- Friday, 29 August 2025
Chitwan, Aug 12: The presence of chicken anemia virus (CAV) has been confirmed in Chitwan, following a study conducted by the National Avian Disease Investigation Laboratory in the past three months.
Chief of the Laboratory, Dr Bijay Kumar, confirmed that the virus was detected in poultry samples through rigorous testing. Out of 92 samples tested, 31 (33%) showed signs of infection, which causes immune suppression in chickens.
While the virus is not expected to cause direct or significant harm to human health, it has been shown to affect poultry production, leading to notable economic loss. Dr Kumar emphasized the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure against the virus to protect poultry health.
The virus causes anemia in chickens, denting their growth and overall development. This discovery follows the first confirmed case of CAV in Kathmandu two years ago, highlighting a growing concern within the poultry industry.
In addition, the study revealed that last fiscal year, 785 cases of E. coli and 112 cases of Salmonella were detected out of 1,120 poultry tests. These findings underscore a significant lapse in biosecurity measures across poultry farms.
To mitigate such risks, experts urge immediate steps to strengthen bio security practices, particularly during the transportation of poultry feeds, water, medications, and eggs. Enhanced vigilance in these areas is crucial to ensuring the health and safety of the poultry sector.
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08- Chair Dahal’s greetings on Int’l Youth Day
Kathmandu, Aug 12: Chairman of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has extended greetings to all Nepali youths living in the country and abroad on the occasion of the International Youth Day today.
The youths should devote to achieve sustainable development goals (SDGs) by tackling poverty, inequality, climate change and other global challenges, Chairman Dahal said, reminding the youths towards the urgency of building prosperous Nepal with social justice.
He further reminded in the message that the Maoist-led government had given special priorities to the youth empowerment on socioeconomic and political fronts.
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09- PM Oli discussing with minister on supply of chemical fertilizer
Kathmandu, Aug 12: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is holding a discussion with Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, secretary and concerned officials to sort out problems facing supply of chemical fertilizers.
PM Oli has called Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari, Secretary Govinda Prasad Sharma and officials of the Agricultural Materials Company Limited at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers this afternoon to discuss the matters—smooth supply of chemical fertilizer and status of paddy plantation, according to private secretariat of the Prime Minister.
The PM called the meeting in a bid to resolve the problems of chemical fertilizers in the wake of farmers’ complaints received from various places that the essential supply for paddy plantation was scarce. On the other hand, it was reported that there is a stock of the fertilizer in the country and its being imported as well.
Earlier, he had directed the stakeholders to end shortage of fertilizer, formulate a plan to establish a chemical fertilizer factory in the country, and promote increased production with the use of compost.
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10- Gamgadhi-Balai-Pina road obstructed for two months
Mugu, Aug 12: Vehicular movement along the Gamgadhi-Balai-Pina roadway has come to a complete halt due to landslide and flood triggered by the rainfall for two months.
Debris piled up at various places and some stretches were collapsed, awaiting repair and reconstruction. It has resulted into sheer inconvenience to the transportation and people’s mobility.
The locals are compelled to use a long alternative route, carrying food grains and fetching medicines.
A local Dan Bahadur Shahi mentioned, “Landslides occurred in most of the places along the roadway. No one has paid attention to resume the blocked road. Locals have been facing problem even in their daily mobility.”
However, acting Mayor of Chhayanath Rara municipality, Aishwarya Malla, informed that landslide debris would be removed once the rainfall stops.
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11- Good governance, development top priorities: PM Oli
Kathmandu, Aug 12: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has spoken the need of promoting good governance as a mega campaign to address the national aspiration of ‘prosperous Nepal, happy Nepali’.
During his address to a programme organised by observing the 24th establishment day of the National Vigilance Centre at the Singha Durbar today, the Prime Minister called for considering the directive principles of the constitution and ensuring prompt services to the citizens by refraining from corruption and irregularities.
As the head of the government asserted at the programme that was attended by the government chief secretary, the chiefs of the security agencies and the government secretaries, the entire State mechanism should be equally vibrant in terms of promoting transparency in the State deliveries and guaranteeing the citizens’ right to access such services. As he said, “Corrupt people in the positions are not going to win the people’s hearts.”
