Daily Khabar

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 1 — The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology (DHM) has forecast mostly cloudy weather across the country today. Moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely in many areas of Koshi, Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudurpaschim provinces, especially in the hilly regions. Other areas may also see rain in some places. Tonight, the weather is expected to remain mostly cloudy across Nepal. Moderate rain is likely in many parts of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, especially in hilly areas. There is also a chance of heavy rain in one or two places in the hilly region of Bagmati Province. According to the DHM, monsoon winds are still active throughout the country, and the monsoon trough is slightly north of its usual position. It is expected to stay near the Tarai region over the next few days, increasing the chances of heavier rain, especially in Madhesh Province. For Kathmandu Valley, cloudy skies and rain are expected this afternoon, with temperatures rang...

 KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 9 — The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has reported that monsoon winds are currently affecting the eastern parts of Madhes and Bagmati provinces, as well as Koshi province. Meanwhile, westerly winds are influencing the weather in the western regions, including Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali, Sudurpaschim, and parts of Madhes and Bagmati. As of 6:00 am today, Koshi province is seeing partly to mostly cloudy skies with light rain in one or two areas, while the rest of the country is mostly clear. This afternoon, the weather is expected to remain partly to mostly cloudy in the hilly regions of Koshi and Madhes provinces, with fair conditions elsewhere. Light to moderate rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely in some parts of Koshi province and in isolated areas of other provinces. Tonight, hilly areas of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces will see partly to generally cloudy skies. There may be light to moderate rain with thunder and ligh...

 MADHYABINDU, FEBRUARY 27 — The Magar community across Nepal is celebrating the 43rd Magar National Unity Day today with various programs and cultural events. In areas like Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East), which has a large Magar population, traditional processions and performances are being held. According to Indra Phal Magar, a central member of the Nepal Magar Association, events are being organized by the association’s district committee along with other groups. Magar associations in different districts, municipalities, and even abroad are also marking the day with similar celebrations. Bhum Bahadur Rai Magar, President of the association’s Nawalpur chapter, said the day is important for preserving fading Magar folk traditions like Salaijo, Jhyaure, and Kauda. He added that the celebration aims to raise awareness among the younger generation about the Magar language, culture, history, and customs. Magar National Unity Day is observed every year on Falgun 15 (February 27) to ...

Gandaki, July 31 — Nepali Congress (NC) central member and Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba said that personal issues are increasingly causing misunderstandings within the party. Speaking at a party gathering organized by NC Kaski in Pokhara, she said that while internal competition is normal in any political party, it should not lead to divisions. "The party should not be used to fulfill personal ambitions. It exists to serve the nation and society," she said. Dr. Deuba also praised the contributions of NC’s founding leaders like BP Koirala, Ganeshman Singh, and Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, urging current leaders to follow their example. She expressed confidence that the party will become more united and stronger after its upcoming 15th General Convention. NC Gandaki Province President Shukraraj Sharma also emphasized the importance of upholding the party's values, democracy, and socialism.

 KATHMANDU, JULY 31 — Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari said that the government of Nepal is dedicated to making sure everyone has the right to food, which is recognized as a basic right in the country's Constitution. Speaking at the UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia from July 27-29, the minister explained that Nepal has passed laws to protect this right, including the Food Rights and Sovereignty Act. He said that ensuring the right to food is not just about laws, but also a political and moral duty guiding the country’s efforts. Minister Adhikari stressed that Nepal, being a small economy with challenges like climate change, fragile mountainous land, environmental damage, loss of biodiversity, and increasing dependence on food imports, needs to focus on building strong local food systems. The government is working to support and empower local farmers, women, and young people by promoting nutritious local and ...

Today is the 15th of Shrawan, also known as Khir Khane Din—a special day in the Nepali calendar dedicated to eating khir, or rice pudding. This day marks the end of the rice planting season and honors the hard work of farmers. It comes exactly a month after Asar 15, another major agricultural celebration in Nepal. On this day, nearly every Nepali household prepares khir, a sweet and sacred dish made of rice, milk, and sugar. It is first offered to the gods before being shared with family members. Traditionally, khir is considered a pure food, often made during festivals and religious rituals. So today, you're learning to make khir the traditional Nepali way. It’s a simple dish, but it requires patience to get that perfect creamy texture. Celebrate this Khir Khane Din by cooking your own homemade rice pudding and sharing it with your loved ones!

