- Friday, 29 August 2025
Kathmandu, Aug 28: There is possibility of heavy rainfall in one or two places in the Tarai region of Lumbini, as well as in the hilly areas of Sudurpaschim and Karnali Provinces today.
In addition, moderate rainfall is likely in some places in the hilly areas of the country including Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces, and in a few places in the rest of the country, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division.
The weather will be generally cloudy in the hilly areas of the country including Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim Provinces and partly cloudy in the rest of the country.
Tonight, it will be generally cloudy throughout the country. There is possibility of moderate rainfall in many places in the hilly areas of the country. Heavy rainfall is likely in one or two places in the hilly areas of Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces, as well as in the hilly areas of Lumbini and Koshi Provinces.
With low pressure line of the monsoon located around the usual location, the influence of monsoon winds from the Bay of Bengal has increased to some extent, adds the Division.
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Gaura festival begins today
Amargadhi (Dadeldhura), Aug 28: One of the biggest festivals of Sudurpaschim Province, Gaura, has begun today.
On the first day of the festival, it is customary for women who fast today to start Gaura by soaking Biruda (five types of grains and legumes). Therefore, today is also known as Biruda Panchami. Biruda is considered as the prasad and used in the worship of Gaura Devi.
“One should follow a strict vegetarian diet and celibacy for a month to take part in this ritual,” said Khageshwari Saud, an expert on Gaura festival. After observing the fast the Gaura festival will begin formally.
“It is believed that by fasting and worshiping Gaura, the partner and family members will be healthy, live long, and be happy and prosperous,” Saud said.
From this day on, it is also customary to play the Deuda (dance) with men and women of all ages coming together in a circle.
Since ancient times, it has been a tradition under this festival to worship Parvati, the spouse of Lord Shiva, as the Gaura Devi.
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Direct flights from Pokhara to Australia in the offing
Kathmandu, Aug 28: One can now fly to Australia from Pokhara and from Australia to Pokhara. This will be possible after Sichuan Airlines of China begins flights to Australia from Pokhara International Airport.
The Airlines has sought permission from the regulatory body, Nepal Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal to operate flights to Australia via Chengdu starting from Pokhara.
According to CAAN information officer Gyanendra Bhol, Sichuan Airlines has sought permission to fly to Australia via Chengdu and preparations are being made to grant the permission after completing the necessary procedures.
The company plans to operate flights from coming September. “Bilateral discussions are underway to formally finalize the process. The flight schedule is to be submitted by the concerned airlines soon,” said information officer Bhol.
Earlier, Sichuan Airlines had operated chartered flights to Pokhara International Airport for some time. The company now wants to operate regular flights to Australia as a new destination. Sichuan Airlines is the largest airline in Western China, headquartered in Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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23 percent suffering from depression in Karnali
Karnali, Aug 28: A total of 42 per cent of people living in Karnali Province are found to be suffering from anxiety and 23 percent from depression. Similarly, 11.7 per cent of people here are suffering from some kind of mental health ailments.
This fact was shared at the Mid-term Review and Interaction on Mental Health and Psychosocial Strategy and Action Plan 2079-2087 organized by the Karnali Province Ministry of Social Development with the financial and technical support of the Swiss Government and the Centre for Mental Health and Counseling (CMC Nepal) in Surkhet Birendranagar on Wednesday.
The data from the National Health Research Council says that 42 percent of people in Karnali suffer from anxiety and 23 percent from depression, CMC Nepal Director Dr Pashupati Mahat said while giving his presentation on mental health, national policy and strategy. Stating that 11.7 per cent of people are reported to be suffering from some kind of mental health issues, he stressed that governments at all levels should invest in its prevention.
At the program, Minister for Social Development Ghanashyam Bhandari said that a joint effort is needed to solve mental health problems. Karnali Province has developed and implemented a mental health and psychosocial strategy and action plan. This is the first of its kind among the seven provinces of the country, he added.
Psychiatrist Dr Sushil Samdarshi presented the future direction of the Karnali Provincial Government’s Mental Health and Psychosocial Strategy and Action Plan, the policies adopted and the progress made so far, and Public Health Officer Kiran Kumar Sharma gave a presentation on the mental health of Karnali and the activities and activities being undertaken by the provincial government for its improvement.
