Daily Khabar

Local fashion brand Denim Nation has chosen popular singer Durgesh Thapa as its brand ambassador. At the announcement event, Thapa said he was excited about the partnership, calling Denim Nation unique among both local and international brands. “Now 3D—Dushman, Durgesh, and Denim Nation—have arrived in the Nepali market,” he added, sharing that he has been a loyal customer for years. Denim Nation President Sushil Belbase emphasized the brand’s focus on quality and its growing recognition. He also expressed pride in teaming up with Thapa and hinted at new innovations coming through the collaboration.

 FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal met with Qatar Chamber Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim bin Mohammed Al Thani in Qatar to discuss ways to strengthen Nepal-Qatar economic relations. They agreed to hold the next Nepal-Qatar Joint Business Council (JBC) meeting in Kathmandu to promote trade and investment. Dhakal encouraged Qatari investors to explore opportunities in Nepal’s hydropower, solar, fintech, IT, and agriculture sectors. Al Thani expressed support for activating the JBC and deepening bilateral cooperation. Dhakal also invited Qatari businesses to participate in the Nepal International Economic Summit (NIES) in February, which will feature a special Qatar-focused investment session. He highlighted Nepal’s export potential in tea, coffee, cardamom, herbs, and processed foods, and stressed the need for collaboration on certification and branding. “The Nepal-Qatar partnership can reach new heights through investment, innovation, and cooperation,” Dhakal said.

 Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had a brief informal meeting in Tianjin, China, on Sunday. The two leaders spoke during a banquet hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit participants. After the event, PM Modi shared a photo with PM Oli on social media platform X, writing: “Delighted to meet Nepal PM Mr. KP Oli in Tianjin. India’s relations with Nepal are deep-rooted and very special.”

  TIANJIN, AUGUST 31: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli , who is in Tianjin, China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit , today visited the Zhou Enlai and Deng Yingchao Memorial Museum in Nankai District. Zhou Enlai was a key leader of the Chinese Revolution and former Prime Minister of China. Oli was accompanied by First Lady Radhika Shakya , former Deputy Prime Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka , Education Minister Raghuji Panta , and Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey . Other members of the delegation included Oli’s economic advisor Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada , lawmaker Chhabilal Bishwakarma , Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai , Nepal’s Ambassador to China Dr. Krishna Prasad Oli , and the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal. Prime Minister Oli is leading Nepal’s delegation to China at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping to participate in the SCO Summit.

Jhapa, Aug 31: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Chairman Rajendra Lingden has urged that non-resident Nepalis (NRNs) should continue to receive citizenship based on descent. Speaking at a press conference in Birtamod, organized by the party’s district committee, Lingden said that citizenship by descent helps connect Nepalis living abroad to Nepal’s prosperity. “Nepal exists outside Nepal as well,” he said. “Even though they live beyond the country’s borders, Nepalis abroad still care deeply about Nepal.” He added that the restriction on dual citizenship, introduced after the 2006 political changes through an amendment to the Citizenship Act, has created difficulties for many Nepalis who went abroad to study, work, or earn a living.

Kathmandu, Aug 31: A revolving fund of Rs 2.7 million has been set up to regularly present the Rashtrakavi Madhav Prasad Ghimire Prize . The decision was made at a meeting of the Masryangdi Literary Foundation on Saturday, chaired by its president Bijayaraj Neupane . Of the total, Rs 1.6 million was contributed by Mahakali Ghimire , wife of the late national poet, with additional contributions from family members. According to treasurer Lakshman Thapa , the award will carry a cash prize of Rs 100,000 and will be presented annually on Ashoj 7 , the birth anniversary of the Rashtrakavi. The fund previously had a balance of Rs 1.6 million .

 KATHMANDU, AUGUST 31: Marking its 10th anniversary, Himalaya Airlines operated a special diplomatic flight on Saturday, carrying Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli and his high-level delegation to Tianjin, China. The Prime Minister was accompanied by his spouse Radhika Shakya, Education Minister Raghuji Pant, Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey, Economic Advisor Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada, Members of Parliament, and senior officials. The delegation will return from Beijing on September 3 aboard a Himalaya Airbus 320-214. Himalaya Airlines President Zhou Enyong personally welcomed the Prime Minister on board, while Vice President Vijay Shrestha bid farewell at Tribhuvan International Airport. “It is a great honor for Himalaya Airlines to operate a special flight for the official visit of the Head of Government,” Shrestha said. “We will continue serving the nation with the same commitment in the years ahead.” The Airbus 319-115 (9N-AJK) departed Kathmandu at 07:23 NST and landed in Tianjin...

 KATHMANDU, AUGUST 31: Marking the 18th National Library Day, Room to Read Nepal has inaugurated 48 new school libraries across three rural municipalities in Kapilvastu District. Of these, 33 libraries are already in use, while 15 will become fully functional once additional seating is arranged. The initiative aligns with this year’s national theme, “Our Library: Our Future,” set by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, highlighting the importance of libraries in improving education and literacy. At the event, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Prithvi Subba Gurung, said that libraries should be redefined as community learning centers rather than just places to store books. Education Secretary Choodamani Paudel added that reading habits are essential for expanding knowledge and urged everyone to dedicate time to reading. The new libraries are designed to be child-friendly and to provide access to a wide variety of books and resources, benefiting th...

