Submit your Article

Germany's defence minister has said the US decision to withdraw 5,000 troops from his country was "foreseeable", as the Nato military alliance says it is seeking clarification from Washington, BBC reported. 

Speaking to the DPA news agency, Boris Pistorius also stressed "the presence of American soldiers in Europe, and particularly in Germany, is in our interest and in the interest of the US".

Meanwhile Nato spokeswoman Allison Hart said the alliance was "working with the US to understand the details of their decision".

Annapurna Post, the publication of Annapurna Media Network, celebrated its Silver Jubilee today, completing 25 years of publication. The milestone was marked with gratitude to readers, advertisers, and supporters whose trust has helped establish the media house as a reliable voice in Nepal.

Over the years, Annapurna has upheld its commitment to balanced, factual, and people-centered journalism despite challenges and pressures. Guided by its principle of “People’s Voice First,” the publication has amplified stories from remote regions like Dolpa and Darchula to the plains of Madhes.

A wish was expressed for lasting peace and stability in Nepal—the birthplace of Gautam Buddha and Mother Sita—emphasizing that global peace is equally essential in today’s context. With prayers to Pashupatinath and reverence to Gurudev Yogi Chaitanya Adityanath, the message underscored that development is only possible in an environment of peace and stability.

On this occasion, the media house reaffirmed its dedication to constructive, solution-oriented journalism and announced plans to expand further, including launching a new television channel. The government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah is seen as a source of hope and trust for Nepalis at home and abroad. The moment calls for channeling the energy, innovation, and strength of youth toward national development, with creative journalism playing a key role in driving this progress. A special Silver Jubilee edition focusing on “Youth Power” has also been released.

While celebrating, Annapurna also expressed concern over the challenges faced by private media due to reduced government support, urging reconsideration of such policies.

President Capt Rameshwor Thapa extended his best wishes, expressing hope for continued peace, stability, and national development, and called for ongoing public support in the years ahead.

Capt Rameshwor Thapa

President

Annapurna Media Network

Identities of all those who died in the Rolpa jeep accident have been identified. 

According to Information Officer at the District Police Office, Rolpa, Police Inspector Sunil Thapa Nepali, the deceased have been identified as Gorkha Budhathoki (32), Til Bahadur Budhathoki (53), Yuba BC (28), Dibson BC (10), Srijana Budhathoki (24), Sudeep Budhathoki (13) and Om Kumari Budhathoki (40) of Sisne Rural Municipality-5 in Rukum East. 

Similarly, other people died in the accident are Draupati GC (54), Tila GC (32), Jenis GC (7), Jenisa GC (12), Samyog GC (7), Alina GC (25), of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City-16, Dhanmaya Bista of Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City-13, and Yam Bahadur GC of Lamjung.

Likewise, jeep driver Bed Bahadur BK (42), of Shantinagar Rural Municipality in Dang, currently living at Sisne-5 in Rukum, Mina Kami (60) and Laxmi Shah (60) of Sisne-5, Tek Prasad Basnet of Bhume Rural Municipality-5 in Rukum East and Rukmina Basnet (27) of Sisne-5.

The accident took place when the jeep (Lu 1 Ja 4167) heading towards Jaljala of Thabang Rural Municipality of Rolpa from Rukum East fell some 800 meters off the road on Thursday afternoon. 

A total of 21 people including the driver were travelling in the jeep. 

Of them, 20 people died on the spot. Samir Kami (32) of Sisne Rural Municipality-5 was injured in the incident. He has now returned home after receiving treatment at East Rukum District Hospital. 

Preliminary investigation by police says that the jeep lost control due to the unpaved and slippery road, continuous rain, and carrying more passengers than its capacity. 

All the deceased were pilgrims who were going to participate in the Barah Pooja to be held in Jaljala today on the occasion of Baisakh Poornima.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a high-level committee to investigate the road accident. 

A four-member investigation committee has been formed under the coordination of Lumbini Province Police Office, Tulsipur Superintendent of Police, Yadav Dhakal. 

The committee has been instructed to study the facts of the incident and submit a report within three days, according to the MoHA Peace, Security and Crime Control Division.

