- Saturday, 14 February 2026
Kathmandu, Feb 13: The price of gold has been determined at Rs 303,500 per tola and that of silver at Rs 5,000 per tola in the domestic market today.
On Thursday, hallmark gold was traded at Rs 306,500 per tola and the same quantity of silver at Rs 5,340.
Similarly, the price of a tola of standard gold was Rs 306,600 and the price of a tola of silver was Rs 5,290 on Wednesday.
Last Tuesday, the price of one tola of gold was Rs 305,500 and one tola of silver was Rs 5,240. Gold was traded at Rs 304,600 per tola and the same quantity of silver was traded at Rs 5,250 on Monday.
According to international media, the price of gold is 5,065 US dollars per ounce and the same quantity of silver is 84 US dollars in the international market today.
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07- Online ticket booking to open soon for visiting Patan Durbar
Museum
Lalitpur, Feb 13: It is now possible to book online tickets from home to visit the Patan Durbar Museum, which is enlisted in the World Heritage sites and holds historical and cultural significance.
The Patan Durbar Museum Administration has stated that preparations to implement an online ticketing system targeting domestic and foreign tourists have reached the final stage.
Head of Patan Durbar Museum, Suresh Man Lakhe, said that the online ticket booking system is currently on trial phase.
According to him, tickets have been distributed through two counters currently in the museum premises, and the system for paying the ticket fee via QR code has already been initiated before this.
“Now that arrangements have been made to allow ticket booking online from home, it will be more convenient for tourists. We are preparing to officially launch this system soon, it is currently being tested,” Lakhe said.
The museum administration believes that with the online ticket system in place, the hassle of waiting in long lines will be eliminated, time will be saved, and tourist management will become more effective.
The Patan Durbar Museum was visited by 313,300 tourists in 2025. Among them, 105,300 foreign tourists, including 43,053 from SAARC countries, visited the museum.
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08- NC urges one and all to support party campaign for ‘democratic norms, values’
Kathmandu, Feb 13: The Nepali Congress has stated that strengthening the party, ensuring policy clarity, and restoring public trust are the top priorities of its current leadership.
In a press statement issued today, the party said the new leadership is committed to guiding the nation toward good governance, inclusion, and prosperity, while further advancing political awareness.
Through the statement, the party leadership has urged everyone to support its campaign to promote ‘democratic norms and values’.
The party has called upon those who believe in building alternative forces, as well as social dignitaries from various sectors including medicine, education, law, information technology, agriculture, labor, industry, and civil society who wish to contribute to social transformation by engaging in political processes, to support and help make the party’s campaign successful.
“The Nepali Congress has always remained a democratic forum, a confluence of thoughts, ideologies, conscience, and commitment, where institutional norms are placed above personal interests. Transparency, accountability, and policy-based politics will be implemented and promoted. We believe that new ideas, fresh energy, and the participation of experienced individuals are essential for strengthening the nation and democracy,” the statement reads.
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09- PM Karki appeals all to actively participate in elections to give
political outlet to nation
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has urged one and all to actively participate in the upcoming elections to ensure the country’s progress.
PM Karki made this appeal while interacting with locals in Pathibhara, Taplejung during her visit to the eastern hill districts today. She emphasised that everyone’s contribution is necessary to ensure a peaceful election.
Prime Minister Karki also held discussions in Phungling with the Chief Election Officer, Chief District Officer, and district chiefs of security agencies regarding election preparations and security, said the PM’s press advisor Ram Bahadur Rawal.
Prime Minister Karki had also visited the Pathibhara Temple during her tour of the eastern hill districts today.
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10- HoR election: Candidates have similar agenda in Kathmandu
Constituency-2
Kathmandu, Feb 13: At a time when election to the House of Representatives is coming closer, election fever has gripped Kathmandu constituency-2.
Though the formal election publicity programme would begin from February 16, candidates have been reaching before voters through door-to-door campaign, assemblies and interaction.
Total 28 candidates – 16 from political parties and 12 independent are in election race in this constituency. Of them, 22 are men and six are women.
Maniram Phuyal from CPN (UML), Kabir Sharma from Nepali Congress, Sunil KC from Rastriya Swatantra Party, Mukunda Karki from Shram Sanskriti Party and Kunti Devi Pokharel from Rastriya Prajatantra Party are contesting from this constituency.
