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Sulabh Chaudhary and Ankita Pande Win Gold Medals in Individual Kata at 18th Indo-Nepal Open Karate Championship

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Sulabh Chaudhary and Ankita Pande from Nepal secured gold medals in the individual kata category at the 18th Indo-Nepal Open Karate Championship. The competition, held at Texas College in Mitrapark, features a total of 254 players from Nepal and India. The final matches of the event, organized with the technical support of Nepal Goju-Kai Karate-Do Association, will take place on Saturday, 22 Jestha, in Kathmandu.

On Friday, Sulabh Chaudhary and Ankita Pande won gold medals in the men’s and women’s individual kata events, respectively.

In the men’s category held at the organizing venue Texas International College in Mitrapark, Mohammad Tahsin Uddin Ansari from India won the silver medal, while Nepal’s Nischal Rai and India’s Darshit Rathi shared the bronze medals. In the women’s category, Nepal’s Anugnya Adhikari finished in second place, with India’s Suhana Shah and Nabholgan Barik securing third place.

The tournament was inaugurated through a program by Dr. Shyamsundar Shrestha, Principal of Texas College. The championship features 232 participants from Nepal and 22 from India, totaling 254 players. Indra Bahadur Shahi Khadge, General Secretary of the Goju-Kai Karate-Do Association and tournament coordinator, provided details that there are equal competitions in both men’s and women’s divisions, including 11 individual kata events each.

On the final day, Saturday, all semifinals and finals across the categories will be held.

Demand to Make Pro Bono Legal Services Mandatory for Justice Access of Foreign Employment Victims

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May 22, Kathmandu – Stakeholders have emphasized the need to make free legal services (pro bono) offered by legal professionals compulsory to ensure justice access for workers and their families who have been defrauded during foreign employment. This view was expressed during a workshop held in Kathmandu on “Access to Justice for Workers in Foreign Employment and Their Families,” jointly organized by the International Organization for Migration and the People Forum for Human Rights.

In a paper presented at the event, Advocate Somprasad Luitel highlighted that foreign employment-related cases take between 5 to 10 years to resolve, and out of those who win cases, only about 11 percent receive compensation. He stressed that legal professionals should take the initiative to provide free legal advice and support to victims of foreign employment. Luitel stated, ‘The contribution lawyers make to society is pro bono work. It is time for the Nepal Bar Council to mandate a fixed minimum period of pro bono service when renewing lawyers’ licenses.’

The People Forum reported having provided free legal aid to over 36,000 victims of foreign employment so far. It was emphasized that the legal aid provided by the state and pro bono services offered personally by lawyers should be integrated. Saraswati Shrestha, Vice President of the Nepal Bar Association, noted that the Bar has issued the “Pro Bono Directive 2075” and circulated it to all 90 Bar units. She added, ‘We have established a dedicated desk and room within the Bar. We are also encouraging senior lawyers to handle at least five free cases annually.’

Similarly, Ravi Narayan Khanal, Member of the Nepal Bar Council and senior advocate, described pro bono service as a lawyer’s humanitarian duty. He proposed the “Pro Bono Birthday” concept, where lawyers take a case free of charge on their birthday, and recommended using technology to record statements from victims residing abroad. Dr. Gyanu Gautam from Kathmandu School of Law emphasized the need to involve law students in research and drafting by operating “Legal Clinics” at the local level. Purnima Limbu of IOM Nepal expressed concern that access to justice is a fundamental right, yet only a small fraction of thousands of complaints registered with the Foreign Employment Department reach conclusive outcomes.

Participants in the discussion expressed confidence that coordinating with judicial committees at rural municipalities and municipalities to enhance legal literacy would help workers avoid fraud and facilitate easier access to justice. The workshop concluded that since only 15 percent of victims are aware of the complaint procedures and lack of evidence often leads to case losses, there is still a significant need for extensive work in this sector.

