- Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Kathmandu, March 27: The Ministry of Health and Population has signed an agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) today to join the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines (GPACCM). The GPACCM is an initiative by St Jude Global and WHO to increase access to lifesaving childhood cancer medicines in low and middle-income countries.
As a member of the platform, Nepal will receive 35 types of childhood cancer medicines free of cost for four years. The WHO will provide technical support to strengthen the supply chain system and healthcare facilities to ensure the effective distribution of the medicines.
It may be noted that UNICEF is the procurement partner of the GPACCM Platform and will be involved in the procurement of the medicines and delivering them to the port of entry.
The first batch of medicines is expected to arrive in the country by the third quarter of 2024 and will be used for the treatment of childhood cancer in the four participating health institutions namely, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital, BP Koirala Cancer Hospital, Kanti Children’s Hospital, and Patan Hospital. It will be expanded to the shared care center hospitals as need arise in the future, according to a statement released by WHO Nepal office here today.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Secretary at the Ministry of Health and Population Dr Roshan Pokhrel said with the signing of this agreement Nepal has formally joined the GPACCM platform, which will make a great difference in improving the treatment of children suffering from cancer in the country.
Likewise, WHO Representative to Nepal Rajesh Sambhajirao Pandav said this innovative platform will help enhance access to cancer care by addressing medicine availability issues and ensure that children who need essential cancer medications can access them, while also helping reduce the financial burden placed upon parents and families of children with cancer.
Each year, an estimated 900 children are reportedly diagnosed with cancer in Nepal. However, only about one-third of childhood cancer cases receive treatment, primarily due to constraints such as limited access to services and resource scarcity, resulting in increased deaths, according to WHO.
Nepal is one of the six countries worldwide and the only one in the WHO South-East Asia Region selected by the GPACCM platform to participate in this novel initiative. Nepal stepped into the global spotlight in 2020 as a focus country for the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer (GICC) which aims to improve outcomes for children with cancer around the world and reach at least 60 per cent survival rate for children with cancer by 2030. At present, the survival rate of children with cancer is only 20-30 per cent in low and middle-income countries compared to over 80 per cent in high-income countries.
The Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines, the first of its kind, was launched in 2021 as part of the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer. Developed jointly by St Judes Global and WHO, the platform aims to provide an uninterrupted supply of quality-assure cancer medicines to approximately 120 000 children in low and middle-income countries between 2022 and 2024, with the expectation to scale up in future years.
This platform will provide end-to-end support-consolidating global demand to shape the market, assisting countries with the selection of medicines, development of treatment standards and building information systems to track that effective care is being provided and to drive innovation.
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PM Dahal emphasizes production and employment focused budget
Kathmandu, March 27: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has emphasized budget that spurs production and employment in the country. He directed the ministers and secretaries to shed traditional trend of budget making.
During a meeting held at Singha Durbar on Wednesday to estimate resources for the coming budget, PM Dahal reminded subordinates to prepare budget that generates hope. “There are two schools of thoughts on budget making- traditional and innovative. I’m for innovative one that is ready to face challenge and ensure result. We can frustrate the narrative of ‘nothing possible’. I’m determined to do something new,” he underlined in the meeting.
According to the PM, the traditional school believes that economy is under pressure, while the new one believes there is chance to do something new despite challenges.
The PM further viewed State is the ultimate place for people’s protection. When it is in crisis, State’s role is warranted more. So, we can give newness to budget which restores public trust in government. Any country’s success lies in showing hope to people, he added.
“Make extra efforts to increase revenue. Expansion of tax net and control of revenue leakage is imperative. Special initiatives are need for more capital spending. Prioritization of project and continuation of good works are equally important while formulating budget,” PM Dahal reminded ministers and secretaries.
Utilization of budget for production and job creations is our urgency. The projects dragged on without result can be wiped out, the PM suggested. On the occasion, Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun also seconded the PM that budget should focus on areas that boosts the economy.
The meeting was also attended by the Vice Chair of National Planning Commission, Chair of National Natural Resource and Fiscal Commission, the Chief Secretary, ministry secretaries, and other officials.
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No individual work permit to Russia: Minister Aryal
Kathmandu, March 27: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Dol Prasad Aryal, has clarified that work permits are not being issued to anyone going to Russia.
