Author: space4knews

Kathmandu, May 26 – The government has released the draft bill to amend the ‘Animal Slaughterhouse and Meat Inspection Act, 1998’ and is inviting public suggestions within seven days. The proposed amendments include expanding the definition of meat to encompass fish and require mandatory licensing for the establishment and operation of slaughterhouses. The draft bill also proposes increasing fines based on the offense, setting them between a minimum of NPR 25,000 and a maximum of NPR 100,000.

The government is moving forward with the process of updating the nearly 25-year-old Animal Slaughterhouse and Meat Inspection Act to better respond to current needs. The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Environment has prepared and publicly released the draft bill for amendments, seeking opinions, suggestions, and support from stakeholders and the general public. The ministry issued a notice on Tuesday urging submission of feedback within seven days.

A key aspect of this amendment is to clearly delineate the jurisdiction among federal, provincial, and local levels in accordance with the federal structure. The ministry stated that the bill is introduced to effectively implement the fundamental right of every consumer, as enshrined under Article 44 of Nepal’s Constitution, to access quality goods and services. Furthermore, the bill aims to promote private sector participation in the establishment and improvement of slaughterhouses, meat sale centers, and meat shops while raising public awareness.

May 26, Kathmandu – Member of Parliament Shriram Nyaupane from the Rastriya Swatantra Party has emphasized the need for the government to take necessary steps to control the monkey problem. He highlighted that citizens have repeatedly drawn attention to this issue. While providing information in parliament, he stated, “Just this morning, a farmer from my constituency called me saying, ‘Honorable sir, although road construction and development projects are delayed, that is acceptable, but the immediate priority should be to protect crops from monkeys.’”

Speaking during the House of Representatives session, MP Nyaupane described this problem as not merely a complaint from farmers but a serious crisis affecting Nepal’s agriculture, farmers, and food security. He further added, “Due to monkeys, several farmers have been forced to relocate their homes.” He suggested adopting control measures such as dummy monkeys and urged the government to raise public awareness regarding this issue.

May 26, Kathmandu — The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation is advancing the bill related to water resources, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. Minister Biraj Bhakta Shrestha emphasized the necessity of gathering suggestions on this bill. He made this request during discussions with employees of the Department of Electricity Development and the Electricity Regulatory Commission. He also reaffirmed the commitment to prevent wastage of generated electricity and to safeguard public investments.

The minister provided information that in the upcoming fiscal year, more than a dozen strategically important transmission lines will be prioritized for construction within one year through the Nepal Electricity Authority and the National Transmission Grid Company. Although electricity production is rapidly increasing, he warned that without corresponding growth in consumption, the country could face debt risks in the future. Hence, he stressed that the department must also prioritize expanding electricity consumption and strengthening transmission infrastructure.

Minister Shrestha highlighted the need to adopt new procedures for the development of hydropower projects and move forward in collaboration with other agencies. Referring to global changes affecting Nepal’s energy needs and priorities, he noted that the department must be more vigilant in the electricity production licensing process.

He underscored the importance of ensuring investor capital security and preventing objections to government policies and decisions. Minister Shrestha expressed confidence that the department’s role will be crucial, not only in issuing licenses but also in regularly monitoring project quality, equipment, and physical infrastructure. He also informed that preparations are underway within the ministry to guarantee that projects and work transitioning to government ownership after several years meet prescribed standards. Emphasizing a commitment to good governance and administrative reforms over momentary popularity and high ambition, he pledged to assign responsibilities and opportunities to staff based on outstanding performance.

Patients at hospital. The Health Insurance Board has decided to suspend health insurance services at private hospitals, except for emergency cases, starting from Jestha 16 (May 29). The board cited an outstanding payment of 1.6 billion rupees to service provider institutions and an escalating financial crisis as the reasons for this decision. Consequently, insured citizens across the country may face disruptions in regular services such as outpatient department (OPD) visits and surgeries at private hospitals and medical colleges.

The government has reduced health insurance services at private hospitals amid serious challenges in the health insurance program. The Health Insurance Board announced that all insurance services at private hospitals, excluding emergency care, will be suspended from Jestha 16 until further notice due to worsening financial difficulties. This information was made public on Thursday.

