- Tuesday, 21 January 2025
Kathmandu, March 7: The Nepali Congress has commented that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ unilaterally broke the erstwhile ruling alliance.
Sharing about the decisions taken by the Nepali Congress parliamentary party meeting today, the Nepali Congress chief whip Ramesh Lekhak said that although the Congress had always remained honest and committed to the coalition and also been following the coalition pact, Prime Minister and the CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Dahal unilaterally undid the alliance.
According to him, in the past the Congress had formed alliance incorporating various parties for the protection of the constitution and consolidation of the democratic system, and accordingly participated in the elections.
The meeting presided over by party president and parliamentary party leader Sher Bahadur Deuba discussed the changed political developments in recent days and also decided to take back the support the party had lent to the Maoist Centre Chair Dahal for forming the government.
Chief Whip Lekhak said the Congress has withdrawn its support to the government and the party would inform the Speaker about this today itself.
The meeting also decided to play the role of a constructive opposition in its capacity as the main opposition party in the Federal Parliament, and directed the lawmakers from the NC to present themselves in an effective way in the parliament regarding issues of people’s livelihood.
The Nepali Congress is the largest party in the House of Representatives, the lower house of the Federal Parliament.
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01- Karnali province producing skilled workers for reconstruction in quake-hit area
Karnali, March 7: The Karnali province government has decided to prepare skilled workers (masons) for reconstruction in Jajarkot earthquake-affected areas.
The province government is planning to impart training to rebuild environment-friendly physical infrastructure, reduce the disaster-caused damage adhering to the necessary policies and methods and prepare human resources with knowledge, skills and technology in the community.
A tripartite agreement has been signed for this. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Karnali Province Training Academy, National Society of Earthquake Technology Nepal and local levels on Wednesday.
At the MoU signing programme, Chief Minister of Karnali province Raj Kumar Sharma said that Jajarkot earthquake would be taken as an opportunity for rebuild.
“There is no alternative but to bring into action the lessons learnt by the earthquake,” he said, adding had we been able to learn from the 2015 Gorkha Barpak earthquake, we would not have suffered such a huge loss from the Jajarkot earthquake”.
Chief Minister Sharma said although the government’s initiatives in search, rescue and relief after the earthquake were significant, the reconstruction work has been delayed.
An agreement has been signed to conduct training for the people’s representatives, employees and carpenters for the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings and structures in five local levels including Jajarkot Chhedagad Municipality, Barekot Rural Municipality, Rukum West Chaurjahari Municipality, Triveni Rural Municipality and Darma Rural Municipality of Salyan.
The mason training will be for 20 days. The people’s representatives from all the local levels of the quake-hit districts, including Jajarkot, Rukum West and Salyan will be provided skills related to building reconstruction methods, principles of earthquake resistant design and capacity building of resistant practices, it is informed.
Rs 14.6 million will be spent for conducting the training. The training will prepare 60 skilled workers.
Executive director at the National Society of Earthquake Technology and National Society Nepal, Surya Narayan Shrestha said the programme would also help in the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings in compliance with the building code.
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02- JSP holding central executive committee meeting
Kathmandu, March 7: Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) has called its central executive committee meeting to finalize names of the ministers from the party in the new coalition government.
The meeting has been called for 8.00 am today at the Balkumari-based party central office, informed JSP’s publicity and publication department chief Purna Basnet.
According to him, the party having 15 federal parliamentarians has already decided to join the government.
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03- Seven female film artists feted
Kathmandu, March 7: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma honoured female film artists in recognition of their contributions to Nepali film sector.
At a programme organized by the Film Development Board on Wednesday to mark the International Women Day, actresses KeKi Adhikari, Priyanka Karki and Sarita Lamichhane, director Renasha Wantawa Rai, technician Ritu Rana and fight director Kiran Dahal.
Each of them was given a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a certificate. On the occasion, Minister Sharma urged the board to institutionally send their recommendations to the ministry in view of the formulation of Film Act.
The minister further said, “The Film Act will definitely ensure a strong presence of women in the Film Development Board, Film Screening Committee, etc. The new law thus will prepare women for leadership roles”.
