- Tuesday, 21 January 2025
Kathmandu, Feb 20 : The government has formed a study committee with a coordinator, Shankar Prasad Adhikari, former secretary, to furnish suggestions on construction and operation of international airports on public-private partnership model.
Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, shared this information as a Cabinet decision at a press meet on Tuesday. A study committee has been formed under the coordination of former Vice Chairman of NPC, Deependra Bahadur Chhetri, for the structural and managerial reform of Nepal Airlines Corporation.
Similarly, the Cabinet made a decision to approve the annexes on basics and financial issues relating to royalty sharing among three-tiers of government as recommended by the National Natural Resources and Financial Commission. The sub-national governments will also be handed over the budget.
The government is to accept the proposal that the people carrying official passports between Nepal and Sri Lanka would not require visa, and government will provide authority for signing an agreement to this regard. Also, the Foreign Ministry would be given authority to sign a memorandum of understanding between Nepal and Bangladesh on maintaining institutional relations on foreign affairs.
President Ram Chandra Paudel will be requested to write a letter to the Sri Lankan President urging the latter to award general amnesty based on humanity to the Nepali citizens Chet Bahadur Thapa, Suk Bahadur Tamang and Tek Bahadur Tamang who have been languishing in Sri Lankan jails.
The government also issued approval for acquisition of land for the construction of a tower of 220-KV transmission line under the Tamakoshi-V hydro power project at Bigu rural municipalty-4, Dolakha.
Moreover, the spokesperson of government, Sharma, informed about the decision giving approval for acquisition of land and forest areas for various hydro power project as Upper Arun (Sankhuwasabha), Upper Rahughat (Myagdi), Super Kabeli Khola-A, Super Kabeli Kholi ‘cascade’, and Kabeli-III (Taplejung), Super Ambukhola (Dhading), and Sona Khola (Taplejung).
Executive Director at Security Printing Centre, Bikal Paudel, was found having permanent residence card (PR) of the US, so he would be sacked from the post and informed accordingly. Bhupendra Bhandari has been appointed the Chairman of Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA).
The government approved a total of 23 temporary quotas for the officers to be appointed at the offices of the National Information Technology Centres- in Kathmandu, Makwanpur, Kohalpur and Laitpur- to be effective from Poush 2080 to Asar 2081.
It was decided at the Cabinet meeting to accept the grants of some Rs 11.70 billion to be received from the UK government and utilized for Green Growth Nepal, and Nepal in Business (NIB) programmes.
A draft agreement on bilateral cooperation on intellectual property between the US Trademark Office, and Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply has been approved by the Council of Ministers. Similarly, the government is to issue approval for contractors on petroleum exploration at 10 spots ascertained across the country- from the east to the east in Tarai/Madhes region.
Moreover, the draft of trade and investment agreement between Nepal and Australia has been approved, while a high level committee has been formed under the coordination of former secretary Madhu Sudan Adhikari on enforcement of Supreme Court orders relating to the compensation of land owned by the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve.
A bill on immigration will be withdrawn from federal parliament as per government approval. The term of probe committee on auditing of Non-Resident Nepali Association has been extended by a month. The government has approved the directive on poor household identification and identity card distribution, 2080.
Work ambit of the central project enforcement unit (education) will be expanded as per Cabinet decision for the reconstruction of schools damaged by earthquakes in Bajhang and Jajarkot districts. Electronic purchase system operation (first amendment) directive, 2080 will be approved, while the bill designed to amend the Secured Transaction Act, 2063 will be tabled in the parliament as per Cabinet decision.
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02- INLS Literary Convention to be held in Portugal
Lisbon (Portugal), Feb 20: The International Nepali Literary Society (INLS) is going to host International Literary Convention in Lisbon marking the International Women’s Day.
The INLS will hold its 8th International Literary Convention in Lisbon, Portugal from March 8 to 10.
According to information shared at a press conference held in Lisbon, the INLS has been holding conventions in different countries every year, and this time it is being held in an European country. NB Anjan, General Secretary of INLS Portugal, told RSS that the convention will gather Nepali language, literature and culture scholars, writers and literary figures from all over the world.
More than 100 litterateurs from more than 50 INLS chapters around the world will participate in the conference. This also includes the Central Committee members, Board of Trustees, life members, writers, linguists, artists and culture experts.
Marking the International Women’s Day, the convention is scheduled hold discussion about women’s participation in Nepali literature, special discussion about Diaspora literature. In the three-day conference, awards will be distributed, new books will be launched, multilingual cultural programs and multilingual poetry symposium will be held and papers on various topics of language, art, literature and culture will be presented and discussed, said Anjan.
A panel discussion on ‘Nepali literature and future challenges’ will be held with experts in Nepali language, literature and culture.
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03- Tremor recorded in Dolakha
Kathmandu, Feb 20: An earthquake has occurred in Hatdanda of Dolakha district this morning.
