- Tuesday, 16 September 2025
Lalitpur, July 11: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said the government, youths and women entrepreneurs should work together for country’s prosperity.
Inaugurating the International Women Leadership Conference, 2082 organised by the Federation of Women Entrepreneurs’ Association of Nepal here today, Prime Minister Oli stressed the need of achieving success by working together for prosperity.
He mentioned, “We should achieve prosperity through development of entrepreneurship. The government has given high importance to youths and women entrepreneurship. I am confident that the conclusion drawn from this conference will help to fulfill government’s priorities.”
The PM added that the country has been implementing provisions mentioned in the constitution for women empowerment in practice.
“We have guaranteed at least 33 per cent representation of women in three levels. The number of girl students is higher than that of boys in schools. Girl students have been achieving good results. We have to achieve further progress,” PM Oli argued.
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Foreign Minister Dr Rana returns home from Rome
Kathmandu, July 11: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba returned home today after participating in the 44th session of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) held in Rome, Italy.
Minister Rana also took part in the High-Level Ministerial Conference organized on the sidelines of the conference.
Rana had addressed the main session of the FAO Conference held between June 28 to July 4 in addition to other high-level sideline meetings and programmes.
In her remarks, the Minister mentioned that Nepal recognizes the right to food as a fundamental right and have put in place legislations to implement the right.
She highlighted Nepal’s efforts towards guaranteeing safe and quality foods through regulatory standards, laboratory surveillance and consumer protection mechanism under the Food and Quality Control policy.
Furthermore, she shed light on the food and nutrition challenges faced by people in the least developed countries, islands and landlocked countries. Rana also drew the attention of the global community towards Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change and called for global climate actions.
The Minister also urged the international community for grant in climate finance to support sustainable agriculture system in the countries like Nepal having climate-vulnerable region.
She requested the guarantee of grant-based international climate finance for Nepal, especially for its mountainous regions struggling with the impacts of climate change.
In her subsequent visit to Germany, Minister Rana held bilateral talks with German Foreign Minister Dr Johann David Wadephul in Berlin on last Tuesday.
During the meeting, the two discussed a wide range of bilateral issues including Nepal-Germany relations, matters of mutual interest and common global concerns. She emphasized collective effort to bolster bilateral trade and promote partnership between the private sectors of the both countries.
Furthermore, she urged the German government to consider investment in Nepal, particularly the chemical fertilizer production factory.
Proposing operation of direct flight between Nepal and Germany, Minister Rana articulated Nepal’s anticipation of continued technological, financial and resources support from Germany and the European Union (EU) and other stakeholders as Nepal seeks to graduate from least developed countries to developing countries in 2026.
She also sought Germany’s role in lifting the EU’s ban on the Nepali Airlines from in its airspace, noting Nepal’s ongoing efforts to legislative reforms that align with the aviation regulations of the EU and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards.
She also requested Germany’s support for Nepal’s candidacies for key positions in international bodies, especially for membership in the UN Human Rights Council, the Economic and Council and non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.
During her visits in Italy and Germany, the Minister also marked her presence in the events organized by the Investment Board to attract foreign investment to Nepal.
Minister Rana, upon her arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, was welcomed by Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and other senior officials.
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Chair Dahal assures of providing continuous support to Manavsewa Ashram
Kathmandu, July 11: Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has expressed commitment to provide support and cooperation for the development of Manavsewa Ashram.
At a programme organised at Raniban-based Manavsewa Ashram today on the occasion of second Memorial Day of his wife, Sita Dahal, Chair Dahal recalled that he in the capacity of Prime Minister had inaugurated the central office of Ashram in Hetauda and assured of providing continuous support to the Ashram.
He shared, “I want to assure you that there will be continuous support towards your sentiments and needs from my side and my party.”
Chair Dahal argued that he visited Raniban-based Ashram to preserve memory of late Sita and to inspire everyone.
Stating that the Ashram is doing the work that should be done by the state, the CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair added that the Ashram is working in challenging and sensitive areas.
On the occasion, Chair Dahal had provided meals to those taking shelter in the Ashram.
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RSS correspondent Darnal conferred with the Youth Journalism Award
Kathmandu, July 11: correspondent Sushil Darnal has been honoured with this year’s ‘Youth Journalism Award’. Journalist Darnal is associated to RSS for one and half decades.
At a programme organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports here today, Sports Minister Teju Lal Chaudhary presented the award to journalist Darnal. The award carries a purse of Rs 50,000.
The Ministry awarded Darnal for his support in promoting youth awareness and positive thinking as well as in lessening social anomalies, reducing discrimination, maintaining social harmony and building peace through the medium of journalism.