Rastriya Swatantra Party Madhesh Faces Conflict in Ward-Municipality Assemblies; Complaints Registered with Central Committee

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Disputes have arisen within the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RASWAPA) Madhesh Province following the selection of representatives in various wards and municipalities that violate the party’s constitution. As conflicts escalated, the Disciplinary Commission has directed the indefinite suspension of ward and municipal assemblies in the districts of Saptari and Siraha. Internal tensions within the party intensified after a leadership announcement was made in Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City, contrary to Election Commission directives.

Kathmandu, 5 June – Controversies have erupted during RASWAPA Madhesh’s ward and municipal assemblies due to the appointment of representatives and leadership contrary to party statutes. Complaints filed with the Central Disciplinary Commission have primarily originated from Madhesh, highlighting the highest number of grievances from the region at the lower-tier assembly level. The Election Commission has instructed the suspension of assemblies in these areas until disputes are resolved following objections to new leadership selections at the municipal and ward levels.

While investigations and final decisions on the complaints are pending, Disciplinary Commission Chief Bhuvan KC has mandated the suspension of ongoing elections. The Election Commission reported that among the eight districts in Madhesh, five are embroiled in conflicts, necessitating the halting of all assemblies in affected locations. Numerous disputed wards and municipalities are concentrated in Saptari and Siraha. Assemblies have been unable to commence in municipalities such as Jaleshwar, Ekdara, Matihani, Manra Shiswa, and Pipara in Mahottari district.

Similarly, in Dhanusha, assemblies have been suspended in Janakpur Sub-Metropolitan City as well as in Janaknandini and Ganeshman Charnath municipalities due to ongoing disputes. The unresolved conflict within the Ganeshman Charnath municipal assembly led dissatisfied party members to stage a lockdown at the district party office in Janakpurdham on Friday. The dissenting faction alleges that party leadership is attempting to legitimize the controversial committees, disregarding both Election Commission directives and the sentiments of the general party membership.

Bagmati Province Wins 16th Central President’s Running Shield Championship

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Bagmati Province successfully defended its title by winning 22 gold medals at the 16th Central President’s Running Shield Sports Competition. Sudurpashchim Province secured second place with 19 gold medals, while Lumbini Province finished third with 12 gold medals. The upcoming 17th President’s Running Shield competition is scheduled to be held in Koshi Province from February 19 to 22. (May 22, Kathmandu)

As the defending champion, Bagmati Province once again triumphed in the 16th Central President’s Running Shield Sports Competition held on Friday. The province topped the leaderboard by winning 22 gold, 21 silver, and 13 bronze medals across six sports. The event was organized by the National Sports Council (Rastriya Khelkud Parishad – RAKHEP), with co-organization by Bagmati Province Sports Development Council and Nepal International Pvt. Ltd. Sudurpashchim Province claimed the second position in the competition.

Sudurpashchim Province secured 19 gold, 9 silver, and 14 bronze medals. Lumbini Province ranked third with 12 gold, 15 silver, and 18 bronze medals. Gandaki Province came fourth, followed by Koshi Province in fifth, Madhesh Province sixth, and Karnali Province seventh. During the three-day competition, a total of 686 athletes from seven provinces competed in athletics, volleyball, kabaddi, taekwondo, karate, and wushu.

The winners were awarded prizes by RAKHEP Member-Secretary Ramcharitra Mehta, Chief Advisor to the Minister of Education and Sports Siddhi Byanjankar, and Advisor Raju Singh, among others.

Cash prizes totaling approximately NPR 1.2 million were distributed to the medalists. The 17th edition of the competition, to be held in Koshi Province from February 19 to 22, looks promising for all participants. At the opening ceremony held on Wednesday, President Ramchandra Paudel handed over the flag to Biplav Ghosh, Member-Secretary of the Koshi Province Sports Development Board, marking the commencement of the upcoming competition.

Bird Flu Controlled in Koshi, Infections Increasing in Kathmandu Valley

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News Summary

Prepared after editorial review.

  • Bird flu has spread to 10 districts in Nepal, leading to the culling of 479,156 poultry birds so far.
  • The outbreak has caused over 5 billion NPR in economic losses, with the government preparing around 4 billion NPR in relief for farmers.
  • Director General Dr. Umesh Dahal stated, “There is no effective treatment or vaccine; therefore, culling infected birds remains the primary method.”

