Malekhu (Dhading), Nov 3: The remote settlement of Dhading district, Tipling, has been connected to motorway. The motorway has connected Tipling, which is located in Rubivalley rural municipality-1 and 2, from Dhadingbesi.
Local are happy after the motorway, started to be constructed from the district headquarters of Dhading around four decades, is connected with Tipling.
Chairperson of Rubivalley rural municipality, Ram Singh Tamang, said it has been hoped that the Rubivalley would get facelift with the road facility in the village.
The road facility has reached up to Pasang entry gate, which is located at the height of 3,850 meters. Chair Tamang shared that motorway has reached up to Puru from the remote Labdung and efforts are underway to construct the motorway up to Lapa.
One can reach Syaphrubesi of Rasuwa from Dhadingbesi via Kintangphedi, Sertung and Pasang pass of Tipling. The road constructed at the height of 3850 meters is the first road constructed at the highest place of the district.
The 28-kilometer road from Somdang, the border of Dhading and Rasuwa districts, was constricted at a cost of Rs 25 million. However, 70-kilometers road from Dhadingbesi was constructed with the investment of the government of Nepal, said vice-chair Phelama Tamang.
With the constriction of motorway, it has been easier to transport construction materials for development works, not only in movement.
Earlier, locals of this area were compelled to walk three-four days to reach Dhading in lack of motorway and one can now reach Dhadingbesi in a single day.
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Patriarchal mindset hurdle in giving opportunities to women – Lawmaker Gautam
Kathmandu, Nov 3: Nepali Congress leader and lawmaker Pratima Gautam is of the view of changing the traditional trend of holding lengthy deliberations on the annual policies and programmes of the government.
She was referring to the long discussions in parliament on the government’s policy and programme document and the budget heading, but suggestions given by parliament being largely going unheeded and without results.
Stating that the debate and discussions are meaningless if they do not incorporate the suggestions and feedback given by the people’s representatives on the needs and priorities of the country, district, election constituency and the people, she stressed on the need of improvement in such aspects which only consume time but give no results.
“This is my first experience as a lawmaker. The presentation of all MPs is effective when it comes to putting one’s views in parliament. However, the parliament this time ended without making adequate number of laws. Several bills were like ‘ready-made’ bills and they had to be amended,” the lawmaker from the Nepali Congress said.
Gautam started her political career as a student leader of the Nepal Students Union. She became the general secretary of the Union. She was the president of the Free Students Union at Padmakanya Campus chapter. Gautam is currently the central committee member of the Nepali Congress.
She said no matter how many provincial and local governments are there in the country, the electorate still expected much from the federal parliamentarians on topics related to the physical infrastructure development in their area.
Lawmaker Gautam opined that the voters need to be informed about the major role and responsibility of the lawmakers – formulating laws. According to her the lawmakers are still expected by the electorate to ‘bring development projects’ in their areas and many a lawmaker are engrossed doing that while neglecting important meetings and discussions in the parliament and the parliamentary committees.
She said it would be difficult for the lawmakers to secure votes in their support in the next election if they neglected the expectations of the electorate in their constituencies and nobody should underestimate this factor.
Parliamentarian Gautam also expressed her dissatisfaction over the way some lawmakers put their views in parliamentary debates as if they are addressing a political rally. She said their statements were lengthy sermons rather than backed by logic, facts and data, contributing to the policy.
Saying although the constitution has guaranteed women representation in all the State bodies, she shared her experiences that still the traditional mindset and patriarchal thinking is at work when it comes to providing equal opportunities to women.
Expressing her deep concern over the burgeoning corruption in every sphere of society, lawmaker Gautam stressed on the need of strong political will to stamp out this vice. She is of the view that corruption is something that can be controlled by promoting moral and ethical values in society rather than through legal means alone.
She further said our society was moving towards negativity more than positivity also because of the social sites. “Many of the things that are shared on the social sites are misinformation, disinformation and fake than being based on truth and facts. This is found to be fomenting hate speech in the social media, which will disturb social harmony,” she expressed her worry.
Parliamentarian Gautam viewed that the exodus of youths to abroad and the brain drain is due to the impact of the drawn-out transition and unemployment, poor quality of education and lack of opportunities at home.
She pointed out the need of all the political parties forging a common understanding and working together on addressing the burning issues of the nation like tackling unemployment, rescuing the economy from a recession, alleviating people’s suffering and strengthening the national unity.