  Bhaktapur, July 30 – The Changunarayan Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Bhaktapur, welcomed 31,225 foreign tourists during the last fiscal year 2024/25. According to Sabita Basnet, head of the Changunarayan Tourism Centre, 5,756 visitors came from SAARC countries, while the majority—25,459—were European tourists. The temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and perched on a hill east of Kathmandu, is one of the most artistically rich temples in the Kathmandu Valley. The tourist visits generated over Rs 11.9 million in revenue for Changunarayan Municipality. SAARC nationals pay an entry fee of Rs 300, while visitors from other countries pay Rs 400. Mayor Jivan Khattri said the income will be used for the development and preservation of cultural, religious, and tourist sites within the municipality.

 Dhorpatan (Baglung), July 31 – Jaimini Municipality has introduced an agriculture ambulance to help farmers transport their produce to market. Deputy Mayor Harihar Sharma said the vehicle was purchased for Rs 5 million, with half the cost covered by a federal government grant. The ambulance will support around 500 agricultural businesses, cooperatives, and farmer groups operating in the area, which includes about 4,000 farming households. Sharma added that the municipality is also offering grants, training, and technical support to encourage young people and farmers to take up commercial agriculture. In addition, the municipality has set up a produce collection center in Kushmisera with support from the Prime Minister’s Agriculture Modernization Project and has built a chilling center in Damek Sarkuwa to help preserve perishable goods.

  Kathmandu, July 31 – With rising global temperatures speeding up glacier melt, the risk of glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) is becoming more dangerous across Nepal’s Himalayas. This growing threat was highlighted during the eighth episode of the “Meet the Scientist” series, organized on Tuesday by the Nepal Forum of Science Journalists (NFSJ) under the theme “Rising Heat, Rising Glacial Floods in Nepal's Himalayas.” Professor Dr. Rijan Bhakta Kayastha, head of the Himalayan Cryosphere, Climate, and Disaster Research Center (HICCDRC) at Kathmandu University, warned that the increasing number and size of glacial lakes—especially in cross-border areas like Rasuwa—pose a serious danger to downstream communities. He presented findings from a rapid hazard assessment of the July 8, 2025 Rasuwa Glacial Flood. The flood started from a supraglacial lake on the Purepu Glacier, located in the Lendhe Catchment of the Bhote Koshi river, which lies in Chinese territory but flows into Nep...

  Kathmandu, July 31 – Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli officially launched the 'FIFA Football for Schools' campaign today at an event organized by the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) at Dashrath Stadium. Speaking at the ceremony, he said the government is giving importance to the development of the sports sector. He also announced plans to build a modern stadium in Suryabinayak, Bhaktapur. As part of the campaign, around 1,000 school students will receive free footballs, and school teachers and football coaches will be given special training.

 Kathmandu, July 30 – Nepal will host the Global Qualifier for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed. The tournament will be held from January 12 to February 2, 2026. Ten teams will compete, and the top four will earn a place in the Women’s T20 World Cup, which will take place in England and Wales. This will be the biggest international cricket event ever held in Nepal. Bangladesh and Ireland have already secured their spots in the Qualifier as participants of the 2024 World Cup. From the Asia region, Thailand and Nepal have qualified, while the USA made it through from the Americas. Four more teams—two from Africa, two from Europe, and one from East Asia-Pacific—will join through regional qualifiers. The 10 teams will be split into two groups of five, followed by a Super Six stage and a Final. Match schedules will be announced later.

 It’s not every day that busy leaders take time out of their schedules, travel from different parts of Nepal and India, and sit together—not to give orders, but to grow and learn. But that’s exactly what happened at the District Officers’ Training Program (DOTP) held in Kathmandu from June 28 to 29, 2025, hosted by Toastmasters District 41. Over two inspiring days, leaders set aside their titles and focused on what really matters: transformation. The event wasn’t just about training—it was about purpose, strategy, service, and leading with heart in a world that’s changing fast. A Purposeful Start The program opened with a warm welcome from District Director Gaurav Chaudhary, who shared a clear and inspiring vision for the year ahead. Then came Moon Pradhan, DTM, who kicked off the event with an uplifting talk reminding everyone why they chose to lead in the first place. “Leadership,” she said, “isn’t about the title—it’s about responsibility, resilience, and building relationships....