May 5, Kathmandu – Bird flu infections have been reported across various regions of the country for nearly two months. Originating in Koshi Province during the first week of Chaitra, the bird flu has affected 55 commercial farms across 10 districts so far.

According to the Department of Livestock Services, bird flu has been detected in Sunsari, Morang, Kathmandu, Jhapa, Chitwan, Lalitpur, Bara, Bhaktapur, West Nawalparasi, and Mahottari districts.

The first confirmed cases were on March 17 in Sundarharaicha-4 and Urlabari-8 of Morang district in Koshi Province. Initially concentrated in Koshi, the outbreak has gradually spread to other parts of the country.

As per data until May 1, infections in Koshi have somewhat come under control; however, the situation in Kathmandu Valley has become more challenging.

Confirmed infections have been reported in commercial layer farms and local poultry within Kirtipur, Chandragiri, Gokarneshwor, Godawari, and Suryabinayak areas of the valley.

On May 3, sudden deaths of poultry in Wards 1 and 9 of Changunarayan Municipality, Bhaktapur, led to sample collection and testing at the Central Veterinary Disease Investigation Laboratory in Tripureshwor, where bird flu was confirmed.

So far, 479,156 poultry birds, 694,193 eggs, and 182,775 kilograms of feed have been destroyed in infected areas.

The greatest losses occurred in Sunsari, where 285,564 birds and 427,580 eggs were culled. In Morang, 101,860 birds and in Kathmandu, 39,481 have been destroyed.

In Jhapa, four farms lost 20,090 birds, 97,450 eggs, and 10,465 kilograms of feed, while one farm in Chitwan culled 18,863 birds.

In Lalitpur, three farms destroyed 9,730 birds, 3,150 eggs, and 3,700 kilograms of feed. One farm in Bara culled 2,865 birds, 4,127 eggs, and 3,125 kilograms of feed.

Less affected districts include two farms in Bhaktapur with 417 birds culled, one farm in West Nawalparasi with 208 birds and 100 kilograms of feed destroyed, and one farm in Mahottari with 78 birds destroyed.

Heightened vigilance, regular monitoring, and disinfection efforts are ongoing in these areas to prevent further spread.

Department Director General Dr. Umesh Dahal confirmed that while infections outside the valley have been somewhat contained, cases continue to rise in local and commercial farms within Kathmandu Valley.

“The infection is continuously spreading in parts of Kirtipur, Chandragiri, Gokarneshwor, Godawari, Suryabinayak, and some areas of Bhaktapur,” he said.

Dr. Dahal added, “Recently, infections have increased in local and semi-commercial poultry farms within the Kathmandu Valley. We are deploying teams to contain the outbreak.”

Losses Exceed 5 Billion NPR; Relief Prepared for Farmers

According to Dr. Dahal, the direct economic loss due to bird flu has totaled approximately 5 to 6 billion NPR. The government is planning to provide relief amounting to approximately 4 billion NPR—75% of the cost price—to affected farmers as per the 2078 Relief Standard. In addition to the large losses in commercial farms, indirect economic impacts have reached billions more.

“Bird flu has caused significant damage to the poultry sector, so the government is preparing relief packages for affected farmers,” Dr. Dahal affirmed.

“The direct losses are estimated at over 5 billion NPR, and we have planned to compensate 75% of the cost price, around 4 billion NPR,” he added.

Containment Without Treatment or Vaccine Remains Priority

Since no effective vaccine or treatment is currently available, the department holds that culling infected poultry is the most effective control measure.

Rapid deployment of response teams is underway to destroy infected birds and other poultry materials in affected zones. Farmers have been urged to strictly adhere to biosecurity measures.

Dr. Dahal emphasized, “Due to the absence of treatment and suitable vaccines, infected birds must be promptly culled to prevent virus spread. Our teams are deployed at any time as needed.”