  KATHMANDU, AUGUST 30: Dusit Princess Kathmandu is hosting “Thai Mahotsav,” a three-day cultural and culinary festival at its SOI Restaurant from August 29 to 31 , every evening from 6 PM onwards. The festival brings the flavors and traditions of Thailand to Kathmandu, offering guests a unique experience of authentic Thai cuisine, music, and dance. Visitors can enjoy a specially prepared menu of Thailand’s most famous dishes, alongside live music and traditional Thai performances. “Thai Mahotsav is more than just a festival—it’s a cultural bridge connecting Thailand and Kathmandu,” said Samir Banerjee, Cluster General Manager of Dusit Princess Kathmandu . “Through food, music, and dance, we aim to give guests a true taste of Thailand’s rich traditions.” The festival lets visitors enjoy Thailand’s heritage and hospitality without leaving the city, combining authentic cuisine with lively cultural performances for a memorable experience.

  Rautahat and Parsa: Teja Mukhiya, a 25-year-old farmer from Sonarniya village in Rautahat, sits alone at the edge of his rice field. The soil beneath him is cracked, and the rice he planted just ten days ago is already turning yellow. “All has dried up,” he says in Bhojpuri. “If the rain doesn’t come, what will we harvest?” Mukhiya’s worries are shared across Madhesh Province, the fertile plains along Nepal’s southern border. Once called the country’s granary, this region is now facing an unprecedented water crisis. Taps are dry, wells are empty, and fields lie barren. For the third year in a row, irregular monsoon rains and falling groundwater levels are disrupting both city and village life. Experts warn this is not just a seasonal problem—it’s a full-blown ecological emergency caused by years of neglect and mismanagement. Cities Run Out of Water In Birgunj, a busy commercial city, Pintu Srivastava never imagined the handpump he installed seven years ago would stop worki...

Kathmandu, August 29 Delta Auto Corp. has launched its festive “Double ya Triple Babbal” campaign for Dashain and Tihar. The offer includes cashback, lucky draws, free branded helmets, and a grand cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh. The campaign is available for Vespa and Aprilia scooters and comes with EMI financing at 4.99% with no service charge. Director and CEO Vijay Kumar Mahato said the campaign is meant to combine festive celebrations with rewards, giving customers both scooters and memorable experiences. The promotion also includes enhanced exchange value for old vehicles, with a minimum guaranteed valuation of Rs. 40,000.

  Kathmandu: The Nepal Chapter of the Lancet Commission on Investing in Health (Nepal CIH) was launched in Kathmandu on Friday. Experts at the event emphasized the need for evidence-based, fair, and cost-effective health interventions to achieve universal health coverage, supported by strategic health financing reforms. Health Minister Pradip Paudel , who will chair Nepal CIH’s high-level Policy Advisory Group, attended the launch. Nepal CIH is a network of academics and policymakers working together to provide evidence and guide smarter health policies. It will include a National Commission of experts and a Policy Advisory Group with senior policymakers, politicians, and key health system actors. Minister Paudel highlighted the need for a forum to discuss health sector issues at the policy level. He said, “The constitution promises free basic health care and affordable specialized services, but avoiding this responsibility creates frustration.” Prof. Shiva Adhikari , Vice-C...

  Kathmandu, August 31 Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has announced that new banknotes for Dashain can be exchanged from September 14 (Bhadra 29) to September 26 (Ashoj 10) . The notes can be exchanged at the NRB’s main office in Thapathali and at its provincial offices in Biratnagar, Janakpur, Birgunj, Pokhara, Siddharthanagar, Nepalgunj, and Dhangadhi . Banknotes will also be available for exchange at the branch offices of Class A, B, and C banks and financial institutions licensed by NRB. The service is open to both the general public and organizations during regular office hours. This year, Ghatasthapana will be observed on September 22 (Ashoj 6) , Phulpati on September 29 (Ashoj 13) , and Vijayadashami on September 30 (Ashoj 16) , marking the main days of the Dashain festival.

 Baitadi, August 31 Today marks the main day of the Gaura festival, an important celebration in Sudurpaschim Province, including Baitadi, observed as Durvashtami or Athawali. According to priest Jayananda Bhatt, Gaura idols brought into homes yesterday evening are taken today by fasting women to the Gaura temple courtyard (Gaurakhala) for worship. Women spend the day singing traditional faag songs and offering biruda, a mix of five grains, to Goddess Gaura. Women also wear dubdhago, a sacred thread offered to the goddess, similar to the janai that men wear during annual rituals. The idols are decorated and carried from the Gaura house to the courtyard, where women sing Athawali hymns and perform rituals that tell Gaura’s story and her marriage to Lord Maheshwar. After the rituals, biruda is placed on the heads of husbands, children, and relatives as a blessing for long life and prosperity. Men observe the day by playing traditional games such as Thadokhel and Dhuskodhamari. Cultura...

 I’ll start with a confession: I’m a first-year architecture student, and yes, I’ve cried over a CAD drawing. Full-on, dramatic tears. In the middle of the night. Over a computer screen. Everyone asks, “What’s the best way to learn?” You hear advice like, “Practice makes perfect,” “Repetition,” or “Watch a YouTube tutorial.” But here’s what I’ve actually learned: the best way to learn is to mess up—loudly, painfully, and shamelessly—and then fix it. In school or in life, mistakes aren’t just lessons—they’re the curriculum. We all learn differently. Some people are visual, some auditory, some hands-on. But one thing we all share: we learn by getting things wrong first. Think of toddlers—they don’t master walking from a tutorial. They wobble, fall, cry, and try again. Mistakes give feedback. Painful, yes, but clear and precise. Henry Ford said it best: “The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.” I realized this during my second studio project. I obsessed over CAD ...

