- Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Taplejung, April 21: As many as 6,438 devotees including foreigners visited Pathibhara temple, one of the holy shrines in the country, on a single day on Saturday.
The Pathibhara Area Development Committee said that the number of visitors increased on Saturday due to favorable weather and the timing of Chaite Dashain.
Generally, the number of devotees is higher on Saturdays and Tuesdays, officials said.
More human resources were deployed on Saturday for the management after the massive number of visitors.
The Committee said that altogether 168,468 devotees worshiped in the temple last year.
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02- Chaite Dashain festival witnesses business of Rs 100 million in Baglung
Baglung, April 21: This year’s Chaite Dashain fair recorded businesses of Rs 100 million in Baglung Kalika Temple. Chaite Dashain festival in Baglung Kalika is believed to be as old as 300 years.
This year’s fair ended on April 18 starting April 12.
At the fair, local products including winnows, bamboo baskets, Madal and several others were kept in the stalls.
The festival also contributed to making the tourism business vibrant in Baglung as hundreds of thousands of people arrived to pay homage to Kalika Bhagawati from across the country and even from India.
The fair management committee said that more than 500,000 people attended the festival.
Chairman of Baglung Kalika Bhagawati Guthi Management Committee Kumar Khadka said the fair was organized as part of the continuation of 300 years 300-year-old tradition. “This is not merely limited to loss and profit but for protection of traditional fair,” Khadka shared.
Likewise, national volleyball competition, open duet folk song competition, shotput competition, school-level dance competition and several other athletics tournaments were organized.
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03- Storm warned in Tarai belt
Kathmandu, April 21: The weather across the country now is mainly fair and is partly cloudy in Sudurpaschim and Karnali provinces as the country is experiencing partial influence of westerly wind and local winds, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division.
This afternoon, the hilly areas of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali provinces will be partly cloudy and the weather will remain mainly fair in the rest of the country.
According to the Division, brief rain is possible at one or two places in the hilly regions of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali provinces. Chances of light snowfall at one or two places of the high hilly and mountainous regions of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali provinces, it said.
This afternoon, there is also a possibility of a storm in the Tarai belt of Lumbini and Koshi provinces and has asked the locals to apply precautions. The storm is likely at one or two places in Madhes and Koshi provinces tonight, the Division added.
Tonight, partly cloudy weather has been predicted in hilly regions of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali provinces while fair weather at the rest of the country. There is a chance of light snowfall at one or two places in high-hilly and mountainous regions of these provinces.
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04- Cancer patient supported
Damauli, April 21: Lakshu Rana, a cancer patient from Ranagaun of Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality-1 in Tanahun district, has been provided with Rs 500,000 as support for his treatment.
The amount was collected from different people living at home and abroad.
Kumar Magar, a local government representative, said the amount was collected after an appeal was posted on social networking sites about the health status of 25-year-old Rana.
Magar shared the amount was given away on Saturday to Dil Bahadur Rana, the father of the cancer patient.
According to Magar, financial support for the cancer patient’s treatment is coming in.
The patient is now receiving treatment at BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur.
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05- Groupwise discussions taking place in UML council meeting
Kathmandu, April 21: Groupwise discussions are taking place from today in the ongoing first meeting of the National Convention Representatives Council of the CPN(UML). The meeting started on Saturday at Sunrise Hall in Godawari, Latilpur.
Discussions are expected in Chairperson KP Sharma Oli’s political report and general secretary Shankar Pokharel’s organizational report.
The reports have raised the issue of democratizing the party’s life and making UML a decisive national force through upcoming elections to reach socialism by fulfilling the national aspirations of ‘Prosperous Nepal, Happy Nepali’.
Likewise, the reports of the central disciplinary commission, central accounts commission, central accounts commission, central election commission and central advisory council would also be discussed in the meeting, Chief of UML Publicity Department Rajendra Gautam told RSS.
The meeting attended by more than 2,454 representatives is expected to chart out the party’s course for making it a robust national force through organizational strengthening and refinement.
Likewise, the UML is hosting a special programme on the occasion of the 75th year of the establishment of the party on Monday.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, former Prime Ministers and top leaders of the parties are scheduled to attend the special ceremony.
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06- Amir of Qatar visiting Nepal from Tuesday
Kathmandu, April 21: The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, is arriving here for his two-day formal visit on April 23.
The Qatari Amir, during the tour, will hold talks with the Nepali leaders focusing on ways to enhance cooperation and discussing a number of issues of mutual interest, the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to Nepal, Mishal bin Mohammed Al Ansari told RSS.
Likewise, agreements and memoranda of understanding will be signed in various fields, the Qatari Ambassador confirmed.
The officials have shared that top priority is accorded to the Qatari Amir’s visit and the issues of Nepali migrants and their rights would be raised.
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07- News Commentary: Clear backlogs to cheer achievements
Kathmandu, April 21: To begin with, three news stories that spread positive messages in the first week of the New Year, 2081BS.
