- Sunday, 17 November 2024
Kathmandu, April 17: Today is the birthday of Maryada Purushottam Shree Ram. Also known as Ram Jayanti, Ram Nawami is considered the day when the light of truth and dignity prevails over untruth and darkness.
Ram Nawami festival is celebrated on Chaitra Shukla Nawami (the ninth day of the bright half in the month of Chaitra as per the lunar calendar).
It is celebrated to commemorate the victory of truth over evil and to the memory of Lord Ram. The festival celebrates the descent of Vishnu as the Ram avatar, through his birth to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya during the Treta Yuga.
The day is marked by Ram Katha recitals or reading of Ram stories, including the epic Ramayana which narrates the tale of Ram. Hindus visit a temple while others pray within their homes, paying homage to Ram.
Devotees are thronging the temples and shrines dedicated to the Hindu god Ram throughout the country since the morning today on the occasion.
A large number of devotees have thronged several Shree Ram Temples in Kathmandu valley, including Battisputali to pay homage to Lord Ram.
Devotees have also thronged the Ramjanaki temple in Janakpurdham to offer prayers. Today, a fair is also held on the premises of Janaki Temple. Thousands of devotees from India are also participating in the fair and take holy baths in the Gangasagar and offer prayers at the Ramjanaki Temple. There is also a tradition of staying awake at night with recital of hymns dedicated to Shree Ram.
Ram’s reign in Ayodhya is remembered even today as exemplary statecraft. Ram is worshipped as an ideal man devoted to his father and mother, respecting elders and loving the younger. It is said that Lord Vishnu took birth in the form of Ram in the world to protect the righteous by ending the evil in the universe.
The kingdom of Lord Ram, known as Ram Rajya, is considered a model for justice.
—
02- Weather to remain generally fair across the country
Kathmandu, April 17: The weather will remain partly cloudy in some places and generally fair in rest of the parts of the country.
According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, it is due to partial influence of westerly wind and local wind.
At present, the weather will be partly cloudy in the hilly regions and fair in the rest of the country.
Light rain with thunder and lightning is likely to occur at one or two places of the hilly regions of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces. There is a chance of light snowfall in one or two places of the high hilly and mountainous region of the country.
According to the Weather Forecasting Division under the Department, there are chances of thunderstorm at some places of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. Similarly, the weather will be partly cloudy in most parts of the country tonight and fair in the rest of the country.
Noting that there is a possibility of storm in some places of the hilly regions of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, which will partially affect daily life, agriculture, health, tourism, mountaineering, road and air transport in the areas, the Division has urged to adopt necessary precautionary measures.
—
03- 76-km solar fence placed to mitigate human-tusker conflict
Baniyani (Jhapa), April 17: A 76-km offset solar fence has been constructed at various places in Jhapa to mitigate human-elephant conflict.
An 18-km electric fence was constructed at Bahundangi at the cost of Rs 12 million in Jhapa some eight years ago.
Chief of Division Forest Office, Jhapa, Meghraj Rai informed that 35-km of solar fencing was placed at Jalthal forest in 2076 BS. The solar fence constructed under the forest area adjacent to Haldibari, Kachankawal, Barhadashi and Bhadrapur is estimated to cost Rs 56.527 million.
According to the office, 6.39-km of solar fencing was constructed at the investment of Rs 10.14 million at Bhadrapur in the second phase of Jalthal forest area in 2078 BS.
A 16.98 km solar fence has been installed under the Charali-Magurmadi section of Mechinagar Municipality. The section was fenced at a cost of Rs 25.39 million last year. The investment has been made from the state coffer for the construction of the bar.
The National Trust for Conservation of Nature provided technical advice. Some of the bars installed earlier have to be repaired as they are dilapidated.
Elephants enter human settlements twice every year from the country’s eastern border.
A total of 67 people have lost their lives in tusker attack since 2068 BS while 20 elephants have died since 2062 BS. Relief amount of Rs 71.97 million has been distributed to the victims since 2068 BS till last year. This year only seven people have died in elephant attacks in Jhapa.
—
04- 1000 people benefitted from free eye camp
Gorkha, April 17: As many as 1,000 people have been benefitted from a free seven-day eye camp held at Bhimsen Thapa rural municipality in the district.
The camp was jointly organised by the rural municipality, Gorkha Lions Eye Service Centre and Blind Association Rehabilitation Programme Gorkha with technical support from Bharatpur Eye Hospital.