Himal Gaire, Head of Policy, Strategy and Good Governance at CMC Nepal, said that the program aims to cover the issues left out by conducting a ‘Mid-Term Review of the Mental Health and Psychosocial Strategy and Action Plan 2079-2087’ and to include the problems of Upper Karnali in particular in the strategy and action plan.
According to him, the mental health condition of citizens of districts like Rukum Paschim who migrate for foreign employment and return home has become even more alarming.
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Kaligandaki Corridor Blocked
Gulmi, Aug 28: The Kaligandaki Corridor has been blocked for traffic due to landslides. The road was completely blocked after a landslide occurred in Rakse, Kaligandaki Rural Municipality-2, Gulmi this morning.
With rain continuing to fall in the area, landslides from above the road has not stopped. Hence, the road is yet to be opened for traffic despite mobilization of security personnel with necessary equipment, said Information Officer of the District Police Office, Ganga Bahadur Saru. The rain has not stopped since Wednesday afternoon.
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103 infected, 20 succumb to Japanese encephalitis
Kathmandu, Aug 28: The Department of Health Services has reported that the number of people being infected with Japanese encephalitis is increasing in the country.
So far, 103 people have been confirmed to be infected with Japanese encephalitis, and of them 20 have died, said Chief of Child Health and Vaccination Unit Dr Abhiyan Gautam.
He also said that Japanese encephalitis infections have been mostly found in people who have not been vaccinated.
The deaths due to the infection have occurred in Jhapa, Morang, Tehrathum, Bara, Sindhuli, Arghakhanchi, Pyuthan, Dang, Bardiya, Kailali, Rautahat, Nawalparasi East, Chitwan and Nawalparasi West.
According to health workers, Japanese encephalitis is caused by the bite of mosquitoes, especially of the Culex species. It causes serious brain infections, leading to even death in some serious conditions.
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Nepal defeated by South Australia in practice match
Kathmandu, Aug 28: Nepal lost its practice match against South Australia by three wickets today.
Chasing a target of 147 runs set by Nepal, South Australia reached the total in 20 overs at the loss of seven wickets.
Nick Winter top-scored for South Australia with 36 runs, followed by Douwtjie (Dokey) Hoogenboezem with 28, captain Mackenzie Harvey with 27, Daniel Drew with 24, and Ben Manenti with 22.
For Nepal, Sompal Kami was the most successful bowler, claiming three wickets. Nandan Yadav took two wickets, while captain Rohit Kumar Paudel chipped in with one.
Earlier, Nepal was invited to bat first after losing the toss and posted 146 runs in 20 overs for the loss of nine wickets.
Bhim Sarki was the top scorer with 32 runs, followed by Dipendra Singh Airee with 26, Aasif Sheikh with 22, Aarif Sheikh with 21, and Sompal Kami remaining unbeaten on 18.
For South Australia, Campbell Thompson, Darcie Brown, and Ben Manenti each took two wickets, while Jess MacFadyen and Tom Menzies took one.
The match was part of Nepal’s preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifiers, scheduled to be held in Oman this October.
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Prime Minister’s Private Secretariat refutes ‘misleading and fabricated’ reports
Kathmandu, Aug 28: The Prime Minister’s Private Secretariat has said its attention has been drawn to information disseminated through some ‘online’ and social media regarding the statement attributed to Prime Minister and CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli in a meeting on August 27 with convention representatives representing the Kathmandu district ahead of the party’s upcoming second statute convention.
Stating that the said programme was just an informal meeting and not a training session, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat has expressed its objection to what it called misleading and fabricated topics disseminated by some online and social media that are inspired by self-interest. It also clarified that Chairman Oli had not said to the party’s representatives from Kathmandu that ‘no one other than Bidya Bhandari has the capacity to challenge me in UML; if Bidya backs off, everything will be sorted out,’ as has been reported by the online and social media.
According to the Secretariat, in the meeting Chairman Oli presented his views on the historical and struggle-filled background of the leftist movement in Nepal, the damage caused to the movement when personal interests overshadowed the party’s interests, the policies currently embraced by the party, the recent decisions of the party’s central committee, and the work that the current government has been doing for development and good governance.
