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Former Minister Govinda Raj Joshi was convicted of corruption by the Supreme Court (SC) on Sunday.

SC Justices Binod Sharma and Bala Krishna Dhakal announced the verdict convicting Joshi on corruption charges, SC's Assistant Spokesperson Govinda Prasad Ghimire said.

According to Ghimire, the SC has slapped Joshi with nine months in jail and a fine of Rs 6.9 million.

Earlier, the Special Court had convicted Joshi and fined Rs 21.61 million stating that he amassed the property illegally.

Following the Special Court's verdict, Joshi had lodged a petition at the Supreme Court some 11 years ago.

Nepal exported electricity worth Rs 16.93 billion to India in the last fiscal year 2023/24.

The Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) made an income of Rs 16.93 billion by exporting 1.94 billion units of electricity to India last fiscal year.

NEA has been selling the surplus power at Indian Energy Exchange’s Day ahead and real time market at competitive rate as well as to Indian company NTPC Vidyut Vypar Nigam Limited as per mid-term power agreement.

The NVVN has been selling the power to India's Haryana state. Average rate of exported power is Rs 8.72 per unit.

Power worth Rs 16.81 billion was imported to Nepal last fiscal year, according to NEA.  Around 183 billion units of electricity was imported from India to meet the high demand of electricity at home during winter season after power production decreases from hydropower projects in lack of water flow in rivers and rivulets across the country.

The average rate of power imported during the winter season is Rs 9.17 per unit. Power more than Rs 122.3 million was exported to India as compared to import last fiscal year.

Nepal had imported power worth Rs 19.44 billion in the fiscal year 2022/23 while electricity worth Rs 10.45 billion was exported.

Executive Director of NEA, Kulman Ghising said even though power should be imported to fulfill the domestic demands for a few months of winter season till next few years, the volume of export will also increase.

Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has pointed out the need for coordination among federation, province and local level in the improvement of prisons and child correction homes.

In today's meeting of the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee under the House of Representatives, Home Minister Lekhak said, "There is a high number of prisoners in jails across the country. The jails lack physical infrastructures."

He laid emphasis on the need of constructing physical infrastructures, adding there is also lack of space and physical infrastructures in child correction homes.

"There are nine child correction homes in eight districts. Condition of all correction homes should be improved ", explained the Home Minister.

Home Minister Lekhak said the government would pay attention to the issue of daily allowance of the prisoners, assuring that the government would address the problems related to health and hygiene they are facing.

The government was serious about skill development and income generation of prisoners, stressed the Home Minister, pointing out the need of developing prisons as skill development centers.

He laid emphasis on the need for arrangements of health insurance and skill as well as counseling programs.

The government, however, would move ahead as per the recent directives of the Supreme Court regarding imprisonment exemption, asserted Home Minister Lekhak. 

The Home Minister further said the government would pay attention to lessen and control rape and crime related to drugs.  He expressed commitment that the government would be accountable and responsible towards Parliament and Parliamentary committees, adding the government would take the directives of committees seriously as well as implement them.

In the meeting of the committee, Home Secretary Ek Narayan Aryal said that 10 of the 72 prisons in the country are currently being upgraded. "Capacity development of prisoners and library work is being done."Prisoners learn skills until they stay in prison," said Home Secretary Aryal, "Even after release from prison, they can get jobs accordingly."

He informed that the work of ensuring the prisoners' health has been advanced. In the event, three sub-committees formed by the Law, Justice and Human Rights Committee to monitor juvenile correctional facilities and prisons across the country submitted a report to the Home Minister.

The report mentions the overall condition of children's correctional homes, prisons, the challenges faced there and the work to be done and improvements. The MPs participating in the meeting suggested that the children's correctional home should be organized as soon as possible.

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasia and Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Navalkishore Shah Sudi were also present in the committee meeting today.

In the meeting, Law Minister Chaurasia said that he will take initiatives to implement all laws related to human rights made according to the constitution. Similarly, Minister Sudi opined to manage separate place to children in prisons. 

Four people have gone missing while two others were injured in a landslide at Resegaon in Dharche Rural Municipality-5, Gorkha.

