Nepali News, Distilled

The Koshi Provincial Assembly has begun discussions on the annual policies and programs presented by the provincial government for the fiscal year 2083/84. The debate commenced after Speaker Ambar Bahadur Bista announced the unanimous approval of a proposal by Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki to initiate deliberations. Lawmakers voiced concerns regarding the implementability of the policies, the need for sufficient budget allocation, and the omission of issues like landless squatters.

The Bagmati Province Assembly is set to present the government's Policy and Programme for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84 today, with Province Chief Deepak Prasad Devkota scheduled to deliver it. Concurrently, the Gandaki Province Assembly is commencing its budget session today, focusing on discussions for the fiscal year 2026/27.

The Madhesh provincial government has undergone a cabinet reshuffle, with Chief Minister Krishna Prasad Yadav recommending the induction of five new ministers. Province Chief Surendra Labh Karna administered the oath of office to the new appointees, who represent the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and Nepali Communist Party.

The Nepali government is finalizing the budget for fiscal year 2083/84, set to be presented by Jestha 15, with a strong emphasis on fostering a private sector-friendly investment environment and implementing economic reforms. Key policy priorities include reducing acquisition and tax-related hurdles, enhancing the one-door service system, and increasing investment in industrial infrastructure to lower costs. The Finance Minister has described the upcoming budget as the commencement of a new, transformative phase of economic reform.

Nepal Life Insurance Company Limited held a specialized training in Kathmandu on Anti-Money Laundering, Countering the Financing of Terrorism, and Countering the Financing of Proliferation (AML/CFT/CPF). The session featured Dr. Hari Kumar Nepal from Nepal Rastra Bank, who provided insights on legal frameworks and practical implementation for the insurance sector. The training aimed to strengthen participants' understanding and reduce financial crimes.

POCO has officially launched a new authorized service center at Ramesh Complex in Sanepa, Kathmandu. Operated by Tele Talk Pvt. Ltd., a Ramesh Corp entity, the facility will provide after-sales service and technical support for POCO smartphones and devices. Executive Director Sanjay Agrawal stated the company is committed to enhancing its after-sales support network in Nepal.

The Supreme Court has issued an interim order preventing the arrest of former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife Arzu Rana Deuba in a money laundering investigation. The court found that the Department of Money Laundering Investigation and Kathmandu District Court did not follow proper legal procedures when seeking and granting the arrest warrant, stating the process appeared non-compliant with prevailing laws.

A probe committee has recommended departmental action against 10 police personnel, including a Superintendent of Police, in connection with the death of 23-year-old Shreekrishna BK while in custody at the Area Police Office in Khurkot, Sindhuli. The committee, led by Deputy Inspector General Dinesh Kumar Acharya, suggested various disciplinary measures ranging from reprimands to demotion.

Accused Prem Tharu is facing two separate cases in Kathmandu District Court for large-scale theft and money laundering. The District Government Attorney's Office has filed charge sheets against him for burglary in incidents in Boudha and Bhotubahal, and also for money laundering related to assets acquired with stolen funds.

The final day of the Premier League season saw West Ham relegated after 14 years, while Pep Guardiola and Mohamed Salah made emotional departures following record-breaking spells. In Italian football, AC Milan sacked head coach Massimiliano Allegri after failing to qualify for the Champions League, deeming the season a failure.

The FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to feature 48 teams. Squad announcements are underway, with England, Croatia, and Colombia revealing their selected players. Notably, James Rodriguez has been included in Colombia's squad despite recent health concerns.

Tribhuvan University (TU) and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) are discussing a short-term arrangement for the TU cricket ground, as the university's 25-year lease agreement has expired. Matches will only be permitted with prior university approval, and CAN must submit its schedule in advance.

Authorities demolished the Shantinagar squatter settlement in Kathmandu, displacing families who had lived there for years. Among those affected is Lal Bahadur Limbu, who, along with his family, is now residing in a temporary holding center in Banepa, facing an uncertain future after their homes were destroyed with little notice.

Farmers across Nepal are facing significant challenges due to a growing monkey menace, which is destroying crops and contributing to rural migration. Lawmakers have raised concerns in parliament about the impact on livelihoods, with some suggesting drastic measures for monkey management. The issue is seen as a critical ecological imbalance affecting rural communities.