Referring to the United Nations’ commitment that ‘no one is left behind’, he affirmed the government’s dedication to ensuring a secure and dignified life for all citizens. He reiterated the need for promoting good governance and called for collective initiatives to eliminate all forms of backwardness, with the goal of transforming the country into a developed nation.
The PM expressed hope that the Centre would play a proactive role in achieving its vision.
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12- Two boys drown while swimming
Birgunj, Aug 12: Two boys drowned in Dhendukhola stream of Thori rural municipality-2 in Parsa district today.
Ansa Kathayat, 8, and his younger brother Ayas Kathayat, 4, drowned in the stream while swimming this morning, according to Information Officer at District Police Office, Kishor Lamsal.
“The locals rescued the boys as they were floating on the stream and rushed to a local health post, Thori, but the medical persons declared them dead shortly,” he added.
The lifeless bodies have been taken to the Narayani Hospital for postmortem.
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13- Youths are pillars of prosperous nation: President Paudel
Kathmandu, Aug 12: President Ramchandra Paudel has said the onus of building prosperous nation lies on youths.
In his address at a programme organised at the National City Hall on the occasion of ‘International Youths Day–2025’ today, the President hoped the youths are now competitive enough to take on the responsibility of building a prosperous Nepal and shaping its bright future.
Stating that his generation remained committed to establishing the federal democratic republic system in the country through tremendous efforts for bringing political transformations, he reflected on the journey taken so far.
The President recalled the past struggle as, “I was born in a farmer’s family of rural Tanahu district, grown up battling odds- underdevelopment, poverty and backwardness. However, I continued protesting tyranny. It was not easy for us to take our passion for political transformation to a meaningful end.”
He reiterated that his generation remained committed to taking the political system to a logical conclusion, enduring scarcities and jail sentences along the journey.
Stating that Nepali youths have already proved themselves competent in innovation, sports, entertainment, the IT sector, and entrepreneurship, the Head of the State underlined the need to join hands to leverage the potential for better future, and to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The government has given a top priority to the facilitation of concessional loan, creation of environment conducive to youth-friendly investment and expansion of innovation and entrepreneurship in order to provide opportunity to the Nepali youths accustomed to technology within the country, the President said, urging youths to utilize the support, ensuring productive business.
The Head of the State stressed materializing youth’s dream of development, good governance and prosperity in the modern era of speedy development featured with globalization and information technology was the need of hour. The policy and programmes that expand and promote entrepreneurship among youths count much to curb brain drain.
Stating that the International Youth Day is the movement to foster youths’ participation and empowerment, President Paudel opined that it has stressed sustainable development, unity and solidarity through the participation of youths from local to the international levels.
At the same programme, Minister for Youth and Sports, Teju Lal Chaudhary, shared the government was making policy and legal reforms to build youth-friendly environment as well as to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Employment creation by developing leadership and skill of youths is government’s top priority, he reiterated.
Likewise, UN Resident Coordinator in Nepal Hanaa Singer Hamdy reminded that International Youth Day is not just an opportunity for enthusiasm but also the opportunity for collaboration and commitment.
Vice-Chairperson of the Council, Surendra Basnet, opined that youths are partners of present and leaders of future.
The National Youth Council organised the programme.
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14- NC President unveils statue of martyr Khanal
Damauli, Aug 12: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has unveiled a bust of martyr Kalyan Khanal at Bhimad municipality-6 in Tanahu district today.
The statue was unveiled on the 23rd memorial day of martyr Khanal. The bust was set up by the Kalyan Khanal Memorial Foundation.
Leader of the Nepali Congress, Khanal, was killed by then rebellion force on August 12, 2002.
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15- Nepal committed to climate-resilient agriculture: Minister Adhikari
Patan, Aug 12: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, has expressed his commitment to promoting an inclusive and climate-resilient agricultural.
Addressing the ‘Interregional Dialogues on Family Farming’ jointly organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the FAO Nepal, and other partner organizations here today, the Minister stated that climate-friendly agriculture, sustainable livestock farming, and the promotion of advanced technologies were prioritized within the national agricultural system.
Model agricultural cooperatives, integrated farming systems, and farmer-driven agricultural innovations are among the successful rural practices that have contributed to increased production and income for farmers, he claimed.