 Kathmandu, July 27 — Coffee hasn’t always been popular in Nepal, a country long known for its strong tea culture. Tea is a daily ritual here — when Nepalis greet each other in the morning, they often ask, “Have you had your tea?” rather than “How are you?” Served hot, milky, and sweet in a glass tumbler, tea is deeply woven into daily life — from homes to offices to social gatherings. But that’s starting to change. In recent years, more and more Nepalis have begun turning to coffee, with stylish cafes popping up on street corners in cities and towns across the country. Nepalis first began exploring coffee in the 1990s. One of the pioneers was Gagan Pradhan, who opened Himalayan Java — now a major chain with 84 outlets across Nepal. He estimates there are now around 7,000 cafes nationwide, though global brands like Starbucks haven’t arrived yet. Pradhan says part of coffee’s growing appeal is the more modern atmosphere of coffee shops, compared to traditional tea stalls, which ofte...

Today is the 15th of Shrawan, also known as Khir Khane Din — a special day in the Nepali calendar dedicated to enjoying khir , or rice pudding. This day celebrates the end of the rice planting season and honors the hard work of farmers. It comes exactly one month after Asar 15, another major farming-related festival in Nepal. On this day, families across Nepal prepare khir , a sweet and creamy rice pudding, and offer it to the gods before sharing it with loved ones. Khir is considered a sacred dish, often made during religious occasions and festivals. So today, you're learning how to make khir the traditional Nepali way. It’s delicious and comforting, and thankfully, not too difficult to prepare — though it does require a bit of patience. Celebrate Khir Khane Din by making your own khir at home and enjoying it with your family!

 When you hear “Toastmasters,” you probably think of speeches, stage presence, or the butterflies that come before public speaking. But one special day, the SAIM Toastmasters Club completely changed that image—with an event that mixed martial arts with public speaking in a truly unexpected way. SAIM Toastmasters Club from District 41, Division C, Area C3 organized a creative and energetic session called “Taekwondo Toastmasters.” The idea was simple yet powerful: combine the strength and discipline of Taekwondo with the confidence and communication skills of Toastmasters. Instead of the usual speeches and table topics, participants geared up for something different—Taekwondo basics, self-defense techniques, and fun-filled games. It was an exciting mix of movement, learning, and laughter that left everyone energized and inspired. Why Taekwondo? Many see Taekwondo as just a sport or a set of moves—but it’s much more. It teaches self-control, confidence, respect, and resilience—th...

When Rina B.K. was trafficked to India at just 14 years old and later rescued and brought back to Nepal, her hardships didn’t end—they only got worse. While she fought for justice through the legal system, society made her life even more painful. People, including those close to her, began treating her differently. Due to the trauma she faced—something she had no control over—Rina found herself isolated by her own community. She was no longer treated like everyone else. “After I was rescued and began my legal battle, even the police and my lawyer disrespected me,” she recalls. “My lawyer once said to me, ‘Once your case is over, let’s go on a date.’” Rina’s experience is not unique. It reflects a larger problem in Nepal, where survivors of human trafficking are often re-traumatized by those who are supposed to help them. Over time, though, things have slowly begun to improve. Rina is now part of Shakti Samuha , an organization led by survivors of human trafficking. She notes that t...

Kathmandu, July 30 A total of 6,110 crime cases were reported across Nepal in the fiscal year 2081/82 up to the month of Ashar, according to the latest crime statistics. Kathmandu Valley had the highest number of cases at 1,602, followed by Madhesh Province with 1,198, and Koshi Province with 1,014. Other provinces reported the following numbers: Lumbini (723), Bagmati (574), Gandaki (373), Sudurpashchim (401), and Karnali with the lowest at 226. According to Nepal Police, crime cases increased by 12.05% in Ashar compared to Jestha, which had 5,453 cases. Of the total cases, 1,042 (17.05%) were related to murder, 777 (12.72%) were suicides, and 364 (5.96%) were thefts. The largest category, however, was organized and financial crimes, making up 2,261 cases or 37% of the total. Other major categories included social offenses (947 cases or 15.5%), crimes against women and children (397 cases or 6.05%), traffic-related offenses (237 cases or 3.88%), and miscellaneous crimes (85 cases or 1...