 On June 17, US President Donald Trump called Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ask for his support for a Nobel Peace Prize nomination, claiming it was for helping end tensions between India and Pakistan. PM Modi rejected the request, saying the ceasefire was agreed directly between India and Pakistan, not because of US involvement, according to a report by The New York Times . The report suggests Modi’s refusal to support Trump’s Nobel bid strained relations between the two countries. During the call, Trump expressed pride in ending the military escalation and said Pakistan planned to nominate him for the prize, for which he had been actively campaigning. Modi clarified that the US had no role in the ceasefire. Weeks later, the US imposed 25% reciprocal tariffs on India and added another 25% penalty for India’s purchase of discounted Russian oil, making it a total of 50%. The report, written by Mujib Mashal, Tyler Pager, and Anupreeta Das, is based on interviews with more ...

 KATHMANDU, AUGUST 30: Continuous monsoon rains have caused landslides and floods, blocking nine major highways and road sections across Nepal, according to Nepal Police. Major routes fully obstructed include the Koshi Highway at Bhotkhola in Sankhuwasabha, the Nepal–China border bridge in Rasuwa, the Pasang Lhamu Highway in Rasuwa, and the Arniko Highway in Sindhupalchowk. Other roads affected include the Kaligandaki Corridor in Baglung, Beni–Darbang road in Myagdi, Jajarkot road in Rukum Paschim, Bheri Corridor in Dolpa, and the Gokuleshwor–Darchula road in Darchula. While these sections remain closed, partial traffic has resumed on some roads where obstructions were cleared for one-way movement. These include the Mid-Hill Highway in Terhathum, Uttargaya road and parts of the Pasang Lhamu Highway in Rasuwa, stretches of the Prithvi Highway in Tanahu and Dang, the Kaligandaki Corridor in Nawalparasi East, and the Saljhandi–Dhorpatan section in Arghakhanchi. Authorities are worki...

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 30: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli left for Tianjin, China, on Saturday to attend the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. He is leading a 23-member Nepali delegation, including his spouse Radhika Shakya, Education Minister Raghuji Pant, Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Badri Prasad Pandey, lawmakers, advisors, and senior officials, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Oli was seen off at Tribhuvan International Airport by Deputy Prime Minister Prakashman Singh, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba, and Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal. A Nepal Army contingent presented a guard of honour before his departure. During his visit, Prime Minister Oli will address the SCO Plus Summit on September 1 and hold bilateral meetings with world leaders including Russian President Vladimir Putin, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, Cambodian PM Hun Manet, Lao PM Sonexay ...

KATHMANDU, AUGUST 31: On the 18th National Library Day, Room to Read is set to inaugurate 48 school libraries across three rural municipalities in Kapilvastu district. Of these, 33 libraries are already operational, while 15 more are being established in partnership with local municipalities. The initiative follows this year’s national theme announced by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, “Our Library: Our Future,” highlighting the importance of libraries in promoting quality education and literacy in Nepal. The new libraries are designed as child-friendly learning spaces, stocked with a variety of age-appropriate books to encourage reading and foster lifelong learning. Thousands of children, especially from low-income communities, are expected to benefit from the program. “Libraries are more than just places to access books—they are foundations for curiosity, creativity, and opportunity,” said Pushkar Lal Shrestha, Country Director of Room to Read Nepal. “By working ...

 KATHMANDU, AUGUST 31: The US Nepal Climbers Association Inc., a non-profit organization based in the United States, has appointed Laxman Bomjan as Coordinator of its Nepal Chapter. The association, registered as a 501(c)(3) organization, supports the mountaineering community, preserves Himalayan culture, and helps educate children of climbers who have lost their lives. As coordinator, Bomjan will manage chapter activities in Nepal, strengthen collaboration with the US headquarters, and launch programs to benefit climbers, local communities, and future generations. He will also lead the association’s flagship campaign, “Save the Himalayas,” which focuses on climate change awareness, glacier conservation, and promoting sustainable mountaineering practices. The appointment underscores the association’s commitment to global solidarity, cultural pride, and long-term protection of the Himalayas.

 KATHMANDU, AUGUST 31: The price of gold in Nepal rose by Rs 3,000 per tola on Sunday, reaching a new record of Rs 203,600 per tola, just days after crossing the Rs 200,000 mark for the first time. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, fine gold had been traded at Rs 200,600 per tola on Friday. Silver also saw a significant increase, rising Rs 65 per tola to reach Rs 2,425 per tola on Sunday, up from Rs 2,360 per tola on Friday, marking a new all-time high for the precious metal as well.

 Kathmandu, August 29: The Lower House of Nepal’s Federal Parliament has approved the Land Bill, proposed by Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives, and Poverty Alleviation Balram Adhikari. The bill was passed by a majority in the House of Representatives after earlier being reviewed clause by clause by the Agriculture, Cooperatives, and Natural Resources Committee. The bill aims to distribute land to over 1.1 million landless Dalits, squatters, and unorganized settlers across Nepal, while also allowing real estate professionals to buy and sell land. Minister Adhikari emphasized that the bill does not provide land beyond legal limits and is intended to benefit landless groups. Once enacted, it will amend the Land Act, 1964, National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act, 1973, and Forest Act, 2019, enabling low-cost housing projects to be sold legally. Even land not classified as residential will be allowed to be divided and sold, while the state can provide land to unorganized ...

 Yemen’s Houthi leaders have vowed retaliation against Israel after confirming that Prime Minister Ahmed al-Rahawi of their Houthi-backed government and several other ministers were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Thursday in Sanaa. The Houthis said the officials were targeted during a workshop reviewing government activities, and several other ministers were wounded and remain hospitalized. The exact number of ministers killed was not disclosed. Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported that Deputy Prime Minister Mohammed Miftah has been appointed to lead a caretaker government in Sanaa. Mahdi al-Mashat, head of the Houthis’ Supreme Political Council, warned in a televised speech that “Israel should await dark days.” Houthi Defense Minister Mohammed Nasser al-Atifi said their forces “are ready at all levels to confront” Israel, while military chief Mohammed Abdulkarim al-Gumari said Israeli attacks on civilian sites “will not go unpunished.” Israel confirmed it carried out a “significant ...

