‘Day turned to night for a moment’: People in the Northern Hemisphere were astonished while observing a rare solar eclipse. On August 13, 2026, at 13:21 +0545, Europe, North Africa, and North America witnessed the largest solar eclipse since 1999. Millions joyfully observed this celestial event, which made it appear as if daytime had briefly turned into night. On Wednesday, as the Earth, Moon, and Sun aligned, certain parts of the Northern Hemisphere experienced temporary darkness. Iceland and Spain witnessed a rare total solar eclipse, while other areas experienced a partial solar eclipse.
Summary: The National Sports Council (Racap) has expressed serious concern over Nepalese e-sports players not participating in the 20th Asian Games. According to the council, player names were recommended in coordination with the officially registered E-Sports Association, Nepal; however, the association later informed that participation could not proceed. Racap clarified that players not included in the initial roster cannot be included subsequently despite claims of later selection.
Kathmandu, 28 Shrawan — The National Sports Council (Racap) has raised serious attention regarding Nepal’s absence of e-sports athletes in the upcoming 20th Asian Games. In a press release issued Wednesday, Racap stated that when submitting preliminary rosters for the Asian Games, the player names were included after official coordination with the E-Sports Association, Nepal (ESAN), which is registered with the council.
Meanwhile, Racap became aware that another organization called Nepal E-Sports Association (NESA) is also operating in this field. To safeguard players’ interests and ensure participation, Racap contacted NESA proposing necessary discussions and coordination. However, according to the council, NESA failed to respond within the given timeframe.
Since the organizers of the Asian Games require final athlete rosters to be submitted through the Nepal Olympic Committee within a set deadline, Racap recommended 15 participants, including 12 athletes, based on endorsements from the relevant association. However, the officially registered E-Sports Association, Nepal, reportedly informed Racap that their recommended players were not selected, which led Racap to decide that Nepal’s e-sports players will not participate in the Asian Games.
Racap stated that after the deadline, NESA ignored requests for coordination. However, NESA subsequently claimed that their players had been selected and insisted on their participation at the Asian Games. Racap firmly clarified that players not included in the preliminary roster submitted for the event cannot be added later based on such claims.
The press release emphasized, “The council is unable to implement the selection of players who were not included in the registered preliminary roster for the competition.” Racap expressed disagreement with the publication of misleading, one-sided news that disregards the facts of the matter.
The 20th Asian Games will be held in Japan from September to October.
After more than five months abroad, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, upon his return to Nepal, refrained from making any statements to the well-wishers gathered at Tribhuvan International Airport. However, he released a two-page message on social media. “The Nepali Congress needs to unify itself and move forward by reaching consensus and cooperating with all other active political parties in the country. Today’s imperative is for everyone to join hands to strengthen the nation’s nationalism and democracy,” the message reads. “The disagreements currently visible within the Nepali Congress must be resolved immediately. When there is discord in the country’s main party, the very nationalism of the country could weaken. Therefore, I appeal to all leaders, workers, well-wishers, supporters, voters of the Nepali Congress, and the general Nepali public to believe in Congress’s collective spirit, recognizing the sacrifices, dedication, and struggles made according to that principle, and to move forward accordingly. Nepali Congress does not belong to any individual’s ego but must prioritize the supreme interests of the people.”
Known for his reserved public demeanor, Deuba made no public remarks at the airport. Experts say his forthcoming statements over the next few days could be decisive in determining whether Nepali Congress unites or splits. Former acting party chairman Purn Bahadur Khadka, who was present to welcome him, described Deuba’s role as “decisive” for the party’s complete unity.
What are the leadership’s expectations? Having served as Prime Minister five times and as party chairman, Deuba’s rejection of the special general convention organized by a large faction within the Nepali Congress still holds significant influence among many leaders and workers of that group, political observers note.