The interruption to supplies of fertiliser and its key ingredients due to the war in Iran could cost up to ten billion meals a week globally and will hit poorest countries hardest, according to the boss of one of the world's biggest fertiliser producers, BBC reported. 

Svein Tore Holsether, chief executive of Yara, told the BBC that hostilities in the Gulf, which have blocked shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, are jeopardising global food production.

Reduced crop yields as a result of lower fertiliser use could lead to a bidding war for food, he warned.

He urged European nations to consider carefully the impact of a price war on the "most vulnerable" in other countries, according to BBC. 

Nepal’s leading national daily, Annapurna Post, marked its silver jubilee with a special function at Corporate Tower, Tinkune, celebrating 25 years of journalism in the country’s evolving media landscape.

Published by Annapurna Media Network, the newspaper has built a reputation for independent, impartial, and balanced reporting. The anniversary event brought together editors, management, journalists, and staff to reflect on the publication’s journey and future direction. 

Speaking at the function, Chairman Rameshwar Thapa acknowledged the growing challenges facing the print industry but reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to journalism. He emphasized that despite rapid digital disruption, print media continues to play a vital role through in-depth, analytical, and fearless reporting. He noted that the media house remains dedicated to upholding nationality, national pride, and the core principles of democracy, including human rights, freedom of expression, and press freedom.

Thapa further stated that Annapurna Media Network will move forward with renewed energy, innovation, and commitment, adapting to changing times while maintaining its editorial values.

Editor-in-Chief Bal Krishna Basnet highlighted the shift in audience behavior toward digital platforms but stressed that readers still value print editions for their depth and investigative strength. According to him, print journalism continues to be relevant in Nepali society.

Similarly, Kamal Dev Bhattarai, Editor of The Annapurna Express, described the past 25 years as a strong foundation for the next 25 years. He underscored independence and impartiality as the guiding principles of the organization. Bhattarai said that despite numerous challenges, they will continue to serve as a watchdog of society.

General Manager Manoj Basnet also expressed confidence in the future of print media, stating that despite the rise of digital technology, publications like Annapurna Post demonstrate the enduring strength and credibility of print journalism.

To commemorate the milestone, Annapurna Postpublished a special 56-page edition, including a 48-page supplement themed “Youth Power.” The edition features a wide range of articles across sectors, aiming to inspire and highlight positive contributions from the younger generation.

The silver jubilee celebration not only marked a milestone in the publication’s history but also reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism and nation-building in the years ahead.

The government has stepped up its move in Balkhu and Banshighat areas as part of its campaign to remove unorganized settlements along the Bagmati and tributary rivers. 

The Prime Minister's Secretariat has stated that the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, has put in place action in coordination with the relevant agencies. 

In the campaign, a total of 686 structures are targeted to be removed today. 

Accordingly, bulldozers have started clearing 486 huts in the Balkhu area and 200 structures in the Banshighat area. 

The government has emphasized the move to protect citizens' lives and properties by preventing major human and physical loss that could be caused by floods and inundation during the rainy season. 

In regard to the future plans, the government has clarified that the removal of structures in other upstream areas, including Shankhamul, will continue gradually. 

For the remaining areas where squatters reside, the government has clearly stated that the land clearance process will proceed only after actual mapping of the residents and preparation of a concrete plan for their safe management.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has said that true revolution begins with knowledge. 

In his greetings to all through his social media account on the occasion of the 2570th Buddha Jayanti today, he has said that our country Nepal, blessed by the birth of Buddha, has always been in favour of non-violence and peace. 

In his message, Prime Minister Shah wished for world peace on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the promoter of peace, Gautam Buddha. “Buddha said – there is suffering, there is a cause of suffering, there is a solution to suffering, there is a path to eliminate suffering. The path shown by Buddha is the path to eliminate suffering, the absence of light is darkness; whenever a ray of light steps in, darkness automatically disappears, likewise, our journey should be in search of the light of knowledge, and should be on the path to solve problems.”

The price of gold has increased by Rs 3, 400 per tola in the domestic market on Friday.

According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the precious yellow metal is being traded at Rs 296, 100 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 292, 700 per tola on Thursday. 

Similarly, the price of silver, however, has dropped by Rs 135 and is being traded at Rs 4, 945 per tola today.