Candidates shared that they have taken this election as the test of trust, not only a competition of party. Employment, infrastructure development, education, health and corruption control are the ‘agenda’ of most of the candidates.
They have been making commitment of addressing problems related to daily life of voters rather than making laws. Management of traffic jam of Koteshwor, drinking water problem, management of Manohara corridor and generation of employment opportunities are also agenda of almost all candidates.
Voters have expected that parliamentarians should resolve problems of road, bridge, drinking water, sewerage though the country has adopted federalism. There are 88,708 voters in Kathmandu-2 as well as 40 polling stations and 100 voting centres.
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11- Budget spending 40 percent, development expenditure 15 percent in last seven months
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Both the government’s revenue and expenditure have appeared weak in the first seven months of the current fiscal year 2082/83 BS. According to the Financial Comptroller General Office (FCGO), during this period, the government’s revenue has reached 44 percent and expenditure 40 percent of the annual target.
Out of a total budget allocation of Rs 1,964 billion for the current fiscal year, Rs 801 billion 374 million and 900 thousand has been spent by the end of the month of Magh (February 12). This is equal to 40.8 percent of the annual allocation.
Out of the allocation of Rs 1,180 billion 980 million under the current expenditure heading this year, 47.62 percent or Rs 562 billion 371 million and 500 thousand has been spent. Similarly, under the capital expenditure heading, out of the allocation of Rs 407 billion 888 million, 15.62 percent or Rs 63 billion 729 million and 900 thousand has been spent.
Expenditure under the heading of financial management until the end of Magh is 46.71 percent. Under this heading, out of an allocation of Rs 375 billion 242 million, Rs 175 billion 273 million and 500 thousand has been spent.
For this fiscal year, the government had set a target to collect Rs 1,533 billion 446 million 900 thousand in revenue, of which 44.49 percent progress has been made by the end of Magh month. So far, Rs 682 billion 167 million and 300 thousand in revenue has been collected.
Towards the tax revenue heading, 45.21 percent of the annual target, i.e. Rs 599 billion 314 million 600 thousand, and 42.55 percent of the annual target for non-tax revenue, that is Rs 65 billion 713 million, has been collected, according to the FCGO.
The government had a target of receiving foreign aid equivalent to Rs 53 billion 446 million 900 thousand in the current fiscal year. By the end of Magh, Rs 12 billion 837 million 900 thousand had been received, which is 24.02 percent of the annual target, the Office reported.
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12- Man arrested with pistol
Kathmandu, Feb 13: One person was arrested today from Chandragiri Municipality-2, Nagdhunga, with a pistol and four rounds of ammunition.
The Central Police News Room reported that 30-year-old Keyur Puri, a resident of Kirtipur Municipality-2, was arrested along with the weapon when carrying out a search on his car (registration number Ba 19 Cha 690) coming from Chitwan towards Kathmandu.
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13- Memories of People’s War become refreshed: NCP Coordinator
Dahal
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party (NCP) Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has shared that memories of the People’s War have become refreshed.
In a message of best wishes today on the occasion of 31st People’s War Day, Coordinator Dahal opined, “This year’s the People’s War Day has become special for me. All memories of the people’s war have become refreshed while celebrating the day arriving in Rukum East.”
He added, “We got energy from motivation of the people here. Contribution of the poor, women and indigenous nationalities was decisive in establishment of federal democratic republic.”
Stating that they would move ahead with such motivation and new energy as of the People’s War, he said the present situation of the nation is challenging.
NCP Coordinator Dahal viewed that a situation has surfaced to hold the election prescheduled in 2084 BS in 2082 BS, underlining that the country has been moving ahead from difficult situation.
“I have taken this opportunity as the determination to start new journey of socialism,” he stressed.Expressing commitment of moving ahead with determination of people’s war era, Coordinator Dahal said a campaign would be launched to protect Nepali people’s right of self-decision.
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14- NA members highlight significance for HoR polls, demand its
conduct impartially
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Members of the National Assembly (NA) have urged the government to ensure that voting in the upcoming House of Representatives (HoR) elections on March 5 is conducted in a free and impartial environment.
Speaking during the zero hour of today’s upper house session, Sharada Devi Bhatta drew the government’s attention to the need to guarantee an atmosphere where voting can be carried out fairly and patiently, with less than three weeks remaining until the polls.
Ganga Kumari Belbase, Gopal Bhattarai, and Sumitra BC were among the lawmakers who raised contemporary issues.
