Kathmandu: The government is considering two potential changes to the legal marriage age as part of an amendment to the Child Act, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak said on Sunday.



During a discussion in the Law, Justice, and Human Rights Committee of the House of Representatives, Minister Lekhak stated that the Cabinet is reviewing an amendment bill that could either lower the marriage age to 18 or introduce the ‘Romeo-Juliet’ model.



The proposed model would permit consensual physical relationships between individuals aged 16 to 18 without being classified as statutory rape, provided certain conditions are met.



Lekhak cited international references for both approaches but stressed the need for careful deliberation before any decision is made. He urged lawmakers to provide further input on the matter.

Nepal govt considers lowering marriage age, introducing ‘Romeo-Juliet’ model

Kathmandu: Nepal’s Foreign Minister, Arzu Rana Deuba, has called on the Ukrainian government to release seven Nepali nationals currently being held captive by the Ukrainian military. Minister Rana made this appeal during a meeting with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on the sidelines of the Raisina Dialogue in New Delhi, India.



According to Minister Rana’s Secretariat, the issue was raised after reports indicated that the seven Nepali citizens are being held as prisoners of war by Ukrainian forces. She clarified that Nepal does not allow its citizens to enlist in foreign armies, including the Russian military, and emphasized that these individuals had been trafficked and forcibly recruited by human traffickers into the Russian army without the consent or knowledge of the Nepali government. Minister Rana explained that these individuals were taken from remote regions of Nepal.



In response, Ukrainian Deputy Foreign Minister Sybiha assured that the necessary legal procedures would be completed, and the individuals would be released shortly.



In addition to the plea for the release of the Nepali nationals, Minister Rana also sought Ukraine's support for Nepal’s candidacy for a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council for the term 2027–2029.



The two ministers also signed an agreement allowing visa-free entry for holders of official and diplomatic passports between Nepal and Ukraine, further strengthening bilateral ties.

Nepal urges Ukraine to release 7 Nepali nationals held captive by military

Kathmandu: The government has introduced exemptions allowing children, persons with disabilities, the helpless, and citizens above 90 years of age to access essential services even without a national identity card.



Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak announced the decision during a House of Representatives meeting on Monday, stating that the move aims to prevent barriers in service access for vulnerable groups.



The government had recently mandated the use of a national identity card for all public services.



The policy, enforced in phases since July 16, 2024, initially applied to social security allowance renewals in 28 districts, later expanding to 38 more districts in January 2025. From July 17, 2025, the requirement will cover all 77 districts.



Despite the nationwide mandate, Minister Lekhak emphasized that the exemption ensures no citizen is deprived of essential services due to the lack of a national identity card.

Nepal govt eases NID requirement for vulnerable groups

Kathmandu: Police have arrested a 25-year-old man on charges of raping an eight-year-old girl in Baijanath Rural Municipality-8, Pipiri.



According to the Area Police Office, Dhanauli, Nim Bahadur BK was taken into custody on Sunday afternoon after a complaint was filed alleging that he had assaulted the minor on Saturday evening.



The victim was reportedly threatened before the crime was committed.



Authorities said an investigation is ongoing, and further legal action will be taken based on the findings.

Man arrested for raping 8-year-old in Banke

Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has announced that it will host the Sagarmatha Dialogue from May 15 to 17, inviting more than 350 representatives from various countries to participate in discussions on climate change and environmental sustainability.



Foreign Secretary Amrit Rai stated that over 150 guests are expected to attend the event. Invitations have been extended through Nepalese embassies abroad and the respective embassies of invited nations in Nepal.



Chief Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal emphasized Nepal’s commitment to leading discussions on Himalayan issues, particularly the impact of climate change. He highlighted that the dialogue would serve as a platform to address climate-induced losses and damages, reinforcing Nepal’s advocacy for global climate action.



The event will feature discussions on pressing environmental concerns. The first day will focus on glacier conservation and the immediate actions required. There will also be discussions on connecting island nations with high-altitude regions and strategies for food security, agricultural revitalization, and community-led initiatives in mountainous areas.



The second day will center on climate-related disasters, risk mitigation, and recovery efforts. Experts will present monitoring strategies, achievements, and approaches to reducing the impact of environmental degradation in the Himalayas.



On the final day, participants will have the opportunity to take an aerial tour of the Everest region to gain firsthand insight into the environmental changes affecting the world’s highest peak.



