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Defending champions Janakpur Bolts and Kathmandu Gurkhas are locking their horns in the opening match of the Nepal Premier League (NPL) beginning today.

The match will begin at 4 pm in the Kirtipur-based International Tribhuvan University Cricket Ground.

In the first edition of the NPL, Janakpur had easily defeated Kathmandu.

Janakpur which was under the leadership of Pubudu Dassanayake, also the former coach of the Nepali national team, in the first edition now is playing under the leadership of Shivnarine Chadrapaul of the West Indies.

Likewise, Kathmandu has appointed Monti Desai of India as the main coach of iots team for the second edition.

Monti is also the former chief coach of the Nepali national team.  

The price of gold has increased by Rs 500 per tola in the domestic market on Monday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 243, 300 per tola today.

Similarly, the silver is being traded at Rs 3, 155 per tola today.

The average deposit rate offered by commercial banks has fallen further in November/December, reflecting subdued credit demand and a slowdown in economic activities.  A study of interest rates for the new month published by 20 commercial banks show that the average maximum interest rate on individual fixed deposits has declined compared to October/November.

The average maximum interest rate on personal fixed deposits dropped by 0.160 percentage points to 5.0405 percent for November/December.

Lower deposit rates typically pull down lending rates, creating conditions that should encourage businesses and individuals to borrow more. In theory, cheaper credit stimulates investment, boosts consumption, and supports overall economic activity. However, despite the steady decline in interest rates in recent months, credit growth has remained weaker than expected.

Among the 20 commercial banks, 10 have reduced their maximum rates on personal fixed deposits for Mangsir, while the remaining 10 have kept their rates unchanged.  

Banks that reduced their fixed-deposit rates include NIC Asia, Prime Commercial, Standard Chartered, Nabil, Siddhartha, Kumari, Sanima, Himalayan, Nepal SBI and Citizens Bank. Agricultural Development Bank, Everest, Nepal Bank, Laxmi Sunrise, Machhapuchchhre, Prabhu, Rastriya Banijya, Global IME, Nepal Investment Mega and NMB Bank, however, have kept their rates unchanged.

Most banks offer lower rates for short-term fixed deposits and higher rates for deposits with longer terms. Global IME Bank has offered the highest interest rate of six percent for individual fixed-term deposits of three years or longer. On the other hand, Standard Chartered is offering the lowest interest rate of 4.7 percent.

Bankers say the downward adjustment reflects the system’s excess liquidity and the inability to expand lending in a sluggish economy. Slow project spending, weak private-sector demand, and cautious borrowing behavior have limited credit growth this fiscal year, reducing banks’ need to compete aggressively for deposits.

Meanwhile, Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has continued to absorb liquidity from the market even for longer durations through tools such as deposit collection auctions and the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) as banks are awash with loanable funds. 

The “National Festival of Tolerance” was held at Um Al Emarat Park from November 14 to 16 on the occasion of International Day of Tolerance-2025 in Abu Dhabi.

During the program, the Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi showed its remarkable and active participation in the field of tourism promotion and cultural diplomacy by setting up a Nepal Tourism Booth/Stall for the first time, reads a statement issued by the Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence of the UAE Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan inaugurated the 7th edition of the fair, which carried the theme ‘Hand in Hand’.

After the inauguration of the fair, His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan visited the Nepali stall and received information from Ambassador Tej Bahadur Chhetri, according to the statement. 

Ambassadors from various countries, diplomats, officials from the UAE government's Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, tourism entrepreneurs, students, and well-wishers of Nepal also visited the Nepali stall at the fair.

On November 15, the Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities performed group dances reflecting Nepal’s diverse ethnic and regional traditions and culture.

The Nepali stall was decorated with various Nepali items, including Nepali handicrafts and sculptures, tourist posters and paintings reflecting the natural beauty of Nepal and Nepali souvenirs.

In addition to that, Nuwa Puch performed a famous lakhe dance, reflecting Newari art and culture, during the three-day fair.

Similarly, drawing, coloring, and interactive activities were also conducted to attract the children and families.

The Embassy and the Nepal Tourism Board handed promotion materials as gifts to those who answered the quiz correctly on topics such as Nepal-UAE relations, Nepal's tourism, and geography, the statement further reads. 

Various diplomatic missions in Abu Dhabi, including those from Asia, Europe, and Africa, set up stalls showcasing their respective arts and cultures.

Global Heritage showcased art exhibitions and international musical and entertainment programs during the fair attended by various international schools, social organizations, and cultural groups based in Abu Dhabi.

The Embassy expressed its heartfelt gratitude to the UAE Government, the Embassy family, the Nepali community, the Federation of Indigenous Nationalities, Newa:Puch:, media personnel, and volunteers for their contribution in making the fair a success. 

The world around us is full of noise—cars honking, factories buzzing, and machines running. But behind all this sound, there’s a quiet voice we often forget to hear. It is the voice of nature—the trees, rivers, mountains, and animals—softly crying for help.

From the green hills of Nepal to the big cities of the world, our Earth is slowly losing its beauty. The air is filled with smoke, the rivers are turning dirty, and the forests are disappearing. Nature keeps speaking to us, but we have stopped listening.

In a small village in Nepal, a little girl named Aasha once asked her teacher, “Sir, why can’t I see the butterflies my grandmother used to see?” The question sounds simple, yet it is deeply sad. It shows how, with each new generation, a piece of nature’s beauty is fading away.

Today, many children grow up with phones and video games. But some have never climbed a tree, played in the rain, or seen a clear river. If they never see nature’s beauty, how will they learn to love and protect it?