 Kathmandu, Aug 31: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that the Gaura festival plays an important role in strengthening Nepal’s cultural, religious, and regional bonds, as well as promoting harmony among people. In his message on the occasion of the festival, President Paudel wished that Gaura continues to preserve and promote Nepal’s unique culture while inspiring mutual understanding, peace, and fraternity among all Nepalis, both at home and abroad, especially in the western region where the festival is widely celebrated. He emphasized that folk traditions and cultural festivals like Gaura help foster unity in diversity, social solidarity, tolerance, and national cohesion. “Such festivals connect families and communities, preserve our culture, and contribute to spiritual faith as well as the happiness and peace of human life,” he added. Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav also highlighted Gaura as an occasion for social reunion. He said the festival strengthens relationshi...

 Morocco, facing its worst drought in decades, has started a pilot project using floating solar panels to reduce water evaporation while generating electricity. At a large reservoir near Tangier, thousands of “floatovoltaic” panels cover the water, protecting it from the sun and producing green energy. Authorities plan to use this electricity to power the nearby Tanger Med port, and if successful, the technology could be expanded across the country. Between October 2022 and September 2023, Morocco’s water reserves lost over 600 Olympic-sized swimming pools’ worth of water every day to evaporation, worsened by temperatures averaging 1.8°C above normal. Combined with low rainfall, reservoirs nationwide are now at about one-third of their capacity. At Tangier, the reservoir loses roughly 3,000 cubic meters daily, doubling in hot summer months. The floating panels could cut evaporation by about 30 percent. The government has installed over 400 floating platforms so far, with plans t...

 Kathmandu, August 31: The winners of Miss Nepal 2025 across four categories have been announced. Hidden Treasure revealed the winners during the grand finale held Saturday at the Sunrise Convention Center in Godawari. A total of 26 finalists competed, with the winners representing Nepal’s Gen-Z generation. Here’s a closer look at the titleholders: Luna Luintel – Miss Nepal World 2025 Luna, 26, from Kathmandu, is pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at the University of Sydney, Australia. Her motto, “Learn, Study, and Return,” reflects her goal to help Nepalis abroad contribute to Nepal. She enjoys playing the flute, listening to podcasts, swimming, and scuba diving. Luna was the first runner-up of Miss Teen 2015 and hopes to bring transformative leadership in public health to create community impact. Urusha Bhandari – Miss Nepal International 2025 Urusha, 26, from Lalitpur, is studying Bachelor of Dental Surgery. She is passionate about academics, music, and nature. A fitness...

 Kathmandu, Aug 30: The 66th meeting of Investment Board Nepal (IBN) has approved the draft license for the 669 MW Lower Arun Hydropower Project and authorized the IBN Chief Executive Officer to issue the project license. The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday, also approved the draft related to direct investment in the ongoing Arun-3 Hydropower Project in Sankhuwasabha. It decided to recommend the proposal to the Council of Ministers for final approval, according to IBN spokesperson Pradyumna Prasad Upadhyay. In addition, IBN authorized its CEO to issue a survey license for an agreement with the company that proposed the ‘Auto Service Eco-Industrial Park’ project, submitted as an unsolicited proposal to the board.

 Tianjin (China), Aug 30: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli held bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping today at the Tianjin Guest House. Before the meeting, President Xi welcomed PM Oli to the venue. PM Oli is in China to attend the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, leading a 26-member delegation at the invitation of President Xi. On his arrival in Tianjin, he was received by Nepal’s Ambassador to China Krishna Prasad Oli, China’s Ambassador to Nepal Chen Song, and senior Chinese Foreign Ministry officials. According to Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PM Oli will address the SCO Plus Summit in Tianjin on September 1.

 Tianjin (China), Aug 30 – Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, in his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping today, strongly objected to the China-India agreement to use the Lipulek pass as a trade route. Speaking at the Tianjin State Guest House after arriving to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2025, PM Oli stressed that Lipulek is an inseparable part of Nepal’s territory. He reminded that, as per the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, all land east of the Mahakali River belongs to Nepal. Oli said Nepal trusts China will respect and support this position. “Nepal will not allow its territory to be used against any other country. At the same time, it rejects any agreement between other countries involving Nepal’s land,” PM Oli told President Xi, according to Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai. In response, President Xi said he had no objections to Nepal’s stance and added that the matter should be resolved through dialogue between Nepal and India. The two leaders also disc...

  KATHMANDU, AUGUST 29 – Vivo has officially launched its flagship V60 smartphone in Nepal, featuring ZEISS-powered cameras and advanced AI imaging technology. The launch event took place at Hyatt Centric Kathmandu, attended by media, influencers, and national distributors. The V60 comes with a 50MP Super Telephoto Camera, five focal lengths (23mm–100mm), AI Four-Season Portrait mode, and Ultra-Clear 4K video recording. It also offers a Quad Curved Screen, Diamond Shield Glass, IP68/IP69 water and dust resistance, and a 6500mAh battery with 90W FlashCharge. The phone is available for pre-booking from August 29 to September 2, with official sales starting on September 3. Prices start at NPR 70,999 for the 12GB+256GB model and NPR 75,999 for the 12GB+512GB model, with EMI and exchange options available.

