- Monday, 18 November 2024
Janakpurdham, Feb 13: Artificial intelligence, cyber security, automation and similar other jargons saddle our mind when we come to hear about one’s study of computer technology. It further results into the expectation of jobs in an IT company or the similar firm. But it is not always the case for everyone who graduates IT.
Yes, a graduate in computer technology began a teashop, which has taken everyone by surprise here.
Rajesh Karna from Devichok of Janakpurdham sub-metropolis -10 in Dhanusha district is currently trying his hands to weigh glass of water and milk, and ascertain pint of sugar, but if his life had gone normal, he used to dance his fingers on computer keyboards.
For the winter sip, preparation of tasty, scalded tea is his daily life.
He shared that he had expected a job in the similar field he studied, but he said, “I’ve no regrets at all. Dream and destiny are different.”
Karna explained why he began teashop- he had to return home immediately after he joined a lucrative job with his graduation in India due to ailing mother at home. She suffered from throat cancer. He had no option but to take her to better health facility in India, but in vain.
Rajesh who had passed SLC securing first division in 2066BS from a private school of Janakpurdham did his Plus Two and Bachelor from Indian educational institutes.
It is the University of Emerging Science and Technology, Baddi, Himanchal Pradesh from where he did Bachelor in Computer Engineering.
With graduation, he was recommended by the University itself for a job at a company in Chandigarh. He worked there for three months. But, his fate took a wrong side that he was informed about mother’s severe sickness, promoting him to quit the job and care for mother.
“I spent Rs 2.5 to 3 million for the treatment of mother at AIIMS, New Delhi. Almost a year passed in the hospital,” he shared.
The misfortune continued- even the father dies amidst family blight. He could not work for the offices which offered hefty salary, leaving aside family disorder.
“In the beginning, it was displeasing. But, I’m getting accustomed gradually,” he shared, picking tea glasses. “I used to believe in science but now in providence.”
Karna turns speechless after explaining how the situation was when he was at loss –sheer uncertainty caused by trauma. He could not stay idle either- with no income. He tried for the job abroad and even got through different phases of selection for a job relating to cyber security in Dubai.
As he had to undergo blood test during health checkup to prepare for further process as part of foreign job, he faced another setback- his blood was infected. Karna is currently taking medicine.
A person from middle class family, he earned his Plus Two degree at his own investment, while BTech on scholarship.
Not only Rajesh but his elder brother has achieved university education, MTech in biology from India and PhD from China. The brother is also in stress and trying to normalize life.
“I began a teashop after taking loan of Rs 100 thousand. It the result of family trauma, learning and destiny, ” he said, hoping relief and normalcy in life.
Karna is going to name the teashop an ‘engineer’s café.’
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‘Hridaya Chandra Memorial Honour’ goes to Prof Madhav Pokharel
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Critic and essayist Prof Dr Madhav Prasad Pokharel is being conferred on the ‘Hridaya Chandra Memorial Honor’. The meeting of the Sahitya Sadan Nepal took a decision to this regard on Monday.
Chairman of Sadan, a literary foundation, Prof Dr Hemnath Paudel, informed that the essayist Pokharel would be felicitated amidst a programme to be organized on the birth anniversary of progressive litterateur Hridaya Chandra Singh Pradhan.
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‘Public-private partnership must for development’
Morang, Feb 13: Chief Minister of Koshi Province, Kedar Karki, has said public-private partnership is essential for economic prosperity. For such collaboration, government is committed to support industrialists and entrepreneurs, he vowed.
In the sixth Province Assembly meeting of FNCCI here Monday, CM Karki reminded that government and businesspersons are complementary, so only option we have is effective cooperation and collaboration.
According to him, businesspersons should create jobs and help in revenue generation, while government would facilitate promotion of entrepreneurship and industries.
On the occasion, Minister for Industry, Agriculture and Cooperatives in province, Ram Kumar Khatri, seconded CM Karki that government would take together private sectors for province prosperity.
FNCCI Koshi Province chair Rajendra Raut underlined the need of private sector’s participation in province investment authority.
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‘Media’s role important on heritage conservation’
Dharan, Feb 13: Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Ashok Kumar Rai, viewed media persons have significant role on conservation of local heritages.