According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center Lanchaur, an earthquake measuring 4.1 on the Richter scale occurred today at 4:58 am with its epicenter around Hatdanda in Dolakha district.
Prior to this, an earthquake of magnitude 4.4 had been recorded in Parkatne of Bajhang district on February 16.
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04- British Minister of State Mitchell visits Lumbini Hospital
Lumbini, Feb 20: British Minister of State at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Andrew Mitchell, visited the Lumbini Provincial Hospital in Butwal on Monday.
On the occasion, Mitchell appreciated the health services being provided by the hospital and said that the British government was ready to increase financial support in the field of maternal and child health and nutrition.
The state of affairs of the hospital was discussed in the presence of Chief Minister of Lumbini Province Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, Health Secretary Raju Khanal, Mayor of Butwal Khelraj Pandey and others.
Chief Minister Chaudhary informed the visitors about the status of the health sector of Lumbini province while Medical Superintendent of the hospital, . Dr. Sudarshan Thapa, shared about the services and condition of the hospital.
The visiting team observed the OCMC, NICU, SNCU, PICU and Children’s Nutrition Rehabilitation Center in the hospital.
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05- Congress Mahasamiti meeting: Closed session from today
Kathmandu, Feb 20: The closed session of the Mahasamiti meeting of Nepali Congress is starting today.
The Mahasamiti meeting ended with the opening session on Monday and the closed session will start from 9 am today, said NC Central Office Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel. Five different reports are going to be submitted for discussion in the meeting.
The reports includes the policy proposal by Party Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, organizational proposal by General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa, contemporary political proposal by General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma, proposal regarding the economic situation, prospects and future direction by the party’s spokesperson Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat while coordinator of the audit committee Shyam Kumar Ghimire is going to submit the audit report proposal, according to coordinator of the information, communication and publicity department of the party, Meen Bahadur Bishwakarma.
The proposals presented in the meeting will be discussed and passed by Mahasamiti meeting. The meeting which started from Monday at Sunrise Conference Center in Godavari, Lalitpur will continue till February 22.
More than 2,000 delegates from across the country are participating in the meeting.
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06- Manebhanjyang Club from Darjeeling wins Oasis Gold Cup
Fikkal (Ilam), Feb 20: The Manebhanjang Football Club from Darjeeling, India has won the first Oasis Women’s Gold Cup football tournament held in Ilam headquarters.
Manebhanjyang won the title by defeating Dipendrashikhar Football Club of Ilam by 3-0 goals in the final match held on Monday.
Manebhanjyang’s Simran Gurung scored the first goal in the 9th minute of the game to give the team the lead. In the 25th minute, Sushmita Lepcha doubled the lead. Later in the second half, in the 67th minute, Simran scored her second goal to give the team a 3-0 victory.
Along with the Gold Cup, Manebhanjyang won two hundred thousand rupees in cash while Dipendrashikhar had to settle for Rs.100,000. Manebhanjyang’s Simran Gurung was declared the best player of the final match. She received Rs 5,000 in cash.
Mayor of Ilam Kedar Thapa distributed prizes and certificates to the winner and runner-up teams and players.
A total of eight teams from Nepal and India participated in the tournament organized by Club Oasis Ilam from February 15.
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07- Nepal A to bowl first against Canada 11
Kathmandu, Feb 20: Nepal A has won the toss and decided to bowl first in the second match of one-day cricket match against Canada-11.
Nepal A captain Sandeep Jora won the toss and decided to bowl first at the match being held today at Upper Mulpani Cricket Ground.
In the first match of the three-match series, Nepal A lost to Canada-11 by 4 wickets.
Nepal’s playing 11 includes captain Sandeep Jora, Arjun Kumal, Basir Ahmed, Bivek Yadav, Kiran Thagunna, Mayan Yadav, Rashid Khan, Sagar Dhakal, Shahab Alam, Sher Malla and Rijan Dhakal.
Similarly, the reserves include Sujan Thapalia, Hemant Dhami, Vinod Bhandari, Ashutosh Ghiraiya and Pratish GC.
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08- Cloudy weather will continue till Thursday
Kathmandu, Feb 20: The cloudy weather that started from the west last night is spreading across the country today. This process will continue till Thursday and the weather will gradually improve from Friday, said Ganga Nagarkoti, a meteorologist of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology.
The weather has become cloudy with light to moderate rain in some places of Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. There is also possibility of rain in Kathmandu on Thursday with sporadic drizzle before that.
There is currently influence of westerly winds in Nepal. However, the weather is partly to mostly cloudy in Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces, while in the rest of the land the weather is partly to mostly clear. A few places in the Tarai are experiencing light rain.
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09- Nepal an advocate for peace and equality: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Feb 20: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that Nepal’s participation in UN peace operations has always remained an important component of its foreign policy, aimed at achieving and strengthening global peace and stability which has been well praised by the global society. “I feel extremely proud as I assert the fact that Nepal presently contributes the highest number of troops and police personnel in the United Nations Peacekeeping missions and has further pledged to deploy up to ten thousand well-trained and equipped personnel for UN Peace operations on request of the United Nations”, he said.