The Office of the Auditor General has instructed the Shree Bouddhanath Area Development Committee to properly preserve research and study records concerning the Bouddhanath area. This directive comes amidst ongoing disputes between the Committee and the Buddha and Melamchi Ghyang Guthi regarding the management of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site, which has impeded development.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is set to visit Beijing from May 23-26 for discussions on bilateral relations and issues of common concern, including mediation efforts in the Middle East conflict. China stated it will collaborate with Pakistan to contribute to peace and stability in the region, supporting Pakistan's role as a mediator.

European diplomats, led by EU Ambassador Véronique Lorenzo, have expressed strong confidence in Prime Minister Balendra Shah's reform agenda and commitment to Nepal's development. Following a meeting in Kathmandu, the delegation noted Shah's clear vision and structured roadmap for implementing impactful transformations in the country, signaling a new phase of cooperation.

Pakistan has rejected an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join the Abraham Accords, stating the proposal conflicts with its fundamental ideology and national outlook. Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif clarified that Pakistan would not support any agreement that deviates from its basic national principles, questioning the long-term credibility of normalizing relations with Israel.

The Office of the Auditor General has directed the Shree Bouddhanath Area Development Committee to properly preserve research records related to the Bouddhanath area. The directive comes as the committee has failed to maintain a systematic archive of materials concerning the social, economic, cultural, and archaeological aspects of Buddhism, despite conducting annual studies. The report also highlights ongoing management disputes between the committee and the Buddha and Melamchi Ghyang Guthi, which have impeded development.

The Office of the Auditor General has instructed the Shree Bouddhanath Area Development Committee to properly preserve records from its annual research and studies concerning the Bouddhanath area. This directive comes amidst ongoing disputes between the Committee and the Buddha and Melamchi Ghyang Guthi, which have impeded the development of heritage sites in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed area.

The fourth Kathmandu-Kalinga Literature Festival is scheduled for June 6-7, gathering writers, artists, and intellectuals from South Asia. Festival Director Ranjana Niraula stated the event will explore the global reach of South Asian literature and cultural traditions, focusing on themes like identity, migration, and spirituality.

Members of the House of Representatives have drawn attention to the impact of heavy rains, storms, and landslides on citizens and infrastructure across various districts. Lawmakers are urging the government to provide appropriate compensation and relief to those affected, highlighting damage to homes, schools, and roads, and the disruption to daily life.

Sudden storms across Nepal have resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. In Rolpa, two women died when a tree fell on them during a storm on Monday evening, while in Rautahat, a woman died after her house collapsed due to a storm. Separately, a bus accident in Kapilvastu on Tuesday morning injured 38 people.

A significant chemical leak at a GKN Aerospace plant in Garden Grove, California, has prompted authorities to order the evacuation of approximately 40,000 residents due to fears of a potential explosion and toxic exposure. The incident involved a storage tank of methyl methacrylate overheating and releasing hazardous vapors, leading to emergency alerts and widespread evacuation orders across multiple cities in Orange County.

Member of Parliament Rajib Khatri alleged that the Department of Drug Administration (DDA) engaged in irregularities leading to billions of rupees in pharmaceutical price increases. Following his parliamentary speech, the DDA's Director General was recalled to the Ministry of Health and Population. Medicine manufacturers contend that current fixed prices are unsustainable due to rising industrial input costs.

The Ministry of Health and Population is prioritizing the clearance of over Rs 5 billion in arrears, primarily focusing on major hospitals like BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences and Bir Hospital. Secretary Bikash Devkota stated that a special review and targeted clearance mechanism will be implemented, with reforms in procurement and financial management being essential to reduce future arrears. The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers also emphasized the need for a structured action plan to significantly reduce arrears.

The Veterinary Laboratory in Dhangadhi, Sudurpaschim Province, has been designated as the National Rabies Referral Laboratory. The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has tasked the facility with collecting and testing suspected rabies samples nationwide and conducting related research. This expansion broadens the lab's scope from its previous regional focus.

Siddhartha Bank Limited has donated interactive display smart boards to 12 community schools in Tanahun district, Gandaki Province. The initiative aims to promote Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education, expecting to benefit over 1,500 students annually by making learning more visual and interactive.