His return coincided just before the discontented faction, led by Gagan Thapa, was planning a ‘National Gathering,’ leading many to interpret his arrival as a meaningful development. The establishment faction’s leaders expect Deuba’s homecoming to send a message of unity within the party. “He is an experienced figure who has reached the top level of Nepali Congress. He is in a position to contribute maturely to unify the party,” said Pradeep Paudel, General Secretary of Nepali Congress. “We expect him to present himself actively in the process of unifying Nepali Congress.”
Caption, Well-wishers welcomed Deuba upon his arrival at Tribhuvan Airport while returning homeArticle Information
Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba ended a five-and-a-half-month stay abroad and returned to Nepal. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan Airport, he refrained from making any statements to the gathered well-wishers. However, he issued a two-page message on social media.
“Nepali Congress must unite as one and also seek consensus and cooperation with all active political parties in the country. Today, it is essential that everyone come together to strengthen national unity and democracy,” he stated.
“The disagreements and disappointments within the Nepali Congress must be resolved immediately. When the nation’s main party is embroiled in disputes, national unity is at risk. Therefore, I appeal to all leaders, workers, well-wishers, supporters, and voters of the Nepali Congress, which is a party that believes in collective action, to honor the sacrifices, dedication, and struggles of all members and move forward accordingly. The Nepali Congress must prioritize the people’s supreme interests over anyone’s ego.”
Known for his reserved demeanor, Deuba did not make any public remarks at the airport. Political observers suggest that his upcoming comments within the next few days will be pivotal in determining whether the Nepali Congress achieves unity or further division.
Former acting chairperson Purna Bahadur Khadka, who went to welcome him, said that Deuba will play a “decisive role” in uniting the entire party.
Expectations of Party Leadership
Image Source, RSS
Leaders and workers of the large party who had opposed Deuba and rejected the special general convention reportedly have been influenced positively by his return.
After Gagan Thapa assumed party leadership, the dissatisfied faction announced plans to organize a ‘National Gathering’. It is reported that Deuba will address this event, making many view his homecoming as significant. Leaders in the establishment faction hope that Deuba will foster party unity.
“Having been prime minister five times and party chairperson, he is an experienced personality. He can maturely bring the party together,” said General Secretary Pradeep Paudel.
“We trust he will present himself as someone who will unify the party.”
Party Vice-Chairperson Pushpa Bhusal also expressed hope that Deuba will play a caring, ‘parental’ role.
“Not only was he Prime Minister and party chairperson, but also a veteran who has struggled long within the Nepali Congress organization. We respect him as a guardian. Therefore, his role will be crucial in strengthening and uniting the party rather than causing division,” Bhusal stated.
According to General Secretary Paudel, the party is currently being manipulated “both internally and externally.” “Efforts are underway to weaken the party from within. I believe Deuba will recognize this and contribute patiently to create an environment of unity,” he added.
Political analyst Puranjan Acharya believes Deuba’s return could bolster party unity.
“The Supreme Court recently ordered a review of the Congress dispute, which may have psychologically impacted the establishment faction. In this difficult situation, his return appears to mark a decisive turning point for party unity,” Acharya said.
The faction that became candidates through the special general convention received recognition from the Election Commission and Supreme Court prior to elections.
However, the Supreme Court recently ordered a review of its previous ruling on the Nepali Congress dispute.
All Eyes on the ‘National Gathering’
Image Source, RSS
The opposition is scheduled to hold a national gathering in Kathmandu this Friday, where Deuba is expected to address the event. Many within the Congress eagerly anticipate his remarks.
“If at the gathering Deuba says that he is newly returned, still understanding the situation, will not engage in creating division, and will only take the initiative to unify the Nepali Congress, that will send a clear distinct message,” said General Secretary Paudel.
Vice-Chairperson Bhusal urged party workers, who carry the desire to strengthen the party, to avoid expressions that weaken or divide the party. “There should be no expression that weakens the party or causes factionalism,” she said.
Analyst Acharya considers the statements delivered by Deuba and other leaders at this gathering to be significant.
