logo
  • Sunday, 16 February 2025

Demand for setting up animal quarantine at provincial transit points as well

Published Date : November 2, 2023

Gandaki, Nov 2: A demand has been voiced for setting up check posts along with quarantines at the border transit points in the province as well.

The Gandaki Province, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Management made this demand for the prevention and control of animal diseases and pandemic. The Ministry has also concluded that the provincial government should raise this topic with priority also in the meeting of the National Development Problems Resolution Committee.

The Ministry stated that this issue has been sent to the Committee as one of the problems faced by the province. The setting up of quarantine falls under the sole rights of the federal government.

Chief of the Animal Service Training Centre, Dr Grishma Neupane said that although there were agriculture and livestock regulation units in Tanahun and Syangja, they were not providing services in an effective manner.

According to him, these units under the provincial ministry lacked the required facilities and human resources.

Dr Neupane shared, “The federal government should establish check post along with livestock quarantine facility at province border for systematic livestock quarantine.”

It was necessary to make agriculture and livestock regulatory unit under the province government should be made resourceful, he mentioned.

Stating that Nepal recently had to bear huge casualties of livestock due to pandemic like African swine fever and Lumpy skin, Dr Neupane pointed out the need of making quarantine service smooth and effective. 

He further mentioned that livestock quarantine service has not become effective even at international borders.

“There is a challenge to bring the epidemic of livestock diseases due to laxity of quarantine service. Animal husbandry business is collapsing”, he added, sharing that the federal government should help the province government to make livestock disease free area by expanding quarantine service at province borders, main highway and different places.

Government decides to prorogue Federal Parliament current session

Kathmandu, Nov 2: The government has decided to prorogue the current session of the Federal Parliament.

A meeting of the Council of Ministers held today in Singha Durbar took the decision to recommend before the President to end the session effective from today mid-night.

The meeting also decided to promote Joint-Secretary Radhika Aryal to the post of Secretary towards administration as well as Bishwo Babu Pudasaini as Secretary towards technical, said Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Prakash Jwala.

Chief Justice Shrestha and his Chinese counterpart meet

Kathmandu, Nov 2: Chief Justice Bishowambhar Prasad Shrestha, who is currently in Beijing, China, held a meeting with Zhang Jun, the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme People’s Court of the People’s Republic of China on Wednesday.

During the meeting, various matters within the realm of judicial services were discussed, the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing said in a press release.  

Expressing satisfaction over the longstanding bilateral relations happily existing between Nepal and China, both parties agreed to further strengthen this relationship by promoting cooperation and collaboration in the field of judiciary.

Chief Justice Shrestha commended China for its noteworthy accomplishments in the application of Information and Communication Technology in the field of judicial services and underlined the need of exchanges of knowledge, experiences and best practices between the two countries.

Following the meeting, the Chief Justice attended the luncheon hosted by the Chief Justice and President of the Supreme People’s Court of China in honor of the visiting Nepali delegation.

In the evening, the Chief Justice Shrestha attended a welcome reception hosted by Bishnu Pukar Shrestha, Ambassador of Nepal to the People’s Republic of China, in his honor at the Embassy.

The Nepali delegation led by the Chief Justice of Nepal arrived in Beijing on Tuesday evening after attending the “1st China (Kashgar)-Central Asia & South Asia Legal Forum” in Kashgar, Xinjiang.

The Chief Justice was welcomed by Ambassador Shrestha and officials from the Embassy of Nepal.

The Chief Justice is scheduled to return to Kathmandu on 3 November 2023.

Foreign Minister Saud holds discussions with Nepali American IT professionals

Kathmandu, Nov 2: Minister for Foreign Affairs N.P. Saud held virtual and in-person discussions on Wednesday in Washington, the USA, with Nepali American IT professionals and business owners employed in various companies in the United States and worldwide.

The discussion shed light on the progress of the IT sector in Nepal and the contributions of Nepali-American business owners in its development, according to a press release issued by the Embassy of Nepal in Washington D.C.  

The Minister underscored the political stability in Nepal and the Government’s unwavering commitment to fostering the growth of IT solutions, attracting investments from IT companies to contribute significantly to creation of quality jobs and the overall economic development of the nation.