The department has identified reuse of egg crates without disinfection and poor farm hygiene as key contributors to the infection’s spread, urging farmers to strictly follow biosecurity protocols.

Proximity to large trees inhabited by wild birds, wetland areas near farms, and lapses in biosecurity are considered significant risk factors.

Furthermore, the department concluded that the failure to disinfect reused egg crates and inadequately protected field staff have exacerbated the transmission.

British King Charles III Praises Gorkha Soldiers at Parade, Expresses Pride

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22 Jestha, Kathmandu – British King Charles III has praised the newly established Gorkha Artillery Unit. During a parade at Larkhill Barracks in Wiltshire, King Charles lauded the determination and dedication of the Gorkha soldiers. The King was welcomed with a 21-gun salute on the occasion. Addressing the ceremony, King Charles stated, ‘This reflects the enduring and valuable relationship between the United Kingdom and Nepal.’ He also expressed great pride at seeing the Gorkha soldiers at the parade. The unit was formed in 2025. On the occasion, King Charles mentioned that with the formation of this unit, a new chapter has begun, and he has authorized the British Army to fully expand it. It is expected that 400 Gorkha soldiers will be incorporated into the unit over the next three years.

Labor Attachés Appointed Under Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Violation of Law

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News Summary

  • The government has transferred labor attachés from the Ministry of Labor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through new organizational division regulations.
  • Labor experts have opposed the restructuring of labor attachés via regulations contrary to the Foreign Employment Act 2064.
  • Following the labor attachés’ transfer, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated an organizational and management survey on the issue.

22 Jestha, Kathmandu – Labor attachés, considered the primary mechanism for protecting the rights and interests of millions of Nepali workers abroad, have been removed from the Ministry of Labor and placed under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

According to the Government of Nepal’s Organizational Division Regulations 2083, the responsibility of labor attachés is now assigned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Section 68 of the Labor Act mandates that in countries with at least 5,000 Nepali workers, labor attachés must be appointed from officers listed in the gazette. This means labor attachés should be appointed from administrative service officers of grade three or above. However, currently, personnel from the Ministry of Labor are being designated as labor attachés.

Contrary to the provisions of the Foreign Employment Act 2064, the government has shifted labor attachés under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through revised regulations issued by the Cabinet. According to labor administration officials, the regulations have altered the required staffing structure, which previously mandated gazetted third-grade officers for this role.

Experts in labor administration and foreign employment have condemned this move as a serious manipulation against workers. They argue that the Cabinet has undermined the Ministry of Labor’s authority through regulations that contradict the intent of the Foreign Employment Act enacted by Parliament.

Officials from the Ministry of Youth, Labor, and Employment state that this issue is not merely about staff management but pertains to the overall governance system of foreign employment.

Areas such as demand certification, manpower company regulation, labor approval, worker rescue, compensation, grievance handling, repatriation, and welfare programs are still operated through the Ministry of Labor and the Department of Foreign Employment. Thus, placing labor attachés under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs creates structural imbalance, they argue.

According to an official from the Ministry of Labor, the primary responsibility of labor attachés is not diplomacy but protecting workers’ rights. Labor attachés have been engaged in rescuing workers, resolving employer-employee disputes, assisting imprisoned or stranded Nepalis, repatriating deceased workers’ bodies, initiating bilateral labor agreements, and advising workers.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs primarily focuses on diplomatic relations and protocol, whereas the labor attaché’s role involves workers’ labor rights, social security, and protection,” said the official. “Therefore, it is appropriate to maintain the labor attaché within the Ministry of Labor’s administrative framework.”

Dissatisfaction has emerged even within the Ministry of Labor regarding the government’s decision. Officials briefed the Secretary and Minister, recommending that labor attachés should not be moved to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, the Cabinet ignored these suggestions and amended regulations accordingly, sources reveal.

Regulations Overriding the Act

Legally, the government’s decision has been questioned. According to Nepal’s legal system, regulations are subordinate to Acts. However, disregarding the spirit of the Foreign Employment Act passed by Parliament, the Cabinet has changed the labor attaché structure through subsidiary regulations.