Addressing a workshop on ‘Role of Media Persons on Conservation of Local Heritage’ here Monday, Minister Rai urged journalists to write on heritages warranting attention for conservation and visibility. The workshop was organized by the mass communication committee of Nepal national commission for UNESCO. Journalists can bring to fore the importance of heritage and diversity of the country through insightful reporting, he added.
The Minister appreciated that media persons having knowledge on technology are also produced lately. However, honesty and accountability are also essential in this profession, he underlined.
Member of the House of Representatives, Sushila Shrestha, also urged media persons to bring to fore the issues relating to local culture and cultural preservation. It was the first programme UNESCO organized out of the Kathmandu Valley for heritage conservation, she informed.
Coordinator of mass communication committee, Namrata Sharma, opined that artificial intelligence has posed new challenges before media.
Similarly, Chairman of Chomolung UNESCO Centre, Hari Bansa Kirat, stressed all sides’ efforts on heritage conservation.
Noted journalist Harsha Subba criticized that present journalism has lost ground. Adherence to code of conduct is fading in this profession, he argued.
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Minister Limbu for speeding up construction of indigenous stadium
Damak, Feb 13: Minister for Youth and Sports, Dik Bahadur Limbu, directed the concerned authorities to speed up construction of indigenous stadium at Padajung of Kamal rural municipality-5 in Jhapa.
During the inspection visit here Monday, Minister Limbu, assured government support to complete the project in time.
General Secretary of the indigenous stadium and memorial foundation, Dipen Wala Rai, informed that Rs 10 million budget was allocated via National Sports Council for the construction of the sports ground. Even a construction consumers committee has been formed under Rai’s leadership.
The construction works of the stadium were halted since 2069BS owing to dispute over name.
Since 2069BS, the government has allocated Rs 20 billion for it. Detailed project report is awaited though the surface was leveled.
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NC inducts ten members to accommodation coordination sub-committee
Kathmandu, Feb 13: The Nepali Congress has inducted 10 more members to its accommodation coordination subcommittee.
The subcommittee got new members to make effective the mahasamiti meeting of the NC scheduled from February 19 to 22 in Godawari, Lalitpur. The subcommittee is coordinated by central Madan Bahadur Amatya.
New members are Ram Krishna Chitrakar, Min Krishna Maharjan, Jivan Dangol, Rishiram Ghimire, Chiri Babu Maharjan, Gajendra Maharjan, Ganesh KC, Bir Bahadur Lopchan and Muna Adhikari, according to Chief Secretary at NC party office, Krishna Prasad Paudel.
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Dahal calls for unity among progressive forces to institutionalise achievements
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said time demands all forces that advocated for and contributed to bring about change to unite.
In his address to a party programme on the occasion of the 29th People’s War Day here today, leader Dahal was of the view that institutionalization of the political achievements so far is possible only through unity among progressive forces.
He also utilised the moment to call on Maoist leaders and cadres to take responsibility for protecting the achievements of the people’s war. Highlighting the challenges faced, he warned that some forces are attempting to reverse the accomplishments made in the areas of socialism, good governance, social justice, and prosperity.
Party Chair Dahal also welcomed newcomers to the party from Dang and Surkhet who formally joined the party.
Party Standing Committee member and Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, was also present on the occasion.
The party observed Fagun 1 each year in the Nepali calendar as the People’s War Day in commemoration of the formal commencement of the people’s war (1996-2005).
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IMF team finds investment climate in Nepal’s energy sector
Kathmandu, Feb 13: A team of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has found investment-friendly environment in the energy infrastructure sector in Nepal albeit various challenges in the country’s economy.
The IMF staff team, led by Mr Tidiane Kinda, conducted a staff visit to Nepal from February 5-12, 2024, to discuss recent macroeconomic developments and the implementation of the Fund-supported programme.
