- Thursday, 19 December 2024
Kathmandu, March 16: Nepal Oil Corporation has reduced the price of petroleum products. The price of petrol has been decreased by Rs.1 per litre and the price of diesel by Rs.2 per litre with effect from last midnight.
Accordingly, the NOC has set the market price of petrol at Rs 168.50 paisa per litre for the first category, Rs 170 for the second category and Rs 171 per litre for the third category. Likewise, the price of diesel and kerosene is Rs 155.50 per litre, for the second class Rs 157 and for the third category Rs 158 per litre, said Manoj Thakur, the spokesperson of the Corporation.
The first category includes Charali, Biratnagar, Janakpur, Amlekhganj, Bhalbari, Nepalgunj, Dhangadhi and Birgunj while the second category includes are Surkhet and Dang and Kathmandu, Pokhara and Dipayal.
The price adjustment has been made based on a new purchase price received from Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) that supplies the fuel to the NOC. The purchase price of petrol and diesel received from IOC has decreased by Rs 1.22 and Rs 2.06 per litre respectively.
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02- Advocate Chapagain new coordinator of Accountability Watch Committee
Kathmandu, March 16: Raju Prasad Chapagain, a constitutional and human rights advocate, has been selected as the new coordinator of the Accountability Watch Committee.
The meeting of the committee held on Friday selected Advocate Chapagain as the coordinator of the watch committee while Rajan Kuinkel, a human rights activist and media person and Advocate Rukmini Maharjan has been selected as the joint-coordinators. The new leadership has been selected for a term of two years.
The AWC has been working for the promotion of transitional justice, rule of law and human rights in the post-conflict situation. has selected a new leadership for the next two years.
Advocate Chapagain is the former president of the Constitutional Lawyers Forum and the founding president of JURI-Nepal. Kuinkel, a human rights activist and journalist, is the former president of Amnesty International Nepal Section while advocate Maharjan is a reader at the faculty of law under Tribhuvan University.
The AWC meeting on Friday chaired by outgoing chair Charan Prasain agreed that the role of the AWC needs to be made more effective in the future, considering the situation of impunity, absence of rule of law and lack of accountability in the country.
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03- Weather to remain partly cloudy
Kathmandu, March 16: The weather will remain partly cloudy today in the hilly areas of the country, and will remain clear in other areas.
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, Weather Forecasting Division, there is a possibility of light snowfall in some places of high hills and mountain regions this afternoon and later tonight.
Furthermore, on Sunday, there is a possibility of snowfall in some parts of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali Provinces. Snowfall is also likely in some places on Monday as well.
There is currently mixed influence of westerly low pressure system and local winds, says the Division.
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04- Students suffer due to daily power outage of 11 hours
Simkot (Humla), March 16: Students preparing for the SEE examination are facing problems due to power outage that is taking place for more than 11 hours every day in Simkot, the headquarters of Humla.
Students have complained that they are not able to study after dark. Along with students preparing for the Secondary Education Exams (SEE) regular students also have problem doing homework at home.
The SEE exams are starting from March 28.
Rail Bahadur Budha, a student of Humla Secondary School located in Kharpunath Rural Municipality-3, said, “I left my village to come here to prepare for the SEE but how can I pass by not reading at night.”
Regular administrative works of the district government offices and the business at the headquarters have also been affected. With no fixed schedule for the load shedding, ordinary people too are suffering due to lack of power supply.
Meanwhile, demand for firewood has increased in Simkot after the lengthy power cuts.
Acting Chief of Nepal Electricity Authority Humla, Sushil Tharu, admitted that the authority has not made a schedule for load shedding. It is due to the fact that the source of water for the micro-hydropower project in Hildu is decreasing and the electricity generation is sometimes less and sometimes more.
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05- Nepal-EU Film Festival from Wednesday
Kathmandu, March 16: The 13th edition of Nepal-EU Film Festival is being held in the capital from coming Wednesday.
The festival is being held this year under the theme “50 years of EU-Nepal relations: celebrating cultural diversity” and will be held from March 20 to 23.
The diverse culture, lifestyle and cinematic creativity of Europe is being shared with the Nepali audience to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations between the EU and Nepal, said Dr Joëlle Hivonnet, Deputy Head of the EU delegation for Nepal.
A total of nine European films and eleven Nepali short films will be screened during the festival. The European films include ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’ (Ireland) directed by Martin McDonagh, ‘Miss Viborg’ (Denmark) directed by Marianne Blicher, ‘Mikado’ (Romania, Czech Republic) directed by Emanuel Parvu, ‘School Girls’ (Spain) directed by Pilar Palomero, ‘Luxembourg Luxembourg’ (Ukraine) directed by Antonio Lukich, ‘Servants’ (Czech Republic, Ireland, Romania, Slovakia) directed by Ivan Ostrochovský, ‘The Naked Truth About Zhiguli Band’ (Bulgaria) directed by Victor BojinovI, ‘Tove’ (Finland) directed by Zaida Bergroth and ‘The Beast’ (Spain) directed by Rodrigo Sorogoyen.