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09- License of two pilots suspended
Kathmandu, Nov 3: The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) has suspended the licenses of two pilots.
CAAN spokesperson and deputy director general Jagannath Niraula said the license of Senior Captain Santosh Shah and Captain Sanjib Shrestha have been suspended as the two pilots of the Tara Air engaged in a physical fight in the premises of the airport at Manthali, Ramechhap this morning.
“The licenses of the two senior captains have been suspended until further notice due to the breach of the national security standard. Their licenses will be revoked or other penalty action as per the law might be taken against them after detailed investigation,” Niraula added.
CAAN stated that the reason behind the two pilots belonging to the same company resorting to physical fight is not yet known.
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Vyasgufa is major centre point of scripture, power: Dr Gurung
Damauli, Nov 3: Senior culture expert Dr Jagaman Gurung has said Damauli, the birthplace of Vyas Rishi, is the major centre point of scripture and spirituality.
Inaugurating the religious programme, Shreemandbhagawat Gyan Mahayagya, started from Thursday at Vyas municipality-3 of Tanahu district, he mentioned that Vyasgufa, the birthplace of Vyas Rishi, and the place of meditation of Parasar Rishi, is the major centre point of scripture and power.
Syangja chapter of The World Hindu Federation Nepal has organised the Mahayagya on the occasion of Eighth World Omkar and Hindu Mahamilan Festival taking place from October 18. As part of the programme, Netra Prasad Pandit is reciting the Bhagawat Mahapurana scripture is for seven days.
Vice-Chair of the World Hindu Federation, Shankar Kharal, Shanti Sworupananda Damodar Baba, Kashi Nath Neupane who has carried out a research on Vyas Rishi, former lawmaker Shankar Prasad Pandey, among others talked about the significance of Vyasbhoomi in a programme presided by Vice-Chair of World Hindu Federation, Syangja, Harihar Pandey.
Durga Bhakta Adhikari of Veda Anuyayi Prathisthan Nepal, Tanahu, a foundation of Vedic followers, said the one-month Mahamilan (Vedic congregation) was organised from October 18 with an objective of making the Vyasbhoomi renowned from spiritual, religious, archeological and historical aspects as well as to help promote religious tourism.
The one-month Mahamilan is organised in the Nepali month of Kartik every year since 2074 BS.
Vyas Rishi is a revered sage of the Hindus who is taken as the compiler of the mantras of the Vedas into four Vedas, as well as the author of the eighteen Puranas and the Brahma Sutras. He is traditionally regarded as the author of the epic Mahabharata.
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Negligence of contractors blamed for tardy upgrading works on Postal Highway
Sudurpaschim, Nov 3: Work on upgrading the Kailali-Kanchanpur road under the national pride Postal Highway has been sluggish in recent years thanks to insufficient budget.
The contractors have been blamed for delaying the road. Only 31 kilometres of the road have been upgraded in the Kailali section four years into the upgradation.
The total length of the road is 69 kms from the Mohana bridge of Dhangadhi in Kailali to Satti Khakraula. Road upgradation is ongoing in the remaining section, said the Postal Highway project office in Dhangadhi.
Out of 29.5 km road from Lamkichuha in Kailali to Satti Khakraula through Tikapur bazaar area (north south), eight km has been blacktopped. Road upgradation remains from Tikapur to Khakraula. Potholes have developed in the single lane road in the area causing transport difficulties, complained the locals.
Out of 62 km road from Dokebazaar in Kanchanpur to Daiji bazaar through Belauri, 38 km has been blacktopped in seven years. The section from Dokebazaar to Belauri has been blacktopped while many parts from Belauri to Darji through Beldandi are yet to be tarred.
In the previous fiscal year, budget worth Rs 750 million was allocated for upgrading the road. In the current FY, 2023/24, Rs 400 million has been allocated. For upgrading the Kailali section, the contract was awarded in the FY, 2076/77 BS and of the Kanchanpur section in the FY 2073/74.
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Let us present our claim on climate change issue this time: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Nov 3: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said Nepal should present its claim clearly this time for the solution of the problems it is facing due to climate change.
Prime Minister Dahal mentioned, “Nepal can make significant efforts on the issue of climate change. We should present ourselves in such a way to lead the world on this issue.”