Labor administration officials warn that such actions increase the risk of executive interference in other legal frameworks in the future.

By legal principles, regulations issued by ministries or the Cabinet cannot override Acts enacted by Parliament. Yet the government has transferred this matter to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs relying solely on revised regulations without amending the Act.

The government’s move challenges the supreme authority of Parliament by assimilating labor attachés into the Ministry of Foreign Affairs based on regulations serving narrow interests.

Previously, the Organizational Division Regulations 2074 were consistent with the Act, but the new regulations violate established legal standards, say Ministry of Labor officials.

Contradicting the ‘Fully Labor-Centered’ Principle

Labor expert Rameshwar Nepal expressed strong opposition, stating, “The matter of labor attachés is entirely a core labor issue, and transferring it from the Ministry of Labor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is wrong.”

He added, “The work of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is diplomacy, not labor management. Therefore, transferring labor attachés to the Foreign Ministry is unacceptable.”

One of the main functions of Nepali embassies in Gulf countries (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain) and Malaysia is addressing labor issues.

“If there were not four hundred thousand Nepali workers in Qatar, our embassy there would be unnecessary,” he said. “Even the Consulate General in Kolkata operates under the Ministry of Finance though it coordinates with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Similarly, labor attachés should work under the Ministry of Labor while maintaining coordination.”

Against Nepal’s principle of specialization, the government’s decision to place labor attachés under the Foreign Ministry risks weakening workers’ issues. Additionally, moving the Social Security Fund out of the Ministry of Labor is expected to create further problems.

“The Foreign Employment Act 2064 provides inter-ministerial coordination among various agencies,” he states. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not retain all units but should cooperate with the Ministry of Labor; wanting to control everything is impractical.”

The experts worry that the government’s attempt to centralize all authority and agencies in one ministry or center will complicate the foreign employment sector.

With millions of youth leaving for foreign employment annually and numerous complaints and rescue incidents occurring abroad, demands to strengthen the role of labor attachés have increased. However, the government appears to be weakening it administratively.

Instead of enhancing the number, capacity, and performance of labor attachés, the decision to structurally weaken them indicates prioritizing inter-employee power struggles over workers’ interests.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated it is currently conducting an organizational and management survey (ONM survey), which began after labor attachés were placed under its jurisdiction per the Organizational Division Regulations. Once the final report is received, necessary procedures will follow.

Claim of Improved Foreign Employment Management by Transferring Labor Attachés

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserts that transferring labor attachés under its wing aims to make the foreign employment sector more organized, efficient, and worker-friendly. Officials believe that advancing foreign employment issues through ‘labor diplomacy’ will enhance protection of Nepali workers’ interests and coordination with destination countries.

A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official explained that labor management and labor diplomacy are distinct topics, noting that the Foreign Minister himself gets involved in handling issues related to Nepali workers abroad.

While labor management primarily relates to internal administration, coordinating with foreign governments, organizations, and employers to protect workers’ rights falls under diplomatic responsibility, the official said.

The Foreign Ministry highlights that having both labor attachés from the Ministry of Labor and ambassadors reporting separately within diplomatic missions causes performance issues. Dual command structures within a mission affect decision-making and coordination.

According to the Foreign Employment Act, when disagreements arise between ambassadors and labor attachés on labor matters, the labor attaché’s decision prevails. This arrangement weakens leadership clarity and accountability within missions, the Foreign Ministry argues.

They claim that destination countries prefer dealing with personnel appointed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, skilled in diplomatic dialogue, formal correspondence, international negotiations, and government coordination.

“In some sensitive cases like repatriation of deceased workers’ bodies, Foreign Ministry staff often lead the process; however, responsibility and credit go to separate structures,” the official noted. “Even in the host countries, Foreign Ministry staff are recognized as authorities.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs concludes that bringing labor attachés under its jurisdiction will strengthen foreign employment service delivery, coordination, and diplomatic initiatives.

