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Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to address the House of Representatives (HoR) under the federal Parliament today.

Prime Minister Oli will address the House meeting scheduled to be held at 11 am at the Parliament Building, New Baneshwor on Monday.

CPN-UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula informed that PM Oli is scheduled to address the House at the beginning of the meeting.

It is believed that the parliamentary deadlock due to protest from the main opposition party will end with the PM's address.

Today's meeting is scheduled to pass five important replacement bills with discussion.

In the agenda of the HoR, PM Oli is scheduled to address the issues related to violent agitation of the royalists last Friday and the dismissal of Kulman Ghising from the executive director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

The meeting is scheduled to table the 'Banking Offences and Punishment (Second Amendment) Bill-2080' with the message received from the National Assembly.

Similarly, President of the Infrastructure Development Committee of the HoR Deepak Bahadur Singh is scheduled to submit the committee's report on water resources bill-2081 BS.

President of the Education, Health and Information Technology Committee Ammar Bahadur Thapa is scheduled to present the committee's report on the 'Shaheed Dasharath Chand University of Health Sciences Bill-2081 BS'.

Likewise, Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ajay Kumar Chaurasia will present a proposal in the National Assembly seeking consideration of the Nepal Council of Legal Practitioners (Second Amendment) Bill- 2081 BS.

Similarly, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak is scheduled to present a proposal to send the Nepal Citizenship (Second Amendment) Bill-2081 to the concerned committee for clause-wise discussion.

Section 177 of the National Criminal Code Act, 2017, states, “No one shall intentionally kill another person or engage in or cause any act that results in death.” However, on Friday, in the name of a pro-monarchy protest in the Tinkune area, a journalist filming the demonstration was killed by setting the building where he was in on fire. One protester also died.

The Annapurna Media Network (AMN) office was deliberately set ablaze while journalists and staff were working inside. Not only that, private homes were torched and commercial establishments looted. Government offices and vehicles were burned and destroyed.

Destruction was unleashed and criminal activities were carried out under the guise of protest. Legal experts state that seven different laws apply to those engaged in those criminal activities. These include crimes against the state, homicide, attempted murder, arson-related offenses, theft and robbery, and organized crime. 

Police are arresting those involved in the anarchic demonstrations held under the pretext of restoring the monarchy. Cases are being prepared against them. According to police, criminal incidents occurred in Kathmandu’s Tinkune area during a protest led by supporters of former King Gyanendra Shah even though permission was obtained for a peaceful demonstration under the coordination of Nawaraj Subedi and leadership of Durga Prasai. During the protest, private properties, hospitals, media houses, political party offices, business centers and vehicles were vandalized, set on fire, and subjected to other violent acts. During the protests, 52 Nepal Police personnel and 32 Armed Police Force personnel were injured. Thirty-five protesters injured in the course of the protests are receiving treatment in various hospitals.

Senior advocate Satish Krishna Kharel said that criminal acts appeared to have been committed by groups frustrated or dissatisfied with the current system. He said the police should collect CCTV footage and other evidence for investigation.  

Senior advocate Tikaram Bhattarai said violent actions in the name of demonstrations are unacceptable. “The participation of disorganized and anarchic mobs in the protest have led to disastrous consequences. This protest is against constitutional order and the entire constitutional system—it is a crime against the state,” he added. “Since former King Gyanendra Shah appears to have directed these activities, he should be held legally accountable.”

 Police have so far detained over 51 individuals accused of involvement in illegal criminal activities, with further investigations underway. Kathmandu District Police Range has informed the Parliament Secretariat that House of Representatives member Dhabal Shamsher Rana of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has been arrested on criminal charges. Senior RPP leaders including Rabindra Mishra and Swagat Nepal have also been detained.  

Bhattarai said that the government must investigate crimes such as homicide, offenses against the state, destruction of public property, attempted murder and arson.  

The government is preparing to take strict legal action against those who damaged private residences, offices and other properties unrelated to the protest’s cause. Officials from the Office of the Attorney General said they are preparing to prosecute based on the most applicable charges, with at least half a dozen offenses likely to apply.  

Senior advocate Kharel, who is also a criminal law expert, said that the mob’s mentality was clearly riotous. “It appears that a group of individuals frustrated with the current system gathered. Evidence such as CCTV footage must be collected to file cases against each perpetrator accordingly,” he added. 

