Enewspolar

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.

Nepal's Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal met with Juan Antonio March Pujol, the Non-Resident Ambassador of Spain to Nepal, to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and enhancing cooperation, particularly in the tourism sector. The meeting also explored expanding collaboration in areas of shared interest between the two nations.

The Lumbini Province government is preparing a people-oriented and development-focused budget for the upcoming fiscal year, aiming to incorporate everyone's sentiments. Chief Minister Chet Narayan Acharya stated that preparations for the policies, programs, and budget formulation are being accelerated to reflect these goals. The budget is also intended to be production- and employment-oriented, with a focus on infrastructure development and social justice.

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 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.

The Nepali Cabinet appointed Joint Secretary Mukesh Dangol as the Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN). Government Spokesperson Sasmit Pokharel announced that the cabinet also approved a reply letter to China for the Chilime-Kerung power transmission line, decided to publicize the Cooperatives Fraud Probe Commission report, and set the minimum support price for paddy.

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.

Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the 'MOFA Mitra' mobile application to provide online consular services to citizens abroad and their families. Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal stated the app aims to make public services more convenient and citizen-friendly by allowing online registration of concerns and tracking of requests. The application is available on both Android and iOS platforms.

The Nepali film 'Elephant in the Fog,' directed by Abinash Bikram Shah, has won the Jury Prize in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, marking a historic achievement for Nepali cinema. Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, stated that Nepal's presence and recognition at the festival have elevated the stature of the nation's film and creative industries on a global stage.

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.

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.