Farmers in Jumla Engage in Planting Marsi Rice

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22 Jestha, Jumla – Farmers in the region have begun planting Kalimarsi rice. Farmers from all eight local units are actively involved in transplanting Marsi rice. Laxmi Kumain from Chandannath Municipality noted that the demand in the market has increased significantly, which has heightened interest in cultivating Marsi rice. This variety of rice is primarily produced only in Jumla.

In Chhumchaur, Paatarasi Rural Municipality—one of the highest settlements in the world—the planting of both black and red Marsi rice has been completed, according to Vice Chairperson Janmaya Rokaya. The Chandannath-Bhairavnath Guthi Management Committee has also reported that transplanting in Shera Jyulo, located within the precincts of the famous Chandannath and Bhairavnath temples, is finished. Approximately 2,888 hectares of paddy are cultivated across the district.

Of this, about 1,068 hectares are dedicated to Jumli Marsi production, informed Rambhakta Adhikari, Chief of the Agricultural Development Office. Between Kartik and the end of Falgun last year, roughly 175 metric tons of Jumli Marsi rice were sold outside the district, generating income of around NPR 35 million. He expressed confidence that traditional Jumli Marsi rice production could become more productive with technological improvements. Currently, the Agricultural Research Center is conducting research on Jumli Marsi rice and has recommended cultivars Chandannath-1 and Chandannath-3 to farmers. Additionally, the Agricultural Development Office’s chief indicated that new varieties Marsi-18, -20, and -22 are in preparation for recommendation based on ongoing research.

Putin’s Review: Our Relationship with India Will Not Weaken; Pakistan Is Not Under China’s Control

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May 5, Kathmandu – Russian President Vladimir Putin has shared his assessment of the foreign relations of the two nuclear-capable South Asian countries, India and Pakistan. He asserted that despite India’s growing partnership with the United States, its long-standing relationship with Moscow will not weaken. India has been a strategic and commercial partner of the Soviet Union since the Cold War era. Even after gaining independence, India has consistently collaborated with Russia in military equipment and technology. Putin made this assertion based on that enduring relationship.

Similarly, Putin expressed his views on the relationship between Pakistan and China. He stated that Pakistan does not appear to be under China’s control. While Pakistan has been a US ally since the Cold War, it has recently developed substantial trade, investment, and strategic partnerships with China. Pakistan’s relations with the United States have also not deteriorated from its side. Recently, Pakistan played a mediating role between Iran and the US amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.

Putin emphasized that pressuring India regarding its relationship with Russia is “futile” and will not bring any change to the bilateral ties. This statement is understood in the context of former US President Donald Trump exerting pressure and imposing tariffs on India related to fuel purchases while Russia is engaged in conflict with Ukraine. Putin is scheduled to participate in the BRICS summit to be held in India this September. Ahead of this, he publicly shared his perspectives on India and Pakistan.

Controversy Over Secretary Krishnahari Pushkar’s SMS to Prime Minister Balen Shah and Subsequent Police Interrogation: Experts Weigh In

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Prime Minister Balen Shah

Image source, PMO

There have been various reactions following the SMS sent by Krishnahari Pushkar, Secretary of the Vice President’s Office, to Prime Minister Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ and the subsequent police interrogation or detention.

In the mobile message sent to the Prime Minister, Secretary Pushkar mentioned that his retirement is approaching and expressed interest in either the position of Chief Secretary or Ambassador. He sought guidance and necessary support from the Prime Minister. This message has been confirmed by multiple sources.

Following the message, the police summoned Pushkar for questioning but the Ministry of Home Affairs has clarified that he was not arrested.

However, former administrative officials have criticized both the act of sending such a message and the police interrogation as inappropriate.

Attempts to contact Secretary Pushkar for comments on this matter were unsuccessful.

Shakira and Burna Boy to Perform at Mexico’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony

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Musicians Shakira and Burna Boy are set to perform the official song at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. FIFA plans to host separate opening ceremonies in each of the three host nations—Mexico, Canada, and the United States—featuring various artists. The halftime show of the World Cup final is scheduled to include performances by Shakira, Madonna, and BTS.