“No other leaders have respect for former President Bhandari as much as I have and I am surprised how she has reached to a condition of opposing the party and its leadership. Former President Bhandari, has, instead of adopting the formal channel of taking membership of the party, is discussing with the media and other party leaders about becoming active in politics. Such activities do not contribute to the party’s goals and internal unity, and the general members of the party feel that one should not come in a way that vitiates the unity of the party. The conclusion is that granting her membership by the central committee would harm her and the movement’s dignity. She cannot win the party Chair position even if she joins the party and contests for position. The matter of taking leadership is not like becoming the apple of someone’s eye,” the Prime Minister’s Secretariat quoted Chair Oli as saying in the meeting, thereby presenting the reality.
The Prime Minister’s private secretariat has also requested everyone involved not to disseminate misleading news without understanding the reality.
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Foreign aid, concessional loan should be mobilized as per need: DPM Paudel
Patan (Lalitpur), Aug 28: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has stressed the need of mobilizing foreign aid and concessional loan on the basis of development needs.
At a programme themed “Nepal’s Graduation from Least Developed Country to Developed Country and Challenges in Budget Implementation” organised by Former Planners’ Forum Nepal here today, Finance Minister Paudel mentioned that it is not possible to move ahead being grant-oriented manner in the global context and circumstances, and it is necessary to mobilize concessional loan to be received for country’s development in the right way.
“We have not been able to carry out activities and manage resources as per the expectation even after five decades of moving ahead in a planned development. The main challenge is how to connect plans with needs,” he opined.
The Finance Minister underlined, “We have to conduct serious review whether or not we have become able to link plan making and budget allocation. Attention should be paid in plan making.”
He shared the government has been facing a big challenge to execute the policy of not implementing the projects less than Rs 30 million by the federal government.
Stressing on the process of capacity building, increasing productivity and competitive development as per the Nepal Human Development Report, Vice-President of the Forum, Dr Posh Raj Pandey, pointed out the need of forwarding the journey of prosperity in a way that international community could respect and trust it.
Similarly, Professor Dr Govinda Nepal made a presentation on the issue of budget implementation and added that arrears are increasing in lack of proper management of expenditure accounts.
The transfer of funds in the last week of Asar against the Policy of Economic Procedure and Fiscal Responsibility Procedure, 2077, was impractical in terms of expenditure.
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Landslides, floods cause complete obstruction of nine major roadways across country
Kathmandu, Aug 28: Kathmandu, Aug 28: Continuous rainfall has led to the complete obstruction of nine major roadways across the country, according to the Department of Roads. Water-induced disasters such as landslides and floods have severely affected transportation infrastructure.
As the Department informed, 211 out of 371 road sections are fully operational, while 151 are open for one-way traffic. However, nine major roadways remain completely disrupted.
Department’s Information Officer Amit Kumar Sharma stated that in several areas, efforts to restore roadways have been hampered by ongoing rainfall.
The Galchhi-Trishuli-Mailung-Syaphrubesi-Rasuwagadhi road has remained entirely blocked since July 8, following flooding of the Lhede River near the Nepal-China border in Rasuwa.
Other major roadways that have been fully disrupted due to water-induced disasters include: The southern section of the Karnali Corridor in Humla, the North-South Koshi Highway, the Chatara-Mulghat-Majhitar-Amarapur Danda-Ganeshchowk section along the Tamor Corridor, the Tatopani-Timure-Thori-Rasuwagadhi road, the Chhincu-Marim section of the Bheri Corridor in East Rukum, the Shahid Highway in Rolpa, the Surkhet-Tallo Dungeshwor-Jumla road and the Sindhupalchok section of the Araniko Highway.
Authorities are working to restore connectivity, but persistent rainfall continues to hinder repair and maintenance efforts, it has been said.
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Border issue should be resolved through dialogue: Maoist Centre Chair Dahal
Morang, Aug 28: Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Center) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said the boundary issues including Kalapani-Lipulek should be resolved based on mutual dialogue and agreement.