On the occasion, Minister Sharma suggested that the Board should continue various other creative activities along with felicitation programme to encourage women filmmakers.
Film Development Board’s Chairperson Bhuwan KC said, “The felicitation programme was designed to encourage female artists active in film sector and give a sense of support to the artists from our side in upcoming journey”.
He further expressed his optimism to have their plans gained momentum with the continuation of Minister Sharma second time in the Communication Ministry.
Secretary at the Ministry of Communications Ram Krishna Subedi, Chairman of the Central Film Screening Committee Netra Prasad Subedi, Members of the Film Development Board Ravi Adhikari, Raju KC, KL Budhathoki, Central Film Screening Committee member Rishi Raj Acharya, first actress Bhuvan Chand, actress Chaitya Devi, Karishma Manandhar, film director Raksha Singh Rana, Film Technicians Association president Pushkar Lama, among others, were present on the occasion.
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04- China’s economic development also benefits Nepal: experts
Kathmandu, March 7: Experts claimed that neighboring country China’s economic development can also benefit Nepal.
At an interaction ‘China’s Economic Development and New Opportunities for Neighboring Countries’ organized by China Media Group and co-organized by Nepal-China Youth Friendship Association here on Wednesday, the speakers said that China’s economic development will benefit other neighboring countries.
On the occasion, former Nepali Ambassador to China Leelamani Poudyal said China’s economic policy would have an impact in the world.
He said Nepal could benefit from stability and economic development in China. “China’s economic policy during the global recession in 2008 had helped the world economy,” he said.
Diplomat HiranyaLal Shrestha said China has made great strides in economic development in a short span of time. He said the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Nepal has given some hope for Nepal’s development.
Wang Xin, representative of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, said China’s economy has been able to take a leap due to rapid industrialization development and research. He also claimed that China contributed 42 per cent to the global economy in 2023.
President of the Federation of Export Entrepreneurs Shankar Pandey, Chairman of Nepal-China Cultural and Educational Council Dr Harish Chandra Shah, Chairman of World Cultural Net Deepak Sarkar, General Secretary of Nepal Himalayan Cross-Border Commerce Association Ram Chandra Parajuli, Secretary of China Study Center Prakash Babu Poudel, among others, said Nepal-China relations have not developed as they should have been.
Chief of China Media Group, South Asia Bureau Zhang Yue and President of Nepal-China Youth Friendship Association Bishnu Sapkota stressed the need to work for Nepal’s development by removing the confusion among the people about Nepal-China relations.
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05- Tourists’ arrival rebounding in Kanchanjunga Himalayan range
Fungling (Taplejung), March 7: Number of tourists visiting Kanchenjunga area has gone up lately.
As many as 650 foreign tourists have visited the Kanchenjunga area in the last three months.
Information Officer at the Office of The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council, Dobhan Limbu, informed 650 foreign tourists visited the base camp of the Kanchenjunga Mountain in the first season of the current fiscal year.
An equal number of domestic tourists also visited the area, but there is no arrangement to keep the data of domestic tourists so far, according to the Council Office. Hoteliers here are elated with the rise in the arrival of tourists in the area.
According to tourism entrepreneurs, the second season spanning from April to June will see higher number of tourist arrival.
Last year, 439 foreign tourists visited Nepal. According to the Council’s data, there has been an increase of 211 foreign tourists in the current fiscal year as compared to the previous year.
With the rise in arrival of tourists, the tourism business has started returning to normal. Man Kumar Limbu, office secretary at the Council, said the Kanchenjunga mountain area, which has been deserted for a long time due to Covid-19, is slowly returning to normalcy.
Tourism is the main source of income for the communities living in the Kanchenjunga region. Tourism entrepreneurs and hoteliers have been encouraged by the arrival of tourists gradually.
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06- District Police Range mobilizes E-QRT to boost security in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, March 7: The District Police Range, Kathmandu has started to mobilize the Electronic Quick Response Team (EQRT) along with the GPS for controlling and minimizing crime in order to boost up law and order and public security in the Kathmandu Valley.
According to the Range, EQRT is being employed under the ‘Safer Valley Project’ concept for promptly responding to citizen’s complaint and incidents as part of its goal of making the police service efficient and technology-friendly.
Range Chief, Senior Superintendent of Police Bhupendra Khatri said the quick response team based on technology has been mobilized in order to make the policing based on technology, strengthening the crime investigation making it fact-based and also to make the regulation of the police personnel effective.
In this connection, 60 teams throughout the district have been mobilized along with digital technology in the first phase. The electronic system has been installed enabling 24 hours’ tracking using the GPS system from the Police Control Room in order to create an environment for the police’s quick response teams from the Range and the Police Circles and Sectors under it to reach the site of the incident at the quickest.
Soon after reaching the incident site, police performance along with details of the incident site and behaviour with victims and service recipients would be recorded in control room automatically as well as additional cameras have been installed on the body of 60 QRT so that activities of the QRT team and incident site would be viewed live from the control room.
Khatri shared that they would be mobilized in the field round the clock as the first response team. The team was deputed with various safety equipment including GPS tracking device, video camera, radio set and siren with light in order to make work execution of police quick, smooth and effective through the team.
Chief of Kathmandu Valley Police Office, Additional Inspector General of Police Deepak Thapa mentioned that the security of Kathmandu Valley would be more effective becoming technology-friendly through the team.
He added Kathmandu Valley Police has been giving high-priority to the activities of making police technology-friendly.
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07- Minister Sharma designated as government Spokesperson
Kathmandu, March 7: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has been designated as the Spokesperson for the government.
A meeting of the Council of Ministers today declared Minister Sharma as the Spokesperson of the government.
Similarly, the Cabinet has given permission to Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizen, Bhagawati Chaudhary, to participate in the 68th session of UN Commission on the Status of Women.
Congratulating the newly appointed deputy prime ministers and ministers in the meeting, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ extended best wishes for their successful term.
Talking to media persons after the meeting, Minister Sharma said the government would get full shape within a couple of days. Prime Minister Dahal would take vote of confidence once the government gets a full shape, she mentioned.
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09- Friendly Touch Rugby match held
Kathmandu, March 7: A friendly touch rugby match was held between women journalists and Nepal Women Rugby players today.
Nepal Women Rugby Committee organised the match on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
The match was held between 25 women journalists and 25 players of the organising team at Futsal in Shantinagar.
Extending best wishes on the occasion of International Women’s Day, Women Department Chief of the Committee, Alisa Thapa, said Rugby is gaining popularity day by day as other games.
“Such type of match would be organised in the coming days as sports is significant for health,” she said, sharing that heinous crimes like murder, violence and rape against women could be reduced attracting women in sports sector.
Board member of National Sports Council, Nanda Basyal, stressed that different types of violence against women could be stopped in the society if women can be taken ahead strongly.
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10- Indian ambassador calls on Foreign Affairs Minister Shrestha
Kathmandu, March 7: Ambassador of India to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava has paid a courtesy call on the newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha today.
During the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, they discussed various topics of bilateral and mutual interests, said Ministry spokesperson Amrit Bahadur Rai.
He added that during the meeting DPM and Minister Shrestha and the Indian ambassador talked on further strengthening the ties between the two countries and timely completion of development projects being run in Nepal with the assistance of India, among other topics.
On the occasion, Ambassador Srivastava congratulated and extended best wishes to Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha.
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11- PM Dahal addresses HoR today for first time after change in political equation
Kathmandu, March 7: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has addressed the House of Representatives today for the first time after change in alliance and reconstitution of government.
Making it clear that the government would be serious towards the issues raised in the parliament, PM Dahal said with the reconstitution of the government, questions raised upon Balkumari incident in the parliament have been addressed to some extent.
“The allegation that the government is not responsible towards the government is not true. Such allegation against the Prime Minister, who started question-answer session making a regular agenda in the parliament, is not acceptable,” he explained.
PM Dahal shared that discussion was underway under leadership of Joint-Secretary of the Home Ministry to resolve the problem of loan shark victims and activities are underway by forming a taskforce at the National Planning Commission to resolve problems of cooperative victims.
Similarly, Nepal Police has started process to take action against those involved in embezzlement of savings of the people by cooperatives after carrying out investigation, he added.
The Prime Minister said he had responded to many questions through change in political equation and reconstitution of the government.
Responding to queries raised by lawmakers earlier in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, he stated that the issue of resignation of ministers was addressed automatically with government’s equation, as government’s opinion was sought on various issues in the meetings of the parliament held from February 18-March 1.
He further said with the change in political equation and reconstitution of the government, the questions of lawmakers related to these issues have already been answered.
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12- JSP Nepal to join government
Kathmandu, March 7: Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal is to join the government. A meeting of the central work execution committee held today decided to participate in the incumbent government under the leadership of party chair Upendra Yadav, said party spokesperson, Manish Kumar Suman.
However, it still remains to decide the name of ministers and other issues, he added. The meeting decided to join the government under Chair Yadav’s leadership with the post of Deputy Prime Minister.
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13- We will regulate cooperatives and micro-finances strictly: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, March 7: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has expressed the commitment to probe and bring the micro-finance financial institutions that are carrying out works in contravention to the prevailing laws and directives issued by the Nepal Rastra Bank under the purview of action.
Responding to the queries by lawmakers in the meeting of the House of Representatives today, he said the extra fees than the stipulated charged by the micro-finances is being returned to the account holders concerned.
“The directive to return the service charge more than the stipulated amount and deposit that in the account of the borrower is being implemented. A separate desk has been set up at the Micro-finance Institutions Supervision Department to hear and address the complaints,” PM Dahal reiterated.
He added that an agreement has been reached by holding talks between the government, industrialists- businessmen and farmers organisations concerned to pay within April 3 the dairy farmers their remaining dues as of January 14, 2024, and to continue the remaining regular payments.
The PM informed that the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) Executive Committee has already implemented the directive related to the leasing of land at Ramgram of Kapilbastu, which was issued by the House of Representatives, Public Account Committee.
He also stated that the draft of the law for forming a second order regulatory body for the regulation of financial cooperative institutions is in final stages of making.
No-objection Certificate has been made mandatory for traveling to Russia
Meanwhile, the PM said the Russian government has already been informed that recruitment of Nepali citizens in the Russian Army is illegal, and that ‘No-objection Certificate’ has been made mandatory for those traveling to Russia.
Responding to the lawmakers’ questions in the HoR, he made it clear that diplomatic efforts have been stepped up asking Russia not to recruit the Nepali citizens in the Russian Army and to sent those already recruited to Nepal.
The Prime Minister also informed the House that talks are on with the officials of the countries concerned in connection with repatriation of the bodies of Nepali citizens recruited in the Russian Army and killed in the conflict, providing compensation to the families of those killed and the injured ones, and bringing home the Nepali citizens held hostage by the Ukrainian Army.
“Lately the Russian government has agreed to provide, through the Consular Service Department, the compensation and insurance amount to the victims’ families, depositing the amount in the bank account of the Nepali Embassy. The No-objection Certificate has been made mandatory to those Nepali citizens if they have to travel to Russia. However, it does not apply in the case of those studying in higher education on scholarship and those doing business and professions there,” the PM explained.
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14- Mayor Dahal and Deputy-Speaker of UK House of Commons, Nigel, meet
Chitwan, March 7: Mayor of Bharatpur Metropolitan City, Renu Dahal, who is in London in course of attending a programme, met with Deputy-Speaker of UK House of Commons, Nigel Evans, today.
On the occasion, they discussed the various issues including the Nepal-UK relations and the welfare of Gurkha soldiers serving in the British Army.
Discussion was also held on historic relations between the two countries and the people to people ties, said Mayor Dahal.
Mayor Dahal invited Deputy-Speaker Nigel to visit Nepal in order to participate in ‘Visit Bharatpur Year 2024’.
Bharatpur Metropolitan City has been observing 2024 as Visit Bharatpur Year.
After the meeting, Mayor Dahal acquired information on the history of British parliament as well as observed parliamentary activities and the parliament building.
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15- I changed political equation taking risk to make government effective: PM
Kathmandu, March 7: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has made it clear that he changed the power equation even by taking risk in order to make the government’s works effective.