“Nepal’s external position continues to strengthen on the back of buoyant remittances, increasing tourism activity, subdued imports, and inflation is decreasing. Weak domestic demand, large outward migration, and low credit growth despite monetary relaxation continue to weigh on near-term economic growth. Enhancing domestic revenue mobilization and accelerating the execution of capital expenditure will provide needed support to growth while securing fiscal sustainability. Increased vigilance on banks’ asset quality and stepped-up supervisory efforts are important to preserve financial stability in view of growing non-performing loans,” team leader Kinda said in a press note issued on conclusion of their visit on Monday.
The medium-term economic outlook remains favorable, as strategic investments in infrastructure, especially in the energy sector, are expected to support potential growth. The upcoming Investment Summit presents an opportunity to showcase Nepal’s economic potential. Timely reforms to durably improve the investment climate will help take full advantage of the Summit and pave the way to stronger growth in the future.
The authorities’ ongoing efforts in meeting key commitments under the Fund-supported programme, with the support of IMF’s technical assistance, are welcome. Performance under the programme will be formally assessed in the context of the fourth review of the Extended Credit Facility, which is expected to take place in the middle of the year, states the press note.
Ms Gulde-Wolf, Deputy Director in the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, attended key meetings. The IMF team held meetings with the Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, the Nepal Rastra Bank Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari, the National Planning Commission Vice-Chairman Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha, and other senior government and central bank officials. The IMF team also met with representatives from the private sector and development partners.
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PM Dahal assures of addressing issues of cooperatives victims
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said he is effortful to provide justice to victims of cooperatives and microfinances’ mismanagement.
During his meeting with a delegation from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar today, the Prime Minister assured of addressing the concerns of those affected by the mismanagement of cooperatives and microfinances soon.
During the meeting, the delegation comprising party President Rabi Lamichhane, Vice President Dr Swarnim Wagle and others submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister seeking the government effective intervention to resolve problem.
“I am highly serious about this matter. A large number of depositors have been subjugated to fraud in cooperatives and microfinances,” he said, adding that he was committed to ensuring justice to them. The Prime Minister sought the party support to sort out the matter.
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Nepal is origin of Vedic Sanatana culture: President Paudel
Kathmandu, Feb 13: President Ramchandra Paudel has said Nepal is the place of origin of the Vedic Sanatana culture.
Inaugurating the Shreemad Bhagawat Saptah Gyan Mahayagya, a religious programme, organised by the Gargi Kanya Gurukula, a school for girls, today, the Head-of-the-State believed that the State will pay special attention for the development of the Gurukula.
He highly appreciated the role played by the Gargi Kanya Gurukula Vidyashram school in providing the Vedic education to the girls. “Women should be made educated, self-reliant and empowered in order to make the society civilized, well-cultured and prosperous,” the President said.
As he said, it was a matter of happiness that the Gargi Kanya Gurukula has made arrangements for providing the Vedic education to girls in an environment reflecting the Gurukula tradition in the context of lack of provision for giving such education to girls in an appropriate manner at the existing Gurukulas in the country.
He stated that it is laudable work that saints and holy persons in Devghatdham have been operating ashramas and Gurukulas following the motto of ancient saints and hermits, highlighting the importance of the place.
“I have the inkling that the human resources educated in the Gurukulas can play a key role in the protection of the original culture, tradition, co-existence and self-esteem belonging to own soil,” the President said.
Stating that the Vedas, the most ancient scriptures, are considered the source of spiritual knowledge and science, he viewed that Nepal is known as the ‘land of the gods and of the quest for spiritualism’.
The President said sages and saints as Vasistha, Vishwamitra, Yagyawalkya, Ashtabakra and Gargi observed penance and meditated in various holy places of Nepal in the ancient period, gaining mystical power on the basis of their rigorous meditation.
Bagmati province government minister for tourism Pukar Maharjan said the provincial government will extend maximum possible support for the development of Gargi Gurukula Vidyasharam that is linked with Vedic Sanatana culture. He, on the behalf the province government, pledged to provide Rs 4.5 million support for the development of Gargi Gurukula and Rs 500,000 to the Mahayagya programme.
Mayor of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Renu Dahal, sad the Gargi Gurukula Vidyasharam will help in producing wise and able women citizens. She pledged the necessary support from the side of the Metropolis for the progress of the Gurukula.