“In my understanding, his personal life, history, and security depend heavily on party unity. In the past, Girija Prasad Koirala displayed a similar situation. After multiple failures, he returned through peace talks with the Maoists and restored his stature,” said Acharya.
“I do not see him aspiring to become chairperson again, so his major role will be to bring different factions together and unify the party.”
Two Major Challenges Deuba Must Face
Image Source, NUR PHOTO VIA GETTY IMAGES
Caption, File photo
On 24th Bhadra (early September), during the Janajati Guthi (Jan G) movement, Deuba and his wife Arju Rana Deuba were assaulted, and their house was set on fire. He underwent treatment for months afterward.
During the party’s internal disputes in mid-December, a special general convention was held, and the Congress faction led by Gagan Thapa received recognition from the Election Commission. Deuba and his wife went to Singapore on 13th Falgun (late February) for further treatment. Currently, Congress is the second-largest party in the House of Representatives.
Experts say that Deuba now faces two types of challenges.
The first challenge is legal. Some time ago, the government obtained permission from Kathmandu District Court for the arrest of the Deuba couple in a property cleansing case.
However, the Supreme Court annulled that order. So far, government agencies have not officially commented on the police investigation.
After returning home, Deuba may have to confront these issues.
“My understanding is that he returned ready to face legal challenges; otherwise, he would not have come back,” said Acharya.
The second challenge is politically tougher. After being displaced by the Jan G movement, KP Oli-led government is consolidating its political position through the UML general convention and strengthening its leadership and political direction.
Deuba was inactive for a long time, undergoing treatment abroad. But the demand for leadership change within Congress led to a special general convention.
The party made serious missteps during the elections, and now official talks of party division are emerging.
A national gathering is imminent, and there is widespread curiosity about whether Deuba will work to unify the party or accelerate its division.
“According to some sources and those close to him, he believes the party should not split but must be reconciled,” Acharya said.
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A study by the National Association for Sports Health and Fitness Nepal reveals that 30.8 percent of Nepalese female athletes have experienced sexual abuse during selection processes. During training and competitions, 33.33 percent of athletes reported verbal abuse and misconduct by their coaches. The study also found that 65.2 percent of the athletes suffered mental distress as a result, with 13.04 percent compelled to quit their sports careers. Kathmandu, 28 Shrawan.
The findings shed light on the prevalence of sexual abuse faced by female athletes in Nepal. The National Association for Sports Health and Fitness Nepal conducted a survey titled “The Status of Sexual Harassment among Nepalese Female Athletes,” which disclosed significant insights into this critical issue. A survey of 276 female athletes indicated that 30.8 percent experienced sexual abuse during athlete selection. Additionally, 26.09 percent reported abuse during competitions, and 7.97 percent during training sessions.
According to the study, 33.33 percent of female athletes experienced verbal insults and abuse from coaches during training and competition. Similarly, 23.19 percent reported mistreatment by managers, 11.59 percent by spectators, and 21.74 percent by officials including coaches, administrators, and association representatives. The report highlights the severe impact of such abuse on the mental health and athletic careers of female athletes.
The consequences included mental stress for 65.2 percent of the athletes, with 46.38 percent experiencing feelings of despair and 20.29 percent feeling helpless. Furthermore, 13.04 percent of the athletes have contemplated quitting sports altogether. Among those abused, 26.09 percent refrained from reporting due to fear and concerns about social reputation, whereas 42.03 percent informed their coaches and peers. The study recommends implementing awareness and empowerment programs nationwide for female athletes and calls for legal action against perpetrators. It also emphasizes the need for a dedicated women’s complaint cell to enable confidential reporting, early provision of self-defense training from a young age, and ensuring free physiotherapy services for athletes.
