- Wednesday, 18 December 2024
Kathmandu, March 23: It is found that only 27 per cent of the total population of the country has access to pure drinking water, according to the Ministry of Water Supply and Sanitation.
Seventy-three per cent of the population is deprived of this facility in lack of minerals including iron in water sources owing to the dilapidated water pipeline and water tank of more than 100 years.
Sources of drinking water become more polluted during times of natural disasters like landslide and flood which affects people’s health. According to doctors, drinking unfiltered and untreated water due to lack of public awareness has serious impact on public health.
Under-Secretary at the Ministry, Madhu Timalsena, said the ministry was working to increase people’s access to pure drinking water.
Problem has surfaced in distribution of clean drinking water as water sources have become polluted due to distribution of water from pipelines installed some120 years ago, he shared.
Timalsena, however, urged people in Kathmandu to drink water supplied by Melamchi drinking water project without any doubt as it is in accordance with standards of the World Health Organisation.
He suggested to drinking underground water only after testing it as the iron content in the underground water is generally high.
People can suffer from different diseases and infections like diarrhoea, vomiting, jaundice, typhoid and cholera as well as the high risk of hepatitis ‘A’ and ‘E’ due to consumption of polluted drinking water, shared doctors.
Similarly, infectious disease Specialist Dr Sher Bahadur Pun suggested one and all to drink water only after purifying or boiling it, stating that serious problems might arise in public health due to consumption of contaminated water.
“Back 20 years ago, people used to die suffering from cholera due to drinking polluted water. People are losing their lives due to consumption of polluted water even these days,” he said, referring to the lack of access to pure drinking water.
According to Dr Pun, water is more polluted after monsoon-induced disasters like floods and landslides, and drinking the polluted water will cause water-borne communicable diseases as cholera, diahhroea, hepatitis, dysentery and others.
Public health expert Dr Sameer Adhikari warned against using contaminated water in view of the public health. He suggested keeping the water sources clean and drinking boiled water and using clean water to wash fruits and vegetables.
Rajendra Aryal, the President of Federation of Drinking Water and Sanitation Users Nepal, said the constitution has made provision that all citizens have the right to potable drinking water as their fundamental right. However, he complained that this fundamental right was not implemented in an effective manner.
Aryal called on the government to give priority, in the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2024/25, to programmes related to access to quality drinking water to all. “Still many consumers have to line up for hours to collect water, and on top of this, they do not have access to pure water. Programmes for distributing clean drinking water should be moved ahead through collaboration among all the three tiers of the government,” he emphasized.
As per the National Census Report, 2021, 34.6 percent of the total 6 million 660 thousand and 841 households use taps/pipe water within the premises of their homes while 22.4 percent used taps/pipe water outside of the premises of their homes and 29.8 percent used water from tube well/hand pump.
Similarly, the Report states that 1.5 percent of the total 6 million 660 thousand and 841 households used water drawn from covered wells, 3.9 percent used water from spring taps while 4.6 percent used jar and bottle water.
It is stated in the report that 2.1 percent of the total 6 million 660 thousand and 841 households use open well water as their main source of water while 0.4 percent used water directly collected from river and streams.
In this context, the government has also adopted the Global Sustainable Development Goal 6 to ensure the availability and sustainability management of water and sanitation for all.
By 2030, the government aims to increase the number of people using safe drinking water to at least 90%. Similarly, UNICEF’s new country programme (2018-2022) in Nepal initiated efforts in WASH programmess to secure enhanced and equitable access to safe and sustainable drinking water, sanitation services, and improved hygiene practices for children and their families.
This programme is guided by WASH Sector Development Plan (2016 – 2030). It supports improving water quality through strengthening the water regulatory body, implementing water safety plans, and raising community awareness on household-level water treatment.
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01- Sports Minister for revising sports policy
Kathmandu, March 23: Minister for Youth and Sports Birajbhakta Shrestha has said that the existing sports policy cannot develop the sport sector. Hence, the ministry is working to revise the sports policy of the country.
At an event organized by Nepal Olympic Committee (NOC) in the capital on Friday, he said development of sports-oriented policy is the needed rather than a policy concentrated on individuals.
He was also of the view that the Olympic Committee has a lot of responsibility if it can work according to international standards. It can contribute a lot in the field of diplomacy through sports.
Furthermore, sports can be a medium to minimize frustration among the youth.