During the meeting on Nepal’s participation in the COP28 with secretaries of foreign ministry, forest and environment ministry as well as other ministries at his official residence in Baluwatar today, the Prime Minister shared that Nepal should present its claim effectively and strongly this time.
On the occasion, the PM was briefed about preparation for the COP28 and the meeting also discussed the topic.
PM Dahal mentioned, “We are the ‘leader’ of this issue. Our documents should present us as leader. Let’s present Nepal as the claimer this time.”
A conference would be organised on November 21 in this regard, added PM Dahal. The government is preparing to be present in COP28 with the conclusions of the conference.
He viewed that Nepal should firmly put its view that the support coming for climate change sector is through government.
Sharing that foreign aid and compensation received for mitigation of effects of climate change should be challenged into government system, the Prime Minister stressed that such issue should be put forth clearly.
Present in the meeting were Secretary of Foreign Ministry Bharat Raj Paudyal, Secretary of the Ministry of Forest and Environment, Deepak Kumar Kharal, among others.
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Nepal qualifies for ICC T20 World Cup, 2024
Kathmandu, Nov 3: Nepal has made it to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024 after registering an eight-wicket win over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the semifinal under the Asia Qualifier. Co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States, the Word Cup will take place from June 4 to 30, 2024.
The semifinal match was held at the Mulpani Cricket Stadium here today. Chasing the victory target of 135 runs posted by UAE, Nepal achieved it in 17.1 overs at the loss of three wickets. For the winning team, wicketkeeper Aashif Sheikh hit a half century. He made 64 runs off 51 balls with six boundaries and two sixes. Similarly, Capitan Rohit Poudel made 35 with three fours and one six while Gulshan Jha 22, and Kushal Bhurtel 11. For UAE, Nilansh Keswani and Basil Hameed took one wicket each.
Winning the toss and batting first, UAE scored 134 runs in the allotted 20 overs, losing nine wickets. For the team, Vriitya Aravind hit highest 64 off 54 balls with eight boundaries and two sixes. Likewise, Captain Mohammad Waseem made 26 from 16 with three fours and two sixes. Asif Khan contributed 13, and Alishan Sharafu 16. For Nepal, Kushal Malla bagged two wickets, and Sandeep Lamichhane two. Similarly, Sompal Kami and Poudel took one each. Grouped ‘A’, Nepal reached the semifinal by becoming first runner-up while UAE made it to the semifinal as the champion of Group ‘B’.
In the semifinal today, Oman reached the final by beating Bahrain by 10 wickets. Nepal is facing Oman in the final on Sunday.
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Oman qualifies for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024
Kathmandu, Nov 3: Oman has booked a place for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024, defeating Bahrain by 10 wickets in the semifinal today under the Asia Qualifier. Co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States, the Word Cup will take place from June 4 to 30, 2024.
The match was organised at the Kirtipur-based Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground. Oman achieved the victory target of 107 runs posted by Bahrain in 14.1 overs without any wicket loss. For the winning team, Kashyap Kumar Prajapati hit highest 57 runs off 44 balls with four boundaries and two sixes. Similarly, Prathik Athavale made 48 off 41 with four boundaries and one six.
Bahrain made 106 runs in allotted 20 overs at the loss of nine wickets. For the team, Imran Ali Butt made 30, Ahmer Bin Naser 26, and Sarfraz Ali 23. For Oman, Aaqib Ilyas Sulheri took four wickets singlehandedly while Shakeel Ahmad two. Similarly, Ahmad Fayyaz Butt and Zeeshan Maqsood claimed one each.
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15- Two electricity distribution substations inaugurated
Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS)
Kathmandu, Nov 3: Two power distribution substations, each of 33/11 kV capacity, have been inaugurated in Nuwakot and Rasuwa. The substations were constructed under the Nepal-Germany Economic Support Programme.
One substation is constructed at Ratmate of Belkotgadhi Municipality in Nuwakot district while the next substation is built at Kalikashan, Kalika Rural Municipality of Rasuwa district with the grant provided by the German government through KfW Development Bank.
Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) executive-director Kulman Ghising and KfW’s director for Regional Office for Nepal and Bangladesh, Michael Sumser-Hellstern jointly inaugurated the Ratmate substation. Similarly, Ghising and KfW South Asia Deputy Director, Christoph Kessler jointly inaugurated the Kalikasthan-based substation. Electricity supply has been locally made from the substation.
