Ratopati | No.1 Nepali News Portal

Traffic police in the Kathmandu Valley penalized 2,453 drivers for various traffic violations within a 24-hour period, collecting over Rs 1.15 million in fines. The enforcement drive, which concluded this morning, targeted offenses including drunk driving, speeding, and running red lights, according to Kathmandu Valley Traffic Police Office Spokesperson Naresh Raj Subedi.

U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Sara B. Rogers is scheduled to visit Nepal for a three-day trip starting May 30, aiming to hold high-level meetings with officials including Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal and Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Baghel. This visit follows recent diplomatic engagements by U.S. officials in Nepal, including Assistant Secretary Sameer Pal Kapoor and Special Envoy Sergio Gor.

Nepal Rastra Bank has published the foreign exchange rates for Monday, May 25. The central bank set the buying rate for one US dollar at 152 rupees 81 paisa and the selling rate at 153 rupees 41 paisa, with rates also provided for Euros, Pounds Sterling, and other major currencies.

At least 15 people died and 10 were injured when a truck carrying iron rods and passengers overturned in Bangladesh's Tangail district. Police reported the driver lost control of the vehicle, which was traveling from Dhaka to the northern region with hitchhikers ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival. Many of the victims were daily wage laborers traveling to reunite with their families.

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.

The Nepal Chamber of Commerce has expressed serious concern over the Department of Transport Management's decision to halt the registration of new public transport vehicles. The Chamber argues that this abrupt decision, made without prior consultation with entrepreneurs, poses significant financial risks to those who have already imported vehicles and negatively impacts Nepal's business environment.

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.

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.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited India to reinforce strategic and economic ties, meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The discussions focused on cooperation in trade, energy, defense, and maritime security, with Rubio expressing optimism about a broader trade deal and India's role as a key strategic partner.