- Saturday, 30 August 2025
Kathmandu, Aug 21: The first Women Police Conference has commenced today in Kathmandu, bringing together 200 women police personnel from across the country.
The two-day event aimed at promoting inclusion, empowerment, and gender equality within the police organization.
Inaugurating the conference, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak highlighted the growing role and competence of women in the Nepal Police.
He said that women currently constitute 12 percent of the force, a significant increase that began following the establishment of the republic system after the 2006 People’s Movement.
“The policy of inclusion has been central to building an inclusive society in the new republic,” Minister Lekhak said. “The State has adopted a special approach that has brought several benefits to citizens.”
He pointed out that a 20 percent reservation is currently ensured in the Nepal Police and pledged to increase the participation of women from 12 percent to 20 percent, with a long-term goal of reaching 33 percent representation.
Expressing concern over rising incidents of rape and sexual violence, he said that women and girls are disproportionately affected. He stressed the need for mainstreaming women’s participation across all mechanisms of the State, with a focus on equality, empowerment, and opportunity.
Supreme Court Justice Sapana Pradhan Malla stressed that police officers are primary justice providers for survivors of violence and offences.
Praising women police for breaking stereotypes about their capabilities, she urged the Nepal Police to entrust women with responsibilities such as VIP and VVIP security.
She also celebrated the current 12.41 percent participation rate of women in the police force.Attorney General Ramesh Badal expressed hope that the conference would provide valuable recommendations for the State, especially in identifying and addressing discriminatory provisions, and suggested ways to empower women within the force.
Chairperson of the Nepal Women Commission, Kamala Parajuli, stressed the need for enacting supportive laws and policies to encourage women to pursue careers in the Nepal Police.
Secretary at the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, Laxmi Kumari Basnet, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to coordinate and cooperate in combating rising violence against women, girls, and senior citizens.
Nepal Police AIG Rajan Adhikari stated that the participation of women from diverse backgrounds and responsibilities at the conference reflects the progress made in implementing inclusive policies within the force.
The conference will feature presentations of 10 working papers and several panel discussions, covering topics such as the role of women in policing, health and well-being, financial literacy, and cyber security.
The event will conclude with the adoption of a “Kathmandu Declaration,” which will encompass recommendations on constitutional provisions, relevant laws, policies of the Ministry of Home Affairs, action plans, and gender policies of the Nepal Police, according to AIG Adhikari.
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09- Government active for pro-people performance: Minster Paudel
Sudurpschim, Aug 21: Minister for Health and Population, Pradeep Paudel has said the incumbent government is actively working in favour of the people.
At a press conference organized by the Nepal Press Union (NPU) in Dhangadhi today, he claimed the government has been perfuming cautiously to bring changes in the lives of the people.
Minister Paudel, also the central member of the Nepali Congress, noted that comments are being made about the Constitution in dearth of performance in the fundamental needs of the people such as health an education.
He expressed the commitment to operate a Hospital in the Shahid Dasharath Chand Health Science University and begin MBBS education.
“The Geta Medical College will be upgraded to 300 beds. A proposal to this effect has been already sent to the Ministry of Finance for the approval of 250 permanent posts”, he shared.
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10 – Eleven injured in jeep accident in Darchula
Khalanga (Darchula), Aug 21: Eleven people were injured when a jeep with the registration number (Sudurpaschim Province 04001 Ja 0103) met with an accident this morning.
The vehicle was en route to Hoparigad from Hopari in Naugad rural municipality when the incident occurred.
According to the District Police Office, Darchula, four of the injured are in critical condition.
The severely injured have been identified as Parbati Tamata (25), Mohan Thagunna (26), Apsara Mahata (18), and Umesh Thagunna (35).
All the injured have been taken to Gokuleshwor for treatment.
Police Inspector and Information Officer Chhatra Bahadur Rawat said that the accident occurred due to a sudden brake failure. Further investigation is underway.
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Innovation partnership programmes in priority for strengthening federalism
Lumbini, Aug 21: Chief Minister of Lumbini Province, Chet Narayan Acharya has laid emphasis on effective implementation of innovation partnership programme along with federalism strengthening.