Dr Govinda Tandon, the Coordinator of the Mahayagya Organizing Main Programme Committee, informed that the Gargi Kanya Gurukula Vidyashram was established in 2075 BS with the goal of raising spiritual awareness in women.
The Shreemad Bhagawat Mahayagya religious programme that was inaugurated today will run till February 21.
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Maoist Centre’s Statute Convention begins
Kathmandu, Feb 13: The Statute Convention of ruling CPN (Maoist Centre) has commenced at the Nepal Academy in Kamaladi. During the opening session, party chair and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal wreathed the portraits of martyrs.
The three-day event is being attended over 1,200 representatives including party’s central members, alternative central members, members from three central commission, office-bearers from seven province committees, three non-territorial committees and party-affiliated organisations.
Previously, the party established the Statute Draft Committee led by vice chair Pampha Bhusal. The Committee comprising general secretary Dev Prasad Gurung, deputy general secretaries Girirajmani Pokhrel, Barshaman Pun and Janardan Sharma along with secretaries Surendra Karki and Ganesh Shah, presented the statue’s draft to party chair Dahal on January 12.
According to the party source, the Convention aims to formulate a consolidated statue to run the party in a more organised way.
Addressing the Convention, party senior Vice Chair and Deputy Prime Minister, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, said though the government earlier announced a public holiday to commemorate the People’s War Day today (Fagun 1 in the Nepali calendar), the provision was rescinded out of respect for the Supreme Court’s verdict.
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Numerous laws remain unformulated: NA Chair
Chitwan, Feb 13: National Assembly (NA) Chair Ganesh Prasad Timilsina has said the parliament has not been able to enact necessary laws. Talking to media here today, the upper house Chair acknowledged that various laws remained to be formulated.
He admitted that during his term at the NA, no laws were enacted by the upper house. “The government failed to introduce dedicated bill for the NA to draft acts”.
However, each bill that the NA received for its business were endorsed through a due process one time, he said, adding that in this term, he assessed his tenure as successful.
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Same sex marriage gets legal recognition
Ranjha (Banke), Feb 13: The same sex wedlock of 33-year-old Anju Devi Shrestha of Bardiya and Suprita Gurung, 33, of Tanahu has been legally recognized. Shrestha, a resident of Badhaiyatal-2, Bardiya and Gurung from Bandipur-5, Tanahu are both women.
Their marriage got legal recognition with the Badhaiyatal Rural Municipality, Ward No. 2 Office registering the marriage. Shrestha and Gurung turned their love relation into marriage some five years back.
Deepak Nepali, ward secretary and civil registration officer of Badhaiyatal-2, said that Anju and Suprita had submitted an application with the Ward Office on January 18, 2024 for registering their marriage and the Office issued the marriage registration certificate on Sunday, in coordination with the technical section of the Department of National ID and Civil Registration.
The certificate mentions that the marriage has been temporarily registered for the time being until the formulation of the related law, said Rural Municipality’s chief administrative officer Arjun Subedi.
Anju currently lives at Kohalpur-5 in Banke district while Suprita resides in Britain.
“We came to know each other through Facebook when studying in Grade 12. We decided to marry as our relation got closer and deeper,” said Anju, speaking in a press conference organized in Nepalgunj on Monday.
“We married according to the religious custom after we fell in love and started living together,” she added. According to her, they tied the nuptial knot at the Chhanchhangdi Temple at Waling, Syangja five years back.
Although they were looked down upon by their families and relatives before this, now they are supported.
The Paschim Tara Nepal, Nepalgunj and Mayako Pahichan Nepal, Kathmandu, the two social organisations advocating for the rights and identity of sexual and gender minority communities, have said the registration of the marriage between Anju and Suprita has backed up their campaign.
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ACC Women Premier League: Nepal secures historic win
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Nepal achieved a historic victory over the Maldives in the ACC Women Premier League Tournament. In the match held today, Nepal won by a huge margin of 214 runs, with outstanding centuries from the team’s batter, Rubina Chhetri.
In the match held at Kuala Lumpur of Malaysia, Nepal chose to bat first by winning the toss. It scored 227 in 20 overs at the loss of four wickets. Chasing the 228-run target, the Maldives was limited to a paltry 13 runs in 13.5 overs.
