- Sunday, 17 May 2026
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.
Deaf trekking guides promoting mountains through sign language
Silent conversations are becoming an increasingly common sight along country’s mountain trails. These conversations are not carried out through spoken words, but through sign language. The growing involvement of deaf trekking guides is opening a new chapter of inclusive tourism in the country, said Nepal Tourism Board in its information to the press on Saturday. Chop Prasad Paudel and Chhiri Sherpa have emerged as inspiring examples of this change. Mountain trekking requires more than physical endurance. It also demands confidence, courage and opportunity. Chop Prasad and Chhiri Sherpa have become examples of that determination.
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.
169 pilgrims in four days, setting journey for Kailash Mansarovar
The influx of Indian religious tourists to Mansarovar Kailash has begun with the onset of the rainy season, as evidenced by the arrival of 169 pilgrims in just four days.
Nation
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.
169 pilgrims in four days, setting journey for Kailash Mansarovar
The influx of Indian religious tourists to Mansarovar Kailash has begun with the onset of the rainy season, as evidenced by the arrival of 169 pilgrims in just four days.
World Telecommunication Day: Embracing Digital Era
Annually, on May 17, nations worldwide unite to observe World Telecommunication and Information Society Day. This occasion serves as a reminder of the beneficial effects that the internet and information and communication technology (ICT) can exert on our society and economy. The theme for World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2026 is 'Strengthening digital lifelines for a resilient and connected world.
Westerly wind effect: Predicting slight rainfall in Koshi, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces
The Meteorological Forecasting Division (MFD) has reported that the current influence of westerly and local winds is causing rainfall in parts of the Gandaki,
World
Ebola Death Toll Rises to 80 in Eastern DR Congo
The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) announced that the death toll from the renewed Ebola outbreak in the country's eastern region has risen to 80.
Business
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
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Disabled entrepreneurs start industry
Sanjay Darnal of Biratnagar lives with a disability caused by spinal cord paralysis. As a resident of Biratnagar, he was compelled to seek ways to earn a daily livelihood. For the past 16 years, Darnal’s daily routine was to cross the border to the Indian market of Jogbani and transporting goods on a tricycle to sell in shops in Biratnagar. By bringing food items and other goods according to demand, he earned up to Rs. 1,000 a day. However, for persons with physical disabilities, physical limitations posed an equally significant challenge. Moreover, bringing goods across the border was not an easy task, and the government was not willing to allow such activities indefinitely.
Sports
Nepal wins aginst USA with Bhurtel ton
Nepal won against USA by 9 wickets in ICC Men's Cricket World Cup League 2 match held at Kirtipur Cricket Ground today.
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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.