Similarly, Prakriti Dahal and Gagansheela Khadka of Kantipur and Mamta Thapa of Annapurna Post were also honoured with the Youth Journalism Award.
A ‘Youth Journalism Award’ Selection Committee formed under coordination of Secretary at the Sports Ministry, Dr Hari Prasad Lamsal, had selected them for the award.
Joint-Secretary at the Ministry, Subas Chand Siwakoti, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Mamta Bastola, Under-Secretary at the Sports Ministry, Surendra Bajracharya, senior administrative officer at the Press Council Nepal, Deepak Khanal, and Secretary at the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Ramesh Khatiwada, were the members of the selection committee.
A total of 46 candidates had registered their applications for the award.
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Population decline is a threat to human existence: PM Oli
Kathmandu, July 11: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli cautioned that human existence could be at risk if the population growth does not take place equally alongside development and prosperity.
He said so at a programme organized by the Ministry of Health and Population today to mark the World Population Day-2025 and to introduce the National Population Policy-2082 BS.
Emphasizing the need for development to align with population growth/demographic dividend, Oli stated that everyone should view childbearing as a responsibility towards the Earth.
“Every country has a meaning because of humans. As a human, we give meaning to the earth as well. If there were no population, there would not be country either,” the PM asserted, calling for suitable policies and timely action to protect the prosperous existence of human race.
He argued that human race is the most valuable source for creation and thus urged people to stop killing people for personal gain.
Hitting out at irony, he said, “Holding seminars on population while continuing to kill people by making weapons of mass destruction will endanger the existence of humankind.”
On a different note, PM Oli urged people not to be swayed by a song that suggests marrying and having three children within 30 years and enjoying life after 40.
The Septuagenarian leader, instead, encouraged one and all to get married on time as per the legal provisions that allows marriage only after 20 years.
Oli’s suggestion has a bearing with the decline in the country’s annual population growth rate which is currently 0.92 per cent as per the national census 2021. This rate is the lowest in the last 80 years, according to the National Statistic Office’s report unveiled later in 2024.
Furthermore, he expressed his concern that while spreading the public awareness to prevent begetting too many children, and added that it has led to the situation where people are not having children at all.
PM Oli asserted that since the population growth is negative even in the developed countries, it could affect the entire world and thereby threaten human existence.
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Monetary Policy for upcoming fiscal year unveiled
Kathmandu, July 11: The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has issued the monetary policy for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 (2025-26).
Unveiling the monetary policy, the Governor of the Central Bank, Dr. Biswo Nath Poudel, stated that a flexible policy has been adopted cautiously.
The monetary policy mentions approving and implementing the second financial sector strategy. The bank rate, which serves as the upper limit of the interest rate corridor, has been set at six per cent, and the policy rate at four and a half per cent. Previously, the bank rate was 6.5 per cent and the policy rate was 5 per cent.
According to the monetary policy, the limit for loans issued for the construction and purchase of private residential houses has been increased from Rs 20 million to Rs 30 million. When constructing or purchasing the first house, a loan-to-value ratio of up to 80 per cent can be maintained, while for others, a maximum of 70 per cent can be established.
The limit for personal share collateral loans has been increased from Rs 150 million to Rs 250 million.The limit for the amount Nepalese traveling abroad can carry has been increased from two thousand five hundred US dollars to three thousand US dollars.
The monetary policy has set a target to increase the private sector loan disbursement by 12 per cent in the upcoming fiscal year.
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Minister Bhandari says women’s becoming entrepreneur makes family financially capable
Kathmandu, July 11: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari has stated that becoming a woman entrepreneur is not just about running a business but also about empowering the family financially.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of the International Women’s Leadership Conference here today, Minister Bhandari said that women’s leadership and entrepreneurship are the foundations for building a prosperous nation.
He said, “Women entrepreneurship is about creating employment in a community and ultimately strengthening the dignity and self-reliance of the nation. When we talk about women leadership and entrepreneurship, we are not just discussing gender equality, but also addressing the main drivers of nation-building.”
Minister Bhandari clarified that the development of women entrepreneurs is essential to realize the national aspiration of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’.
He added that various programmes are currently being implemented, including women’s entrepreneurship development programme, technology transfer, business-related services, startup programme, and initiatives to promote the artisan community.
“There is a prevalence of small, home-based, and micro industries in Nepal. Most of them are led and run by women. In sectors such as food processing, herbal products, tea, coffee, handicrafts, and tourism, the skills of Nepali women have made it possible for them to compete in the international market,” the Minister for Industry said.