At a programme ‘Kathmandu ko Aakhama Karnali’ (Karnali in the eyes of Kathmandu) organised by Rastriya Swatantra Party here today, Minister Aryal, also Vice-chair of the Party, mentioned that individual work permit for Russia has now been closed.
He shared that the Ministry is studying the decisions taken during the previous minister’s term in approving the demands of foreign employment entrepreneurs to recruit workers for Russia.
The Labour Minister explained that his ministry would be responsible for the rescue of the Nepalis in case of the citizens who have gone for overseas employment after acquiring work permit, while the Foreign Ministry would coordinate in case of citizens going for foreign employment without taking work permit.
Similarly, Vice-Chairperson of RSP and lawmaker Dr Swarnim Wagle said the party would pay attention for country’s prosperity along with building its political organisation. Underlining that despite immense potential in Karnali, it lacks behind development construction, he stressed on the need of policy reforms for prosperity along with organisation building.
On the occasion, various experts expressed their views on the issue of party strengthening and about Karnali.
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Two killed, four injured in road accident
Mugu, March 26: Two persons have died and four others were injured in a road accident at took place in Mugu district on Wednesday.
The accident took place when a jeep (Karnali Province 02-001 Ja 0059) heading towards Sorukot of Soru rural municipality from Gamgadhi fell some 100 meters off the road at Soru-6.
One of the deceased has been identified as jeep driver Kabiraj Nepali while the identity of a woman is not been ascertained yet, Chief of the District Police office, Mugu, Birendra Thapa said.
Manjane Nepali, Sarjan Nepali, Hirading Nepali and Prem Nepali were injured in the incident. Of the injured, condition of Manjane is reported to be critical.
Thapa shared that the injured have been taken to Mugu District Hospital.
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Health Minister asks Kanti Children Hospital not to deny treatment to needy ones
Kathmandu, March 27: In the wake of media report that a girl child who was denied treatment at Kanti Children Hospital earlier died in another health facility later, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health, Upendra Yadav, had a surprise visit to the hospital on Wednesday.
He directed the hospital management and medical staffs to ensure that no sick one visiting hospital will be forced to return without service for lack of bed. “I’ve received complaint that sick ones arrived here run for private hospitals after not getting beds,” Yadav reminded, adding that hospital must have adequate beds so that no visitor would be rejected treatment.
The Health Minister vowed ministry support for expansion of beds and ICU so that the health facility would admit more number of the patients.
“Compulsion of standing in line for hours to get ticket and see doctors with much delay must be ended,” he urged. Doctors should examine lab test reports online, according to him. During the inspection visit, Minister Yadav also directed the hospital administration that it arranged adequate medicines in the hospital dispensary itself. The private medical outlets fleece patients, so hospital should be aware of it.
A high level inspection team which also included Secretary Dr Roshan Pokharel directed the hospital to repair medical equipment on time. Hospital Director Dr Pankaj Ray had apprised the team of hospital status.
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Chinese assistance counts for Nepal’s prosperity: DPM Shrestha
Chongqing (China), March 27: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha has said Chinese assistance would be significant for Nepal’s journey towards economic prosperity.
DPM Shrestha, who is currently on an official visit to China, held a meeting with Secretary of CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, Yuan Jiajun, where he viewed that Nepal and China could move ahead together in journey of prosperity. “China is on top in the list of investors in Nepal. It is Nepal’s second largest country for foreign trade, so China’s role would count much for Nepal’s development in multiple fronts including tourism and energy,” Shrestha emphasized.
He informed that Nepal was holding an investment summit, so Chinese investors could attend it. Moreover, Shrestha reminded that Nepal and China are age-old friends and have intimate ties. Relations between the countries are based on principles of panchasheel. Nepal is firm on One-China Policy, he reiterated.
Nepal is at final stage of implementation work plan on BRI. It has been taken as an initiative for humanity, fraternity and partnership for development. He vowed that Nepal would not let any activity in its territory against China. The friendly ties with China are in first priority, Shrestha informed.
