- Sunday, 16 February 2025
Kathmandu, Feb 3: The Federal Parliament is convening on Monday.
President Ramchandra Paudel has, on the recommendation of the government, summoned the meeting of the House of Representatives for February 5.
All necessary preparations for the winter session of the parliament have been completed, said Assistant Spokesperson of the Federal Parliament Secretariat, Dasharath Dhamala.
There are currently 24 bills in the federal parliament for the upcoming session. Among them 15 bills are being discussed in the respective parliamentary committees.
Assistant Spokesperson Dhamala said that the upcoming session of the parliament will also see pre-budget discussion.
Currently, there are 88 Nepali Congress members in the 275-member House of Representatives, 78 members of the CPN (UML), 32 members of the CPN (Maoist Center), 21 of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, 14 members of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, 12 of the Janata Samajwadi Party Nepal (JSP), 10 of the CPN (Unified Socialist), 6 MPs from the Janamat Party, four from the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party while four from the Nagarik Unmukti party are represented in the lower house.
Likewise, there is one MP each from Nepal Majdoor Kissan Party, Rastriya Janamorcha, Aam Janata Party and two independent MPs represented in the House of Representatives. There is a constitutional provision that the House of Representatives will consist of 275 members, including 165 elected by the electoral system that is first elected from the constituencies established on the basis of geography and population, and 110 elected by the proportional election system.
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Call to return Nepali recruits in Russian army
Kathmandu, Feb 3: The families of the Nepali recruits in the Russian Army have requested the government to take diplomatic initiative for return of their loved ones. In a press conference held here on Friday, the family members demanded that they be rescued and brought back to the country safely.
Speaking at the event, Tina Ghimire requested the government to create a safe environment for her husband Padam Ghimire to return home. He is reportedly out of contact since the past few months. A permanent resident of Udayapur, Ghimire is a retired Nepali Army personnel and spent around Rs 900,000 to join the Russian Army, according to his family.
Likewise, Sumi Chamling of Ilam requested the government to search for her brother Rajkumar Mukhiya who has been missing since joining the Russian Army. She also shared that Bikram Bhujel and Rajendra Tamang from her village had also joined the Russian army and were not in contact at present.
Chandni Bista of Bhaktapur said that her husband Bibhajan, brother-in-law Nirajan and grandson Lokendra are in contact but wanted them to be returned back to the country.
On the occasion, Suman Rai, who returned home after joining the Russian army, drew the attention of the government to rescue and repatriate the Nepali nationals who have been recruited in the Russian army.
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Tea exhibition to be held at Narayani river bank
Chitwan, Feb 3: An exhibition of Nepali tea is going be held on the banks of Narayani river in Chitwan on coming February 9 and 10. The exhibition is going to be held in collaboration with the National Tea and Coffee Development Board and various organizations working in the tea sector.
The event is being to be organized to promote tea farming, increase consumption of tea produced in the country, inform people about the benefits of drinking tea and to develop a tea drinking culture, said Agriculture Development Officer at the Board Chandra Puri.
Prior to this, a similar exhibition was held in Butwal. This is the first time that the exhibition is going to be held in Chitwan and is believed to help production, promotion and marketing of Nepali tea, said Executive Director of the Board Dr Bishnuprasad Bhattarai.
Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Dr Beduram Bhusal is scheduled to inaugurate the exhibition. The Bharatpur Metropolitan City is the promoter of the exhibition while Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Hoteliers Association are co-organisers.
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Chief Minister Cup Volleyball: Gandaki and APF playing for the title
Mahendranagar (Kanchanpur), Feb 3: Gandaki Province and Armed Police Force (APF) Club are facing each other in the final of the 3rd Chief Minister Men’s National Volleyball Tournament being held here today.
Gandaki Province entered the final after defeating Nepal Police Club by 3-2 sets in the semi-final held on Friday. Similarly, APF club made it to the final after defeating Tribhuvan Army Club by 3-2 sets. Before the final match, there will be a match to decide for the third place between the Nepal Police Club and Nepal Army Club.
The Chief Minister Men’s National Volleyball Tournament is organised by Sudurpaschim Sports Council in coordination with Kanchanpur District Volleyball Association. The event began on January 28.
