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Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said that it should be made clear by a law whether to provide the state facilities to former VIPs.

In his response to the topics raised by lawmakers during a meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) today, the Home Minister apprised that there is no law granting the facilities to the former VIPs and the government has been proceeding with the formulation of laws towards that end following the advice from the court, Office of the Auditor General and the parliamentary committees.

"It will cause no additional burden on the State coffer to grant such facilities."

He argued that the government is aware of the need to avoid unnecessary economic burden on the State and recognize the citizens' sentiments while proposing the draft bill regarding such facilities. "The government believes that the taxes paid by the citizens should be spent lawfully."

In his replies to queries over the Pathibhara cable car construction project, he said the government has expected the roles with responsibilities from all quarters to resolve the disputes through dialogue peacefully. "The government is ready to address social, religious, and cultural concerns of agitating sides and the locals.  Presently, the area has been guarded by a security force with high patience."

According to the Minister, disaster management, preparedness for potential incidents of fire,

Fair investigation into the cases of crimes reported from various parts of the country, reduction of road accidents, better treatment for the injury cases, and compensation to the affected are the priorities of the Ministry.

The control of cross-border crime between Nepal and India, the safety of Nepali and Indian citizens along the border areas, and smooth and decent movement of the citizens are the agenda of a coordination meeting held frequently among the security forces of the two countries.

 "We have implemented measures accordingly.  The border surveillance by security forces has been intensified. The government is planning to add seven more border outposts this year. Measures against smuggling have been intensified. A zero tolerance has been adopted against smuggling."

The Home Minister further said no inhumane treatment and torture at the Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre is accepted.

He also pointed out the need to increase the security workforce in Dailekh, adding that the issues of citizens in Siraha, Rautahat, and other districts are under investigation.

"The government has initiated actions to prevent any untoward incidents in the Child Correction Home in a sustainable way."  The government is much committed to ensuring peace and security by the maximum utilization of available resources, according to the Minister.

New York State Senator John C. Liu has honored Annapurna Media Network General Manager Manoj Basnet with a Letter of Appreciation in recognition for his exceptional contributions to the media sector.

This honor was conferred following a recommendation by Triveni Times, a distinguished media house based in New York. Basnet’s exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to the media industry have garnered him international acclaim.

Furthermore, Basnet was previously honored by New York State Assembly Member David I. Weprin on March 8, 2025, during the observance of International Women's Day. On this occasion, he was presented with a Letter of Appreciation for his outstanding performance management and visionary leadership. This recognition was also made upon the recommendation of Triveni Times.

Basnet was among a select group of seven distinguished community media journalists who were awarded the Community Media Award by Triveni Times, a leading media network on January 18, 2025. The awards ceremony, held on behalf of Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumari, was attended by Deputy Chief of Staff Neil Trivedi, who commended the honorees for their steadfast commitment to elevating voices within and beyond their communities.

Further underscoring his contributions, Steven B. Raga, member of the New York State Assembly honored Basnet with a Letter of Appreciation in April 2024. This honor recognized Basnet’s extraordinary leadership and notable achievements in the media sector. In the same month, Basnet was also named a UNESCO Youth Peace Ambassador by the American University of Sovereign Nations and the UNESCO Youths Club, USA. This recognition was bestowed in acknowledgment of his efforts to promote youth empowerment and peace initiatives.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) plunged by 10. 14 points to close at 2, 704. 70 points on Monday.

Similarly, the sensitive index dropped by 0. 95 points to close at 453. 95 points.

A total of 9,935,872-unit shares of 331 companies were traded for Rs 5. 40 billion.

Meanwhile, Rapti Hydro And General Construction Limited (RHGCL)  was the top gainer today with its price surging by 9. 86 percent.

Likewise, Mahalaxmi Bikas Bank Ltd. (MLBL) was the top loser with its price dropped by 5. 63 percent.

At the end of the day, the total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 49 trillion.

A person has gone missing after a boat capsized in Karnali river at Baluwa, Panlata Rural Municipality-9, Kalikot.

Inspector Kishor KC said that Devnath Sejwal (23) of Rara Municipality-10, Mugu went missing after the boat capsized while crossing the river from Baluwa Bazaar to Nanikot, Pachaljharana Rural Municipality-6. 

He said that police personnel have been deployed to search for Sejwal who has come to the district to work in the Karnali Corridor Project.

There were four persons on the boat when the incident occurred at 7: 30 am today.

Bijay Paudel of Nepali origin has become a candidate for the Canadian Federal Parliament.

He has become the official candidate of the Conservative Party for federal lawmaker from the Humber River–Black Creek region of the Ontario Province, Canada.

“This election is historic for Canadians of Nepali-origin,” he said.

If he wins the parliamentary election, he will be the first Canadian of Nepali origin to be elected to Canada's Federal Parliament. Paudel had registered nomination for the election in 2021 also.

Paudel, a permanent resident of Bardiya, has been active in mainstream politics in Canada for a long time.

Currently, he has been working as the President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry in Canada.

Besides playing an important role in naming Sagarmatha Park in the Nepali community, he has also been equally active in other social work.

The Canadian provincial government had also honored him with the Responsible Citizen Award for his significant contributions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, Paudel was appointed as a special assistant to MP Kyle Seeback to look into Nepal affairs from the Canadian House of Commons.

In addition to that, he was appointed as a community ambassador last year by the Peel Regional Police.

Paudel, who was always with the Nepali community during both the good and hard times, is confident that he would get support and backing from the Canadian Nepalis during the election.

There is a provision to have 343 elected members from various provinces in the House of Commons of Canada.

According to the Constitution of Canada, the House of Commons of Canada formulates and endorses the federal law.

In this election, Paudel’s candidacy has the support of three Canadian parliamentarians as well as the Nepali and other Canadian communities.

Efforts are in progress since the morning today to douse the fire that started at the Gorakhnath Community Forest in Bolde of Bethanchok Rural Municipality, Kavre.

The forest fire had started at 11 pm on Sunday.

Kuber Dhakal, ward Chair of Bethanchok Rural Municipality-3, said that police, local people's representatives, office-bearers of the Forest Users' Committee and locals are trying to douse the flame.

Dhakal stated that initiatives to douse the forest fire could not be immediately taken since the fire started in the night.

According to him, the human settlement is about a kilometer away from the site of the fire and the drinking water project supplying water to Thalidanda and Harkabhanjyang is at risk.

He added that if the fire spreads towards the left, the human settlement may be at risk.

Dhakal said no human or animal casualties have been reported so far.

The gold is being traded at Rs 174, 100 per tola in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the silver is being traded at Rs 2, 040 per tola today.  

Four persons were injured when a jeep bearing an Indian registration number plate met with an accident at Indrasarowar in Makwanpur on Monday.

The ill-fated four-wheeler (UP 70 NT 6917) carrying 17 passengers was heading towards Hetauda from Kathmandu when the incident occurred at Daksinkali road section in Dharakholcha of Indrasarowar Rural Municipality-3, Makwanpur this morning.

Police said that the accident occurred due to brake failure.  

According to police, all the injured are Indian nationals.

They are undergoing treatment at a local hospital.