Kathmandu: A woman died in a fire that occurred this morning in Makhantole, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-24. Police confirmed that the fire erupted due to a leak in an LP gas cylinder. Spokesperson of District Police Range, Kathmandu Apil Raj Bohara stated that the woman died in the fire that took place in the house of Dayaram Shrestha. The identity of the deceased person has not been ascertained yet. "The dead body is found. It is yet to be ascertained. The efforts to douse the fire are ongoing," Bohara said. The fire that broke out at a house this morning in Makhantol, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-24, has been put out. The fire occurred due to leakage of cooking gas at a house and it spread to another house. The District Police Range Kathmandu said the fire was brought under control with the help of fire engines of the Kathmandu and Lalitpur metropolises and the combined efforts of the Nepali Army, the Armed Police Force, Nepal Police and locals. A body of a woman in her 70s has been retrieved from the incident site, police said.



Source: RSS

Woman dead as fire occurs in Kathmandu

Kathmandu: As part of its flagship visual storytelling campaign #photoNepal, Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is proud to present two impactful exhibitions this May, showcasing Nepal’s emotional depth, artistic expression, and resilient landscapes. From May 15 to 17, 2025, the Barpak Photo Exhibition 2025 by noted photojournalist Prakash Chandra Timalsena will be held at NTB, Bhrikutimandap. Marking 10 years since the Gorkha Earthquake, the exhibition documents the journey of Barpak—from devastation to revival—through striking imagery. This event is being promoted under the #photoNepal initiative, with the support of various institutions committed to preserving Nepal’s visual memory and storytelling. Following this, from May 18 to 23, 2025, NTB will host "Kundalini-2: Energy Path to Divine Awakening", the 13th solo art exhibition by acclaimed artist Bhim Prasad Sharma. This collection invites viewers into a spiritual exploration through bold colors and sacred symbolism—capturing another dimension of Nepal’s unique cultural and philosophical landscape. This exhibition too contributes to the #photoNepal campaign’s broader goal of visualizing Nepal beyond the conventional. “These exhibitions show how Nepal is not only seen but deeply felt,” said Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board. “#photoNepal is our platform to inspire the world through visuals—whether it’s the resilience of Barpak or the spiritual vision of Kundalini. Nepal speaks through images, and we welcome everyone to listen.” NTB extends a warm invitation to all art lovers, photographers, media, and the general public to visit these exhibitions and support the growing movement of #photoNepal—a campaign to showcase Nepal through the lens of beauty, emotion, and transformation.

#photoNepal exhibiting Barpak and Kundalini arts

Kathmandu: The United States Embassy in Kathmandu, in partnership with Nepal’s Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, and the Lumbini Provincial Government, inaugurated the first-ever conservation laboratory at the Lumbini Museum in Rupandehi district on Monday.



Deputy Chief of Mission Jason Meeks and Cultural Affairs Officer Erica Alexander represented the U.S. Embassy at the ceremony, which also saw the participation of Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey and officials from the Lumbini Development Trust.



The new lab was established through a $244,966 grant from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) to the Buddha Foundation, according to a statement issued by the embassy. The grant also supports the documentation, conservation, and preservation of historically significant artifacts from the greater Lumbini Area.



Described as a “historic step forward” by the embassy, the lab is expected to position Lumbini as a regional center for archaeological research and preservation. Officials say it will also foster innovation, local capacity-building, and collaboration in the field of heritage conservation.



The Lumbini Museum houses more than 300 artifacts dating from the 6th century BCE to the 3rd century CE, including terracotta figurines, stone sculptures, and ancient coins. Many of these items were excavated from Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha, and have been stored at the National Museum in Kathmandu due to the lack of conservation infrastructure.



“This project marks a transformative step in preserving these cultural treasures,” the embassy noted, highlighting that the lab will now enable on-site conservation, study, and secure storage of these materials. A training program will also be implemented to develop local expertise in archaeological conservation.



The lab is one of the first modern conservation facilities of its kind in Nepal and is expected to contribute to sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and economic development in the region.



Over the last two decades, the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu has supported 28 cultural heritage projects across Nepal through the AFCP, with total funding exceeding $4.54 million.



Nepal ranks among the top global recipients of AFCP grants.



The embassy said such initiatives not only protect Nepal’s cultural legacy but also enhance bilateral ties, support economic growth, and create opportunities for collaboration in tourism, hospitality, and education.

U.S. Embassy, Nepal government inaugurate first conservation lab at Lumbini Museum

Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has expressed concern over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan.



The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists, including one Nepali citizen.



In its statement, the ministry expressed solidarity with India during this time of grief and sorrow, emphasizing that Nepal and India stand united in their shared pain and loss.



Nepal strongly condemned the barbaric terrorist attack, reaffirming its firm stance against all forms of terrorism. "Nepal stands with all parties in the fight against terrorism. In line with its principled position, Nepal will not allow any hostile forces to use its territory against its neighboring countries," the statement read.