On the occasion, Secretary Yuan said Kathmandu and Chongqing were connected directly with two flights in a week, which are helpful to foster further network between the two countries. He assured that he would encourage Chinese investment in Nepal. Chongqing is willing to be Nepal’s development partners. Cooperation could be built on agriculture, education, technology and infrastructure, he added.
According to him, 17 students were studying in Chongqing. Number of scholarship will be increased in the days ahead, Secretary Yuan shared.
Moreover, the Secretary showed willingness to establish sisterly relations between Chongqing city of China and Bharatpur city of Nepal. Also discussed during the meeting was strengthening relations between Chinese Communist Party and CPN (Maoist Centre).
Chongqing is the largest city in China in terms of population, with more than 30 million inhabitants.
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Quantity of waste at Bancharedanda to be reduced
Kathmandu, March 27: Minister for Urban Development, Dhan Bahadur Budha, has said coordination would be made with local levels to reduce the quantity of garbage managed at Bancharedanda-based landfill site by segregating the waste produced in Kathmandu Valley.
In a meeting held at the Ministry on Wednesday, Minister Buda directed the authorities concerned to send a circular through the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration to all local levels dumping waste at Bancharedanda to reduce the amount of waste through segregation.
He also asked to implement short-term and long-term action plan for waste management of Kathmandu Valley, stating that the MoFAGA should give priority in allocation of necessary budget and programmes for next fiscal year for the development of landfill site affected areas.
The meeting also decided to request to immediately withdraw the agitation programme announced by Bancharedanda landfill site affected area concern committee and seek a solution through talks.
Secretary at the Ministry, Maniram Gelal, shared that the meeting decided to request the Investment Board to finalise the Nepwaste’s proposal on waste management in accordance with law soon.
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Education Minister for transparent school enrollment process
Kathmandu, March 27: Minister of Education, Science and Technology Sumana Shrestha has requested the principals of St. Xavier’s, St. Mary’s and Budhanilkanth Schools to make the enrollment process for the new academic year transparent and trustworthy.
During a meeting with principals of the schools today at the ministry, Minister Shrestha requested that students be accepted on the basis of merit and not on the basis of influence and connections. For this, the method and process determined by the schools for enrollment should be made more reliable.
On the occasion, the principals of all the three schools informed the Education Minister about the admission process and complained that in the past there had been pressure exerted even from the level of the Prime Minister. “Do not be under pressure and influence of anyone, instead give priority to poor and low-strata students,” Minister Shrestha said.
She also urged the school principals to inform her if anyone has misuses hers name or of the ministry is trying to get their wards enrolled in their schools.
It was also shared during the discussion that the St. Xavier’s school had been enrolling students through a lottery since the past four years ago while St. Mary’s was doing it on the basis of interactions with parents and guardians. Meanwhile, Budhanilkantha enrolls students on the basis of the merit determined by entrance examinations.
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Ambassadors call on Home Minister Lamichhane
Kathmandu, March 27 : Ambassador of China to Nepal Chen Song called on Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane today.
During the meeting, Home Minister Lamichhane pointed out the need for more cooperation and collaboration in the areas of security including modernization of the immigration system, disaster management, border management as well as trade promotion and tourism, according to the DPM’s Secretariat.
He also said that Nepal was looking forward to direct flights from Chinese cities to the international airports in Bhairahawa and Pokhara, to which the Ambassador said maximum efforts were being made towards that end.
Ambassador Song also expressed the commitment to support the development of the capacity of the law enforcement agencies and strengthening of immigration offices including at the Tribhuvan International Airport. Also today, Ambassador of Pakistan to Nepal Abrar H Hashmi met with Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Lamichhane.
During the meeting, Ambassador Hashmi emphasized the need to discuss the pending agreement on crime control between Nepal and Pakistan and to promote bilateral relations at the people’s level through collaboration in sports including cricket at the club level.
On the occasion, Home Minister Lamichhane extended his best wishes to the people of Pakistan, while stating that he is confident that the recently concluded elections would make a significant contribution to the establishment of a permanent government and peace in the country.
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Dialogue forum formed to organize Prime Minister Employment Programme
Simkot (Humla), March 27: To identify new employment opportunities and organize the Prime Minister and Chief Minister Employment Programmes, an employment dialogue forum has been formed under the coordination of Simkot Rural Municipality Chairman Vijay Bhandari.