On the occasion, President of Nepal Olympic Committee and former minister Jeevanram Shrestha said that Nepal’s sports sector could not be made result-oriented due to instability.
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02- Financial assistance to Khotang fire victims
Khotang, March 23: The Khotang Disaster Relief Fund has provided relief support to eight fire-affected families in the district.
The fund has provided Rs. 10,000 per family. The recipients include Dhan Bahadur Rai and Indra Bahadur Rai of Jantedhunga Rural Municipality-4, Bhagat Bahadur Rai and Bhim Bahadur Rai of Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadhi Municipality-12, Gyanmaya Rai and Tek Bahadur Rai of Halesi Tuwachung Municipality-8, Khutprasad Phuyal and Buddhinath Lamsal of Aiselukhark Rural Municipality-6, according to Yugsan Kirat, treasurer of the fund.
Established in the year 2072, the fund has been providing relief support to at the rate of Rs 5,000 per family to the families whose houses have been partially damaged and Rs 10,000 to those whose houses have been completely damaged.
A total of 16 houses and 19 cow sheds have been burnt to ashes in incidents of fire that have taken place in various parts of the district since February 23. This has led to loss of property worth Rs 16.37 million, said Chief of District Police Office, Khotang, Deputy Superintendent of Police Purushottam Khadka.
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03- ANFA Community Coaching for development of football
Janki (Banke), March 23: The ANFA community coaching programme organized by Banke District Football Association has concluded. The programme was organised with the objective of producing coaches for the development of football.
During the four-day training, a total of 43 aspiring football coaches from Banke, Bardia, Surkhet, Dang, Kailal, Doti and Kalikot took part. They were trained on various aspects of football and coaching by president of Banke District Football Association and ANFA central member, Bhojraj Shahi and former captain of the Nepali national football team, Hari Khadka.
The All Nepal Football Association (ANFA) has been organizing the training programme since the past five years.
During the closing event, mayor of Nepalgunj Prashant Bista said that the municipality is positive for the development of football and expressed his commitment to support the development of the sport.
Former captain Khadka said that it is impossible to achieve success in football without skilled coaches and stressed that the skills learned during training should be used in practice.
President of Banke District Football Association Shahi said that such programs will be organized regularly for the development of football.
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04- Tanjkot provides door-to-door health services
Simkot (Humla), March 23: Tanjkot rural municipality has started providing free health services to senior citizens by reaching out to their homes under the door-to-door health service program.
Citizens over 68 years of age, those who are bedridden due to serious illness, and those who cannot reach health institutions due to disability are being provided medical care at their doorsteps, said Dhanraj Dhakal, coordinator of the RM’s health branch.
So far, health services have been provided to 65 senior citizens of Khara, Deuda, Geira and Utiseni villages in Ward No. 4 of the rural municipality.
Chief administrative officer of the RM, said patients needy door services will be identified through a door-to-door campaign in all the wards of the rural municipality.
Under the program, along with regular health check-up, first aid, nutrition status test and medicine are distributed free of cost. So far, the campaign has been completed in Wards No. 1 to 4.
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05- 59th ITEC day observed in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, March 23: The 59th Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Day was observed by organising an event in Kathmandu on Friday.
Around 300 people including Members of Parliament, senior Government officials of Nepal, ITEC alumni and prominent Nepali alumni of academic institutions from India attended the celebrations hosted by the Embassy of India in Kathmandu.
Launched in 1964, the ITEC programme builds on India’s vast and rich network of governance and development related expertise, by offering both short and long term capacity building programmes in higher educational institutions and training facilities in India as well as in more than 160 partner countries including Nepal.
Speaking at the ITEC Day celebration, Member of Parliament and Nepali Congress leader Dr Shekhar Koirala, an alumni of AIIMS, shared his experience and views on taking forward India-Nepal Cooperation in development and education sectors.
Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava said the 59th ITEC Day was being celebrated to recognise the strides made in India-Nepal capacity building partnership. He stated that more customized courses for administrators, railway officials, agriculturists, parliamentary officials would be offered under ITEC based on the interest of the stakeholders in Nepal.
The celebration also saw an enthralling Odissi dance performance by a troupe from India led by renowned artist Kakali Bose.
According to a statement released by the Embassy, in the year 2023-2024, a total of 444 professionals from Nepal were trained in different courses in various prominent institutes of India. In the past 15 years, more than 2,000 officials from Nepal have been trained under ITEC.
