- Tuesday, 19 November 2024
Kailali, March 22: Chief of Sudurpaschim Province Nazir Miya has said he was committed to safeguarding the rights of Dalit community.
At a programme organized on the occasion of 59th International Day for the Elimination of Racism and Racial Discrimination in Dhangadhi on Thursday, Miya argued that he will extend a full support in the tasks of establishing the rights of Dalits.
He was of the view that the rights of Dalits will be ensured only if the constitution was implemented by uniting all classes of the society. “The provisions ensured by the Constitution of Nepal against untouchability and caste-based discrimination should not be discarded. I have the conviction for its full implementation,” he added.
During the event, Province Assembly Members of Sudurpaschim Lalita Sunar and Laxmi BK, Assistant Chief District Officer of Kailali Yagyaraj Joshi and Deputy Mayor of Bhajani Municipality Raju Tiruwa and others expressed their views not to carry out the activities of caste-based discrimination and untouchability since they are punishable.
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02- Three health academies establish cooperation to produce specialist doctors
Karnali, March 22: The National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS), BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences (BPKIHS) and Karnali Institute of Health Sciences (KIHS) have signed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen their cooperation in the areas of medical education.
The agreement is aimed at producing specialist doctors and human resources in the health sector.
At the presence of Pro-Chancellor of all three academies Deputy Prime Minister and Health Minister Upendra Yadav, the Karnali Institute of Health Sciences signed the agreement with BPKIHS and NAMS while BPKIHS signed with Karnali Institute of Health Sciences and National Academy of Medical Sciences on Thursday.
Likewise, the NAMS signed the agreement with Karnali Institute of Health Sciences and BPKIHS, according to Vice-Chancellor of Karnali Institute of Health Sciences Dr Mangal Rawal.
With the agreement in effect, all three academies will exchange students and professors, Vice-Chancellor Dr Rawal added.
It is difficult to run academic programmes in the remote area compared to the cities but we have also run under graduate and post graduate programmes also at Karnali Institute of Health Sciences in Jumla like that of NAMS from Kathmandu and BPKIHS from Dharan, Dr Rawal stated.
On the occasion, Health Minister Yadav said such cooperation will be fruitful in running the state-owned academic institutions effectively and develop mutual cooperation among themselves.
Minister Yadav also appreciated the contributions made by all three academic institutions in the areas of health education and health care services.
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03- FIFA World Cup and Asian Qualifiers: Nepal lost to Bahrain
Kathmandu, March 22: Nepal lost to Bahrain in the second phase of the joint-qualifiers for FIFA World Cup 2026 and the 2027 AFC Asian Cup.
In the game held this morning at the Bahrain National Football Stadium at Riffa, Bahrain defeated Nepal with 5-0. With this win, Bahrain posted its second victory in the second phase of the joint-qualifiers and has managed six points and second position.
Likewise, this is the third defeat of Nepal and is yet to collect point. Earlier, Nepal was defeated to UAE and Yemen in the Group ‘H’.
Mehdi Al-Humaidan, Syed Nasser, Ali Madan, Ibrahim Al-Khatal and Ismail Abdulatif scored one each goal for Bahrain.
Humaidan scored the first goal for Bahrain in the second minute of the game and Syed doubled to score in the ninth minute.
Likewise, Abdulatif scored the fifth goal for the team in a penalty shootout in the additional time of the second half of the match.
The UAE is in the first position in the Group ‘H’ with nine points while Yemen has collected three points with a win in three games played so far.
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04- Lumbini is the fountain of Buddhism, DPM Shrestha says
Lumbini, March 22: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said Lumbini is the fountain of Buddhism besides being the birthplace of Buddha and there can be no better choice of venue than Lumbini to deliberate on the agenda of peace and prosperity. “The Buddha, Buddhism and Lumbini are integral. Buddhism cannot be differentiated from the Buddha; it cannot be dissociated from Lumbini,” He added.
Inaugurating the International Conclave on Global Peace for Prosperity in Lumbini on Thursday, the Deputy Prime Minister said Buddha and Lumbini have spread messages for the establishment of world peace.
The peace, harmony and compassion are the innate attributes that we have inherited from Gautam Buddha and the teachings of Buddha on compassion, kindness and empathy are timeless and continue to be relevant today, the Deputy Prime Minister argued.