Administrative Officer at Gorkha Lions Eye Service Centre, Bishwa Prakash Aryal said 1,058 people underwent eye check-up and treatment in all the eight wards of the rural municipality.
Among those examined at the camp, patients diagnosed with cataract were provided with free surgery service, he informed.
Officer Aryal said 78 people who were diagnosed with cataract at the camp were also provided free surgery services. Medicines were distributed to 917 people and free glasses to 78 people in the camp.
—
05- Handicraft becoming lucrative business for women in Dang
Ghorahi (Dang), April 17: Local women have been earning up high income by involving them in different professions and business.
They have been successful in generating attractive income by manufacturing various handicrafts related materials.
Sarita Chaudhary, a local of Lamahi municipality-5, shared it has become easier to manage household expenses and make regular savings once engaged with handicraft manufacturing.
Chaudhary has been doing business by establishing ‘my handicraft industry’ related to handicrafts. She claimed she was also preserving art and culture being involved in such work.
it has become a source of income for women like her. Chaudhary, who has been earning by producing handicraft items, said, “I have earned up income from the utilization of the handicraft skills that are disappearing”.
According to her, the consumption of handicraft items related to the Tharu community is good. I earn up monthly Rs 15,000-20,000.
She said that due to lack of handicraft business, he had to stay relaxed after completing the housework, but after starting the work, there is no leisure lately.
Like Sarita, Sunita Chaudhary has also been involved in handicraft production and earned up good chunk of income.
Sumitra, who learned skills three years ago and started producing handicraft materials, said she has been earning up to Rs 20,000 a month. She shared she used to make materials and sell them during his spare time after doing household chores.
“It does not take much time as we have to produce handicraft items along with household chores,” she further said.
Women who are engaged in the production of materials earn up to Rs 30,000 a month, it was shared.
—
06- International poets’ conference takes place in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, April 17: The fourth international poets’ conference of Traditional Poetry Writers’ Association of the World (TPWAW) held in Nepal.
Poets from Nepal, South Korea, China, the United Kingdom and the United States participated in the general conference held here yesterday. On the occasion, three Nepali poets Bhuwan Hari Sigdel, Sitaram Adhikari and Prahlad Pokharel were honoured with the Yew Suhng-Gyou Literary Award.
A conference was jointly chaired by TPWAW President Korean poet Kim Bong Goon and Nepal Chapter President Prof Ram Kumar Pandey.
Besides presenting papers on traditional poems of different countries, various poetic pieces were also recited in the conference.
—
07- NA team moves toward Solukhumbu for Clean Mountain Campaign
Salleri (Solukhumbu), April 17: A team of Nepali Army has moved ahead from Namche of Solukhumbu to clean the mountains including the world’s highest peak, Sagarmatha (Mt Everest).
The team under ‘Clean Mountain Campaign-2024’ has headed towards Mt Everest base camp from Namche today to clean Mt Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse mountains.
Two members of the 13-member team would stay at Namche for emergency rescue, said Lieutenant Colonel at Ranshur Company, Namche, Prachanda Bikram Bharati.
“We bade farewell to 11 members of the team amidst a programme today. The team has moved ahead towards Sagarmatha basecamp”, he shared. The team led by Major Aditya Karki had stayed Namche for two days.
The team members would interact with local people to make the campaign effective and reach Sagarmatha base camp after around seven-day trek. Trekking route would also be cleaned-up to create awareness and publicity of the campaign in course of trekking.
According to the NA, a target has been set to collect around 10 tonnes of waste from different base camps of Mt Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse mountains in course of campaign.
Earlier, at a programme organised at NA Headquarters on Thursday, Chief of Army Staffs, Prabhu Ram Sharma, launched the campaign handing over a flag to Major Karki.
Ministry of Forest and Environment, Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality, Nepal Mountaineering Association, Himalayan Rescue Association Nepal, as well as other organisations have provided technical support to make the campaign a success.
—
08- EC reminds all for compliance with Election Code of Conduct
Kathmandu, April 17: The Election Commission (EC) has reminded all stakeholders that violation of the Election Code of Conduct, which has remained in effect for the April 27 by-elections of the House of Representatives (HoR) in Ilam-2 and the Province Assembly in Bajhang 1(1), is punishable by law.
The EC has cautioned that action will be taken in cases of misuse of social media platforms or any other activities that breach the Election Code of Conduct.