The Nepal Army Institute of Health Sciences (NAIHS) has launched super-specialty doctoral programs in cardiology, critical care, and urology, with classes already underway. Executive Director Devendra Bahadur Khatri stated that the institute also plans to introduce Bachelor in Physiotherapy and Bachelor in Pharmacy programs from the upcoming academic session. NAIHS has also achieved a 100% pass rate in recent licensing exams for MBBS, BPH, and MLT graduates.

Education Secretary Chudamani Poudel stated that the Ministry of Education is facing significant challenges in settling old audit discrepancies related to school building construction. These discrepancies, primarily from the former District Education Office, remain pending due to a lack of necessary documents and evidence, complicating the process as school management has been transferred to local levels while audit issues remain with the ministry.

The Kathmandu-Tarai/Madhes Expressway (Fast Track) project has achieved approximately 48 percent physical progress, according to the Nepali Army, which manages its construction. Despite progress in tunnel and bridge construction, a dispute over the 6.5-kilometer Khokana section is hindering the project's swift completion, with significant work still pending.

Reconstruction has officially commenced on a severely damaged 3.2-kilometer section of Nepal's BP Highway, linking Kavrepalanchok and Sindhuli districts, with financial and technical assistance from Japan. Japanese Ambassador Maeda Toru and Nepal's Infrastructure Ministry Secretary Gopal Prasad Sigdel jointly laid the foundation stone for the Piple–Barkhekhola stretch, which was devastated by floods and landslides in October 2024.

Construction on the Siddhababa Tunnel along the Siddhartha Highway has reached 68% physical progress, with operations for vehicles anticipated by September. The project, a National Pride Project, aims to significantly reduce landslide and rockfall risks in the historically dangerous Siddhababa section. The tunnel is being built under an Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) model, with the contractor responsible for design, construction, and subsequent operation and maintenance.

Nepal's Energy Minister Shrestha has declared reservoir-type hydroelectric projects a national priority, emphasizing their crucial role in long-term energy security, industrial growth, and economic transformation. The government's focus will be on developing these projects, which are seen as vital for electricity generation, water management, and climate change adaptation. The minister also highlighted the need to attract domestic and foreign investment for such initiatives.

A 126 MW Lower Seti Hydropower Project is slated for construction in Tanahun, with an estimated investment of USD 227 million from the Asian Development Bank. The project's financing will comprise 30 percent equity and 70 percent loan. Land acquisition for the powerhouse and staff quarters has commenced.

India's state-run fuel companies have increased petrol and diesel prices for the fourth time in 10 days, citing strains on supply due to the Middle East war. Automobile fuel prices have risen by approximately five percent since the conflict began, impacting India's significant reliance on crude oil transported through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Agricultural Inputs Company Limited in Mahendranagar, Kanchanpur, has begun distributing chemical fertilizers to farmers on a quota basis ahead of the paddy cultivation season. Branch Manager Hemraj Joshi stated that the distribution is being managed through cooperatives, with current stocks including urea, DAP, and potash. A letter has been sent to the Provincial Fertilizer Distribution Management Committee for the re-distribution of stocked fertilizers.

The cabinet meeting held on Monday decided to set the minimum support price for paddy for the upcoming fiscal year 2083/84. Government spokesperson Sashmit Pokharel announced that the price for coarse paddy was set at 3,660 rupees per quintal and for medium paddy at 3,860 rupees per quintal. This decision aims to ensure farmers receive a fair price for their produce.

Marsi rice has been planted at Chhumchaur Jyulo in Jumla, recognized as the world's highest altitude paddy field, around 2,850 meters above sea level. The Patarasi Rural Municipality and the Agriculture Office have resumed plantation activities this year, aiming to preserve the nutritious and high-demand rice variety. Efforts are being made to expand its cultivation due to its better market value.

Eighteen trap cameras have been installed in the Samagaun and Samdo areas of the Manaslu Conservation Area in northern Gorkha to study increasing human-wildlife conflict. The initiative aims to identify the species and causes behind recent attacks on livestock like yaks and horses, which have led to significant economic losses for local farmers. Monitoring has begun in the first phase, with cameras placed in high-incidence areas.