Most of the schools across the country were supplied textbooks before the start of the new academic year, 2081; the Education Ministry released the report of the Medical Education Investigation Commission, 2074 which has sought action against 40 plus high officials; and the breakthrough in the Nagdhunga-Sisnekhola tunnelway.
These three stories have obviously elated us. Amidst the media stories dwarfing positive developments, these stories came as respite.
There are reasons to cheer these achievements. The probe commission’s report prepared and submitted to the Prime Minister six years back was gathering dust in a closet of the country’s central administrative complex, Singha Durbar.
Although the investigative reporters had written about some findings of the report then, the official release of the report by the Education Minister Sumana Shrestha at present earned accolade.
The report has vividly exposed the malaise, irregularities and contradictions in the medical education system. The irregularities and evil connection rife among honchos in different government agencies including Nepal Medical Council had plagued the admission and fee system in medical colleges. Gross mismanagement was reflected in governance of medical education, which must have resulted in unimaginable impact on those aspiring and enrolled for medical education.
It is the country where a saintly orthopedic surgeon Govinda KC had to wage many protests – even fast-onto-death- in different parts of the country to pile pressure on the governments to pay heed for reform in medical and health sectors.
After the release of the much awaited report, the Education Minister also wrote to the anti-graft body, Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), to initiate investigation and action against the accused ones. It is to see how effectively and convincingly CIAA launches action.
Together, the Minister’s call to university and school teachers to shun affiliation to political organizations has created furor. She even went on to warn them of action if they continued indulging in politics despite having responsibility at academia. However, the teachers and even some political leaders have objected to her decision, arguing that the constitution itself had given them trade union rights.
Although it is natural for anyone to have political faith irrespective of his/her profession, reflection of politics at workplace- that too in universities and schools- is an egregious attack on education. As long as the teachers and professors serve as mere tools of political indoctrination and party rallying, brushing aside the responsibility of catering quality education, it badly spurs partisan interest in academia which ultimately dents entire education ecosystem.
The university teachers must be independent critics of politics and system so that political actors could be corrected and system strengthened. At a time when the country’s educational and economic developments are impacted negatively with multiple political digressions and interferences, reviewing role of university itself is equally important. Mere blame to politics for educational backwardness is shirking responsibility. It warrants change in academia’s perception to politics.
In addition to involvement in teaching learning and research, the university and school teachers can spur debates on pressing issues surfacing in the society and country, which would help create a mandate for politicos to direct politics in right track.
Even the politico as General Secretary of Nepali Congress, Gagan Thapa, admitted that they interfered with university and education sectors till date. He also vowed not to repeat such. To this regard, Minister Shrestha’s initiation can be taken positively for now.
The government deserves appreciation for timely supply of schoolbooks to all schools. It has not only cheered the students, teachers and parents but also facilitated smooth operation of teaching learning. Now, the local levels can watch whether timely supply of textbooks result in enhancement of quality education.
Similarly, the completion of tunnelway shortening distance and curtailing serpentine lines of vehicles at Nagdhunga, the major entry point to the federal capital, Kathmandu, is another milestone. Its smooth operation is awaited. The governments and political parties need to speed up similar other development projects by clearing the bottlenecks.
Despite the above laudatory achievements of late, there are several backlogs nagging and ridiculing us. It is worrying that we have not been able to create adequate jobs and ensure quality education to the youths to retain them within country and help directly to thrive country. It may sound unwise to argue for retention of youths within country in the present hyper-globalized and hyper-connected world, bringing back the Nepali talents to country is essential.
Similarly, surging inflow of remittances itself is not a remedy to country’s development stride. Sustainable solution of multiple problems is imperative to national earning.
In a recent programme organized in the federal capital, former Prime Minister and finance Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai expressed concern that even the small businesspersons were leaving the country citing lack of atmosphere conducive for investment. His observation in the wake of government’s preparation to Investment Summit bears significance.
When do the mega projects- Gautam Buddha International Airport and Pokhara International Airport- come to full operation? It is worth mulling question posed to governments at federal and province levels for long. Effective diplomatic dialogues are warranted for these.
Another worrying concern is the underperformance of the bill session of the federal parliament. The winter session was expected to make dozens of laws but taken hostage of political bickering and changes in coalition partners. It will have direct impact on the enforcement of federalism and constitution. Even the province governments have been changed as aftereffects of the change in ruling partners of the federal government.
Frequent change of governments causes political instability and sheer public distrust.
The April 27 by-election has been observed as a bellwether. In view of the political wrangling, the by-poll result cannot be denied as a factor to create yet another political ripple.
Ultimately, ruling ones, all political parties and bureaucracy’s working together is present urgency. While it takes time for Nepalis to celebrate achievements, frequency of malaises and irregularities are not good omen at all. So, it is time to clear backlogs to cheer achievements.