The Election Code of Conduct aiming to hold the polls in a free, fair and impartial atmosphere shall remain in effect until the election procedures are completed, the EC said in a press note on Tuesday.
According to EC Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Paudel, activities on social media platforms capable of disseminating misleading or fake information, propaganda, or otherwise negatively influencing the election atmosphere, including the creation and operation of fake accounts or sites, spreading propaganda, and making unnecessary derogatory remarks, will not be tolerated during the period of the Election Code of Conduct.
Similarly, distorting any information or content issued, published, and disseminated to influence the election, as well as tagging such content to anyone, is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, any form of character assassination or personal accusations through communication channels is completely banned.
A district code of conduct monitoring committee, led by the district’s Chief Election Officer, has been tasked with promptly addressing any violations of the Election Code of Conduct. Moreover, the EC is establishing a social media monitoring unit within the Commission to swiftly address any unwanted actions and recommend appropriate actions against violations of the Code of Conduct.
Furthermore, the EC has decided to write to the Press Council Nepal to encourage the promotion of healthy media content that supports to creation of a reliable, safe, and impartial atmosphere for the election. This includes discouraging negative or misleading content related to the election and taking prompt action against such materials.
—
09- Fourteen injured in bus accident
Dang, Aril 17: Fourteen people have been injured when a passenger bus going towards Rukum from Dang met with an accident at Thinbang, Bagchaur Municipality-2 of Salyan.
The bus (Ra 1 Kha 2085) fell from a bridge at Thinbang, Bagchaur-2, said Deputy Inspector General Kuber Kadayat, the Chief of the Lumbini Province Police.
According to him, four of the injured persons are in serious condition. Nepal Police and the locals have rescued the injured persons and taking them to the Tharmare-based hospital and the District Hospital Salyan for treatment.
Further details of the accident are awaited, DIGP Kadayat said.
—
10- ANFA Vice President Lama arrested
Kathmandu, April 17: A team of the Kathmandu Valley Crime Investigation Office has arrested Vice President of All Nepal Football Association (ANFA), Dawa Lama today. He was held from Kathmandu.
“Lama had been on the run after the High Court Patan convicted him of dealing in narcotics (brown heroin) in 2064 BS. Our team arrested him today,” Office spokesperson and Superintendent of Police, Rabindra Regmi, said.
—
11- Weather forecasting bulletin to cover predictions for a week
Kathmandu, April 17: The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has prepared to issue a meteorological analysis covering weather predictions for a week. Presently, its meteorological analysis bulletin covers weather forecasting for three days and its duration is to be extended to a week.
According to the Department, the bulletin covering the weather forecasting for a week is expected to respond to possible cases of monsoon-induced disasters effectively and minimize them. Similarly, it will be convenient for farmers for the cultivation and harvesting time.
Department Director General Dr Jagadishwor Karmacharya said the preparations are in progress to issue the weather forecasting bulletin for a week. Regional cooperation will be sought in these efforts, he said,
Expert on disaster management Dr Dharmaraj Upreti said the weather forecasting for a week will contribute to reducing cases of monsoon-induced disasters, preventing the possible loss of lives and property.
—
12- Salyan bus accident update: four severely injured refereed to Kohalpur
Dang, April 17: Among those injured in a bus accident in Salyan, four have been referred to Kohalpur of Banke for further treatment.
According to Police Inspector Nabin Thapa Magar of Area Police Office, Tharmare, four with severe injuries have been sent to Kohalpur and they are Bishnu BK, 46, of Tulasipur Sub Metropolis-4, Dang; Chitra Pun, 22, of Tribeni rural municipality-2 in Rukum West, her six-year-old son Ramesh Pun Magar and Krishna Chaudhary, 29 of Bijauri of Tulasipur-19, Dang. The remaining 10 are being treated in local health facilities.
A passenger bus en route to East Rukum from Ghorahi of Dang met with an accident at Thingbang of Bagchaur municipality-2 in Salyan. A total of 22 people were injured and eight have already returned home as they were in a normal health condition. It has been predicted that the accident occurred as the driver lost control over it all of a sudden.
—
13- Gandaki Province Assembly session summoned
Gandaki, April 17: The session of the Gandaki Province Assembly has been called. Province Chief Dilliraj Bhatta summoned the Province Assembly session for 3.00pm on April 19 on the recommendation of the Province Council of Ministers and in accordance with the Article 183 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal, stated a press note issued by Chandi Prasad Aryal, the spokesperson at the Office of the Province Chief.