The Minister also attended a meeting today at the US Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C. where he witnessed the presentation of the Accreditation of the American Chamber of Commerce in Nepal (AmCham) by the US Chamber of Commerce.

Ajit Shah, Founder Chairman of AmChamNepal received the Accreditation from the Senior Vice President and Head of International Affairs John Murphy of the US Chamber. With this, AmChamNepal has become the 130th chapter receiving the US Chamber accreditation. During the event, the Minister emphasized the need for increased engagement between the private sectors of the two countries. The Minister invited US businesses to explore investment opportunities in Nepal, including in Energy, IT, Tourism and other priority sectors.

With this accreditation, the Nepali private sector has been institutionally connected with the business federation of the world, further strengthening Nepal–US economic linkages, helping to promote trade and investment between the two countries. Ajit Shah shared during the function that AmCham Nepal will organize the first ever US-Nepal Economic Summit in the 1st half of 2024 where American businesses around the world will visit Nepal to explore investment and trade opportunities.

The function, moderated by Ambassador Atul Keshap, Senior Vice President of the US Chamber, was also attended by the Ambassador of Nepal Sridhar Khatri and the US Ambassador Dean Thompson.

Also today, the Minister held a meeting with Senator Chris Van Hollen, during which they discussed the overall context of bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of exchange between the parliaments.

The Minister also interacted with the Nepali American business community at the Embassy. During the interaction, he emphasized the Government’s initiatives to promote investments in Nepal. The Minister responded to a wide array of questions and concerns raised by the participants regarding the investment climate and opportunities in Nepal.

Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights at the Department of State Uzra Zeya and Senior Director at National Security Council Rear Admiral Eileen Laubacher called on the Minister at the Embassy today.

ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier: UAE beats Hong Kong by 22 runs

Kathmandu, Nov 2: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) defeated Hong Kong by 22 runs in the final match of the group stage under the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier. The match was held at the Mulpani Cricket Stadium today.

With this win, UAE has become the champion of Group ‘B’. UAE is taking on Nepal, first runner-up of Group ‘A’ in the semifinals tomorrow. Chasing the target of 177 runs posted by UAE, Hong Kong was restricted to 154 runs in allotted 20 overs losing eight wickets.

For Hong Kong, Anshy Rath hit highest 59 runs off 47 balls with eight boundaries. Similarly, Aizaz Khan made 26, Nizakat Khan 25 and Nasrulla Rana 13. However, other players could score double digits. On the bowling side, Ali Nasir and Zahoor Khan took two wickets each.

Batting first after losing the toss, UAE made 176 runs in allotted 20 overs at the loss of six wickets. For the winning team, Basil Hameed hit highest 51 runs from 29 balls with four boundaries and three sixes. Similarly, Captain Mohammad Waseem made 46 off 24 with five fours and three sixes.

Alishan Sharafu contributed 34 off 24 with two boundaries and two sixes. Vriitya Aravind made 19, Khalid Shah six and Asif Khan four. For Hong Kong, Yasim Murtaza bagged three wickets singlehandedly while Rana two. Similarly, Ehsan Khan took one wicket.

   NC Chief Whip Lekhak stresses on making parliament effective

Kathmandu, Nov 2: Nepali Congress Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak has laid emphasis on the need of making parliament effective on the issues of livelihood.

Speaking in special hour of today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, he shared, “The government will be functional if the parliament becomes effective. Parliament should be strong.”

“The main function of the parliament is to make laws as well as formation of government, distribution of state’s means and resources and regularly monitoring and evaluating the performance of the government”, mentioned leader Lekhak.

He further said the Nepali Congress was always in favour of effective parliament imagined by the constitution, stating that the NC was committed to protect the constitution in order to make the parliament effective. 

“It was necessary to move ahead making consensus, collaboration and cooperation in democracy and only then, the parliament becomes effective”, viewed the NC Chief Whip.

Stating that dialogue, consensus and collaboration are necessary for the implementation of constitution and nation building, he stressed that all should involve to make this constitution successful.