For Nepal, Rubina scored the first ever century with 10 boundaries and five sixes for Nepal in women’s T20I in 59 balls, becoming the first Nepali women cricketer from Nepal to score centuries in the international cricket.
Similarly, Puja Mahato contributed 59 runs with five fours and one six in 36 balls followed by 15 from Sita Rana Magar and 13 from Kabita Kunwar.
Towards bowling, Shamma Ali took three wickets and Nabba Naseem took one.
In course of limiting the Maldives to 13, Nepal’s Asmina Karmacharya took the highest for wickets followed by three each by Puja and Rubina. No players from the Maldives could hit a double-digit run. Sumayya Binth Abdul Hameed scored five and Nabba and Hafsaa Abdhulla scored two runs each. The Maldives were all out in 13.
Winning the final group (D) stage match of ACC Women’s Premier Cup, Nepal has secured its place in the quarters final. Nepal won the first match against Hong Kong and the second against Bhutan.
With its third consecutive defeat in the Cup, the Maldives has been out from the tournament.
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Radio Nepal launches news and programme broadcast in Bajjika language
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Radio Nepal has launched news and programme broadcast in the Bajjika language from today, coinciding with the World Radio Day. Radio Nepal that is on air 24/7 had been broadcasting news in 21 languages and programmes in 20 languages before this.
Bajjika language speakers’ population is concentrated mainly in Rautahat, Bara, Sarlahi among the districts of the Madhes province. The population of Bajjika speakers in Nepal is nearly one million and 133 thousand as per the latest census. Bajjika is spoken by most number of people in the Madhes province after Maithili and Bhojpuri languages. It is in the sixth place among all languages spoken in Nepal in terms of the number of speakers.
Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology Ram Krishna Subedi inaugurated the Radio Nepal’s Bajjika language news and programme broadcast.
On the occasion, Secretary Subedi, who is also the Chair of Radio Broadcasting Service Development Committee, said the government bodies also need to adopt the characteristics of an inclusive state.
Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) central president Bipul Pokharel maintained that the local people’s ownership towards the State media will increase with the broadcasting of news and programmes in their mother tongue.
Executive Chair of , Dharmendra Jha, called on the State to pay attention to the development and promotion of all languages spoken in the nation.
Radio Nepal’s Executive Director Buddhi Bahadur KC said Radi Nepal is a model of an inclusive media in terms of languages, content and human resources.
Radio Nepal has expanded its broadcasting services throughout the country via its provincial broadcasting offices in all seven provinces and 32 FM relay stations, including three broadcasting centres.
KC said Radio Nepal’s reach has reached to 93 percent of the country’s population. He said works are being carried out to expand its reach to cent per cent citizens and territory.
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Korea-Nepal Model Dairy Village launched
Sindhuli, Feb 13: The Korea-Nepal Model Dairy Village has been officially launched in Kamalamai municipality-5 in Sindhuli today.
Republic of Korea’s ambassador to Nepal, Park Tae Yong, Dr Rewati Raman Poudel, the secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and Upendra Kumar Pokhrel, the mayor of Kamalamai municipality were present on the occasion.
During the event, a Holstein female calf, bred for the first time in Nepal, was presented to local farmer Uma Subedi.
This achievement was made possible through the support of Heifer International, which previously provided Holstein cows to 50 families in the area. As part of the initiative, the condition was set that the first farmer witnessing the breeding of a female calf would gift the animal to another farmer.
On the occasion, the ambassador said he was pleased to be part of the inauguration of the model village and the handover of the heifer.
As he described, the event coincided with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Nepal and the RoK (South Korea). The model dairy village will contribute to strengthening bilateral ties, according to him.
Secretary Poudel, describing the inauguration as the outcome of a year-long effort, pledged full support to farmers in establishing a market for their dairy products.
The mayor also committed to assisting farmers in increasing the farming of Holstein cows, promoting production, and finding lucrative markets for their products.
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Group discussion underway in CPN (MC) Statute Convention
Kathmandu, Feb 13: The draft statute of the CPN (Maoist Centre) is being discussed in 20 groups in the first statute convention of the Party underway in the capital.