He said this in the meeting of the Provincial Steering Committee under the Province and Local Governance Strengthening Programme (PLGSP) held at Deukhuri today.
The Chief Minister noted that prosperity and development of the province can be taken to a new height through the programme.
He highlighted the need of effective monitoring of the innovation programme that are being implemented in the local government units. It is informed that the innovation partnership programme is being currently executed in seven local government units across the province.
In Thakurbaba Municipality of Bardiya, a programme ‘Sustainable Development and Green Economy: Our Partnership for Agricultural Transformation’ is being implemented while in Tansen municipality of Palpa ‘Tansen Entrepreneurship and Tourism Development’ is in operation.
Likewise, other programmes being implemented include ‘Smart Mayadevi’ in Mayadevi rural municipality of Rupandehi; ‘Digital School’ in Surumarani rural municipality of Pyuthan; ‘Promotion of Tourism Homestay along with Entrepreneurship’ in Ramgram municipality of Nawalparasi West, and Information Technology-Friendly Education’ in Chhatarkot rural municipality of Gulmi, he shared.
In Shuddhodhan rural municipality of Rupandehi, an ‘E-Recommendation Service Center for Digital Governance’ is being operated.
Chief Secretary of the province government Babulram Adhikari highlighted the need of quality training for building capacity from the law-making to the implementation level at the provincial and local levels
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12 – Darchula jeep accident update: one dies
Khalanga ( Darchula), Aug 21: Among the four severely injured in the Darchula bus accident this morning, one has died.
The deceased has been identified as Parbati Tamata, 25, of Naugad rural municipality-4. The accident took place at Hopari in Naugad rural municipality-4.
Police Inspector at the District Police Office, Chhatra Bahadur Rawat confirmed the death of the woman while undergoing treatment in the hospital. It has been learnt that the woman was expecting her child.
A total of 11 were injured in the accident and those who sustained minor injuries are being treated at the local Gokuleshwor Hospital and the remaining three with critical injuries have been referred to Dhangadhi.
Police took control driver Lokendra Singh Thagunna for further investigation into the accident.
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13 – Lawmakers demand briefing about China-India deal on Lipulekh pass
Kathmandu, Aug 21: Chief Whip of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Hitraj Pandey has demanded briefing to the House about the recent deal between China and India to reopen Nepal’s territory, Lipulekh pass, for bilateral trade.
At an emergency hour in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), he said, “It has hurt our nation. Our party’s serious attention has been drawn to the bilateral agreement between our two neighbouring friendly countries, China and India, for reopening trade routes from Lipulekh pass without keeping our country Nepal in the loop”.
He opposed the agreement that included Nepali territory – Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura mentioned in the Constitution of Nepal without informing Nepal at all.
Pandey stated, “In the past, our party has already said that this issue is against Nepal’s national sovereignty and integrity, and key responsibility of any government is to stand for the protection of national sovereignty and integrity.
I urge the government to initiate necessary diplomatic and political efforts regarding the agreement to open bilateral trade through Lipulekh Pass”.
Lawmaker Thakur Prasad Gaire said, “Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura are Nepali territories, and Nepal has the right to utilize them. Recently, there have been reports that China and India are trading through the Lipulekh route without Nepal’s consent, which is wrong. The two neighboring countries must correct this decision”.
He also objected to India’s statement that historical evidence does not support Nepal’s claim over Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani.
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Report on Bill to Amend Certain Nepal Acts relating to Land, 2082 passed
Kathmandu, Aug 21: The Agriculture, Cooperatives and Natural Resource Committee has passed its report on the Bill to Amend Certain Nepal Acts relating to Land, 2082.
Committee’s President Kusum Devi Thapa informed that the report was passed by a majority in today’s meeting of the committee.
Members of the Nepali Congress, CPN (UML), and the Nagarik Unmukti Party had seconded the proposal to endorse the report whereas lawmakers from the CPN (Maoist Center) and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) boycotted the meeting.
On the occasion, Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation Balram Adhikari informed that the Ministry of Land Management and Ministry of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs had made some amendments to the report.