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08- Jufal airport resumes after 53 days of closure
Dolpa, April 21: Flights at Jufal Airport in Dolpa have resumed after 53 days of closure. The airport was temporarily shut to upgrade the 185-metre-long runway which was completed at a cost of Rs 60 million including VAT, according to Civil Aviation Authority’s engineer Bir Prasad Shahi.
This morning, a Tara Air flight from Nepalgunj landed at Jufal, marking the resumption of the services. Prior to this, the runway was in a dilapidated condition, posing a threat to travelers.
Jufal serves as the sole airport in Dolpa of Karnali Province, the largest district across the country.
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09- Massive avalanche in Manaslu Peak, people nearby Budhigandaki urged to remain vigilant
Gorkha, April 21: An avalanche occurred from the Manaslu Peak at Samagaun of Chumanubri rural municipality-1 in north Gorkha this morning.
According to local Dizen Lama, the avalanche fell near the Birendra Lake which lies on the lap of the Manaslu mountain.
The occurrence of the disaster at 9:00 am on Sunday caused the lake water to overflow and gush into the Budhigandaki River. The development caused a significant risk for a flood in the Budhigandaki. The avalanche is a big one and it may cause damage to settlements near the river downstream area, it is said.
District Police Office Gorkha’s Chief, Superintendent of Police Basudev Pathak, said, that once they were reported about the occurrence of the avalanche, a police squad swiftly left for the site. The increased water level in the river damaged a wooden bridge along the river. As the police team from the site assessed, the situation suggests no immediate risk for the further damages, he said.
Chief District Officer of Gorkha, Bhola Dahal, said everyone has been urged to remain alert to the increased water flow in the Budhigandaki and refrain from visiting the river area. The Birendra Lake that lies on the foot of the Manaslu Peak, the world’s eighth highest peak measuring 8,163 meters, is considered the origin of the Budhigandaki.
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10- Manaslu avalanche: Home Ministry urges people near Budhigandaki to remain vigilant
Kathmandu, April 21: The Ministry of Home Affairs has urged the people residing in the vicinity of Budhigandaki River in Gorkha to remain vigilant at possible consequences from an increased water flow in the river.
A massive avalanche from Mount Manaslu this morning fell into the Birendra Lake beneath the peak, causing it to overflow. The lake is considered the origin of the Budhigandaki. Following the lake outburst, the water level in the river has significantly increased, prompting the Home Ministry to issue a notice of precaution to the people residing near the river in the downstream areas.
According to Ministry Spokesperson, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, the flood may result in a significant loss. “And amidst this possibility, we appeal to the population concerned to take preventive measures on time. “
However, the District Police Office, Gorkha said the situation suggests no immediate risk for the further loss. Once the reporting about the occurrence of the disaster, a police squad from the office promptly left for the site for a response, it is said.
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11- Fire incidents increasing across country with prevalence of dry condition
Kathmandu, April 21: Life in the Tarai region as well as in the hilly region has been affected due to the lack of rain since long. The increasing heat and dry condition has led to the growing incidences of fire in various places.
News reports of livestock, food grains and properties destroyed by infernos have been received from various places.
A report from Bhairahawa, Rupandehi, stated that a fire spread to nine villages from Rohini rural municipality-6 in Rupandehi district last night, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Manohar Bhatta, the spokesperson at the District Police Office Rupandehi.
The fire that started from the dry wheat stalk was fanned by winds and it spread to Bishnupura, Parsa, Buchi, Barawa, Tarkulaha, Kotahawa, Chamkipur and Piprahawa. Although there are no human casualties due to the fire, 40 houses have been destroyed and 39 goats killed in the fires, he said.
The fire was brought under control in the evening with the joint efforts of the police, the Armed Police Force, the Nepali Army and the locals, using the fire engine of the Devdaha municipality.
Spokesperson Bhatta said fire incidents have been reported from throughout the district, Bhatta said. A fire at Gaidahawa rural municipality has also destroyed properties worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, he said.
Fire destroys 28 houses and sheds in Gulmi
A news report from Tamghas, Gulmi said 28 structures, including houses, shops and cowsheds were destroyed by fire that spread from a forest in Gulmi district.
Fire that raged on Friday until Saturday night razed this many houses and cowsheds at Isma rural municipality’s wards 1, 2 and 4, and at Gulmidurbar rural municipality, said Shankar Prasad Pokhrel, the spokesperson at the District Police Office, Gulmi.
According to him, the fire that started at the Rani community forest at Sindukha, Isma rural municipality-2 on Saturday afternoon spread to the settlements. The fire destroyed houses and animal sheds belonging to 15 persons at Hastichaur, killing a dozen cattle.
Similarly, fire that spread out from the nearby forest has partially damaged the electricity substation at Birbas, Gulmidarbar rural municipality-4 on Friday. Security personnel and locals brought the fire under control and prevented the substation from becoming fully-destroyed.