Before Mexico’s first match as co-hosts, Shakira and Burna Boy will deliver a special performance. They will present the tournament’s official song, “Dí Há,” at the opening ceremony in Mexico City. This event will take place prior to the opening game between host Mexico and South Africa.

FIFA has organized distinct opening ceremonies in all three host countries. Alongside Shakira and Burna Boy, Mexico’s event will feature Alejandro Fernández, Belinda, Danny Ocean, J Balvin, Lila Downs, Los Angeles Azules, Maná, and Teya. Canada’s ceremony is scheduled for June 12 in Toronto, headlined by Alessia Morissette and Michael Bublé.

On the same day, the United States will hold its ceremony in Los Angeles, with performances from Katy Perry, Lisa, Rema, Anita, and Future. All three ceremonies are directed by renowned Italian producer Marco Balich and will be held approximately 90 minutes before the respective matches begin. Meanwhile, the World Cup final halftime show will showcase Shakira alongside Madonna and BTS. Through the official song “Dí Há,” FIFA aims to raise $100 million USD to support educational initiatives.

Remittances Impacting Agriculture and Productive Sectors, Study Finds

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A study by Nepal Rastra Bank reveals that while remittances have boosted consumption in the country, they have concurrently led to a decline in the agriculture and productive sectors. The study shows that Nepal’s non-performing loan (NPL) ratio increased from 1.3 percent in 2022 to 4.62 percent by July 2025. To maintain financial discipline, the central bank has been advised to introduce advanced technology and establish a non-performing loan management company.

May 5, Kathmandu – Research indicates that remittances are shifting the economy away from production-oriented activities. Due to remittance inflows, many individuals are moving away from agriculture and other productive employment, the study highlights. The research conducted by Director Rajan Krishna Pant of Nepal Rastra Bank, titled “Economic Stability and the Nation: Achievements and Future Directions,” underscores remittances’ contribution to the reduction in production.

According to the study, Nepal’s long-term average economic growth rate is 4.3 percent. Although growth rates were higher during the 1980s and 1990s, conflicts and other issues in recent decades have caused fluctuations. The current growth rate is primarily driven by the services sector and remittances, the report notes. However, it emphasizes that this growth is largely consumption-driven rather than production-based.

Law Minister Gautam: Strengthening the Law Commission to Draft All Legislation

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Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sobita Gautam has emphasized that laws should not only obstruct issues but also provide solutions through proper interpretation. Minister Gautam announced plans to empower the Law Commission by ending the use of external consultants for legal drafting. She also revealed the launch of a new portal where citizens can directly understand laws and offer suggestions on draft legislation. The announcement was made on May 5 in Kathmandu.

Addressing the second Legal Officers’ Conference held in the capital on Saturday, Minister Gautam stressed the need to dispel misconceptions that laws only hinder processes. She stated, “Interpretations should be crafted so that laws do not obstruct but provide solutions. The role of legal officers is crucial for this. The law group within the justice services and the Ministry of Law are the brain of state power. Whether problems arise or improvements are needed, coordination with the law is essential. However, sometimes we hear leaders say, ‘Everything is stuck in the law.'”

Minister Gautam highlighted that the Ministry of Law is engaged in policy work aimed at drafting legislation that reflects direct impact on citizens’ lives and prevents problems. She announced the discontinuation of the longstanding practice of relying on external consultants for legal drafting, stating that all drafts will now be prepared by a strengthened Law Commission. Further, she underscored the necessity for staff dedication and suggestions to build a well-organized, disciplined, and dynamic Ministry of Law under her leadership.

“Let the narrative that ‘law obstructed the work’ be replaced with one that ‘law provided solutions.’ It is your responsibility to prepare statements affirming that all ministries received support, guidance, and solutions from the law, and to operate accordingly. This will lead the country on a positive path,” she added. Minister Gautam also suggested holding senior staff accountable as responsible personnel for any problems encountered during the legislative drafting process.

In addition, Minister Gautam outlined plans to raise public awareness about laws and to ensure citizen representation and direct participation in the law-making process. She explained, “We must connect with the public directly in some way. People need to understand the directives of the law and have opportunities to engage. Citizens are seeking platforms to provide their suggestions, and to address this, we have launched a portal within the Ministry of Law based on two themes to ensure participation.”