The incident occurred when the landslide washed away a house and a cowshed, said Vice Chair of the Rural Municipality, Sunila Gurung.

Local residents Chham Bahadur Gurung and Min Bahadur Gurung were injured while a search is being carried out to find those missing in the landslide.

Meanwhile, a police team has left for the incident site, said Ramesh Kumar Shrestha, Information Officer of the District Police Office.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 113.42 points to close at 2,681.56 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 26.78 points to close at 486. 84 points.

A total of 40,314,517-unit shares of 318 companies were traded for Rs 15. 81 billion.

Meanwhile, Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited (NIMB), Nepal SBI Bank Limited (SBI), Sanima Bank Limited (SANIMA), NMB Bank Limited (NMB) and Prabhu Bank Limited (PRVU) were the top gainers today, with their price surging by 10.00 percent.

Likewise, Ganapati Laghubitta Bittiya Sanstha Limited (GMFBS) was the top loser as its price fell by 9.35 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 25 trillion.  

Suspended General Secretary and spokesperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party Mukul Dhakal has filed an application at the Election Commission arguing that the action taken against him by the party was illegal.

Earlier on June 25, the party’s Central Committee meeting had decided to expel Dhakal from all official posts for going against the party’s policy and interest.

Saying that the action taken against him was illegal, he filed an application at the election body on Sunday. The party had given him 35 days to respond.

Dhakal claimed that the party has also not yet informed him about his dismissal.

He said that the action was against the political rights envisioned by the Constitution.

In addition to that, Dhakal urged the Election Commission to not entertain the letter if received from the RSP to update the decision.

"The action taken against me by the party is unlawful in accordance with Article 269 (4) and the Section 18(2) of the Act Related to Political Parties, 2073. I have filed a petition urging the Commission not to endorse or update the party's decisions in which my signature is missing cit

The price of gold has increased by Rs 1,000 per tola in the domestic market on Sunday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 145, 700 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 144, 700 per tola on Friday.

Similarly, tejabi gold is being traded at Rs 145, 000 per tola. It was traded at Rs 144, 000 per tola.

Meanwhile, the price of silver has increased by Rs 10 and is being traded at Rs 1,740 per tola today.

I’m 28 and I’m dealing with family problems that are affecting my mental health. My parents argue constantly, creating a tense and stressful environment at home. This ongoing conflict makes me feel anxious and distracted, impacting my work and personal life. I’ve been trying to cope by spending more time on hobbies and having honest conversations with my parents about how their conflicts affect me, but the emotional strain remains heavy. I’m seeking suggestions on how to better manage the impact of these family issues on my mental health. What should I do? Please help! 

Answered by Kapil Sharma, counseling psychologist, Nepal Institute of Mental Health

I’m deeply sorry to hear about the difficulties you’re facing. Family conflicts can indeed have a significant impact on mental health, leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, and difficulty concentrating.

From what you’ve shared, your condition might be due to chronic stress and emotional contagion. Chronic stress comes from ongoing family conflicts, keeping your stress levels high and making it hard to relax. Emotional contagion means you absorb and mirror the negative emotions around you, so your parents’ anxiety and tension might be causing you to feel similarly anxious and on edge.

Mindfulness and relaxation techniques could help you calm down. Think of mindfulness as a mental reset button, allowing you to find peace amidst the chaos. Incorporate deep breathing, meditation, or muscle relaxation for 10-15 minutes daily to reduce anxiety and maintain calm.

Establishing boundaries can help protect your mental space. Think of them as a protective fence. Set specific times for family discussions or retreat to a quiet space during arguments. Politely inform your parents that you need personal time to decompress and focus on your well-being.

Self-care is essential. It refuels your energy and strength to face challenges. Engage in hobbies and activities that bring joy and relaxation, like reading, exercising, or spending time with friends. Dedicate time each week for these activities to maintain your mental health.

Lastly, seeking professional help is crucial. A therapist can act as your mental health coach, guiding you through complex family dynamics. Therapy provides a safe space to process emotions and develop coping strategies. Regular sessions can help you explore feelings, learn stress management techniques, and build resilience. Prioritizing your mental health is essential, and taking proactive steps can significantly improve your overall well-being.