The fire has caused damage worth around Rs 20 million to the substation, police said.
Similarly, a news report from Birgunj, Parsa said fire that spread from a wheat field across the border in India burnt thatched roof houses and food grains as well as crops of farmers at Bhalamahiya settlement , Chhipaharmai rural municipality-1 in Parsa district. The disaster has damaged properties and food grains worth hundreds of thousands of rupees, it is learnt.
It is said the fire started in the wheat field across the border in India at 3.00pm on Saturday spread to the settlement and burnt the wheat crop, hay, chicken farm and the houses of 15 farmers. The inferno caused damage worth more than one million and eighty-four thousand rupees, police said.
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12- Harwa Charwa community demands endorsement of work procedures regarding their rehabilitation
Janakpur, April 21: The Third National Conference of National Harwa Charwa Rights Forum concluded in Janakpur, issuing a 17-point declaration.
Through the declaration, the Forum strongly urged the government to promptly endorse the procedures and action plans regarding the rehabilitation of the Harwa Charwa community and initiate the process to collect their details, verify their status, and provide them with identity cards.
The Forum also expressed concern over the State’s apathy towards the rehabilitation of the former Harwa Charwa community. The term Harwa Charwa is used to denote a form of bonded labour representing land tillers and cattle herders.
Despite the announcement of the liberation for the Harwa Charwa community, their rehabilitation has not been the priority of the government, the gathering said, urging the three-tier government to take prompt measures to address the concern.
It has also sought the implementation of a report along with the recommendations to the government presented by a committee to study the status of the community.
The gathering puts forth specific demands before the government, including the allocation of at least 10 Kattha of land (one Kattha is equivalent to 3,645 sq. feet) for each Harwa Charwa family. They also called for skill enhancement training for those interested, a multi-pronged poverty alleviation programme targeting the community, seed capital worth Rs 100,000, and other technical support for individuals interested in pursuing self-entrepreneurship.
Moreover, it voiced the need of coordinated efforts among the three levels of government to address the issues facing the Harwa Charwa community through policy-level interventions and in the upcoming budget.
The conference has called on the State to make alternative provisions to address the problem of more than half the Harwa Charwa people becoming deprived of social security and other facilities provided by the State as they are without the citizenship cards since they lack land-ownership and migration certificates.
It stressed on the need of issuing directives to the bodies concerned to stop, until another arrangement is made, the act of displacing the freed Harwa Charwa from the places of their residence in the name of development activities.
Similarly, the conference demanded that the State passed from the upcoming parliamentary session an integrated Act on the prohibition of forced labor to solve the problems of the freed Haliyas, Kamaiyas, Kamalaris, Harwas and Charwas in a sustainable way, to make their rehabilitation programme effective and to banish once and for all the forced labour system.
25-member working committee elected
The two-day conference has also elected a 25-member Working Committee under the chairmanship of Dashan Lal Mandal. Shree Prasad Sada is the vice-president, Lagindra Sada the general-secretary, Mohammad Kasim Miya and Biganes Paswan are the two secretaries and Rajawati Mandal the treasurer of the Working Committee.
The elected central committee members include Sumitra Khang, Gita Devi Sadaya, Tetari Devi Majhi, Soniya Majhi, Ramsakhi Devi Khachne (Mandal), Thakani Devi Ram, Ali Mohammad Nadaf, Shyam Sundar Sada, Madhu Sada, Devendra Ram, Khublal Ram, Dali Majhi, Dhanamanti Ram, Goliya Devi Ram and Upendra Das.
The Newly-elected President Dashan Lal Mandal said that the Working Committee will nominate remaining four central committee members.
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13- PM Dahal assures of citizens-friendly budget
Sudurpaschim, April 21: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has assured of a shift from the conventional approach while bringing the policies and programmes, and the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Talking to the media at Dhangadhi Airport today, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s preparations for coming up with advanced, objective, and citizens-friendly programmes, policies, and the budget. The PM had transited at Dhangadhi Airport while en route to Kanchanpur.
The government head took time to make it clear that the existing government does not reflect the power equation among the leftists. Instead, it should be considered as a political power equation, he said. According to him, the incumbent government coalition will complete its full term and there is no issue within it as rumoured outside.
Stating that the government is preparing to welcome the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who is arriving here for his two-day formal visit beginning on April 23. “This opportunity is historic,” he said.
Similarly, preparations for the third Nepal Investment Summit scheduled to take place on April 28-29 are near the completion, according to him.
“We receive widespread positive and encouraging responses regarding the Summit,” he said, adding the government is preparing to introduce some Acts through the ordinances to build an investment-friendly atmosphere.
On the occasion, the PM also shared with the media that Nepal will be hosting an international conference of mountain countries on climate change.