The ministry also expressed hope that the current tensions will subside and reiterated Nepal’s commitment to lasting peace and stability in the region.

Nepal expresses concern over rising tensions between India and Pakistan

Kathmandu: The Indian government says it has carried out airstrikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, marking a dangerous escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.



According to Pakistan's military, three sites were hit in the early hours of Tuesday, killing seven people, including two children. Residents in Muzaffarabad, the capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, described being jolted awake by massive explosions.



The cross-border attacks come amid soaring tensions following a deadly militant assault on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir last month, which New Delhi has blamed on Pakistan-based groups.



“This is a warning to those who shelter terrorists,” an Indian government spokesperson said, without disclosing specific targets or casualties.



Islamabad, meanwhile, condemned the strikes and warned of “consequences” for what it called an unprovoked act of aggression.



The decades-long conflict over Kashmir — a region claimed in full by both India and Pakistan — has triggered multiple wars and skirmishes since the countries gained independence in 1947. The area continues to be the epicentre of frequent violence, with insurgencies and cross-border shelling claiming thousands of lives.



“This is a moment of extreme danger,” said the BBC’s International Editor Jeremy Bowen. “Both sides know what the stakes are, and a major diplomatic push is urgently needed to prevent further escalation.”



Global powers are expected to call for restraint as concerns grow over the potential for a broader conflict between the two longtime rivals.

India launches airstrikes on Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, killing 7

Kathmandu: Communist leader and former minister Pradip Nepal passed away this afternoon. Suffering from Parkinson's disease for some years, leader Nepal breathed his last at Norvic Hospital in Kathmandu, UML parliamentary party's chief whip Mahesh Bartaula said.



Nepal served as the Minister for Information and Communications in the country's first communist government led by then Prime Minister Manmohan Adhikari.



Likewise, leader Nepal took charge of Ministry of Water Resources and Ministry of Education during his political journey. The former politburo member of the CPN (UML), leader Nepal served as the spokesperson and chief of publicity department of the UML.



Also an established literary figure, leader Nepal used to write his opinions and literary creations in the name of Sanjaya Thapa when he was underground during the Panchayat era.



With multiple feathers in his hat, Nepal served as the Editor of Nabayug, Chhalphal and Prakash weeklies and used to write for different newspapers as a columnist. Leader Nepal was born in 2010 BS at Gogane village in Bhojpur district.

Former Minister Pradip Nepal no more

Kathmandu: Citizenship with economic, social and cultural rights to the non-resident Nepali has been demanded in accordance with constitutional provision.



During panel discussion held in the course of the Non Resident Nepali Association's Unity Convention today, the participants expressed their concern over the non-implementation of the citizenship for the NRNs as ensured by the Constitution.



NRNA former President Kul Acharya said the citizenship granted to the NRNs has only allowed them for travelling to Nepal and not given other rights beyond that.



As he said, the South Asian nations including India have implemented the provision of a dual citizenship for their non-resident citizens. NRN Khagendra GC, who works as an advocate in the United States of America, said the rigidity in granting the citizenship with economic rights to the NRNs has prevented them from exploring economic opportunities back in Nepal.



NRN leader AC Sherpa said the citizenship for NRNs is the concern of those Nepalis residing in 84 nations and it should be addressed by Nepal.



Senior advocate Balkrishna Neupane apprised the group that 72 countries in the world have ensured a dual citizenship.



He was of the view that the withdrawal of the Clause 10 of the Citizenship Act-2063 BS will enable an investment -friendly atmosphere in Nepal.



NRNA UK Chair Prem Gaha Magar said many Nepalis in other countries have the status of the second-class citizen as they are provided with naturalized citizenship or the citizenship by birth.



Such citizenship can be scrapped at any time during any crisis in the respective countries and that's why Nepal should not deprive its citizens of the citizenship by descent.



Advocate Kapil Dhakal, UK-based advocate Surendra Shrestha, NRNA former Vice President Rabina Thapa and NRN leader Yogendra Bahadur Chhetri were among those joining the panel to demand the citizenship with rights to the NRNs.



In response, Under-Secretary at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Pushkar Nepal pledged to take initiations to address the concerns of NRNs in new laws.

NRNs demand citizenship with socio-economic rights

Kathmandu: Nepal recorded the highest-ever number of international tourist arrivals for the month of April, with 116,490 foreign visitors entering the country in April 2025, according to data released by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).



This marks a 5% increase compared to April 2024 and represents 106.5% of the pre-pandemic level recorded in April 2019, indicating a robust recovery in the country’s tourism sector.



NTB officials said the figures set a new benchmark for April tourism and reflect Nepal’s growing appeal as a global travel destination.



Cumulative Growth From January to April 2025, a total of 415,048 international visitors arrived in Nepal. The steady rise in tourist numbers underscores increasing confidence in Nepal’s tourism infrastructure and offerings.