In Chirala municipality, located in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, a distressing incident occurred where a six-month-old infant was stolen while sleeping alongside the mother. The police have released video footage related to the complaint. Utilizing a new 360-degree CCTV footage viewing application, law enforcement officials successfully located the abducted infant within 24 hours. Additionally, the police are working to expand the CCTV network using this innovative app.
China’s experimental maglev train achieved a speed of 800 kilometers per hour from zero in just 5.3 seconds, breaking its own world record.
This frictionless train, propelled by magnetic forces, successfully demonstrated safe braking over a 200-meter distance during testing.
Researchers hope this technology will play a crucial role in future rocket launch systems and ultra-high-speed transportation infrastructure development.
August 13, Kathmandu – An experimental bullet train in China has set a new world record by accelerating from zero to 800 kilometers per hour in approximately 5 seconds. This achievement demonstrates promising potential for ultra-high-speed transportation.
On a 1-kilometer test track at the Donghu Laboratory in Hubei Province, this heavy maglev train reached 800 km/h in just 5.3 seconds starting from rest.
Maglev trains use magnetic forces to levitate slightly above the track, eliminating friction entirely. Electromagnetic waves generated by coils around the track propel the vehicle forward.
Chinese researchers demonstrated that this train is capable not only of attaining extreme speeds but also of controlled braking through an advanced braking system.
After accelerating from zero to 800 km/h, the train smoothly decelerated over approximately 200 meters, showcasing safe and gradual stopping. This marks the third time in six months that this maglev acceleration train has broken its own world record.
Weighing 1.1 tons, the train’s initial test took place in June of this year when it achieved a speed of about 650 km/h in 7 seconds, setting a world record at that time.
Subsequent tests significantly improved the times, with the maglev achieving accelerations of approximately 700 km/h and 798 km/h, reaffirming its record-breaking performance.
According to China’s national broadcaster CCTV, each test has helped researchers push the limits of high-power energy flow, electromagnetic propulsion, high-speed levitation control, and emergency braking systems to their fullest capabilities.
Currently, maglev trains operating in China and Japan run at speeds of around 320 kilometers per hour. The world’s fastest commercial maglev train, China’s Fuxing rail, reaches speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour.
Additionally, researchers at China’s National Defense Technology University are developing ultra-high-speed maglev trains, one of which accelerated to 697 km/h within just 2 seconds during testing.
Although this technology is not yet ready for passenger service, its fundamental principles are expected to contribute significantly to the development of rocket and fighter jet launch systems in the future.
Chinese scientists are developing maglev technology capable of operating within low-pressure or vacuum tubes to achieve ultra-high speeds.
However, these technologies still face challenges related to infrastructure investment, passenger safety, and constructing precise tracks over long distances.
Former Spanish player and ex-Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has been appointed as the head coach of the Netherlands men’s national football team. The Dutch Football Federation has entrusted the 46-year-old Xavi with this responsibility until 2030. He becomes the first foreign coach to lead the Dutch national team since 1978.
Xavi expressed that he feels deeply honored to be appointed as the coach of the Netherlands. He replaces Ronald Koeman, the former Barcelona coach, who resigned from the position following the FIFA World Cup. This marks Xavi’s first time as the head coach of any national team.
Previously, Xavi served as coach for Saudi Arabia’s Al Sadd club and Spain’s Barcelona. His tenure as the Dutch head coach will begin on September 24 with the UEFA Nations League match against Germany. After stepping down from the Barcelona coaching role in 2024, Xavi had not taken charge as head coach of any team until now.
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defeated Aston Villa 2–1 to secure the UEFA Super Cup title for the second consecutive time.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored in the 20th minute to give PSG the lead, followed by a decisive goal by Dusan Vlahovic in the 62nd minute.
Aston Villa’s 17-year-old Brian Majjo set the record for the youngest scorer in Super Cup history by netting a goal.
August 13, Kathmandu – French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) successfully defended their UEFA Super Cup title by defeating Aston Villa.
