1. PM Oli Congratulates Grade 12 Students, Urges Them to Study in Nepal
Kathmandu, August 5 — Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently in Turkmenistan attending a United Nations conference, took a moment to congratulate all the students who passed this year’s Grade 12 exams, which were released on August 4.
In a message to the students, PM Oli praised their hard work and dedication, calling it a proud moment for both the students and their families. He also encouraged them to pursue higher education here in Nepal, saying the country needs their talent and energy to move forward.
“The future of Nepal is in the hands of educated youth. I hope many of you will choose to study here and help build a stronger nation,” he said.
This year, 61.17% of regular students passed the exams, along with 36.49% of those who appeared for the partial exams, according to data from the National Examinations Board.
2.Heavy Rain Alert as Monsoon Pattern Shifts
Kathmandu, August 5 — The Department of Meteorology has issued a warning for very heavy rainfall across various parts of the country today. The alert comes as the monsoon system has shifted slightly north of its usual track.
This change in the weather pattern is expected to bring intense downpours, especially in hilly and lowland areas. Officials say there’s a higher risk of flooding and landslides, and people living in vulnerable zones should remain cautious.
“Given the current conditions, we urge everyone to stay informed and avoid unnecessary travel in high-risk regions,” the department said.
The public is advised to follow weather updates and take safety precautions, particularly near rivers and landslide-prone slopes.
3.Flood Damage Shows Nepal’s Struggle With Climate Change
Kathmandu, August 5 — The severe floods that swept through Nepal in early July have exposed just how vulnerable the country’s infrastructure is to the growing impacts of climate change.
According to a recent report, the floods destroyed several key structures — including hydropower plants and the Sino-Nepal Friendship Bridge, a major trade route connecting Nepal and China. The damage is significant: energy experts estimate that the affected hydropower capacity could have powered up to 600,000 homes, and trade worth nearly $724 million has been disrupted.
The disaster has raised fresh concerns among climate and infrastructure experts, who say Nepal needs to act urgently. “We’re seeing more intense and unpredictable weather. Without stronger early warning systems and climate-resilient infrastructure, these kinds of losses will keep happening,” one expert warned.
Calls are growing louder for the government and development partners to redesign infrastructure with climate in mind, invest in better forecasting, and prioritize safety over speed when building in risk-prone areas.
4.Seven Nepalese Girls Rescued From Human Trafficking Near Indo-Nepal Border
Siliguri, August 5 — In a swift and well-coordinated operation, India’s Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) rescued seven Nepalese girls, including a minor, from an attempted human trafficking case near the Indo-Nepal border late last night.
The incident took place at Panitanki Bazar, a busy border area near Siliguri. Acting on specific intelligence, SSB personnel stopped a group suspected of attempting to cross into India under suspicious circumstances. During the search, two traffickers were arrested at the scene.
According to officials, the girls were likely being trafficked for exploitation in other parts of India. “Thanks to timely information and quick action by our team, we were able to prevent what could have been a tragic situation,” said one SSB officer.
The rescued girls have been handed over to local child welfare and police authorities. They will receive counseling and protection while efforts are made to reunite them with their families in Nepal. Meanwhile, the investigation is ongoing to identify others involved in the trafficking network.