A total of 10 teams including three departmental teams and seven provinces participated in the competition.
The winner of the competition will receive Rs.400, 000 in cash while the runner-up walks home with Rs.200,000. The third place team will receive Rs.100, 000, according to Volleyball coach Jagadish Prasad Bhatt.
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Owl festival underway in Lopre
Myagdi, Feb 3: The 11th Owl festival has started from Friday in Lopre of Jaljala rural municipality-5, Parbat. The festival is being held at Malika Basic School premises under the joint initiative of Friends of Nature and Natural Heritage Conservation Organisaton.
The festival has been organized with the aim of spreading the message of conservation of birds and wild animals including Owls in the rural areas, said Director of Friends of Nature, Raju Acharya.
The festival has been so far held in ten different districts in Nepal with the aim of conveying the message of conservation of Owl, which is in a critical state due to illegal trade and poaching.
Conservationist Dr Hum Gurung said that Owls has become near-extinct due to felling of large trees, lack of safe food, increasing use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture.
According to Dr Gurung, 23 species of Owls are found in Nepal and of them nine species are in a state of national vulnerability.
The Owl festival is being held in different districts every year to inform and inspire the community and concerned bodies to protect the endangered species of bird. So far, conservation festivals have been held in Dhading, Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Gorkha, Kapilvastu, Dolakha, Kaski, Khotang, Syangja and Kailali.
It may be noted that the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and the Forest and Land Conservation Department have implemented a ten-year Owl conservation action plan (2020-2029).
Rajuprasad Acharya, Chair of Jaljala Rural Municipality, said that the festival has helped to understand the importance of Owls at the community level and lead the community towards its conservation.
Theatre and drama related to Owl conservation, painting, essay and poetry competitions are being organized. A temporary museum of Owl has been constructed and exhibited. Information about Owls, pictures, and photos are kept in the exhibition. A one foot tall Owl robot is also exhibited.
A specimen of Owl from the Natural Science Museum under Tribhuvan University is also on display.
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Aaha-Rara Pokhara Gold Cup: TAC and Three Star playing for the title
Kaski, Feb 3: The final match of the 23rd edition of the Aaha-Rara Pokhara Gold Cup football tournament is being held between Tribhuvan Army Club and Three Star Club at Pokhara Stadium today. The match is scheduled to begin from 2:00 pm.
This is the fifth time that the TAC had reached the final of the tournament, but is yet to win the title. Meanwhile Three Star Club has won the title five times so far.
The two teams had met in the final of the tournament five years ago in 2075 BS. But Three Star came out victorious.
The winner team today will be awarded the gold cup along with Rs.1.2 million in cash while the runner-up will win a trophy with Rs.601,000 in cash, said Keshavraj Baral, the chair of the organizing Sahara Club. Cash of Rs. 25,000 each will be given to the best players in five different categories.
Likewise, the best player of the competition will get a scooter.
A total of 12 teams including one from Bhutan competed in the tournament.
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Two people killed in road accident in Dhakawang
Arghakhanchi, Feb 3: Two people were killed and two others were injured in a road accident that took place in Dhakawang of Arghakhanchi this morning.
The accident involving a jeep (Lu. 1 Ja. 1679) took place at Dhakawang of Bhumikasthan Municipality-2 when the vehicle fell about 150 meters below the road. The jeep that left Dhakawang for Sandhikharka this morning
The deceased has been identified as Deba Belbase, 34, from Bhumikasthan-2 and Demkala Belbase Acharya, 42, from Sandhikharka-8, said DSP Pratit Singh Rathore, head of the district police office. Further investigation is underway.
Kapila Khanal Pokhrel and Sharmik Pokhrel of Panena-1 were injured in the accident. The condition of the injured is normal and they have been sent to Sandhikharka for treatment, police said.
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Employees’ support key to good governance: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Feb 3: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has sought bureaucratic cooperation to make successful the campaign of good governance launched by the incumbent government.
At an orientation programme organised on the 16th Establishment Day of National Employees’ Organisation of Nepal, PM Dahal underscored that achievement of good governance campaign would be determined by employees’ contribution.