He said Lumbini, the revered place, gave birth to the message of peace and the messenger, who dedicated his life in the quest for humanity’s happiness, well-being, and emancipation.
Being hosted jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Honorary Consular Corps Nepal (HCCN), the conclave has witnessed participation of ambassadors and representatives from diplomatic missions in Nepal, honourary consul generals, consuls of different countries for Nepal, experts on foreign affairs and heritage, and others.
On the occasion, Shrestha called for world peace saying “The growing inter- and intra-state conflicts continue to dominate the political landscape. Wars, armed conflicts, geopolitical rivalry, and polarization continue to pose threats to global peace and prosperity”.
Shrestha said the ongoing conflicts are multiplying the global economic distress and inequalities. “Humanitarian needs are soaring. Climate catastrophes are creating deeper woes for all of us.”
In his remarks, Shrestha said Lumbini is the centre of attraction for pilgrims, scholars, researchers, and those in search of truth and emancipation and this is a place to reflect on the teachings of the Buddha; and to ponder upon what these teachings mean in today’s troubled world.
The conclave has been organised with the objective of promoting Lumbini, increase investment in Nepal and enhance global fraternity. Discussions and presentations on investment opportunities in Nepal and tourism potential will also be made.
The event is being organized to connect Lumbini with nearly one billion Buddhists around the globe and to highlight the cultural and religious importance of Lumbini. The event is also expected to contribute to increasing investment in Nepal.
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05- PM calls for producing skilled human resource in health sector
Kathmandu, March 22: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said the country should give emphasis on the production of skilled human resource that meets the international standards in health sector adding that there will be no compromise in the quality of the health like serious sector.
Addressing the 13th meeting of the Medical Education Commission today, the PM stressed for the production of quality human resources through an analysis of the national and international contexts and needs.
The PM viewed that there should be harmonization between the produced human resources and decent jobs.
“The Commission should be proactive in fulfilling and implementing the quality standards. Besides increasing the number of skilled human resources, fulfilling the minimum standards of teaching and learning is equally imperative and important,” the PM directed.
PM Prachanda said Nepal’s education system should be established as a centre of excellence for the foreign students coming to Nepal for getting medical education.
The increasing trend of foreign students in Nepal as stated in the report of the Commission is an evidence of attraction to Nepal’s medical education, the PM viewed.
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06 – Today’s weather, light snowfall likely to occur
Kathmandu, March 22: Light snowfall has been predicted at mountainous and high-hill areas today. According to the Meteorological Forecasting Division, the weather of hilly-areas across the country would remain generally cloudy while rest of the areas would remain partly cloudy to mainly fair this afternoon.
Meteorologist Ganga Nagarkoti said there is possibility of sporadic rainfall with lightning at few places of hilly region and one or two places of Terai.
The sky across the country is now partly to generally cloudy. According to the Division, one or two places of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces are witnessing light rainfall. There is also chance of light snowfall at few places of high-hilly and mountain regions of the country. Although the sky in Tarai area is cloudy, there is less likelihood of rainfall.
Today’s minimum temperature of Kathmandu Valley is 11.7 degree Celsius and maximum temperature 21-23 degree Celsius.
Similarly, sporadic to light rainfall with lightning has been predicted in any places of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and one or two places of hilly areas in remaining provinces.
There is also possibility of moderate rainfall at one or two places of Koshi and Gandaki Provinces as well as light snowfall at one or two places of high-hilly areas of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces and one or two places of mountain region, added the Division.
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07- Presence of women Justice promotes equal justice-CJ Shrestha
Kathmandu, March 22: Chief Justice Bishwombhar Prasad Shrestha said presence of women Justice in judiciary would promote equal justice.
In his inaugural address to the first national conference of women judges today, CJ Shrestha further said increasing participation of women judges in the conference would have far-reaching consequences.
Women’s presence is gradually increasing in judiciary sector, he said, adding number of women students in law education are also in the rise.
The Constitution has enshrined the arrangement of proportional participation and the number of women justice would also gradually increase, the chief justice added.
CJ Shrestha claimed that he had initiated reforms after assuming leadership at the apex court and would continue judicial reforms. Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Padam Giri however said women’s presence in judiciary sector has not been as anticipated despite constitutional provision for proportional participation.
He pledged to emphatically expedite law-making process as per the directive of the apex court to that end. Also speaking on the occasion, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki said it was the matter of happiness to have the opportunity for organizing women judge conference.