Similarly, the Nepali films to be screened in the festival are ‘Dhye Dreams’ directed by Shanta Nepali, ‘Divination’ (Aakhat) directed by Gopal Acharya, ‘Hawaman’ directed by Samal Bajracharya, ‘Kathmandu Monsoon’ directed by Nigma Gelu Sherpa, ‘Makhmali Udaan’ directed by Atin Shrestha, ‘Let’s Talk Period’ directed by Rajin Maharjan, ‘Rato Paccheuri’ directed by Miraz Roshan Thakuri, ‘Sanai’ directed by Akanchha Karki, ‘The Bull, the Cow, the Calf’ directed by Swoyan Maskey Manandhar, ‘The Mirage’ directed by Santosh Dahal and ‘Whril’ directed by Anil Kurmi.
The festival will travel to the Sudurpaschim province where screenings will continue in the hall of the Far Western University on the 10th and 11th of April. The next destination will be Lumbini province, where there will be screenings on 15 April followed by the Karnali Province where screenings will take place on the 19th and 2oth of April.
The Delegation of the European Union to Nepal is also organising a ‘Film Critics Competition’ which will culminate into the giving away of a ‘Film Critics Award’ for the best critic. The EU will publish a call for entry for the film critics competition very soon. The winner of the film critics competition will also be able to travel to Brussels in autumn this year to participate in the mirror festival of Nepali films.
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06- President Paudel pays homage to Jaleshwarnath
Jaleshwar (Mahottari), March 16: President Ram Chandra Paudel has offered prayers to Baba Jaleshwarnath Mahadev here today.
President Paudel, who arrived in Mahottari this morning to attend various programs, offered prayers to Baba Jaleshwarnath at the temple located in ward no. 1 of Jaleshwar Municipality.
On the occasion, Chief Priest of Jaleswarnath Mahadev temple, Upendra Pathak helped carry out a special pooja of Jaleswarnath Mahadev for President Paudel.
The President also worshiped Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha in the temple premises.
Following the worship at Baba Jaleshwarnath temple, President Paudel has left for Chauria village of Jaleshwar municipality-5, where he is scheduled to unveil a statute of former Sports Minister late Ganesh Nepali.
Earlier this morning, President Paudel had offered garlands to the statute of freedom fighter Ram Narayan Mishra at Pipara of Mahottari.
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07- CPN (Maoist Centre), Nepal Samajbadi Party to unite
Kathmandu, March 16: An understanding has been reached between the CPN (Maoist Centre) and Nepal Samajbadi Party for their unification.
A meeting of unity coordination committee of the Maoist Centre and Socialist Party Central Committee held under chairmanship of Maoist Centre and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ took the decision in this regard.
The joint press statement issued by General-Secretary of the Nepal Socialist Party, Ramesh Prasad Yadav, and General-Secretary of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Dev Prasad Gurung, reads that the name of the party after the merger would be decided in coming general convention.
A taskforce has been formed for ideological uniformity and organisational preparation for party unity. General-Secretary Gurung and Deputy General-Secretary Janardan Sharma from the Maoist Centre and Co-Chair Ganga Narayan Shrestha and General-Secretary Yadav from the Nepal Samajbadi Party are in the taskforce.
Maoist Centre’s Chair Dahal, Senior Vice-Chairperson Narayan Kaji Shrestha, General-Secretary Gurung while Samajbadi Party’s Chair Mahindra Raya Yadav, Co-Chair Shrestha and General-Secretary Yadav were present in the meeting.
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08- Despite becoming party to CEDAW three decades back, implementation is bleak
Kathmandu, March 16: Nepal had become a state party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) in 2048BS. But, lawmakers expressed worry over the non-implementation of the convention.
During a programme the Forum for Women, Law and Development organized on Nepal’s agenda in the UN CEDAW committee, Chairperson of Legislation Management Committee of National Assembly, Jayanti Rai, said the country still has the situation that women themselves need to wage struggles to secure equal rights and dignity. Non-implementation of laws and convention is a serious problem, she added.
Lawmaker Kamala Pant viewed it has been difficult to ensure equal rights as the oppressors are powerful or close to power while victims the helpless ones.
Another lawmaker Bishnu Devi Pudashaini viewed although men and women were provided equal rights of citizenship in the constitution, implementation status is bleak.
Those sending false report to the CEDAW committee must be taken action, according to lawmaker Bagawati Neupane.