Stating that the government has forwarded the campaign of good governance, social justice and prosperity with firm commitment, he, however, hoped he get more support from employees in coming days.
Even for resolving problems in bureaucracy and ensuring smooth public service, employees’ cooperation is essential, according to him.
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PM Dahal inaugurates Dudhauli hospital
Sindhuli, Feb 3: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has inaugurated the newly constructed Dudhauli Municipal Hospital at Sirthauli of Sindhuli.
At a programme organised by Dudhauli municipality at Sirthauli today, Prime Minister Dahal inaugurated the 15-bed hospital today.
The hospital, constructed at a cost of around 180 million, would provide various health services to more than 150 patients daily.
Locals of Dudhauli organized a procession depicting the local art and culture on the occasion.
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Opposition parties all set to raise pressing issues in parliament
Kathmandu, Feb 3: In a parliamentary democracy, role of opposition parties is regarded significant. From keeping a close eye on government activities to making parliament effective, opposition can play vital role.
As the new parliaments in place since the second general elections following 2015 constitution entered the second year, the imminent winter session of federal parliament is poised to see slew of important bills to enforce constitution and federalism.
Even the budget calendar has been revised this year, which would see pre-budget discussion within this session.
With the winter session of federal parliament slated to begin coming Monday, the opposition parties have decided to raise the pressing issues as corruption, black marketing, exodus of youths, and urgency of law making for enforcement of constitution.
Currently, there are 24 bills in the federal parliament, while many others are in the offing. The work advisory committee of the National Assembly on Friday endorsed tentative agenda for Magh and Falgun months.
In this connection, the opposition parties have showed concern over lackadaisical efforts of the government for advancing good governance, social justice, development and prosperity in the country.
Whip of parliamentary party of major opposition CPN UML, Mahesh Bartaula, said his party had decided to put forth the issues of nationality, constitution’s implementation and people’s concern. “Government must give business to the parliament, but there was nothing done on it. More than 39 laws are required to enforce constitution. Government’s efforts to give business to parliament are slow off the mark,” he said, adding that further watchfulness is imperative.
He further pointed out the need of bringing bills on time and pass accordingly. “As an opposition party, CPN UML presents itself cogently,” Bartaula stressed.
Whip Bartaula shared, “Country’s economy is under pressure and we are forced to receive loan for general expenses. There is no favourable atmosphere for establishing new industries, while many industries are sick and some on verge of closure. Investment-friendly environment is much awaited. These are our agenda in priority.”
Similarly, Chairperson of the Rastriya Janamorcha, Chitra Bahadur KC, said they would strongly raise the issues about corruption, nationality, sovereignty, in the coming winter parliament session.
Aam Janata Party Chairperson, Prabhu Saha, commented that the issues of corruption and people’s livelihood would be raised vociferously in the coming parliament session.
Chief Whip of the Rastriya Swatantra Party Santosh Pariyar stressed, “The main responsibility of the government and ruling alliance is to take the laws to conclusion. Issues related to troubles facing the people daily, curtailing of citizen rights, corruption will also be raised in the winter session.”
According to him, in the way political parties collaborate to form a government, they should collaborate to address the concerns and agendas of the public. Lawmaker Pariyar pledged to raise voices on the public concerns in a manner that they are addressed.
He reaffirmed, “We will raise the agendas that were never raised by any mainstream political parties in the upcoming session of parliament. With the presence of youth brimming with new energy and critical awareness, the RSP will make every possible effort to raise issues intensely and establish them.”
Ruling parties hope effective winter session
Meanwhile, the leaders of the ruling alliance have said the coming session would concentrate on making laws and they would contribute to this end for spreading positive message.
CPN (Maoist Centre) Chief Whip Hitraj Pandey said that his party will prepare a schedule and will eloquently push a couple of agendas in the upcoming session of parliament. “Works should be taken forward effectively by preparing a schedule to accelerate endorsement of pending bills in the parliament. Bills related to truth and reconciliation, money laundering, education and province police adjustments should be concluded in this session,” he added.
The upcoming session of parliament will deliberate on what kind of budget should be prepared for the next fiscal year since the Ordinance related to has been issued after the recommendation of the Prime Minister, he added.