She argued that women can deliver justice as part of the judiciary even despite completing multi-pronged responsibilities. SC Justice and Justice Society Nepal Chair Sapana Malla said an opportunity has come along for women judges to get organized and expand their network.
The conference was organized to identify challenges of women judges, thereby enhancing their professional competence, she shared. Justice Malla stressed the need of dispensing justice and enhancing representation in actions based on the legal provisions.
She was also highlighting the essence of gender justice. She further said the conference will see discussion on overall issues, including promotion of leadership and meaningful and quality participation of women justice.
Attorney-General Dr Dinmani Pokharel said the conference would impart a message that justice would be done when cases were allotted to the bench of women judges. Chairperson of Nepal Bar Association, Gopal Krishna Ghimire shared justice delivered by women judges would be fairer, stressing the need of further encouragement to the women involved in justice sector.
The phrase ‘Shreeman’, used in justice sector, is an outcome of patriarchal thinking, he said time has come to review such things. Executive Director of National Judicial Academy Nepal, Baijanath Upadhyay expressed the belief that the conference would help strengthen capacity and leadership of women judges and further encourage them to involve in judicial sector.
The two-day conference would exchange experience and ideas of cooperation, empowerment and advocacy within judicial community. There would be separate workshops on the issues of unity and network building, leadership development and empowerment of women working in judicial sector. Currently, there are 43 women judges in the country.
A total of 43 women judges as well as eight retired women judges are participating in the conference.
The National Judicial Academy Nepal and Justice Society of Nepal jointly organized the conference having the theme ‘Advancing Gender Equality in Judicial System: Our Commitment’. The conference would conclude on Saturday adopting a declaration.
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08- Finance Minister Pun, World Bank Vice-Presidents meet
Kathmandu, March 22: Finance Minister Barshaman Pun and three vice-chairpersons of the World Bank held discussion about mega infrastructure projects of Nepal. Finance Minister Pun had a meeting with three vice-chairpersons of the World Bank, Martin Raiser, Akihiko Nishio and Guangzhe Chen, Finance Minister Pun’s Secretariat confirmed.
Also present on the occasion were Asian Development Bank Country Director for Nepal Arnaud Cauchois and representatives of the International Finance Corporation.
Likewise, Finance Secretary Krishna Hari Pushkar, Revenue Secretary Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire, Joint-Secretaries, Uttar Kumar Khatry, Ritesh Kumar Shakya and Shreekrishna Nepal and Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Kulman Ghising were also present in the meeting.
Today’s meeting discussed the development of a partnership framework between Nepal and the World Bank for next five years and taking forward the Upper Arun Hydropower Project and Dudhkoshi Reservoir Project, according to the Finance Minister’s Secretariat.
Discussions were held on the 1,061 MW semi-reservoir Upper Arun Hydropower Project to be constructed in Bhotkhola Rural Municipality of Sankhuwasabha as a transformative project.
The project construction will be carried out through a subsidiary company of the NEA with WB’s soft loan and a mixed investment from the Citizen Investment Trust, various domestic banks and the general public.
It may be noted that NEA has established Upper Arun Hydropower Limited for the construction of the project. The detailed project report (DPR) has been prepared and the consultant has also been selected. The WB-led financial management for the project is expected to be finalized by mid-July.
The project has been designed to run at full capacity for six hours a day in winter. The estimated cost of the project will be around Rs 161 billion (1.38 billion US Dollars). As informed, 70 percent of the total cost will be foreign investment and 30 percent domestic.
The project is expected to generate 4.53 billion units of energy annually. Similarly, there is a plan to construct a reservoir on Dudhkoshi River to generate 635 MW of hydropower at Lamidanda of Rawabensi rural municipality-3 of Khotang and Ramuwaghat of Chisankhugadhi rural municipality-6 of Okhaldhunga.
In the virtual meeting, Finance Minister Pun thanked the World Bank for its contribution to Nepal’s economic development as one of the largest international development partners. The development projects have been carried out in Nepal with WB investment in transport, urban development, agriculture, forestry, environment, employment and other infrastructure sectors, he said, noting progress of these projects was not satisfactory due to various reasons.
Finance Minister Pun, however, said he was committed to speeding up the works of these projects. Finance Minister Pun said Nepal has embraced the concept of green, resilient inclusive development.
