Ram Chandra Paudel

President Ram Chandra Paudel has emphasized the critical need for sustainable mountain tourism, responsible mountaineering, and the conservation of the Himalayan environment. Addressing the Sagarmatha Summiters Summit–2026, he highlighted that Mount Everest is a vital natural heritage and a source of national pride, whose preservation is essential for economic benefit through tourism. The President also pointed out challenges like global warming and waste accumulation, calling for increased efforts and international cooperation to protect the Everest region's biodiversity and ensure safer, sustainable mountaineering practices.

President Ram Chandra Paudel has emphasized the need to preserve the natural form of Sagarmatha and protect the Himalayan environment during the 'Everest Summiters Summit-2026'. He highlighted that Sagarmatha is a global natural asset and stressed that addressing challenges like global temperature rise, climate change effects, and waste accumulation in mountaineering is crucial for conservation and sustainable tourism.

The Bagmati Province Government has established a 43-member committee, chaired by Chief Minister Indra Bahadur Baniyan, to organize Republic Day celebrations from Jestha 13th to 16th. Meanwhile, the CPN-UML has leveled 11 allegations against the current government, accusing it of moving towards authoritarian practices and deviating from democratic norms.

Preparations are complete for the second "Everest Summitters’ Summit-2026" in Kathmandu, organized by Everest Alliance Nepal to honor mountaineers and promote tourism, with President Ramchandra Paudel expected to attend. Meanwhile, at Everest Base Camp, climbers and expedition organizers are raising concerns about the high cost and poor quality of internet services, with local providers citing logistical challenges and seasonal business demands.

President Ram Chandra Paudel will deliver the Republic Day address at Tundikhel on May 29, following a request from Prime Minister Balen Shah. Shah, who traditionally would have spoken as chair of the organizing committee, requested the President to take on the role after deciding not to speak himself. This decision comes amid criticism of Shah's absence from federal parliamentary proceedings.

The Non-resident Ambassador of Iran to Nepal, Mohammad Fathali, presented his Letters of Credence to President Ramchandra Paudel at a ceremony in Kathmandu. Following the presentation, the ambassador and the president held discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, trade, and matters of mutual interest between Nepal and Iran.

Several foreign ambassadors, including those from Guatemala, Austria, Luxembourg, and the Russian Federation, presented their Letters of Credence to President Ramchandra Paudel and paid courtesy calls on Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai and Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal. Discussions during these meetings focused on bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and administrative matters.

Nepal's total arrears have reached Rs 755 billion, with an additional Rs 88.09 billion added in the last fiscal year, according to the latest report from the Office of the Auditor General. The report highlights systemic dysfunction, particularly within the Ministry of Finance, which accounts for over 70 percent of the arrears, indicating a failure in fiscal discipline and management across government levels.

Prime Minister Balen Shah has faced criticism for his conduct towards parliamentary institutions, including walking out of a joint session before the President finished speaking and sending his finance minister in his place for a key debate. Opposition parties and constitutional experts allege this behavior demonstrates a disregard for parliamentary supremacy and democratic principles. The Prime Minister's office has not provided explanations for these actions.