- Sunday, 17 May 2026
592 cartons of e-cigarettes confiscated by Mustang Customs Office
The Mustang Customs Office based at Chhoser Nhechung of Lomanthang-1 in Korola confiscated 592 cartons of e-cigarettes (vapes) on Saturday. The customs serves at the Nepal-China northern border point. The goods were being brought into Nepal in two containers while evading customs duties, according to the Office.
Confusion grows over non-iodised salt as experts raise health concerns
With the opening of salt trade to the private sector, non-iodised salt has become available in the market. Following the entry of less- or non-iodised salt into the market, consumers have become confused about which type of salt they should consume. Gayatri Banjara of Bhaktapur expressed serious concern about which salt should be chosen for consumption now that both iodised salt sold by Salt Trading Corporation (STC) and non-iodised salts of various brands are available in the market.
WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a global health emergency
The agency said the outbreak in DR Congo's eastern Ituri province, which has seen around 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths reported, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency.
Today marks 33rd Madan-Ashrit Memorial Day
Today marks the 33rd Memorial Day for Madan Kumar Bhandari, the former general secretary of the CPN (UML), and Jeevraj Ashrit, head of the Organization Department.
Nation
OAG questions progress of transformational projects
The Office of Auditor General (OAG) has raised questions over the transformational projects launched in a bid to guarantee rapid economic growth and development to the people. Such projects recorded meagre progress, it exposed.
One more dies from complication after eating wild mushroom in Chitwan
Eleven-year-old Sanjay Chhepang, who fell ill after consuming wild mushrooms on May 12, died on Saturday evening while undergoing treatment at Bharatpur Hospital.
592 cartons of e-cigarettes confiscated by Mustang Customs Office
The Mustang Customs Office based at Chhoser Nhechung of Lomanthang-1 in Korola confiscated 592 cartons of e-cigarettes (vapes) on Saturday. The customs serves at the Nepal-China northern border point. The goods were being brought into Nepal in two containers while evading customs duties, according to the Office.
Minister Khanal asks local govt to stress long-term plan
Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the local government needs to focus on long-term plan rather the temporary politics.
World
WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a global health emergency
The agency said the outbreak in DR Congo's eastern Ituri province, which has seen around 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths reported, does not meet the criteria of a pandemic emergency.
Business
Strategy to provide electric stoves in subsidy to reduce mounting cost for LP gas import
The government has introduced a strategy to end grants for LP gas by the fiscal year, 2092/93 and provide subsidy in electric stoves.
Govt to expand private sector's role in energy production, trade
The government has announced plans to ensure greater participation of the private sector in electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and energy trade as part of its broader strategy to strengthen the country’s energy economy. According to the new policies and programmes, the government aims to create a more investment-friendly environment to attract domestic and international investors into Nepal’s rapidly growing power sector.
NIA for protecting policyholders’ interest
Chairperson of the Nepal Insurance Authority (NIA) Chandrakala Paudel said that policy reforms related to insurance, along with the protection of policyholders’ interests, timely settlement of claims, and the delivery of quality services, should be prioritised to promote development and to expand the reach of insurance. Speaking at the 58th anniversary of the NIA held in Lalitpur on Friday, she said that in the days ahead, the Authority would move forward sustainably by addressing shortcomings at the policy level while prioritising the protection of policyholders’ interests.
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NRB keeps monetary policy flexible
Nepal Rastra Bank has announced that it will review the existing provision related to providing a Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) to banks and financial institutions. The central bank adopted this policy measure while unveiling the third-quarter review of the monetary policy for the current fiscal year 2025/26 in order to make the interest rate corridor more effective. The central bank said that the existing policy measures related to the interest rate corridor, bank rate, cash reserve ratio (CRR), and statutory liquidity ratio (SLR) will remain unchanged. NRB said that the continuation of the accommodative monetary policy stance is aimed at supporting econ
Sports
Nepal thrash USA with Bhurtel century
Nepal produced a commanding performance on Saturday to secure a resounding nine-wicket victory over the United States in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 match at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur. Chasing a modest target of 196, Nepal reached 199 for the loss of just one wicket in 36.4 overs, powered by a superb unbeaten century from opener Kushal Bhurtel. He struck 120 not out from 118 deliveries, hitting four sixes and 13 fours in a fluent and composed innings. F
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Interview
Comedy must evolve beyond body-shaming humour: Prabhat Lama
Prabhat Lama, a renowned stand-up comedian who is a permanent resident of Mahottari district, spent more than 10 years in radio programmes, struggling to be an artist. After arriving in Kathmandu, he joined Radio-Audio, the first comedy-the
Neither old parties need to panic nor new ones gloat over, PM Karki cautions
Prime Minister Sushila Karki had taken up the responsibility of the head of the executive when the country was in difficult circumstances and has successfully fulfilled the task of conducting the House of Representatives election within the stipulated time.
Society
Govt to boost domestic sugar production
The government clarified that it has taken forward a plan to increase the production of sugar in the country through the cultivation of improved sugarcane varieties, which is aimed at reducing Nepal’s dependence on imported sugar.