—
14- Finance Minister meets WB Vice Presidents, seeks WB’s more investment in Nepal
Kathmandu, April 17: Finance Minister Barsha Man Pun last night held separate meetings with World Bank (WB) Group Vice Presidents Akihiko Nishio (Development Finance) and Guangzhe Chen (Infrastructure) at the Washington DC-based WB Headquarters.
According to the Minister’s Secretariat, the Minister thanked Akihiko Nishio for entertaining Nepal’s proposal to organise a meeting of the International Development Association (IDA-21) under the World Bank Group in Kathmandu in the coming June.
He also met with Riccardo Puliti, International Finance Corporation (IFC) regional vice president for Asia and the Pacific.
The Finance Minister apprised WB Vice President Akihito that preparations for hosting the event are going well in cooperation with the WB Nepal Office in Kathmandu. He also utilised the time to call on the WB to explore further areas of investment in Nepal through concessional loans or grant schemes.
As he said, Nepal’s latest achievements in the areas of telecommunications, transport, and clean energy are capable of catching global attention.
As he said, Nepal has adopted the Kathmandu Declaration incorporating a strategic action plan for Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Development (Grid) that was endorsed by the Government of Nepal and its 16 development partners in 2021. As per the concept of the Declaration, Nepal will be implementing the First Nepal Green, Resilient, and Inclusive Programmatic DPC in the upcoming year.
The Minister also acknowledged the WB’s initiation to invest in the 1,063-MW upper Arun Semi Reservoir Project and the 635-MW Dudhkoshi Reservoir Project.
Similarly, during his meeting with another Vice President, the Minister said Nepal accorded top priority to the infrastructure development. “The Nepal Government focuses on energy, transport and urban infrastructure-centered projects,” he said.
He said a roundtable meeting held with the WB’s Kathmandu-based officials regarding the financial modality of the Upper Arun and Dudhkosi was productive, expressing his hope of finding a solution for the financial management for the implementations of projects soon.
Stating that both projects are the ‘game changer’ projects of Nepal, he expressed the belief that their development will enhance the country’s capacity of building big infrastructure projects. He shared that they were confident that the finance management of the Upper Arun Hydropower Project would be done within coming mid-July.
The Finance Minister informed that works like distribution of compensation to the people affected by the Upper Arun Project, construction of the approach road and land acquisition are in completion phase.
Reiterating that Nepal has ensured the regional market for hydropower, he said an agreement has been reached for exporting 10,000 megawatts power to India in the next 10 years and the process has been forwarded for Bangladesh to buy Nepal’s power.
During the meeting with IFC Vice President Puliti, Finance Minister Pun expressed the belief that collaboration between IFC and Nepal would be further deepened in the coming days. Recalling that Nepal and IFC have five decades long collaboration, he said IFC has invested in Nepal’s tourism sector for the first time.
He said the cooperation extended by IFC for Nepal’s economic endeavours and for the private sector development through capital management is laudable. He also appealed for increasing the investment areas as well as capital mobilization and technical assistance in the days to come, noting that IFC has been providing assistance in Nepal’s tourism, energy, transportation and agriculture sectors.
Minister Pun reiterated that there are better investment opportunities for investment in the information technology sector in the coming days. According to him, Nepal has adopted the policy of welcoming foreign direct investment due to its small economy, which is looking for investment capital.
In the three separate meetings, the Finance Minister informed that the Third Investment Summit is going to be held on April 28 and 29 in Kathmandu with the goal of increasing the foreign direct investment, adding that high-level participation is expected in it.
Minister Pun left here Monday for the USA to participate in the Joint Spring-time Meeting of the WB and the IMF.
—
15- Checkpoints in Sudurpaschim Province to remain closed till Friday evening
Baitadi, April 17: Checkpoints in Sudurpaschim Province bordering with India will remain closed till April 19 evening.
The border crossings – Jhulaghat of Baitadi, Pulghat of Darchula, Gaddachauki and Brahmadev of Kanchanpur – have remained closed from Tuesday evening.
Chief District Officer of Baitadi, Bhimkant Sharma, said the checkpoints were closed in view of Lok Sabha election taking place in India.
The election is taking place in Uttarakhand and Champawat in India on April 19. The movement along the checkpoints has been completed prohibited during the period due to security sensitivity, he added.