Lower House members, Bir Bahadur Balai and Saraswati Subba, demanded the endorsement of the report since extensive discussions have been already made to this effect, it is stated.
However, lawmakers – Rupa Sosi Chaudhary and Ashok Chaudhary demanded time to register dissenting proposal on the report as some phrases, previously included, were removed from the report without information.
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15 –‘ Workers’ issues are addressed only in socialist system’
Kaski, Aug 21: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has claimed that the problems of worker section can be genuinely addressed in the socialist state system.
In his address to the ‘Ideological and Political Training’ programme organized by the Gandaki Province Committee of All Nepal Trade Union Federation in Pokhara today, he said the workers have not yet obtained their all rights as the present system was achieved through consensus and accords.
“The problems of the workers and all oppressed communities can be address only in the socialist system”, the former Prime Minister asserted, calling for making preparation for socialist revolution from now onwards.
He stressed the need to take ahead the strategy of the socialist revolution in unison through upcoming elections.
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16- Araniko Highway remains blocked for weeks
Chautara, Aug 21: The Araniko Highway, which was blocked by a landslide at Bhotekoshi rural municipality-2 in Sindhupalchowk on August 3, has remained obstructed since then.
The highway, which frequently suffers water-induced disasters during the monsoon, had been temporarily restored in the past.
However, the severity of the area hit by the recent disaster has led to a complete closure since August 3, it is said.
Due to the prolonged obstruction lasting over two weeks, the transportation of goods from the Tatopani trade transit point along the Nepal-China border has come to a halt. As a result, some 1,700 containers have remained stranded on the Chinese side in Tatopani.
Rajendra Prasad Chudal, Chief of the Tatopani Customs Office, stated that while efforts are ongoing to reopen the route, it remains uncertain whether the highway can be restored before the Dashain festival due to the geographical vulnerability of the area.
He confirmed that around 1,000 goods-laden trucks are stuck in the Tatopani area alone. Ramhari Karki, Chairperson of the Trans Himalaya Border Commerce Association, also confirmed that over 1,000 containers have been stranded in the area.
“Goods being imported for Dashain will be of no use if they arrive after the festival,” Karki said, stressing the urgent need to reopen the highway, even if it means creating a temporary adjustable track for container passage.
Traders, who had reached China to import winter clothing via this route – the shortest way to transport goods from China to Kathmandu are now deeply concerned due to the ongoing disruption.
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Senior cardiologist Dr Om Murti Anil, senior artiste Haribansa Acharya feted
Kathmandu, Aug 21: The Nepal Police Wives Association has marked its 41st anniversary by organizing different programmes. On Wednesday, the Association honoured senior cardiologist Dr Om Murti Anil and senior artiste Haribansa Acharya, among others.
Inspector General of Nepal Police Dipak Thapa honoured Dr Anil, Acharya, social worker Uttam Pudasaini and Ram Bahadur Neupane too.
On the occasion, Chief of Nepal Police Thapa said that the Association was working for the cause of social work and humanity by fully utilizing its limited means and resources.
He said the Association should move ahead with selfless service and work continuously for humanitarian and philanthropic causes.
Association’s Chair Rupa Thapa and other speakers also shared their views at the event.
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02- Heavy rainfall predicted in hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati, Gandaki provinces
Kathmandu, Aug 21: The Weather Forecasting Division has stated that the hilly regions of the country will remain generally cloudy and other parts are likely to remain partly cloudy. There are chances of moderate rainfall in one or two places of hilly and tarai regions this afternoon.
Some areas of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces will receive moderate rainfall tonight while one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces are predicted to experience heavy rainfall, the Division stated.
The Division has urged the people to remain cautious and apply preparedness measures because the rivers in the hilly regions could be swollen and the risks of debris flow in the hilly areas exist due to the monsoon.
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03- Int’l Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism being marked
Kathmandu, Aug 21: The International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism is being marked all over the world today. This Day is being observed since 2017 under the UN auspices.
The UN system stands in solidarity with the victims of terrorism by recognizing August 21st as the International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism, the United Nations said.
This year, the theme “United for Hope: Collective Actions for Victims of Terrorism” emphasizes the hope that emerges when victims come together to transform pain into purpose and drive meaningful change.