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06- Three personalities to be honoured with Banira Award
Kathmandu, March 23: The Banira Foundation has decided to honour three artists in recognition of their contribution to literature and arts in the country.
Accordingly, the ‘Banira Pragya Award’ worth Rs 100,000 will be presented to Prof Pushkar Lohani for his significant contribution to the development of poetry, fiction, novels and critics while ‘Banira Shankar Award’ also with Rs 100,000 in cash will be presented to artist Madandas Shrestha for his special contribution to the development of theatre and cinema for the past six decades.
Likewise, Ms Anita Tuladhar is being honoured with the Banira Award carrying a purse of Rs. 50,000 for her contribution to the advancement of Nepali literature through story writing and poems, said member secretary of the foundation, Narendra Raj Prasai.
The Foundation is established in the memory of litterateur Dr Banira Giri.
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07- Weather update: Rainfall to continue for three more days
Kathmandu, March 23: There is still possibility of rainfall for three more days in Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, according to the Meteorological Forecasting Division.
The westerly low pressure system as well as the low pressure system located in Assam of India and its surrounding areas have their influence in Nepal at present.
Meteorologist Govinda Jha said the weather across the country is partly to generally cloudy and light rainfall with lightning is taking place at few places of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces as well as one or two places of Madhes Province.
“There is possibility of light rainfall with thunderstorm at few places of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces. Light rainfall is predicted at one or two places of Bagmati province,” he mentioned.
Similarly, light snowfall has been forecast at one or two places of high-hilly areas and mountain region of Koshi, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces, affecting the normal life, tourism sector, transport and air services in these areas.
One killed, seven injured due to lightning strike
Meanwhile, in Bajhang district in Sudurpaschim province, a person died and seven others were injured when lightning struck them. The incident took place at Naura, Jayaprithvi Municipality-6 of Bajhang district last night.
The deceased is 52-year-old Gajendra Bahadur Singh of Naura. Among those injured in the incident, Laxmi Singh is undergoing treatment at the District Hospital while the remaining six have received minor injuries, police said.
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08- HRA deputes doctors in Solukhumbu, Manang
Kathmandu, March 23: The Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA) Nepal has deputed medical teams comprising foreign doctors in three places of Solukhumbu and Manang districts for the treatment of domestic and foreign trekkers.
The Association was established in 2030 BS with an objective of reducing casualties in the Nepal Himalayas, especially keeping in view the increasing number of Nepalese and foreigners who trek up into the remote wilderness.
Chief Executive Officer of HRA, Govinda Basyal, told RSS that with the onset of spring season, the HRA deputed three foreign doctors and two Nepali doctors at Sagarmatha Base Camp and Pheriche of Solukhumbu and Manang village of Manang district by setting up temporary health centre.
“We mobilized voluntary health workers by imparting training to provide specialist service targeting the domestic and foreign tourists heading for trekking and climbing mountains,” he shared.
A team comprising a foreign and two Nepali doctors would provide health services at Sagarmatha Base Camp while a team comprising two foreign doctors at Pheriche of Solukhumbu and Manang village of Manang district each.
HRA staffs are also in the teams. A team deputed at Manang village has started its works from Friday.
Australian physicians Dr Patrick Julian Teems and Dr Thomas Ross McFarlen have been deputed to the Mananag Health Post, Dr Kathreen Anna Grela of Australia and Dr Brian Mitchell Streakland of America have been deputed to the Pheriche Health Post while American Dr Gregory Hugh Steeler and two Nepalis, Dr Nishant Joshi and Dr Shreyeshi Karki have been deputed to the Everest Base Camp.
The Association has been providing services to thousands of domestic and foreign mountaineers every year. Similarly, it provides health care services to the trekkers on the occasion of the Janai Purnima festival by setting up medical camp at Gosaikunda.
Association Chair Dambar Prajuli said the volunteer doctors mobilized in these places have been send after providing them extensive training on dealing with high altitude sickness and other medical issues that might occur in the high mountain region.
The team has been providing free health services to the domestic trekkers. The Association has been deputing to the work areas only those doctors who have taken approval from the Nepal Medical Council, Parajuli said.
Since 2003, the Association has been providing services to the mountaineers and the support staff working for the mountaineering expeditions and other trekkers by setting up health camp at the Mt Everest Base Camp.
Health service is provided at Pheriche since 1973, at Manang village since 1980 and at Gosainkunda since 1997, it is said.
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09- Nepal condemns terrorist attack in Moscow
Kathmandu, March 23: Nepal has expressed shock at the terrorist attacks during a musical concert in the Russian capital, Moscow, yesterday.
The Government of Nepal is shocked to learn of the terrorist attacks during a musical concert in Moscow yesterday that resulted in the loss of precious lives and injuries to many innocent people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said through a press release today.
The government has extended heartfelt condolences and deepest sympathies to the people and the Government of the Russian Federation as well as to the victims and their families.
“The Government of Nepal, in line with its principled position, unequivocally condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestation and holds the view that terrorism must be firmly and resolutely dealt with wherever and whenever it takes place,” reads the press release.
The Government of Nepal has wished speedy recovery to those injured and expressed the belief that the perpetrators of these heinous acts would be brought to justice at the earliest.
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11- Bangladeshi State Minister for Shipping on Nepal visit
Jhapa, March 23: Bangladeshi Minister of State for Shipping, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury, has arrived for Nepal visit today via the Kakadvitta check point.
Chief of Mechi Customs Office, Ram Prasad Regmi, said State Minister Chowdhury arrived Nepal via land route. He is leading a Bangladeshi delegation to participate in ministerial talks between Nepal and Bangladesh.
The ministerial meeting is taking place today. On the occasion, he visited dry port here. Chief of Mechi Customs Office, Regmi, and Chief of Kakadvitta dry port, Ambika Subedi, briefed the Bangladeshi State Minister about operation of transit route between Nepal and Bangladesh, and promotion of bilateral trade.
He is the first Bangladeshi VIP who entered Nepal via the eastern check point in four years. The Bangladeshi delegation comprises nine members. The delegation is leaving for Kathmandu from Chandragadhi airport today itself.
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12- WB’s Vice-Presidents invited to participate in Investment Summit
Kathmandu, March 23: Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has invited Martin Raiser, World Bank’s Vice-President for the South Asia Region, to participate in the third investment summit scheduled in Kathmandu from April 28.
Virtual talks was held between Finance Minister Pun and WB’s Vice-Presidents—Martin Raiser, Akihiko Nishio and Guangzhe Chen on Thursday night.
On the occasion, Finance Minister Pun invited the WB Vice-Presidents to participate in the Summit, according to Finance Minister Pun’s Secretariat.
Reminding that invitation was already sent to them officially, the Finance Minister said he from the position of Chairperson of Investment Summit Steering Committee invited them.
In response, Vice-President Raiser thanked Minister Pun for the invitation and said he was willing to hold talks on more areas of cooperation in the development partnership between Nepal and World Bank.
FM Pun informed the vice-presidents that the activities have been forwarded for legal and procedural reforms required for the investment summit.
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13- DPM Shrestha consults with high officials for making his China visit fruitful
Kathmandu, March 23: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha, today held consultations with high officials of various ministries in connection with making his impending China visit result-oriented.
In the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, DPM Shrestha acquired information on the status of implementation of agreements signed with the friendly country China.
The participants on the occasion suggested to the DPM and Foreign Affairs Minister to hold discussions with the Chinese side on topics including energy, trade, tourism, connectivity, agriculture, technology transfer, border management.
DPM is paying an official visit to the People’s Republic of China from March 24 to April 1 at the invitation of Foreign Minister of China, Wang Yi. Mr Wang is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.
During the visit he is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Foreign Minister Wang on March 26. DPM Shrestha is also scheduled to meet high-level dignitaries of the People’s Republic of China in Beijing and other provinces.
In the consultative meeting with the high officials, DPM Shrestha said his visit would be focused on strengthening the bilateral ties and enhancing mutual cooperation between the two countries.
“My present visit to China will contribute towards further strengthen the relations between the two nations and as well as deepening the mutual cooperative ties. Discussions will be held with the Chinese side regarding the implementation process of the agreements reached with China so far,” DPM Shrestha said.
Present in the discussions were the National Security Advisor Shanker Das Bairagi, Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal, Finance Ministry Secretary (Revenue) Dr Ram Prasad Ghimire, Defence Ministry Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma, Energy Ministry Secretary Gopal Prasad Sigdel and Irrigation Secretary Sushil Chandra Tiwari, among other officials.