The checkpoints were closed in coordination with Indian officials.
—
16- CPN (Unified Socialist) picks Sodari as Chief Minister candidate in Sudurpaschim
Kathmandu, April 17: The CPN (Unified Socialist) has decided to make Dirgha Sodari as the candidate for Chief Minister of the Sudurpaschim Province.
The party’s 80th Secretariat Meeting convened at the party central office at local Aloknagar today decided to make the CPN (Unified Socialist) Sudurpaschim Province Assembly parliamentary party leader Sodari as the candidate for the Chief Minister, said Jagannath Khatiwada, the party deputy general-secretary and spokesperson.
According to Khatiwada, the meeting held discussions on preparations for the party’s 10th general convention and other topics. The meeting is ongoing.
—
17- Altitude sickness deaths increasing in Mustang
Galeshwor (Myagdi), April 17: Altitude sickness is emerging as a growing concern among visitors in Mustang. The district also known as the district beyond the Himalaya is home to the famous Muktinath Temple which draws a large number of devotees mainly from home and India each year.
In the past seven months, 11 tourists including three domestic succumbed to high-altitude sickness in the district. The district records 29 fatalities in the past three years and 11 alone in the past seven months, according to the District Police Office, Mustang.
The latest casualties include seven Indians, three Nepali and one Ukrainian, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Bhojraj Pandey said.
In the fiscal year 2078-29 BS (2021-22), six visitors: five females and one male: all from India died of altitude sickness. They were aged 45-73.
According to the police records, they suffered high altitude-related health complications in Marfa, Mesokando Pass Trek, Muktinath Temple premises, Gharpajhong, Jomsom Airport, Lete, Tukuche, and Yara.
Of the latest fatalities, six were reported in the month of Chait (March-April). The victims were aged 35-83.
Last fiscal year (2022-23), the district witnessed 12 deaths resulting from altitude sickness and they were from India (seven), Thailand (one), and Nepal (four) and aged 42-75.
Altitude sickness is caused due to the body’s inability to adjust to a low oxygen level at a higher altitude. This happens normally at an altitude above 2500 meters and its symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, breathing complications, insomnia, loss of appetite, fatigue, weakness, and so on.
—
18- ACC Premier Cup Cricket: Nepal defeats Saudi Arabia by six wickets
Kathmandu, April 17: Nepal has defeated Saudi Arabia by six wickets in its last game of the group stage under the ACC Premier Cup Cricket. With this win, Nepal has entered the semi-final, remaining unbeaten in the group stage matches.
Today’s match held at Al Amerat Cricket Ground in Oman was reduced to eight from 20 overs after rain affected it.
Batting first, Saudi Arabia posted a victory target of 74 runs before Nepal. Nepal achieved the target in 7.2 overs, losing four wickets.
Gulshan Jha collected 32 runs unbeaten for Nepal. He hit two sixes and two fours off 19 balls. Dipendra Singh Airee made 17 runs and skipper Rohit Paudel 16. The rest of the batters could not make double digit runs.
Ishtiaq Ahmed took two wickets for Saudi Arabia while Usman Najeeb and Wazi Ul Hasan each took one wicket.
Electing to bat first after losing the toss, Saudi Arabia made 73 runs, losing seven wickets, in the allotted eight overs.
Abdul Waheed collected a total 37 runs in 16 balls, hitting three boundaries and three fours. Other Saudi batters could not make runs in the double digit.
For Nepal, Karan KC and Abinash Bohara each took two wickets while Pratis GC and Llait Rajbanshi each took one wicket.
Nepal which is placed in Group ‘A’ had defeated Malaysia by five wickets in the first match, Qatar by 32 runs in the second match and Hong Kong by eight wickets in the third match.
—
19- World Hemophilia Day observed
Kathmandu, April 17: World Hemophilia Day has been observed today. On the occasion, Bir Hospital organised a programme to mark the Day.
On the occasion, doctors said mainly male suffer from hemophilia. It is rare genetic bleeding disorder. Consultant Hematologist at Bir Hospital, Dr Niraj Kumar Singh, said the disease is mainly seen in males as it is the disease affecting hemophilia X chromosome.
Saying female may also suffer from this disease sometimes, he shared that they would only be the carrier. A child born from hemophilia carrier female would also develop hemophilia. According to National Census 2978, there are 4,937 hemophilia patients. Of them, only 865 are in regular treatment, according to Chairperson of Hemophilia Society Nepal, Mukund Ghimire.