He urged the WB to promote green finance in infrastructure projects. The WB’s vice-presidents and other office-bearers said the cooperation with Nepal was encouraging and expressed their views on the projects in the pipeline, including the Upper Arun Hydropower Project.
Noting Nepal’s credit risk is low compared to other countries run by the International Development Association (IDA), they urged Nepal to enjoy non-concessional loans. Minister Pun said that a huge resource gap has been created in the implementation of sustainable development goals, infrastructure and climate adaptation due to financial constraints due to laxity in revenue mobilization.
He opined that the development partners should enhance cooperation and cooperation with Nepal and support the efforts for economic revival.
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09- New cave found in Bandipur
Tanahun, March 22: A new cave has been found in Bandipur. The Sarpani cave with a length of around 20-meter was discovered near Pauwa of Bandipur rural municpality-2.
Chairperson of Bandipur rural municipality, Surendra Bahadur Thapa, said the cave was found in course of the exploration of possible areas for rock climbing in Bandipur on Thursday.
A team comprising adventurous tourism entrepreneur Chandra Ale, paragliding pilot Samannoya Pradhan and entrepreneur Sukram Tamang, among others was exploring possible places for the rock climbing.
Chair Thapa mentioned that the new cave would help add new dimension in tourism sector of Bandipur. The new cave lies around one kilometer from Bandipur bazaar, he added.
Tourists visiting Bandipur can enjoy the cave and rock climbing. There is immense potential of rock climbing as the cliff outside the cave is around 300-meter wide and 50-meter tall, shared the Chairperson. There is a space inside the cave with the capacity of around 40-50 people.
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10- UML calls secretariat meeting
Kathmandu, March 22: The CPN (UML) has called its secretariat meeting. The meeting has been summoned for March 24 (Sunday), informed UML publicity department chief Rajendra Gautam.
According to him, the meeting would dwell on contemporary political affairs. The meeting would take place at the Chyasal-based party central office at 11.30 am.
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11- Vice-Chair Mahara released
Kathmandu, March 22: Vice-Chairperson of CPN (Maoist Centre), and former Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, who was arrested on gold smuggling scam, has been released today on a condition that he should be present when necessary.
Spokesperson of the Central Investigation Bureau of the Nepal Police and Superintendent of Police, Hobindra Bogati, said Mahara was released on guarantee of his son, Nirmal Mahara.
Mahara was released on the condition that he be present when needed after a team of CIB and District Public Prosecutors Office, Kathmandu, completed recording his statement today.
Mahara was arrested in Kapilvastu and brought to Kathmandu on March 18. Investigation had started remanding him a four days custody.
A commission formed under the leadership of former justice Dilli Raj Acharya to probe into gold smuggling had recommended filing case against Mahara. Based on the recommendation, CIB had arrested him.
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12- Sunkoshi-Marin diversion: 12-km tunnel digging completed;
breakthrough in sight
Kathmandu, March 22: The tunnel digging process of Sunkoshi Marine Diversion Project has made spectacular progress. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has shown regular interest in the project having the goal of providing irrigation facility in Terai Madhes within 12 months.
According to the project, the tunnel digging will be completed within the next one-and-a-half months if there is no geographical complication. Chief of Sunkoshi Marin Diversion Project, Mitra Baral shared that out of the total 13.3 kilometers long tunnel, 12.79 kilometers section has been constructed so far.
“Tunnel digging has seen significant progress. If not physical complications, we are preparing to make a breakthrough within the next one and a half months”, Baral said.
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Shakti Bahadur Basnet had instructed the project chief and other officials not to leave the project site and fix the problems at the local level.
While both time and costs are increasing in most of the projects of national pride in the country, the diversion project has attracted the attention of many at the movement.
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13 – Budget crisis affects landslide control efforts at Myagdi section
Rastriya Samachar Samitit (RSS)
Myagdi, March 22: Activities related to control landslide at Myagdi section of Beni-Jomsom-Kerala road along the Kaligandaki corridor have been affected due to budget scarcity.
It has resulted complications in regular vehicular movement during the rainy season. The built structures are being affected in lack of long-term measures to control landslide due to budget crunch.
Chief of Beni-Jomsom-Korala road project, Dhurba Jha said around five-kilometer of road along the Ghasa section of Mustang from Rahughat is at risk of landslide. As many as 14 big landslides were spotted along the 40-km Beni-Ghasa section, he mentioned, adding that they have proposed additional budget to control landslide.