He viewed the parliament should accelerate its pace in which it endorses the bills. “The government has prioritized good governance. A positive message is being disseminated to the public.”
Stating that the increasing exodus of Nepalis seeking greener pasture is a matter of grave concern, Pandey observed, “Such issues should be addressed at policy level. Blaming others does not ensure solution. The trend of obstructing the House even in minor issue is wrong. This should be corrected.”
Similarly, Nepali Congress’ parliamentary party’s Chief Whip Sushila Thing asserted that the main task of this session of the House is to conclude the bills considered essential for implementation of constitution and federalism, and to discuss pre-budget on the basis of parliament.
She said, “The subcommittee has taken forward the Truth and Reconciliation related Bill keeping some issues aside to work on. The bill will be sent to parliament after deliberating on it in the full meeting of the committee. The pre-budget discussion to be held in the upcoming session would send a new message.”
CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Metmani Chaudhary explained that his party had set a mentality to raise issues related to Guthi and landless squatters, opening check points with China and corruption control.
The party would exert pressure on the all concerned to implement the constitution and forward the remaining bills related to federalism.
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NEA Mahottari collects over Rs 50 million in revenue
Mahottari, Feb 3: The power distribution centre of Nepal Electricity Authority here has collected over Rs 50 million in revenue in six months of the current fiscal year. Rs 52.3 million was collected from fine and cable fixing.
The NEA has upped monitoring of electricity leakage in recent months.
The Centre informed that it recorded 297 cases of electricity leakage in six months. Those involved in power leakage were fined by the Centre, according to Office Chief Jagannath Jha. More than Rs 2.7 million was collected in fine.
Similarly, the Centre fixed power supply for 488 customers, which earned over Rs 30.8 million.
Moreover, from 424 new customers, Rs 11.4 million was collected.
The distribution centre at Gaushala is providing service in the northern belt of district while the distribution centre at Jaleshwor in the southern belt. There are 10 municipalities and five rural municipalities in the district.
The campaign against electricity leakage has been intensified in the district, according to Jha.
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Patients face hassles after x-ray machine conks out at Mugu hospital
Mugu, Feb 3: Patients have been facing problems for a month after an x-ray machine conked out at Mugu Hospital.
Patients in this remote district of Karnali Province are referred to the Karnali Academy of Health Sciences in Jumla district after the image cassette of the machine stopped functioning, said the Hospital.
The Hospital authority has not been able to repair or replace the machine owing to unreliable electricity supply. Although the management could arrange Rs 250,000 needed to repair the equipment which malfunctioned due to voltage fluctuation, they were not making it operative in fear of voltage fluctuation damaging the machine.
The machine requires 220 volt of electricity supply which the health facility lacks at present, informed said Dr Kamal Dhungana, Officiating Health Service Manager at the District Health Office, Mugu. However, efforts were underway to install electricity transformer within the Hospital premises to address the voltage fluctuation, informed Dhungana.
Patients are forced to travel to Jumla for x-ray facility which is financially and physically taxing for them.
The 15-bed hospital was established with technical assistance of the government of South Korea in 2063 BS. But, it has not been able to render services to the patients optimally due to human resources crunch, lack of pharmacy and blood transfusion centre and other healthcare facilities.
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‘Wetlands conservation must for biodiversity’
Dodhara Chandani, Feb 3: Wetlands which are vital for humans, agriculture and biodiversity, have been receding for lack of adequate conservation efforts of late.
Reasoning that wetlands are not only the significant habitats of a variety of animals and birds but also the lifeline to biodiversity, the conservationists have sought roles from concerned stakeholders to this end.
Chief Conservation Officer at Shuklaphanta National Park, Pramod Bhattarai, stressed that marshlands have significant contribution in availability of water for wildlife, birds and humans, underscoring the need of protection. “Wetland is connected to the existence of human life. It is mandatory element in wildlife’s habitat as well. Even the economic, social and cultural aspects of human life are determined by wetland”, he reminded.
Bhattarai mentioned that some of the communities and wildlife are dependent on swamp areas. Five per cent territory of the country is covered by swamp area, according to him.