Belbase called for the exploration and commercial production of a petroleum source identified in Dailekh. Bhattarai expressed concern over the removal of contract-based employees from the Social Welfare Council. BC voiced concern about the increasing incidents of murder in different parts of the country and demanded action against those responsible, along with justice for the victims.
During the special hour of NA session, lawmakers raised issues ranging from food security and cultural heritage conservation to the exploration of hydropower, herbs, and petroleum potential in Karnali. They also echoed the need to conduct the HoR elections in a peaceful, impartial, and successful manner, viewing them as an opportunity to strengthen democratic norms and values.
Urmila Aryal stated that although Madhesh Province is rich in religious and cultural heritage, these heritages have recently been under threat. She called for a concrete state policy and action plan to preserve them.
She further added that unemployment, poverty, and gender inequality remain serious challenges in Madhesh Province. She stressed the need for special initiatives to uplift socially backward communities, with a focus on women’s education, literacy, economic empowerment, and equitable access to opportunities. She also called for bringing Muslims, Dalits, and other marginalized communities into the state’s mainstream.
Durga Kumari Gurung also urged for the successful completion of the HoR elections. She stated that the country witnessed a shift in the political climate following the Gen Z movement of September 8–9. The movement, which called for corruption control and good governance, has led to an increased political awareness among youths.
She also complained that women’s candidacy was neglected under the first-past-the-post system in the HoR elections.
Sumitra BC said that despite abundant potential, locals have been deprived of benefiting from herb production and trade.
Gopi Bahadur Achhamai said the upcoming elections will be significant for implementing the federal structure, effectively practicing the Constitution, and institutionalizing the achievements of past movements.
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15- NC President Thapa promises to deliver for causes of Sarlahi-4
Dhankaul (Sarlahi), Feb 13: Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa who is contesting the HoR elections from Sarlahi constituency-4 has promised to deliver for the development of the area if voters here entrusted him with the responsibility as their representative in the federal parliament.
During his meeting with voters here, he said local needs will be identified and addressed in consultation of experts.
He vowed that he would do his best to develop the constituency from each aspects: education, health and others with the implementation of a planned development approach if he was given the responsibility for the same.
“Project government is ready provided that an opportunity was given on the NC to lead the country,” he added.
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16 – News Commentary: Achievable agendas count in election manifestos
Narayan Prasad Ghimire/RSS
Kathmandu, Feb 13: With the country all set to hold the historic House of Representatives election on March 5, some political parties and candidates made public their election manifestos, while some are learnt to be giving final touches to the essential documents.
On February 10, the Election Commission directed the political parties and candidates to make their election manifestos public by February 15. Reminding the Election Code of Conduct and the Political Parties Act, the parties and candidates have been urged to make public their manifestos.
Manifesto: Communicative tool
Election manifesto is the official document of the political parties and their electoral candidates, which bear their principles, agenda and vision. It charts out future programmes and plans, and makes written commitment to translate the goals into actions in a particular constituency and across the country. It is a periodic framework of party’s plans to elevate national status in socioeconomic frontiers.
Most importantly, the election manifesto is the effective medium for political parties and candidates to share their agenda before people and attempt to persuade them in particular favour. It is indeed a vote begging tool.
However, questions persist whether the election manifesto is enough to convince people and whether the voters depend largely on it before deciding on vote casting.
Platform publicity
In the age with limited atmosphere of mass communications, the communication with printed documents could bear significant value to make people aware on party agenda and vision. Still, literacy rate and language barriers could limit it. Now, time changed radically that the voters and the public in general do not seem feeling any need of election manifestos- they are saturated with the flood of information with speeches of their parties and candidates. It is problematic that they have been victim of eco-chamber created by the algorithm and artificial intelligence (AI). On the other hand, it has been super easy for the parties and contenders alike to reach the public their views in no time. As in the publicity, they would certainly leverage digital frontiers to give a boost to manifestos’ visibility. It is therefore called the age of platforms- a shift from the age of pamphlets.Irrespective of the present digital environment holding sway, parties are bound to prepare the election manifestos, which are warranted from legal viewpoints as well. The EC has reminded the parties for the same.
For every aware citizen and observer of national politics and election, election manifesto counts much. How the parties present their principles, set the goals and commit to translating the goals into actions is keenly followed to understand their present stand, and future orientation and behaviour. It should give a lens to analyse their worth and keep a close watch further. No doubt, the documents incorporate issues of objective realities to ambitious projections. But, how they adopt the measures to achieve ambitions is relevant for the analyses and pose questions in case of failure, and the praise in case of achievement.
