An elderly orangutan named ‘Timtom’ at a rehabilitation center in Indonesia has attracted significant attention after a video of her bathing in a human-like manner went viral. In the footage, the orangutan is seen washing herself in a way that closely resembles human bathing habits. Experts have stated that this behavior demonstrates the intelligence of orangutans and their ability to adapt to their environment.
The 23rd edition of the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival (KIMFF) will commence from May 27 to 31 at the QFX Chhaya Center in Kathmandu. This year, the festival will showcase over 50 films from 29 countries, while the Nepal Panorama section will feature stories reflecting contemporary Nepali society, organizers have announced. The international jury for KIMFF 2026 includes filmmakers from India, Thailand, Nepal, and Italy, and awards will be presented across various categories.
The festival will open with the Nepalese premiere of the film ‘Shape of Momo’, directed by Indian filmmaker Triveni Rai. The film depicts the life and identity struggles of Bishnu, who leaves her city job to return to her Himalayan village. To commemorate 70 years of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Switzerland, a special dialogue program titled “Alpine Alliance: A New Wave of Nepali Cinema” will also be held.
The international jury panel for KIMFF 2026 includes Indian international film programmer Deepti D’Cunha, Chalida Uabumrungjit, director of the Thailand Film Archive, Nepali author and poet Kumar Nagarkoti, and Luca Bicchi, director of the Cervino Cinemountain Festival in Italy. The jury will award prizes in categories such as Best Feature Fiction, Feature Documentary, Short Fiction, and Short Documentary.
This year, KIMFF will also host the second edition of the Kathmandu DocLab. Aiming to promote South Asian talent, mentors Anam Abbas from Pakistan-Canada, Arun Bhattarai from Bhutan, and Sarvnik Kaur from India will guide nine South Asian projects. Tickets are priced at NPR 150 for the general public and NPR 100 for students.
During road repair work in Baghamara area, Ward No. 3 of Paribartan Rural Municipality, Rolpa, a suspicious object was discovered. The Nepali Army’s Surya Dal unit safely disposed of and destroyed the object. Kathmandu, 6 Jestha. Following a report of the suspicious object found in Rolpa, a team from the Nepali Army promptly responded and carried out its disposal. The object was located amidst the ongoing road maintenance activities in Baghamara, Paribartan Rural Municipality–3. The bomb disposal team from the Surya Dal battalion handled the object carefully and ensured its safe destruction.
Editorial review completed.
June 6, Kathmandu – China has officially confirmed a deal to purchase 200 aircraft from the American company Boeing. The confirmation was issued by China’s Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday.
The announcement follows the recent Beijing meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping last week during which the purchase of planes from the United States was discussed.
According to the ministry, under this deal, the United States will supply engine parts and other necessary components for the aircraft.
Both countries have also agreed to advance the agreement reached last October to halt the tariff war, as reported by BBC.
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One upon returning from China last Friday, Trump highlighted several significant trade agreements between the two nations.
This included the agreement to purchase over 200 Boeing aircraft, which he described as part of commitments that could total up to 750 planes – potentially the largest order in history.
“We have committed to purchasing up to 750 planes,” Trump stated, “which could be the biggest order ever.”
Arsenal has secured the English Premier League football title for the first time in 22 years. The title was confirmed after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth. Arsenal has accumulated 82 points from 37 matches, while Manchester City sits at 78 points. This triumph marks Arsenal’s 14th league title.
Kathmandu, June 6 – Arsenal has won the English Premier League football title for the first time in 22 years. Last night, second-placed Manchester City drew 1-1 against Bournemouth, sealing Arsenal’s championship. With only one match remaining in the Premier League season, Arsenal leads the table with 82 points from 37 games, and Manchester City follows in second place with 78 points.
Following last night’s draw, Manchester City no longer has the possibility to overtake Arsenal. Bournemouth took the lead early on their home turf, with Jaidon Anthony scoring in the 38th minute to put his team ahead. Erling Haaland scored a late goal for Manchester City to level the match. Arsenal last won the Premier League title in 2004, making this their 14th top-flight league title and their fourth Premier League championship.
Generated by OK AI. Editorially reviewed.
May 20, Kathmandu — Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal conveyed that both countries are oriented toward resolving the border issue with India, including the Lipulekh area, through dialogue.