In his statement at the opening ceremony of exercise “Shanti Prayas IV” at a function held at Army Officer’s Club in Bhadrakali this morning, he said Nepal contributes the highest number of women troops among all the UN member countries in its Peacekeeping missions. The government of Nepal will continue to give highest priority to the United Nations Peace Operations and continue to support the United Nations in its every endeavors, he assured.
Stating Nepal has and will always vehemently advocate for peace and equality in international forums, he said Nepal’s commitments are rooted in its desire for peace and harmony in the world and are expressed through her participation in international treaties and agreements that promote disarmament and peaceful resolution of conflicts. “This is further manifested through our participation in the UN peace operations, where our peacekeepers have distinctly demonstrated bravery, compassion, and selflessness in their noble mission to protect and restore hope in regions torn apart by conflict.”
In the contemporary global landscape, peacekeepers face heightened and multiple threats due to the complex and multi-layered nature of conflicts, driven by various factors from ethnic tensions to terrorism among others, he said and noted that adapting to this changing scenario is a must as peacekeeping operations have evolved into complex politico-military-humanitarian efforts demanding a greater understanding and preparation on the part of peacekeepers. “It has thus become crucial to reassess how we deliver peace amid new complex challenges to maintain trust and legitimacy of the UN Peacekeeping.”
The Prime Minister noted that the significance of peacekeeping cannot be overstated, as it requires a deep sense of humanity, a profound commitment, and a readiness to intervene to protect the vulnerable. Peacekeepers have been embodying these principles, and their efforts have made a profound impact, often in the face of great peril.
He said that the multinational exercise emphasizes and reminds us of the necessity to continually train, refine strategies, and build strong partnerships among nations for the successful conduct of peacekeeping operations.
Extending a warm welcome to all esteemed delegates and friends from friendly foreign countries gathered in Kathmandu, the Prime Minister also extended honor and paid tributes to the brave peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace worldwide.
He also took the opportunity to admire the steadfast commitment and dedication of all peacekeepers, who despite facing formidable challenges, continue to serve with valor and compassion. “Their contributions and sacrifices have not only brought honor to their nations but have also played a crucial role in the pursuit of global peace and stability.”
Prime Minister Dahal expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defence, the Nepali Army for hosting the event, while also appreciating the support of the US Indo-Pacific Command – Global Peace Operations Initiative for co-sponsoring this significant event.
The onus of preparing credible peacekeepers lies on the contributing countries, thus apart from regular peacekeeping trainings; Nepal has been participating in and hosting similar kinds of multinational peacekeeping exercises in the past, the Prime Minister noted.
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Opinion: Fast Developing AI as New Friend of Human
Netra Subedi “Prayas”
Kathmandu: In human civilization, human being is always in search of an alternate which can work at least similar to human beings. In such search process, recent developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) is supposed to surpass human capacity. In mastery of language and in chess game AI has already crossed human ability indicating that there is unimaginable working capacity of AI in different sectors. According to famous author and historian Yuval Noah Harari, AI is associated with future of humanity. In his words, there are at least two milestones in the development of AI. First is the capacity of the machine to identify and response to the feelings and emotion in human beings. Another is not other than ability to navigate and operate safely in the real world scenario.
According to John McCarthy, AI is the science and engineering of making intelligent machines that can perform tasks that are characteristics of human intelligence. The intelligent systems could be in the form of software, hardware or a combination of both. We notice some overlap between AI and information technology basically in terms of the use of computer technology. Actually, AI is more focused on creating intelligent systems that can be operated autonomously and make decisions, while IT is concerned with the infrastructure and systems used to manage and process data.
Elements, applications and recent trends of AI
The key elements of AI include Natural Language Processing (NLP), expert systems, robotics, intelligent agents, computational intelligence, artificial general intelligence etc. In recent years many advancements are made in each of these elements. Areas of AI application ranges from features in social media and smart phones to image and speech recognition, use of robotics in customer service, recommendation engines for effective strategies, stock trading and useful products like generative AI. ChatGpt, chatBot, Google Gemini are few widely used generative AI tools which has already evolved through new generations with multiple capabilities. Paradigm shift is seen in the AI quantum computing. AI human like robots are interesting aspects in the sense that they can read human expressions and emotions so that they can be used in customer care and factories where similar actions are repeatedly done. The right tracking of use of AI is the accountability of human. If AI goes out of our control, there is risk of developing once supposed friend into an alien.
Talking about the recent advancements in AI we should at least recall the web development and its commercial use since 2000’s. Another remarkable event is of late 2017 when an AI program named Alpha zero developed by Google defeated the most powerful chess program in the world indicating that AI is winning human capability. Simulation of intelligence in machine is another development in AI. Similarly, virtual reality and augmented reality creating simulated environment are crucial achievement made in the sector.