Potential charges   

Legal experts state that those who systematically attacked, set fires, vandalized, and looted media houses, public and private properties, offices, and businesses could face at least half a dozen charges. 

Charge no. 1: Crimes against the state  

The constitution mandates that every individual must abide by its provisions. Since the protest involved killing a journalist and attacking security personnel, it qualifies as a crime against the state. 

Charge no. 2: Homicide   

Section 183 of the National Criminal Code Act, 2017, criminalizes attempted murder with intent, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 100,000. 

Charge no. 3: Attempted murder  

If a life was not lost but the intent to kill existed, attempted murder charges can be filed. 

Charge no. 4: Arson-related crimes   

Protesters set vehicles on fire, including one belonging to a parliamentary official, and burned other properties. Authorities imposed a curfew in affected areas following increased arson incidents. 

Charge no. 5: Theft and robbery  

Protesters forcibly entered the Bhatbhateni Supermarket in Kotewshwar and looted mobile phones, clothing, alcohol and other goods. 

Charge no. 6: Organized crime  

Vandalism occurred at the law firm of advocate Raj Kumar Suwal. Protesters also stoned the home of CPN (Unified Socialist) Chairperson Madhav Kumar Nepal.

Senior advocate Bhattarai said the protest was against constitutional order and the entire constitutional system—a crime against the state. He said former King Gyanendra Shah should be held responsible for the incidents. 

The killing of a journalist and terrorizing the media, businesses and the public has been widely condemned. The Federation of Nepali Journalists, Nepal Bar Association, and Nepal Chamber of Commerce, among others, have demanded immediate legal action, compensation for damaged media houses, and enhanced security for journalists, lawyers and businesspersons. They have also called for a thorough investigation into the inhumane incidents and strict legal action against the perpetrators.

Palestinian officials say Israeli forces have killed at least 64 people, including children, in Gaza on the first day of Eid al-Fitr.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) has recovered the bodies of eight medics, five civil defence workers and a UN employee, a week after their vehicles came under Israeli fire near Rafah in southern Gaza, Alzajeera reported.

As stated by Gaza's Health Ministry, Israel's war on Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 50,277 Palestinians and injured 114,095 others. About two months ago, Gaza's Government Media Office increased its death toll to more over 61,700, claiming that thousands of individuals missing under the debris are assumed dead, according to Alzajeera.

At least 1,139 individuals were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led strikes on October 7, 2023, and more than 200 were kidnapped.

The toll from Myanmar’s earthquake continued to rise on Sunday, as foreign rescue teams and aid rushed into the impoverished country, where hospitals were overwhelmed and some communities scrambled to mount rescue efforts with limited resources.

The number of people killed in Myanmar's earthquake grew on Sunday as international rescue crews and relief supplies poured into the impoverished country, where hospitals were overcrowded and several villages were struggling to conduct rescue operations with little funding, Firstpost reported.

The 7.7-magnitude quake, one of Myanmar's largest in a century, rattled the war-torn Southeast Asian nation on Friday, killing around 1,700 people, injuring 3,400, and leaving more than 300 missing as of Sunday, according to the military administration.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the junta head, cautioned that the death toll could grow, says to state media, three days after making a rare plea for foreign assistance, according to the Firstpost.

Myanmar's neighbours, India, China, and Thailand, have donated relief items and teams, as have Malaysia, Singapore, and Russia. However, inhabitants of Mandalay and Sagaing stated that international relief had yet to come, raising concerns about a serious food, electricity, and water shortage.

The United States pledged $2 million in aid “through Myanmar-based humanitarian assistance organizations” and said in a statement that an emergency response team from USAID, which is undergoing massive cuts under the Trump administration, is deploying to Myanmar.The military council has denied international journalists' requests to document the disaster, claiming a scarcity of water, electricity, and hotels, Firstpost reported.

According to the US Geological Survey's forecast modeling, Myanmar's death toll might eventually reach 10,000, with losses exceeding the country's yearly economic output.

With the global job market evolving rapidly, international education has become essential for career success. Recognizing this trend, Study Group has expanded its support systems to help Nepali students navigate higher education abroad. During a media briefing in Kathmandu, Study Group CEO Ian Crichton highlighted the increasing number of Nepali students enrolling in UK universities. “Nepali students have long sought opportunities abroad, driven by academic and career aspirations,” he said.   With over 25 years of experience and partnerships with more than 50 universities worldwide, it connects students with top institutions. Its recent collaboration with the University of Huddersfield has led to a new campus in London, offering students quality education and access to the city’s job market.  