This subject was raised during the Parliamentary International Relations and Tourism Committee meeting on Wednesday. Lawmaker Pramesh Kumar Hamal, from the Nepal Communist Party, inquired about the government’s stance on this matter.
“We sent a note regarding Lipulekh. What was the response?” Lawmaker Hamal asked.
In response, Minister Khanal recalled that after the Mansarovar pilgrimage issue was settled, Nepal sent a diplomatic note.
“As expected, we sent a note asserting our claim. They also presented their claim. However, their response indicated a willingness to resolve the matter through diplomatic efforts,” Foreign Minister Khanal stated.
According to him, Nepal is prepared to resolve the border dispute via diplomatic dialogue as well. He said, “Naturally, we also stated that such border disputes should be resolved through diplomatic discussions.” He emphasized that both countries are working together on the border.
“Currently, a technical committee is working on the border between Nepal and India. Since it’s a long border, the committee is engaged in demarcation work. This process is ongoing,” he added.
Highlighting that border talks do not occur during the monsoon, he further explained, “Most discussions and activities take place during the dry winter season. Though the process had been halted for a long time, it resumed last year. The Border Working Group’s technical committee is now actively working.”
Minister Khanal stated that Nepal and India have been engaged in border-related discussions for a long time and both countries are progressing towards resolving issues through dialogue.
He said, “I believe that after a long time, Nepal and India are moving in the direction of resolving border-related issues through diplomatic initiatives and dialogue.”
Jestha 6, Dhangadhi – Veer Bahadur Balayar, Chairperson of the Nepali Congress Sudurpashchim Province, emphasized that it is the leadership’s duty to unite and move the party forward. Speaking at a press conference held to share details about the provincial committee meeting on Jestha 10 in Dhangadhi, he underlined that the responsibility lies specifically with Chairperson Gagan Kumar Thapa.
However, Balayar warned that if Chairperson Thapa’s intention is to divide the party, maintaining unity will be impossible. “We are not organizing this gathering to foster division. If the leadership seeks to split the party, there is no cure for it, nor can it be prevented,” he said. “All eyes are on Chairperson Gagan Kumar Thapa, who was elected in a special general convention. If he truly aspires to be the overall chairperson of Congress, the party will never reach a state of division.”
Balayar also highlighted that those who did not support Congress during the House of Representatives election are spreading rumors about the party’s division. He called for respect towards the elected office bearers and leaders from the 14th general convention, emphasizing that disrespectful behavior should not be tolerated.
“We are not here to establish yesterday’s leaders, but those leading now must be respected,” he added. “Our unity is essential to organize the 15th general convention.” He argued that the contact office opened by the group of outgoing Chairperson Sher Bahadur Deuba in Kathmandu should not be seen as a sign of party division.
Balayar further explained that the province-level meeting on Jestha 10 is intended for discussions and reflection on how to advance the Congress party in Sudurpashchim Province.
“We have planned this meeting to deliberate on the future direction of Congress in Sudurpashchim Province,” he stated. “There will be discussions on suggestions to allow the leadership some time and on strategies to move forward.”
He urged that the event not be viewed as a factional gathering. Balayar also noted that outgoing Chairperson Sher Bahadur Deuba, currently abroad, shares concerns about maintaining party unity.
Currently, more than 80,000 students from China and Russia are studying in each other’s countries. Igor Morgulov, the Russian ambassador to China, announced that the bilateral educational exchange target of 100,000 students is nearly achieved by 2030. President Putin’s visit to China marked the official launch of the China-Russia Education Year (2026–2027).
According to the government news outlet People’s Daily, approximately 80,000 students from China and Russia are enrolled in academic institutions in each other’s countries. This educational collaboration has further strengthened the strategic partnership between Moscow and Beijing. In December, Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov stated that the bilateral educational mobility goal of 100,000 students, as part of the Russia-China Humanitarian Cooperation Roadmap for 2030, is close to being met.
During an event at Renmin University in Beijing, Ambassador Morgulov expressed confidence that this target would be achieved ahead of schedule. President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to China coincided with the formal commencement of the China-Russia Education Year (2026–2027). This important initiative was announced by President Xi Jinping and President Putin during their New Year greetings exchange. With the start of this academic year, academic cooperation, research collaboration, and people-to-people ties between the two countries are expected to reach new heights.