The German government had, through the KfW Development Bank, provided a grant assistance of 5 million Euros (approximately Rs 700 million) for the reconstruction, expansion and strengthening of the power distribution system network in Nuwakot and Rasuwa following the devastating earthquake of April 2015.
Two distribution substations, 33kV, 11kV and LT line have been constructed with this grant support. More than 1,200 households in the two districts will have reliable power supply to their homes with this.
On the occasion, NEA Executive-Director Ghising said KfW has provided much support in the development of projects related to hydropower, transmission line and distribution system in Nepal. He added that the consumers in these areas have availed of reliable and quality power supply with the construction of these two substations.
He believed that improved power supply in the region will encourage opening of cottage industries.
KfW’s Sumser-Hellstern and Kessler said that Nepal and Germany have over 60 years’ relations and Germany has been providing cooperation for the development of energy sector in Nepal since 40 years back. They said this cooperation would now be extended towards electricity transmission and distribution sectors as well.
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Carry out citizens’ works in prompt manner, Minister Shrestha directs Guthi Sansthan
Kathmandu, Nov 3: Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Ranjita Shrestha has directed the employees of the Guthi Sansthan to carry out the works of the people promptly, exercising their legal authority.
The Guthi Sansthan is the government agency responsible for looking after and managing properties related to the ancient temples and religious trusts.
Inaugurating the 60th anniversary function of the Sansthan today, she reiterated that it is the responsibility of the employees to carry out the works of the citizens promptly and to provide smooth service to them. She said public complaints have been received that the employees are found to have breached the rule and involved in malpractices in several instances of irregularities.
The Minister said strong action would be taken if anyone’s involvement was found in such nefarious activities.
She said she would do her level best in resolving any problems seen in the functioning of the Sansthan due to the shortage of required laws. In this connection, she said, the Ministry will prepare the legislation for addressing the shortage of employees the Sansthan is facing at present.
Minister Shrestha also stressed on checking the increasing instances of encroachment on the land belonging to the Guthis.
She said the Ministry is preparing to take ahead the process for getting the by-laws required for capacity enhancement of the employees endorsed.
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Creating hindrance in development projects will not be acceptable: DPM Khadka
Kathmandu, Nov 3: Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka has said ways of working should be changed to address the people’s aspiration along with country’s economic prosperity.
Addressing the meeting of first quarterly review and Ministry-level Development Problem Resolution Committee organised at the Defence Ministry today, Deputy Prime Minister Khadka pointed out the need of moving ahead by resolving the problems immediately rather than buying time.
“We all have become the obstacles of country’s progress intentionally, knowingly or because of someone. Creating obstacles in the pretext of legal provision for progress will not be acceptable. It should be improved,” he mentioned.
DPM Khadka also directed to present reasons of problems and ways of solution, not only problems.
“Reasons behind the problems should be clearly mentioned. The trend of waiting the meeting of Development Problems Solving Committee in order to resolve the problems seen in development projects should be ended”, he stressed. The Defence Minister further said that an ordinance to amend acts and laws creating obstacles in country’s prosperity would be brought.
Laying the emphasis on the need of completing the Tarai-Madhes fast track, linked with the prestige of Nepali Army along with country, on the slated time, he asked the bodies concerned to carry out activities in order to complete the construction of Tarai-Madhes fast track by Chaitra 2083 BS.
He also directed the Nepali Army to present itself strictly in case of non-performance by contractors in any pretext, stressing that NA, which has got responsibility of the project, to make the contractors responsible to complete the project within deadline.
There should be no any compromise in the quality of construction of the project, he mentioned.
Similarly, Acting Vice-Chairperson of the National Planning Commission, Dr Ram Kumar Phunyal stressed the need of structural reforms for country’s socio-economic transformation, adding the Commission is taking initiatives for structural reforms.
The Commission is doing homework in order to resolve problems of development projects through one-door system, he shared.
Stating that problems seen in national pride projects should be resolved as soon as possible, Chief of Army Staff, Prabhu Ram Sharma, pointed out the need of giving special priority to such projects.
Nepali Army has been completing its assigned responsibilities remaining under the constitution, acts and laws, he shared, adding the NA is involving wholeheartedly to fulfill its assigned responsibilities.