He mentioned that export-oriented production strategies and topics like climate change are extremely relevant for the entrepreneurship sector.
“AI is no longer a technology of the future; it is a reality of the present,” he said, adding that women entrepreneurs will be able to improve production processes, analyze customer behaviour, and enhance business efficiency through its use.
Minister Bhandari emphasized the need to advance the concept of green entrepreneurship. He stated that since climate change has a greater impact on mountainous nations like Nepal, it is essential to transform the solution into an opportunity.
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Proposal of urgent public importance related to senior citizens tabled in NA
Kathmandu, July 11: A proposal of urgent public importance has been presented in the National Assembly demanding additional special arrangements to make life of senior citizens safe, quality and dignified.
In today’s NA meeting, the proposal proposed by Sumitra BC was backed by Urmila Aryal, Kamala Panta, Bhagawati Neupane, Maya Prasad Sharma, Madan Kumari Shah (Garima), Padam Bahadur Pariyar and Puja Chaudhary.
Tabling the proposal, NA member BC said arrangement of employment should be made for those who fall under the definition of senior citizens but do not get social security allowance.
She stressed the need of developing a culture of respecting and protecting senior citizens. The proposal registered on June 14 was presented today, she shared.
Similarly, the NA members who seconded the proposal suggested to make arrangement of helpline for senior citizens and the state should be responsible to protect senior citizens as a trend of neglecting parents is increasing.
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Proposal of urgent public importance related to senior citizens tabled in NA
Kathmandu, July 11: A proposal of urgent public importance has been presented in the National Assembly (NA), the upper house of the Federal Parliament, demanding additional special arrangements to make life of senior citizens safe, quality and dignified.
In today’s NA meeting, the proposal proposed by Sumitra BC was backed by Urmila Aryal, Kamala Panta, Bhagawati Neupane, Maya Prasad Sharma, Madan Kumari Shah (Garima), Padam Bahadur Pariyar and Puja Chaudhary.
Tabling the proposal, NA member BC said arrangement of employment should be made for those who fall under the definition of senior citizens but do not get social security allowance.
She stressed the need of developing a culture of respecting and protecting senior citizens. The proposal registered on June 14 was presented today, she shared.
Similarly, the NA members who seconded the proposal suggested to make arrangement of helpline for senior citizens and the state should be responsible to protect senior citizens as a trend of neglecting parents is increasing.
Directive to government
Likewise, NA Vice-Chairperson Bimala Ghimire directed the government to implement the issues mentioned in the proposal and commitment expressed by the Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizen, Nawal Kishor Sah Sudi, in the Assembly on the basis of priority.
She also asked the thematic committee to follow up the topics mentioned in the proposal. Saying he is serious towards the problems of senior citizens, Minister Sudi stressed the need of effectively implementing the proposal of urgent public importance, which has incorporated important matters for senior citizens.
Minister Sudi laid the emphasis on the need of moving ahead keeping the sensitivity of the issues of senior citizens as it is also related with Ministry of Health, Law Ministry and Finance Ministry, not only with Women Ministry.
The Ministry would introduce a bill addressing the issues of senior citizens within three months, he mentioned, pointing out the need of making a policy keeping financial condition of senior citizens, who are in real trouble, in mind.
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Investigations and actions to be made effective to get out of FATF ‘grey list’
Kathmandu, July 11: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has adopted a policy to effectively monitor, investigate, and take action against suspicious transactions in order to remove Nepal from the ‘grey list’ of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regarding the money laundering issue.
The monetary policy for the upcoming fiscal year 2082/83 (2025-26) states that investigation, prosecution and action will be made effective to quickly remove Nepal from the grey list according to the action plan.
Effective coordination will be ensured among the concerned bodies to complete the tasks as per the action plan to free Nepal from the FATF’s rigorous surveillance list, also known as the grey list, it is stated.
“The surveillance, research, and actions will be further strengthened for the full implementation of the national strategy and action plan related to the central bank,” it is stated in the monetary policy.
The monetary policy mentions that priority actions and improvement suggestions related to the regulatory bodies outlined in Nepal’s third phase mutual evaluation report published by the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) will be implemented with priority.
It is also stated that the financial intelligence for transmitting financial information from the unit under the central bank to the relevant bodies will be automated, facilitating the effectiveness of the investigation.
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National Population Policy needed to tackle demographic challenges: Minister Paudel
Kathmandu, July 11: Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel emphasized the need for a comprehensive policy to address Nepal’s demographic challenges, noting that while the country’s population growth is on decline and the potential of the youth remains fully unharnessed.