  KATHMANDU, AUGUST 29 – Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has urged investors to explore opportunities in Nepal’s Sudurpaschim Province, highlighting its rich natural resources and cultural heritage. She made the remarks at a meeting held on Friday at the Ministry, ahead of the Sudurpaschim Investment and Development Conference, scheduled for November 17–18 in Dhangadhi. Dr. Rana described Sudurpaschim as a region of stunning natural beauty and a key gateway to Nepal’s prosperity. She said the province has great potential in areas like hydropower and renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, cross-border trade, urban infrastructure, IT and digital services, mining, and industries based on natural resources. “I encourage both domestic and foreign investors to explore the opportunities here,” she said. Although the province is rich in water, fertile land, forests, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, Dr. Rana noted that it has remained underdeveloped due to underutilization of t...

  Kathmandu, Aug 29 – The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has sent a new volunteer, Nanhi Kim, to Shree Buddha Secondary School in Badegaun, Lalitpur. Kim arrived in Kathmandu on July 25 and completed a one-month local adaptation training at the KOICA Nepal Office on August 28. The training introduced her to Nepalese society, culture, and language to help her adjust smoothly before starting her work. She will serve at the school for one year in the Social Welfare sector. The Korea Overseas Volunteer (KOV) program has been running in Nepal since 1990. It aims to share Korean knowledge at the grassroots level, strengthen Nepal-South Korea relations, and support local development. So far, 493 KOICA volunteers have served in Nepal, with 10 currently active in districts including Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, Baglung, Kaski, Ilam, and Kailali.

 Kathmandu, Aug 29 – NIBL Equity Partners has bought a 28.8% share in Himalayan Java Coffee Pvt. Ltd. to support the popular coffee chain’s growth in Nepal and South Asia. The agreement was signed on August 28 in the presence of leaders from both organizations. The investment will help Himalayan Java expand internationally, increase regional exports, and open new outlets across Nepal. Shivanth Bahadur Pande, CEO of NIMB Ace Capital, said the partnership would strengthen Himalayan Java’s position as a global ambassador for Nepali coffee. Founder Anand Gurung added that the collaboration will help the brand grow internationally while continuing to support local communities and expand within Nepal. Established in 1999, Himalayan Java now has more than 70 outlets and a growing digital presence, with over 23,000 app downloads – reflecting the country’s rising specialty coffee culture. NIBL Equity Partners is a private equity initiative under NIMB Ace Capital, a subsidiary of Nepal Inves...

 Kathmandu, Aug 29 – The House of Representatives has approved the Land Bill, paving the way for major changes in land distribution and management. The bill, presented by Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Balram Adhikari, was passed by majority vote after detailed discussion in Parliament. The bill aims to distribute land to more than 1.1 million landless Dalits, squatters, and unorganized settlers across Nepal. It also allows real estate developers to buy and sell housing more easily. Once fully endorsed, the bill will amend the Land Act (1964), the National Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act (1973), and the Forest Act (2019). This would make it possible to divide and sell even land not previously classified as residential, while setting aside land specifically for Dalits and squatters. Minister Adhikari clarified that the bill does not propose giving more land than the legal limit, but focuses on addressing long-standing issues of landlessness an...

  Ottawa, Aug 29 – India and Canada have appointed new high commissioners to each other’s capitals, restoring diplomatic ties 10 months after expelling their top envoys over a political assassination dispute. Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced that veteran diplomat Christopher Cooter will serve as Canada’s new high commissioner to India. Meanwhile, India’s foreign ministry said its current envoy to Spain, Dinesh Patnaik, will soon be posted to Ottawa. Relations between the two countries soured in June 2023 after Canadian police accused India of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian Sikh leader, near Vancouver. Four Indian nationals living in Canada have since been charged with his murder. India has rejected the allegations, while former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused New Delhi of violating Canada’s sovereignty. Tensions began to ease in June this year when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Indian Prime Ministe...

  Kathmandu, Aug 29 – For the first time in history, 15 climbers are preparing to scale Api Peak in Darchula district of Sudurpaschim Province. At a farewell event organized by the Nepal Mountaineering Association on Friday, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, wished the team success. The government recently granted a climbing permit for Api Himal, one of the major peaks in far-western Nepal. Minister Pandey said this first ascent would be a historic achievement not only for Sudurpaschim but for the whole country. He also noted that the expedition follows the government’s recent decision to waive climbing fees for 97 peaks in Sudurpaschim and Karnali for the next two years. He stressed that mountaineering is key to promoting Nepal internationally and praised both Sherpa and non-Sherpa climbers for their role in strengthening Nepal’s mountaineering reputation. “This expedition will help boost tourism across Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces,” ...

  Kathmandu, Aug 29 – Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has urged international investors to put money into Sudurpaschim Province, highlighting its natural resources and cultural heritage. Speaking at a meeting on Friday, held as part of preparations for the Sudurpaschim Investment and Development Conference in Dhangadhi (Nov 17–18), Dr. Rana described the province as a land of great natural beauty and a potential gateway to Nepal’s prosperity. She pointed out that Sudurpaschim has huge opportunities in hydropower, renewable energy, agriculture, tourism, cross-border trade, urban development, IT and digital infrastructure, mining, and industries based on natural resources. “I urge both domestic and foreign investors to explore opportunities here,” she said. Although the province has abundant water, fertile land, forests, biodiversity, and cultural heritage, Dr. Rana noted it has remained underdeveloped because these resources haven’t been fully utilized. She welcomed the upc...

  Karnali, Aug 28 A survey has found that 42% of people in Karnali Province suffer from anxiety, 23% from depression, and 11.7% from other mental health issues. These findings were shared during the Mid-term Review and Interaction on the Mental Health and Psychosocial Strategy and Action Plan 2079-2087, organized by the Karnali Province Ministry of Social Development with support from the Swiss Government and CMC Nepal in Surkhet Birendranagar on Wednesday. Dr. Pashupati Mahat, Director of CMC Nepal, presented data from the National Health Research Council, highlighting the prevalence of anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems, and emphasized the need for government investment in prevention. Minister for Social Development Ghanashyam Bhandari said addressing mental health issues requires joint efforts. He noted that Karnali Province has developed and implemented its own Mental Health and Psychosocial Strategy and Action Plan—the first among Nepal’s seven provinces...