Emotionally intelligent AI are able to detect micro expressions in face and hence support as customer care. Autonomous AI systems are known for multitasking such as driverless vehicle operation in the crowded roads. Open AI developed by Microsoft is known for speech and image recognition. ChatGpt introduced in November 2022 is regarded as turning point in AI use. According to Geoffrey Hinton, godfather of AI, machine may walk over the humans who make them in the near future.
AI and education
Inequality in the facility of information and communication technology is best described as digital divide. Once we make countrywide coverage of internet services, there will be easy availability of access to AI tools through apps most of which are free of cost. Personalized AI education system are supposed to be adaptive and effective in addressing learning gaps followed by performance analysis. Hopefully, quality of education will go up with the introduction of AI tools in the near future.
AI and healthcare
The time taken for x-ray reports has diminished from more than a week to just 1 minute after the application of AI. Diagnostics of critical diseases has made easier using AI supported programs. For example, cure.AI is an Indian company providing its service to more than 700 hospitals. In Nepal also telemedicine is in use and there is possibility of using AI enhanced healthcare through well-equipped focal hospitals. AI enhanced tools are useful not only for disease detection but also for personalized medication. There should be provision for data security and privacy protection as well.
AI and economy
We can recall the use of Sophia, humanoid female robot in a Sustainable Development Goals related program organized by UNDP in Kathmandu in March, 2018. It is increasingly believed that AI will transform the global economy in coming years. But we have to be prepared so that we can ensure the AI based transformation. Recently, International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned that AI may hit almost 40 percent jobs. It may cause new kind of inequality in the world. Back in history machines and computers cut large number of jobs in their massive use stage which will be repeated at the massive use of AI tools too.
Also, AI is supposed to be useful in mitigating impacts of climate change, waste management and efficient use of energy. Generative artificial intelligence has the potential to automate many tasks and eventually boost global economic growth. Goldman Sachs Research forecasts that AI will start having a remarkable impact on US GDP in 2027 and begin affecting growth in other economies around the world in the years that follow.
AI and society
With fast changing capacity of AI and widespread use, human being is gradually be AI enhanced. At the initial stage, skepticism prevails everywhere. We need a set of policies to safely leverage the vast potential of AI for the benefit of humanity. The features and provisions in the AI tools should honor the basic tenets of democracy like freedom of expression, transparency, accountability, rule of law, human rights and concerns of marginalized section of the society. Novel threats demands novel approaches to deal with and AI is not the exception. One study done based on the views of 2800 authors throughout the globe reveal that the speed of evolution of AI tools and techniques has been remarkably faster than it was projected earlier.
AI and governance
It’s clear to note that AI governance and governance through AI has different scope. Now the trend has shifted from first to later one. Recently, Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Nepal has prepared preliminary conceptual note on use of AI in Nepal and now engaging experts to give it to a final shape. Now is the right time for the national planning commission to pay attention for policy and programs in upcoming periodic plan as well as annual budget.
AI should be priority agenda of government at least for learning and adaptation. We all know that UAE has already declared the provision of AI ministry. Many conferences are set in 2024 in different part of the world. For example, AI in finance summit is to be held in New York in April and Applied AI summit to be organized by Denmark in the same month followed by data innovation summit in Dubai in May 2024 indicating that AI has become the priority issue for global dialogue. Moreover, global initiatives is important to create forum to discuss AI issues. For example, there may be need of treaty to ban the use of military robot, check the random use of data algorithms especially during general elections. While using AI we need to redirect it for increase in production and simplification of public service delivery.
With its rapid increase in the application, AI regulation is the area every government need to give attention. Since public sector of third world has every chance to lack AI experts there should be policy guiding for the capacity development of government officials followed by general regulation for the best use of AI in Nepal and encouragement for the tech companies working in the field of AI. It should be well noted that AI in the hand of bad actors will be a big concern.
Conclusion
AI is one of the potential good friends for human being. AI can be an effective tool for influencing geopolitics in the ground that different tools developed especially in the north blocks are already entered the Nepalese market. Government can play a role to take strategic initiatives to make best use of AI tools. Besides, there are many possibilities we can explore with the introduction of AI. Capability building will enable us for the prioritization and best use. Its right time to begin dialogue among the stakeholders so that Nepal could be active user of AI advancements for the benefit of citizens.(The writer is Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology)
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11- Snowfall in Bajura
Bajura, Feb 20: Snowfall along with rainfall occurred in the upper belt of Bajura district. Farmers are elated with rain and snowfall that took place after six months.
High-hill areas of Budhinanda municipality, Gaumul rural municipality, Jagannath, Badimalika, Khaptad Chhededaha, Swamikartik Khapar municipality, and Tribeni municipality have witnessed snowfall.
Temperature has dropped in the areas with the snow and rain. Normal life has been affected due to snowfall at most of the high-hill areas since Monday night. High-hill areas of Badimalika, Budhinanda municipalities and Himali rural municipalities have been covered with snow this year.