Executive Director at FWLD, advocate Sabin Shrestha, reminded that although Nepal had become a state party to the UN CEDAW without showing any reservation three decades back, its non-implementation is a severe blight to nation.
Immediately after the restoration of democracy in 2046BS, the interim government led by Krishna Prasad Bhattarai had been party to the CEDAW.
Neighbours India, Pakistan and Bangladesh had however endorsed the convention showing objection to Article 16.
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09- Taskforce submits CMP before top leaders of ruling parties
Kathmandu, March 16: A taskforce formed to determine government’s common minimum programme (CMP) submitted the CMP before top leaders of the parties associated with the ruling alliance.
The CMP was presented before Prime Minister and Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Chairperson of CPN (UML), KP Sharma Oli, CPN (Unified Socialist) Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal and Chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane.
The power-sharing parties had formed 10-member taskforce to prepare government’s common minimum programme.
UML Vice Chairperson, Bishnu Poudel, and Deputy General Secretary Bishnu Rimal, Maoist Centre’s Deputy General Secretaries, Barshaman Pun and Janardan Sharma, Rastriya Sawtantra Party’s Vice Chairperson Swarnim Wagle and General Secretary Mukul Dhakal, Janata Samajbadi Party’s Central Executive Member Rajendra Shrestha and Manish Suman, and CPN (Unified Socialist) Vice-Chairpersons Pramesh Hamal and Ghanshyam Bhusal, were in the taskforce.
The taskforce had given completion to the CMP on Friday.
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10- Property worth Rs 3 million gutted in fire
Rajbiraj, March 16: Property worth Rs 3 million turned into ashes when Krishna Ladies and Gents Tailors caught fire in Saptari district this morning. The Tailors is located at Rupani road of Rajbiraj.
The fire destroyed 19 sewing machines, four electric machines and customers’ clothes, said proprietor of the Tailors, Rohit Kumar Sah.
Reason behind the fire has not been ascertained. Locals, police and fire engines from Rajbiraj doused the flame. Investigation into the incident was underway, according to the District Police Office.
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11- Nepalis’ achievement laudable at int’l arena: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, March 16: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said Nepalis living in various countries have made significant achievements.
PM Dahal made such observation during a programme organized to release a book ‘Prof Surya Subedi: Mahabidhyabaridhidekhi Nobel Puraskar Samma’ in the federal capital this morning.
“In the wake of globalization, Nepalis have migrated to various countries, and many of them have made huge progress. One among them is Dr Surya Subedi,” PM Dahal reminded.
PM Dahal further shared that he had sought help from Prof Dr Subedi on constitution writing, and review of various treaties Nepal made over times. Subedi candidly provided help, Dahal remembered, adding that Subedi’s role on finding middle-way on sorting out issues relating to MCC were remarkable.
His suggestions were implemented on MCC, PM informed.
According to PM Dahal’s private secretariat, Prof Dr Subedi has shed light on Nepal’s democratic movement, peace process in Cambodia and issues of international law.
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12- Govt changes work style to restore normal economy: Finance Minister Pun
Kathmandu, March 16: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun has said the government would not change its policies but work styles to recover the national economy from slump.
During the ‘RBBL Management Conference 2024’ organized in the federal capital today, Finance Minister Pun vowed to create jobs within country and to curb exodus of youths.
“There won’t be fundamental changes in government policies but work style in the wake of change in Cabinet members. The policies are framed based on constitution. Difference in work style ensures different results,” he reminded.
He admitted that there is widespread perception- system changed, but people’s status did not. “I work in a way it foils this perception and restore youths’ hope and address their complaints. Review is going on for the changes and improvement,” Pun stressed.
According to him, it is criminal trend to disobey banking rule of paying loan. It is wrong to accuse anyone of involving in crimes merely because he/she has contact with those implicated in crimes. “There is system and law that ensure action against anyone irrespective of post and power after the investigation in case of any charge,” Pun said, however, saying that time has come to mull why there is widespread questions over any institution.
According to him, good governance, economic prosperity and social justice are prioritized by the present government.
Public finance needs attention and action for improved economy. Government is for higher revenue collection and increased development spending. The Finance Minister admitted that national economy had seen some problems due to microfinance and cooperatives issues.
He sought congruity on fiscal and monetary policies. Banking is one of the well managed sectors in Nepal, Finance Minister argued.
On the occasion, Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari said banking sector has mobilized huge resources. It must not be misused. Loan must not be floated to unproductive sector, he made aware the banks.
Banking and financial sectors need further honesty and accountability to frustrate the assaults made from various sides. It is worrying to hear that loan is not provided without bribe, he shared, urging banks to pay heed to it well.