  Kathmandu, August 29 Nepal has updated its definition of youth in the newly approved National Youth Policy-2082 BS, setting the age range at 18 to 35 years. Surendra Basnet, Executive Vice-Chairperson of the National Youth Council, said the change was needed to align with existing laws, since the Children’s Act considers anyone under 18 as a child. The previous policy, National Youth Policy-2072 BS, defined youth as those aged 16 to 40. According to the 2021 Census, people in that age group made up 42.56% of Nepal’s population. While the United Nations defines youth as ages 15–24, Basnet noted that the National Youth Council Act, 2072 BS still legally defines youth as 16–40 until the law is updated. He also mentioned that although the youth policy is supposed to be revised every five years, this update comes after ten years.

  Kathmandu, Aug 29: Nepal ‘A’ secured their first win in the ongoing T20 series by defeating Assam by 96 runs in Guwahati, India. Batting first, Nepal scored 173 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs. Top scorers included Sandeep Jora (35) , Pawan Sarraf and Dev Khanal (31 each) , Basir Ahmad (27) , and Vivek Kumar Yadav (26 not out) . In response, Assam managed 77 runs in 15.2 overs while chasing the target of 174. Ruhinandan Pegu (17) , Shivshankar Roy (16) , and Aakash Sengupta (10) were the top scorers for Assam. Nepal’s bowling was led by Yuvraj Khatri with 4 wickets , Basir Ahmed with 3 , and Kamal Singh Airi, Akash Chand, and Vivek Kumar Yadav with 1 each . Earlier in the series, Assam had won the first match by 15 runs under the Duckworth-Lewis method (DLS). The T20 series is now tied 1-1 , with the third match scheduled for Saturday.

 Kathmandu, Aug 29: Two youths died after the scooter they were riding collided with a parked bus near Sky Bridge in Kathmandu Metropolitan City-32, Jadibuti. Kathmandu District Police Range spokesperson Apil Raj Bohora said the accident occurred early this morning. The victims, Nitesh Nepal (23) from Paykhal, Kavrepalanchowk, and Shirish Paudel (22) from Sunwal, Nawalparasi, died while receiving treatment for their injuries. The bus driver, Subash Tamang from Dolakha, has been taken into custody, and police have launched an investigation into the accident.

 Birgunj (Parsa), Aug 29: Nepali Congress General-Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has stressed the importance of keeping essential medicines and healthcare staff ready at Narayani Hospital to handle the cholera outbreak in Birgunj. Thapa, a former Health Minister, met with cholera patients and their families at the hospital today and spoke with hospital authorities about ensuring proper treatment. He urged the hospital to provide quality healthcare services free of charge, with enough medicines, vaccines, and trained staff. He also pledged to coordinate with the Health Ministry and other agencies to ensure the hospital gets the support it needs, including infrastructure development. Highlighting cleanliness, Thapa said hospitals must maintain not only physical hygiene but also proper management, good governance, and well-organized services. He recalled that during his tenure as Health Minister, improving cleanliness in public hospitals remained a challenge and emphasized its importance...

 Kathmandu, Aug 29: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli informed the House of Representatives about his upcoming visit to China from August 30 to September 3. He will participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin. PM Oli said the visit aims to strengthen bilateral relations with China and enhance Nepal’s presence in international forums. He will present Nepal’s priorities on regional and global issues at the SCO Summit, which he believes will boost the country’s image and prestige. The Prime Minister, invited by Chinese President Xi Jinping, will lead a Nepali delegation that includes his spouse Radhika Shakya, former Deputy PM Purna Bahadur Khadka, and several ministers and officials. During the visit, PM Oli will hold bilateral meetings with leaders including President Xi, Vice-President Han Zheng, Russian President Vladimir Putin, the President of Maldives, and prime ministers from Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam. He will also attend dinners hosted by China’s...

  Kathmandu, Aug 29: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has announced that doctors and health equipment from all four security agencies, including the Nepali Army, will be mobilized to prevent and control the cholera outbreak in Birgunj, Parsa. Speaking in the House of Representatives, PM Oli expressed confidence that the epidemic will be contained, noting that the cabinet had approved measures earlier today. He expressed condolences for the three people who have died due to cholera and said the government is working hard to control the situation. Investigations are underway to identify the source of the infection. The Prime Minister also mentioned that public awareness campaigns have been organized, and treatment for cholera patients is being provided free of charge at Narayani Hospital and other private hospitals in the district.

  Kathmandu, Aug 29: The government has decided to create Chhayanath National Park in Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality, Mugu district. The decision was approved in today’s Cabinet meeting based on a proposal from the Ministry of Forests and Environment, said Minister Ain Bahadur Shahi Thakuri. This will be the second national park in Mugu , following the establishment of Rara National Park around 50 years ago. Chhayanath National Park is now the country’s youngest national park, bringing Nepal’s total number of national parks to 13. The park covers about 906 square kilometers , separated from the Dolphu area of Mugum Karmarong Rural Municipality and connected to Shey-Phoksundo National Park in Dolpa. The local municipality had requested the government to designate this area as a separate conservation zone.