Saying Rs 8 million was immediately needed to prevent landslide along the section, Jha shared that they had submitted the proposal at the Finance Ministry through Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport demanding extra budget. He complained that the construction activities have been delayed in lack of budget.
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14 – Korean Ambassador calls on Finance Minister
Kathmandu, March 22: Ambassador of South Korea to Nepal, Park Tae-Young paid a courtesy call on Finance Minister Barshaman Pun.
During the meeting, matters related to bilateral interests and mutual cooperation were discussed, the Finance Minister’s secretariat shared.
In the meeting held at the Ministry of Finance today, Minister Pun said that Korea has been continuously investing in Nepal’s infrastructure development, education, health and agriculture sectors.
On the occasion, Finance Minister Pun urged Ambassador Tae-Young to prod Korean investors for their significant participation in the Investment Summit of Nepal to be organized next month.
The country’s development would not be possible without bringing international investments, Minister Pun said, adding the government was working to remove legal and policy hurdles to create an environment for the same.
Sharing that Nepal has potentials for investment in agriculture, energy, tourism and technology sectors, the Minister said the country has a lot to learn from South Korea’s development model.
Ambassador Tae-Young said Korea would continue the previous development partnership programems and employment promotion system (EPS).
South Korea is interested to make further investment in Nepal on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Nepal-Korea diplomatic relations.
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15- NCC urges to establish export house in all provinces
Kathmandu, March 22: The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) has urged Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply, Damodar Bhandari to establish export houses in all seven provinces to promote local products.
A team headed by NCC President Rajendra Malla today met with Minister Bhandari and urged to open export houses in all seven provinces to promote export of the local products through one-door system.
The NCC also asked Minister Bhandari to make policy-level arrangement to utilize remittance in productive sector. The NCC also demanded enabling investment climate for economic expansion in the context that around 90 per cent of remittance is being used in non-productive sector.
The Chamber urged the Minister to play role to pass the economic bill immediately taking into consideration the pivotal role of private sector. The economic bill is under consideration in the parliament.
On the occasion, President Malla said, “It is necessary to resolve the problems immediately as some of the acts and regulations are creating obstacles for foreign investment when the government is making preparation for international investment summit next month”.
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16- PM Dahal, Chair Oli meet
Kathmandu, March 22: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and CPN (UML) Chairperson, KP Sharma Oli, held a meeting today.
During the meeting held at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Singha Durbar, they discussed the contemporary political issues of the country, it is said.
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17- Financial literacy class for students in Dolpa
Dolpa, March 22: Financial literacy classes have been conduct for the students of Dolpa.
The Dolpa branch of Machhapuchhre Bank Limited has provided financial literacy classes to the students of Tripura Secondary School located in Katianchaur of Tripurasundari Municipality-1.
The financial literacy program was organised to help students develop the ability to make savings right from a young age, and benefit from it in the near future, said Branch Chief Krishna Chalise. A total of 40 students of the school took part in the classes..
Principal of the school, Ramananda Upadhyay, expressed the confidence that with financial education the children will develop the habit of saving the pocket money they get from their parents and relatives.
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18- 79 succumb to TB in six months in Koshi Province
Jhapa, March 22: A total of 79 people have died of tuberculosis in the past six months in Koshi Province. The figure is higher compared to the fatalities in the corresponding period last year.
According to Health Directorate, Dhankuta Office focal person for tuberculosis, Tulasi Prasad Guragain, 79 people in 14 districts in the Province succumbed to tuberculosis from mid- July (2023) to mid-January ( 2024).
There are 114 DOTS centers, 132 lab test facilities, 19 geneXpert machine, four drug-resistant TB centers and one residential center in the Province to deal with the cases of TB infections.
During the first half of the current fiscal year, 2,023 cases of TB were diagnosed in the Province. Among them, 37.9 percent underwent self-initiated testing procedures, 39.3 percent were diagnosed in private health facilities, and 18.4 percent sought diagnosis in government health facilities.
Jhapa, Morang and Sunsari record the higher number of TB infections with 579, 523 and 479 patients respectively. Similarly, Udayapur has 145 followed by 82 in Ilam, 53 in Okhaldhunga, 28 in Bhojpur, 23 each in Dhankuta and Taplejung, 22 each in Sankhuwasabha and Panchthar, 21 in Tehrathum, and 16 each in Khotang and Solukhumbu.