The event was held under the theme “Family Farming and Inclusive Rural Transformation: Innovations for Sustainable Development in the Face of Climate Change”. According to the Minister, Nepal has paid heed to expansion of irrigation systems, increased availability of cold storage facilities, and strategic investment in value chains. These measures aim to ensure secure and profitable market access for farmers.
Highlighting Nepal’s vulnerability to climate change, the Minister stated that the country must move forward by confronting the challenges it poses. “Unpredictable weather, floods, droughts and landslides have threatened livelihoods and national food security. Recent natural disasters have caused significant losses in the agricultural sector, underscoring the urgency of better adaptive measures,” he added.
Planned crop diversification, improvement of soil fertility, sustainable water management and the promotion of drought and flood tolerant crops are among Nepal’s additional initiatives and priorities, the Minister shared.
“We call for increased regional cooperation in the exchange of climate data, development of early warning systems and strengthening of cross-border disaster preparedness,” the Minister said, adding that Nepal’s experience in hill and mountain agriculture can offer the global community valuable insights into climate adaptation, maximum utilization of natural resources and the implementation of community-based approaches in agriculture.
Moreover, the Minister added we have to adopt flexibility by reviewing tax imposed on agro produces with an objective of sustainable development of family farming system and ensuring equal access of small farmers in international markets and benefit. “Family farming, where small to medium scale farmers are involved, is the main practice of agriculture in both developed and developing countries.”
Family farming is a major basis to ensure our culture, tradition and food security in addition to economic activities in Nepal, he shared, adding that the family farming system is key component of inclusive and rural transformation.
Expressing a deep respect towards hard work and dedication of farmers, women and youths in rural areas of Nepal, Minister Adhikari argued that they were backbone of food system and guardians of agricultural heritages.
The Agriculture Minister urged the participants to initiate a concrete step to make family farming a respectful, profit-oriented and sustainable occupation so it would not be limited to a medium of livelihood.
Similarly, Chairperson of the Agriculture, Cooperatives and Natural Resources Committee under the House of Representatives, Kusum Devi Thapa, said the parliament has played a significant role in building inclusive and farmers-friendly laws. She laid emphasis on political willpower and technical human resources for sustainable and effective development of agriculture sector.
Likewise, Secretary at the Ministry, Govinda Sharma, expressed the belief that the discussion to be held among policy makers, farmers and stakeholders would dwell on family farming system and measures to lessen the impacts of climate change in agriculture sector.
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16- Govt enforces DNF 2.0 this year: Minister Gurung
Kathmandu, Aug 12: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, has said the Digital Nepal Framework (DNF) 2.0 would be enforced this year.
The DNF 2.0 was prepared and it would be submitted to the Council of Ministers, seeking endorsement for implementation, Minister Gurung shared in the meeting of the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee under the National Assembly today.
The Committee held a meeting to know about the efforts the Ministry was making to adopt and foster digital governance.
There were 80 initiatives under eight major domains in the first version of DNF that was launched in 2076BS. The second version has now included the domains like agriculture, health, education, urban infrastructures, energy, tourism, finance and digital foundation.
For the enforcement of the second version of DNF, the government has estimated the cost of Rs 107.50 billion. The digital framework is forwarded as the basis of Nepal’s economic transformation and prosperity.
Minister Gurung, however, admitted that no foreign aid was received so far to realize the goal of DNF. The DNF 2.0 would be enforced by the Ministry itself. The sectors under the DNF 2.0 should be partnered with the Ministry, he said, adding that a committee would be formed under the coordination of Chief Secretary of Nepal government to this regard.
Another policy document on artificial intelligence (AI) was in line to get endorsed by the Cabinet. It would also make the DNF 2.0 effective, the Minister hoped.
The Ministry was working actively to develop the Postal Service Department as digitization and data centre. The 4G network will be ensured at every doorstep while the 5G network launched from Kathmandu and Pokhara cities.
On the occasion, Ministry Secretary Radhika Aryal shared the law and policy reforms carried out by the Ministry at the meeting. Joint Secretary Kosh Hari Niraula said the employees need additional exercise to keep themselves abreast with time.
Director General at Department of Postal Service, Manmaya Pangeni Bhattarai, informed that the postal service had witnessed tremendous transformation compared to the past.