Similarly, Chief of National Trust for Nature Conservation, Shuklaphanta, Laxmi Joshi, said, “There is cultural importance of ponds and wetlands. It is connected to human traditions”, she explained, sharing it has become a big challenge to protect marshlands.
A forestry student Ritu Joshi stressed, “Marshlands is important to maintain bio-diversity and ecological balance. So it should be protected. Local governments’ efforts count much for wetlands conservation.”
Wetlands of Kanchanpur are fading gradually due to human encroachment, warranting special attention and engagement from multiple sectors to curb decline, it was shared.
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Job creation, production increase top priorities: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Feb 3: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said the government’s focus is on production increase and creation of jobs through the development of agriculture sector.
Inaugurating the Dudhauli Town Hospital at Sirthauli of Dudhauli municipality in Sindhuli district today, PM Dahal said the government had laid a special emphasis on the development of agriculture-based industries.
The 15-bed hospital was constructed at a cost of around Rs 180 million.
Stating that the government was going to resume sick industries with an objective of creating jobs at home, Dahal shared that he had already instructed the concerned ministries and departments for reviving the defunct state-owned industries.
He reminded that he had prioritized agenda of mechanization of agriculture sector and increase in agriculture production during his official visits to India and China, to which both the neighbouring countries had expressed their commitment for the same. According to him, the government was moving ahead with a clear vision of ensuring good governance, social justice and prosperity, the PM claimed that the people-centric works had increased people’s hope and trust in the government.
“The incumbent government has accorded special priority on health and education. The government has also taken an important step in favour of good governance. Public service delivery has been made smooth, thereby ending the hassles facing the public,” PM Dahal said.
He informed that he, as the Prime Minister, had prominently raised the issues of climate change in the bilateral and multilateral forums and mentioned that he had appealed to the international community to address the impact of climate change faced by mountainous countries like Nepal. Sharing that decision was taken to bring country’s economy to a right track, he clarified that the economy was revived in recent period.
“Economic indicators are encouraging and reserve of foreign exchange and arrival of tourists have increased,” shared PM Dahal, adding, “It has helped in directing the economy to normalcy. Revenue collection has increased in recent period.”
PM Dahal committed initiatives to make arrangement for equipment, capable human resources and staffs required for the Dudhauli Municipal Hospital. Mentioning that he had got the information that many people lose their lives from snakebites in the area, he assured arrangement of snakebite treatment facility at the Dudhauli Hospital.
On a different note, the Head of the Government said that there was no alternative to federal democratic republic. He pointed out the need of securing welfare of grassroots people as republic would be institutionalized only through protection of poor, Dalit, and oppressed people.
On the occasion, Chief Minister of Bagmati Province, Shaligram Jammakattel, assured that there would be appropriate support from the provincial government for the development of the hospital.
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Bansbari land embezzlement: Chaudhary vows to return land in case of law violation
Kathmandu, Feb 3: A businessperson Arun Chaudhary arrested in connection with embezzlement of land belonging to the Bansbari Leather and Shoes Factory has vowed to return land if the land acquisition was found illegal.
Information to this was shared by an investigation officer involved in recording the statement of detained businessperson Chaudhary.
The statement is being recorded in the presence of Chief of District Attorney Office, Kathmandu, Sandesh Shrestha, according to Superintendent of Police from Central Bureau of Investigation, Nabaraj Adhikari.
Police had arrested businessperson Chaudhary, then executive chair of Shoe Factory, Ajitnarayan Singh Thapa, and proprietor of Champion Footwear Pvt and CG Chandvag Residency, Sanjay Thakur, in the same case. Investigation has been forwarded after detainment.
SSP at CIB, Dinesh Raj Acharya, viewed, “The arrest is made after long investigation. So, it is not a hasty action.”
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Chair Oli vows protection of national interest
Kathmandu, Feb 3: Chairperson of the CPN (UML) KP Sharma Oli has stressed that his party would play a responsible role to protect national interest.
Addressing the meeting of UML parliamentary party today, Chair Oli mentioned that the role of opposition party is significant to make parliamentary practice effective. On the occasion, he directed the lawmakers of the party to speak out against anomalies seen in the country and to present themselves firmly.