According to administrative officer Subas Ale, employment programme operation guidelines and village council level employment dialogue platform has been constituted. He informed that a nine-member employment dialogue forum has been formed, with the Rural Municipality chair Bhandari as coordinator and vice chair Sushila Rokaya Bham as joint-coordinator.
In the committee, members of the trade association, construction business association, non-governmental organizations and civil society, and the administrative officers have been assigned, while the employment coordinator has been assigned the responsibility of member secretary.
The administrative officer said that the forum will be useful to organize the implementation of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister Employment Programme and identify areas of employment in the coordination and cooperation of other stakeholders.
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Five hundred wild tusker victims in Jhapa waiting for financial support
Baniyani (Jhapa), March 29: The victims of the wild elephant attack in Jhapa have complained of not getting any help for long. However, the Division Forest Office has said that it is making efforts for providing them with financial support.
Five hundred and thirty-three families who have suffered losses since July of the current financial year have not received relief so far despite several requests.
Archana Puri, information officer of Division Forest Office Jhapa, said that a request has been made through the Directorate of Forests in Dharan to provide relief amount of Rs 12.6 million to the victims. She said that the office has requested relief money for 321 families in the first phase and 212 families in the second phase. So far, the relief amount has not been received.
“We keep getting calls from the victims asking about relief money. We are assuring the victims that they will soon get it,” she said. As of October 19, Rs 5.8 million 28 thousand and 940 relief money was requested for 321 victim families, and Rs 6.8 million 20 thousand and 452 was requested for 212 more people on February 12.
Among those requested for relief, Rs 5 million is for the five dead, Rs 851 thousand and 892 is for the seven injured, Rs 10 thousand is for one cattle killed in elephant attack, Rs 2.5 million 49 thousand and 700 is for the compensation of the damage caused to various households and Rs 689 thousand and 600 is for the loss of stored grain.
Similarly, the compensation requested for the damage caused by elephants to crops is Rs 3 million 548 thousand and two hundred, according to the Division Forest Office.
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US Ambassador calls on RPP chair Lingden
Kathmandu, March 27: US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thompson called on Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) chairperson Rajendra Lingden.
Mohan Kumar Shrestha, spokesperson and Head of Publicity Department of the party, informed that various issues of bilateral interest were discussed during the meeting held this morning at the RPP party central office in Dhumrabarahi in the federal capital.
According to spokesperson Shrestha, during the meeting, chairperson Lingden also inquired with Ambassador Thompson about the news that there is US investment in the Parliament there for spreading atheism in Nepal.
Spokesperson Shrestha also said that Ambassador Thompson made it clear that America has not made any investment to spread atheism in Nepal and has no policy to do so.
On that occasion, the US Ambassador expressed his opinion that there is religious harmony of excellent nature in Nepal. Ambassador Thompson also informed that there is an American policy to return to Nepal idols stolen from Nepal and taken to America, and restore them in the respective monasteries and temples.
During the meeting, RPP Chair Lingden informed Ambassador Thompson about the various dimensions of Nepal-US relations as well as the party’s policy on various issues including good governance, development and foreign investment.
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Twenty-five female guides imparted rescue training
Kathmandu, March 27: As many as 25 female guides have been provided rescue training to promote safe tourism.
The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and Pasang Lhamu Mountaineering Academy jointly organized the seven-day training with an objective of producing skilled human resources.
Based on the syllabus to become a ‘mountain guide’, the participants were imparted with the skills of rescuing and saving people from accidents during trekking and mountaineering.
The training was held in the Jagdol forest in Kathmandu from March 20-26 in technical assistance from the Nepal Mountaineering Instructors Association.
Academy’s President Dawa Phuto Sherpa said that the number of deaths of tourists visiting Nepal for trekking and mountaineering was increasing annually lately.
The training, thus, is expected to be fruitful to reduce the fatalities in trekking and mountaineering, President Sherpa said.
She viewed that it was necessary to organize such trainings because having unskilled and unqualified human resources in tourism sector would give a negative message.
Similarly, Board’s Senior Director Hikmat Singh Ayer pledged that the Board will give continuity to such trainings to produce skilled human resources. He emphasized producing skilled human resources in order to fulfill the objectives of Tourism Decade (2023-2030) set by the government.
