Partial influence of westerly, local winds across the country

Currently, there is a partial influence of the westerly and local winds in the country. 

According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, the weather in Koshi Province, hilly and mountainous regions would remain generally cloudy today. 

Similarly, partly cloudy weather has been forecast at Tarai areas as well as there is a possibility of light rainfall accompanied by thunderstorm and lightning as well as snowfall at few places of hilly and mountainous areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Lumbini Provinces.

Likewise, light rainfall along with thunderstorms and lightning as well as snowfall are likely at one or two places in hilly areas of Karnali Province and Sudurpaschim Province.

Generally cloudy weather is expected at mountainous regions, partly cloudy weather in hilly regions and mainly fair weather in Tarai areas of the country. 

There is a possibility of light rainfall and snowfall at one or two places in the mountainous region of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali Provinces.

 

 

 

Bangladeshi Embassy in Kathmandu celebrates Pohela Boishakh

The Bangladeshi Embassy in Kathmandu celebrated Pohela Boishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year 1433, with great enthusiasm and festivity at the Embassy premises on Friday.

The event drew a distinguished gathering, including ambassadors and heads of mission from various countries, senior officials of the Government of Nepal, diplomats from resident missions, prominent Nepali business leaders, and members of the Bangladeshi community in Nepal along with their families. 

Delivering welcome remarks, the Bangladeshi Ambassador highlighted the origin and cultural heritage of Pohela Boishakh, noting that the festival has become universal in Bangladesh capturing the distinct history, culture, tradition and heritage of Bengali national identity. 

Highlighting its deeper social meaning, the Ambassador said the festival returns each year as a symbol of renewal and transformation, traditionally associated with haal khata—the opening of new accounts—and fresh beginnings. He emphasized that Pohela Boishakh transcends religious, social, and geographical boundaries, representing the inclusive and vibrant nature of Bengali culture.

 

 

KOICA provides USD 2.5 million for financial access to Korea returnee migrants

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the Agricultural Development Bank Limited (ADBL) in witness of the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security (MoLESS) have officially partnered to launch a strategic financial support initiative aimed at the stable reintegration of Nepali migrant workers returning from the Republic of Korea.

The initiative is implemented under the project "Strengthening Stage-Wise Support System for the Stable Reintegration of Korea Returnee Migrants in Nepal”. 

The two organizations will implement a dedicated program to provide increased access to finance for eligible beneficiaries who are returnee migrants from Korea and have participated in the K-HaMi Project, completing relevant entrepreneurship training till 2028, KOICA stated in a press release today.

The program features a robust financial structure designed to provide sustainable, long-term support. 

Out of the total project budget of USD 8 million, KOICA will provide USD 2.5 million for this program, which will be utilized only for interest subsidy for the loan extended to the eligible Korea returnees. Whereas, ADBL will allocate approximately NPR 1.2 billion (USD    8 million approximate) to be used as loan capital for Korea returnees.

It is estimated that 200 to 250 beneficiaries will be supported through this fund, depending on individual loan sizes and total fund utilization.The average loan size is projected at Rs 5 million. 

The primary objective of this partnership is to create a stable environment for entrepreneurship by overcoming the financial barriers often faced by returnee migrants. By improving access to capital, the program seeks to utilize the skills and experiences gained in Korea to drive local economic growth in Nepal.

Country Director of KOICA Mooheon Kong, states that the program is specifically designed for returnee migrants from Korea who have demonstrated a commitment to their reintegration by participating in the K-HaMi Project and successfully completing relevant entrepreneurship training. 

By focusing on this group, the initiative ensures that the capital is paired with the necessary business skills for long-term success. 

Similarly, Joint Secretary of MoLESS Krishna Sapkota shared that the K-HaMi project launched by KOICA for Korea returnee migrants has been highly successful in reintegration, skill development and financial literacy. 

He added that the access to finance component will be the most impactful component of this project. 

He expected similar projects from other donors too.

Deputy General Manager at ADBL, Sudip Dahal, said that ADBL is fully committed to implement this program. He stated that the ADBL is eager to work in the area of enterprise development and youth employment creation. 

This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the bilateral relationship between South Korea and Nepal, moving beyond labor migration toward a model of sustainable economic reintegration.

By transforming returnees into job creators, KOICA, MoLESS and ADBL are investing in the long-term prosperity of the Nepali economy.

As KOICA marks over three decades of development cooperation in Nepal, it reiterates its commitment to fostering inclusive, resilient, and sustainable communities. 

Since 1991, KOICA has been a key development partner of Nepal, supporting vital sectors such as health, education, agriculture, vocational training, IT, rural development, and tourism. More than 2,921 KOICA volunteers have served in Nepal, and over 2,230 Nepali officials have participated in KOICA’s fellowship programs. 

With development assistance exceeding USD200 million by 2025, the partnership between Nepal and the Republic of Korea continues to grow stronger.

 

Devotees throng Matatirtha to pay homage to deceased mothers

Devotees are seen congregating at Matatirtha in Chandragiri Municipality-6 to perform ceremonial offerings (Tarpan, Shraddha) and worship in memory of their late mothers. 

Spokesperson at Chandragiri Municipality Krishna Prasad Khadgi said that devotees have been taking holy dip, and performing ceremonial offering and worship at Matatirtha since 3 am today. 

People without mothers take holy dip and offer worship to Harihar (combined form of Lord Bishnu and Shiva) at the sacred site early in the morning. 

It is widely believed that taking holy bath at Matatirtha pond brings peace to the departed mother. 

On the premises of the sacred site, a statue called 'Sajha Aama' which symbolizes all mothers, has also been installed by sculptor Ramkrishna Bhandari. 

Every year, those without mothers go there, take bath in the pond, offer delicacies and other food items, and celebrate Mother's Day. 

To manage the fair, the Matatirtha Fair Management Committee along with local social organizations have been mobilized.