Pointing out the need of strong and effective role of the opposition in the parliament, the UML Chair urged the lawmakers to be present in a considerate manner. He mentioned, “Lawmakers should run the parliament and committee meetings in a systematic manner, make it further active, and hold much discussion.”
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Public deserve to receive services conveniently: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Feb 3: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ said the people deserve the right to receive services with ease.
Inaugurating a new building of Rautamai rural municipality in Udayapur district today, PM Dahal pledged to address the demands of the Rautamai rural municipality. The constitution has enshrined the local government with many rights, the PM reminded, adding that the local government should provide services conveniently and in the manner that the public realize the decentralization of service.
He expressed his confidence that the remaining works of peace process would be concluded in consensus of all political parties and committed to develop country in cooperation from all.
The PM asserted that country’s economy was moving in a right track lately. “Economic indicators are encouraging and reserve of foreign exchange and arrival of tourists have increased. It has helped in directing the economy to normalcy. Revenue collection has also increased in recent period.”
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PM Prachanda inspects Udayapur Cement Industry
Kathmandu, Feb 3: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Saturday made an inspection visit to Udayapur Cement Industries Limited at Jaljale in Udayapur district.
The PM inspected the industry’s plants and other important physical infrastructures there.
General Manager of Udayapur Cement, Khagendra Basnet, and other high-ranking officials briefed the PM about the status of the company.
On the occasion, PM Prachanda said that industry should be run by upgrading it from the existing status.
Saying that he has taken this industry seriously, the PM expressed his readiness to run the factory in a sustainable way.
The state-owned company, which was established in 2044 BS with the assistance of Japanese government is not run in its full capacity at present.
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Indicators of economy are exciting, PM says
Sindhuli, Feb 3: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that development works have advanced well in Dudhauli Municipality of Sindhuli district in the last decade.
Inaugurating the Dudhauli Municipal Hospital here Saturday, the PM said he witnessed the development pace taking place in the city in the past one decade.
The PM shared that the level of awareness among people and their living standards has skyrocketed now compared to their status a decade ago.
The hospital with the capacity of 15 beds was developed with the investment of Rs 160 million and added that construction of the hospital has contributed in the developmental activities in the locality.
Likewise, PM Prachanda pledged to take initiatives for management of equipment, technology, skilled human resources and officials needed for delivering quality health care services from the hospital.
On the occasion, the PM said that a snakebite treatment centre will be established there as a large number of people are dying every year due to snakebite.
The PM stated that the incumbent government was working for the cause of the country’s development and people’s wellbeing and special priority is accorded to agriculture, health care, good-governance and education sectors.
PM Prachanda reiterated that efforts are ongoing to establish new industries and run the state-owned ‘sick’ industries to create more employment opportunities within the country.
“Indicators of economy are exciting in the recent days. Remittance inflow and revenue collection have gone up. Robust growth in tourism has contributed positively in economy,” according to the PM.
Chief Minister of Bagmati Province Shalikram Jammakattel, Mayor of Dudhauli Municipality Dinesh Kumar Adhikari (Danuwar), House of Representative (HoR) Members and Province Assembly Members, among others were present at the event.
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121-year-old woman dies
Nuwakot, Feb 3: A 121-year-old woman at Kakani Rural Municipality-8 in Nuwakot district passed away.
Batuli Lamichhane, who was suffering from respiratory illnesses for the past one week, died at her home on Friday, Lamichhane’s relative Uddhav Humagain said.
Lamichhane was receiving health care services at her home with support from the rural municipality and Bala Foundation.
A family source said that Lamichhane’s final rites were performed at Pashupati Aryaghat on Friday night. Batuli’s son Netra Prasad Lamichhane, 82, lit the funeral pyre of his mother.
As per the official record, Lamichhane was born in 1959 BS.
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Nepal Police clinches PM Cup Cricket title
Kathmandu, Feb 3: The Nepal Police Club (NPC) has clinched the title of the Prime Minister National Cricket tournament.
In the final match played in the Kirtipur-based TU cricket ground on Saturday, NPC defeated another departmental team, the Tribhuvan Army Club (TAC), by six wickets.
The winner team bagged a cash prize of one million rupees while the first runner-up received Rs 500,000 in cash.