During the training, trainers made participants practice the rescuing people trapped in cliff, gorge and crevasses, taking them to safer places and providing them necessary counseling and guidance, according to trainers.
Participants included trekking guides and mountaineers, said the organizers, hoping that this training would aid them in becoming international mountain guide.
So far, Dawa Yangzum Sherpa is the only international female mountain guide in Nepal certified by the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association.
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CPN (Maoist Centre) to field candidacy in Ilam and Bajhang
Kathmandu, March 27: The CPN (Maoist Centre) is to give candidacy in the by-elections to be held in Ilam and Bajhang.
A meeting of the party office-bearers held at the Prime Minister’s official residenc at Baluwatar today made this decision.
Prime Minister and party chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ briefed the meeting on the latest political situation in the country and the contemporary political issues.
Talking to the media after the meeting, party vice-chairperson and spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota said a decision has been made in the meeting to field candidacy from the party in the by-election taking place in Ilam constituency no 1 and Bajhang constituency no 1 Province Assembly constituency ‘A’.
According to him, discussions are on regarding the name of the candidates and the necessary decision will be taken in the next meeting. The party stated that the required decision would be taken after the names of the candidates from the two constituencies are recommended.
Spokesperson Sapkota said although the meeting discussed the topic of provincial governments, decision on the same would be taken after the required consultation among the parties in the ruling coalition. He added that the topic of provincial government would be finalized until Thursday.
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Karnali province reports 900 more TB patients
Bheriganga (Surkhet), March 27: The number of tuberculosis patients is on an increasing trend in Karnali province.
As many as 903 new TB patients were recorded in the 10 districts of the province in the eight months of the current fiscal year, according to the Public Health Office Surkhet.
One thousand and seventy-seven tuberculosis patients were found throughout the province in the last fiscal year whereas 903 people suffering from the disease have been recorded in eight months of the current financial year alone.
The highest number of new TB cases has been found in Surkhet. Three hundred and eighteen new cases were recorded in Surkhet. Similarly, 149 new TB patients were found in Salyan, 101 in Rukum Paschim and 99 in Dailekh, said Dayaram Pangali, the TB Resource person at the PHO Surkhet.
According to Pangali, 86 new TB cases were recorded in Jajarkot, 52 in Kalikot, 54 in Jumla, 19 in Dolpa, 13 in Humla and 12 in Mugu district in the eight months of the current fiscal year. He said publicity and awareness campaign is conducted in the province to bring the patients under medication.
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Senior litterateur Subedi no more
Sundarharaincha (Morang), March 27: Senior litterateur and academician Dadhiraj Subedi has passed away at age 78. He died this morning while under treatment at Birat Medical College and Teaching Hospital at Morang, according to his family.
Born at Dingala of Bhojpur district in 2003 BS, he was a cancer patient. A Master’s degree holder in Nepali language and literature, Subedi has a dozen books on language and literature to his credit. He had made significant contribution to the enrichment of Nepali literature. He also worked as the information officer at Purbanchal University for 12 years.
Moreover, senior litterateur Subedi served as the member-secretary of the Purbanchal Sahitya Pratishthan and as the president of Pratibha Puraskar Pratishthan Biratnagar. Based in Biratnagar, he was actively involved in language and literature.
‘Sadhanako Abhirekhankan’, ‘Matrikako Katha’, ‘Unako Katha Silpa’, ‘Pratibha Ra Prastuti’ and ‘Nepali Sahityaka Muskanharu’ are some among his popular creations.
His last rites were performed at the Biratnagar-based Paropakar Ghat cremation ground. He is survived by two sons, a daughter and spouse.
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All preparation for SEE completed
Kathmandu, March 27: All preparation for the Secondary Education Examination (SEE) that is to begin from Thursday has been completed, according to the National Examinations Board.
Dr Mahaashram Sharma, Chairperson of the Board, informed that all the preparations for the upcoming exam have been completed and over 500,000 questions papers and answer sheets have been sent to all 77 districts.
Altogether 504,414 students from 10,806 schools are appearing in the exam that will run through April 9, informed Nandalal Poudel, SEE Exam Controller at the Board.