Prepared after editorial review.
June 6, Kathmandu – Young batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s magnificent innings propelled Rajasthan Royals to a 7-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, preserving their chances of qualifying for the IPL playoffs.
Chasing a target of 221 runs, Suryavanshi blasted 93 runs off 38 balls, including 10 sixes. Dhruv Jurel remained unbeaten with 53 runs as Rajasthan completed the chase.
Rajasthan reached the target in 19.1 overs, losing 3 wickets. For Lucknow, Akash Singh and Mohsin Khan took one wicket each.
Earlier, after losing the toss and batting first, Lucknow posted a strong total of 220 for 5, with Mitchell Marsh scoring 96 and Josh Inglis contributing 60 runs.
For Rajasthan, Yash Raj Punja took 2 wickets while Jofra Archer claimed 1 wicket.
With this win, Rajasthan has now secured 14 points in 13 matches and is placed within the top 4, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Rajasthan will secure a playoff spot if they win their last match regardless of Chennai’s result against Gujarat.
Lucknow, meanwhile, had already been eliminated from the tournament.
More than 160 structures have been constructed within the river corridor of Firkhekhola. The Pokhara Metropolitan City has issued a public notice directing all permanent and temporary structures located within the boundaries of Firkhekhola’s river corridor to be removed by May 23. Authorities have warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe will result in the Metropolitan City forcibly demolishing the structures and recovering the associated costs from the responsible individuals or organizations.
According to the Metropolitan City, the area of Firkhekhola, which begins from Andherikunad of Ward No. 18 and stretches through Wards 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 17, and up to Gaighat of Ward No. 6, has been encroached upon, where various physical structures have been built. This river corridor drains into Phewa Lake. Technical teams from the Metropolitan City have begun removing structures falling within the boundary marked by poles placed on the eastern side. Earlier, on February 24, 2024 (Kartik 10, 2080 BS), the city had issued a 35-day notice calling for the removal of these structures.
A petition was filed against the notice at the High Court in Pokhara. However, the honorable High Court, upon hearing the case, upheld the Metropolitan City’s actions, deeming neither a stay nor an injunction necessary against the notice. This ruling legally enabled the Metropolitan City to proceed with removing the encroachments. Based on the court’s order and the notice issued by the Metropolitan City on April 17 (Baisakh 4), this final public notice has now been issued. The related individuals will be held financially responsible for all costs involved.
The Metropolitan City has urged all concerned persons and institutions to remove their structures by May 23. Should the structures remain beyond this deadline, the city will deploy bulldozers to demolish them and will rigorously recover all technical and administrative expenses incurred from the encroachers.
Summary: The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security has announced that candidates who were not selected through the lottery to work in long-term care centers in Israel must wait for a new advertisement. The Israeli authority, PIBA, has informed that individuals not chosen through the lottery cannot be processed through a special procedure and must apply in the upcoming advertisement, as communicated to the ministry.
June 19, Kathmandu – Candidates who were not selected through the lottery to work as workers at Israel’s long-term care centers are now required to wait for a new advertisement. The Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security issued a press release stating that the Israeli entity ‘PIBA’ has confirmed that it is not possible to include people who were not chosen through the lottery in the direct process.
Ministry spokesperson and joint secretary Pitambar Ghimire stated in the release that although it is currently impossible for these candidates to proceed in the process, once the new advertisement is published, they will have the opportunity to participate again. According to the advertisement issued by the Department of Foreign Employment on Ashad 11, 2081 (June 25, 2024), a total of 2,112 workers were selected through the lottery.
However, 815 candidates who were not selected in the lottery are also demanding the opportunity to go to Israel, putting pressure on the government. They have been surrounding the Department of Foreign Employment and staging protests at Maitighar, urging the government to take action. The ministry has stated that a new advertisement will be released soon and encourages qualified and interested candidates to apply then.
Testing of dead crows in Namobuddha Municipality of Kavrepalanchok has confirmed the presence of low pathogenic H9 type bird flu. The municipality has urged all stakeholders to maintain a high level of vigilance to minimize the risk to human health from bird flu. Strict enforcement of biosecurity measures in poultry farms has been ordered, and residents are instructed to report any sick poultry to the livestock service office immediately.