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14- Viral fever patients surge in Makawanpur
Makawanpur, March 23: Viral fever cases have increased in Thaha Municipality and Hetauda Sub-Metropolitan City areas in recent days.
Laxman Ghimire, the Information Officer at the District Health Office, said 60 to 75 people have been coming to the health posts and primary health centres under the Thaha Municipality daily with complaints of viral fever.
He said daily 12 to 17 among those coming to the health facilities have to be hospitalized for treatment.
The District Health Office stated that some of the patients are sent to Hetauda Hospital and the hospitals in Chitwan for further treatment.
Similarly, 65 to 74 people suffering from viral fever have been reporting daily at the Emergency and OPD units of Hetauda Hospital. Ram Chandra Sapkota, a doctor at the hospital, said 20 to 30 among them are admitted to hospital daily.
Ghimire said the manpower required for controlling various infectious diseases as dengue and viral fever in the district have been kept on alert.
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15- 3,000 security personnel deputed in KTM Valley in view of Holi
Kathmandu, March 23: The District Police Range, Kathmandu, is to strengthen security in the Kathmandu Valley to make Holi festival safe and disciplined.
Total 3,000 security personnel would be deputed in the Valley tomorrow, the day of Holi, to prevent any untoward incidents during the festival.
Spokesperson of the District Police Range Kathmandu, Superintendent of Police Navaraj Adhikari told RSS that action would be taken against those involving in unlawful activities, driving vehicles under the influence of drug and alcohol, making noise consuming alcohol and causing trouble to the people during the Holi festival.
He shared, “We have urged one and all to celebrate Holi festival in a civilized and grand manner. Stern action will be taken against those involved in unlawful activities.”
Altogether 2,500 security personnel in uniform and 500 in plain clothes would be mobilized to maintain law and order during Holi festival this year. Police would carry out checking from Sunday morning in Kathmandu Valley to prevent untoward incidents, it is stated.
Similarly, those involving in activities like smearing colours and throwing water-filled balloons would also be brought under ambit of legal action.
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16- Dudhkoshi, Budhigandaki and Nalgadh hydel projects in top priority
Kathmandu, March 23: Minister for Energy Shakti Bahadur Basnet has said there was no alternative to developing the reservoir-based hydropower projects to address the country’s energy needs.
At a programme organized by Dharche, Arughat and Chumnubri rural municipalities of Gorkha district on Saturday, the Energy Minister stated that Nepal should develop the reservoir-based hydropower projects to maintain energy balance.
Minister Basnet shared that the government has forwarded the Dudhkoshi in eastern belt, Budhigandaki in central and Nalgadh in the western part, all three reservoir-based hydropower projects, in the country with high priority to meet the country demand for energy.
“Much has been advanced for the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project. Nalgadh is also in the stage of implementation,” Minister Basnet added. Despite the country’s century-long history in electricity production, a great stride was made in power production in the past decade, he observed.
Constituent Assembly Member Chham Bahadur Gurung and promoters of different hydropower projects from Gorkha district were present at the programme. Meanwhile, the investment modality for the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project is being finalized after a long wait. The government has confirmed the investment modality to develop the project from the domestic capital.
Chief Executive Officer of Budhigandaki Hydropower Project Jagat Shrestha said that the Board of Directors of the company has decoded and submitted two options at the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation for further decision.
The company’s Board of Directors meeting held last week has approved the proposals along with two alternatives on investment modality and fiscal planning. Now, the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation will make a final decision on the proposals and would send the documents for the Finance Ministry for consent.
After the Finance Ministry’s nod, the Council of Ministers shall take a decision on the project development. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is for marking the groundbreaking ceremony of the project sooner.
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17- MinisterTamang to initiate for completing Lumbini master plan
Lumbini, March 23: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Hit BahadurTamang has instructed for implementing the Lumbini master plan.
Acquiring information about the recent activities and status of the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) here on Saturday, Minister Tamang pledged to take initiative to ensure budget for completing remaining tasks of Lumbini master plan.
The Minister further said his attention was drawn to this matters such as structures not in consistent with the master plan and discontent on part of UNESCO. “Since Lumbini is the centre of faith for one billion Buddhist people across the globe therefore it should strive for tourism-friendly behaviour.” He said.
Also speaking on the occasion, Vice President of Lumbini Development Trust, Dr. Lharkyal Lama stressed the need for sufficient budget to complete backlogs of Lumbini master plan and asked Minister Tamang to take the initiative to that end.
Also present on the occasion were Trust’s Treasurer Dhundiraj Bhattarai, chief of planning Smita Bhatt, executive members Ramnaresh Kohar, Shyam Rokka, Vishwaraj Poudel, council member Gopikrishna Sharma and others.
Online ticketing system launched Meanwhile, the LDT has launched an online ticketing system today targeting tourists visiting Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. Minister Tamang, also Chairperson of the Trust, launched the online system amid a function here today. On the occasion, Minister Tamang expressed his belief that online ticketing will facilitate tourists.
He claimed it will also help prevent irregularities and promote transparency within the institution. Vice President of the Trust, Dr Lama, expressed his confidence that the online booking will also increase number of tourists coming to Lumbini.
Treasurer Bhattarai said the problem for tourists standing in long queues to buy tickets has been ended with this new initiative.
Tickets can be purchased by logging on Lumbini Development Trust’s website www.lumbinidevtrust.gov.np, informed Bhim Basnet, chief of accounting section of the Trust.
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18- Cabinet expanded in Madhes province
Dhanusha, March 23: Chief of the Madhes Province, Sumitra Subedi Bhandari, at the recommendation of Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav expanded the Council of Ministers in the province, today.
With changes in power equation and subsequent formation of a new coalition, the political and power dimension has also witnessed a different mode.
Among the newly appointed ministers, Rajkumar Lekhi has been entrusted the responsibility of Home, Communications and Law Ministry, Shatrudhan Singh of Ministry of Health and Population, and Pramod Kumar Jaiswal of Ministry of Education and Culture.
Similarly, Keshav Rai has been given the responsibility of Minister of State for Health and Population. The newly appointed ministers took oath of office and secrecy today from the province chief Bhandari, while the state minister took the oath from Chief Minister Yadav.
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19- Kshetra Pratap literary award presented to Dr Lamsal
Damauli (Tanahun), March 23: The Kshetra Pratap Memorial Literary Award, instituted by the Geetal Foundation Nepal and Drama Forum Tanahun, has been presented to literary writer and journalist Dr Nawaraj Lamsal.
The award was handed over to Dr Lamsal amidst a programme organized at a meeting hall of Rishing rural municipality of Tanahun, today. The award instituted in memory of Kshetra Pratap Adhikari carries a purse of Rs 25,000.
Likewise, Geetal National Award, 2080 bagging a case prize of Rs 10,000 was given away to Tila Lekali (Morang. Dr. Ramesh Chandra Adhikari has been awarded the Bangmaya Puruskar (Literary Award) which carries a purse of Rs 10,000.
Similarly, Geetal Pratibha Puraskar-2080 has been presented to Shobha Singh Thakuri (Tanahun). The award carries a purse of Rs 5,000. Foundation Chair Akash Adhikari shared that the Foundation has been presenting awards every year to the personalities who have made outstanding contributions in the field of literature. The Forum has been honouring various individuals with the award for the last six years.
The Kshetra Pratap Memorial Literary Award was started last year. In the first year, the award was given to Dr. Ram Prasad Gyawali, a resident of Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu.
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20- ‘Artificial intelligence could not supplant journalism’
Nawalpur, March 23: ‘s executive chair Dharmendra Jha has claimed that artificial intelligence could not affect those practicing journalism in a true sense.
He said this at a national conference ‘Human Rights Based Journalism in the context of Rapidly Advancing Digitalization ‘ concluded here today. “AI itself cannot go to filed and it has neither creativity nor feeling. As true journalists are equipped with these qualities, AI cannot supplant journalism profession”, he argued.
Jha, also the former chairperson of Federation of Nepali Journalists (FNJ), urged the organizations working for human right defense in Nepal to recognize the contributions of journalists in the area of human rights.
Also speaking on the occasion, FNJ Chairperson Bipul Pokharel stressed the need to do journalism facing the challenges brought out by AI lately. “The AI use in journalism in increasing. AI could not negatively affect journalism for its having critical awareness and field reporting”, he echoed.
Amnesty International Nepal Chair Bipin Budhathoki informed that as many as 50 journalists reporting on human rights and social justice from all seven provinces attended the conference. The Amnesty International Nepal hosted the two-day conference.
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21- Bangladesh Minister of State for Shipping calls on Industry Minister Bhandari
Kathmandu, March 23: Bangladeshi Minister of State for Shipping, Khalid Mahmud Chowdhury has called on Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari at the Ministry in Kathmandu on Saturday.
During the meeting, Minister Bhandari emphasized the need of enhancing the volume of trade between the two countries. He was citing the reference that the volume of import from Bangladesh to Nepal has significantly increased in recent years but the volume from Nepal to Bangladesh has remained stagnant over the years.
Reminding that Bangladesh has remained an important trade partner of Nepal, Minister Bhandari stressed on the need to bring bilateral trade relations to a new height.
As Bangladesh is a potential market for Nepal for various goods including milk and dairy products, vegetables, fruits, herbs and botanical products, yarn and pharmaceutical products, Nepali products cannot get enough access to the Bangladeshi market due to high customs duties and non-customs barriers.
Nepal and Bangladesh have been negotiating a fair trade agreement since 2010, Minister Bhandari pointed out the need for both sides to focus their efforts to finalize the agreement in order to promote the economic interests of both the countries.
Extending gratefulness to the Bangladesh government for providing Nepal routes using Chittagong and Mongla port for trade with third countries, Minister Bhandari urged the Minister of State to strengthen transport relationship through the use of sea ports for the operation of Rohanpur-Singhwad railway and other trade routes.
Minister Bhandari also mentioned that the Kakadvitta-Phulbari-Banglabandh route is being used for Nepal-Bangladesh trade and Nepali trucks are bringing goods imported from Bangladesh only through India’s Phulbari customs point, which has increased the cost of transportation. During the talks, Minister Bhandari further reminded that Nepal had presented a concept paper on using the waterways of Bangladesh at the Commerce Secretary level meeting held earlier.
“The transit treaty between Nepal and India has provided access to inland waterways. I am expecting Bangladesh’s opinion regarding the progress made on Nepal’s the proposal regarding waterways and its possibility for Nepal to use.” Minister Bhandari said.
Mentioning that the Indian side has agreed for energy trade between Nepal and Bangladesh through the Indian transmission line, Minister Bhandari urged the visiting Minister to ensure the investment of Bangladesh in the energy sector. Minister Bhandari shared views with State Minister Chowdhury that Nepal is an excellent tourist destination in terms of natural beauty, cultural heritage, adventure activities, biological diversity and expressed hope that Bangladeshi tourists would come to Nepal.
Minister Bhandari emphasized that such cooperation will be further expanded, noting the two countries have been exchanging cooperation on matters such as raising voices and candidacy at international platforms including the United Nations, while expanding cooperation even as least developed countries (LDCs).
During the meeting, Bangladeshi State Minister took Minister Bhandari’s opinions in a positive note and responded he would draw his Prime Minister’s attention to the issues. Bangladeshi State Minister emphasized on connecting the private sector of Nepal and Bangladesh. Minister of State Chowdhury said that the issues arising in trade should be resolved in the meeting of the secretaries and joint secretaries of the two countries to be held in April.
Minister Chowdhury arrived Nepal today via the Kakadvitta check point. —
22- Holi festival promotes social goodwill, national unity, President says
(To be disseminated on March 24)
Kathmandu, March 24: President Ramchandra Paudel has expressed the confidence that Fagu Purnima (Holi Parva), the festival of colours, would contribute to promote mutual social goodwill and further strengthen national unity.
In a message today on the occasion of Holi Parva, the President stated that this festival spreads the messages of mutual reconciliation and harmony by doing away with anger and animosity.
Expressing his good wishes for the happiness, peace and prosperity to all Nepali brothers and sisters at home and abroad on the occasion of great festival of Holi Parva, President Paudel has described Holi Parva as the celebration of victory justice over injustice and victory of virtue over evil.
The President has said that the Nepali society is equally diverse ethnically, linguistically and culturally as the colours of the Holi festivals.
Similarly, President Paudel has stressed that the festival would inspire one and all to protect and promote our unique cultures by ending the social ills and wrong practices.
Likewise, Vice President Ram Sahaya Prasad Yadav has urged one and all to celebrate the Holi festival as a great opportunity to strengthen national unity, indivisibility, sovereignty, social relations and ties. Expressing the message of good wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the occasion of Holi festival, Vice President Yadav has stated this festival as an opportunity to promote mutual goodwill, harmony, friendship and equality.