Among the aspiring examinees, 250,772 are female and 253,627 were male and 15 were sexual and gender minorities.
Altogether 2,064 exam centres have been set up for the exam with the highest in Kathmandu at 127 and lowest in Manang and Mustang district at one each, said Exam Controller Poudel.
Meanwhile, one exam centre has been set up in Japan where 23 students are expected to sit for the exam, he added. A total of 77,485 human resources will be mobilized directly to conduct the exam smoothly, the Board said.
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Police seize 15 kilos hash from airport
Kathmandu, March 27: Police have confiscated 15 kilogrammes of hashish from the Tribhuvan International Airport. The contraband which was being smuggled out to foreign country was seized on Tuesday and the media was informed of this today.
Central Police Spokesperson Bhim Prasad Dhakal said the police found the cannabis concealed inside 18 photo frames of the ARA MEX courier that was bound to London via Doha on Qatar Air while carrying out checking of the cargo by using the X-ray machine of the TIA Customs Office.
He said the confiscated substance has been send to the Nepal Police, Narcotics Control Bureau at Koteshwor for additional necessary investigation.
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Peace process to conclude according to national understanding: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, March 27: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the incumbent government was effortful to conclude the remaining works of peace process by forging a national understanding.
Meeting with the representatives of various organizations of the families of conflict-victims today in Singha Durbar, PM Dahal assured that the government was committed to comply with the court’s orders regarding the issues of investigation of the disappeared persons, truth and reconciliation commission.
Dahal admitted that the transitional justice related works have not been completed despite the will of the government. According to him, there were forces which would not allow the remaining works of peace process to be completed.
The Head of the Government informed that the government had taken forward the bills to carry out remaining works of the peace process.
Furthermore, he shared that the government was making efforts to provide employment to the family members of the conflict-victims, provide medical care for people injured in conflict and to manage housing for them.
The PM reiterated that he was committed towards maintaining lasting peace by bringing the remaining works of peace process to a logical conclusion.
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Finance Ministry’s second quarterly review shows average results
Kathmandu, March 27: The Finance Ministry has made average performance and achievement of the set goals until the second quarterly review period of the current fiscal year 2024/24.
The Ministry had on Tuesday made an assessment of the progress until March 13 of the current financial year.
In the review meeting, Finance Minister Barshaman Pun had shared that the public finance management was under pressure. He directed the bodies concerned to resolve the problems related to the capital expenditure not increasing and to the revenue collection, the Finance Minister’s Secretariat said.
According to Minister Pun, the revenue collection has not gone up as the capital expenditure has not increased. He also pointed out the need of enhancing inter-ministry and inter-agency coordination as well as boosting the morale of private sector for making the economy vibrant.
Minister Pun directed the regulatory bodies under the Ministry to carry out works with dedication so as to achieve the set annual target, reasoning that the performance of the regulatory bodies was poor.
It is said 140 out of the 175 milestones the Ministry had determined for the current fiscal year should have been completed by March 13. But only 34 of the milestones have been completed, work is in progress on 94 and 12 are yet to be started.
The Ministry has completed the task of preparing the standard for the resource agreement and multi-year contracts, and the procedures for the automated return of tax of the diplomatic missions.
A target was set for constituting a high-level committee for reforming the existing tax system within the current fiscal year alone. This committee has been formed and in the process of preparing its final report. Similarly, bills have been registered in the parliament for amending the Customs Act, the Secured Transactions Act and the Banks and Financial Institutions Act.
The Ministry has also achieved the target of making policy provisions related to foreign currency exchange and of giving special priority to the small farmers, small and medium enterprises and startup entrepreneurs.
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Government establishing National Cyber Security Centre
Kathmandu, March 27: The government is going to establish the National Cyber Security Centre to fulfill the aspirations of the ‘Digital Nepal Framework 2076 BS’.
The meeting of the Council of Ministers on January 23 this year had decided to set up the Centre.
The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology is going to establish the Centre to conduct digital forensic investigation and to act as a focal point for research and development on cyber security, promotion of cyber security, public awareness enhancement, identification of challenges, prevention, response and recover.