Chief Secretary Aryal reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making the Sagarmatha Dialogue a high-priority initiative, reflecting Nepal’s leadership in addressing global climate challenges.

Nepal to host Sagarmatha Dialogue with over 350 international invitees

Kathmandu: The Ministry of Health and Population has signed an agreement with the Nepal Eye Program Tilganga Institute to enhance access to eye care services for Nepali citizens.



The agreement was formalized in the presence of Health Minister Pradeep Paudel and Tilganga’s Executive Director, renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Sanduk Ruit. As per the agreement, the ministry will support the expansion of Tilganga’s services and capacity, while the institute will provide its locally produced lenses at a 10% discount for citizens in remote areas and at further reduced rates for others.



Tilganga’s lenses, recognized for their high quality, are exported to multiple countries. With this agreement, these lenses will now be made available to Nepali citizens at subsidized prices. Additionally, the institute will focus on training specialized eye care professionals and expanding services to rural areas to combat blindness.



The agreement also includes provisions for coordination with provincial and local governments to ensure the effective implementation of eye care programs. The ministry has pledged to facilitate the import of raw materials and equipment necessary for cataract surgery lenses by providing customs and value-added tax exemptions in accordance with existing laws.



Furthermore, the ministry will assist in enhancing the technical skills of healthcare workers at hospitals where Tilganga operates eye care programs. Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, Minister Paudel acknowledged Dr. Ruit’s contributions to Nepal’s eye care sector and emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting his work.



“Dr. Ruit has earned global recognition for his work in eye care,” said Minister Paudel. “His leadership has made Nepal a trusted name in lens production, and we are ready to extend further support in the coming days.”



Dr. Ruit, in response, praised Minister Paudel’s proactive approach to healthcare improvements and expressed Tilganga’s willingness to collaborate with the government. “We are prepared to work together. We seek support to compete at an international level,” he stated.

Nepal govt partners with Tilganga Institute to expand eye care access in Nepal

Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has instructed the National Planning Commission (NPC) to prioritize poverty alleviation by boosting production, productivity, and entrepreneurship.



During a meeting with NPC officials, including Vice Chairperson Prof. Dr. Shiva Raj Adhikari, at Singha Durbar, Oli emphasized the need to invest in skill development, entrepreneurship, and employment creation, stating that infrastructure development activities are nearing completion.



"We must advance towards self-reliance by enhancing production. People should be encouraged to work hard, and concrete measures should be identified to reduce poverty. Ministries must present specific plans to increase production and productivity, which will positively impact the national economy," Oli stated.



The Prime Minister also urged the NPC to strengthen monitoring and evaluation of national-pride projects, entrepreneurship development, and improvements in service delivery and governance.



NPC Vice Chairman Adhikari briefed Oli on the implementation of the 16th Plan, its challenges, and revisions to the National Project Bank.



He highlighted the importance of a systematic review of incomplete projects and adjustments to project evaluation criteria, supplementary grants, and special grants. Adhikari further stressed the need to empower local levels for the effective implementation of fiscal federalism.



Economic and Development Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister Dr. Yuba Raj Khatiwada and Chief Secretary Eaknarayan Aryal were also present at the meeting.

PM Oli directs NPC to prioritize poverty alleviation

Kathmandu: The Kathmandu District Administration Office (DAO) has issued a stern warning against unruly Holi celebrations, urging the public to observe the festival in a dignified and disciplined manner.



In a notice issued Tuesday, the DAO emphasized maintaining public order and social harmony, citing concerns over increasing disorderly conduct during the festival in recent years. Authorities reminded citizens that the Social Behavior (Reform) Act, 2033 BS regulates religious and cultural festivities and warned against activities disrupting public peace.



The administration has strictly prohibited public disturbances, excessive alcohol consumption leading to misconduct, and actions violating social and family decorum. Throwing colors or water on others without consent, using water balloons or sprays without permission, and reckless behavior that could lead to accidents are also banned.



Officials have warned that individuals engaging in unruly or illegal activities will face legal consequences under prevailing laws.



Holi will be celebrated in the hilly region on Wednesday and in the Terai region on Thursday. The government has declared a public holiday accordingly.