How Did Dawa Sherpa Survive and Get Rescued After Being Missing for Six Days on Everest?

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‘It seemed unlikely that I would survive’: An exclusive conversation with Dawa Sherpa, who was out of contact for six days on Mount Everest before being found. On the seventh day, guide Dawa Sherpa went missing on Everest. Despite nearly losing hope for survival, he revealed that he managed to sustain himself with chocolate and snow. On Thursday, he was rescued by helicopter and taken to a hospital in Kathmandu. Watch this video interview conducted with Sherpa and his wife after arriving at the hospital on Friday.

Bagmati Province Wins Most Gold Medals in Athletics with 11 Titles

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News Summary

Editorial Review Completed.

  • Bagmati Province won the highest number of gold medals in athletics with 11 titles at the 16th Central President Running Shield Sports Competition.
  • A total of three new junior national records were set in athletics events—two individual and one team.
  • Bagmati’s Bhagwati Khadka secured the highest number of gold medals individually, winning four titles with record-breaking performances.

June 5, Kathmandu – On the final day of the 16th Central President Running Shield Sports Competition held Friday, Bagmati Province claimed the most gold medals in athletics, winning 11 titles. The province also earned 7 silver and 5 bronze medals.

The athletics contest featured 26 different events. Sudurpashchim Province secured 8 gold, 3 silver, and 4 bronze medals; Lumbini Province won 5 gold, 9 silver, and 5 bronze medals; Gandaki Province took 2 gold, 2 silver, and 7 bronze medals; Karnali Province clinched 1 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Koshi Province, without any gold medals, earned 2 silver and 2 bronze medals, while Madhesh Province did not win any medals.

The finals for eight events took place on the last day at the Dashrath Rangashala in Tripureshwor. In the boys’ 200-meter race, Bhagwan Das Lohar from Lumbini crossed the finish line first with a time of 22.64 seconds. In the girls’ category of the same event, Garima Chaudhary from Lumbini secured gold by completing the race in 27.37 seconds.

In the boys’ 3000-meter race, Anil Shahi from Karnali finished first with a time of 9 minutes 20.1 seconds. In the girls’ category, Anjuli Malla from Lumbini earned the gold medal by completing the race in 11 minutes 3.6 seconds.

Vikramnath from Sudurpashchim secured first place in the boys’ triple jump by leaping 13.55 meters. In the girls’ category, Anisha Tharu from Bagmati won gold with an 11.10-meter jump. In the 4×100 meter relay, the girls’ team from Bagmati and the boys’ team from Lumbini topped their respective categories.

Three junior national records were set in athletics — two individual and one team record. Avinash Sunar from Bagmati established a new record in the boys’ high jump with a leap of 1.86 meters.

In the girls’ 400-meter race, Bagmati’s Bhagwati Khadka set a record in the heat round by completing the distance in 58.94 seconds. She won a total of four gold medals in the 400-meter race, 800-meter race, 4×100 meter relay, and 4×400 meter relay events.

The girls’ 4×400 meter relay team from Gandaki, composed of Atit Thapa, Aryan Rana Magar, Ankit Ranabhat, and Sudip Bhandari, set a new record by finishing the race in 3 minutes 27.9 seconds.

In taekwondo contests held at Nepal Taekwondo Academy in Satdobato, Bagmati won 5 gold medals. In the competition for 12 gold medals, Sudurpashchim and Madhesh Provinces each earned 2 gold medals. Karnali Province failed to secure any gold, while Koshi, Gandaki, and Lumbini provinces each won 1 gold medal.

At the karate competition held at the Covered Hall in Kirtipur, Koshi Province led with 3 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals. Lumbini earned 3 gold and 5 bronze medals, while Sudurpashchim won 3 gold and 4 bronze medals. Bagmati took 2 gold medals, and Madhesh secured 1 gold medal. The karate event featured competition for 12 gold medals.