Joint-Secretary of the Ministry and Centre’s Chief, Anil Kumar Dutta, said, “The establishment process of the National Cyber Security Centre has reached a final stage. A structure comprising 12 employees has been formed to operate the Centre and the office will be set up within a few days.”
He shared that the Centre was going to be instituted in view of the increasing cyber insecurity in various countries in the recent days and more so in the context of Nepal.
“As the cyber insecurity is increasing and in the context of Nepal, not all know how to use computer. Wi-Fi is available unchecked. We need to go places to streamline it,” said Dutta.
According to him, the Centre will monitor the sensitive information infrastructures round-the-clock, assess cyber incidents and evaluate risk, form an emergency support group with technical human resources to address cyber risk that occur suddenly. Such groups will be formed in all local level as well, he said.
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DDA warns against operating online pharmacy
Kathmandu, March 27: The Department of Drug Administration (DDA) has instructed not to operate online pharmacies.
Director General of the Department, Narayan Prasad Dhakal, said that he ordered disclosure of online pharmacies after the online pharmacies were found to sell medicines through false and misleading advertising.
According to Dhakal, no pharmacies had obtained permit from the Department for running online pharmacy so far and drugs were being sold illegally offering discounts in the name of online pharmacies through social networking sites.
He explained that drugs were being sold in the name of online pharmacy with deceptive marketing gimmicks. The Drugs Act-2034 BS’s Clause 19 mandates that there should not be false and misleading advertising of the medicines.
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I have no involvement in cooperatives cheating scam: DPM Lamichhane
Kathmandu, March 27: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has denied any involvement in the cooperative swindling scam.
Speaking in a meeting of the House of Representatives, State Affairs and Good Governance Committee today, DPM Lamichhane argued that although his name is linked to the cooperative cheating scandal, no any evidence could prove that.
“My name is allegedly linked to the cooperative swindling issue. There is nothing except my name. My signature is not there. I have not also given my thumb impression on any related document. I have also not received any letter. There is no any case against me,” he said, adding that there were no other evidences to prove his involvement in the scam. I am also not named as the defendant in the case filed in the court as well, he asserted.
Similarly, Inspector General of Police Basanta Kunwar said that although a complaint has been lodged with the police regarding the cheating of cooperatives, Deputy Prime Minister Lamichhane is not implicated in that complaint.
“There is no evidence in the complaint related to the cooperative swindling scam linking the Home Minister’s name. Although the complaint has come in his name in a symbolic way, there is no evidence,” IGP Kunwar said.
Lawmaker Dilendra Prasad Badoo urged the meeting to clarify the matter as the DPM’s name was linked to the cooperative swindling scam.
“A name called Rabi Lamichhane has been linked with the cooperative cheating case. This name matches with the name of our honorable Home Minister. Is it you? If yes, it calls for a fair investigation. If the investigation is to be made credible, it is better you keep yourself aloof from the post of Home Minister,” Badoo reiterated.
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Church Boys enters semi-final in Itahari Gold Cup
Dharan, March 27: Church Boys United has entered the semi-final of the Itahari Gold Cup underway in Itahari. The team defeated the New Road Team (NRT) 2-1 in the quarterfinal match held at Itahari Stadium on Tuesday.
Church Boys United’s Abayomi Fakunle and Suraj Thakuri scored one goal each to secure the win.
NRT’s Afiz Olawale saved his team’s repute by scoring a goal. Abayomi scored in the 37th minute of the match to put his team in the lead, while NRT’s Olawale scored in the 82nd minute against Church Boys, who took a 1-0 lead in the first half.
Thakuri of Church Boys was declared ‘man of the match’ in Tuesday’s match. He received a cash prize of Rs 10,000 and a trophy. Tribhuvan Army Club will take on Sagarmatha Football Club today.
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Concrete bridge constructed at Thimura
Damauli (Tanahun), March 27: A concrete bridge has been constructed over the Trishuli River connecting Devghat Rural Municipality of Tanahun and Bharatpur Metropolitan City of Chitwan. The bridge was constructed at the cost of Rs 216.84 8 million.
The bridge connecting Devghat-5, Ghinatar and Bharatpur metropolitan city-1, Thimura has already come into operations.
