The Supreme Court’s directive recognizing elephants as sentient beings has intensified scrutiny of the Chitwan Elephant Festival’s games.
Courts & Accountability
The Supreme Court’s directive recognizing elephants as sentient beings has brought the festival’s elephant games under scrutiny. After footage showing handlers abusing elephants was released, Machhapuchchhre Bank and Himalayan Social Journey withdrew their sponsorships; animal-rights group PETA has called for the games to end and urged remaining sponsors to pull their support.
Politics & Governance
Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki announced the implementation of a law on language in government work, effective that day, on the 141st birth anniversary of Mahaguru Phalgunand Lingden. Karki said the law would help preserve and promote the province’s linguistic diversity and cultural heritage.
Date: November 11, 2026 (AD) | B.S.: Kartik 26, 2083
Top News
1. President issues messages of best wishes on Nepal Sambat New Year 1147 (risingnepaldaily.com)
President Ram Chandra Poudel extended his best wishes to the nation on the occasion of Nepal Sambat New Year 1147, encouraging unity and prosperity among the people. He emphasized the importance of cultural heritage and national identity during this festive period.
2. Festivals further love, harmony among families, society: RSP President Lamichhane (risingnepaldaily.com)
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane emphasized that festivals promote love and harmony within families and society. He highlighted the importance of cultural celebrations in fostering unity among people.
3. Supreme Court directive puts Chitwan Elephant Festival’s games under scrutiny (english.onlinekhabar.com)
The Supreme Court's directive recognizing elephants as sentient beings has intensified scrutiny on the Chitwan Elephant Festival, prompting PETA to call for an end to its elephant games. Following the release of footage showing handlers abusing elephants, several sponsors, including Machhapuchchhre Bank and Himalayan Social Journey, have withdrawn support, with PETA urging remaining sponsors to follow suit. PETA President Jason Baker emphasized that the court's ruling should end the use of elephants for entertainment, highlighting concerns over their treatment and psychological distress in captivity.
4. Minister Timilsina calls for global support to rebuild disaster-hit communication infrastructure (risingnepaldaily.com)
Minister Timilsina has urged for international assistance to restore communication infrastructure damaged by recent disasters in Nepal. He emphasized the need for collaboration to ensure effective recovery and resilience in the affected areas.
5. ‘सरकारी कामकाजको भाषा सम्बन्धमा व्यवस्था गर्न बनेको ऐन कार्यान्वयनमा’ (www.ratopati.com)
Koshi Province Chief Minister Hikmat Kumar Karki announced the implementation of a new law regarding the use of language in government operations, effective from today, coinciding with the 141st birth anniversary of Mahaguru Phalgunand Lingden. He emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting the province's linguistic diversity and cultural heritage, stating that language is vital for community identity and history. Karki expressed that today's initiative marks a significant achievement in institutionalizing respect for linguistic diversity in government work.
6. देउसी–भैलोका नाममा हुने अमर्यादित गतिविधि रोक्न प्रतिबद्ध छौं : गृहमन्त्री (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has committed to preventing indecent activities associated with the Deusi-Bhailo festival. He emphasized the need for maintaining decorum during the celebrations, urging communities to adhere to respectful practices.
7. फाल्गुनन्दको मार्गदर्शनले समाज सुधारमा बल पुग्यो : राष्ट्रपति (nepalnews.com)
President Ramchandra Paudel praised Mahaguru Phalgunand's guidance for fostering a moral, civilized, and united society during a message on the occasion of Phalgunand Jayanti. He highlighted Phalgunand's contributions to ending social conservatism and promoting tolerance and harmony among diverse religious and cultural groups, emphasizing the importance of his role in social reform and the preservation of identity in various districts of Nepal. Paudel expressed hope that the celebrations would inspire continued efforts towards tolerance, good governance, non-violence, and social improvement.
8. बजेट कार्यान्वयनमा झनै दयनीय प्रदेश सरकार (www.onlinekhabar.com)
The implementation of the budget by provincial governments in Nepal is reported to be significantly poor, highlighting inefficiencies in financial management. This situation raises concerns about the effectiveness of governance at the provincial level.
9. भाइटीकाले आत्मीयता प्रगाढ बनाउँछः प्रधानमन्त्री शाह (nepalnews.com)
Prime Minister Balendra Shah extended greetings to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Bhai Tika. He expressed hopes that the festival would deepen love, trust, mutual respect, and affection among siblings, while wishing everyone a joyous celebration.
10. राजनीतिको रापबाट माटोको सुवासतिर सुदिन (www.onlinekhabar.com)
Political developments are shifting focus towards soil management and sustainability in Nepal. The emphasis is on improving agricultural practices and environmental conservation to enhance productivity and ecological balance.
Forex
| Currency Pair | Rate (NPR) |
|---|---|
| USD → NPR | 150.59 |
| CAD → NPR | 106.53 |
| AUD → NPR | 104.1 |
| GBP → NPR | 202.22 |
| JPY → NPR | 9.52 |
Metal Prices (International)
| Metal | Price (USD/oz) | Price (NPR/tola) |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | $4056.04 | NPR 229,049.40 |
| Silver | $52.75 | NPR 2,978.86 |
Disclaimer
- Forex rates are sourced from the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB).
- International gold and silver prices are sourced from swissquote.
- Nepal gold and silver prices are sourced from Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers' Association.
Prices are provided for informational purposes only and may be delayed, or inaccurate.