Investment is required for sustainable and green infrastructures as per government’s priority, Adhikari underlined.
He expressed happiness over Rastriya Banijya Bank’s performance in recent time.
Chairman of Nepal Bankers’ Association, Sunil KC, viewed, although banking sector was facing various challenges, it’s strength was not decreased at all.
Rastriya Banijya Bank’s Chief Executive Officer Kiran Kumar Shrestha said the conference would be fruitful to whet debate on problems of banking and financial sectors and contribute to national economy.
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13- President Paudel unveils statues
Jaleshwor, March 16: President Ramchandra Paudel today unveiled statues of former minister and leader of Nepali Congress, late Ram Narayan Mishra, former minister late Ganesh Nepali and martyr Keshav Koirala.
The statue of late Mishra has been constructed at Pipara rural municipality-4, while of Nepali at Jaleshwor municipality-5 and martyr Koirala at Matihani municipality-8.
Unveiling the statues, President Paudel said martyr and former leaders are source of inspiration to the country and people. They deserve respect.
He stressed that we must not forget their contribution for the nation.
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14- Prime Minister Dahal in Pokhara
Gandaki, March 16: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has arrived in Pokhara to participate in different programmes to be organised here.
Prime Minister Dahal today visited Martyrs Memorial Residential Secondary School at Pokhara metropolitan city-14 and inquired about its condition.
Similarly, he is scheduled to participate in concluding ceremony of Barhakhari Golf Championship today itself.
PM Dahal would participate in a ceremony to be organised on Sunday to announce Pokhara as ‘Tourism Capital’, it is said. Likewise, he is also scheduled to attend the prize distribution programme to be organised by Kaski chapter of Federation of Nepali Journalists on Sunday, said President of FNJ, Kaski, Bimala Bhandari.
According to local leaders of the party, the Prime Minister would also participate in internal training and meeting of the CPN (Maoist Centre).
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15- Entrepreneurship will be promoted with private sector’s participation: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, March 16: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has asserted that entrepreneurship would be promoted with the participation of private sector.
Distributing prize to winners of ‘Golf Championship’ organised by Barhakhari Media in Pokhara, today, Prime Minister shared that thousands of ‘startups’ and entrepreneurship programmes would be launched.
He said, “There will be policy-level reforms to end low credit flow, decline in middle-class consumption and low capital expenditure”, according to PM Dahal’s private secretariat.
Assuring that the incumbent government would carry out activities in favour of the nation, the Prime Minister clarified that achieving good governance, social justice and prosperity is the goal of the government.
He mentioned that with the reconstitution of the government, positive changes have been seen in share market, adding the government has the determination of strengthening country’s economic condition.
“Creating employment and replacement of import are government’s priority. A goal of at least doubling the number of tourists will be set”, stressed PM Dahal.
He assured of ensuring freedom of expression and maintaining accountability in all structures of the state making the public service delivery smooth and citizen-friendly.
The Prime Minister underlined that he had started works with energy and enthusiasm last year and a new power equation was made to complete these works.
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16- Upliftment of grassroots people is main objective of current system: President Paudel
Janakpurdham, March 16: President Ramchandra Paudel has said it was necessary to carry out activities for the upliftment of grassroots people including Dalits, oppressed, indigenous, women keeping on priority as it was the responsibility of the government.
At a programme jointly organised by Martyr Keshav Koirala Memorial Foundation and Matihani municipality after unveiling the statue of martyr Keshav Koirala at Matihani today, President Paudel shared that it was the need of hour to protect the martyrs’ dreams of establishing a state system with democracy, republic and equality uplifting marginalized and underprivileged classes.
He recalled Mahitani as the centre of revolution struggling for the establishment of civil rights, adding he felt that people’s best achievement politically ‘republic’ has been gained, but its real meaning is yet to be felt.
Stating that federal democratic republic has been established in the country from the struggle of the Nepali people, the President mentioned that the Constitution of Nepal has made all Nepali people the owner of the state power in real meaning, not only ended all types of discrimination and inequality.
He stressed that he had urged the leaders of political parties represented in the federal parliament to formulate laws empowering the provinces soon.
A name of a warrior who sacrificed his life to strengthen and make democratic principles, norms, values and organisations systematic and root out one-party system is Keshav Koirala, underlined President Paudel.
Born in Chhahare of Okhaldhunga, Koirala was a skillful organiser and a popular leader, added the President.
Earlier unveiling the statue of a democratic warrior, Ganesh Nepali, constructed at Jaleshwor municipality-5, President Paudel called all to move ahead in the journey of prosperity through the medium of good governance, development and employment.
He underscored that it would be true tribute to martyrs like Keshav Koirala and democratic warriors like Ganesh Nepali only if democracy is made the way of life and culture.
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