Economy: Common issue
The most common issues of all parties and candidates are undoubtedly related to economic growth and prosperity. It in need directly related to other sectors that the dismal economic growth requires attention from various sides. Worrying factor is that ambitions are set of achieving double digit growth rate in coming five years but measures to achieve it fall flatly. It is sheer contradiction of parties to make ambitious projections on the one hand and making snail-paced efforts for the achievements.
To avoid such contradiction, genuine endeavours to revive national economy must be put in place. For it to happen, the political behaviour must be corrected. It is worth noting that the political behaviour turned not only pervasive but also invasive, denting national institutions.
It is clear that the extractive political behaviour fueled the extractive economy that distanced equality and paved way for select few to accumulate the wealth. It is often decried as a practice of crony capitalism in Nepal. Do our political parties show courage to dismantle the vicious cycle that spur such economy?
Yes, the private sector, which is the engine of national economy, faced brutal attacks during the September Gen Z movement. The private sector therefore needs sympathy, relief, encouragement and security. Without earning the confidence neither of the private sector, neither the political parties’ nor of the government plans translate into action. At the same time, it is imperative to create atmosphere where economic freedoms are exercised unobstructed and national economy propped up. Educational sector, good governance, federal strengthening and trust in public institutions are other needs the parties should pay heed.
Swift and smooth service delivery
People have heard many slogans of the national development and prosperity. There are already several national plans and documents featuring national ambitions and dream projects. Mere mention of numerous ambitions in manifestos does not count, but achievable approaches and strategies. Those days of ‘ism’ have lost relevance. Fed up with assurances, the people have lost patience either to see stack of dreamy projects. They want the results fast and smooth as digital age warrants.
The fast and smooth service delivery is not only the digital need but also the aspiration of Gen Z movement. The election being held in the backdrop of the Gen Z movement cannot ignore the demands put forth by the youths. Among their demands, good governance and corruption control come at top. In addition to the commitments in manifestos, political parties can forward corrective measures in their behaviours, which would help them realize the ambitions in the changed context.
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17- Efforts underway to reform immigration administration, asserts Home Minister
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has made it clear that the government is continuing its efforts to further systematize the immigration administration.
Responding to queries raised during discussions on a proposal to deliberate on the Study Report on Delegated Management–2082 BS at a meeting of the National Assembly today, the Home Minister said immigration officials have recently been trained and oriented to make services more friendly for service seekers.
He assured that the issues highlighted in the report would be incorporated into the draft of the immigration-related bill currently under formulation. “We are in the process of drafting a new immigration bill. The committee’s recommendations will serve as invaluable assets,” he said.
Lawmakers Nara Bahadur Bista, Dr Beduram Bhusal, Yubaraj Sharma, Tulasa Kumari Dahal, Madan Kumari Shah (Garima), Anjan Shakya, Shree Krishna Prasad Adhikari, Sumitra BC, Ganga Kumari Belbase, Rukmini Koirala, and Suresh Kumar Ale, among others, drew the government’s attention to the need to implement the report’s recommendations.
Earlier, President of the Public Policy and Delegated Legislation Committee, Maya Prasad Sharma, tabled the proposal to hold deliberations on the report, which was unanimously endorsed by the session.
National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal directed the government to prioritize the implementation of the report’s feedback.
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18- Election is only means to bring country back on track: Acting CEC
Bhandari
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari has shared that election is the only medium to bring the country back in a right path.
At a programme organised by Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal on the occasion of the 15th World Radio Day here today, Bhandari underlined that the Election Commission has been working to hold the election in a fair manner in order to bring the country back to right track, which has lost its rhythm and discipline after Gen Z movement occurred on September 8 and 9.
The Acting Chief Election Commissioner requested all media persons including radio journalists to play significant role to hold the upcoming election to the House of Representatives.
He stressed the need that community radio should disseminate awareness related contents as initiatives are underway to spoil the election by spreading false, misleading and harmful information from social platforms.
“Agreement was signed with TikTok to prevent false, misleading and harmful information that are spread from social platforms. Similarly, preparation is underway to make such type of agreement with Meta as well as agreement has been signed with other media across the country to check the fact and truth of information,” he opined.
