- Monday, 1 June 2026
Budget not ambitious, smaller relative to GDP: Finance Minister
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has defended the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, arguing that it is neither overly ambitious nor excessively large when measured against the country’s economic size. Speaking at a post-budget press conference organised by the Ministry of Finance on Sunday, Dr. Wagle dismissed criticism that the budget was too large, saying it was significantly smaller than market speculation and was within the state’s implementation capacity.
Ghimire: Biratnagar’s silent sentinel against snakes
When the city of Biratnagar falls asleep at night, Shambhu Ghimire rarely does. While most residents rest safely in their beds, the municipal police assistant inspector remains on alert, ready for a call that could come at any hour, often from a terrified voice reporting, “Sir, please help, there is a snake in my bed!” For the past three years, Ghimire has become the unofficial lifeline between dangerous reptiles and frightened citizens. Working under Biratnagar Metropolitan City, he has dedicated himself to snake rescue operations that now define both his professional duty and personal sacrifice. “I cannot sleep after the phone rings,” he says. “I think there might be children, elderly peop
Farmers thrive in mushroom, grain production
Two farmers from Madhes Province have earned national recognition for their remarkable achievements in mushroom and food grain production, demonstrating how modern technology, commercial thinking and hard work can transform agriculture into a successful enterprise. Bidya Devi Mahato from Mahottari and Shailendra Kumar Yadav from Siraha have emerged as inspiring examples of agricultural success after being honoured as outstanding farmers. Their achievements have become a source of motivation for many across Madhes.
'Poor will get free education, health services'
He said that although education and health services were to be free as provisioned in the constitution, the government was unable to do so due to budget limit therefore the government and the ruling RSP was trying to ensure free education, health to the poor in the beginning.
Nation
US Under Secretary of State Rogers participates in Ascent Summit 2026
Visiting United States Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers delivered keynote remarks at the Ascent Summit 2026 in Kathmandu on May 31. She joined Sumnima Udas, Member of the House of Representatives and Chair of the International Relations and Tourism Committee, renowned mountaineer Conrad Anker, expedition leaders, innovators, climbers, rescue professionals, outdoor brands, journalists, and tourism leaders from Nepal and around the world, highlighting opportunities to expand innovation and economic partnerships that benefit U.S. and Nepali businesses.
Clean drinking water reaches remote Chure settlements
Drinking water has been supplied to most remote settlements in the Chure region of Harion Municipality-1, Sarlahi. In villages where locals had long been compelled to depend on contaminated water from rivers and streams, drinking water is now provided through lift irrigation systems and solar-powered boreholes. Ward Chairperson Tomba Bahadur Tamang stated that in the fiscal year 2025/26 alone, drinking water facilities have been extended to over 200 households across four settlements in Ward No.1 of Harion. According to him, ‘one house, one tap’ has been implemented in 36 households in Thami Tole, 30 households in Beldanda, 150 households in Bhokteni, and 13 households in Gamadi Kuna.
Sarkegad locals forced to cross Karnali River by Tuin
Residents of Sarkegad Rural Municipality 2 and 3 in the mid-region of Humla district are still compelled to cross the Karnali River using a Tuin (rope crossing), as no alternative bridge has been restored so far. Locals have been relying on the risky river crossing after a wooden bridge built over the Karnali River a year ago was swept away during floods in July last year, with no replacement structure constructed since then. Local resident of Rip village, Janak Phadera, said that people have been continuously using the Tuin built at Khadikhet of Sarkegad Rural Municipality-6 for the past year.
Border dispute will be solved through diplomatic efforts: PM Shah
: Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Sunday appeared in the House of Representatives and responded to queries raised by the opposition and ruling party lawmakers. This is the first time Prime Minister Shah has spoken in parliament since his appointment to the highest executive office. The opposition lawmakers had been persistently demanding that the Prime Minister attend the parliament and furnish replies to their questions covering a wide range of national issues. In response to the questions from various lawmakers, Prime Minister Shah stated that the government's first year in office will be characterised by good governance.
World
Hundreds arrested and dozens of police injured after Champions League riots in France
Nuñez said 780 people had been arrested over the violence - with more than 450 in custody. A person was found dead after an accident on Paris's ring road, which rioters tried to block overnight.
Business
Gold price up by Rs. 20,500 per tola
The price of gold in the domestic market surged sharply by Rs. 20,500 per tola on Sunday following an adjustment in customs duty after the government’s recent budget announcement. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association (FENEGOSIDA), gold was traded at Rs. 311,100 per tola on Sunday, up from Rs. 290,600 per tola on Friday. Senior Vice-President of FENEGOSIDA, Diyesh Ratna Shakya, said the sharp increase
NCC upbeat about budget
The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has stated that although the budget for the fiscal year 2026/27 is somewhat ambitious, the economy could gain the desired momentum if it is implemented effectively.
Farmers thrive in mushroom, grain production
Two farmers from Madhes Province have earned national recognition for their remarkable achievements in mushroom and food grain production, demonstrating how modern technology, commercial thinking and hard work can transform agriculture into a successful enterprise. Bidya Devi Mahato from Mahottari and Shailendra Kumar Yadav from Siraha have emerged as inspiring examples of agricultural success after being honoured as outstanding farmers. Their achievements have become a source of motivation for many across Madhes.
Budget not ambitious, smaller relative to GDP: Finance Minister
Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has defended the budget for the upcoming fiscal year, arguing that it is neither overly ambitious nor excessively large when measured against the country’s economic size. Speaking at a post-budget press conference organised by the Ministry of Finance on Sunday, Dr. Wagle dismissed criticism that the budget was too large, saying it was significantly smaller than market speculation and was within the state’s implementation capacity.
Sports
Hundreds arrested and dozens of police injured after Champions League riots in France
Nuñez said 780 people had been arrested over the violence - with more than 450 in custody. A person was found dead after an accident on Paris's ring road, which rioters tried to block overnight.
Interview
Kalinga LitFest provides int'l forum for Nepali authors: Niraula
Kathmandu is hosting the fourth edition of the Kathmandu Kalinga Literary Festival 2026, scheduled for June 6 and 7, at Hotel Himalya in Lalitpur. Talking to The Rising Nepal, Festival director Ranjana Niraula said th
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
Society
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PM Shah promises land to genuine squatters, landless ones
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said the government will provide lands to the landless squatters presently residing in the government-managed facilities.