Minister Paudel said so at a programme organized by the Ministry of Health and Population today on the occasion of the World Population Day-2025 and the National Population Policy -2082 BS launch event.
According to him, the newly launched National Population Policy was not only about managing population size but it also takes into account people’s aspirations, their needs and social needs.
“The policy incorporates various aspects. The demographic trend is heading towards negative direction, which is why the policy aims to create a balanced population structure while protecting reproductive rights,” the Health and Population Minister said.
He expressed his confidence that all the three tiers of the government will launch effective programmes through the implementation of the new policy.
Underscoring the State’s active role in addressing both the opportunities and challenges related to the composition, distribution and structure of the country’s population.
The Minister urged for collective efforts to maximize the potentials of country’s potential and fulfill the dreams of the younger generation.
Similarly, Dhundi Prasad Niraula, Joint-Secretary at the Division of Population Management under the Ministry, said the policy outlines who will receive which services, when they be provided and how to harness the potentials of population for building a prosperous nation.
He further said, “The unique aspect of this policy is to fully leverage the demographic dividend by empowering youths and addressing the unbalanced internal and external migration in the country.”
Joint-Secretary Niraula added that the policy also seeks to manage unregulated settlements and maintain a balance by linking the depopulation issues in the villages and hills with development and opportunities.
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‘Around 260 megawatts electricity disconnected from NTS’
Kathmandu, July 11: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka, has said around 260 megawatt electricity has been disconnected from the national transmission system (NTS) due to recent Rasuwa flood.
In today’s meeting of the National Assembly, Minister Khadka tabled a proposal seeking consideration on Water Resources Bill, 2081 received from the House of Representatives with message. The meeting unanimously passed the proposal.
Before tabling the proposal, Minister Khadka mentioned that around 260 megawatt electricity was disconnected from national transmission system after the flood in Rasuwa occurred on Tuesday damaged hydropower projects and other structures operated at Trishuli river corridor.
Power production of the 111-megawatt Rasuwagadhi hydropower project, 22-megawatt Chilime hydropower project, 21-megawatt Trishuli hydropower project and 14-megawatt Devighat hydropower project has been obstructed due to the flood.
He shared that as per the preliminary conclusion that the flood from Lende stream in Rasuwa was caused by a supraglacial lake outburst in China.
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NA approves proposal seeking consideration on Nepal Citizenship (2nd Amendment) Bill
Kathmandu, July 11: The proposal seeking consideration on the Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill, 2081, received with a message from the House of Representatives, has been unanimously approved by the National Assembly (NA).
Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak had presented the proposal in today’s meeting of the upper house.
During the discussions on the proposal in the meeting, the lawmakers expressed their opinions on the theoretical aspects of the bill.
In response to the issues raised by the parliamentarians, Minister of Home Affairs Lekhak informed that the bill has come with provisions for granting citizenship in the name of the mother.
He said, “The bill has been presented with the provisions to ensure that the process of obtaining citizenship or the process of the state providing the citizenship is simplified and not complex. If there are still some things that need to be added or modified, the government is open to that. This Assembly has the authority to finalize this bill. If it is passed quickly, it will make it easier for many citizens to obtain citizenship.”
The next meeting of the National Assembly will be held at 1:15pm on July 15, Tuesday.
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Madhes Province declared draught-hit zone
Janakpur, July 11: The Madhes Province Government has declared the province as a draught-hit zone, as the paddy seedling plantation was halted and the cracks in the farmlands were seen in the paddy farms following the long draught mostly caused due to the environmental imbalances.
Chief Minister of Madesh Province, Satish Kumar Singh, confirmed that a meeting of the council of ministers held on Thursday evening made such a decision.
The cabinet meeting has decided to urge the federal government seeking a special relief package from the federal government for the farmers.
The province government has also urged the agriculture-related development partners to extend their supports in agriculture there.
Likewise, the meeting has decided to mobilize resources to address the shortage of drinking water supply in Birgunj city and other areas in the province.
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NA meeting taking place today
Kathmandu, July 11: The meeting of the National Assembly (NA) is taking place at 12:15 pm today at the Federal Parliament building in Naya Baneshwor.
In today’s meeting, discussions are scheduled to take place in a proposal of public importance registered by lawmakers Sumitra BC, Urmila Aryal, Kamala Pant and others seeking special provisions for a safe, quality and dignified life of senior citizens.
Likewise, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka would table the Water Resources Bill, 2081 along with the messages from the House of Representatives (HoR) seeking consideration from the NA.