 Kathmandu, July 30 – Zing Sky Bar & Lounge, located on the rooftop of Hyatt Centric Soalteemode, has officially reopened with a fresh new identity, offering guests an exciting "Sunset to Night" experience. Overlooking the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa, the venue now features a modern, stylish setting that aims to redefine nightlife and social gatherings in the capital. The revamped Zing blends bold colors, rich textures, and contemporary design with natural elements to create a space that feels both upscale and welcoming. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing sunset drink or an energetic evening out, Zing is designed to adapt to every mood and occasion. "This relaunch is more than just a makeover," said Walter Pereira, General Manager of Hyatt Centric Soalteemode. "It’s about offering a dynamic space that fits Kathmandu’s evolving lifestyle and helps guests create meaningful connections and memories." Zing is positioning itself as a top spot for h...

 On July 23, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) gave a landmark advisory opinion on climate justice, marking a major step forward in the global fight against climate change. Requested by the United Nations General Assembly and led by Vanuatu with support from Nepal and other nations, the opinion confirmed that all countries have a legal duty under international law to prevent climate harm and protect the rights of current and future generations. For Nepal—a country that has barely contributed to global greenhouse gas emissions but suffers greatly from climate impacts—this ruling is more than historic; it’s deeply personal. The ICJ officially recognized the suffering of millions of Nepalis who face the consequences of a crisis they didn’t cause. Climate Change is More Than an Environmental Issue For the first time, Nepal presented its case before the ICJ, highlighting the urgent realities it faces: melting glaciers, rising temperatures, floods, landslides, drought, and fall...

Tokyo, July 30 A powerful 8.8-magnitude earthquake struck Russia’s Far East early Wednesday, triggering small tsunami waves along the coasts of Japan, Alaska, and other parts of the Pacific. Tsunami warnings were issued for areas including Hawaii, North and Central America, and Pacific islands down to New Zealand. Near the quake’s epicenter on Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, ports were flooded as people rushed to higher ground. In Honolulu, traffic jammed streets hours before the expected tsunami waves, even in places far from the shore. Authorities urged residents along much of the Pacific coast to move to higher ground, warning that the tsunami risk could last over a day. So far, no major damage has been reported where waves have reached land. In Alaska, small waves under 30 centimeters (1 foot) were recorded in communities like Amchitka and Adak. In Japan, waves up to 60 centimeters (2 feet) were seen in towns including Hamanaka in Hokkaido and Kuji in Iwate. Tokyo Bay experienced...

  Kathmandu, July 30 About 85 percent of paddy planting has been completed in Gandaki Province by the end of July, according to the Province Agriculture Development Directorate. So far, paddy seedlings have been transplanted on around 80,000 hectares of farmland, out of the season’s target of 94,000 hectares. Baglung district has made the most progress, completing 95 percent of its planting, followed by Lamjung at 93.18 percent. Meanwhile, Nawalpur and Gorkha are slightly behind, each crossing the 78 percent mark. Officials say planting has been delayed in areas that depend on rainfall due to less-than-expected monsoon activity. However, if weather conditions improve, the remaining areas are expected to complete planting within a week. Paddy cultivation is carried out in all districts of Gandaki Province except for Mustang and Manang.

 The fight for equal rights, dignity, and justice by the Gurkhas—Nepali soldiers who have served in the British Army for over two centuries—has spanned more than 30 years. Despite facing severe discrimination for decades, a formal movement only began in the early 1990s. Gurkhas were paid significantly less than their British counterparts—sometimes 10 to 15 times less—and were denied equal benefits such as pensions, family support, food, housing, and even paid leave. While British soldiers enjoyed full family support and regular paid vacations, Gurkhas were only allowed to visit family once every three years—and without pay. Historically, Gurkhas were seen as tough, low-cost soldiers. Brian Houghton Hodgson, a British Resident in Nepal in the 1800s, was instrumental in encouraging the British government to recruit Gurkhas, calling them a "martial race." For generations, Gurkhas served loyally but were systematically denied the same rights as British troops. Rise of the Movemen...