It also provides foundation programs to bridge academic and cultural gaps, focusing on fields like AI, robotics, and healthcare. To support affordability, it offers scholarships and tuition discounts, while UK policies allow students to work part-time. By working with educators and media in Nepal, it aims to guide students in university selection and career planning, ensuring they succeed internationally and contribute to Nepal’s development.

When I boarded the bus for a college field trip to Pancha Kanya Secondary School in Dakshinkali Municipality-8, Chyamalle, I had only a vague idea of what to expect. 

Arriving at Pancha Kanya Secondary School, I was immediately struck by the sweet, lovely atmosphere that enveloped the place. Dozens of curious eyes peeked from the schoolyard as our group approached. The children greeted us with shy smiles and polite bows, their innocence shining through every glance. All of them were Tamang children, and many wore simple, tidy school uniforms with pride. Their giggles and whispers created a melody of youthful energy. At that moment, I could sense a genuine warmth and a close-knit community spirit—everyone seemed to know each other like family.

My friend Semona Bhattarai and I had volunteered to conduct a special session for the sixth graders. We stepped into the Grade 6 classroom, greeted by 16 eager faces (six girls and 10 boys, all around 11 or 12 years old). Some children murmured “Namaste” while pressing their palms together, and we returned the greeting warmly.

We had a little free time to just talk with the students. They crowded around us in the courtyard, eager to share their names, their hobbies, and bits of their lives. There was a contagious excitement in the air as the kids realized we genuinely wanted to hear from them. Despite our linguistic differences, we managed to communicate through simple Nepali, a few Tamang words I picked up, and a lot of hand gestures and laughter. In those casual chats, I learned so much more than I expected from these young minds.

One of the most memorable parts of our conversation was when I asked a group of children what they dreamed of becoming when they grew up. Their answers were simple, honest, and beautiful. One boy piped up that he wanted to become a driver like his father, steering big buses or trucks on the mountain roads. Another shy girl mentioned she hoped to operate a dozer (bulldozer) because she had seen one clearing a landslide once and it impressed her. A couple of boys proudly said they wanted to join the army to serve the country and protect their village. 

These weren’t the typical answers I’d hear from city kids, who often talk about being doctors or engineers or pilots. Instead, each child’s dream reflected the life and the heroes they saw in their own community. Their ambitions, though thumble, shone with sincerity and practicality.

Hearing these dreams made me reflect on my own upbringing and aspirations. As an urban college student, I realized I had grown up with so many privileges I took for granted- english- medium schools, computer labs, and endless options for my future. Here were kids whose ambitions were shaped by the immediate world around them, and they were no less  passionate about their goals.

It was an eye-opening moment for me. I recognized that the reality of Nepal lies beyond the bubble of my city life. The majority of Nepal’s population lives in communities like this Tamang village, where resources are limited, lifestyles are simple, and dreams are woven from daily life and family traditions. That afternoon, these children gave me a precious gift: a genuine glimpse into the heart of my country that I had never truly seen before. 

As our time at Pancha Kanya Secondary School came to an end, the entire Grade 6 class gathered to bid us farewell. The students presented us with small tokens of appreciation—some had picked wildflowers from the hillside, and a few had drawn little goodbye cards with pencil sketches of smiling faces. I even got a tight goodbye hug from the once-shy boy who had asked me for a hug earlier.

My heart felt full and ached a little at the same time; I was touched by their gesture and sad to part ways. On the bus ride back to the city, I sat by the window, quietly replaying the day’s events in my mind. The mountains slowly gave way to clusters of buildings, but I knew I was not the same person who had left that morning. This field trip had quietly transformed me.

Prashansa Sharma

BA, Thames International College 

In the fast-paced whirlwind of modern life, stress has become an unwelcome but constant companion. The pressure of responsibilities, digital overload, and emotional strain leave the mind restless and the body fatigued. But what if there was a way to silence the noise, restore balance, and awaken a deep sense of calm? Sirodhara, an ancient Ayurvedic therapy, offers a sanctuary of healing where warm herbal oils flow like liquid meditation, melting away tension and inviting profound relaxation.