The match, held Thursday night at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria, saw PSG secure a 2–1 victory over Villa. Champions League winner PSG took the lead in the 20th minute when Khvicha Kvaratskhelia scored.
Aston Villa’s 17-year-old Brian Majjo equalized near the end of the first half. Majjo scored with a volley off a cross from John McGinn, becoming the youngest goal scorer in Super Cup history.
However, in the 62nd minute, Dusan Vlahovic scored to restore PSG’s lead. The goal was reviewed by VAR for a possible offside, but after confirmation, it stood, allowing PSG to maintain their advantage and win the title.
Although Majjo delivered an outstanding performance for Aston Villa, his goal was insufficient to secure the trophy. Villa created several good chances throughout the match, but PSG goalkeeper Matteo Safonov made effective saves to deny them.
Aston Villa had won the Europa League title last May, whereas PSG earned their spot in the Super Cup by claiming the Champions League last season.
PSG won their first-ever Super Cup last year by defeating Tottenham in a penalty shootout. With this victory, the French club has now secured the trophy for two consecutive years.
The 125th board meeting of the National Sports Council (NSC) is scheduled for this afternoon at 1 pm at the Ministry of Education and Sports. This meeting, convened after nearly eight months, will focus on key agenda items including the dates and budget for the 10th National Sports Games and the suspension of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA). The meeting is also expected to make important decisions regarding preparations for the Asian Games, contract appointments for technical staff, and the renewal of sports associations.
Held at the Ministry of Education and Sports in Singha Durbar, the meeting will discuss topics such as the ANFA suspension, finalizing the dates and number of sports for the 10th National Sports Games. Additionally, there will be discussions on delegating appointment authority from the Minister of Education and Sports, who also serves as the NSC Chairman, to the Member Secretary.
The proposed agenda includes the inclusion, operation, and management guidelines of sports for the 20th Asian Games, setting the schedule for the 10th National Sports Games, and contract appointments for essential technical staff. Furthermore, issues related to the renewal of sports associations and grant management will also be deliberated.
A rare solar eclipse, unseen in the UK and Europe for nearly 30 years, was observed by millions of people across the region today.
While the UK witnessed a partial solar eclipse, also called an annular eclipse, areas of Greenland, Iceland, and parts of Spain experienced a total solar eclipse, darkening the skies dramatically.
Large crowds gathered at various viewing locations across the UK and Europe, many expressing how the celestial event reminded them of the universe’s awe-inspiring nature.
The total solar eclipse first became visible from northern Siberia in Russia before moving gradually across the Arctic Sea and appearing over Iceland in the evening.
As the shadow moved southward, parts of the UK caught glimpses of this extraordinary spectacle. Partial eclipse viewing began around 6:00 pm local time in northern Scotland and just before 6:20 pm along England’s southern coastline.
Photo source, PA Media
Photo caption, People gathered on Calton Hill in Edinburgh to observe the rare solar eclipse
Initially, the eclipse was subtle and difficult to distinguish, but gathered viewers witnessed the moon gradually covering the sun.
Clear skies in much of central and southern England and Wales allowed people to watch the moon slowly move across the sun with remarkable clarity over approximately an hour.
Northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland had cloudier skies, but the weather didn’t deter many from gathering at well-known viewing spots across the UK.
Some spectators used special eclipse glasses for safe viewing, which were reportedly sold out in many stores.
Total Solar Eclipse Observed from Spain
Photo source, Reuters
Photo caption, View from Spain during the eclipse
A solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking some or all of the sun’s light and casting a shadow on Earth.
However, the sun, moon, and Earth were not perfectly aligned in the UK, resulting in only a partial eclipse being visible there.
In most parts of the UK, the moon covered about 90% of the sun, marking the rarest solar eclipse since 1999. Cornwall experienced coverage as high as 95%.
Residents of certain places in Spain were lucky to witness an even more spectacular event.
At around 7:30 pm British Summer Time, the sun, moon, and Earth achieved near-perfect alignment, causing a total solar eclipse.