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17- Leader Shrestha for safeguarding political accomplishments
Dodhara Chandani (Kanchanpur), Aug 12: Senior Vice Chair of CPN (Maoist Centre), Narayan Kaji Shrestha, has stressed the need of protecting the political achievements made so far.
Speaking at an inaugural session of the Kanchanpur branch of Nar Bahadur Karmacharya Memorial Foundation in Mahendranagar today, the leader stressed the need for safeguarding accomplishments achieved through various struggles and sacrifices.
“Nepal’s revolutionary movement witnessed a stride with the establishment of the Communist Party under the leadership of iconic persons like Nar Bahadur Karmacharya and Pushpa Lal Shrestha in 2006 BS,” he reminded, underlining the urgency of giving a pace to the social development and transformation through utilization of democratic changes.
As he advised, the Maoist Centre should be further united.
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18- NA members dwell on pressing issues
Kathmandu, Aug 12: The National Assembly members have put forth their views on various contemporary issues.
During a special hour of the NA meeting today, they mentioned that financial discipline was not maintained in lack of transparent tax system. Progressive tax system is imperative in Nepal, they added.
On the occasion, Narayan Dutta Mishra of the Nepali Congress stressed the need of making tax system transparent.
Urmila Aryal of the CPN (Maoist Centre) complained that women’s contribution in nation building was not recognized yet, as they were still denied decision making role.
Madan Kumari Sah of CPN (Unified Socialist) pointed out the need of implementation of youth-related policy and programmes while Bishnu Devi Pudasaini of the Nepali Congress requested the government to give priority to repair roads that are damaged by landslide and flood following the incessant rainfall in different parts of the country.
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19- PM Oli instructs for prompt supply of chemical fertilizer
Kathmandu, Aug 12: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has directed the concerned ministers to ensure effective management and supply of chemical fertilizers, thereby supporting increased agricultural production.
In a meeting held today at Singha Durbar with Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, and Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, the Prime Minister issued a three-point directive, calling for a substantive action within the next three days.
The ministers have been instructed to present a substantive plan with a new framework to guarantee the reliable supply of fertilizers.
The Prime Minister’s directive includes launching a nationwide campaign for the production and use of compost and organic fertilizers, introducing a subsidy policy proposal to support the campaign, and preparing a study framework for establishing a chemical fertilizer factory within the country that helps preserve and enhance soil fertility.
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Heavy rain forecast in hilly areas of Koshi Province
Kathmandu, Aug 12: The monsoon trough is towards the north of its average position at present.
The Meteorological Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology stated that the weather will remain generally cloudy across the country today.
Moderate rainfall is expected in most parts of the hilly region of the country as well as in the Tarai region. Similarly, a heavy rainfall is likely at one or two places in the hilly areas of Koshi Province.
Likewise, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy across the country tonight, with a forecast of moderate rainfall in some areas of the hilly regions of Bagmati, Gandaki and Lumbini provinces, as well as in parts of the hilly and Tarai regions of the remaining provinces.
A very heavy rainfall to heavy rainfall is also likely at one or two places in the hilly areas of Koshi and Bagmati provinces and some areas of the Tarai belt, and a heavy rainfall in one or two places of the hilly parts of Gandaki province and the Tarai belt of Gandaki and Lumbini provinces.
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02- Rai appointed RSS General Manager
Kathmandu, Aug 12: Journalist Sandip Rai was appointed the General Manager of . A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on Monday evening appointed Rai as the RSS General Manager, according to a minister.
Rai, also a central committee member of Press Chautari Nepal, has been in the media profession for two decades.
A permanent resident of Phalelung Rural Municipality-3 in Panchthar district, Rai has the experience of working in this field both from the mofussil and the capital city. He has worked for newspapers, radio and online portals too.
The newly-appointed RSS General Manager also served as the press coordinator for the then Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Basanta Kumar Nembang.
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03- Federal Parliament meetings taking place today
Kathmandu, Aug 12: The meetings of the House of Representatives (HoR) and National Assembly (NA) are taking place today.
The HoR meeting is scheduled to begin at 1:00 this afternoon.
In today’s HoR meeting, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to present the Annual Report of the National Dalit Commission, 2080/81 BS.