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14- Qatari Amir paying State Visit to Nepal on April 23-24
Kathmandu, April 21: At the cordial invitation of President Ramchandra Paudel, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, is paying a State Visit to Nepal on 23 – 24 April 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a press release today.
During the visit, the Amir of the State of Qatar will meet with President of Nepal at Shital Niwas. President Paudel will host a State Banquet in honour of the Amir of the State of Qatar.
Similarly, Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on 24 April 2024. Following the talks, both leaders will witness the signing ceremony of bilateral Agreements and Memorandums of Understanding.
His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar will depart for Qatar from Kathmandu on 24 April 2024.
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15- Lumbini Province Minister Ahir from JSP resigns
Lumbini, April 21: Minister for Agriculture and Land Management in the Lumbini province, Bhandarilal Ahir, has resigned from the post. His resignation follows the ruling from the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) to get back from the government.
Though he tendered his resignation on Saturday, it was made officially public today. In the resignation, the Minister cited the ‘non-implementation’ of the agreement reached with the party on April 4 by Chief Minister Jokh Bahadur Mahara as the reason behind the decision to quit the government. The Minister said he resigned in accordance with Article 169 (2) of the constitution.
He was appointed as the Minister without Portfolio on April 7 in the government led by Mahara, the parliamentary party leader of the CPN (Maoist Centre). He was assigned the responsibilities of the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Management on April 18.
During an agreement reached in the course of the formation of the Mahara-led government, it was agreed to give two ministries including Urban Development and Tourism to the JSP. However, the party said its support to the government continues. The party holds three seats in the Province Assembly.
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16- PM Dahal stresses on production of scientific, technical human resources
Mahendranagar, April 21: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said the production of scientists and technical human resources is vital for accelerating economic transformation in the country.
In his address to the Fourth Convocation of the Far-West University on Sunday, the Prime Minister and the University Chancellor said such human resources are the demand of the time.
Pressing an idea for utilising universities as a supporting tool for behavioral, social, and economic transformations, the Prime Minister urged the University to prioritise the production of human resources who can deliver with a sense of responsibility towards the nation and citizens.
Youths are the future of the nation and they should have qualities such as integrity, discipline, and a high sense of responsibility while passing out from universities as graduates. Scientific, advanced, and creative human resources are warranted to further strengthen a democratic system and achieve a rapid economic transformation, according to him.
He advised the University to ensure educational and managerial reforms so as to produce graduates capable of competing in the global education sphere, commending its role to increase citizens’ access to education specifically in the far-west Nepal.
Stating that the University that has already started teaching medical science under the Faculty of Medical Sciences towards the technical stream should now expand its services, he assured of the government’s required support for the same.
‘Govt will provide support in establishment of the National Medical Sciences University’
PM Dahal believed that access to specialist medical services could be ensured in the Far-west region with the establishment of the National Medical Science University in Geta of Kailali.
“The government has decided to set up the Sahid Dasharath Chand National Medical Science University in Geta of Kailali, realizing the lack of access to higher technical education in this region,” he said, adding that works like the formulation of laws for the establishment of the University have been expedited.
He expressed the confidence that the University to be established in Geta would prove to be a milestone in the development of this region.
Academic standard of universities needs to be improved
The Prime Minister underscored on the need of maintaining a high academic quality of the university. He insisted that the university should be the centre of attraction for study and research for all.
“There is a need for the university teachers, employees and students all to strengthen mutual collaboration, cooperation and goodwill for the uplift of the universities’ academic standards. The Government of Nepal is ever ready to provide the necessary support to improve the universities’ standard,” he reiterated.
PM Dahal pointed out the need of the University developing itself into an excellent institute of learning and education with the university’s leadership carrying out the physical and educational improvement of the university and also expanding student welfare activities through collaboration with other prestigious universities around the world.
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17- Minister Sharma urges international community to explore investment opportunities in Nepal’s IT sector
Kathmandu, April 21: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has urged the international community to confidently invest in the area of communications and information technology in Nepal.
The Minister made this call during a meeting with representatives from IT industries from 17 nations in the Asia Pacific held today on the eve of the Nepal Investment Summit scheduled for April 28-29.
On the occasion, she said the government aims to promote foreign, domestic, and non-resident investors simultaneously through the Summit. According to the Minister, the process is underway to undertake legal and structural reforms for the same, according to the Spokesperson for the government. The government is committed to creating a secure and trustworthy investment atmosphere.
“The Government of Nepal gives priority to the use of IT in its service delivery with the new innovations in IT and this has led to the use of e-systems in the public administration,” she said.
The essence of IT sector is significant to bring quality change in citizens’ lives by ensuring their wider and highest access to mass communications, telecommunications, and IT, she said, sharing about the government’s vision to build an IT-friendly nation.
As she said, the Ministry is preparing to undertake some revisions to enhance the effectiveness of the implementation of the concept for the ‘digital Nepal framework’.