The decision was made during the board’s meeting held on Jestha 11, 2083 (May 24, 2026). As a result, hundreds of private hospitals and medical colleges affiliated with the health insurance program nationwide are expected to limit services such as OPD consultations, diagnostic tests, surgeries, medications, and other routine care for insured individuals. Emergency services will continue as usual, the board confirmed.

Initiated by the government to ensure healthcare access for all citizens, the health insurance program now faces severe financial instability, payment backlog, and administrative weaknesses. Payment of billions owed to private hospitals has been stalled for years, and under this pressure, the board has been compelled to reduce services, sources indicate.

May 26, Kathmandu – The Terai Madhesh Loktantrik Party (TAMLOPA) has recommended that the government divide the entire Madhesh region into two provinces. Led by party chairman Brisheshchandra Lal, TAMLOPA suggested to the constitutional amendment discussion committee that Madhesh be re-delineated into Eastern and Western Madhesh provinces. The party expressed concerns that including only eighteen districts in Madhesh Province while allocating other districts to different provinces has caused feelings of disrespect among the Madheshi and Tharu communities.

Highlighting that provincial boundaries have been contentious since the constitution’s promulgation, TAMLOPA stated, “Regions outside the eight Madhesh districts have been forcibly integrated into other provinces. The Madheshi and Tharu people here feel disregarded regarding their identity and self-governance rights. We demand a re-delineation of the entire Madhesh into two provinces named Eastern and Western Madhesh.” Additionally, the party submitted an eight-point recommendation on the constitutional amendment, addressing electoral systems, governance structures, and other issues. TAMLOPA emphasized the need to strengthen federalism.

The proposal notes, “Any attempt through constitutional amendment to weaken federalism or centralize power by altering its nature is unacceptable.” The party recommended adopting a fully proportional electoral system based on provinces as electoral constituencies, stating, “In elections for both the House of Representatives and provincial assemblies, provinces should be regarded as constituencies, with a full proportional system implemented.” TAMLOPA also called for representation in the National Assembly to be based on population. For Nepal’s governance model, it stated that the Westminster multi-party parliamentary democratic system is the most suitable. Furthermore, the party suggested that local government elections should be conducted on a non-partisan basis.

The conflict that began at the end of February between the United States, Israel, and Iran has not been confined to the Middle East but has spread to other regions as well. This war has disrupted maritime trade and affected global supply chains. The rise in oil prices has driven inflation higher, causing volatility in world markets. During times of economic uncertainty, investors tend to withdraw from risky markets and shift their investments into comparatively safer assets, such as the US dollar. This movement has influenced currencies worldwide, with some currencies depreciating, others experiencing fluctuations, and a few strengthening.

According to André Perfetto, a Brazilian economist and head of the APCIA advisory firm, “Oil prices impact everyone… currency volatility can amplify or mitigate this effect.” The changes in currency values affect countries and their citizens differently depending on various economic factors. Countries that heavily import fuels, especially oil, have experienced the most significant impact on their currencies. Nations such as India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Egypt have been among the most affected.

Since the onset of the Iran war, India’s rupee has depreciated by nearly 5 percent. With rising oil prices, the rupee has repeatedly touched record lows. Central banks have responded by raising interest rates and selling dollar reserves in attempts to stabilize their currencies. Indonesia’s central bank, for example, has employed both measures. While higher interest rates benefit savers, they also increase the cost of borrowing.

Other countries have witnessed currency fluctuations, including South Africa, Colombia, Chile, and Mexico. Their currencies have oscillated with global market trends. Energy-exporting countries like Brazil and Malaysia have seen increased income from exports as oil prices rose. Financial institutions such as Goldman Sachs and Bank of America have reported strong demand for Brazilian government bonds and stocks.

China’s currency remains stable due to strict governmental regulations and policies. Since the conflict started, the Russian ruble has become the best performing currency. In developed economies, investors have traditionally favored currencies considered safe havens. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has signaled that the Iran war is likely to slow economic growth and increase inflation, warning of challenging conditions ahead for the global economy.