Dr Singh shared that hemophilia patients are out of the access to treatment as clotting factor used in the treatment of hemophilia is not available in Nepal and it is very expensive. Stating that it would cost from Rs 30,000-Rs 35,000 for treatment once bleeding occurs, he mentioned that such patient should be treated daily or twice in a week.
“A patient in countries with low economic condition like Nepal could not offer clotting factor. The lowest cost of per unit clotting factor is Rs 25. Around 1,000-1,500 unit of clotting factors should be administered to a hemophilia patient in a single time if bleeding occurs”, he explained.
He laid emphasis that the government has to make a special policy and bring them to treatment identifying them.
Hemophilia is an inherited rare bleeding disorder, occurring predominantly in males, in which blood does not clot normally because the body does not produce sufficient blood clotting factors. The condition is genetically inherited.
Similarly, In-charge of Hematology Care Unit of Bir Hospital, Suman Gupta, shared that there is less chance of recovery if a hemophilia patient gets injury and starts bleeding.
Dr Singh further said there was no long-term treatment of hemophilia. Doctors said blood clotting protein should be given to such patient as a treatment.
—
20- Airee holds 11th position in ICC updated ranking for all-rounders
Kathmandu, April 17: Nepali national cricket team member Dipendra Singh Airee has advanced his position as an all-rounder in the ICC T20 rankings. According to the International Cricket Council (ICC), he has ascended to the 11th rank from the previous 14th.
Moreover, in the latest batting rankings, Airee has climbed to the 62nd rank following an improvement of 16 spots. Airee is giving his outstanding performance in the ongoing ACC Premier Cup Cricket in Oman. In a recent match against Qatar in the Cup, he scored six sixes in one over.
Likewise, in the updated ICC rankings for batsmen, Nepali team captain Rohit Kumar Paudel holds the 53rd position, while Aasif Sheikh has risen to the 75th rank with an improvement of 36. Similarly, Kushal Malla occupies the 100th position, having advanced by nine spots.
—
21- PM Dahal calls on President Paudel
Kathmandu, April 17 (RSS): Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ called on President Ramchandra Paudel today.
During the meeting held at Rastrapati Bhawan, Sheetal Niwas, matters relating to contemporary issues of the country were discussed, according to the Personal Secretariat of the President.
—
22- NC objects Gandaki Province assembly call
Gandaki, April 17: The Nepal Congress parliamentary party in Gandaki Province has objected to Province Chief Dilliraj Bhatta’s call of assembly meeting, reasoning that a case was on the fate of present assembly was sub judice at Supreme Court.
Parliamentary party leader Surendra Raj Pande reminded in a press statement that Assembly meeting was summoned by ignoring SC’s interim order, constitution and existing law. “It is sheer irresponsibility of Province Chief to summon assembly meeting for April 19 by brushing aside SC’s interim order and case is awaited to be heard at court. It is contempt of court,” he argued.
Pande also denounced the appointments the Province government has made over this time.
The NC had filed a writ petition at SC on April 9, against appointment of UML leader Khagraj Adhikari as Province Chief Minister with the voting of the Speaker. The NC stated the appointment was unconstitutional.
In response, the SC had issued an interim order asking the Gandaki Province government not to proceed with any works till settlement of the case.
—
23- UML Chair Oli appeals vote for Suhang
Mangalbare (Ilam), April 17: CPN (UML) Chairperson KP Sharma Oli has urged the voters in Ilam constituency no 2 to cast their ballot in favor of his party’s candidate Suhang Nembang and elect him in the upcoming by-election.
Addressing the election assembly organized at Mangalbare in Deumai Municipality of Ilam constituency no 2, Chairperson Oli said that Suhang, son of late leader Subashchandra Nembang, was fielded in the April 27’s by-election to fulfill late Nembang’s dreams and thus appealed for the vote for Suhang.
It may be noted that parliamentarian elected from the same constituency, Nembang, passed away on September 12, 2023. The by-election is being held in the constituency from where Nembang was elected House of Representatives member.
Oli, also former Prime Minister, argued that Suhang’s victory was necessary to ensure development of the constituency and prosperity of people here.