Sirodhara is not just a treatment—it’s an experience, a ritual of rejuvenation that dates back to over 5,000 years to the wisdom of Ayurveda. The word itself—Siro (head) and Dhara (flow)—embodies its essence. There’s a continuous, gentle stream of warm oil dripping down over the forehead, particularly targeting the Ajna Chakra, or the third eye. This sacred region, located between the eyebrows, is believed to be the seat of intuition, consciousness, and mental clarity. In ancient times, sages and healers practiced this therapy to bring balance to the body’s energies, particularly Vata and Pitta, which govern the mind, nervous system, and emotions.

But beyond its spiritual significance, modern science now validates what Ayurveda has known for millennia—Sirodhara has profound effects on the nervous system, hormonal balance, and overall health. 

The journey of Sirodhara begins with stillness. As you lie comfortably on a specially designed table, surrounded by the faint aroma of healing herbs, the process unfolds like poetry. Warm oil, chosen specifically for your body type and needs, is poured in a continuous, hypnotic stream over your forehead—right at the Ajna chakra, the third eye. The oil glides in smooth, silken waves, washing away fatigue, dissolving tension, and lulling the nervous system into a tranquil state. Time drifts, thoughts fade, and what remains is pure, undisturbed peace.

From this writer’s personal experience, the sensation of warm sesame oil continuously flowing over his forehead and scalp was nothing short of transformative. The pressure and stress that he had been carrying in his head seemed to dissolve and flow down into his lower body. It felt like all the tension, once accumulated in his mind, was being released from his head, spreading throughout his body. After the Sirodhara, he took a steam bath, and it was as if all the remaining stress that had moved to his lower body was entirely removed. He highly recommends taking a steam bath after Sirodhara for a complete sense of relief and relaxation.

Sirodhara is deeply therapeutic, offering sanctuary to those burdened by chronic stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, migraines, and mental exhaustion. It calms the racing mind, regulates sleep cycles, and provides relief from the pressures of modern life. The therapy is also beneficial for the body, nourishing the scalp, strengthening hair roots, and improving circulation. 

One of the most remarkable benefits of Sirodhara is its ability to lower cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone. Research has shown that Sirodhara naturally reduces cortisol levels, bringing the body back to a state of equilibrium. The warm oil, along with the rhythmic motion of the therapy, activates the parasympathetic nervous system—also known as the ‘rest and digest’ mode—slowing the heart rate, relaxing muscles, and promoting deep breathing. This results in a state of profound calm, reducing symptoms of anxiety and mental fatigue.

Sirodhara also stimulates the hypothalamus, regulating hormones, and promoting a natural sense of relaxation and mental clarity. It’s an effective remedy for sleep disorders, migraines, sinus-related headaches, and chronic stress, helping to restore balance and well-being. 

For optimal results, Sirodhara is best performed three times a month. However, it can also be done regularly as a part of a holistic wellness routine. Just like yoga and meditation, Sirodhara’s full effects are felt with consistent practice, enhancing mental clarity, regulating stress hormones, and improving sleep patterns over time.

Sirodhara is an art, a science, and a gift from the ancient past to the modern soul. It’s an invitation to step away from the rush, reconnect with yourself, and surrender to the healing touch of Ayurveda. 

At Swasthya Dental and Wellness Center, trained Ayurvedic practitioners customize the experience by selecting the finest herbal oils based on your dosha and health concerns. Whether you seek relief from stress, improved sleep, or enhanced mental clarity, Sirodhara offers a transformative journey of healing. As someone who has experienced this therapy, this writer can confidently say that it’s more than just a treatment—it’s a path to emotional balance, physical rejuvenation, and a deeper connection with yourself.

The Nepal Stock Exchange (NEPSE) gained 32.24 points to close at 2,695.55 points on Sunday.

Similarly, the sensitive index surged by 4.50 points to close at 450. 79 points.

A total of 15,572,862-unit shares of 323 companies were traded for Rs 7. 56 billion.

Meanwhile, Joshi Hydropower Development Company Ltd (JOSHI) was the top gainer today, with its price surging by 9. 97 percent. Likewise, Prabhu Smart Fund (PRSF) Limited was the top loser as its price fell by 5.79 percent.

At the end of the day, total market capitalization stood at Rs 4. 47 trillion.