13 Jestha, Kathmandu – Meteorologists have predicted rainfall in many parts of the country on Friday. The rain is expected to begin from Thursday evening, intensifying comparatively on Friday night. According to Rojen Lamichhane, a meteorologist at the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology’s Weather Forecasting Division, rainfall is more likely during the night than in the morning or afternoon. Lamichhane stated, “Rainfall is expected in all seven provinces on Friday. Based on the current situation, light to moderate rain is anticipated.”

Currently, a wave of warm air is sweeping through the western Terai. With predicted rainfall on Friday, people in that region are expected to get some relief from the heat. Lamichhane explained that Nepal is currently influenced by western winds, local air currents, and a low-pressure area near the eastern region. This combination is expected to increase cloud formation and bring thunderstorms and lightning along with rainfall. Due to this, some districts may also experience gusty winds today and tomorrow.

Some meteorologists have mentioned the possibility of heavy rainfall in certain areas of Sudurpashchim, Karnali, Lumbini, and Gandaki provinces. Meteorologist Binod Pokharel noted on Facebook that from Thursday evening through Friday, many places from Sudurpashchim to Bagmati may experience heavy rain. Another meteorologist, Dr. Dharmraj Upreti, also warned of heavy rainfall in some locations on Friday with a potential risk of flooding.

However, the Weather Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology had not issued any official information about heavy rainfall as of the time this report was prepared. Meteorologist Lamichhane clarified, “So far, only light to moderate rainfall is expected. We have not confirmed heavy rain. If heavy rainfall becomes likely, we will provide an update tomorrow. Since rainfall conditions change rapidly, it is not possible at present to confirm heavy rainfall.” He added that the rainfall system, which has started in western Nepal, will gradually move eastward, potentially bringing light to moderate rain across districts in all seven provinces. He noted that the system is being closely monitored.

According to the Weather Forecasting Division, there is a likelihood of thunderstorms and gusty winds with rain in eastern and central regions today, while a wave of warm air is expected to persist in the western Terai districts.

May 26, Kathmandu – Nepali mountaineering guide and filmmaker Pasang Kaji Sherpa has successfully ascended the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, raising the Pokhara Avengers flag at the summit. This marked her eighth ascent of Everest, and she hoisted the Nepal Premier League (NPL) team flag at 3:50 a.m. on May 23, 2026.

According to a press release issued by Pokhara Avengers, the flag was raised atop Everest as a symbol of their shared commitment to raising awareness about climate change and the conservation of Himalayan glaciers through sports. Chairman Tripathi stated, “Avengers continuously support efforts addressing climate change and glacier preservation while promoting the spirit of Nepali sports and grassroots cricket development. We did not want this campaign to be limited to just reaching the summit; we aimed to dedicate it to a greater cause. This is a call to recognize the importance of glacier conservation, raise awareness about climate change, and encourage the development of cricket.”

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, at least 31 people have died in the recent Israeli attacks, including many children.

Confiscated materials involving Chairperson Malla and local residents. May 26, Humla. A case has been registered in Humla against Govinda Malla, Chairperson of Himalaya Rural Municipality in Bajura, along with three others, on charges of timber smuggling. The complaint was filed regarding smuggling of timber and wildlife in the Lampata Chyachaur forest area of Kharpunath Rural Municipality-3, Humla district, implicating Chairperson Malla and three others.

The complaint alleges that timber smuggling occurred under Chairperson Malla’s plan within the Thala Community Forest area. According to the Division Forest Office Humla, the complaint was made against Chairperson Malla, Nar Bahadur Gurung of Ward No. 3, Ward member Pema Gara Gurung, and Himal Gurung. Mahesh Kumai, Chief of Division Forest Office Humla, informed that a team led by Devaraj Rawal, Chairperson of Thala Community Forest, filed the complaint against these four individuals.

The complaint states that two automatic saws used for cutting Gobre Sal timber, 700 tree felled logs, a partial body of the national bird Danphe found in the jungle, and the skin of a rare animal were discovered at Pema Gurung’s residence. The complaint demands legal action based on the National Wildlife Conservation Act 2022 and Forest Act 2019, as stated by Chief Kumai. According to him, officials have been appointed to investigate, and the wildlife specimens have been sent to the National Forensic Laboratory for identification. – Narajan Tamang