He claimed that his party-led government had taken initiatives for elderly allowance, social security allowance and many developmental works including construction of roads. “When I assumed the leadership of the government, I had laid foundation stone for 210 roads linking rural municipalities to their respective headquarters and 396 hospitals in local levels,” he said.
The septuagenarian leader, however, bemoaned, “All our undertakings have been in limbo since we pulled ourselves from the government. All remaining and stagnant works should be carried out after next parliamentary election.”
Similarly, UML Vice-Chairperson Ram Bahadur Thapa ‘Badal’ opined that the single ethnic identity-based federalism would disrupt ethnic harmony in the country.
Likewise, CPN (Maoist Centre) Koshi Province Chairperson Harka Nembang asserted that Suhang, the common candidate of the communist parties, must be elected in the upcoming election to achieve the agenda of bringing together all the communist forces.
Candidate Suhang, requesting the voters to cast their ballot for him, pledged to work for the development of his constituency and vowed not to do anything that would make the citizens of his constituency put to shame.
Altogether 19 candidates from 12 political parties including seven independent ones are contesting from the constituency no 2 in Ilam.
—
24- Finance Minister draws US investors’ attention to Nepal
Washington DC, April 17: Finance Minister Barshaman Pun, who is currently on a visit to the US, has drawn US investors’ attention towards Nepal. He urged them to identify investment opportunities.
On Wednesday, Finance Minister Pun attended a roundtable discussion organized by US Chamber of Commerce in Washington and reminded the investors to this regard.
Deputy Assistant Administrator of the Bureau for Asia at USAID, Anjali Kaur, Nepali Ambassador to US, Shreedhar Khatry, Senior Vice Chair of US Chamber of Commerce for South Asia, Atul Kashyap, also put forth their views on Nepal’s investment summit.
Even the US companies who have investments in Nepal attended the discussion.
Nepal is holding the investment summit on April 29-30 in Kathmandu in a bid to bring in foreign investment.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Pun held meetings with Vice Chairs of the World Bank. He discussed the issues as World Bank’s investment in Upper Arun Hydropower project.
Similarly, Minister Pun discussed with International Finance Corporation Regional Vice Chair Riccardo Puliti on next round of IFC’s investment.
—
25- Leader Mahato’s ‘Adhura Kranti’ unveiled
Kathmandu, April 17: Rastriya Mukti Kranti Campaign coordinator and former Deputy Prime Minister Rajendra Mahato’s book ‘Adhura Kranti’ (Incomplete Revolution) has been launched here today.
The 381-page book was jointly released by leader Mahato and analyst CK Lal among others. Published by Fine Publication, the book is priced at Rs 770.
It contains articles written on various titles such as ‘Mato ra Bato ko Pahichan’ (Identity of Soil and Road), ‘Bhasik Sangharsha’ (Linguistic Struggle), ‘Udgam ra Upekshya’ (Origin and Neglect), ‘Sangat’ (Company) and ‘Bibhedhko Antyahin Duschakra’ (Endless vicious cycle of discrmination’ among others.
These articles illustrate various aspects of Madhesh movement as well as façade and facets of politician Mahato. Mahato has attempted to give the voices of rebellion in Madhesh a platform through his book.
On the occasion, Mahato shared that it took him seven years to pen the book which encompassed the experiences, viewpoint and understanding of oppressed people besides offering a glimpse of his political life.
Claiming that none of the revolutions and struggles waged so far in the country had served justice to the oppressed people, the politician-turned-writer expressed his confidence that the book would be useful in completing those incomplete revolutions.
According to him, the State affairs were being run by exclusive thinking and vision. He, thus, called to take into consideration all ethnicities, class and communities in running the State affairs.
Similarly, analyst CK Lal commended that the book had viewed Nepal’s around 65-year of Nepal’s political situation from Madhesh’s viewpoint and chronicled the Madhesh movement.
He, however, commented that the book could not cite other Madheshi leaders, who played their part to advance the causes of the Madhesh.
Likewise, Prof Dr Bal Krishna Mabuhang appreciated that the book was worth a read for, he described, it shed light on the political struggles in Madhes and spoke volumes for the sorrow of Madheshi people.
Senior journalist Kanakmani Dixit mentioned that the book written by the leader who struggled for the emancipation of the Madheshi people stood a witness of the modern political history.
Human right activist Mohana Ansari viewed that the book stood testimony to the fact that revolution for ideological and social justice were still incomplete in Nepal.
Former ambassador Mahesh Dahal opined that the book would be useful in understanding overall problems of Madhesh.