The NPC completed the modest target of 182 runs presented by the Nepal Army Club in 35.5 overs at the loss of four wickets.
Shanker Rana gathered 62 runs with five boundaries and six sixes facing 43 throws. Likewise, Arif Sheikh contributed 27 runs, Amit Shrestha 28 and Kushal Bhurtel 14 runs to steer the police team to victory.
Likewise, Nepal Army cricketers, Jeetendra Mukhiya, Kushal Malla, Sahab Alam and Basir Ahmad took one wicket each.
Invited to bat first after losing the toss, the Army Club made a total of 181 runs at the loss of all wickets in 49.5 overs.
For the Nepal Army Club, Bibek Yadav gathered a total of 63 runs with seven fours and one six. Likewise, Sompal Kami made 39 runs followed by Imran Sheikh (28), Kushal Malla (17) and Jeetendra Mukhita (16).
Deependra Singh Airee and Lalit Narayan Rajbamshi took equal three wickets for the police. Likewise, Sagar Dhakal, Kushal Bhurtel and Karan KC dismissed one wicket each to limit Army team to a modest sum.
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Backlog of peace process to be concluded on political consensus-PM
Udayapur, Feb 3: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has asserted that backlog of the peace process would be concluded on consensus among the political parties.
Inaugurating the new administrative building of Rautamai rural municipality, he said the incumbent coalition government has continued efforts for forging consensus among the political parties to conclude remaining tasks of the peace process that have been stalled since the time of people’s war.
Prime Minister Dahal said indicators of the economy have turned positive with the economic crisis being averted in the country.
Also today, PM Dahal undertook monitoring and inspection of the Udayapur Cement Industry in Jaljale, Udayapur.
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Dialogue in Janakpur: ‘Call for timely managing water crisis deepening in Madhes’
Janakpurdham, Feb 3: Environment and ecology experts have underlined the need of properly managing the water crisis deepening in Madhes without any delay.
They have warned of imminent crisis of water in Madhes if measures are not timely and carefully placed.
At a dialogue event on water crisis held here today in the ongoing Janakpurdham Literature, Art and Drama Festival, the experts cautioned towards possible deep crisis of water due to uncontrolled exploitation of Chure, haphazard infrastructure development and lack of citizen awareness.
Engineer Ajaya Dixit said depleting water level or drying up of water resources in the river basin like Madhes is not a minor thing so it is urgent to take stringent measures by analyzing natural phenomenon of raining.
Water crisis is deepening across the globe and the Madhes in particular is likely to face its adverse impacts, he said, calling for the people to brign changes in the pattern of water consumption.
“The natural pattern of rain has changed, it used to happen in the past, but lately there has been no rain in Madhes even in June. The ground water level is constantly declining. On the other hand, there has been a change in our traditional habits of running a routine. The problem can be worse if we don’t manage water as per the changing natural patterns and behaviour of the citizens,” Dixit said.
Dr Bijay Sharma suggested paying attention to the conservation and management of groundwater without any further problems.
He pointed out the need for the concerned bodies entrusted with the responsibility of water management to collect water from the lower level and other bodies to work in such a way that there is no tampering in the water recharge system.
Engineer Ratneshwor Lal Karna said that more than 90 percent of the hand pumps and wells in Birgunj and Hanspur municipalities of Dhanusha have dried up. He urged all not to take it as normal as the rivers are drying up and the level of groundwater is also decreasing.
Conservation campaigner and Madhes Province Assembly member Ram Ashish Yadav opined that the state’s haphazard development policy in Tarai Madhes has increased challenges in environmental protection and its impact on water resources.
According to him, the structures like Chure Hills, East-West Highway, Mid-Hill Highway and Nijgadh Airport, which have been constructed as per the development policy of King Mahendra, have disturbed the eco-system.
“Despite being rich in more than 6,000 rivers, four large snow rivers and the world’s second water resources, there is a water famine in Nepal, which is a matter of concern,” Yadav said. It is everyone’s responsibility to work towards it.
Chure conservationist Nagdev Yadav urged the stakeholders to take into account the sensitive relationship between Chure, Mahabharata and Himalayan range. Stating that the Himalayas would also be in crisis due to the desertification of Chure and Mahabharata, Yadav said that the mountain range could be protected and water scarcity in Madhes could be met only if chure, which is the base point of all these, could be protected.