The groups with 50 to 55 members each are currently holding separate discussion on the draft statute, said General Secretary Dev Prasad Gurung.
He shared that the conclusion of the group will be presented before the plenary to take place tomorrow. The statute will be finalized based on the suggestions received from all the 20 groups.
More than 1,200 delegates including central members, alternate central members, three central commission members, officials of seven provinces and officials of sister organizations are participating in the conference.
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Maoist Centre Chair appeals Maoist splinters to unite
Kathmandu, Feb 13: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has appealed to all advocates of transformation who contributed to the People’s War to unite.
Dahal said that a right opportune was there to unite all the revolutionaries. “I urge to unite in a single front and centre. Let’s not delay, let’s have a review and let’s create a new wave,” Prachanda said urging the former Maoists to unite and form a centre.
Inaugurating the First Statute Conference of the party organized here from Tuesday on the occasion of the People’s War Day, he argued that no one has the right to blame the warriors, who sacrificed their lives for the cause of the transformation.
Saying that there was an opportunity to move ahead by maintaining social justice and good-governance, he said that the People’s War has a far-reaching significance in Nepal’s history and such significance will remain in coming days as well.
On the occasion, he also recalled people’s support to the decade-long insurgency. Likewise, senior vice-chair of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and Deputy Prime Minister Narayankaji Shrestha shared that the government had to accept the Supreme Court verdict though the government announced a public holiday on People’s War Day.
The revolutionaries observe this day in a grand manner though the public holiday was not given from the government and the day should be highly appreciated, Shrestha shared. Shrestha added that republic form of governance was established in the country from the people’s war as per the vision of the Maoist Centre Chair Prachanda.
He further said that the party’s main goal should be heading to socialism-oriented democratic republic by completing the remaining tasks of the peace process.
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6th Daughter Conference concludes with 17-point Karnali Declaration
Karnali, Feb 13: The 6th National Daughters’ Conference has concluded in Birendranagar of Surkhet today with a 17-point Karnali Declaration.
The conference that kicked off since February 10 was organized by the Avasha National Campaign Nepal and the Mainstream Women Service Centre, Udayapur.
The conference that brought together daughters and women rights activities from all over the country drew attention of the three-tier governments to eliminate all kinds of ill traditions and practices relating to daughters and women.
Coordinator of the Campaign, Najbul Khan, shared that the conference was organized in Karnali Province as a part of the campaign to establish the major objective of ensuring women’s inclusion in all strata of society and in state organs for achieving equality, inclusiveness and human rights.
The campaign was initiated from Koshi Province since 2075 BS and has been extended nation-wide to advance the gender equality cause, the organizers said. Coordinator Khan said, “Such campaigns help pile pressure on the stakeholders to end violence and exploitation against and girls and women and ensure meaningful participation of women in decision-making levels.
Ill traditions, practices and customs such as domestic violence, feticide, rape, child marriage, witchcraft, Chaupadi custom and Deuki practice among others still prevail in Karnali Province.
Against this backdrop, the conference, through declaration, demanded for significant and massive participation of women in learning new skills, arts and technical education to make themselves independent. Stating that although issue of women rights has long been in debate in Nepal, the political parties in Nepal have failed to ensure women’s participation in all important state apparatus, the conference concluded.
Similarly, the declaration called for launching research and study into those stunted ones in the Karnali Province and pledged to coordinate efforts with the provincial and local government to launch special programmes related to food and nutrition security to address the problems relating to stunting. The campaign also reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the local government to increase effectiveness and ensure continuation of programmes and campaigns for women’s empowerment including the ‘Savings Account for Daughter, Security for lifetime’, and ‘Daughter and Daughter-in-law Scholarship Programme’ among others, said coordinator Khan.
The declaration also drew the attention of the government to expedite the resettlement operation of survivors of Jajarkot earthquake and provide security to the vulnerable ones.
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Palpa road accident: Eight die on the spot, 18 injured
Rampur (Palpa), Feb 13: Eight people have died and 18 others were injured in a road accident that took place in the district today.