 Kathmandu, Aug 30: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the government to complete the transitional justice process by gaining the trust of victims of the 10-year armed conflict. Many people who went missing during the conflict are still unaccounted for. NHRC Spokesperson Dr. Tikaram Pokharel, marking the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, urged the government to make public the status of these missing persons. “The transitional justice mechanism must be fair and credible, and recommendations from NHRC should be followed. Victim families must receive justice and compensation, and those responsible must be held accountable,” the NHRC said. It has been 19 years since the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Accord, yet families of the disappeared still await answers. NHRC highlighted that victims’ rights to information, cultural rights, and compensation continue to be violated. The commission has submitted 226 recommendations to the gover...

  Kathmandu, Aug 30: The monsoon’s low-pressure trough is currently positioned north of its usual location in the east and around the normal position in the west. The Meteorological Forecasting Division has predicted generally cloudy weather across the country this afternoon. Some areas of the Terai and hilly regions of Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces may receive moderate rainfall, along with a few places in other hilly regions, including Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, and one or two places in the Terai. Tonight, the weather is expected to remain mostly cloudy nationwide, with moderate rain possible in some hilly areas of all provinces and a few places in the Terai.

 UN: At least 841 Executions in Iran This Year Amid Rising Human Rights Concerns The United Nations has reported that Iran has executed at least 841 people since the start of 2025, warning that the death penalty is being used as a tool of state intimidation. UN spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said the real number could be even higher due to a lack of transparency. In July alone, at least 110 people were executed—double the number from July 2024. Many of those executed were ethnic minorities, migrants, or Afghan nationals. At least 289 people were put to death for drug-related offenses in the first six months of the year. Shamdasani also criticized public executions, some reportedly carried out in front of children, which she said cause severe psychological trauma. Concerns over fair trials were highlighted, with many death sentences reportedly based on vague laws, including charges of “enmity against God.” Currently, 11 individuals in Iran face imminent execution, including six accus...

 A new study shows that rocky material from giant asteroid impacts 4.5 billion years ago still lies buried deep within Mars’ mantle. The discovery was made using data from NASA’s InSight lander, which studied the planet until 2022. The impacts were so powerful that they melted large parts of Mars’ crust and mantle into magma oceans, pushing both impact debris and Martian rock deep inside the planet. These fragments, some up to four kilometers wide, remain scattered across the mantle today. Researchers say this is the first time the inside of a planet has been studied in such detail. The survival of these ancient pieces shows that Mars’ interior has changed very slowly over billions of years, unlike Earth, where similar traces have likely been erased. NASA’s InSight mission, which placed the first seismometer on Mars in 2018, recorded more than 1,300 marsquakes. This seismic data made the groundbreaking findings possible.

 The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that Afghanistan is heading toward a severe health crisis, with 22 million people in need of aid, hundreds of clinics shut down due to funding shortages, and mass refugee returns threatening to overwhelm the already weak system, Khaama Press reported. According to WHO, more than 22 million of Afghanistan’s 46 million people urgently need help, but only 24 percent of the required funding has been received. This shortage has forced the closure of over 420 health facilities, leaving nearly three million people without essential care. Women and children are among the hardest hit. The country is facing rising cases of malnutrition, maternal and child health complications, and outbreaks of diseases like measles and polio. Mental health issues are also increasing rapidly. Adding to the crisis, more than one million Afghans are expected to return from Pakistan and up to two million from Iran in 2025. Already, over 836,000 people have come bac...

  The entire staff at the No Objection Certificate (NOC) branch in Sanothimi under the Ministry of Education has been replaced. Permanent employees who had been working there for 7–8 years were transferred, and contract staff were removed. From August, only new permanent staff have been assigned to the branch. The ministry took this step after repeated complaints of irregularities. An investigation committee confirmed that staff had been involved in misconduct, including preparing fake documents in collusion with consultancies, uploading fake academic certificates, and issuing NOCs in exchange for bribes. Students reported being charged between Rs 30,000 and Rs 100,000 for NOCs, depending on the destination country. Those going to the U.S., Australia, Canada, and Europe faced the highest bribes. NOC is mandatory for students going abroad to exchange Nepali rupees for U.S. dollars. It should only be issued after verifying a student’s academic background, study plans, and the le...

 The emergency ward of Narayani Hospital is overflowing with patients. Some are in severe pain, while others are unconscious. The ward only has 26 beds, but over 50 people suffering from cholera and diarrhea arrive every day. On top of that, many patients with other illnesses are also coming in. Since there aren’t enough beds, mattresses have been placed on the floor. Doctors and nurses are working non-stop. “We’ve had to keep patients on the floor. A separate ward has been set up for treatment,” said Dr. Chumanlal Das, the hospital chief. Since the cholera outbreak began in Birgunj Metropolitan City, more than 612 patients have been admitted, including 84 in just the last 24 hours. Currently, 31 patients are in the ICU, 6 in HDU, and 141 in general wards. Cases are also being reported in Parsa and Bara. “The numbers are still rising,” Dr. Das said. Calls for health emergency Public health expert Dr. Baburam Marasini has warned that the outbreak could soon get out of control. ...

 Finishing high school should feel like an exciting milestone, but for many young people in Nepal, it’s actually the most confusing stage of their lives. Once exams are over, the big question comes up: What next? Some rush into bachelor’s programs without knowing if they’re the right fit. Others switch midway and lose valuable time. Many prepare to go abroad—not because they truly want to, but because they feel there’s no future in Nepal. What starts as uncertainty often turns into stress, anxiety, or even depression. A big reason for this confusion is the lack of career counseling in schools. Students are asked to choose between science, management, or humanities in grades 9 or 10, but most don’t understand what those choices mean for their future. Instead, they often rely on parents’ or friends’ advice, without proper guidance. The weak job market makes things worse. The World Bank says one in five young Nepalis is unemployed. Even graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees...