DAO warns against disorderly holi celebrations, vows legal action

Kathmandu: A massive crowd of monarchy supporters took to the streets of Kathmandu on Sunday, demanding the restoration of Nepal’s monarchy amid growing dissatisfaction with the country’s political and economic situation.



The rally coincided with the return of former King Gyanendra Shah, who traveled from Pokhara to Kathmandu via a chartered Simrik Air helicopter, landing at Tribhuvan International Airport at 3:00 p.m. His supporters, led by Rastriya Prajatantra Party-Nepal (RPP-N) President Kamal Thapa, gathered outside the airport, waving national flags and holding banners calling for the reinstatement of the monarchy.



Police estimates suggest that over 10,000 people participated in the demonstration, with many breaking into the airport premises. As Shah departed for his residence, Nirmal Niwas, he acknowledged the crowd by emerging from his car’s sunroof and waving to his supporters.



The procession, consisting of thousands of vehicles, led to traffic congestion across the city. Prior to his departure from Pokhara, the former king was also bid farewell by hundreds of supporters at the Pokhara International Airport.



Tensions flared at Tribhuvan International Airport as some protesters chanted slogans against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, prompting a brief clash with security personnel. Police were deployed to control the situation.



Reacting to the events, PM Oli condemned the former king’s public statements and rallies, calling them attempts to destabilize the country. Addressing the Sudurpaschim Province Assembly, Oli criticized Shah’s February 18 remarks and questioned the need for a monarchy’s return.



“If he wants to enter politics, he is welcome, but why does he need support for that?” Oli remarked, while also acknowledging Nepal’s economic struggles and vowing improvements within the next two years.



Meanwhile, opposition lawmaker Suresh Ale Magar of the CPN (Maoist Centre) accused the ruling coalition of possible collusion with royalist forces. Speaking in the National Assembly, he dismissed calls for monarchy restoration, arguing that Nepal’s republic system, despite its flaws, was irreversible.



The resurgence of pro-monarchy demonstrations has reignited debates over Nepal’s governance model, nearly two decades after the abolition of the monarchy in 2008.

Thousands rally in Kathmandu demanding monarchy amid political, economic unrest

Kathmandu: Several people were injured on Friday as a clash broke out between locals and Pokhara City Police personnel over a religious event organized by the Manav Sewa Foundation at Lakeside.



The violence erupted after municipal authorities opposed the Bhumi Pujan Maha Yagya, citing that the event was being conducted on disputed land without the necessary permission from Pokhara Metropolitan City. Police were deployed outside the Kotihom area to prevent the ceremony from proceeding, leading to a confrontation that resulted in injuries on both sides.



The Manav Sewa Foundation had planned to hold the Kotihom event at Barahighat, but authorities remained firm that the ceremony could not take place at Lakeside under any circumstances.



Foundation founder Bijay Bhandari stated that they are determined to carry out the Kotihom event despite resistance. "We will hold the ceremony and return from Pokhara, regardless of the situation," Bhandari said.



Local officials have not yet commented on whether further action will be taken regarding the disputed land. The situation remains tense as authorities monitor the area to prevent further escalation.

Clash erupts in Pokhara over religious event, several injured

Kathmandu: Eight Nepali citizens who were living in the United States without legal documentation have been deported and arrived in Kathmandu on a chartered flight.



The flight, which departed from Portsmouth International Airport in New Hampshire, landed at Tribhuvan International Airport at 10 a.m. The deported individuals were released upon arrival in Nepal.



This move aligns with the US government's policy of deporting undocumented immigrants, a stance emphasized during former President Donald Trump’s administration. Prior to this, 27 Nepalis had voluntarily returned from the US, but this marks the first instance of the American government directly deporting Nepalis and facilitating their return.



Authorities have not disclosed further details regarding the individuals deported or the circumstances leading to their removal.

8 Nepalis deported from the US arrive in Kathmandu, handed over to Nepal police

Kathmandu: Former Crown Prince Paras Shah’s health condition is improving after being admitted to Norvic Hospital following a heart attack, hospital sources confirmed.



Shah sought medical attention on Sunday evening after experiencing heart-related complications. Doctors performed an angioplasty the same night to address the issue.



This marks the fourth heart attack for the former crown prince. He remains under hospital observation and is expected to be monitored for the next three days.



Hospital officials have assured that his condition is stable and showing signs of improvement.

News

Our Team

Contact Information

Address (USA):

Address (Nepal):

Email:

Phone: