- Thursday, 19 December 2024
Nawalparasi, Feb 14: Sugar industries in Nawalparasi west have been facing shortage of sugarcane, the main raw material for the industries. As a result, the sugar industries here have not been able to operate at full capacity.
Since sugarcane production was not as expected Nawalparasi west the sugar industries are forced to purchase sugarcane from outside districts. As a result, industrialists have said that the cost has increased.
The Sunwal-based Lumbini Sugar Industry is purchasing sugarcane from Kapilvastu and Nawalparasi east. Head of administration of the Industry, Kush Subedi, said that due to the lack of sufficient sugarcane production in the district sugarcane had to be imported from other districts. He said that the industry has purchased 15,000 quintals of sugarcane this year from Kapilvastu alone.
Three big sugar industries in the district have said that they are not able to function as per their target due to the shortage of sugarcane.
The Bagmati Khadsari Sugar Industry in Susta and Indira Sugar Agro Industries Pvt. Ltd. in Pratappur also stated that due to lack of sugarcane they could not function to their full capacity. A total of four sugar factories are operating in the district.
Meanwhile, due to non-payment for their produce for a long time the farmers are gradually turning to alternative crops for farming.
—
Let us celebrate Basanta Panchami as occasion to infuse positivity: Vice President
Kathmandu, Feb 14: Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has wished that may the occasion of Basanta Shrawan and Saraswati Pooja motivate all to become energetic and innovative throughout entire life.
The Vice President stated this in a message of best wishes he gave on the occasion of Basanta Panchami and Saraswati Pooja festival today. He also expressed the wish that may this occasion encourage all Nepali towards making the country prosperous while strengthening the national unity, indivisibility, sovereignty and nationality.
Vice President Yadav, in his message, called for celebrating Basanta Panchami as an important day to forsake negative thinking and fill the self with positivity, as this festival is considered propitious for initiating all kinds of pious works and activities.
“One should strive to internalize the characteristics of integrity and goodwill in life since Basanta Panchami is also the day of the onset of the spring season,” he emphasised. Stating that the Basanta Panchami is an occasion found to be observed by the followers of the three faiths, Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam, the Vice President believed that the occasion would motivate all to share happiness by forgetting mutual acrimony, mistrust and ill-will.
—
Government effortful in ensuring round-the-year water supply to Ktm Valley denizens
Kathmandu, Feb 14: Minister for Water Supply Mahindra Raya Yadav has asserted that the government is effortful in managing water supply in the Kathmandu Valley throughout the year.
Addressing a programme marking the 16th anniversary of Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) here on Tuesday, he said efforts are on to find available water sources at the various local levels in the Valley to that connection.
“There is demand for 510 million litres water daily in the Valley, whereas we have been able to supply only 170 million litres at present,” Minister Yadav said, adding that discussions are on regarding the local governments identifying and conserving water sources at the local level for providing clean water to the Valley folks.
On the occasion, he stressed on the need of restructuring the KUKL for addressing the problem of water shortage in Kathmandu Valley. The Water Supply Minister also acknowledged that the State has not been able to supply adequate quantity of water to the Valley from the Melamchi Water Supply Project despite the passage of 22 years since making that promise.
According to him, the Melamchi Water Supply Project could not regularly supply water to the Valley due to the lack of physical structures, technical workforce and the required equipment, among other causes.
He also expressed concern over the drying up of water sources and brooks, and snow melting in the mountains due to the climate change, stressing on taking steps to mitigate this to prevent the impending water crisis in the country.
—
Eighty-nine people held on charge of human trafficking in six months
Kathmandu, Feb 14: Nepal Police has arrested 89 people involved in cases of human trafficking in a period of six months of current fiscal year from July 17, 2023 till January 14, 2024. Among the arrestees, 67 are men and 22 women.
Similarly, police filed 79 cases while 149 individuals have faced prosecution during the same period. The Human Trafficking Investigation Bureau Babarmahal has been working as a specialized unit of the Nepal Police for the prevention and control of crimes related to human trafficking.
The Bureau said 236 persons have been rescued from being trafficked in that period. Among those rescued, 150 are women, 26 are men and 60 are girls.
Nepal is the most affected from both internal and cross-border human trafficking. Nepal Police central spokesperson, Deputy Inspector General Bhim Prasad Dhakal, said a large number of Nepali fall victim to human trafficking due to the allurement of employment or illegal settlement in various countries, including in India, Malaysia, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Libya, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, America and different European and African nations.
550 thousand get character certificate online from Nepal Police
Meanwhile, Nepal Police has provided character certificates to 550 thousand and 60 individuals via online in the last seven months of the current fiscal year.
It is said, 710 thousand and 944 Nepalis and foreign nationals had submitted online applications seeking Police Report (character certificate) from Nepal Police during that period. Of these applications, 144 thousand and 212 were canceled while 16 thousand and 672 applications are being processed.
The Criminal Record System Section at the Police Headquarters carries out works related to police report. This section is under the Department of Crime Investigation.
Department Chief, Additional Inspector General Tek Bahadur Tamang, said the police report is provided within five days of receiving the application.
—
Palpa jeep accident death toll reaches 10
Rampur (Palpa), Feb 14: The death toll from a jeep accident in Palpa on Tuesday has reached 10. Eight people were killed on the spot while two more died during treatment at Lumbini Medical College Prabhas. Eighteen people were injured in the accident. All casualties have been identified.
The name and address of the deceased could not be verified as their family members had not arrived for that purpose until late night yesterday, police said.
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 injured have been sent to Lumbini Medical College in Palpa.
The jeep (registration number Lu 1 Ja 2371) was carrying passengers to Chidis, Kusumkhola in Palpa from Dumre in Tanahu district, police said. It veered off the road and fell some 300 metres down the rough inner road near Eco Farm House at Masyam.
The deceased have been identified as 60-year-old Yan Kumari Panta, 39-year-old Ram Bahadur Aslami, 67-year-old Krishna Bahadur Aslami and 28-year-old Urmila Aslami of Masyam, Tinau rural municipality-6. Chandra Ranapal, 70, and Chuna Ranapal, 60, of Tamnagar, Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City-14, Rupandehi district also died in the accident.
Similarly, the casualties include 20-year-old Gita Sunar of Khursane, Tinau-2, 66-year-old Bishnukala Kami and 65-year-old Dil Kumari Sunar of Khyaha, Ribdikot rural municipality-1, and 29-year-old Dilmaya GC of Devdaha Municipality-5, Rupandehi, said Inspector Sugandha Shrestha, the Information Officer at the District Police Office, Palpa.
According to him, the jeep driver, 45-year-old Dan Bahadur Chidi of Tansen Municipality-10, has been arrested for investigation.
—
Weather: Possibility of light rain today
Kathmandu, Feb 14: The westerly wind has its partial influence in Nepal at present and due to this the weather is partly to generally cloudy across the country, the Meteorological Forecasting Division, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology said.
Similarly, it will be partly to generally cloudy in the Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali provinces while remaining partially to mainly fair in the Sudurpaschim province in the afternoon today. There are chances of light rain at one or two places of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini and Karnali provinces, and of light snowfall at a few places of the high-hilly and mountainous region of the country, the Division stated in its weather bulletin.
There is possibility of light rain at one or two places of Koshi province tonight. Likewise, there are chances of light snowfall at a few places of the high-hilly and mountainous region of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces tonight.
—
Call for mobilizing income from Lumbini area for local development
Lumbini (Marchawar), Feb 14: The Save Lumbini Struggle Committee has demanded that half the portion of the income generated from monetary offerings by visitors to the Mayadevi Temple at Lumbini should be provided to the Lumbini Cultural Municipality.
The committee has made it clear that the locals have made an incomparable contribution to the conservation and development of Lumbini area, including providing land for the Lumbini master plan. It complained that the income from the Mayadevi Temple and other places is not invested in local development.
In a 19-point memorandum it recently submitted to the Lumbini Development Trust, the committee has called for amending the LDT statute making provision for picking the office-bearers, including the vice-chair, treasurer and member-secretary, and two members on the LDT Governing Board, from among the locals. It has also demanded that the Mayor of Lumbini Cultural Municipality, and a federal lawmaker and the Province assembly member from Lumbini area should be made the ex-officio member of the Board.
Similarly, the committee has demanded that the face and structure of Mayadevi Temple should not be altered and that the unauthorized structures flouting the Lumbini master plan should be immediately removed. It also called for giving continuity to the regular worship, the evening aarati ritual and lighting of lamps inside the Mayadevi Temple as well as to forthwith make arrangements for free-of-charge for observing the temple.
The committee has called for immediately formulating procedures allowing organization of peaceful religious assemblies, religious talks and tourism promotion programmes, and for the operation of the International Assembly Hall.
It, likewise, called for promptly starting the construction of a school, a well-equipped hospital and garden inside the LDT premises as stated in the master plan. The memorandum, among other things, calls for keeping the Mayadevi Temple open from 5 am to 10 pm and reserving a place for the offspring of Pandit Ganga Prasad Pandey who has been performing worship at the Temple for generations, for giving priority to locals while appointing employees and promoting to permanent positions the employees who have worked for the LDT for long.
More, it has demanded to manage identity card to the farmers whose land was acquired for the implementation of LDT master plan, to provide compensation for the damage to crops caused by wild boars and the blue bull and other wild animals, to immediately operate the electric buses and vans received from grant assistance of the Asian Development Bank targeting the domestic and foreign visitors, to conserve the simal, peepal and bar trees in the area and to maintain an archive of more than 39 statues and valuable archaeological articles found so far in course of the archaeological excavation in Lumbini.
—
International Vice Chancellor Meet to be held at KU
Kavrepalanchok, Feb 14: The Kathmandu University (KU) is hosting the International Vice Chancellor Meet here from tomorrow.
KU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Bhola Thapa said the three-day conclave, one of its kind in the academic history of the country, aims to internationalize the country’s higher education and expand the University’s ties at the international level.
According to him, the North Zone Vice Chancellors’ Meet 2024 & Bharat-Nepal Higher Education Summit is organized by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and KU’s management.
The university vice-chancellors of 150 countries, including Nepal, India, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Thailand, among others, will be attending the Meet.
Vice Chancellor Thapa said the conference will hold discussions on the global contemporary issues in higher education, internationalization of higher education, inter-university collaboration, world higher education policy, among other topics.
He added that so far 227 people have confirmed their participation in the Meet. Most of the delegates would be from India and there will also be representatives from universities from the South East Asia region, Europe and Africa.
—
Minister Saud holds bilateral meeting with New Zealand’s counterpart
Kathmandu, Feb 14: Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud held a bilateral meeting with Winston Peters, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) of New Zealand at Wellington today.
During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction over the excellent state of bilateral relations between Nepal and New Zealand and exchanged views on enhancing cooperation in the areas of mutual interests, according to the Embassy of Nepal in Australia.
The Minister attended the luncheon hosted by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs of New Zealand.
In the afternoon, the Minister visited the Parliament of New Zealand and observed the Question Time at the Parliament. His presence in the Parliament was acknowledged by Gerry Brownlee, the speaker of the House of Representatives of the New Zealand.
The Nepali Society in Wellington together with Honorary Consul of Nepal to New Zealand organized an interaction programme with Minister and the visiting delegation at Wellington. Matters relating to providing passport and consular services to Nepali community in New Zealand more conveniently and utilizing the knowledge, expertise and skills of Nepalis residing in New Zealand for the benefit of the country were discussed.
Moreover, the Minister visited Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum of New Zealand, and observed the vast repository of cultural attractions.
Earlier in the morning, the Second edition of Nepal-New Zealand Foreign Ministry Consultation (FMC) was held among senior officials of both the Ministries.
Rita Dhital, Joint Secretary, South East Asia and the Pacific (SEAP) Division and Joanna Kempkers, Divisional Manager South Asia and South East Asia of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand led their respective delegations.
The members of the Nepali delegation consisted of Kailash Raj Pokharel, Ambassador of Nepal, and Komal Baral, Section Officer, SEAP Division, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal while from New Zealand side, Mary Thurston, Unit Manager and April Kwak, Nepal Desk Officer of the South and South East Asia Division were the members of the delegation.
During the meeting, the two sides took stock of various aspects of bilateral relations and exchanged views on further promoting cooperation through enhancement of economic and cultural engagements between the two countries.
Minister Saud reached Wellington, New Zealand on Tuesday. He was welcomed at the airport by officials of MFAT of New Zealand, Honorary Consul of Nepal to New Zealand, Dinesh Khadka, and the representatives of the Nepali community.
Concluding a successful visit to Australia and New Zealand, the Foreign Minister and the delegation will depart for Kathmandu on 15 February.
—
President Paudel attends Basanta Shravan ceremony
Kathmandu, Feb 14: President Ram Chandra Paudel has attended the Basanta Panchami ceremony and listened to the recitation of religious scriptures celebrating Goddess Saraswati at Nasal Chowk of Hanumandhoka today.
The basanta shravan is organized every year on Saraswati puja. Saraswati is the Goddess of knowledge and learning.
President Paudel also received tika and prasad on the occasion.
Also attending the ceremony were Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, Chief Justice Bishwambhar Prasad Shrestha, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, and high level dignitaries.
—
Maoist Centre continues group discussions on statute
Kathmandu, Feb 14: The ongoing meeting of the CPN (Maoist Centre) has continued group discussions on proposed statute. The first statute convention of the party begun on Tuesday had formed 20 groups for the discussion on proposed statute.
Chief secretary at party headquarters, Shree Ram Dhakal, informed that there were 13 groups at Nepal Academy, five at party headquarters, and one each at Nachghar Jamal and province office.
When the discussions are over, team leaders will be presenting conclusions in the meeting being held in a Nepal Academy hall at 2:00 pm today itself.
There are 50 to 55 leaders in each group.
—
Neither snow nor rains: Winter charm eludes Solukhumbu, upsets populace
Salleri (Solukhumbu), Feb 14: Shankhar Bahadur Gurung of Salleri in Solukhumbu finds present weather quite unusual in the district. “Winter is exiting soon, but we have neither experienced winter rain nor snowfall this time. What’s happening?” he is intrigued.
The septuagenarian shares that this is the first time he has noticed such aberration in the weather pattern in his life. In the absence of snowfall, Solukhumbu, the mountainous district in the Koshi Province, no longer seems as it used to be. The hills and mountains blanketed with snow are now bare, wearing deserted looks.
“We have started feeling temperature rise with the beginning of the month of Falgun and lost hope for snowfall ahead,” he said.
According to the Meteorological Station at Salleri, the temperature is recorded seven degrees Celsius. It is on the rise for the past five days. Locals said that winter days are not as chilly as they were. Until four to five years ago, they would brave bone-chilling cold, but this time, the days are hotter.
Farmers in the region had hoped for snowfall and rains, as the lack of snowfall adversely affected winter crops as wheat, potato, and barley.
Prem Kumar Basnet of Likhupike rural municipality-4 shared plight that cardamom farming was suffering due to lack of winter rains. Cardamom farming takes place in Likhupike, Sotang, Mahakulung, Mapya Dudhkoshi, and Nechasalyan areas, usually conducted on 158 hectares of land.
Tourism entrepreneurs are also worried over weird situation. The Sagarmatha (Mt Everest), world’s highest peak, lies in the Khumbu region of the district, which failed to witness sufficient snowfall this time. Although the highland recorded a light snowfall, it was meagre and partial, according to Lamakaji Sherpa of Namche. The area is now entirely dry, and tourism entrepreneurs fear losing the winter charm that usually attracts visitors.
Damu Sherpa from Lukla said that snowfall in the Khumbu region is an essential attraction for tourists, both domestic and international. However, this time, the situation is different, and concerns are rising how other upper hilly areas are faring.
Moreover, the populace here is gripped with fear of wildfires to be caused and flared by dry winter.
Last Saturday, the Khamding Mulabari Community Forest at Kanku of Mapya Dudhkoshi rural municipality-5 and Mendopake Community Forest at Chyalsa of Mendopake of Solududhkunda municipality-7 reported fires. According to Ramji Shah, officiating forest divisional officer at the Forest Division Office, the fires destroyed a large stretch of vegetation, affecting the precious wildlife.
The office data shows that community forest areas cover 105,330 hectares of land, with a total of 72 community forests in the district alone.
Environmental expert Rajan Thapa informed that forest fires not only create adversity but also impact wildlife, human settlements, and the overall ecology.
—
Additional remand to Bikal, Sunil for further investigation
Kathmandu, Feb 14: The Special Court has permitted 10 more days’ remand to the suspended Managing Director of Nepal Telecom, Sunil Poudel, and suspended Executive Director of Security Printing Centre, Bikal Poudel, for further investigation.
A bench of judges Khusi Prasad Tharu, Ram Bahadur Thapa and Ritendra Thapa allowed for 10 more days in judicial custody to the Poudel duo, according to spokesperson at Special Court, Dhan Bahadur Karki.
The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) had arrested Bikal and Sunil in connection with embezzlement on ‘security printing’ on January 24.
CIAA arrested them, as they had been ignoring its request for recording statement as part of investigation on alleged accumulation of property beyond rule.
—
‘Nepal virgin land of investment opportunities,’ FNCCI Prez reminds world business leaders
Kathmandu, Feb 14: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), Chandra Dhakal, has requested the world business leaders to connect with Nepal’s virgin land of opportunities.
He urged the world businesspersons to invest specifically in Nepal’s hydro power, tourism, agriculture and production.
Addressing the World Governments Summit-2024 organized in Dubai, UAE, President Dhakal informed the global business leaders that Nepal is a country with immense potential for economic growth and development. Located between the two largest markets of the world- India and China, Nepal has duty free market access to India, China and other developed countries. This means world investors can produce in Nepal and sell to the world, he made them aware.
In his address on behalf of Nepal’s private sector, President Dhakal said, “Our government has been making efforts to improve business environment by implementing reforms to simplify business procedures, reduce regulatory burden and enhance transparency. We are organizing the Investment Summit 2024 on April 28 and 29 this year.”
He also shared that as part of the preparations for the Summit, the private sector has proposed amendments in 12 laws and regulations.
Similarly, Nepal government has finalized the framework agreement of bilateral investment agreement, which will soon be materialized with potential partner countries.
“We have also been investing in infrastructure development to improve connectivity, reduce transportation costs and promote economic growth. Nepal has a lot of untapped potential in sectors, such as hydropower, tourism, agriculture and manufacturing,” he reiterated, adding that the government has relaxed a few provisions on investment in tourism infrastructure, such as hotels, resorts, theme parks and cable cars.
The FNCCI President also shared his ventures that he had developed three cable cars in three different provinces and saw a huge potential in developing cable cars in hill stations close to the Indian border.
He argued that it could be a rewarding investment sector for foreign investors. “I would like to welcome you all to grab this investment opportunity. We believe that these sectors can play a vital role in driving economic growth and creating employment opportunities,” Dhakal underlined.
He also committed to creating an environment conducive for businesses to thrive in Nepal. Nepal is also pursuing a liberal trade policy to promote exports and attract foreign investments. Dhakal expressed confidence that they would be excited to consume organic agro products produced on the lap of Himalayas and fresh water of high mountains. Nepal is well connected to the Middle East, according to him.
As he mentioned, Nepal is looking for technical support from the UAE government and business community to produce and export here. Similarly, Nepal is working to improve trade relations with other countries and create a level playing field for businesses.
“In the last seven months we organized business summits in India, China and the UAE too. I would like to thank the government of the UAE and also Dubai Chambers for partnering with us to organize the event. We are now connected with Dubai Chambers to further explore possibilities to work together,” he mentioned during the address.
The business leader of Nepal informed that FNCCI would also be holding its AGM on April 10, for which he extended invitation to the world businesspersons.
FNCCI is the apex body of Nepali private sectors with around 600,000 direct and indirect members.
The World Governments Summit is held under the theme of ‘Shaping Future Governments’ in February 12-14.
—
Agricultural insurance fails to attract farmers in Sudurpaschim
Godavari (Kailali), Feb 14: The agricultural insurance scheme in Sudurpaschim Province has faced a host of challenges to attract farmers. Lack of awareness among farmers on the benefits of the scheme has been blamed as a significant challenge.
Despite the government bearing the entire premium cost (80 percent by the federal government and 20 percent by the province), the number of insured farmers has not seen a substantial increase. According to Chief of the Nepal Insurance Authority, Sudurpaschim Province Office Dhangadhi, Hridaya Raj Pandit, as of mid-January in the current fiscal year 2023-24, only 2,314 insurance reference numbers were issued in the province. The nationwide number of farmers enrolled in the agricultural insurance stands at 70,772.
The Office launched publicity programmes through FM radios in nine districts and conducted local-level interactions to promote the indemnity scheme. Despite these efforts, the result is slow off the mark. To enroll in the scheme, farmers are required to pay a nominal fee of Rs 500.
In specific districts, the enrollment figures are notably low, with no farmers participating in Darchula while the number is 365 in Kanchanpur, 290 in Achham, 253 in Dadeldhura, 85 in Bajhang, 82 in Doti, 29 in Bajura, and 20 in Baitadi districts.
Several factors have been identified as contributors to the low participation, including the inability of insurance agents to reach remote villages, farmers’ reluctance, external influencing factors, and delays in premium payments to insurance companies.
The authorized companies facilitating agricultural insurance in the province include Nepal Insurance Company (Kanchanpur, Dadeldhura, Baitadi, and Darchula), National Beema Company (Kailali, Doti, and Bajhang), and Ajod Insurance Company (Achham and Bajura).
—
Citizens’ grievances to govt rising: General Secretary Thapa
Chitwan, Feb 14: Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has said citizens’ grievances towards government were rising of late.
Talking to media persons here today, the lawmaker said during the party’s Sambad Yatra that he came to know the growing concerns of citizens.
The lawmaker said, “Citizens have come to realize that their expectations for good governance and smooth public service following the promulgation of new Constitution have largely been unaddressed.” He shared about citizens’ frustration towards government’s inaction and inability to address even their basic concerns.
Furthermore, the former minister expressed his belief that forming a political alliance is more effective after an election rather than pre-election.
—
ACC Women’s T20 Premier Cup: Nepal defeats Kuwait to enter semi-final
Kathmandu, Feb 14: Nepal has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the ACC Women’s Premier Cup by defeating Kuwait in the quarter-final match held today at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Kuwait set a target of 74 runs for Nepal. However, rain interrupted the second innings, and Nepal, following the DLS method, needed to score 50 runs in 12 overs. They achieved the target in 6.5 overs with the loss of two wickets.
In Nepal’s victory, captain Indu Barma scored the highest 22 runs off 21 balls (not out) including one four. Sita Ranamagar contributed 17 runs, while Kabita Joshi added 4 to the team’s total. Kuwait’s Maryam Omar took one wicket in the match.
Batting first, Kuwait’s Priyada Murari top-scored with 29 runs, including three boundaries and one six in 33 balls. Khadija Khalil and Shanthi Balasubramanian both scored 13 runs each. Restricting Kuwait to 73 runs, Nepal’s Sita Rana Magar took three wickets, while Rubina Chhetri and Kabita Kunwar took two wickets each.
Having qualified for the quarter-finals as the winner of Group D in the group stage, Nepal defeated Hong Kong, Bhutan, and the Maldives. They will face host Malaysia in the semi-finals, and the two qualifying teams will be eligible to participate in the Asia Cup Cricket scheduled for September.
—
RSS Journalism Award to Ghimire and Sadrul
Kathmandu, Feb 14: The Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ) RSS Chapter has decided to honour Senior Editor of RSS English News Desk, Narayan Prasad Ghimire with ‘RSS Journalism Award 2024’. Head of RSS Koshi Province Office Mohammad Sadrul has also been named as the joint recipient of the award.
Secretary of FNJ RSS chapter, Chabilal Kumal, shared that the executive committee meeting of Chapter decided to honour the duo with the award. The award also carries a purse of Rs 10,000 each.
Likewise, the ‘Umakant-Gita Devi-Memory Award’ will be presented to Dumre (Tanahun) RSS correspondent Mila Darai. The award carries a purse of five thousand rupees.
Marking the RSS anniversary to be observed on Falgun 7, the RSS FNJ chapter has decided to honor former General Manager of RSS, Basudev Shrestha, from among the former RSS journalists.
—
President Paudel calls to focus on developing quality education
Panchthar, Feb 14: President Ramchandra Paudel has stressed that the education system should be focused on development of quality education and urged the authorities concerned to work honestly for the same.
Inaugurating the Shreemandbhagawat Saptaha Gyan Mahayagya organised by Phidim-based Panchthar Multiple Campus here today, President Paudel mentioned that education of international standard was the need of hour.
The Campus has organised the religious ceremony with the objective of establishing a revolving fund for financial sustainability.
“Education that makes every individual professional, self-reliant and self-dependent is the need of hour. Reform in teaching-learning system for the overall development of the country is indispensable”, he underscored.
The President pointed out, “Our steps should be focused towards developing education in accordance with national need and of international standard by developing competitive and qualitative teaching method”, urging all to involve in development of education by developing a culture of respecting labour.
Calling for serious attention towards the impacts of climate change, he stressed the need of developing agriculture through maximum utilization of the natural resources of the country.
Similarly, Campus Chief Khemnath Khatiwada said the Mahayagya was organised to help establish a revolving fund considering the decreasing number of students and limit resources at disposal.
—
CPN-MC statute convention: Feedback on draft statute collected
Kathmandu, Feb 14: Collection of feedback on the draft statute of CPN (Maoist Center) has ended for today in the statute convention of the ruling party underway in the federal capital. Out of 20 different groups working on the draft statute, feedback was received from 13 groups today.
Sharing the group feedback, Kanchan Khanal suggested that convention representatives should be elected from among party committee members and representatives of martyrs, the disappeared and injured should be kept as observers. He emphasized on the need to make the party people-friendly and representative of all regions and communities.
Likewise, Saral Sahayatri said that the preamble should be simplified, the organizational principle should be shortened and the party membership should be simplified. Stating that there was a suggestion to change the party’s election symbols, he suggested that elections, accounts and disciplinary departments should be given more authority and the date of the convention should be clearly set.
Yubaraj Chaulagain submitted a suggestion that the party committee should be elected through direct elections and that the standing committee members of the party should not be mentioned in the statute. He suggested that candidates for public positions at all levels should be decided by party members.
The participants were divided into 20 different groups in the convention, which started from Tuesday at Nepal Academy in Kamaladi, Kathmandu. Seven more groups will submit their feedback and suggestions tomorrow, when the meeting resumes at 11 am.
—
Students should contribute for the benefit of the society, nation: VP Yadav
Kathmandu, Feb 14: Vice-President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav has said students should work for the benefit of community, society and country by achieving academic excellence along with competence, skill and abilities.
At a programme organised at Pulchowk Engineering Campus on the occasion of Saraswoti Pooja on Wednesday, the Vice-President stressed that importance and relevance of engineering education is high in the context of Nepal. “Dedication, sacrifice and devotion are equally necessary along with education”, he underscored.
Stating that Nepal is not away from problems faced by developing countries like poverty, illiteracy, lack of infrastructure development and environmental sustainability, the Vice-President explained that the role of engineers is important to end such problems.
He wished that Basanta Panchami would encourage all students to move forward for the betterment of society and nation with harmony, friendship and fraternity.
—
UML submits memo to Chief Secretary, secretaries of different ministries
Kathmandu, Feb 14: The CPN (UML) has submitted a memorandum to chief secretary of the government and secretaries of different ministries on Wednesday. The memo has incorporated the citizen’s problems and suggestions collected in course of UML’s ‘Jhulaghat-Chuwa Bhanjyang’ campaign.
Party’s Vice-Chairperson, Bishnu Poudel, and Chief Whip, Padam Giri, submitted the memo to Chief Secretary Dr Baikuntha Aryal as well as secretaries of different ministries. The UML had launched the campaign from Jhulaghat of Baitadi to Chuwa Bhanjyang of Mechi with a focus on the mid-hill highway from November 30-December 17, 2023.
The document incorporating the citizen’s problems and suggestions collected during the campaign was submitted to the secretaries at a programme organised at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singha Durbar.
On the occasion, UML Vice-Chair Poudel urged to forward activities after carrying out study to lessen migration, saying migration from mid-hill areas is rapid in recent period and arable land is turning barren. He laid emphasis that the government should forward construction activities of different highways including mid-hill and development activities at hilly region immediately.
Leader Poudel also requested to address the problems of citizens based on the received suggestions.
Saying the suggestions received in the memo would be significant, Chief Secretary Aryal assured of implementing the suggestions through the concerned ministries.
—
Maithili translation of Ramayana released
Patan (Lalitpur), Feb 14: A Maithili translated version of the Ramayana based on the Nepali language version has been released here today.
At a program organized by Mamaghar Ashram in Badegaon, former Deputy Prime Minister and Nepali Congress leader Bimalendra Nidhi released the Ramayana translated in Maithili language by journalist Archana Jha. The translation is based on ‘Balmiki Ramayana’ and ‘Ramcharitmanas’ Ramayana.
On the occasion, leader Nidhi said the Ramayana is not only a religious text but also a source of political motivational stories.
Executive chairperson of the Rastriya Samachar Samiti, Dharmendra Jha, said Ramayana is the most widely translated books among books of Eastern philosophy. The Ramayana in Maithili language is the first one written in a way that everyone can understand. This will create a debate in the Maithili society about how to write in Maithili language.
Literary figure Dr Manchala Jha said that Ramayana has been translated into more than 50 languages so far and added the publication of this version will help spread the Maithili language.
Translator Archana Jha said that Ramayana, which can be read in Nepali, Hindi, English, Sanskrit, etc. languages, can now be read by the people of ancient Mithila in simple Maithili language.
—
