Nepali citizens who are stranded in Iran due to the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, following a formal request from the Nepal government.
The Indian Embassy in Iran is set to assist in evacuating them acting on a formal request made by Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba.
“We have a small number of Nepali citizens in Iran. I formally requested the Indian government through Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava to help evacuate our citizens alongside theirs. We are waiting for their cooperation,” said Foreign Minister Rana.
There are 16 Nepali citizens in Iran, five of them are in Iranian prisons due to immigration laws. After the Indian Embassy in Iran accepted Nepal’s request, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today contacted Nepalis in Iran and asked them to contact the Indian Embassy, reads a press release issued by the Foreign Ministry today.
The Indian Embassy in Iran has also issued a notice to this effect. The Indian Embassy has also asked citizens of Nepal in Iran to contact the officials.
Foreign Minister Rana has been holding discussions and coordinating efforts for the safety of Nepalis in the region for the past few days. She instructed Ambassador of Nepal to India Dr Shankar Sharma to coordinate the rescue efforts.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri is in regular contact with the Nepalis in Iran and is coordinating with Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Iran, Rakhee Mayuri.
Out of the 16 Nepalis, five Nepalis are in Iranian prisons due to immigration laws, and the Ministry is continuing its initiative to release and repatriate them to Nepal, reads the press release.
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Nepal-France bilateral consultation mechanisms meets in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, June 21: The fifth meeting of the Nepal-France Bilateral Consultation Mechanism (BCM) was held in Kathmandu on 19 June. It was conducted as part of a regular dialogue between Nepal and France, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The BCM served as an important platform to take stock of ongoing collaboration and explore new opportunities for deepening engagement between the two countries especially in light of the 75th anniversary of the first ascent of Annapurna by Maurice Herzog and Louis Lachenal.
The two sides held comprehensive discussions on a range of issues like economic partnership, science, technology, education, culture, and climate action. They expressed mutual interest in strengthening cooperation in both existing and emerging sectors such as renewable energy, early warning system for disaster risk reduction. Regional and global matters were also discussed with both sides reaffirming their firm commitment to multilateralism.
The Nepali delegation was led by Joint Secretary and Head of the Europe and the Americas Division at the Ministry, Mr. Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, with the representatives from various ministries. Similarly, the French delegation was led by Director for Asia and Oceania at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Mr. Benoît Guidée, and comprised of Ambassador of France to Nepal, Virginie Corteval, Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Elsa Calley, and desk officer, Ms. Hélène Schinkel.
The sixth meeting is scheduled to take place in Paris at a mutually convenient date.
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10 injured in clash during road expansion in Sarlahi
Sarlahi, June 21: Ten people, including police persons, were injured in a clash occurred during road expansion at Khairaba of Barahathawa municipality-4 in Sarlahi today.
Two groups for and against the road expansion had clashed each other, prompting police to open a firing to tame the situation.
Those favouring road widening drive and those against the drive pelted stones to each other. Police had to baton-charge the protestors and event opened a firing to bring the situation under control, according to Balistar Singh, officiating police spokesperson at the District Police Office.
In the incident, police inspector Divakar Ganesh received injury in his right hand and a constable Parmeshwor Ray Yadav on his head. They have been undergoing treatment at a local health facility.
Similarly, others injured in the skirmish were Tika Bahadur Karki, 50; Kul Bahadur Karki,52; Sanjay Kushwaha, 35; Ramesh Mahato, 42; Indu Devi,38; Pradip Kushwaha,26; Anil Kushwaha,28; and Umesh Mahato,35 from Khairawa of Barahathawas municipality-4.
Among them, Tika Bahadur Karki and Kul Bahadur Karki who were injured critically have been referred to better hospital in Kathmandu, while others are receiving treatment at the local health facility.
Seven involved in clash have been taken under control.
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Vehicular movement at Narayangadh-Butwal section restricted for 10 hours daily
Nawalpur, June 21: Vehicular movement at Narayangadh-Butwal road section along the East-West Highway will be restricted for 10 hours every day from today.
According to the Department of Roads Project Directorate, the road section would be completely closed from 7:00 pm to 5:00 am from today until next notice, keeping in mind the risk of road accident at Dumkibas section.
Director at the Project Directorate, engineer Chudaraj Dhakal, shared that a meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief District Officer in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat-Susta East), Bhabishwor Pandey, on Friday had taken a decision to this regard.
There would be no vehicles plying on the road in the mentioned road section until a new bridge comes into operation constructed.
Similarly, movement of large and vehicles carrying goods have been restricted at this section round the clock from today, he added. The good carriers have been suggested to use the alternative routes.
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HoR meeting: Lawmakers deliberate on Appropriation Bill
Kathmandu, June 21: The lawmakers continued discussion on various headings under 10 ministries in the meeting of the House of Representatives today.
They expressed views for and against the budget allocations on different topics during the deliberation.
Nepali Congress lawmaker and former Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat said it is important to focus on how the budget would be implemented effectively rather than talk about amount of allocation. He argued the budget allocation was based on availability of resources.
UML lawmaker and former Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai viewed as the budget making process was not inclusive, various problems were surfaced. We need to establish a development council in each province to design budget in a participatory manner.
He urged the Home Minister to conduct a probe on visit visa scam and implement the two-point agreement.
Lawmaker of CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Home Minister Shakti Bahadur Basnet complained that the budget allocated for rehabilitation of earthquake affected households was inadequate. All basic health services must be ensured free to all, he demanded.
Leader of the CPN (Unified Socialist) and former Minister Kisan Kumar Shrestha argued that credibility of budget has down due to trend of increasing budget by the powerful leaders and ministers in their respective constituencies. He expressed the view that the country could make a speedy development if adequate budget was allocated in major projects.
Saying the ministers have increased budget only in their constituencies, lawmaker Abdul Khan of Janamat Party argued such trend could not help develop country in a balanced manner.
Ram Prakash Chaudhary commented that priority was not given to Madhes Province in the budget, drawing attention of the government to take initiatives to repatriate the bodies of the Nepalis, who died abroad.
The discussion is going on under the headings of Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and General Administration, Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Health and Population, Ministry of Water Supply, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Home Ministry, and Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is underway.
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