English.MakaluKhabar.com

The Lumbini Province Assembly convened to discuss the principles and priorities of the Appropriation Bill for the upcoming fiscal year, with Economic Affairs and Planning Minister Dhanendra Karki addressing members' inquiries. Meanwhile, the Gandaki Provincial Assembly commenced its budget session, focusing on the province's policies and programs for the next fiscal year.

Speaker DP Aryal proceeded with parliamentary business in the House of Representatives on Thursday despite ongoing protests and slogan chanting by opposition lawmakers demanding the presence of Prime Minister Balen Shah. Following a brief adjournment and discussions between Speaker Aryal and Prime Minister Shah, the session resumed with the Speaker moving forward with the agenda, including the presentation of an election-related ordinance by Minister Sobita Gautam, while opposition parties continued their obstruction.

Kathmandu is set to be a hub for literary events in May and June 2026, with the Himalayan Literature Festival & Writers’ Workshop (HLF-WWK) 2026 and the Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival scheduled to take place. The HLF-WWK, dedicated to Guru Prasad Mainali, will run from May 29 to June 5, focusing on themes of healing, consciousness, and cultural dialogue, and will feature international writers. The Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival will be held on June 6 and 7, aiming to foster multidimensional exchange among writers and intellectuals from South Asia.

Southern India is experiencing a severe heatwave, with at least 16 deaths attributed to heatstroke in the state of Telangana. Temperatures have soared above 45°C in several cities, prompting officials to issue warnings and advise vulnerable populations to stay indoors. The intensity of the heat has been described as unprecedented, with health experts highlighting the risks of dehydration and organ failure.

Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal has informed the House of Representatives that Prime Minister Balendra Shah is preparing to attend Parliament and respond to lawmakers' questions, following disruptions by opposition parties. The opposition had been demanding the Prime Minister's immediate presence to address contemporary national issues, leading to parliamentary sessions being adjourned. The Speaker stated that the Prime Minister is aware of the ongoing developments and is ready to provide responses.

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, has been confirmed in Wards 2, 3, and 4 of Gokarneshwor Municipality in Kathmandu. Authorities are implementing containment measures, including the culling and safe disposal of infected poultry, eggs, and feed, alongside disinfection drives in affected areas to prevent further spread.

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.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah met with non-resident ambassadors and heads of missions from European Union member nations to discuss Nepal's current priorities, strengthen bilateral relations, and explore areas of cooperation. The meeting, held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, was described by press advisor Deepa Dahal as an opportunity to inform diplomats about Nepal's objectives.