Speaking briefly with journalists at Biratnagar Airport today, Chair Dahal, also the former Prime Minister, reminded that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed commitment in the past to resolve border issues involving Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura.
The Maoist Centre Chair said he had clearly stated during his visit to India as Prime Minister that the relationship with the neighbour cannot be cordial without resolving the border issues.
“During my latest visit to India as Prime Minister, a ‘press briefing’ was held where the issue of the border dispute was discussed, and Indian Prime Minister Modi expressed his commitment to resolving the remaining border issues through dialogue,” former PM Dahal said.
Chairman Dahal suggested to the government to initiate a dialogue process with the neighbouring friendly nation India to resolve the border issues between the two countries.
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Four die on spot in Dadeldhura jeep accident
Amargadhi (Dadeldhura), Aug 28: Four people died on the spot in a jeep accident that took place at Nawadurga rural municipality-5 in Dadeldhura earlier today.
The jeep (Se 1 Ja 738) met with the accident, leading to the deaths of four on the spot, police said.
The victims have been identified as Suresh Saud, 18, Suresh Parki, 23, Tara Awasthi, 40 and Kalawati Saud, 72, from the same rural municipality, confirmed police inspector Dambar Bista of District Police Office, Dadeldhura.
The jeep was en route to the Dadeldhura headquarters from the Thanta Bazar when it met with the fatal accident.
Sushila BK, 18; Prakash BK, 44; Chandra Bahadur Saud, 48; Ram Bahadur Saud, 35; Ganesh Bahadur Saud, 42 and Pratika Karki, 4, from the same locality have been injured in the accident. They have been taken to the district headquarters-based Dadeldhura Hospital.
Further investigations are underway, police said.
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Motorable bridge constructed over Tardikhola
Lamjung, Aug 28: A motorable bridge has been constructed over Tardikhola rivulet that connects Dordi rural municipality-1 and Rainas municipality-9 in Lamjung district.
According to the Infrastructures Development Office, Lamjung, the construction of the bridge was completed nine months before the deadline.
Though the Oasis Angbuhang JV Construction had taken the contract to construct the bridge for Rs 51.28 million, it constructed the structure only at Rs 31.99 million, added the Office.
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People from 18-35 years would be defined as youth in Nepal
Kathmandu, Aug 28: The people from 18-35 years of age would now be defined as youths in the context of Nepal.
With the recent endorsement of the National Youth Policy-2082, the people of the 18-35 years age would be defined as youths, said Executive Vice-Chairperson of the National Youth Council, Surendra Basnet.
Earlier, the National Youth Policy-2072 had defined youth as those between 16 and 40 years. The government has formulated a new youth policy.
As per the National Census 2078, the population of people of 16 to 40 years was 42.56 per cent. Executive Vice-Chairperson Basnet said a request has been made to calculate the population of youths as per the new youth policy.
As the Act relating to Children has defined the population up to 18 years as children, the age group of people from 18 to 35 years has been included as youths, he mentioned.
The United Nations has defined youth as individuals between the 15-24 years. Basnet added that the legal age of youths would be 16-40 years until the amendment to National Youth Council Act, 2072.
Though the youth policy should be revised in every five years, it has been amended after 10 years, he argued.
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President Paudel arrives in Sankhuwasabha
Khandbari (Sankhuwasabha), Aug 28: President Ramchandra Paudel arrived here today to grace the Diamond Jubilee special celebration of the Madi Secondary School in Madi municipality.
The school that was established in 2007 BS is considered to have contributed significantly to the enrichment of education in the eastern Nepal.
Upon arrival here, the President was welcomed by Chief District Officer Sirjana Thapaliya, Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka and school Principal Bishwanath Subedi among others.
The President is scheduled to unveil the ‘Diamond Monument’ and an idol of Goddess Saraswoti built on the school premises.
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Goods imported from abroad will have to undergo lab test: Minister Bhandari
Kathmandu, Aug 28: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has said that the goods imported from abroad would be supplied to markets only after conducting test in labs within the country.
At an interaction entitled ‘Investment and Development Summit’ here today, Minister Bhandari opined that the imported consumer goods would be supplied only after lab test with an aim to curb adverse effect on public health.