Efforts to identify individuals carrying the infection have been intensified through the mobilization of volunteers by the District Health Office and local health facilities. The higher population density in Jhapa, Morang, and Sunsari has contributed to the elevated infection rates in these areas, it is said.
It may be noted that the government has set a national target to eradicate TB by 2035.
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19- National Land Commission dissolved
Kathmandu, March 22: The government has dissolved the National Land Commission. The commission has been dissolved to give way for another commission to be formed to address issues related to land, said Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma.
“According to the provisions in the commission formation order and regulations, it has been decided to dissolve the existing commission to reconstitute another one”, she said at a press conference held at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on Friday to share about the decisions taken by the Cabinet. “A new land commission will be formed probably within a week ‘, she added.
The cabinet meeting has give approval to the Nepali delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha to visit the People’s Republic of China from March 24 to April 1. Also spokesperson of the government, Minister Sharma shared that the meeting gave approval to Dr Meen Bahadur Shrestha, Vice Chair of National Planning Commission, to participate in the meeting of the Board of Governors of ICIMOD to be held in Thimphu, Bhutan from April 29 to May 5.
Meanwhile, the meeting appointed Prof Sangita Singh (Kathmandu), Dr Kusendra Bahadur Mahat (Jumla), Prof Shivraj Adhikari (Palpa) and Dr Araniko Kumar Pandey (Latilpur) as members of the National Planning Commission. Likewise, the Council of Ministers has approved the submission of the bill to amend the Economic Procedures and Financial Sustainability Act, 2076 BS in the Federal Parliament.
The meeting gave nod to conduct an overall organization and management survey (O&M) of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply and its subordinate agencies. Minister Sharma further shared that approval has been given to acquire 1.5 ropani of land in Doti district for power distribution system strengthening and expansion projects.
The meeting approved the acquisition of about 577 ropani of land in Tanahun district and about 32 ropani of land in Chitwan district for the Lower Seti (Tanahun) hydropower project.
Similarly, for the construction of Humla substation under the Humla-Phukot 400 KV transmission line project, the acquisition of about 113 ropani land in Humla was approved. The cabinet has extended the deadline of the investigation commission formed to submit a report along with opinions to settle the dispute related to the electricity tariff of the customers who used electricity through dedicated feeder and trunk line till April 7.
The meeting has decided to give in-principle approval to draft a bill on integrated legal aid, to submit a report with recommendations within three months for the control of crime of usury, and to form a three-member inquiry commission under the chairmanship of former high court judge Tej Bahadur Karki. Pushkar Karki and Sanjeev Mishra as its members.
The meeting exempted the revenue to be paid for lease cost by Brihat Shantidham Nepal and the royalty to be paid by ten mountaineers including seven Koreans and three Nepali mountaineers for climbing the Jugal-1 and Jugal-2 mountains located in Sindhupalchok. The mountaineering expedition is taking place on the occasion of the completion of 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and the Republic of Korea.
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20- PM Dahal apprised of E-driving License system audit
Kathmandu, March 22: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ was apprised of the technical audit of the ‘Electronic Driving License’ system of the Department of Transport.
The Technical Audit Committee was formed under the coordination of the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers by the Department of Information Technology. The committee met Prime Minister today and handed over the technical audit report of the E-Driving License system.
Receiving the report, Prime Minister Dahal said that the report will be studied and implemented and directed the concerned authorities to address the problems in the service delivery system and serve the people conveniently.
The audit of the e-driving license system was carried out after a large number of fake driving licenses were found to have been issued due to a problem in the technical system.
Coordinator of the committee and the Director General of the Department of Information Technology, Prem Sharan Shrestha, said that currently the department of transport management has been reviewed through the audit and technical audit will be carried out in other public agencies as well.
The OPMCM constituted a 13-member committee to conduct a technical audit of the information technology system in various government agencies under the convenorship of Shrestha.
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21- Minister Bhandari calls on business community to invest in Nepal
Kathmandu, March 22: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has said the government accords top priority to the creation of an investment-friendly atmosphere in the country.
In his address to the 8th NewBiz Business Conclave and Awards 2024 organised by the News Business Age Pvt Ltd here on Friday, the Industry Minister said that the government is working to revise necessary laws for enabling the atmosphere for investment.