The safe use of IT and building a ‘digital ecosystem’ are the priorities of the government and some preparatory works including the drafting of the IT and Cyber Security Bill, Social Sites Management, and Operation Bill have been intensified to implement such priorities, according to the Minister.
As she said, the understanding of the government is that proper management and utilization of skilled human resources with the use of IT will help achieve good governance and prosperity amid the global economic slowdown.
Last year alone, Nepal exported software worth Rs 67 billion and the government in the budget for the fiscal year 2081-82 BS ( 2024-25) will accord due priority to the promotion of IT sector.
She underlined the need to promote IT –based industries in Nepal-like landlocked countries to create jobs, promote exports, strengthen the economy and achieve development. The government is considering the implementation of the concept of IT park and information hub to operate the IT industry through a single venue.
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18- Diplomatic initiatives are on for safe rescue of Nepali students held hostage by Palestinian rebels
Mahendranagar, April 21: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the government has made serious diplomatic efforts for the safe repatriation of students in the captivity of Palestinian rebels to Nepal.
Addressing the Fourth Convocation Ceremony of the Far-West University here today, PM Dahal, who is also the Chancellor of the University, expressed sorrow over the Nepali students who lost their lives in the attacks by Palestinian insurgents in Israel on October 7, 2023.
“I am deeply saddened by the incident in which our students who had gone to Israel as part of the ‘Earning while Learning’ programme of the Far-West University’s Institute of Agriculture lost their lives in the attacks by the Palestinian rebels,” he said, and extended tribute to those students killed in the incident as well as expressing condolences to their family members.
The Prime Minister stated that the government has been fulfilling with alacrity the responsibility it has to undertake to bring back to Nepal the students who were injured and affected by the incident, and to repatriate the bodies of those killed in the attack.
“Even now a student is in the captivity of the rebels. Necessary diplomatic initiatives are going on for returning him to Nepal,” the PM said.
Bipin’s release will also be agenda during Qatari Amir’s visit to Nepal, says PM
Speaking in the same programme, Prime Minister Dahal said the topic of taking initiatives for securing the release of Bipin Joshi, a Nepali student who is under the captivity of Hamas militants, is included in the agenda during the State visit to Nepal.
He said that the role that the Qatari Amir can play in Joshi’s release is also included in the agenda of his visit.
“The government is vigorously playing its role in bringing the affected students home from Israel. Only today morning in an interview to a Kuwaiti television channel, I spoke on Qatar’s role in securing Joshi’s release and also requested to take the initiative to that end,” PM Dahal said on the occasion.
PM Dahal also on the occasion handed medals to the University students who won various medals.
Minister for Education, Science and Technology and the University Pro-Chancellor, Sumana Shrestha and Professor of the Kumaun University of Uttarakhand State, India, Prof Diwan Singh Rawat also put their views.
Three hundred and seventy-six students were graduated in the convocation ceremony, according to the Far-West University.
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19- UML Chair Oli taken ill
Kathmandu, April 21 : CPN UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has been taken ill. Due to health problems, Chairman Oli is taking rest at home, according to Rajendra Gautam, chief of UML publicity department.
He has been suffering from common cold and headache. Owing to Oli’s health problems, Senior Vice Chairman of the party, Ishwor Pokhrel, presided over the National General Convention Representatives’ Council Meeting going on at Godawari, Lalitpur, today.
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20- Nepal Police calls for restraint while reporting on cases under investigation
Kathmandu, April 21: The Nepal Police has urged journalists to be restraint in reporting on the cases that are under investigation.
In an interaction with journalists organized by the Nepal Police’s Department of Crime Investigation here today, the Nepal Police sought journalists’ caution while making news about cases which are being investigated.
Chief of the Department and Additional Inspector General (AIG) of Police Tek Bahadur Tamang viewed it would create illusion and confusion among readers if the news stories were made about someone’s involvement based on mere hint and suspicion. Hence, he urged the media persons to pay special attention while disseminating of such news. According to him, Nepal Police had been providing information and issues of public concerns.
Similarly, monitoring chief at Press Council Nepal, Mahendra Raj Singh, informed that the NPC had been devising code of conduct in accordance with the Press Council Act-2048 BS and monitoring whether media and journalists were complying with the code of conduct. “The Council has been taking action against the media violating the code of conduct,” he added.
Officer at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Sharada Chalise, said the Ministry was working towards ensuring dissemination of factual and credible news.
According to her, the Ministry had been routinely organizing press meet to educate general public about the decisions of Cabinet meetings. The journalists participating in the interaction, however, viewed there should not be a tendency of hiding information in the public offices because it would violate the general public’s right to information.
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21- 16 persons held for demonstrating at prohibited area
Kathmandu, April 21: The police have arrested 16 persons for demonstrating at a prohibited area, the southern gate of Singha Durbar, on Sunday. They were protesting at Singha Durbar gate, putting forth various demands.
