HimalPress | English

UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific and Equality Seema Malhotra met with Lumbini Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya in Rupandehi to discuss bilateral relations, development partnerships, and Lumbini Province's priorities. Chief Minister Acharya highlighted the province's focus on sustainable economic growth through investment, modernization, and innovation, while Malhotra observed UK-Nepal-World Bank collaboration impacting the Greater Lumbini Area.

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.

Two women, Ruju Jhakri and Manbuji Jhakri, died in Rolpa after a tree uprooted by strong winds fell on them. Ruju Jhakri died on the spot, while Manbuji Jhakri passed away while being transported for medical treatment.

Factions within the Nepali Congress are holding separate gatherings, with the group aligned with former president Sher Bahadur Deuba criticizing the establishment faction led by Gagan Kumar Thapa. Leaders from the Deuba faction accuse Thapa's leadership of weakening the party and acting unilaterally, while also asserting their meetings are for party unity. The situation highlights growing factionalism ahead of the party's 15th General Convention.

Prime Minister Balen Shah held a joint meeting with ambassadors from 22 European Union member states in Kathmandu. The delegation, including ambassadors based in Kathmandu and New Delhi, aimed to congratulate the new government, reaffirm support for Nepal's development priorities, and explore new avenues for cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, and climate action. Discussions also touched upon Nepal's human rights situation, political stability, and economic development.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has reiterated his government's commitment to delivering "real and visible improvements" in citizens' daily lives, emphasizing good governance and inclusive economic growth. Speaking to European Union ambassadors and other diplomats, Shah stated that while the new government represents a new phase, it upholds democratic values and political stability with a clear policy direction. He also highlighted Nepal's pursuit of a balanced foreign policy based on mutual respect and shared prosperity.

The Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) has announced a 14-member national squad for the Men's Asian Games Qualifier 2026, scheduled to be held in Singapore from May 31 to June 9. Dipendra Singh Airee has been appointed as the captain of the team, which includes prominent players like Rohit Paudel and Sandeep Lamichhane.

Nepal and Norway held their second Bilateral Consultation Mechanism meeting in Kathmandu, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation. Discussions focused on development, renewable energy, climate resilience, and exploring new avenues in the green economy, including clean energy transition and electric mobility.

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.

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dol Prasad Aryal, has announced that Prime Minister Balendra Shah is preparing to attend a parliamentary session soon to respond to questions raised by opposition parties. This comes after continuous demands for the Prime Minister's presence and his engagement with the legislative body. Aryal stated that the date for the Prime Minister's appearance will be fixed after receiving a formal letter from the government.