UML holding PP meeting at 1 pm today
CPN-UML is holding its Parliamentary Party meeting on Monday.
In the meeting to be held at 1 pm in Lhotse Hall of the Federal Parliament building, New Baneshwor, matters related to the budget presented in the Parliament on May 29 and contemporary situation would be discussed, Chief Whip Mahesh Kumar Bartaula informed.
The meeting to be presided over by party Chair and Parliamentary Party leader KP Sharma Oli will make in-depth discussions and deliberations from various perspectives on the budget.
In this connection, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, and Vice Chair of the National Planning Commission Dr. Shivraj Adhikari will provide analytical information, it has been learnt.
‘Mahabhoj’ to release on June 13
The Nepali film ‘Mahabhoj’, which was originally scheduled to release on May 29, will now hit theaters nationwide on June 13, the production team announced. The release was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances, and the filmmakers have apologized to the audience for the delay. Director Dinesh Raut expressed gratitude for the patience and support shown by viewers. “We were unable to release Mahabhoj on the scheduled date due to certain special circumstances. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused,” he said.
He added that the film tells a story rooted in Nepali society and encouraged audiences to support it upon its new release date.
A preview show held in Kathmandu a few days ago drew positive feedback from attendees, who noted the film’s engaging narrative and entertainment value. The story is said to focus not only on cooperative fraud victims but also to offer broader social relevance.
‘Mahabhoj’ features performances by Dayahang Rai, Aryan Sigdel, Khagendra Lamichhane, Anjana Baraili, Malika Mahat, Gaumaya Gurung, Basundhara Bhusal, and Mohan Niraula. The film is produced by Himal Kadel under the banner of Clock Work Creation and Picture Frame.
‘Oonko Sweater’ grosses over Rs 100m
Nepali film ‘Oonko Sweater’ has entered its fourth week of release, with its nationwide gross collection exceeding Rs 100.5m, according to its production team under the Artmandu Nepal banner. The film continues to screen in over 100 shows across the country, which is considered significant for a Nepali production. Written and directed by Navin Chauhan, the movie has received positive audience response since its release, with praise for its story, dialogue, performances, and direction.
The cast includes Bipin Karki, Miruna Magar, Prakriti Limbu, Alex Pars, Wilson Bikram Rai, Suraj Tamu, Bhawana Khapangi Magar, and Sunil Pokharel. Strong word-of-mouth and favorable reviews from both critics and general viewers have contributed to the film’s sustained run.
While overseas box office data has not been released, the film is reportedly performing well internationally. Based on its domestic success, QFX Cinemas has labeled ‘Oonko Sweater’ a ‘superhit’, marking it as the first such film of the Nepali calendar year 2082.
Bunking, more than just skipping class
Bunking has always felt like a terrifying act during school days. The thought of getting caught was enough to send shivers down your spine. But as we step into college life, bunking transforms into something else entirely—an experience that, in my opinion, everyone should go through at least once. There’s a certain thrill in sneaking out with friends, trying not to get noticed by teachers. It’s a rollercoaster of excitement, nerves, and laughter—a unique kind of fun.
Bunking doesn’t always deserve the negative reputation it gets. Sometimes it’s less about skipping responsibilities and more about taking a break—making time to simply live, laugh, and bond with the people who make your college life unforgettable.
My friends and I have bunked a few times, but one day was something special. We decided to visit Rani Jhula in Nagarkot, and just like every other time, it turned out to be the perfect escape.
We all left our houses at usual time, as if we were heading to college. We met at Kamalbinayak, grabbed some snacks like momo (yes, momo—not momos, please!), sausages, shaphale, cupcakes, instant noodles, and chips. One of our friends had a scooter, but since we were five, three hopped on the scooter, while another friend and I took an inDrive.
When we arrived, we unexpectedly got separated—two of us ended up on one side of the bridge, and the other three on the opposite end. But once we reunited, hunger haunted us. We searched for a spot to settle down and finally found a beautiful place a bit far from the bridge. That’s where we laid out our food and had our mini picnic early in the morning.
With a guitar in hand, we sang songs, clicked tons of pictures, and just soaked in the moment. It was peaceful, carefree, and full of laughter—everything a morning escape should be. Despite all of us being working students, we had to reach our respective offices right on time. As the rain began to drizzle and then poured heavily while heading back, we found ourselves walking through what felt different. Just picture it: surrounded by serene greenery, your closest friends beside you, a gentle rain falling all around and a small waterfall on the way. It was peaceful, cinematic—almost surreal. We didn’t complain; instead, we embraced the moment. We laughed, played, and lived in that moment. And when the skies finally cleared, we did what we always do—took tons of photos. The kind that never leave your gallery, because they’ve taken root in your heart.