“Support and protest are gems of democracy. Criticism and protest take place in the parliament’, mentioned Lekhak.

He extended sorrow over the attack of Hamas in Israel killing of 10 Nepali students and making many people injured. Leader Lekhak also asked the government to create environment to return Bipin Joshi, who is under control of Hamas, to home alive.

The NC Chief Whip pointed out that the government should pay attention on all issues raised in the parliament.

All-side conference necessary for resolving economic crisis: UML Vice-Chair Poudel

Kathmandu, Nov 2: CPN (UML) Vice-Chair Bishnu Prasad Poudel has said that the parliament should be more effectual for the effective implementation of the constitution.

Speaking in special hour in the meeting of the House of Representatives today, he reiterated that the government should listen to the opposition’s voice through the House. 

“A unique practice has been adopted in the current session of the parliament. There is the provision of assigning Acting Prime Minister when the Prime Minister goes for a foreign visit. However, the parliament’s meeting was suspended here when the PM was abroad,” he said, adding that during this period the parliament could not carry out other works than amending the legislation related to usury.

He said the topics that should have been brought in parliament were not brought and the government was responsible for this as well as for formulation of only one law in seven months, alleging the government of weakening the role of the parliamentarians.

The UML leader said that an investigation commission was formed through great deal of efforts when gold smuggling cases were increasing in the country, but it seems that the government did not want to carry out the investigation in an effective way.

Leader Poudel drew the attention of the government towards the increase in incidents like violence, attacks and rape in the country as well as the incidences of convicts granted amnesty by the government committing crime the very next day of his release from prison.

“Several activities are taking place against the constitution and the laws. The government has not been able to pay its attention towards that. The government has not given attention to maintaining law and order in society. Instead of enforcing the rule of law, activities of taking the law into own hands have taken place. The government has not been serious in checking unruliness,” he added.

Stating that the peace process should not be delayed, the UML leader shared that it is his party’s stated view that the remaining works of the peace process should be concluded at the earliest.

He said the nation’s economy is in crisis, stressing the need of organising a grand conference with the ruling and the opposition side and other stakeholders working together for tiding over the crisis.

“The statistics show that the country’s economy is in crisis. The problem is becoming more and more complicated day by day, but the government is unknown about this. The government has not been able to make payment to the completed projects. The government has failed to resolve the economic crisis,” leader Poudel said, alleging that the government has also not been able to operate the completed projects as the Bhairahawa and Pokhara international airports.

ADB’s commitment to invest in Dudh Koshi Project

Kathmandu, Nov 2: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has expressed its commitment to invest in the 635-megawatt Dudh Koshi reservoir type hydropower project.

A team comprising Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Kul Man Ghising, ADB Director General Ramesh Subramaniam and ADB-Nepal Resident Mission Director Arnaud Cauchois carried out onsite monitoring of the project.

The team inspected reservoir area and the power house area. It also interacted with people’s representatives of local levels at Rabuwa bazaar of Khotang, the dam site. 

Saying the on-site visit by the high-level team to forward the project is almost the last inspection, Director General Subramaniam shared that financial management is going to be made soon under ADB’s leadership.

He pointed out the need of starting construction of the project by taking the technical, environmental and social aspects to conclusion as soon as possible. The estimated cost including interest of the construction period of the project is 2.20 US Dollar. 

Total one billion US Dollar would be invested from different international financial organisations under ADB leadership in the project. Of it, the ADB has expressed commitment of 550 million US Dollar loan investment in the project.

Similarly, ADB Nepal Resident Mission Director Arnaud mentioned that they have been actively working to accelerate the decision process and have been involving in talks with government of Nepal frequently.

He urged the local community to adopt forbearance as Dudh Koshi is a mega project and largest dam project of SAARC region so far.

   National Assembly passes E-commerce Bill

            Kathmandu, Nov 2: The National Assembly has passed the ‘Bill Related to E-commerce, 2080’ with the report of the Legislative Management Committee.

            A meeting of the upper house of the Federal Parliament unanimously passed a proposal to this effect presented in the meeting by Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Ramesh Rijal.