With abrupt drop in temperature, teaching and learning activities have also been affected after students faced problems in their movement.
Acting Chief of District Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Bajura, Min Prasad Jaisi, said farmers are happy with winter rainfall as it is expected to benefit different crops, fruits and vegetable cultivation.
Transport service along Martadi road section that geographically connects four Palikas in the northern part of Bajura district, some Palikas of Humla, Mugu and Kalikot has been affected due to snowfall.
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12- Recharge ponds construction gains progress in Dhankuta
Dhankuta, Feb 20: Construction of recharge ponds is underway in two local government units in Dhankuta, aiming to prevent drying up of water resources and revive those that have already dried.
The project, technically supported by ICIMOD and financially assisted by the local NGO HUSADEC Nepal, is being implemented in Dhankuta municipality and Chhathar Jorpati rural municipality.
HUSADEC Chair Saroj Bhujel said the recharge ponds have already been constructed in eight out of 10 wards of Dhankuta municipality and two out of six wards of Chhathar. The five-year project, initiated last year in Chhathar, has been expanded to Dhankuta municipality this year. Currently, 22 ponds have been built in Dhankuta municipality, and 58 in Chhathar Jorpati, with positive results observed in rejuvenating the depleting water resources.
Wangda Tamang, a local representative and Chair of Dhankuta ward no 1, shared that ICIMOD organized their exposure visit to Sikkim, providing an opportunity to inspect water resources revived through recharge ponds. Inspired by the success, they plan to construct 70-100 additional ponds in the current fiscal year at the local Ranatole.
Dhankuta municipality mayor, Chintan Tamang, acknowledged the role of recharge ponds in preserving water resources and committed to sustaining the program in the future.
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13- TU Vice-Chancellor appointment process underway: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Feb 20: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has clarified that appointment of vice-chancellor at the Tribhuvan University is under process. .
In a meeting with office-bearers of Gorkha Journalist Society Nepal at the Prime Minister’s official residence, Baluwatar, today, Prime Minister Dahal shared, “The appointment of TU vice-chancellor is under process. There is no truth in the issue about the appointment process as disseminated in the social media”.
Stressing that media should trust factual and reliable information, he urged the general public not to build any opinion on the issues being based on social media.
The PM mentioned that he is studying the report on the recently-held Balkumari incident, asserting decision to this effect would be taken soon.
Claiming that as an executive head he was trying to make wider publicity of the country across the globe, he explained his high-level visit has further strengthened the relations with different countries.
Prime Minister Dahal expressed the view that attention has been paid to the overall development of Gorkha, acknowledging support of the locals to get him elected from the district constituency.
“A process has been advanced to resume operations of the sick industries, including Gorakhkali rubber industry”, he stressed.
Sharing that the government is focused on a campaign of good governance, social justice and economic prosperity, the PM expected support from media in the government-launched campaign.
On the occasion, journalists from Gorkha district, active in Kathmandu, urged Prime Minister Dahal to pay attention to the development works in Gorkha.
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14- Jeep carrying wedding attendees in accident; Death toll reaches three
Damauli (Tanahun), Feb 20: Death toll has reached three in an accident of a jeep carrying wedding attendees on the interior road in Anbukhaireni rural municiplaity-1 Giranchaur of Tanahun.
Two persons died and other 16 were injured when the jeep carrying wedding attendees met with the accident. The jeep was bound to Chhapswara.
Among the injured, Sher Bahadur Gurung, 56, of Anbukhaireni rural municipality-6 died while undergoing treatment on Monday night, informed Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Mohan Bahadur Khand. In the accident, Aaspur Guirung, 72, of the same place and Tulasi Gurung, 17, residing in Byas municipality-9, Gajaud breathed their last. Other injured are being treated in Chitwan, the police shared.
Ward Chair of Anbukhaireni-6, Dilip Gurung said the entire village has plunged into a shock following the accident.
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15- Vice-President Khadka’s proposal: Responsible Congress, improved country
Patan (Lalitpur), Feb 20: Nepali Congress (NC) Vice-President Purna Bahadur Khadka has presented his policy proposal in the ongoing Mahasamiti meeting of the party.
Presenting the proposal in the conclave underway at Sunrise Conference Centre in Godavari, Lalitpur, Vice-President Khadka said the Mahasamiti would move ahead with policy decisions to explore solutions to the complexities and questions raised in the NC’s internal life and national context.
Khadka informed NC’s political policy has been taken ahead with the slogan ‘responsible Nepali Congress; improved country’.
“NC’s balance, coordinating and all-accepted political leadership, thoughts and policy have remained decisive in different epoch-making changes in the country”.
In his proposal, Vice-President Khadka stressed the need to have a strong commitment towards adopting zero tolerance against corruption for transparent regime.