He has observed that this festival having multidimensional importance should be handed over to the new generation along with its historical, religious, social and cultural aspects by accepting the positive sides of this festival. Vice President Yadav has also called upon to make this festival decent. It is highly essential that all remain aware and cautious to celebrate the Holi festival by make it decent, the Vice President stated.
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23- Much could be done with PM’s continued support: DPM Lamichhane
Kathmandu, March 23: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Ravi Lamichhane has said that much could be done with the continued support of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’.
Addressing a programme ‘party’s working policy in the current context’ held in the capital Saturday, DPM Lamichhane, also the President of Rastriya Swatantra Party, claimed that he had agreed to protect and strengthen the system during the tenure of Prime Minister Dahal.
Minister Lamichhane made it clear that Krishna Bahadur Mahara, Vice chairperson of CPN (Maoist Centre), was released on bail due to his health condition. He also informed that an investigation is being continued on Mahara. Lamichhane said that it would be good to get a chance to respond the Nepali Congress (NC)’s demands for his resignation and the constitution of parliamentary probe committee on gold scam in the House.
He reiterated his promise that GB Rai will be caught wherever he is, saying how a person who was not a defendant was found guilty on the co-operative fraud case.
DPM Lamichhane also said that the deposits of cooperative victims will be returned with interest. He also claimed that RSP will win in the Ilam-2 by-election based on its performance in the government.
He clarified that he will not do immoral things while staying in the government. Referring to corruption, he said, “Some fishes are slippery, they are clever.” They try to escape, but they will be carefully held.”
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24- Holi festival inspires to achieve goals of development and prosperity: PM
Kathmandu, March 23: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has expressed the belief that the festival of Fagu Purnima (Holi) would inspire all Nepalis to achieve the goals of good governance, social justice, development and prosperity with new enthusiasm, enthusiasm and enthusiasm.
In a message of best wishes to all Nepalis on the occasion of Holi festival today, Prime Minister Dahal said the festival would represent the sentiments and inter-identity of all classes, castes, languages, geography and cultures.
“I extend my best wishes to all Nepalis at home and abroad on the auspicious occasion of Holi festival, which is celebrated with enthusiasm in all the mountainous and hilly regions on the first day and in the Tarai-Madhes on the second day,” he said in a message of best wishes.
The festival, celebrated with gaiety and is considered as the victory of truth over falsehood and good over evil, will inspire human life to be colorful and joyful, the PM noted.
“The multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-religious characteristics in Nepali society have not only established our national pride and pride, but also developed a national culture that respects and assimilates each other’s identity, self-respect and culture,” the message reads.
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25- HoR speaker extends holi wishes
Kathmandu, March 23: Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR) Devraj Ghimire has emphasized that everyone has a responsibility to enrich the traditional and original festivals and keep them alive for future generations.
In his greetings on the occasion of Phagu Purnima (Holi), the festival of colours, Speaker Ghinire urged all to celebrate the festival in a disciplined manner with family and friends.
He extended best wishes to all the Nepalis at home and abroad for social harmony, tolerance and national unity among all Nepalis. “May the Holi festival inspire everyone to engage efforts towards the path of building a happy and prosperous society by forgetting mutual enmity and misunderstanding”, the message reads.
In our culturally diverse society, Holi conveys the message that good and truth will triumph over bad tendencies, he said, adding this festival, which is celebrated on different days in the mountains, hills and plains, has helped enhance mutual harmony and unity by integrating the Nepali society.
This festival has been increasing mutual harmony, love and brotherhood by binding Nepali citizens of different castes, languages and regions together. Holi, which is celebrated on the full moon day of Falgun month, is celebrated as the festival of colours.
On Holi, there is a custom of wearing colors on each other with joy and glee in celebration of the victory of truth over falsehood.
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26- Good practices of cultures should be promoted, former President Bhandari says
Kathmandu, March 23: Former President Bidya Devi Bhandari has extended her best wishes to all Nepali people at home and abroad on the occasion of Fagu Purnima and has urged to protect the uniqueness of Fagu Purnima, the festival of colours.
In a message of best wishes delivered today, former President Bhandari said that the festival should be marked being economical and should be marked by ending ill practices to promote the good practices of the cultures.
The former President has said that the unparalleled cultures and their unique qualities could be protected if the history, civilization and ancient values associated with every festival were internalized. Bhandari has also expressed the best wishes that may this festival inspire to all to develop a judicious, civilized and cultured society by ending all sorts of social ills and wrong practices.
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