Devghat rural municipality chair Til Bahadur Thapa shared a plan to formally inaugurate the bridge. Bridge Construction Users Committee chair Tankanath Poudel informed that a decision was made to request President Ramchandra Paudel for the inauguration of the bridge on coming March 30 (Saturday).
A meeting of security chiefs, including the Chief District Officers of Tanahun and Chitwan, would be held today in the context of the invitation extended to the President for the inauguration, he said.
The construction of the bridge had started in October 2015.
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Weather to remain cloudy for three more days, rain in western region
Kathmandu, March 27: The Meteorological Forecasting Division of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has predicted light rain along with lightning for the next three days in the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces.
According to the Division, there is a possibility of general rainfall in the hilly areas of the far-western and mid-western regions from today.
Meteorologist Saroj Pudasaini said there is possibility of rain in the hilly regions of different provinces and snowfall in the high hill and mountainous areas.
“There is an influence of westerly wind and local wind in Nepal now and it is still partly cloudy in the hilly parts of the country including Koshi province,” he said, adding, “Although there was rain in the eastern part of the country earlier, there was no rain in the western region.”
According to the Division, light rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at a few places of the hilly region of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces and at one or two places of the Madhes province and the rest of the hilly regions in next 24 hours.
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‘President educational reform programme’ postponed
Kathmandu, March 27: The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology has decided to adjourn the ‘President Educational Reform Programme’ due to delay in the selection of schools.
A budget of Rs 1 billion was appropriated for the programme in the current fiscal year.
In the context of delay in selecting schools under the programme and various complaints regarding the distribution and use of resources, a meeting held on the presence of Education Minister Sumana Shrestha decided to postpone the programme and inform the Ministry of Finance.
There have been public opinions that it would not be relevant to provide budget for infrastructure development to schools elsewhere in the absence of necessary budget management for the reconstruction of school buildings damaged by the Jajarkot earthquake and lack of funds to run model public schools in areas where marginalized settlements such as Musahars and Chepangs are located.
Education Minister’s private secretariat informed that the ministry will focus on the educational development of these areas in the coming fiscal year.
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Nepal suffers defeat to Bahrain again
Kathmandu, March 27: Nepal has lost to Bahrain in the fourth match of second phase of the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup-2026 and AFC Asia Cup-2027.
In the match played today at the Riffa-based National Stadium this morning, Nepal lost to Bahrain 3-0 goals.
Strikers Syed Wakar, Abdulla Yusuf and Komail Al Aswad scored one goal each to take Bahrain to the lead.
This is Nepal’s fourth consecutive defeat in Group ‘H’. Earlier, Nepal had lost to Bahrain 5-0 in the match held in Bahrain on March 21. Nepal had also suffered a 4-0 defeat to UAE and lost 2-0 to Yemen.
Nepal is in the last place in the group with no points in four matches, while UAE tops the group with 12 points. Bahrain is placed second with nine points while Yemen is third with three points.
Nepal will now face UAE and Yemen in the remaining two matches of the qualifiers.
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Bareng-Shantipur road awaits up-gradation
Dhorpatan (Baglung), March 27: A track was opened in 2064 BS to connect southern Baglung with main urban area, yet the road built to link Bareng rural municipality and Shantipur of Gulmi has not been upgraded in 16 years.
Thousands of local people here are compelled to travel at risk due to potholes and complicated roads with narrowed space. The 13-km road from Bareng to Shantipur has been remaining muddy in the rainy season and dusty in the winter for a decade and a half.
Although there are Mid-Hill Highway, Kaligandaki Corridor, Saljhandi-Dhorpatan road under national pride projects, they are not connected to Bareng rural municipality, but the rural municipality has already constructed a road to connect it with Kaligandaki corridor. This road connecting the two districts is considered as south Baglung ‘trade road’.
Baglung Bazaar, the district headquarters, is inaccessible for Bareng area. Apart from administrative work, most of the locals here go to Butwal.
Locals are upset with the State for remaining apathetic to address the wretched condition of of the roads, which carry thousands of commuters daily.
The rural municipality has widened the road from Barengdanda to the office of the rural municipality at Sundala with drainage.
Bareng rural municipality chair Krishna Prasad Sharma said lack of budget has marred blacktopping of the road.
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