Kathmandu, July 30 The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) index dropped by 47.93 points (1.59%) on Wednesday, closing at 2,954.14. This comes just a day after a 30-point gain on Tuesday had briefly pushed the index above the 3,000-point mark. The Sensitive Index, which tracks major Class ‘A’ stocks, fell by 2.07%, while the Float Index, representing actively traded shares, declined by 1.76%. Most sectors ended the day in the red. The biggest losses were seen in Microfinance (-3.28%) and Development Banks (-3.27%). Other declining sectors included Finance (-2.70%), Life Insurance (-1.76%), Trading (-1.72%), Investment (-1.65%), Hydropower (-1.63%), Banking (-1.55%), Non-Life Insurance (-1.54%), and Manufacturing & Processing (-1.32%). Only the ‘Others’ sector saw a gain, rising by 0.85%. Total trading volume also declined to Rs 16.44 billion from Tuesday’s Rs 18.52 billion. Altogether, 36.4 million shares of 327 companies were traded in 141,520 transactions. Only 23 stocks gained, wh...

  Kathmandu, July 30 In the fiscal year 2081/82 BS (2024/25), the bodies of 1,401 Nepali migrant workers who died while working abroad were returned to Nepal and handed over to their families, according to Nepal Police. Most of the deceased were young adults. The highest number of deaths—233—was among workers aged 26 to 30. Other age groups included 172 people aged 21 to 25, 226 aged 31 to 35, and 225 aged 36 to 40. The report also included 29 individuals under 20 and 215 between the ages of 41 and 45. Additionally, 117 workers aged 46 to 50, 71 aged 51 to 55, 24 aged 56 to 60, and smaller numbers in older age groups were also among the deceased. This data shows that many Nepalis in their most productive years are losing their lives while working overseas. The Department of Foreign Employment helped bring home 481 of the bodies and ensured that 1,086 were delivered to the workers’ home districts. Over the year, the department also provided Rs 1.02 billion (around USD 7.7 milli...

  Kathmandu, July 30 The government met its full target for borrowing within the country during the fiscal year 2024/25 but fell short in securing loans from foreign sources, according to the Public Debt Management Office. Out of the Rs 330 billion goal for domestic debt, the entire amount was raised. However, only Rs 125.3 billion was collected from foreign loans—just 57.79% of the Rs 217 billion target—resulting in a shortfall of Rs 91.6 billion. Gopikrishna Koirala, head of the Debt Management Office, said the shortfall was due to low capital spending and delays in project implementation, which held up reimbursements from foreign lenders. In total, the government had aimed to raise Rs 547 billion in debt but managed to achieve 83.25% of that target. By mid-July 2025, Nepal's total public debt stood at Rs 2,669 billion, or 43.71% of the country’s GDP. Of this, 52.49% was foreign debt and 47.51% domestic. During the fiscal year, the government spent over Rs 400 billion on rep...

Nuwakot, July 30 Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, has said that work has started to install a bailey bridge over the Lhende stream to help reopen the Rasuwagadhi border point with China. Speaking to the media after inspecting the Galchhi-Trishuli-Mailung-Shyafrubeshi-Rasuwagadhi road section on Tuesday, Minister Dahal explained that the original border bridge, Miteripul, was swept away by a flash flood on July 8. He said all relevant agencies are actively working to reopen the border in time for the upcoming festivals. He also mentioned that China has agreed to support the operation of the Shyafrubeshi-Rasuwagadhi road section on the Rasuwa side.

 Kathmandu, July 30 Bagmati Province Chief Minister Bahadur Singh Lama has appointed three new ministers to his cabinet. Govinda Lamsal, Maya Shrestha, and Geeta Gurung are the new provincial ministers. Lamsal has been given charge of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law, while the roles for Maya Shrestha and Geeta Gurung are still undecided. Earlier, five ministries held by the Nepali Congress in Bagmati Province were left empty. With Lamsal now heading the Internal Affairs and Law Ministry, the ministries of Youth and Sports, Culture and Tourism, Drinking Water, Energy and Irrigation, and Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation are still without leaders. On July 25, four ministers resigned, and another resigned on July 29, all signing a no-confidence motion against Chief Minister Lama.

KUALA LUMPUR, JULY 28 — Leaders from Cambodia and Thailand have started talks in Malaysia to try and stop deadly border clashes that have continued for five days despite growing international pressure for peace. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thailand’s Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai met on Monday at the official residence of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is hosting the talks as chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The conflict began last Thursday after a land mine explosion wounded five Thai soldiers. Both sides blame each other for starting the fighting, which has killed at least 35 people and forced more than 260,000 people from their homes on both sides of the border. In response, both countries recalled their ambassadors, and Thailand closed all border crossings except for migrant workers returning to Cambodia. Despite the talks, fighting continued Monday, with gunfire heard at dawn in Samrong, Cambodia’s Oddar Meanchey p...