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16- Illegal structures constructed along Bishnumati river banks being evicted
Kathmandu, Feb 20: Tokha municipality has started removing structures illegally constructed along the Bishnumati river banks.
Temporary structures built illegally along the Bishnumati corridor and its adjoining areas were evicted this morning to make the corridor beautiful and well-managed.
Chief Administrative Officer of the Municipality, Sher Bahadur BC, shared the illegal structures constructed at Bishnumati river banks encroaching upon public land were removed using dozers. Tokha municipality took out illegally constructed structures by forming a ‘Public Land Preservation Committee’ under the coordination of chairperson of Tokha municipality-4, Dharmendra Shrestha.
The Committee on Tuesday dismantled the structures constructed in front of Fluorescent School located at Tokha municipality-8, said Deputy Mayor Murari Tamang. Structures unlawfully constructed along the Bishnumati corridor from Manorath Tirtha to Tokha police post would be cleared in the first phase, according to the municipality.
Saying that over 1,000 ropanis of land in Tokha has been encroached, Mayor Prakash Adhikari mentioned that the municipality has a plan to preserve the public land. Locals residing along the banks of Bishnumati river around Fluorescent School had obstructed the municipality’s bid to clear the illegal structures and also pelted stones at the police.
Issuing a notice few days ago, the municipality had urged the locals to remove illegal structures constructed on public land.
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18- Multinational Exercise- ‘Shanti Prayas IV’ begins
Kathmandu, Feb 20: The multinational Exercise- ‘Shanti Prayas IV’ commenced at local Tundikhel in Kathmandu on the participation of 1,925 Nepali Army personnel deployed in the peace keeping operations at the call of the United Nations.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ inaugurated the event amidst a special ceremony held today.
The pre-deployment training for the contingents and individual soldiers prior to their deployment in various peacekeeping missions will be conducted at the Birendra Peace Operations Training Centre in Kavrepalanchowk.
The training, supported by the US Global Peace Operation Initiative, was undertaken in collaboration with the US Army.
Nepal hosted the inaugural Multi Platoon Training Event, Exercise “Shanti Prayas” in the year 2000 and since then, three successful multi platoon exercises have taken place, on the participation of military forces from various nations.
The event will run till 4 March 2024. According to the Centre, the objective of the exercise is to increase interoperability and peace keeping skills at various levels prior to their deployment to the UN missions and operational level staff training ( STE). The tactical level field training event (FTE) and critical enabler and capability enhancement (2CE) are the key events of the Exercise.
At an inaugural session, Chief of Army Staff (CoAS), Prabhuram Sharma said the participation of NA personnel in UN missions and other international peacekeeping bids is the priority of the NA. “The Nepali Army has given priority and importance to inclusive participation in peacekeeping missions, and the world has commended the bravery it has demonstrated from highly sensitive Golan height to Sahara desert of Africa. We have a long experience and historical presence in global peace.”
Rachel Schiller, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Programs and Operations in the Bureau of Political-Military Affairs (PM), US Department of State said the US government has already invested 1.5 billion dollar since 2005 in nations contributing to the world peace and security for regional peacekeeping efforts. As she said, multi-dimensional challenges for world peacekeeping mission are rising and the US is committed to enhancing the effectiveness of the peacekeeping mission.
Nepal became a member of the United Nations in 1955 and since 1958, Nepal has been actively engaged in the broader spectrum of UN Peace Operations. Over the course of over sic and half decade, Nepal has participated in 44 UN peacekeeping missions and during this period, 167,000 Nepali peacekeepers have contributed to these missions and among them, the NA personnel number 149,890.
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19- Nepal elected APFSD Chair
Kathmandu, Feb 20: Nepal has been elected the Chair of the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development (APFSD).
The 11th APFSD began under the theme: “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions in Asia and the Pacific” at the United Nations Conference Center (UNCC) in Bangkok, Thailand.
National Vice Chair of National Planning Commission (NPC), Dr Min Bahadur Shrestha was elected the APFSD Chair.
Nepal’s candidacy was proposed by Japan and it was backed by Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Following the election, Dr Shrestha expresses his gratitude to all the meeting representatives.
The 11th APFSD will conclude on February 23 and it will primarily focus on discussions on the goals numbers 1 (Poverty), 2 (Zero hunger),13 (Climate action), 16 (Peace, justice and strong institutions) and 17 (Partnership for the Goals), according to NPC spokesperson Yamlal Bhusal.
The Forum will assess progress on the SDGs under review the above mentioned goals.
This regional platform is dedicated to informing, empowering, and supporting countries in the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on least developed countries, landlocked developing countries, and Small Island developing States. The platform strives to facilitate the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and their corresponding targets outlined in the 2030 Agenda, it is said.
Being based on the discussions and consensus in the Forum, a report will be presented to the United Nations High-Level Political Forum to be held in July, 2024, assessing progress and challenges in the implementation of the SDGS in the Asia-Pacific.