Similarly, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak is expected to table the Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill, 2081 along with the messages from the HoR seeking consideration from the NA.
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Chances of heavy rainfall at one or two places in five provinces
Kathmandu, July 11: There are chances of heavy rainfall at one or two places of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki and Karnali provinces today.
The monsoon wind has its influence throughout the country at present with the monsoon low pressure trough somewhat closer to its average position in east Nepal and towards north from its average position in the western belt of the country, the Meteorological Forecasting Division said.
As the weather remains partly to generally cloudy throughout the country, light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of Bagmati, Gandaki and Sudur Pashchim provinces and at a few places of rest of the country, says the Division.
There is also a possibility of light to moderate snowfall at one or two places of the high hilly and mountainous region of the country.
Tonight, the weather will continue to remain partly to generally cloudy throughout the country. Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at some places of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. There is also possibility of heavy rainfall at one or two places of Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces this evening.
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World Population Day being marked today
Kathmandu, July 11: The World Population Day, 2025 is being marked across the world today by organizing different programmes and sensitizing the population related issues.
The theme of this year’s World Population Day is “Empowering young people to create the families they want in a fair and hopeful world” which reaffirms the promise of the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development, according to the United Nations.
In his message today, the UN Secretary General António Guterres has stated that many young people today face economic uncertainty, gender inequality, health challenges, the climate crisis and conflict and still, they are leading – with courage, conscience and clarity. “And they are calling for systems that uphold their rights and support their choices. I urge countries to invest in policies that ensure education, healthcare, decent work, and the full protection of their reproductive rights.”
The UN Secretary General stated that on this Population Day, the world celebrates the potential and promise of the largest youth generation ever, as they are not only shaping our future; they are demanding one that is just, inclusive, and sustainable.
“It took hundreds of thousands of years for the world population to grow to 1 billion – then in just another 200 years or so, it grew sevenfold. In 2011, the global population reached the 7 billion mark, it stands at almost 7.9 billion in 2021, and it’s expected to grow to around 8.5 billion in 2030, 9.7 billion in 2050, and 10.9 billion in 2100,” according to the UN.
Young people are already driving change, but face major obstacles: economic insecurity, gender inequality, limited healthcare and education, climate disruption, and conflict. A UNFPA–YouGov survey of over 14,000 people in 14 countries found most wanted more children but were prevented by social, economic, or health barriers.
The UN has stated that leaders must prioritize young people’s needs and voices to respond to global population trends effectively. “They need more than services—they need hope, stability, and a future worth planning for.”
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Kaligandaki corridor obstructed in Gulmi
Gulmi, July 11: The Kaligandaki corridor is blocked following a landslide occurred at Baralwa site in Kaligandaki Rural Municipality in Gulmi district.
Chairman of the rural municipality Bed Bahadur Thapa said that a massive landslide has occurred along with the rock at Khadgakot in Gulmi.
The District Police Office, Gulmi, said that a team of police force from Bhurtung Police Post is deployed at the site but clearing the debris is not that easy as the massive landslide is still happening.
Likewise, the District Administration Office, Gulmi, has asked the people living downstream to apply precautions against the flooding and landslides.
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Subsidy in agricultural equipment
Ilam, July 11: The farmers in Ilam district have increased their farmlands after getting subsidy in the agricultural inputs for advancing modern agriculture. The local governments in Ilam have given subsidy upto 75 per cent in the agricultural tools.
Hari Dhakal, a farmer from Maijogmai Rural Municipality-3, has expanded his farming after getting subsidy in hand-held tractor, also known as power tiller. The rural municipality provided 75 per cent of subsidy in the power tiller.
Likewise, Chandra Bhandari of Pramejung village of the same rural municipality has vowed to carry on his efforts for a commercial farming after getting tea harvesting machines in a subsidized rate. “The production is expected to grow compared to the past,” Bhandari said.
Under the agricultural mechanization programme, the rural municipality distributed hand-held tractors and tea harvesting machines to the farmers on Thursday.
After getting the agricultural tools, the farmers said that they are excited to do farming.
Rural Municipality Chairman Kush Bahadur Thebe said that possibilities remain high for infusing excitement on farmers and promoting commercial farming by providing agricultural tools to the farmers in grant.
We distributed 13 hand-held tractors and 17 tea harvesting machines on Thursday, he said.
Receiving from the Koshi Province Government under the Conditional Grant Programme, the farmers contributed 25 per cent of the total costs to get the agricultural equipment.
The rural municipality chairman said that monitoring of the usage and effectiveness of the machines would be carried out after the distribution.
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