Superintendent of Police at District Police Premises, Kathmandu, Nabaraj Adhikari, informed the Ratriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) that they were held for demonstration against the rule. The protestors were among the student leaders including Abinash Kunwar, Milan Rai and Harikrishna Gajurel.
They are kept at Singha Durbar Police Circle.
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22- ‘Compulsion of opting for foreign jobs ends in 15-year’
Kathmandu, April 21: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security, Dol Prasad Aryal, said government would end Nepali’s compulsion to leave country for foreign jobs in one and half decade.
Speaking at a discussion organized by the ministry on Sunday, Minister Aryal viewed, “If we are given chance to work for the employment sector, the trend of going abroad for jobs will end.” He also informed that a mega employment fair was being organized to establish coordination among job aspiring youths, employers, and training centres. The ministry conducted a discussion to garner suggestions on how the fair could be made effective.
According to the Minister, the youths aspiring jobs would be provided information about the skills needed for various jobs. The representatives of training centres who attend the fair will impart necessary information and help find jobs. Similarly, the institutes providing training would also receive feedback and make strategies accordingly.
Ministry Secretary Ghanashyam Upadhyay said the mega fair also aims at promoting domestic job markets. Other sectors are also sought suggestions and cooperation to this regard, he added. Similarly, Joint Secretary and ministry spokesperson Govinda Prasad Rijal shared that the fair was envisioned to reduce the dependency on foreign jobs by creating jobs and make job market dynamic within country.
The discussion was attended by various sectors, including Hotel Entrepreneurs Association, Municipality Association, FNCCI, Nepal Trade Union Congress, and foreign employment experts.
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23- Acute shortage of anti-rabies vaccine in Bharatpur Hospital leaves patients in trouble
Narayangadh (Chitwan), April 21: As many as 200 patients visit Bharatpur Hospital on a daily basis for anti-rabies vaccine. However, due to acute shortage of the vaccine, they return home disappointed bearing the risk of viral disease transmitted through bite of rabid animal.
Binod Lama of Bharatpur Metropolitan City (BMC)-12, rushed his 11-year-old daughter, who was bitten by a rabid dog, to the Hospital for vaccination. Much to his dismay, the staffers at the Hospital mentioned about shortage of vaccines in the Hospital and he was left with no choice but to go out of the hospital to get the vaccine.
“Isn’t it strange that the Hospital is running short of vaccine! Where do we avail the vaccine then?”fumed Gurung, adding, “They suggested us to procure it from outside which is so expensive and we are not aware where do we get it in the first place.”
Sanjay Gurung of Bharatpur was bitten by a rabid dog while going to his relative’s house in Dhading. He immediately got the first dose of the vaccine administered there. When he reached the Bharatpur Hospital to get the second dose, he could not get one.
Gurung shared that at first he did not believe that there was shortage of the vaccine in the Hospital. He was only convinced about it when other patients visiting the Hospital along with him reaffirmed it. “What kind of vaccine is this that is not available in the public healthcare facility? Where shall we get the vaccine now?”, he ranted.
Similarly, Bharat Gurung of Bharatpur-6 had to purchase the vaccine from elsewhere when it was not available in the Hospital. It cost him Rs 625 for a vial which has two doses of vaccine while for the three doses of anti-rabies vaccine, the Hospital would charge them only Rs 300, according to him.
He shared that two patients buy a single vial on cost-sharing basis and get it inoculated. Dr Ram Prasad Sapkota, Spokesperson of the Hospital, admitted that the Hospital has been reeling under acute shortage of anti-rabies vaccine. “The shortage began since April 2. We have no stock of the vaccine at present,” he confessed.
Sapkota informed that they had been repeatedly notifying the concerned authorities in the provincial and federal ministries about the shortage but to no avail. Earlier, the Hospital used to receive 60 to 70 vials of vaccines daily which sufficed to inoculate the patients. With the surge in the number of patients of dog bite started and with no stock of vaccine in the Hospital, the shortage grew more severe.
Apart from home district, patients outside of Chitwan district such as Nawalpur, Dhading, Gorkha among others also visit the Hospital for vaccine and return empty-handed.
According to Spokesperson Sapkota, they have been told that it would take two weeks for them to get vaccine restocked. “We have no convincing answer for the patients,” he said. Pradeep Adhikari, Chief of Store Department in the Hospital, added they procured less than the quantity of the vaccines they had requested. As the demand for the vaccine went up with the surge in the number of patients, the store ran short of it and now they had to suggest the patients to get the vaccine from elsewhere.
He explained, “When we demanded 1000 vials of vaccines with the provincial authority, we only got 80 vials. We only received 250 vials from the federal authority which was not sufficient to go by more than two days.”
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24- Elderly dies is fire originating from forest fire
Triveni (Rukum West), April 21: One person had died in a fire that took place in Bamfikot Rural Municipality-3 of Rukum Pachim. The deceased has been identified as 70-year-old Budi Kami.