Young people are full of ideas and energy. In Kathmandu, a boy named Sujan and his friends have started planting trees every Saturday. He says, “We cannot fix the whole world, but we can do our part.” Students in many countries are doing the same—cleaning rivers, planting trees, and spreading awareness. Their efforts give hope that our generation can bring back the green world that is slowly disappearing.

Adults, on the other hand, are busy with work and daily life. They build cities, run businesses, and chase success. But in this race, they sometimes forget that clean air and pure water are far more valuable than gold or silver.

A teacher in Bhaktapur once said, “When I was a child, I played in fresh streams. Now my students wear masks to school.” We must remember: when nature becomes sick, we cannot stay healthy.

The elderly among us remember a different world—a world full of trees, the songs of birds, and clear blue skies. Hari Baje, from a village in Lamjung, recalls, “When I was young, we used to drink straight from the river. Now even the fish are gone.” Their memories are lessons for us. They remind us of how beautiful the Earth once was—and how we must protect what is left.

Nature’s pain is not only Nepal’s problem. It is the world’s problem—the problem of all humans. One country faces forest fires, while another struggles with polluted oceans. But Earth is one home, and we all live in it together. If we destroy nature in one place, life suffers everywhere. Still, it is not too late. The Earth can heal itself if we care for it. If we plant trees, save water, and keep our surroundings clean, even small actions can make a big difference. Nature forgives easily—one tree can give shade, fruit, and life to many.If every person does a little, together we can do a lot.

Nature is not something outside of us—it is part of us. When we care for it, we care for ourselves. And when we harm it, we harm our own future. So let us promise to listen to the silent cry of nature—by planting, protecting, and living in harmony with the Earth. Because Earth is not just our home for today—it is the home of every tomorrow.

Samunnat Sharma

Grade VIII

Sanskar Pathshala, Dang

Two persons died in a motorcycle accident on the Bungdalkhola Bridge located on the border of Makawanpurgadhi Rural Municipality-5 and Bhimphedi Rural Municipality-1 in Makawanpur.

According to the Makawanpur District Police Office, the deceased have been identified as biker rider Bir Bahadur Gurung (39) of Chauki Tol, Hetaunda Sub-Metropolitan City-2 and the pillion rider, Chandra Bahadur Gurung (35) of Kawasoti Municipality-13, East Nawalparasi, currently residing in Hetaunda Sub-Metropolitan City-2.

The incident occurred when the bike (Ba Pra 03-005 Pa 7980) they were riding on fell some 50 feet down the Bungdalkhola this morning.

The bodies were brought to Hetauda Hospital for a post-mortem, informed District Police Office spokesperson Deputy Superintendent of Police Pushkar Bogati.

He stated that further investigation into the incident is underway.

The Embassy of Pakistan held its Annual Alumni Get-Together Gala at Soaltee, Kathmandu, continuing its tradition of celebrating Nepali Alumni of Pakistani Institutions.

Bringing together graduates from Pakistan’s scholarship schemes and self-financed students, the saw an impressive attendence of about 450 alumni, dignitaries, and friends of Pakistan.

The program provided an opportunity to reconnect, relive memories, and strengthen the bonds so fondly exist between the two people.

On the occasion, Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal Abrar H. Hashmi highlighted that such gatherings provide a platform for alumni to reinforce mutual understanding between the two countries.

The Ambassador recalled that most alumni had experienced Pakistan’s culture, cuisine, and hospitality, which created lasting memories and mutual respect. He further noted that over 4,000 Nepali graduates of Pakistani institutions were contributing to Nepal’s development and diaspora worldwide.

The Alumni appreciated the expanded gathering of alumni by the Embassy and expressed commitment to strengthening cultural, educational and people to people ties between Pakistan and Nepal.

Participants highlighted the need for education and training in IT, AI, medical innovation, and other priority areas, and pledged their support.

The highlight of the event was the announcement of the launch of Pakistan-Nepal Alumni Network.

Nepal has received $9.4 million (Rs 1.19 billion) from World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) for reducing approximately 1.88 million tons of carbon dioxide under its REDD+ Emission Reductions Program in the Tarai Arc Landscape.

This is the first payment under the FCPF’s Emission Reductions Payment Agreement (ERPA) — a major milestone in Nepal’s efforts to reduce emissions from deforestation and forest degradation and promote inclusive, sustainable forest management, the WB stated in a press release.

The FCPF program in Nepal is characterized by its strong community-based approach to sustainable forestry. Implemented across the Tarai Arc Landscape — home to both rich biodiversity and a dense human population — the program brings together local communities, Indigenous Peoples, and civil society organizations to protect and restore forests while improving rural livelihoods.

“This milestone payment is testament to Nepal’s success in reducing deforestation, strengthening forest governance, enhancing biodiversity conservation, and expanding sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities,” said David Sislen, World Bank Division Director for Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka.

The payment will be distributed in accordance with Nepal’s Benefit Sharing Plan, developed through a participatory process that included consultations with local communities and key stakeholders. The plan ensures that forest-dependent communities and Indigenous Peoples directly benefit from the results of their efforts. 

Investments will support continued forest restoration, community enterprises, and climate-resilient livelihoods — reinforcing Nepal’s global reputation as a pioneer of community forestry and participatory resource management, according to the WB.

“This results-based payment reflects the efforts and dedication of our forest-dependent communities, Indigenous Peoples, and the government in conserving and managing our forests. Nepal remains committed to advancing climate action through inclusive and community-led forest management,” said Dr. Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Secretary of Ministry of Forests and Environment.