Likewise, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Pant is to table the Tilganga Eye University Bill, 2081 to send the bill to the concerned committee for clause-wise discussions. The Tilganga Eye University Bill was originated in the National Assembly.
Similarly, the NA meeting is taking place at 1:15 this afternoon. At the meeting, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey is scheduled to present the Intangible Cultural Property (Protection) Bill 2081.
Likewise, a condolence motion is scheduled to be tabled in the meetings of both Houses to express condolence in the demise of the Constituent Assembly (CA) Member and former State Minister Khadga Bahadur Basyal.
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04- Bagmati CM Baniya to seek confidence motion today
Bagmati, Aug 12: The newly-appointed Chief Minister of Bagmati Province, Indra Bahadur Baniya, is seeking a vote of confidence from the province assembly today.
Secretary of Bagmati Province Assembly Secretariat Ram Kumar Paudel said that Chief Minister Baniya is scheduled to table a proposal seeking the vote of confidence of the province assembly at the province assembly meeting at 4:00 today.
Baniya was appointed the Chief Minister of Bagmati Province on August 5 with the signature of 64 Province Assembly Members of the Nepali Congress (NC) and the CPN (UML) in his support.
As per the constitution, the Chief Minister should take a vote of confidence from the province assembly within 30 days of the appointment.
Chief Minister Baniya is seeking the confidence motion as per Article 168 (4) of the Constitution of Nepal and Rule 143 (1) of the Province Assembly Regulations, 2074.
Likewise, the ruling NC and UML have issued whips to their province assembly members to give the vote of confidence for Baniya.
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05- Curriculum on Bantawa language
Ilam, Aug 12: The Mangsebung Rural Municipality in Ilam district is working to implement the Bantawa Language Curriculum as a part of the local government’s initiative to promote mother languages.
For this effort, the rural municipality has started working by constituting a taskforce, Rural Municipality Chairman Hemanta Rai said.
The rural municipality has already implemented the Local Curriculum and Limbu Language Curriculum at the schools there.
“Based on discussions and consultations with the stakeholders, we initiated the development of the Bantawa Language Curriculum to teach the Bantawa language in the areas (schools) where their number is dominant,” Chairman Rai added.
He said that the taskforce has already advanced its job.
The taskforce comprises the Headmaster of Jiban Jyoti Secondary School Madan Kumar Rai, teachers Udaya Rai, Sakuntala Rai and Ambika Prasad Rai, and former teacher Gunja Kumar Rai.
Likewise, Education Officer Yubraj Khanal is also a member of the taskforce led by Headmaster Madan Kumar.
The local community has appreciated the move of the rural municipality since this was a constitutionally enshrined right.
Central Assistant General Secretary of Kiran Rai Yoyokhha Krishna Kumar Rai said, “We have taken this positively.” He added that his organization will extend positive support to implement the decision.
As per the National Population and Housing Census 2021, the population of the Limbu community is 42.83 per cent and 33.6 per cent of the Rai community in Mangsebung Rural Municipality.
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06- PM extends greetings of International Youth Day
Kathmandu, Aug 12: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has extended best wishes to the youths on the occasion of the International Youth Day stating that this Day has inspired the youths for making them robust in social, economic, cultural and political sectors.
The PM has stated that the country’s future was in the energy, creativity and dreams of youth. “Our positive thoughts, continued efforts and unified behaviours will fulfill our determinations to make the nation prosperous,” the PM stated in a Facebook post by sharing a message of best wishes on the International Youth Day.
The Day is marked in Nepal and across the globe today with the theme Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond.
In Nepal, this Day is being marked since 2073 BS at the call of the National Youth Council.
According to the UN, a resolution proclaiming 12 August as International Youth Day was adopted by the first session of the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in 1998. The recommendation was subsequently endorsed by the fifty-fourth session of the UN General Assembly in 1999. The International Youth Day was first marked in 2000.
The UN has stated that as development partners work to translate and implement the global goals within specific local contexts, aligning them with community needs while maintaining consistency with national and international commitments, young people are critical partners. It added that youths bring creativity, insight, and deep community ties that help bridge the gap between policy and practice. With over 65 per cent of SDG targets linked to local governance, youth engagement is not a luxury—it is a necessity, the UN stated.
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