Kathmandu, July 30 Ncell has introduced a special Monsoon Business Offer under its ‘Biz Sadhain ON’ plan, offering added benefits and discounts for postpaid, SME, and corporate customers to help support Nepali businesses. The key highlight of this offer is the "Pay for 10 Months, Get 12 Months of Service" deal. Customers who subscribe to the Biz Sadhain ON 399 or Biz Sadhain ON 649 annual plans will get 2 extra months of service for free , according to Ncell. Here’s what each plan offers: Biz Sadhain ON 399 : 10GB data, 400 local talk-time minutes, and 400 SMS per month Biz Sadhain ON 649 : 30GB data, unlimited local calls, and 650 SMS per month Both plans also include free access to Lionsgate Play (for movies and shows) and Mero Lagani (for stock market tracking). For corporate customers , Ncell is offering group discounts: With 3 annual connections , one number gets 6 months of free service With 5 annual connections , two numbers receive 6 months f...

Kathmandu, July 30 Proton Nepal has officially opened a new showroom in Pokhara as part of its push to promote electric vehicles (EVs) across the country. Located at Buddha Chowk, the showroom offers customers a hands-on experience with Proton’s flagship electric car, the Proton e.MAS7 . This launch follows the vehicle’s successful introduction in Kathmandu and is part of the company’s goal to create a nationwide EV network by 2025. To support this expansion, Proton Nepal is offering test drives, personal consultations , and access to easy financing and government subsidy options for interested buyers. Jagdamba Motors — the authorized distributor of Proton in Nepal — is also building its third service center in Pokhara to ensure quality after-sales service for customers. The showroom was inaugurated by Krishna Shrestha , President of the Western Automobiles Dealers Association, and attended by representatives from the FNCCI, Hotel Association Nepal–Pokhara Chapter, NYEF, and the...

  Bharatpur, Chitwan – July 29: More than Rs 105 million meant for the construction of the Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium in Bharatpur went unused last fiscal year due to delays by the contractor. The construction company, Himalayan Kalinchok BBR JV , failed to speed up the work on time, causing both the federal and provincial governments' funds to remain unspent. Out of the total allocation, Rs 73.43 million from the federal government and Rs 32 million from the Bagmati Province were left unused. In total, the federal government had allocated Rs 250 million, but only Rs 176.5 million was spent. Similarly, Bagmati Province had allocated Rs 100 million but used only Rs 68 million — meaning just 69.87% of the total budget was utilized. The contractor received three payments totaling Rs 176.56 million and had already taken an advance of Rs 136 million the previous year. Only 35% Work Completed So Far By the end of the fiscal year in mid-July, construction progress st...

Kathmandu, July 29 Since opening in 1977, Hotel Yak & Yeti has been more than just a hotel — it’s been a quiet symbol of elegance in the middle of Kathmandu. Located inside the historic Lal Durbar Palace, it has carried its rich heritage with grace. Now, the hotel is entering a new chapter, with renovated rooms, new experiences, and a fresh leadership team that’s redefining what it means to be a heritage hotel. “We’re staying true to what Yak & Yeti has always been — a timeless classic — but we’re raising the bar by blending tradition with modern luxury,” says General Manager Gopinath Gopalan, who brings over 25 years of experience in the global hospitality industry. “We’re not just a place to stay. We want to be a destination that truly represents Nepal.” The updated rooms reflect this balance between history and modern comfort. The Heritage Wing keeps the charm of the past, with its carved wood panels, brass details, and old palace architecture. Its two Presidential Suites, k...

The Russia-India-China (RIC) dialogue, first proposed by Russian leader Yevgeny Primakov in the late 1990s, was intended to bring together three major Asian powers to promote a more balanced world order, independent of Western influence. The idea was to create a space where Russia, India, and China could openly discuss strategic, economic, and security issues outside Western-led alliances. Over the years, the RIC platform has seen periods of activity and inactivity, particularly due to tensions between India and China, such as recent border clashes. Now, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pushing to revive the talks, Moscow appears keen to counterbalance Western alliances like NATO and AUKUS. China supports the move, and India has shown cautious interest. Reviving RIC at this point in time carries both opportunities and challenges, especially for the stability of South Asia. Changing Global Landscape When RIC was first formed, Russia was recovering from the collapse of the...