News has emerged of bird flu confirmation within Namobuddha Municipality, Kavrepalanchok. According to Krishna Giri, the Chief Administrative Officer of the municipality, the testing was conducted on dead crows found around the 26th Brigade military barracks located in Ward No. 2.
The municipality had sent the collected samples to the Central Veterinary Disease Research Laboratory in Tripureshwor, Kathmandu, for testing.
“According to the laboratory results, low pathogenic H9 type bird flu has been confirmed,” informed Chief Administrative Officer Giri. In the notice issued by the municipality, there is an appeal to all parties to exercise heightened caution to reduce the potential risk to human health and to prevent further spread of the infection.
An official from the Asset Investigation Commission has indicated that more than 25,000 current and retired officials, as well as political appointees, are expected to submit their asset declarations, prompting the commission to begin requesting data from various agencies. The cabinet under Prime Minister Walendra Shah ‘Balen’ mandated at the beginning of Baishakh that the commission, chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari, issue notices requiring asset disclosures within 30 days.
The commission is tasked with collecting, investigating, and reporting on the asset declarations of all political officials, employees, and their families holding public office from fiscal year 2062/63 through the end of Chaitra 2082/83. Last week, the commission invited complaints regarding “illegitimate accumulation of assets” from political appointees or employees holding public office within or outside its jurisdiction, and several complaints have already been registered, according to the commission’s spokesperson.
In the initial phase, investigations are estimated to cover over 13,300 current employees at both the federal and provincial levels, stated the Director General of the National Archives. According to details, at least 3,000 retirants from civil service, police, and judiciary sectors are also expected to submit thousands of asset declaration forms. The form prepared by the commission requires clear disclosure of inherited assets as well as those acquired during the tenure.
The commission has been granted one year to complete its mandate, with the first phase focused on collecting, verifying, and investigating assets declared by officials holding office between fiscal years 2062/63 and 2082/83. The second phase will scrutinize the assets of senior officials who held office from 2048 to 2061/62. Commission spokesperson Ganesh KC stated, “Our preliminary estimates suggest that over 25,000 officials will be required to fill out the forms. Complaints have already started to be received.”
Photo credit: PMO
An official from the Property Investigation Commission has estimated that more than 25,000 current and retired officials, as well as political officeholders, will be required to submit their asset declarations. The commission has already begun requesting data from various agencies.
At the start of Baishakh, Prime Minister Balendra Shah ‘Balen”s cabinet tasked the commission, chaired by former Supreme Court Justice Rajendra Kumar Bhandari, with issuing a notification for asset disclosure within 30 days.
The commission is mandated to collect, investigate, and report on assets belonging to all political officeholders, employees, and their family members, both domestic and abroad, who have held public office from Fiscal Year 2062/63 to the end of Chaitra 2082/83.
Upon inviting complaints last week concerning ‘illegitimate asset accumulation’ against political officeholders or employees within its jurisdiction, the commission has already begun receiving some complaints, its spokesman reported.
In the initial phase, around 13,300 serving employees at the federal and provincial levels are expected to undergo investigation, according to the Director General of the National Archives.
Records indicate that at least 3,000 civil servants, police personnel, and judiciary officials currently receiving pensions will also have to complete asset declaration forms, likely numbering in the thousands.
Photo credit: Supreme Court of Nepal
Entrusted with the responsibility to investigate assets of prime ministers from the time of the former monarchy to the current Nepali government, as well as ministers, members of parliament, judges, and senior security and diplomatic officials, the commission issued a notification last week directing submission of asset declarations within 30 days as instructed by its mandate.
According to the notification, any officer or employee who has served or retired between 2048 BS and 2062/63 BS, or at any point afterward, must submit their asset details at least once.
Ganesh KC, a retired Deputy Inspector General of Nepal Police and spokesperson for the commission, stated, “We preliminarily estimate that more than 25,000 officials will need to fill out the asset declaration forms. Complaints have also started arriving, with an expected range of 8,000 to 10,000 complaints.”
KC added that correspondence has been sent to various agencies to compile lists and quantity details, and a request for members of parliament’s names has been submitted to the federal legislature.
Officials confirmed that similar communications are also underway with other provinces and agencies.
The commission has been authorized to investigate assets of first-class gazetted civil servants and second-class gazetted officers holding head of office positions.