 Kathmandu, August 29 – Gold prices in Nepal hit a new record high on Friday, surpassing the previous record set just three weeks ago. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of hallmark gold jumped by Rs 1,200 per tola from the previous day, reaching Rs 200,600 per tola. The earlier record was Rs 199,400 per tola, set on August 7. Silver prices also reached a new high, rising by Rs 5 per tola to Rs 2,360. Federation First Vice President Dharmasundar Bajracharya said the rise in Nepal’s market mirrors international trends. “As prices change globally, they are adjusted in the Nepali market as well,” he explained. Globally, gold prices have crossed 3,400 US dollars per ounce.

Completing high school should be an exciting milestone, but for many young people in Nepal, it often becomes a confusing and stressful time. Once board exams are over, the big question arises: What next? Some students enroll in bachelor’s programs without knowing if they’re the right fit, while others switch subjects midway, losing valuable time. Many plan to study abroad, not out of ambition but because they feel there’s no future at home. This uncertainty often leads to stress, anxiety, and even depression. A key reason for this confusion is the lack of career counseling in schools. By grades 9 or 10, students must choose between science, management, or humanities, yet most have little understanding of the opportunities these streams offer. Many follow advice from parents or friends without proper guidance. The weak job market worsens the problem. According to the World Bank, one in five young Nepalis is unemployed. Even those with bachelor’s or master’s degrees often struggle to fin...

Kathmandu, August 29 – Nepal has redefined youth as individuals aged 18 to 35 under the newly approved National Youth Policy-2082 BS. Surendra Basnet, Executive Vice-Chairperson of the National Youth Council, said the change was needed to align with existing laws, as the Children’s Act defines anyone under 18 as a child. The previous policy, National Youth Policy-2072 BS, defined youth as those aged 16 to 40. According to the 2021 Census, people aged 16 to 40 made up 42.56% of Nepal’s population. While the United Nations defines youth as those aged 15–24, Basnet noted that legally, the National Youth Council Act, 2072 BS still defines youth as 16–40 until it is amended. He also mentioned that the youth policy is supposed to be updated every five years, but this revision came after a decade.

  Chitwan, August 29 – The Land Problem Settlement Commission’s district committee has handed out land ownership certificates to 259 landless families in Chitwan, including Dalits, squatters, and unmanaged settlers. According to Commission Chair Iman Singh Moktan, 130 families from Ratnanagar Municipality and 129 from Bharatpur Metropolitan City received certificates. Out of 51,000 applications, certificates for 150 families had already been prepared. The commission aims to issue certificates to 400 families by the end of Asoj (October 17), working in coordination with local governments.

  Kathmandu, August 29 – Two young men died after their scooter collided with a parked bus near Sky Bridge in Kathmandu’s Jadibuti area on Friday morning. The victims, Nitesh Nepal, 23, from Panauti Municipality-2, Kavrepalanchowk, and Shirish Paudel, 22, from Sunwal Municipality-1, Nawalparasi, died while receiving treatment, said Apil Raj Bohora, spokesperson for the Kathmandu District Police Range. The bus driver, Subash Tamang from Dolakha, has been taken into custody for investigation.

  Kathmandu, August 29 – The House of Representatives (HoR) has planned to pass the Federal Civil Service Bill, 2080 BS, on September 4. The schedule was decided after discussions between Speaker Devraj Ghimire and the chief whips of various political parties at Singhadurbar on Thursday. The bill is expected to be approved if the National Assembly returns it on time. The Civil Service Bill is seen as a key law for implementing administrative federalism. According to Speaker’s communications expert Shekhar Adhikari, the HoR has set a 15-day parliamentary calendar, with sessions on September 3, 4, 10, 11, and 12. The School Education Bill is expected to be passed on September 11. Other bills on the agenda include the land-related bill, scheduled for passage on August 29, which will then be sent to the National Assembly, and the citizenship bill, set for September 3. Discussions and approval of the Constitutional Council-related bill, returned by the Office of the President, are a...

KYIV, AUGUST 28 – Russian forces have entered an eighth region of Ukraine, trying to gain more ground in their three-year conflict, a Ukrainian military official said Wednesday. Some Russian troops have moved into the villages of Novoheorhiivka and Zaporizke in eastern Dnipropetrovsk, a key industrial area next to the heavily contested Donetsk region, according to Victor Trehubov, spokesman for local Ukrainian ground forces. Russia had earlier claimed it had captured the two villages, but fighting is ongoing, and Russian troops have not yet established fortifications there, Trehubov added. Ukrainian troops are under heavy pressure trying to hold back Russia’s larger army. Analysts say there are no signs of a collapse in Ukraine’s defenses, and Russia has been unable to take major towns or cities. However, its slow advance through rural areas keeps Ukraine under constant pressure. The front line stretches roughly 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) across eastern and southeastern Ukraine, ...

 NEW DELHI, AUGUST 28 – The U.S. has imposed steep tariffs on a range of Indian products, raising concerns about a major blow to India’s exports in its largest overseas market. President Donald Trump had initially set a 25% tariff, but an executive order earlier this month added another 25% because of India’s purchases of Russian oil, bringing the total U.S. tariffs to 50%. The Indian government estimates these tariffs could affect $48.2 billion in exports. Officials warn that the duties may make exports to the U.S. unprofitable, potentially leading to job losses and slower economic growth. India–U.S. trade has grown in recent years, but disputes over market access and domestic political pressures leave it vulnerable. Labor-intensive sectors such as textiles, gems and jewelry, leather goods, food, and automobiles are expected to be hit the hardest, according to the Global Trade Research Initiative. “The new tariff regime is a strategic shock that could wipe out India’s long-standin...