According to the District Police Office (DPO), Palpa, the accident involving a passenger jeep took place at Masyam of Tinau rural municipality-6 in the district. The identity of the deceased has not been ascertained yet, while the injured have been sent to Lumbini Medical College in Palpa.
The jeep was carrying passengers to Kusumkhola in Palpa from Dumre in Tanahu district, police said.
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PM Dahal distributes prizes to ‘Digital Elocution Competition’ winners
Kathmandu, Feb 13: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ had awarded the winners of the ‘Digital Elocution Competition’ here today.
On the occasion of the People’s Movement Day organized by the Young Communist League, PM Dahal handed over the award to Asha Uparkoti for standing first in the competition.
Similarly, the PM distributed award to Silu Chettri who came second in the competition and Samjhana Rai received award for finishing third in the competition. The first winner took home Rs 55,000 cash prize, second Rs 35,000 and third Rs 20,000.
Also today, Prime Minister Dahal released seven books containing the travel diaries of journalist and writer Manarishi Dhital. The travel diaries covered from period of the armed conflict from 2059 to 2063 BS. Writer Dhital has said that these diaries are accounts of every day he spent in prison and in the war zone.
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Terai Arc Landscape recognized as World Restoration Flagship
Kathmandu, Feb 13: The Terai Arc Landscape has been recognized as one of the seven UN World Restoration Flagships. The announcement was made as part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration on Tuesday in Nairobi, Kenya.
This information was shared on Tuesday in a joint news conference organized by the Department of Forests and Soil Conservation, Department of National Wildlife and Conservation and World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
“This exceptional conservation outcome has been possible under the leadership of the government, stewardship of the communities and engagement of civil society. This collaborative effort has helped protect and restore forests, increase species population, enhance ecosystem services and trans-border corridor functionality. This has garnered international recognition, positioning the Terai Arc Landscape as a pioneer in implementing landscape-level conservation practices worldwide, the WWF said in a press statement.
The Terai Arc Landscape stretches over 900 kilometres from the Bagmati river in the east to the Yamuna river of India in the west. In Nepal, the area extends from the Bagmati river in the east to the Mahakali river in the west covering six protected areas, four forest conservation areas, three Ramsar sites and several critical corridors.
The TAL envisions a globally unique landscape where biodiversity is conserved, ecological integrity is safeguarded, and the socio-economic well-being of the people is secured, the WWF said.
The program has also benefitted the local community through nature-based tourism, home stays, green enterprises, and many other initiatives through the engagement of local community members, community forest users, buffer zone communities, community-based anti-poaching units, citizen scientists and forest watchers.
Nepal would be honoured on February 27 for the feat. Minister for Forest and Environment Birendra Prasad Mahato is scheduled to visit Nairobi representing the government.
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Transitional justice should be ensured soon: Oli
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Chairperson of CPN (UML) KP Sharma Oli has emphasized that the work related to transitional justice should be completed soon.
Inaugurating the 4th National Conference of Human Rights Defenders and Social Campaigners here today, he said that transitional justice process should be completed soon to deliver justice to the conflict survivors.
He said that the Bill related to Transitional Justice should be finalized as per the Supreme Court and the National Human Rights Commission directives. Nepali Congress leader Dr Shekhar Koirala stressed that transitional justice is a serious issue and should not be made a tool for political give and take. “The Supreme Court has issued some orders regarding transitional justice. There is no doubt that transitional justice must be victim-friendly,” he said.
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Stakeholders call for preservation of National Museum
Kathmandu, Feb 13: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Sudan Kirati has said that museum should be developed as the centre for study and research along with a tourist site.
At a programme organized on the 85th establishment day of National Museum here Tuesday, Minister Kirati said that all should work responsibly for the protection of the museum.
Minister Kirati shared that he was working for the promotion of cultural heritages by considering the fact that the grand cultures and artistic treasures kept in the museums are also the key basis to attract more tourists.
Other speakers at the programme said that the publicity about the museums should be done to develop them as the centre of attraction for tourists.Likewise, Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Sunita Dangol said that special attention should be paid for the protection and promotion of lost and vanishing heritages and others that are on the verge of extinction.