Chiranjibi Adhikari has officially taken over as the acting president of the Federation of Computer Association Nepal (CAN Federation) following the resignation of Sunaina Ghimire Pandey. Adhikari, a cybersecurity expert, has outlined a commitment to transforming Nepal into a global digital powerhouse by prioritizing domestic software, advocating for IT industry recognition, and implementing AI governance.

Tele Talk Pvt. Ltd., an entity of Ramesh Corp, has opened a new POCO Service Center in Sanepa, Kathmandu. The facility will offer authorized after-sales service and technical support for POCO smartphones and related devices, aiming to enhance customer support accessibility in the Kathmandu Valley.

FinTech International Pvt. Ltd. has introduced a smart card and offline QR-based digital fare payment system for Nepal's public transport sector to modernize operations and reduce fare disputes. The system uses validator machines with GPS and geo-fencing, allowing passengers to tap in and tap out, with fares deducted based on distance traveled. According to CEO Amit Shrestha, the initiative aims to bring technological advancement to a sector still reliant on traditional cash payments.

Saudi Arabia's ambitious NEOM mega-city project is reportedly facing significant contract cancellations and scale-backs, impacting an estimated 80,000 Nepali workers. While the Saudi government claims the project is being reprioritized, major international construction companies have terminated contracts, leading to job cuts and the emptying of labor camps.

Dr. Tulasi Acharya's poetry collection, 'Dinbhari Pani Parirahanchha' (All Day It Rains), was recently released at the 9th International Nepali Literary Conference in Colorado, USA. The book, which explores modern diaspora themes with experimental styles, was jointly launched by prominent poet Dr. Naba Raj Lamsal and board members of the International Nepali Literary Society.

Youths who passed the Employment Permit System (EPS) language test and completed necessary procedures protested in Maitighar, Kathmandu, demanding the government arrange their prompt departure to South Korea. Protesters cited delays in labor agreements, limited quotas, and administrative complexities as reasons for their prolonged wait for employment.

The Myanmar government has honored Dr. Lharkyal Lama, also known as Khenpo Chime Tsering, with the "Maha Saddhamma Jotikadhaja" religious title for his contributions to Buddhism. The award ceremony took place on Saturday at Ngagyur Palyul Ling Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, with Myanmar's Ambassador to Nepal, U Thant Sin, presenting the title.

Neelam Paudel has returned to Kathmandu after becoming the first transgender woman to successfully summit Mount Everest. Paudel stated that she is happy to have established her identity and hopes her achievement will inspire others in the transgender community. The climb is described as a victory over social discrimination and a struggle for identity.

The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are collaborating on an 'International Marketing Strategy and Five-Year Action Plan (2026-2030)' to shift Nepal's tourism model from mass to high-value, sustainable experiences. This strategy, developed after consulting 135 stakeholders, aims to rebrand Nepal beyond adventure, emphasizing its cultural, spiritual, wellness, and nature offerings, and addressing a lack of coordinated international marketing.

The Koshi Tappu Reserve has attracted 11,603 visitors during the current fiscal year 2081-82 BS (2026-27). The majority of visitors, 11,214, were domestic, while 87 came from SAARC countries and 302 from other nations, according to Reserve Chief Bhupendra Prasad Yadav.

US forces conducted self-defense strikes in southern Iran targeting missile sites and mine-laying boats, potentially jeopardizing a fragile ceasefire and peace talks aimed at ending the Middle East war. The strikes occurred as Iranian negotiators arrived in Doha for negotiations and amid heightened Israeli military activity against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Russia has threatened to launch "systematic strikes" on Kyiv, targeting "decision-making centres and command posts" and drone manufacturing facilities, and has urged foreign nationals and diplomats to leave the city. This warning follows a recent escalation of attacks, including a large-scale aerial assault over the weekend that killed four people and injured approximately 100 others in and around Kyiv. Ukraine has condemned the threat as "shameless blackmail" and accused Moscow of attempting to intimidate the international diplomatic community.

The US military stated it conducted "defensive" strikes against Iranian missile launch sites and mine-laying boats in southern Iran, asserting the action was to protect American soldiers. This military action occurred simultaneously with diplomatic efforts, as US President Donald Trump claimed talks with Tehran were "progressing positively," despite the fragile ceasefire.