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‘National Inclusion Commission should work to justify its relevance’
Kathmandu, Feb 20: National Assembly (NA) Chairman Ganesh Prasad Timilsina has argued that the National Inclusion Commission should work to justify its relevance as per the spirit of the constitution.
At a programme organized here on 3rd anniversary of the Commission on Tuesday, NA Chairman Timilsina suggested that the constitutional commissions should conduct interaction programmes time to time and should carry out their jobs in time.
“The Commission members are required to make their jobs effective. Along with the review of the Commission’s performance, assessment of the past activities should be conducted,” the NA Chairman added. He emphasized that the Commission should create enabling environment to ensure special priorities to the marginalized communities.
Commission’s Chairman Dr Ram Krishna Timalsena expressed his rue towards lack of seriousness on the part of government and federal parliament to the Commission’s recommendations on inclusion.
He added that the Commission was always proactive to bring the backward community in the mainstream and ensure social justice.
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21- Five reports presented at NC Mahasamiti Meeting
Patan (Lalitpur), Feb 20: Five separate reports were presented on Tuesday in the Nepali Congress (NC) Mahasamiti Meeting that began on Monday at Godavari, Lalitpur.
As shared by the NC, party Vice President and Deputy Prime Minister Purna Bahadur Khadka shared Policy Report while General Secretary Gagan Thapa tabled Organizational Proposal.
Likewise, another General Secretary Bishow Prakash Sharma shared Contemporary Political Report, and NC Spokesperson and Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat put forth Report on Nepal’s Present Economic Status, Possibilities and Future Course.
Similarly, Accounts Committee Coordinator Shyam Kumar Ghimire tabled the party’s Audit Report sharing the state of party’s economic status, source of income and expenses.
In his report, Vice President Khadka has proposed that the Mahasamiti Meeting should take decisions to address the questions and difficulties surfaced at the national context and within the party’s internal life. General Secretary Thapa has called for making party a torchbearer of social transformation and link it to the social movement and added that NC’s organization should be made robust to contest the upcoming polls without forging electoral alliance with other parties.
General Secretary Sharma said that the NC has the responsibility to work for the cause of the country and people by keeping the existing ruling alliance intact in the context that no single party holds majority in parliament.
Spokesperson Dr Mahat stated that NC remains firm on ensuring social security adding that the party should embrace the ideals of democratic socialism.
The reports would be discussed from Wednesday, the NC said.
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22- Nepal, UK sign agreement to enforce programmes on business and green growth
Kathmandu, Feb 20: Nepal and the UK have signed two grants agreements- Nepal in Business (NIB) programmes, and implementation of Green Growth Nepal (GGN) programmes on Tuesday.
Shreekrishna Nepal, Joint-Secretary of Ministry of Finance, on the behalf of the government of Nepal and Pippa Bird, Development Director at the British Embassy in Nepal, on the behalf of the British government, signed the agreement.
Present in the agreement signing ceremony were Minister for Finance, Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat, and visiting British Minister for Development of Africa, Andrew Mitchell, according to the Finance Ministry.
The agreement totaling over Pound Sterling 70 million (some Rs 11.70 billion) will be implemented for the period of seven years. The grant for NIB programme is expected to help unlock Nepal’s economic prosperity by generating and addressing income poverty in Nepal. It will also support and finance small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to build organizations effectiveness through improved management and productivity to achieve business growth and create jobs.
Similarly, the grant for GGN programmes will support the government of Nepal to increase green, resilient and inclusive growth by expanding investment in green industries and services, improving climate-resilient infrastructures and strengthening sustainable economic policy and facilitating economic opportunities across Nepal, the Ministry added.
Minister Mahat, on the occasion, highlighted the longstanding bilateral relationships between Nepal and the UK and extended his gratitude towards the British government for its support in meeting Nepal’s development priorities.
Mahat acknowledged, “The agreement is important for achieving Nepal’s goals of fostering economic growth, promoting sustainability and reducing poverty. The grant programmes are also important for economic transformation, climate resilience, stronger social services and inclusion.” He expressed his confidence that the implementation of NIB and GGN programmes would contribute to improving the foreign direct investment and developing climate-friendly investment projects in Nepal.
Similarly, visiting British Minister Mitchell observed, “There are plenty of issues for cooperation and collaboration between Nepal and the UK in the areas of economic transformation, climate actions and resilience, stronger social serviced and promotion of inclusion among others.”
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23- Nepal ‘A’ defeats Canada-11
Kathmandu, Feb 20: Nepal ‘A’ team defeated Canada-11 with two wickets in the second match played under the one-day series on Tuesday.
In the match played at Mulpani Cricket Ground (upper), Canada-11, elected to bat first, made 240 runs at the loss of all wickets in 49.5 overs. Chasing the target of 241runs, Nepal secured the target at the loss of eight wickets in 49.1 overs.