On the occasion, election code of conduct made for radio journalists by the Association was read out.
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19 – Home Minister assures of conclusion of HoR polls impartially
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said the government will leave no stone unturned to conclude the election to the House of Representatives (HoR) in an impartial atmosphere.
During his meeting with office-bearers from the Municipal Association of Nepal (MuAN), National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal (NARMIN) and the Association of District Coordination Committees of Nepal (ADCCN) at the Ministry today, the Minister said Concept for establishing coordination and cooperation up to the ward level was brought and implemented to systematise the election management.
The meeting was centered on the peace and security, election and the contemporary matters. The chiefs and officials from the umbrella organistations from the local level said that they were facilitating from the respective positions for creating an atmosphere to conclude the election in a free and impartial atmosphere, according to the Secretariat of the Home Minister.
Home Secretary Raj Kumar Shrestha, Chief Investigation Director Tekendra Karki, MuAN President Bhim Prasad Dhungana, NARMIN President Laxmi Devi Pandey and ADCCN executive director Bharat Kumar Bhattarai and Home Minister’s Security and Coordination Division Chief Anand Kafle were among those present on the occasion.
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20- Development of qualities like service to nation among youths positive:
President
Kathmandu, Feb 13: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that the National Cadet Corps (NCC), established as a global concept, has been positive in developing and promoting qualities such as nationalism, patriotism, leadership, self-confidence and national service among the youths.
He expressed this view while addressing the programme for participants of the NCC Youth Exchange Programme, held today at the President House, Shital Niwas.
“The NCC Youth Exchange Programme has been bringing together youths from various countries and transforming them into loyal, disciplined, responsible, future influential leaders and good citizens. It is a matter of joy that it promotes and develops qualities such as nationalism, patriotism, leadership, confidence and public service among youths,” said President Paudel.
He stated that such youth exchange programmes provide the Nepali Army with a golden opportunity to strengthen mutual relations with the armies of friendly nations as well as facilitate the exchange of skills, culture and traditions among cadets.
Nepali cadets recently participated in youth exchange programmes held in India, Bhutan, Pakistan, and the Maldives, gaining opportunities to further develop themselves and, through such programmes, to understand and learn about each other’s social, economic, and cultural realities, the President said on the occasion.
“I believe this youth exchange programme will further strengthen the relationship between us and convey the message that the entire world is one community,” President Paudel added.
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21- Annual report of Muslim Commission presented before NA
Kathmandu, Feb 13: An annual report of the Muslim Commission for fiscal year 2080-81 BS has been presented in the National Assembly (NA), the upper house of the Federal Parliament, today.
Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Anil Kumar Sinha, on behalf of Prime Minister and Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Sushila Karki, tabled the report in the NA meeting.
On the occasion, Chairperson of Legislation Management Committee, Tulasha Kumari Dahal, presented the ‘Inter-Legislative Relationship Study Report among Federal Units, 2082’, and the ‘Implementation Measurement Report of Provisions on Child Participation in the Child-related Act, 2082’.
Similarly, NA Vice-Chairperson, Bimala Ghimire, while chairing the NA meeting, informed the Assembly about the letter received from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers regarding allocation of responsibilities to the members of the Council of Ministers.
The 19th session of the NA has prorogued. President Ramchandra Paudel at the recommendation made by the Cabinet on February 9 prorogued the ongoing session of the NA effective from 12:00 tonight in accordance with Article 93 (3) of the Constitution.
The NA Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal informed the details of the letter regarding prorogue of the NA session send by the Office of the President.
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22- PM Karki takes stock of electoral preparations in Taplejung
Phungling (Taplejung), Feb 13: Prime Minister Sushila Karki today visited Taplejung to hold consultations with the authorities concerned about the election preparations in Taplejung. She held a meeting with Chief Election Officer in Taplejung, local security chief and others, concerning the electoral preparations.
Taplejung Chief Election Officer and district judge Bikash Shrestha and Chief District Officer Shibaraj Sedhai apprised her on the progress on the election management and security arrangements made so far, nature of voting stations and the overall election atmosphere.
During the meeting, she directed the authorities concerned for ensuring all required security arrangements in the district that shares with border in India towards the south and with China towards the north. She directed for bearing in mind the additional security needs for the sensitive polling stations.
Prior to this, the Prime Minister paid homage to the local Pathibhara Temple, the famous religious shrine in the eastern region. She had arrived here at 8:00 am on today.
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