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The Road Division Office has repaired  the 14-km-long Baglung-Beni road at the cost of Rs 32.1 million. 

There was a compulsion to make travel riskier as the road that has been used as an alternative to the Maldhunga-Beni stretch was in a dilapidated state due to cracks, potholes, landslide depositions and scuffing of asphalt. 

Engineer at the Office, Bishnu Prasad Lamichhane stated that the road has been expanded by clearing the landslide debris at Hulake, Bhasbhase, Dhadeni, Sim, and Pangrekhola, and also that a drainage system has been constructed with slope, gravel, and asphalt. 

He further shared that concrete drainage channels, gabion walls, and retaining walls have been placed for rainwater drainage.

The monsoon is gradually getting weak with its low pressure line shifting to the south from the average position, the Meteorological Forecasting Division stated. 

This afternoon, the hilly areas of the country, including the Sudurpaschim Province are likely to have cloudy weather while the remaining areas will see partial cloud cover. 

The division forecasts moderate rainfall in some places of the hilly areas of Sudurpaschim Province and a couple of places in the Terai. 

Similarly, the hilly areas of the country, including the Koshi Province, will generally have cloudy weather, while other areas will see partial clouds tonight. 

As indicated, there is a chance of moderate rainfall in some places of the hilly areas of Gandaki Province, as well as in the Tarai, Bagmati, Lumbini, and Karnali Provinces. 

In view of the risk of landslides and an increase in water levels in large and small rivers and streams, and potential disruptions in transportation, the division has urged the general public to stay alert with preparedness. 

Newly appointed Vice Chancellors (VCs) of four health science academies took the oath of office and secrecy today before Prime Minister and Chancellor KP Sharma Oli on Thursday.

The oath-taking ceremony was held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar where Prof Dr Bikram Prasad Shrestha (BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences), Associate Prof Dr Pujan Kumar Rokaya (Karnali Academy of Health Sciences),  Prof. Dr Buddhi Prasad Paudel (Patan Academy of Health Sciences) and Dr Bharat Khatri (Pokhara Academy of Health Sciences) took the oath of office and secrecy.

The Millennium Challenge Account-Nepal (MCA-Nepal) today signed two major contracts to advance the compact’s Electricity Transmission Project, jointly funded by the governments of Nepal and the United States.

In a press statement today, the MCA-Nepal said, "Following the successful completion of the foreign aid review, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Nepal Compact resumed work with renewed momentum and shared commitment from both governments."

The development underscores the shared commitment of both governments to delivering on one of Nepal’s most transformative infrastructure partnerships, it has been said.

After a competitive international bidding process, MCA-Nepal awarded the Lot 2 contract (Ratmate to New Damauli) to Angelique-Skipper JV and the Lot 3 contract (New Damauli to New Butwal) to WAIBA-SALASAR JV, according to the press release. 

Combined, these contracts are valued at approximately USD 154.5 million and will cover the design, installation, testing, and commissioning of 180 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines, the MCA-Nepal said. 

MCA-Nepal Executive Director Khadga Bahadur Bisht and company representatives signed the agreements in the presence of MCC’s Acting Deputy Vice President, representatives from the MCC Resident Country Mission, officials from the US Embassy, Nepal’s Ministry of Finance, and the Nepal Electricity Authority. 

“MCC reaffirms the United States’ investment in mutual priorities and Nepal’s development goals,” said Acting Deputy Vice President John Wingle. “We are honored to work alongside our Nepali counterparts to improve the availability and reliability of electricity in Nepal and enhance regional power trade and integration,” the statement adds.  

Ghanashyam Upadhyaya, Secretary at the Ministry of Finance and Chairperson of the MCA-Nepal Board of Directors, appreciated the financial support from the US Government to materialize the Government of Nepal's plan to construct transmission lines and substations, and expressed continued government support for this program.

"This milestone is more than a construction contract; it’s a tangible symbol of the United States’ enduring commitment to Nepal’s growth and prosperity,” said US Embassy Nepal’s Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks. “Through this partnership, we are not only creating power lines and economic infrastructure but also accelerating Nepal’s long-term growth. The MCC compact is a cornerstone of cooperation between Nepal and the United States. We’re proud to be moving forward together to benefit all citizens of Nepal.”

MCA-Nepal Executive Director Bisht added, “We appreciate the US  Government’s unwavering support and final approval to move the compact forward. This milestone reflects the shared commitment of all stakeholders and the Government of Nepal to this National Pride Project. We remain focused on successful implementation through sustained collaboration.” 

The MCC Nepal Compact represents a landmark USD 697 million investment in Nepal’s long-term economic development, laying a foundation for increased private sector investment. 

Through its Electricity Transmission and Road Maintenance Projects, the compact is designed to boost connectivity and unlock economic growth by strengthening critical infrastructure, enhancing cross-border energy trade, and improving Nepal’s transportation network.