Now more than ever, it is critical to support the victims of terrorism by acknowledging the treacherous effects of terrorism and investing in prevention to guarantee a terrorism-free world, according to the UN.
This day is marked across the world for renewed ‘efforts to prevent terrorism and work to prevent and counter the evolving threats of terrorism and violent extremism’ and to extend tribute to the victims of terrorism and promote their human rights.
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04- Dengue risk rising in hills too, 7 infected in Baitadi
Baitadi, Augt 21: The risk of dengue fever is on the rise in Baitadi district. So far, seven people were infected with the dengue fever in the district, according to Jaya Singh Badal, a lab technician at the District Health Office=
The Health Office has initiated the “Search and Destroy Larva” campaign after cases were detected in the district. It is said that three cases were confirmed in Dasharath Chand Municipality, two in Purchaudi Municipality, and one each in Melauli and Patan municipalities.
Information Officer of the District Health Office Bipin Lekhak stated that the campaign to destroy the mosquito larva was initiated in the district headquarters and Patan bazaar area for the prevention and control of the dengue since mosquitoes remain more active during monsoon.
The health workers, security personnel, local representatives, civil society members, and local people were involved in the cleanup campaign. The campaign was conducted on Wednesday.
Likewise, other local governments in the district have also launched the “Search and Destroy Larva” campaign for dengue prevention and control.
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05- Tourism Department to ensure IT-friendly service delivery
Kathmandu, Aug 21: The Department of Tourism has worked to ensure a well-managed and technology-friendly service delivery.
The Department has prioritized procedural simplification, system reforms and technological regulations in its work execution.
As stated in a recently published annual report of the Department, it has set goals for a business-friendly tourism governance while establishing this sector as an investment-friendly entity and technology-friendly.
The international practices would be integrated into the national system while prioritizing and expanding the tourism activities.
Director General of the Department, Dr Narayan Prasad Regmi, said that efforts were initiated to make the Department’s performance simplified, accessible and business-friendly.
He added that policy-level reforms were also on the cards.
Dr Regmi was of the view that enhanced activities in the tourism sector would contribute to the creation of employment and self-employment while resulting in quality tourism and a better hospitality industry.
Development of tourist infrastructures, quality hospitality service management, promotion of adventure and mountaineering tourism, and management of mountaineering are also being advanced with additional planning, Dr Regmi added.
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06- Migrant Resource Centre in Kaski DAO
Kaski, Aug 21: A Migrant Resource Centre (MRC) was established in the District Administration Office (DAO) Kaski, which is aimed at providing counselling services and facilitating potential migrants for their foreign labour migration.
The Pokhara Metropolitan City helped set up the MRC in Kaski with its Rs 1.6 million in investment.
Mayor of Pokhara Metropolitan City Dhanraj Acharya said the MRC will provide information on safe migration as well as counselling and legal assistance.
He added that the MRC was established to provide counselling on work safety, recommendations for free of cost training to potential migrants and legal assistance to those in difficulties.
The government has partnered with UN agencies and different development partners for the idea of the MRC in Nepal. According to the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), MRC is conceived as a central point for information and orientation to key services and it acts as a hub for the coordination of all awareness raising activities. “It links (potential) migrants, returnees and their families to a range of services relating to safe migration, such as (free) skills training, legal aid and associated support, psychosocial counselling and financial literacy classes,” it states.
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07- Seven youths held with banned drug in Chitwan
Chitwan, Aug 21: The District Police Office in Chitwan has held seven youths for possessing a huge quantity of banned drug tramadol tablets. The youths were arrested for holding a total of 17,400 capsules of the tramadol drug. The youths were nabbed from the Central Bus Terminal in Bharatpur Metropolitan City-7, Chitwan, this morning.
The Information Officer of the District Police Office in Chitwan, Rabindra Khanal, said the youths were arrested while they were selling the tramadol tablets from a hotel in Bharatpur. The details about the detainees have not been revealed so far. It is stated that one of the seven youths nabbed in Bharatpur is from the West Champaran district of Bihar State in India.
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