Photo credit: Getty Images
Shravan Kumar Pokharel, Director General of the National Archives, indicated that approximately 13,324 active employees at the federal and provincial levels will be within the scope of the first phase investigations.
He explained, “From specialized officers to Deputy Secretary-level employees, the asset verification process will be facilitated so that employees do not have to physically visit their department to obtain salary and income details. We have arranged to collect details via WhatsApp and email.”
This digital facility will be available for one month, and those who avail of it will not need to visit the National Archives.
Data on senior retired officers receiving pensions since Fiscal Year 2062/63 also suggests potential numbers within the commission’s scope.
According to the Pension Management Office under the Office of the Auditor General, there are currently 365 pensioners in the specialized secretary category. Additionally, there is one Additional Secretary, 15 Chief Secretaries, and 1,771 Undersecretaries receiving pensions.
Fifteen heads of constitutional bodies and seven officials including the Secretary General and Secretaries at the Parliament Secretariat also receive pensions.
Regarding the judiciary, there are 52 retired judges, including former Supreme Court justices and Chief Justices.
Similarly, the courts include 48 Chief Justices of High, Appellate, and Regional Courts and 173 retired judges.
Among retired officials in the Armed Police Force, there are 86 Senior Deputy Inspectors, 48 Deputy Inspectors General, 19 Additional Inspectors General, and 8 Inspectors General.
Within the Nepal Police, there are 152 Senior Deputy Inspectors, 118 Deputy Inspectors General, 102 Additional Inspectors General, and 15 Inspectors General.
“These figures represent retired and pensioned employees only; family members receiving pensions are not included,” explained Navaraj Nepal, head of the Pension Management Office.
Photo credit: SOPA IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
The commission has been given a one-year timeline. In the first phase, it is tasked with collecting, verifying, and investigating asset details of officials holding office from Fiscal Year 2062/63 to the end of Chaitra 2082/83. The second phase will cover asset investigations for senior officials from 2048 BS to Fiscal Year 2061/62.
The investigation scope includes the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chief Justice, Speaker, Chairperson of the National Assembly, provincial Chief Ministers, heads of constitutional bodies, appointed advisors, and private secretaries according to their social status.
“Political appointments made over various periods are also estimated to number between 3,000 and 4,000. The total number of political officeholders may exceed 5,000,” the commission stated.
According to the notice published in the gazette, if complaints are filed regarding active military officers, judges, or other officials outside its jurisdiction, the commission may forward those cases to the appropriate authorities for investigation.
Asset declaration forms are available on the commission’s website and require declaration of inherited and acquired assets during the official’s tenure, including clear details of sources.
The form requests information on salary, allowances, foreign travels, land and property holdings, stock market activity, loans from financial institutions, agriculture, animal husbandry, business, trade, remittances, income, and expenditures. All submissions must be accompanied by supporting verification documents.
KC emphasized, “Filling this form is mandatory and represents a chance for individuals to lawfully declare their assets. Confirming the absence of illegal assets is a citizen’s responsibility. This certificate also serves as proof of working responsibly.”
The Prime Minister and Council of Ministers’ office is overseeing the commission’s manpower, and initially, 38 personnel have been designated to support its operations.
Currently, the commission operates from Kesar Mahal in Kathmandu and is seeking additional staff to bolster its capacity.
As part of their preparation for the Asian Games, Malaysia has set a target of 68 runs for Nepal in the first women’s T20I match. Malaysia was bowled out for 67 runs in 16.5 overs. Nepal’s Pooja Mahato took 3 wickets while conceding just 13 runs in 4 overs. Kathmandu, 20 May.
In the ongoing series preparing for the Asian Games, Malaysia and Nepal women’s teams faced off in the first T20I match, where Malaysia set a target of 68 runs for Nepal. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Malaysia was bowled out for only 67 runs in 16.5 overs. Elsa Hunter top-scored for Malaysia with 10 runs, while captain Mas Elisah contributed 8 runs. Mahira Ejati and Erdina Bell both scored 7 runs each. For Nepal, Pooja Mahato was the standout bowler, taking 3 wickets for 13 runs in 4 overs. Riya Sharma and Manisha Upadhyay claimed 2 wickets each, while Kavita Kunwar and Sita Rana Magar picked up 1 wicket apiece.