He underlined, “We will establish industries and factories of international standard in the country. It will have long-term importance in development of industries of the country as well as improving living standard of the people.”
The Industry Minister shared that preparation was underway to export 77 goods in zero-tariff facility through Nepal Trade Preference Programme (NTPP) as America is the second largest export destination of Nepali goods.
Saying that Nepali goods have been getting priorities in the global market in recent period, he argued that the federal government is moving ahead with a policy of not comprising in health and safety of consumers.
Minister Bhandari stressed on cooperation and collaboration of all sectors in order to increase production by preserving pashmina and Nepali carpet industries as pashmina and Nepali carpet are identity of Nepal.
Similarly, Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province, Kamal Bahadur Shah, urged the private sector to invest without any doubt, saying there are sufficient infrastructures for industrial development in the Province.
“The Province government will provide land required for the establishment of industries in Sudurpaschim. We want to turn the potential of the province into reality by collaborating with the private sector. Support of all is necessary in this initiative,” underscored the Chief Minister.
Most of the participants in the programme expressed the view that there should not be any delay for the investment in the province as Sudurpaschim Province has all the required infrastructures along with immense potentials of industrial development.
The Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies and the Sudurpaschim Province government are organising Investment and Development Summit.
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FNJ issues 72-hour ultimatum to government
Kathmandu, Aug 28: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the government to resume registration and renewal process of online media immediately.
Submitting a memorandum to Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, a delegation led by FNJ President Nirmala Sharma issued such ultimatum.
The memo signed by FNJ General-Secretary Ram Prasad Dahal warned of launching protest if the registration and renewal process for online media is not resumed.
Receiving the memo, Minister Gurung assured of making transitional arrangement to end the inconvenience faced by online media and bringing a new regulations at the earliest.
Similarly, Secretary at the Communications Ministry, Radhika Aryal, shared that initiatives would be taken to make online media registration and renew process easier.
Registration, renew and operation process of online media have been obstructed across the country after amendment to the Printing and Publications Act, 2048.
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President Paudel insists on good governance to achieve prosperity
Sankhuwasabha, Aug 28: President Ramchandra Paudel has emphasized the need for reforms in the existing school curricula, teaching methods, and learning approaches by adopting an advanced, science and technology-friendly and research-based education system.
Addressing the Diamond Jubilee special celebration of Madi Secondary School in Madi municipality, Sankhuwasabha district today, the President highlighted the need for aligning education with technology, skills, efficiency, and entrepreneurship to serve lifelong learning objectives.
He stated that education should primarily be linked with entrepreneurship through the establishment of agricultural enterprises in villages, increasing production, generating employment, promoting the digital economy, and advancing infrastructure development. He urged the government to prioritize education, health, employment, and other sectors essential to meeting the basic needs of the citizens.
“Education is the foundation of prosperity. Therefore, quality education is necessary to realize the aspirations for rapid development brought about by political transformations and the demands of our time,” he said.
President Paudel stressed the need for such teaching-learning environment that supports agricultural modernization and commercialization. He said there should be no further delay in enhancing entrepreneurship to engage the country’s youth who form a significant portion of the population in national development.
The President also called for fostering a culture that respects labor and encourages youths to follow the trend of seeking employment opportunities abroad.
He stated that the federal democratic republic was achieved through great sacrifice, dedication, and struggle, and that the country is now progressing under this system to determine its own destiny.
He added that attempts to create confusion about the importance of this major political transformation by pointing to delays in addressing public aspirations or shortcomings in implementation will gradually be overcome.
“We must not forget that eliminating mismanagement that hinders prosperity, ensuring good governance, and delivering efficient and prompt public services are the first and essential conditions for sustaining our achievements,” he said.
Praising Sankhuwasabha for its rich natural beauty and vast tourism potential, the President said that the district leads in hydroelectric power generation. He added that the Kimathanka border point with China could be developed to facilitate transnational trade and commerce.
“This land is also rich in valuable herbs, medicinal plants, and agricultural production,” he said. “I have consistently stated that the development of agriculture, education, water resources, tourism, and industry are the foundations of national progress which is clearly supported by the district’s geography and natural features,” the President concludes.
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