Top Source Markets – April 2025: India: 25,933 visitors (22.3%)



USA: 10,053 visitors (8.6%)



China: 9,037 visitors (7.8%)



UK: 6,738 visitors (5.8%)



Bangladesh: 5,398 visitors (4.6%)



Regional Distribution: South Asia (SAARC): 33,899 (29.1%)



Other Asia: 22,167 (19%)



Europe: 30,249 (26%)



Americas: 12,775 (11%)



Oceania: 6,023 (5.2%)



Middle East: 3,504 (3%)



Africa: 425 (0.4%)



Others: 7,448 (6.4%)



NTB Chief Executive Officer Deepak Raj Joshi said the latest numbers reflect sustained momentum and reaffirm Nepal’s position as a preferred destination among international travelers.



“We are encouraged by the positive momentum reflected in the latest arrival figures,” Joshi said in a statement. “This growth reinforces Nepal’s position as a favored destination among international travelers.”

April 2025 sets all-time record for international tourist arrivals in Nepal

Kathmandu: The government of Nepal has set a target to provide clean drinking water to all Nepali citizens in the country by coming fiscal year 2082/83 BS (2025/26). President Ramchandra Paudel read out the government's goal today while presenting the government's policies and programme for the fiscal year 2082/83 BS (2025/26) before the joint session of the House of Representatives and the National Assembly at Federal Parliament Building in New Baneshwar, Kathmandu. To achieve this goal as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), President Paudel said that the incumbent government will increase investment in the drinking water and sanitation sectors. He further pledged to increase public's access to clean drinking water by repairing drinking water projects that were damaged in disasters or defunct due to other reasons. The government will also prioritize completing the incomplete or under construction drinking water projects, the Head of the State appraised the parliament. According to him, drinking water projects will be implemented in the integrated manner in the co-investment of local level government and consumer groups.

Govt sets target to ensure access of clean drinking water to all by next year

Kathmandu: The National Examinations Board (NEB) has confirmed that the postponed Grade 12 examinations will now be held as scheduled from May 4 to 16, dismissing widespread rumors circulating on social media.



In an official statement, the Board clarified that misleading posts—some even misusing the NEB logo—have falsely claimed further postponement. It warned the public not to fall for such misinformation and emphasized that the NEB does not operate a Facebook page. All official updates, it said, will be published exclusively via its website.



The exams, originally set to begin on April 24, were delayed after protests by the Confederation of Nepalese Teachers. The new schedule follows an agreement reached between the NEB and the teachers’ body.



In a public notice, the Board called on exam superintendents, teachers, support staff, security agencies, parents, media, and other stakeholders to work together to ensure the examinations are conducted in a "smooth and dignified manner" at designated centers across the country.

Grade 12 exams to begin May 4 as scheduled, NEB warns against misinformation

Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has ruled out the return of monarchy in Nepal, stating that the institution was permanently abolished through the people’s democratic struggle.



Speaking at the inauguration of the Ninth National General Convention of the Rashtriya Janasanskritik Mahasangh Nepal (National People's Cultural Federation, Nepal) on Saturday, PM Oli said efforts to revive the monarchy were futile.



"If anyone dreams of becoming a king now, that is a mere dream," he said.



Oli, who also chairs the ruling CPN (UML), criticized those opposing the current republican system, referring to them as “a bunch of fools” who preferred subjugation over freedom.



“The whole forest resounds with the howling of a few jackals at night. Nothing happens with the mere howling of the foxes,” he remarked, urging the public to reject such tendencies.



He called for a collective cultural campaign to uphold democracy, prosperity, and peace, symbolically suggesting that dissenting voices be silenced by beating the "cultural dhyangro" (traditional drum).



PM Oli also emphasized the importance of promoting Nepal’s cultural diversity through art and media. He encouraged the production of films and plays that reflect the country’s cultural, linguistic, and artistic richness, adding that there would be no lack of audience for positive and inspiring content.

Monarchy will not return, says PM Oli

Kathmandu: Patron of the Nagarik Unmukti Party, Resham Chaudhary, who was arrested this afternoon, has been released.



Chaudhary was arrested based on the 'unofficial letter' written by an officer of Judgment Execution Directorate under the Supreme Court, Mahiman Singh Bista. He was released after the SC informed that the letter was unofficial one, said Spokesperson at the District Police Range, Kathmandu, and Superintendent of Police, Apil Raj Bohara.



Clearing the uncertainty, SC had sent a letter to the Central Jail, Dillibazaar, to release Chaudhary. Bohara added Chaudhary has been released, while officer Bista has been arrested in connection with the issuance of unauthorized letter that led to Chaudhary's arrest.



Chaudhary was arrested from Nepal Academy premises at a time when he was going to attend a party unification programme between the Janamat party and the Nagarik Unmukti Party.

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