We started walking back after realizing there was no InDrive service available in the area. What was supposed to be a quick ride turned into an unexpected, hour-long journey on foot. But somehow, with the rain, the scenery, and the company—even that detour felt perfect. While returning, things didn’t go as smoothly. And yet, despite the long walk, the rain, and the unexpected detour, we somehow made it to our offices right on time. Tired? Maybe. But our hearts were full, and our spirits couldn’t have been higher. Every bit of it was worth it. That morning wasn’t just about bunking class—it was about making memories we’ll carry with us for a lifetime. It’s really just a matter of safety, if we travel smart and bunk responsibly, everything becomes possible. The fun doesn’t have to come at the cost of caution.
Shreya Shrestha
BA II Year
Bagiswori College, Bhaktapur
Swings to screens
Once, the sound of laughter echoed through playgrounds. Now it’s the screen lighting up young faces. Not long ago, the sound of children playing guccha, flying kites, or chasing each other around the galli was a common scene in neighborhoods. From climbing trees to clicking apps, childhood has taken a sharp digital turn—and it’s time we asked: are we gaining innovation or losing innocence?
Today’s youth are more connected than ever, yet increasingly detached from their surroundings. Social media, mobile games, and YouTube have become modern playgrounds. While technology offers incredible opportunities, access to information, global communication, creative platforms; it’s also quietly stealing something precious: presence. We see the signs everywhere. Attention spans are shrinking. Face-to-face conversations feel awkward. The joy of outdoor play is replaced by the dopamine hit of a ‘like’. Even family dinners are interrupted by notification pings. The shift is subtle, yet serious.
According to a 2023 report by the Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), over 72 percent of Nepal’s population has access to the internet, with a majority of young users spending more than four hours a day online. A study by UNICEF Nepal found that 60 percent of adolescents prefer screen-based entertainment over outdoor games, citing boredom and peer influence as key reasons. Globally, research published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) suggests that high digital media use is linked to increased rates of anxiety, sleep issues, and reduced attention span in adolescents.
Yet, this is not a call to ban screens. Rather, it’s a call to restore balance. Let’s create spaces where our youth can embrace both tradition and technology. Let’s encourage digital literacy alongside cultural literacy. Families can start small tech-free meals, storytelling nights, or weekend hikes in the hills. Schools can incorporate local games, festivals, and community projects to keep traditions alive in young hearts.
From swings to screens, the world has changed. But maybe, just maybe, we can help our youth find their way back—without taking the screens away, but by giving them something even more powerful: perspective.
Ayushma Budhathoki
St Xavier’s College, Maitighar
Israeli attack near aid delivery point kills 30 in Rafah
An Israeli attack near an aid distribution point run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) killed at least 30 people in Rafah, Palestinian news agency WAFA and Hamas-affiliated media said on Sunday, Reuters reported.
There was no immediate comment from Israel on the reported attack, which WAFA said injured more than 115 people.
The GHF, also backed by Israel, recently started operating in Gaza.
While some Palestinians expressed concern over its neutrality and biometric and other checks Israel said it would employ, Israeli officials said it allowed screening of recipients to exclude anyone found to be connected with Hamas, according to Reuters.
Press Council launches book on media history
Nepal Press Council launched a book titled ‘Nepali Mediako Itihas, Chapa Dekhi Digital Samma’.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology Raghuji Panta, Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Radhika Aryal, Press Council Nepal Chairman Bal Krishna Basnet, Federation of Nepali Journalists Chairperson Nirmala Sharma and senior journalist Ram Krishna Regmi jointly launched the book amidst a program held in Kathmandu.
The book covers the history of Nepali media from print to the digital age.
The book contains the research-based articles of Dr Kundan Aryal, Dr Raghu Mainali, Dr Jagat Nepal, Tirtha Koirala, Subhecha Bindu Tuladhar, Ujjwal Acharya, Bhuwan KC and Rudra Khadka, who are researching in the Nepali media.
Speaking at the event, Chief Guest Minister Pant said that Nepal’s press is more independent than other countries in South Asia.
Similarly, Press Council Nepal Chairman Bal Krishna Basnet said that the book captures the difficult situation of Nepali journalism in the past, the struggles and realities of different periods.
At least 15 killed in Israeli fire near Gaza aid centre, say medics
At least 15 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli tank shelling and gunfire near an aid distribution centre in Rafah in southern Gaza, according to medics and local residents, BBC reported.
Mohammed Ghareeb, a local journalist in Rafah, told the BBC that thousands of Palestinians had gathered near a US-funded humanitarian aid distribution centre when Israeli tanks approached and opened fire on the crowd.
Local journalists and activists shared harrowing footage of bodies and wounded individuals being transported on donkey carts to a Red Cross field hospital in the al-Mawasi area of Rafah, as rescue teams were reportedly unable to reach the scene.