Sharing about the government’s schedule to host the third Nepal Investment Summit on April 28-29, he called on business community from home and abroad to invest in Nepal. “The government is effortful to promote small and medium-scale industries,” he said pledging to explore potentials for reviving sick industries.”
In the event themed ‘business opportunities in difficult times,’ the Minister said the government would soon revise commerce policy making it compatible with time. He assured that the government is sensitive to address issues facing industries and business community.
“Nation’s economy won’t rise unless private sector achieves prosperity,” he added.
Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry senior advisor Manab Majumadar and Unilever Nepal Ltd managing director Amlan Mukharjee were present on the occasion.
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22- Lumbini conclave calls for friendship and goodwill
Kathmandu, March 22: Recognizing the immense need for peace and prosperity and expressing commitment to global solidarity and understanding in the spirit of Buddha’s teachings, the Lumbini Conclave has extended the message of friendship and goodwill to one and all.
The three-day Lumbini conclave on the theme “Global Peace for Prosperity”, is being held in Lumbini-the Birthplace of Lord Buddha from March 21 to 23. Non-resident ambassadors to Nepal, Honorary consuls, government officials, and private sector representatives, among others, are participating in the conclave.
The event was organised by the Office of the Investment Board Nepal (OIBN) in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) and Honorary Consular Corps-Nepal (HCCN).
Addressing conclave today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha talked about favourable business environment as an outcome of the policy stability and periodic improvement in laws. Urging the participants to explore Nepal’s investment landscape, he further underscored the pivotal role of Investment Board Nepal (IBN) as a first reference point of contact to approving and facilitating large investment in infrastructure sector, according to a statement released by OIBN.
Meanwhile, Investment Board Nepal (IBN) CEO, Sushil Bhatta, requested the non-resident ambassadors to participate and convey the message to the potential investors of their respective countries to participate in the Nepal Investment Summit, 2024 scheduled for April 28-29 in Kathmandu to explore investment avenues and capitalize networking opportunities.
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23- Land of Bansbari Leather Shoe Factory back to govt. ownership
Kathmandu, March 22: The government has taken back the ownership over the land of Bansbari Leather Shoe Factory Limited.
Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Balaram Adhikari shared in a press meet here on Friday that the land belonging to then state-owned Bansbari leather shoe factory has been brought under the ownership of the government as per the Property Act 2034 BS. He said that the government took back ownership of the 10 ropani land with the help of the Central Investigation Bureau of Nepal Police.
After more than three months of investigation, the CIB had found that the government land was privatized illegally. Accordingly, CIB arrested businessman Arun Chaudhary, then executive chairperson of the shoe factory, Ajit Narayan Singh Thapa and Sanjay Thakur on January 18 for illegally transferring ownership of the 10 ropani land belonging to the Bansbari leather shoe factory.
The Land Reform and Revenue Office today decided to bring the land under the name of the government.
CG Chandbaag Residency was built there by taking 10 ropani of the land received with fraud documentation and procurement process.
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24- ‘Shaharak Bhidme Esgar Hum’ by Jha released
Nawalpur (Nawalparasi), March 22: An anthology titled “Shaharak Bhidme Esgar Hum’ (‘lonely me in the city crowd’) authored by Litterateur Dharmendra Jha has been unveiled. Jha is also the Executive Chair of the .
The anthology written in Maithili language was released in the presence of Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) Chair Bipul Pokhrel, Gorkhapatra Sansthan General Manager Lal Airee, Amnesty International Nepal’s Chair Bipin Budhathoki and FNJ Central Secretary Srijana Aryal, among others, during a function here on Friday.
Comprising 51 creations with different titles penned by litterateur Jha over a span of 20 years (in between the 2047 to 2067 BS), the anthology has been published by the Mithila Natyakala Parishad.
Speaking on the occasion, Jha said he has endeavored to reflect issues of common people through his writings. He said he took the moment especially as it provided him with the opportunity to introduce his works to the public amidst the presence of senior journalists and rights activist around after six months of its publication.
According to him, he deliberately chose Nawalpur as the venue for releasing his book due its geographical significance, being situated in the central part of the country.
Former member Nepal Academy Dr Yogendra Prasad Yadav, senior poet and journalist Dr Nawaraj Lamsal and Maithili poetess Bibha Jha have contributed writing a foreword to the literary creation by Jha.