She died when the fire spread from the nearby Dharpakha community forest to the Neupane village, burning three houses into ashes. The houses of Yubaraj BK, Annate Sarki and Bhudi Kami of Nepal Tole was destroyed in the fire that took place around 2:30 pm today. Ward Chair Tilvir KC said 70-year-old Kami was burnt to death while trying to removing goods to protect it from the fire that was about to engulf her house.
The food stock, clothes and utensils inside the houses were destroyed in the fire. The fire that started from Dharpakha Community Forest has now spread to Bhirikhola Community Forest, Saikumari Community Forest. The local forest users group, local police office Bamfikot and local people are trying to bring the forest fire under control, said ward chair KC.
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25- UML’s Godawari conclave passes action plan on organizational clean up, decides continuity to ruling coalition
Kathmandu, April 21: The Godawari conclave of the CPN UML has passed a proposal on organizational clean up.
The first meeting of the UML general convention representatives’ council held at Godawari, Lalitpur univocally decided to observe 2081 BS as the year of party and organizational clean up.
UML publicity department chief Rajendra Gautam informed that leaders in different six teams discussed the reports presented in the meeting on Saturday and shared conclusion on Sunday. The report was passed by incorporating the suggestions of the team leaders.
The team leaders suggested the party that it reduced membership fee, ensured electoral reform, maintained disclosure of income and expenditure of party leaders and cadres, ended groupism in the party. On Saturday, party Chair KP Sharma Oli had presented a political report, while General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel tabled the organization report.
Deputy General Secretary Bishnu Rimal presented various 13 proposals on contemporary politics in the meeting, publicity department chief Gautam said, adding that even the reports by central disciplinary commission, central account commission, central election commission and central advisory councils of the party were presented.
The meeting attended by 2,454 representatives resolved to make the current ruling alliance sustainable and result-oriented. The meeting was for giving continuity to the present coalition for stability and protection of nationality, according to Deputy General Secretary Rimal.
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26- Writ filed against appointment of CM in Sudur Paschim
Kathmandu, April 21: A writ petition has been filed at the Supreme Court against the appointment of Dirgha Sodari as the Chief Minister of the Sudurpaschim Province.
Laxman Kishore Chaudhary of the Nagarik Unmukti Party filed the petition today calling for an order to cancel the appointment of Sodari, the leader of the CPN (US) Parliamentary Party, as the Chief Minister.
A hearing on the writ petition is scheduled to take place on Monday. Chaudhary was one of the provincial assembly members that had staked the claim over the post of the CM, with the support of Nepali Congress and CPN-US parliamentary party members.
In addition, Kailash Chaudhary of Nagarik Unmukti Party has submitted a claim over the CM’s post with the support of CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Centre) parliamentary party members in the provincial assembly. As two factions of the same party staked claim over the post of the new Chief Minister, Chief of Sudurpaschim Province Najir Mian made a call again for claim over the post of the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, in the recall, Sodari submitted a claim with the support of CPN (UML), CPN (Maoist Center), Nagarik Unmukti Party (Kailash Chaudhary faction) on April 19, and as subsequently appointed the CM.
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27- FNJ’s dispute be settled respecting everyone
Kathmandu, April 21: Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens Bhagwati Chaudhary has said that the FNJ’s dispute regarding its founders be resolved with due respect to all parties.
Minister Chaudhary said so addressing a dialogue on the theme ‘Anniversary of the FNJ and contribution of Satya Narayan Bahadur Shrestha’ organized by Federation of Nepalese Indigenous Journalists (FONIJ) here on Sunday.
Urging to develop journalism sector as a common institution for all, Chaudhary asserted that the FNJ’s founders related dispute should be ironed out on the basis of facts, statistics and evidences. Expressing her happiness over more and more journalists from indigenous community foraying into journalism sector in the recent days, the Minister expected that they should be able to bring to fore as many as people’s issues in coming days.
She recognized late Krishna Prasad Bhattarai as a dedicated leader while acknowledging the role played by late Satya Narayan in disseminating news in the favor of general people and unifying journalists at that era. The Minister expressed her confidence that the FNJ would be able to resolve the issue positively.”
During the programme, Minister Chaudhary also feted Dipin Rai with the FONIJ UK Journalism Honour and felicitated Sangita Chepang of Ichha Kamana FM Chitwan with FONIJ UK Journalism Award. Both the award and honour carries a purse of 25,000 each.
In the programe chaired by FONIJ President Gajurdhan Rai, other participants such as Press Union’s Vice-Chairperson Jeevan Bhandari, Press Chautari Nepal’s Vice-Chairperson Devika Gharti Magar, Samajbadi Press Sangathan’s Vice-Chairperson Asmita Giri and Madheshi Patrakar Samaj Chairperson Mohan Singh among others echoed with the Minister.
They also viewed that the issue relating to founders of the FNJ’s should be addressed based on the facts and evidences.
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