Chilean scientist Yasmin Catricheo traveled thousands of kilometers to northwest Spain to witness the event firsthand.
“Everyone there rejoiced at the moment of total eclipse. There are no words to describe the feeling,” she said. “The universe is amazing.”
Though solar eclipses occur somewhere on Earth roughly every 18 months, witnessing one from a specific location is quite rare, typically happening once every 400 years on average.
Those in the path of the eclipse in Spain had the unique opportunity to see this rare spectacle.
During the eclipse, the reddish glow of the sun’s corona was visible from behind the moon.
After the moon moved away, the sun gradually became fully visible again.
Though the total eclipse lasted less than two minutes, it was an unforgettable experience for many.
This kind of total solar eclipse is a remarkable example of cosmic coincidence.
The sun is about 150 million kilometers away from Earth, roughly 400 times farther than the moon.
However, because the moon’s diameter is 400 times smaller than the sun’s, they appear nearly the same size when viewed from Earth.
If the moon were slightly smaller or its orbit further away, we would never witness a total solar eclipse.
The government has responded positively to the proposal to establish an integrated cyber scam response center, and the preparatory process is underway, according to the central spokesperson of Nepal Police. While the general public loses hundreds of millions of rupees to cyber fraud every year, the police have emphasized the need for a specialized agency to combat such crimes. A proposal to create an effective and integrated response system to tackle cyber fraud related to digital transactions involving banks and telecom service providers has been submitted to the Home Ministry. Spokesperson Abinarayan Kafle stated that the Home Ministry has taken a favorable stance on the proposal.
“Previously, due to budget and other reasons, this initiative did not progress. However, this time we have received a positive response from the relevant ministry, and communication with the concerned agencies has already taken place,” he shared. Officials from the banking and telecom sectors have also confirmed that the Home Ministry is engaging in discussions with them on this matter. Still, attempts to obtain feedback from certain Home Ministry officials were unsuccessful. Experts in the security field have recommended that such a center is necessary to eliminate procedural complexities between agencies and to increase the number and capacity of investigation officers. Former police chief Thakur Gyawali commented, “Such centers can play a crucial role in recovering scammed funds, as the process of returning money is more complex than the investigation itself.”
In a cyber fraud case in the month of Baishakh, an individual from Kathmandu lost NPR 1,884,000 but has only managed to recover NPR 16,000 so far. According to data from the Cyber Bureau, the general public suffered cyber fraud losses exceeding NPR 2 billion in the last fiscal year, yet only about NPR 180 million has been recovered. In the fiscal year 2082/83, there were 20,000 complaints related to cybercrime, among which nearly 7,500 involved fraud. Spokesperson Kafle noted that statistics from the recent three years show that only around eight percent of the defrauded amounts have been recovered.
Drawing from international practices, Nepal Police spokesperson Kafle explained that the establishment of the integrated cyber scam response center takes inspiration primarily from the models operating in India, China, Thailand, and Singapore. “We have studied these countries’ effective centers where swift action is taken and results are evident.” Based on this analysis, representatives from banks, telephone and internet service providers, payment service providers, and financial institutions have been involved to advance the center’s processes.
The Mahabodhi Temple, located in Bihar, India, is revered as a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide. According to Buddhist teachings, Buddha attained spiritual enlightenment here, and this place marks the beginning of Buddhism. However, this holy site is currently embroiled in controversy. The temple’s management is controlled by a committee with a Hindu majority. Indian Buddhists demand that the administration of the temple be fully entrusted to them. On the other hand, Hindus assert their rights over the Mahabodhi Temple associated with Buddha. Thousands of Buddhists across the country are protesting this issue. Many people have been staging sit-ins near the Mahabodhi Temple for the past eighteen months, calling for the repeal of the Bodh Gaya Temple Act (BTA) and full administrative control of the temple.