Earlier, Nepal ‘A’ was trounced by Canada-11 in the first match with four wickets. For Nepal, Sandeep Joral secured the highest- 66 runs, while Basir Ahman 52 runs and Rashid Khan 47 runs and Arjun Kumal 40 runs in the match on Tuesday.
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24- Minister Sharma calls for quality transformation of telcos
Kathmandu, Feb 20: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma directed the telecommunications and IT sectors that they ensured quality transformation in their services.
Administering the oath of office and secretary to newly appointed Chairperson of Nepal Telecommunications Authority (NTA), Bhupendra Bhandari, at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology on Tuesday, Minister Sharma directed Bhandari to deliver keeping national interest at centre.
She emphasized quality, affordability and accessibility of all to the telecommunication, a sensitive sector. Activities could be conducted in a planned manner, she suggested. Stating that digital transformation was inevitable for economic prosperity of the country, Minister Sharma observed that it was basic digital infrastructures, and the newly appointed one needs to act accordingly.
The Minister expected that the NTA would work transparently and accountably so that it would witness minimum number of complaints on irregularities in procurement and installation process of the equipments and systems in IT sector.
Newly appointed NTA Chairperson Bhandari, on the occasion, pledged to deliver keeping national interest at centre. He expressed his commitment to contribute to telecommunications and IT in consideration of the changing dimensions of the telecommunication sector and based on his two-decade-long career experience in IT.
The Cabinet meeting on February 18 had decided to appoint Bhandari to the post.
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25- British Minister Mitchell pays courtesy call on PM Dahal
Kathmandu, Feb 20 : British Minister for Development of Africa Andrew Mitchell paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ on Tuesday.
In the meeting held at the Office of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar, they discussed matters of bilateral interest, mutual concerns and various dimensions of development.
PM Dahal, on the occasion, sought cooperation from the visiting British Minister to send British investors to Investment Summit that Nepal is going to host coming April, according to PM Dahal’s Secretariat. Dahal, expressed his confidence that the demands of the British Gurkha soldiers would be addressed through talks between the bilateral mechanism of Nepal and the UK. It would give a positive result in coming days, the PM expected.
On Tuesday itself, the governments of Nepal and the UK signed two grants agreements-Green Growth Nepal, and Nepal in Business- totaling Pound Sterling 70 million (some Rs 11.70 billion).
British Minister Mitchell, at the same time, pledged further support to Nepal for its socio-economic development and collaborate closely on the climate change related agendas. Present on the occasion were Dr Rupak Sapkota, PM Dahal’s Foreign Affairs Advisor, British Ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn, and high-ranking government officials of the both countries.
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26- Five vultures found dead in Nawalpur
Madhyabindu (Nawalparasi), Feb 20: Five vultures were found dead on the banks of the Lokaha River in Kawasoti Municipality-11 of Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta East).
Seven others were found in a sick condition at the same place on Monday, said DB Chaudhary, president of Jatayu or vulture restaurant. Since two foxes were also found dead at the place where the vulture died, Chaudharya suspects that the vulture died after eating the carcasses of the foxes which may have been poisoned to death.
After seeing the dead vultures on the bank of the river, the locals informed the Jatayu restaurant. Chaudhary shared that a test will be carried out to find the exact reason of the death of the vultures while the sick vultures are undergoing treatment.
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27- ‘Be victim-centric in transitional justice’
Kathmandu, Feb 20: CPN UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli has underscored the need for ensuring victim-centric approach in the bill relating to transitional justice.
He blamed the inaction of ruling parties behind protracted transitional justice. Chairman Oli was saying it during the 7th plenary meeting of party central committee that kicked off in the federal capital on Tuesday
The major opposition leader Oli informed that street agitation and protest at parliament could be opted for the sake of country and people.
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28- Minister Saud leaving for India to attend Raisina Dialogue
Kathmandu, Feb 20: Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Prakash Saud is leaving here for New Delhi tomorrow to participate in the 9th edition of Raisina Dialogue.
Minister Saud is scheduled to address the forum on February 23 under the theme- ‘Development Deficit: Towards a Post 2023 Agenda”, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During his visit to southern neighbour, the Minister will also meet high-level dignitaries of the Indian government as well as other participating countries.
The Raisina Dialogue is a multilateral platform hosted by the Observer Research Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs of India.
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29- NRB asks not to carry out misinformation against banking sector
Kathmandu, Feb 20: The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) has asked one and all not to be guided by the misinformation taking place to mislead the common people towards the banking sensitive sector.
Issuing a notice on Tuesday, the central bank has urged the investors, depositors, clients and stakeholders to confidently continue banking transactions.
The NRB has also stated that its serious attention was drawn to the misleading statements and misinformation given by some individuals and groups regarding the operation and stability of the banks and financial institutions (BFIs) that are being run under the direct regulation and supervision of the central bank.
The central bank has also mentioned that the banking sector was the backbone of the country’s economy and the NRB is carrying out monitoring and supervision of the banks on a regular basis to maintain stability of the BFIs and promote public trust.
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