Activist Suman Sayami and Buddha Tshering Moktan expressed that the book would inspire people to give completion of incomplete revolution of Madhesh.
—
26- Sustainable operation of Tatopani border point stressed
Sindhupalchowk, April 17: The local level people’s representatives, federal lawmaker, district administration, political parties, and chiefs of security agencies, among others expressed worry over present operation of Tatopani border point, arguing it is slow off the mark.
They underlined the urgency of sustainable operation of the custom point.
In a discussion held on Wednesday, they showed concern why the roadway from Bahrabise to Liping was not repaired in time.
The discussion also attended by representatives of customs office, quarantine, district chamber of commerce and locals dwelt on challenges of smooth operation of the Tatopani checkpoint.
The participants were for early upgrading of the roadway in view of the coming monsoon season, which would exacerbate maintenance works if not completed on time.
Federal lawmaker from the district, Madhav Sapkota, viewed discussion was held at a time when pre-budget deliberation was beginning where various issues as sustainable operation of checkpoint for trade promotion would be discussed. He shared information that he had urged the concerned side to upgrade the roadway as per DPR prepared by Road Department.
According to him, an agreement was made during Prime Minister’s visit to China that China would assist in upgrading of the roadway.
If China would not be able to hand over the upgrading of roadway as per DPR, Finance Ministry could allocate budget on its own for the upgrading.
On the occasion, Chair of Bhotekoshi rural municipality, Pasang Norbu Sherpa, informed that local level had facilitated for operation of the border point. However, he expressed disappointment that the State had ignored it despite knowing the fact that it is one of the important revenue generating trade points, he complained.
Security agencies reported that they were carrying out responsibilities at border despite limited resources.
—
27- Art exhibition for Himalaya conservation: Maoist Centre’s Speaker Sapkota
Kathmandu, April 17: CPN (Maoist Centre) Spokesperson and former Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota said that an art exhibition themed ‘Mystery of Himalaya’ had drawn the attention of the world for Himalaya conservation.
Commenting on the art exhibition ongoing at Nepal Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) hall at Naxal in Kathmandu on Wednesday, Spokesperson Sapkota said that the exhibition had shed light on the real problems of the Himalayan region through art at the time when concerns about climate change’s negative impact on mountains being raised all over the world. “We can easily experience that we feel hot in a moment and cold in next. Glaciers are melting. It is imperative to raise awareness to reduce the climate change-induced pact witnessed in recent days. Exhibition as such would help contribute aware the world about these issues,” he said.
He acknowledged every artist’s creations in the exhibition and viewed that their artworks had disseminated an important message.
According to him, the government of Nepal is making efforts for climate actions. He asserted, “Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ eloquently raised the issue of climate change during the COP-28. United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, by reaching Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Base Camp, has already made an appeal for climate action. I am confident that the appeal has certainly has made an impact.”
Similarly, CPN (Maoist Centre) Bagmati Province Chairperson and Province Assembly member Saral Sahayattri Poudel asserted that it was an important task to illustrate the impact of climate change in arts. “This art exhibition has given a new message to the world and has called for conserving Himalayas.”
NAFA member-secretary Devendra Kafle Thumkeli briefed Speaker Sapkota and others accompanying him about the event. On the occasion, a discussion was held regarding development of art sector, priorities and matters of importance of the State among others.
–-
28- Former Chief Secretary Shakya passes away
Kathmandu, April 17: Former Chief Secretary Tirthaman Shakya has passed away. He was 81.
Also former Chairperson of Public Service Commission, Shakya passed away on Wednesday morning at B&B Hospital in Gwarko. He was suffering from cancer.
He is survived by his two daughters and two sons. His wife had passed away just three months ago.
—
29- CPN-US general convention from June 30
Kathmandu, April 17: The 10th national general convention of CPN (Unified Socialist) is going to be held in Kathmandu from coming June 30 to July 4.
The convention scheduled to be held from May 16 has been postponed due to insufficient internal preparations for it, said party Spokesperson Jagannath Khatiwada.
Meanwhile, the party has decied to nominate Dirgha Sodari as the candidate for the post of Chief Minister of Sudur Paschim Province. The secretariat meeting held on Wednesday at the central office, Aloknagar decided to field Sodari as a candidate for the post of chief minister.
Sodari is the leader of the CPN (US) Sudur Paschim Parliamentary Party,
—