According to the National Museum, so far 110 idols of archeological importance have been brought back home from different countries after their smuggling. Also speaking at the event, Prof Dr Prem Kumar Khatri called for state’s attention of the preservation of the National Museum.
Spread over 45 ropani of land, the National Museum at Chhauni in Kathmandu is the only national-level multipurpose museum in Nepal.
‘Role of community radio incomparable in social mainstream’
Lalitpur, Feb 13: Community radio played a significant role in the political change of different periods, protecting democracy, creating public awareness and in disaster management. However, it is now struggling for existence.
Speaking at a programme organised by Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal here on Tuesday on the occasion of World Radio Day, stakeholders shared that community radio is struggling for its existence due to advancement and increasing use of information technology.
On the occasion, Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat mentioned that media played significant role to establish freedom of expression and rule of law after the political change of 1990.
He explained that there is a big challenge in commercial development and sustainability of community radios. “Social platforms have reduced the use of radio and television. So there are negative impacts on their business. People’s interest towards radio is decreasing and radio has been finding difficulty to get advertisement”, stressed Minister Mahat.
The Finance Minister added that the Finance Ministry had already given consent for exemption of renewal fee and royalty as demanded by community radio operators. He expressed commitment that the state would take initiative to protect the radio, which played crucial role to make the general people aware.
Similarly, Vice-Chairperson of Lumbini Province Planning Commission, Dr Nahakul KC, pointed out that radio should change their working style for its effectiveness in this era of information technology, saying radio has significant role in social empowerment and mainstream.
“There is a drastic change in communication sector after restoration of democracy. The role of radio in social empowerment is incomparable. A separate model for operation of community radio being away from political affiliation is necessary”, he underscored. KC shared that Lumbini province government has forwarded different activities including accident insurance of media persons, establishment of Communication Registrar Office.
Likewise, President of Federation of Nepali Journalists, Bipul Pokharel, laid emphasis that community radio should compete with media based on information technology and internet and to broadcast contents meeting the local’s expectation for their existence. Chairperson of Advertisement Board, Laxman Humagain, mentioned that community radio could identify their targeted audiences, stressing that community radio should keep local contents in priority while Chairperson of ACORAB, Arjun Giri, said there should be exemption on import of radio equipment and royalty determined for radio.
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Basanta Panchami being observed today
Kathmandu, Feb 14: Basanta Panchami is being celebrated all over the country by paying homage to Goddess Saraswati, known as the goddess of knowledge.
Also known as Saraswati Pooja, writers, artists, journalists, teachers and students worship their tools, pen, paper, pencil and musical instruments as goddess Saraswati. There is also a belief that you will blessed if you begin your learning after worshiping Saraswati. The day is also regarded as auspicious for social and religious functions like marriage, bratabanda, gufa and belbibaha.
It is considered auspicious to start education for children and to pierce their nose and ears. Devotees, especially students, throng the temples of Goddess Saraswati since early morning today.
Saraswati Pooja is a festival that energizes life : President Paudel
Meanwhile, in a message of best wishes on the occasion, President Ram Chandra Paudel said that Saraswati Pooja is a festival that always energizes life and inspires new discoveries.
President Paudel expressed his confidence that this day would inspire learners for acquiring education and fulfillment of knowledge. He extended his best wishes to all Nepalis brothers, sisters and children at home and abroad on the occasion.
Stating that Goddess Saraswati is extolled as the Goddess of education, knowledge and music, Paudel said that it is believed that if the children are enrolled in the school on auspicious day, Goddess Saraswati is always benevolent to the learners and students.
The Head of the State in his message said, “Basanta Panchami has been considered the major day for the music connoisseurs to worship. Today is considered auspicious day for those willing to venture out on a new endeavor or to perform marriage ceremonies and other religious functions.”
He also extended his best wishes that may Goddess Saraswati’s blessings be on all Nepalis and may this festival inspire to maintain unity amid social and cultural diversity of the country as well as to conserve unique religious and cultures.
Stating that today is also celebrated as Saraswati Janmostav, the birthday of Goddess Saraswati, the President said that today marks the beginning of the spring seasons and the sun’s path gradually drifts to northwards, causing longer days and shorter nights henceforth indicating the affinity between nature and the lives of Nepalis people.
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