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25- NC Withdraws support to Madhes province government
Dhanusha, March 22: Nepali Congress has withdrawn its support to the Madhes Province government.
Congress Parliamentary Party leader Krishna Prasad Yadav has communicated the same in a letter addressed to the province chief on Friday, informing him about the decision of the party to withdraw its support to the government.
It is hereby notified that the support of the Nepali Congress parliamentary party for the appointment of the Chief Minister of Madhes Province, as per Article 168 of the Constitution, has been withdrawn with effect from today” reads the letter.
Following the developing of a new ruling alliance in the federal government, Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav had on Monday dismissed three Congress ministers and inducted the CPN (UML) into the government.
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26- DPM Shrestha to go on an official visit to China
Kathmandu, March 22: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha is paying an official visit to the People’s Republic of China, at the invitation of Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi. Mr Wang is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
During the visit being held from March 24 to April 1, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Wang on March 26. DPM Shrestha is also scheduled to meet high-level dignitaries of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing and other provinces, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here today.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs will return to Kathmandu on April 1.
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27- First Indigenous Festival begins in Chitwan
Chitwan, March 22 (RSS): ‘The First Indigenous Nationalities Cultural and Trade commenced on the banks of the Narayani River in Chitwan on Friday.
The event is being organised by District Coordination Council, Chitwan, Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) is scheduled to conclude on March 31.
Lumbini Province Chief Amik Shrechan inaugurated the festival. On the occasion, he spoke of the need to promote religious and cultural tolerance, harmony and respect in the nation, calling on one and all to be liberal to bring the Constitutional provisions concerning the rights of indigenous nationalities into practice.
Similarly, Bharatpur metropolis mayor Renu Dahal said the local government is working on the promotion of the rights of indigenous nationalities and their cultural identities. She hoped that the event will contribute to making the Bharatpur Visit Year 2024 a success.
The expo targeted at the Visit Bharatpur Year 2024 aims to promote linguistic, cultural and ethnic identities of the indigenous nationalities, according to NEFIN Chitwan Council Chair and event coordinator Mahendra Dura.
The expo features 300 stalls and is to see 17 cultural exhibitions almost each day during the festival period.
Chitwan is home to 39 indigenous nationalities who majorly belong to the Tharu, Darai, Kumal, Tamang, Bote, Chepang, Magar, Gurung, Thakali, Newar, Dura, Rai, Limbu, Bhujel, Hyolmo and Baram communities.
The 10-day festival is expected to record transactions of around Rs 10 million and estimated to cost around Rs eight million. Organisers hope around 300 thousand people will visit it.
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28- Koshi govt functioning as per the constitution: CM Minister Karki
Belbari (Morang), March 22: Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Kedar Karki, has stressed the need of consensus-building and the formation of an all-party government in Koshi to institutionalize federalism.
In his address to an AGM of Nepal Anti-Tuberculosis Association (NATA) here on Friday, the Chief Minister, representing the Nepali Congress (NC), said that the formation of a new alliance in the central politics would not affect the Koshi government.
Karki said he is initiating to form an all-party government in the Province as per the sentiment of CPN (UML) members. “The government in Koshi functions within the frame of the Constitution as it was formed constitutionally not on the basis of the central alliance at the time. Therefore, the change in the central political equitation won’t impact the government in the Koshi.”
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29- Four Bangladeshi nationals held hostage rescued, four accused arrested
Kathmandu, March 22: Four Bangladeshi citizens, who were taken hostage in Nepal in the pretext of taking them to Canada, Italy and other countries for foreign employment, have been rescued.
Superintendent of Police Nakul Pokharel said that a team of Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office rescued them last night and arrested four people, also Bangladeshi citizens, involved in the crime, acting on a special tip-off.
They were rescued from the Nirbhana Green Peace Home located in Paknajol, Kathmandu Metropolitan City-16.
Likewise, Bangladeshi citizens Nurul Hooda, Samim Ahmed, MD Masum Billah and Pranay Kumar who were involved in the act have also been arrested.
The victims told the police that the gang seized their passports and subjected them to various forms of threats and physical assault, besides preventing them from contacting their relatives. They also seized their cash and held them hostage.
SP Pokharel said that they have been sent to the District Police Range in Kathmandu today for necessary investigation and action.
Meanwhile, the victims will be returned home in coordination with the Embassy of Bangladesh in Nepal.
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