Likewise, Secretary at the office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Eknarayan Aryal, said special laws would be formulated for projects of national priority while Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Infrastructures and Transport, Keshav Sharma, stressed that it would be appropriate to make special political decision to resolve problems seen in national pride projects.
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NRB and FNCCI sign MoU to formulate comprehensive economic policy
Kathmandu, Nov 3: A memorandum of understanding has been reached between Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) and the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) to formulate the comprehensive economic policy and enhance the industrial and business environment.
In the presence of Governor of the central bank Maha Prasad Adhikari and the FNCCI President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, the MoU was signed by Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha, executive director of the bank’s research department, and the FNCCI Director-General Gokarna Raj Awasthi amid a function here today.
According to the agreement, the bank and FNCCI will conduct a fact-based study on various issues. On the occasion, saying that the agreement had created an opportunity for the two institutions to go ahead hand-in-hand, Governor Adhikari expressed the hope that it would help increase the participation of the private sector in policy-making in the days to come.
Similarly, thanking the central bank for its cooperation with the private sector, the FNCCI President Dhakal offered his confidence that the MoU would help in formulating a reality-based policy in the future apart from helping disseminate right information.
According to the MoU, the FNCCI and member organisations will provide required information for the bank to carry out a study while the bank is required to provide required technical assistances for the FNCCI to conduct a study. A joint research will also be carried out in need.
A facilitation cell will be created to implement the agreement that will be valid for five years. Others present on the occasion were the Rastra Bank Deputy Governor Dr Nilam Dhungana, the FNCCI senior vice president Anjan Shrestha, and vice presidents Surkrishna Baidhya, Hemraj Dhakal and Jyotsana Shrestha.
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High-level commitment to forward construction of Upper Arun Hydel Project
Kathmandu, Nov 3: Process for the construction of Upper Arun hydropower project is to be forwarded. The project site is located at Bhotekhola rural municipality of Sankhuwasabha.
The government and donor agencies have made high-level commitment to forward the construction of the 1,161-megawatt project.
A team comprising Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Shakti Bahadur Basnet, Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, lawmaker Deepak Khadka, Secretary of the Energy Ministry Dinesh Kumar Ghimire, Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority Kulman Ghising, Managing-Director of the World Bank Anna Bjerde, Director General of the Asian Development Bank Ramesh Subramaniam carried out onsite inspection of the project site today.
At a programme organised at Chhograng of Bhotekhola rural municipality-4, Finance Minister Mahat shared that the Upper Arun Project is about to reach the implementation phase.
Stating that although there is limitation of resources, adequate budget has been allocated in order to take the project in implementation phase, he expressed commitment not to allow resources crunch in order to forward the project.
Dr Mahat, who is also the former Energy Minister, said that the locals will be provided shares of the hydroelectricity project for mobilizing funds for investing in it. He mentioned that an important project for the country has reached the stage of mobilizing investment.
“The World Bank has shown its special interest to invest in this project. It is trying to mobilize the investment with the participation of various international financial institutions,” Finance Minister Mahat added.
He said emphasis has been laid in the World Bank’s annual meeting and bilateral consultations on mobilizing grant along with concessional loans to make the project attractive for investment, and the government will provide its all-out support to take ahead the construction of the project by mobilizing the investment as soon as possible.
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Basnet also reiterated the government’s commitment to immediately take forward the Upper Arun-like projects for the maximum utilization of water resources for the nation’s prosperity.
Lawmaker Deepak Khadka said the locals welcomed the project and were willing to move it ahead.
The WB Managing Director said discussions on this project have been going on ever since she came to Nepal and the electricity produced from this project would be instrumental for domestic consumption as well as for export.
She said the WB is ready to invest in the Upper Arun project for the benefit of all sides and stakeholders.
The estimated cost of the project is 1.75 billion US dollars (approx Rs 214 billion). Of this cost, 70 percent would be mobilized through loans and 30 percent by way of equity.
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PM Dahal congratulates national cricket team
Kathmandu, Nov 3: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has congratulated the Nepali cricket team on their qualification for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, 2024.
He also accorded high honour to the team for their achievements made in the recent time. Wishing for their next endeavours in cricket, he expressed the commitment of the government to always stand by the Nepali cricket team.
Co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States, the World Cup will take place from June 4 to 30, 2024.
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