Environmental activists Shalini Sah and Suresh Sharma expressed concern that women and children would have to bear the maximum impact when a person needed 70 litres of water a day. Journalist Anil Karna, who is also the moderator of the session, urged the stakeholders to think seriously about the argument of the first President of the Republic of Nepal, Dr Ram Baran Yadav, noting if the Chure could not be protected, Madhes would become desert and the future generations would have problems in protecting their existence.
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Govt. advances study for development of 5,763 megawatt power
Kathmandu, Feb 3: The government has advanced study of 20 hydropower projects for the development of 5,763 megawatt of hydroelectricity.
The Department of Electricity Development is carrying out study of eight projects of 100MW capacity each. Likewise, 12 other projects having capacity less than 100 megawatt are also being studied. If things go as planned, the government is preparing to advance development of the studied projects.
The Department is also carrying out the feasibility study of Khimti Those Shivalaya Hydropower Project of 1,720 megawatt capacity.
Furthermore, the officials are also working on the study of 844 megawatt capacity Kaligandaki Multipurpose Project in the Kaligandaki river.
Likewise, the feasibility studies of the Burbang Hydropower Project, Kokhajor reservoir-based project, Humla Karnali cascade, Kaligandaki-II, Lower Badigad Project and Mugu Karnali Hydropower Project have reached the final stage.
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Cooperation among three tiers of govt needed for development, Communications Minister says
Dang, Feb 3: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma has said that cooperation among all three layers of government was required to expedite development works.
Addressing a workshop on progress review and upcoming plans of three layers of government here Saturday, Minister Sharma shared that cooperation among local, province and federal levels ensures development.
Minister Sharma argued that development activities are taking place in every nook and corner of the country with the implementation of federalism and the people have realized changes.
On the occasion, Minister Sharma said initiatives are ongoing for allocating budget for the construction of a four-lane road in Dang and Tarigaun Airport. “We are internally preparing for construction of four-lane road. India’s Exim bank will invest in it and the construction will advance within a month after completing the bidding process,” Sharma stated.
Also speaking at the event, Economic Affairs Minister of Lumbini Province Dhan Bahadur Maski said that the people’s representatives should fulfill their responsibilities adding that their failure to discharge duty will result in public resentment.
During the programme, people’s representatives elected from the CPN (Maoist Centre) in Dang district and the officials of their secretariat were present.
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Tribhuvan Army Club turns champion of Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup first time
Kaski, Feb 3: Nepal Army’s departmental team, the Tribhuvan Army Club, has become the champion of the 23rd edition of the Aaha Rara Pokhara Gold Cup Football tournament held in Pokhara.
In the final match held at the Pokhara Stadium today, the Army clinched the champion title first time by defeating five-time champion, Three Star Club, with 3-0 goal difference.
The departmental team made opening goal in first inning and two goals in second half. Army’s strikers Zilepsy Jung Karki (captain), Fatteman Ghale and Basanta Jimwa scored one goal each to ensure the victory of the team.
The champion Tribhuvan Army Club bagged Rs 1,201,000 in cash and trophy while the first runner up Three Start bagged Rs 601,000 and trophy, organizing Sahara Club’s Chairman Keshav Raj Baral said.
Likewise, Army Club’s Bimal Pandey was named the best player of the tournament and received an e-scooter.
Army’s Samit Shrestha was named the best goalkeeper, Army’s Bimal Pandey was declared the best defender and Three Star’s Bibek Poudel was announced the best midfielder while Army’s Gilepsi Jung Karki was named as the best forward player and Army’s Meghraj KC was named the best coach in the tournament and received Rs 25,000 each and trophy.
Likewise, Army’s Dinesh Hemjan bagged Rs 25,000 in cash for scoring the highest three goals in the tournament.
Similarly, Jawalakhel Youth Club was named as the fair play team.
Prior to this, the Tribhuvan Army Club had reached the final match in 2065 BS, 2066 BS, 2072 BS and 2075 BS.
A total of 12 teams including a foreign team took part in the 23rd edition of the Aaha Rara Gold Cup.
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