Established in 1949, the Act formed a management committee for the Mahabodhi Temple comprising four Buddhist and four Hindu members. The committee is headed by the district magistrate, who is typically a Hindu. These members are government-appointed with a three-year term. For this reason, Buddhists say the committee remains under Hindu control. The committee’s secretary, Bhante Pragya Sheel, has served as the temple’s chief monk for eight years. He asserts that Bodhi Vihar is the heritage of Buddhists. “The entire world recognizes this place as belonging to Buddhists. No one has ever claimed that this is not a Buddhist temple. We want it to be managed by Buddhists,” he said. “Any honest chief minister or prime minister must act justly according to the Constitution. What rightfully belongs to someone must be given to them. Whether today, tomorrow, or any day later, they must hand it over. This irregularity cannot continue indefinitely.”
To meet the rising electricity demand in Madhesh Province, the Ministry of Energy is prioritizing the construction of various strategic transmission lines and substation projects. Energy Minister Birajbhakta Shrestha has confirmed that work is progressing rapidly to commission the Balganga Substation in Dhanusha before the Dashain festival. Additional agreements are underway to enhance power supply quality in the industrial corridors of Siraha, Saptari, Rautahat, and Bara–Parsa by building more transmission infrastructure and substations. Kathmandu, 27 Shrawan.
Strategic projects for transmission line and substation construction in Madhesh Province have gained momentum to satisfy the increasing electricity demand. The Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation is prioritizing the expansion of transmission infrastructure not only to meet immediate electricity needs but also to fulfill anticipated future demand from industries, businesses, and households. The new transmission lines and substations are expected to improve power quality and reliability in Madhesh and establish essential energy infrastructure necessary for industrial expansion.
The ministry is conducting regular monitoring, coordination, and facilitation to ensure timely project completion. According to Energy Minister Birajbhakta Shrestha, several transmission line and substation projects aimed at meeting Madhesh’s electricity demand have reached critical stages. Among key projects under construction is the Dhalkebar–Balganga 132 kV transmission line and substation, which the ministry targets to bring online before Dashain.
In Siraha and Saptari, managing the increasing demand presents challenges, especially with rising loads on the 33 kV and 11 kV distribution lines in the rural and industrial areas. The existing distribution infrastructure is likely to struggle to meet future demand. To address this, the 132 kV Lahan–Sukhipur transmission line project has been initiated.
Considering the growing electricity demand and industrial potential in Saptari, the Rupani–Bodebarsain 132 kV transmission line project is moving ahead. This involves constructing nearly 18 kilometers of double-circuit line and establishing a 132/33/11 kV substation in Bodebarsain. The Chandrapur–Saruatha 132 kV transmission line project in Rautahat aims to improve power supply in the central and southern parts of the district.
In Bara–Parsa, where electricity demand is sharply rising, the Hetauda–Parwanipur–Pokharia 132 kV transmission line project is prioritized with a target to be completed by September 2027.
On the occasion of its seventh anniversary, Food Management and Trading Company Limited is set to inaugurate a new sales counter within the Singha Durbar premises. The Minister of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Gauri Kumari Yadav, is scheduled to formally open the sales counter on Thursday. The company has planned to operate affordable price stores offering a special discount of NPR 5 per kilogram and per liter on daily consumable goods at 193 locations across 44 districts nationwide.
Through this new counter inside Singha Durbar, consumers will be able to purchase all company products at discounted prices. The outlet will stock daily necessities such as rice, lentils, cooking oil, sugar, and salt, along with locally produced nutritious grains like chinno, kaguno, phapar, and simi. To mark the anniversary, the company has decided to commence operations of these affordable price stores countrywide starting Thursday.
According to the company’s information officer, Madhav Mishra, these affordable price stores will be established in 193 locations across 44 districts. Consumers buying daily essential goods from these outlets will receive a special discount of NPR 5 per kilogram and per liter. The company believes this initiative will provide some relief to consumers in their daily lives.