  UN Secretary General Guterres’ visit of multifaceted significance: Maoist Centre

            Kathmandu, Nov 2: The CPN (Maoist Centre) today said the recent visit of the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Nepal has been of multifaceted significance. At a press conference today at the party central office in Perisdanda, party spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota said Secretary General Guterres’ wish for world peace from Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, was historic. 

            “It is a matter of pride when Secretary General Guterres appealed for world peace from the birthplace of Buddha at a time when questions from anywhere are being raised about Buddha in a malicious manner,” he said.

            The world community closely observed the fact that Secretary General Guterres visited the Sagarmatha region and interacted with the local people in the context of the impacts of climate change taking place, he said. The visit of Secretary General has helped political parties to conclude the peace process of Nepal, said spokesperson Sapkota. “Many issues of the peace process have been concluded. The visit of Secretary General has contributed to concluding it by taking all parties into confidence.” 

            Informing that a dialogue was ongoing with all political parties to conclude the peace process, he said Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ was also discussing the matter with the leaders of the ruling partners and the main opposition parties.

            “The talks between the top leaders of the major three political parties have been positive. A consensus has been reached to call a meeting along with a review between the parties to the 12-point agreement.”

International support would be received in remaining works of the peace process, Maoist Centre leader Pun says

            Kathmandu, Nov 2: CPN (Maoist Centre) deputy general secretary Barshaman Pun has expressed the confidence that international support would be forthcoming for the remaining works of the peace process.

            Speaking in special time in the meeting of the House of Representatives today, he said the bill on transitional justice is being discussed in the parliament’s Law and Human Rights Committee and it would be endorsed through national consensus.

            “We do not believe in ourselves and instead believe in fatalism. However, we should believe in our actions, paying attention to facts and what the science and technology says. We should carry out works according to the culture of cooperation and trust. We should also recognize the minority’s culture. It is necessary to accept pluralism,” leader Pun reiterated.

            The parliament has made some efforts, he said, while reviewing the term of the current session of the parliament. According to him, the parliament has made an important law on controlling extractive money lending during this period. 

            Noting that various 22 bills are under discussion in the different parliamentary thematic committees, he stressed that the role of all sides is important in making the parliament effective.

            He stated that the Prime Minister’s visit to various friendly countries is positive. “The United Nations Secretary-General informing the world regarding the adverse impact of climate change having come here to Nepal on a formal visit is an achievement for Nepal,” he added.

            The Maoist Centre leader reiterated that it is necessary for all to work together for strengthening the economy, and the government has been working in accordance with an independent foreign policy.

            He also mentioned that a significant initiative like the Prime Minister replying to MPs in the first week of every month has been practiced in this period of the present parliamentary session.

Collaboration among all parties needed to take peace process to conclusion: Minister Sharma

            Dang, Nov 2: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma has stressed that collaboration is necessary among all parties to take the peace process to a logical conclusion.

            She said this during a meeting with the families of the martyrs at Jeetpur, Ghorahi Sub-Metropolitan City-11 here today. The Minister reiterated that the peace process would be taken to conclusion.

            According to her, the possibility of the peace process reaching to a conclusion has increased now with all the parties expressing their commitment for the same during the recent official visit of the UNSG Antonio Guterres to Nepal.

            Minister Sharma who is also the government spokesperson said the views expressed by the UNSG Guterres in the Federal Parliament are important for the nation. She added that the government is preparing to take the remaining works of the peace process to conclusion through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. She expressed her confidence that all parties would be unanimous on this.

            Stating that the international community is looking closely at the remaining works of the Nepal peace process, Minister Sharma stressed on the need of resolving this issue at the earliest and establishing sustainable peace in Nepal.

            The government spokesperson said the government publishing the names of the martyrs in the Nepal Gazette for the first time and declaring the 1st of the Nepali month Phagun as the People’s War Day are the real tributes to the martyrs.

            She reiterated that the conflict victims would be provided justice with the consensus of all the parties.

            In the meeting, the martyrs’ families had urged Minister Sharma to help resolve problems related to roads and drinking water in their village. They also stressed on the need of the forces from the people’s war time to be united to fulfill the martyrs’ dreams and the Maoist Centre should take initiation for the same.

Top