Goma, July 27 — At least 34 people were killed when Islamic State-backed rebels attacked a Catholic church in eastern Congo early Sunday morning, according to local officials. The attack happened around 1 a.m. in Komanda town, Ituri province. Dieudonne Duranthabo, a local civil society leader, said the rebels stormed the church, killing dozens and burning several nearby houses and shops. He added that volunteers are now preparing a mass grave in the church compound to bury the victims. Videos shared online showed burning buildings and bodies inside the church. Survivors and relatives of the victims could be seen grieving at the scene. In a separate incident, five people were also killed in a nearby village called Machongani. Many others were abducted, and their whereabouts remain unknown, according to Lossa Dhekana, another local leader. The attacks are believed to have been carried out by members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group known for brutal attacks and li...

Kathmandu, July 30 — The National Assembly, the upper house of the federal parliament, is meeting today at 1:15 PM. At the meeting, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, will propose sending the Film Bill, 2081 BS, to the Legislation Management Committee for detailed discussion on each clause. Also, Kamala Panta, Chairperson of the Development, Economic Affairs and Good Governance Committee, will present a proposal to discuss a report on Nepal’s planned graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status to a developing country.

  Kathmandu, July 29 — International Tiger Day 2025 is being observed across Nepal today with various programs aimed at raising awareness about protecting the endangered Royal Bengal tiger. Celebrated every year on July 29, the day was established after the 2010 Tiger Summit in St. Petersburg, Russia, where countries agreed to work toward doubling the wild tiger population by 2022. Nepal has already exceeded that goal. According to the 2022 tiger census, the country’s tiger population has grown to 355—up from just 121 in 2009. While this is a major success, it has also brought new challenges, such as managing tiger habitats, preventing conflicts between humans and tigers, and making sure protected areas can support the growing population. Experts believe Nepal can support around 400 tigers. To better understand this limit, the Ministry of Forests and Environment is working with several organizations—including the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, the Natio...

  Kathmandu, July 29 — Cambridge University Press & Assessment has reached an important milestone by partnering with over 1,000 Cambridge International Schools across South Asia. This shows growing popularity of internationally recognized education in the region. In Nepal, demand for Cambridge education is rising as more parents and school leaders want to prepare students for global opportunities. Many schools are adopting the Cambridge Pathway for students aged 3 to 19. This curriculum combines global learning with respect for local cultures, focuses on inquiry-based learning, and helps students become confident, responsible, and innovative. Teachers also receive professional training to support this. The milestone reflects a worldwide trend toward international education. In 2024, a record number of students took Cambridge exams. To meet growing needs, Cambridge will launch a third Cambridge Checkpoint test series in March 2026, giving schools more flexibility in schedulin...

  Kailali, July 29 — The Tharu community in western Nepal celebrated Gurahi, a traditional festival, with lots of energy today. This yearly event is believed to protect crops from pests and keep the community healthy. During the festival, girls and sisters make a cloth doll called Guriya. Later, in a ceremony called Asraina, the doll is respectfully discarded. This ritual is thought to drive away harmful insects and help young crops grow strong. After the ceremony, everyone shares a special food called Prasad made from mixed grains and puffed rice (bhuja), while enjoying traditional songs and dances. The word “Gurahi” means dragonfly, which plays an important role in nature by controlling pests. Men also take part by symbolically hitting the doll with sticks to chase away diseases and bad energy. Gurahi is also considered a children’s festival and is connected to protection from seasonal illnesses. It represents social unity and cultural tradition. This year, the Gurahi festi...

 A Bad Bank is a special financial organization set up to take over and manage the bad or non-performing loans (loans that borrowers aren’t paying back) from a regular bank. It can be a separate company or a part of the existing bank, where these “toxic” loans are separated out. The main goal is to remove these bad loans from the bank’s books so the bank can focus on normal business without being dragged down by losses. A Bad Bank doesn’t take deposits or lend money. Instead, it works on fixing or recovering the bad loans over time. When and Why Are Bad Banks Created? Bad Banks aren’t created just because a bank wants to hide its mistakes or corruption. They are usually set up when bad loans become too big to manage and start to threaten the whole financial system — like during a financial crisis or when many banks want to clean up their books together. In countries like Nepal and India, setting up a Bad Bank needs permission from the central bank and must follow rules about c...