The PM said so while putting his views on the latest political developments and in reply to the queries of lawmakers in the meeting of the House of Representatives today.
On the occasion, he said he had declared before this in the House that he would not remain in his post if he failed to prove his capability or to bring positive change and raise hope in the country, but he did not get support from some factions in the erstwhile ruling coalition for his commitment.
“I had been telling time and again that I was not satisfied with the government’s pace of work. I had two alternatives – either to protect my post by running an average and ad-hoc government or to work for nation building as per my political resolve even by risking the post. I chose the second option,” the PM said.
He maintained that although his step might seem reflective of uncertainty and unreliable one to some, it was in the interest of the country and the people. The PM added that this would be proven from the government’s works and their result in the coming days.
“It is not that as a government we did not achieve notable results in various sectors. However, I wanted speed and dynamism. I was and am not in a state of confining myself in the cage of self-praise for the average results, he said, adding, “Colleagues (in the erstwhile ruling coalition) loved me as a person, but did not do me justice as a Prime Minister highly aspiring for change, good governance and prosperity.”
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16- Parties express their take on new ruling alliance in parliament
Kathmandu, March 7: Nepali Congress Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak informed the House of Representatives today that with the change in the power equation his party, the Nepali Congress, would now remain in the opposition bench as a ‘constructive opposition’.
Sharing about the decisions of the Nepali Congress central work execution committee and the parliamentary party’s meetings, he said his party has withdrawn its support to the government as a new alliance was formed ‘without any reason’ despite his party showing honesty and goodwill towards the erstwhile ruling coalition.
He expressed best wishes to the present reconstituted government led by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, saying may this government become successful in protecting the constitution, consolidating the existing political system and maintaining lasting peace, good governance, prosperity and stability in the country.
This government will last until remaining term of parliament: UML Vice-Chair Poudel
CPN (UML) Vice-Chair Bishnu Prasad Poudel has expressed the confidence that the present government and the ruling alliance will last until the remaining term of the parliament.
Speaking in the meeting of the House of Representatives today on party-wise, he described the new alliance of parties as natural as no single party has a majority in the parliament. He contended that alliances can be formed with any political party in such context.
Leader Poudel congratulated PM Dahal for initiating a new alliance for promoting good governance, prosperity and social justice in the country.
He asserted that the present coalition will focus on addressing the problems of the nation and people.
New alliance will be continued for long, says Maoist Centre leader Paudel
Lawmaker of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Devendra Paudel, has said the incumbent ruling alliance would exist till next four years.
Expressing views on the behalf of the party in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Paudel argued that no one could break this alliance.
“This alliance will continue for remaining four years. No one can break it. It was a mistake to split the alliance in the past. The country failed to achieve stability”, he stressed.
Leader Paudel mentioned, “We have made alliance again to give stability to the country”, expressing belief that the incumbent government would carry out activities in an expedited manner.
“This government will be able to formulate laws and resolve problems facing by the country. Parties have responsibilities of building a nation. It is necessary to move ahead forging national consensus for country’s prosperity and common issues”, he underscored.
RSP joins govt to seek solution, not only to raise questions: Chief Whip Pariyar
Similarly, Chief Whip of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Santosh Pariyar, has said his party joined the government to seek the solution of the questions the party has been raising.
Expressing the view in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives on the behalf of the party, Pariyar shared, “It is easy to ask question. Political parties should not escape when time comes for a solution.”
“The RSP joined the government with a belief to change the face of the country. It will exit from the government on the day, it fails to deliver works in favour of the nation and people”, he stressed.
The Chief Whip laid emphasis on the need of developing the parliament as the place for civilized practices.
Chair Lingden stresses on new national consensus
Chairperson of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, Rajendra Lingden, has pointed out the need of new national consensus to resolve existing problems of the country.
Putting forth the view in today’s meeting of the House of Representatives on the behalf of the party, Chair Lingden called all sides to take the country ahead through new understanding.
“The government has to bring a concrete programme to resolve problems of loan shark victims, cooperative victims and dairy producing farmers”, he shared.
The RPP Chair explained that the government should give concrete response to the questions raised by opposition parties.
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17- US Ambassador calls on Vice-President Yadav
Kathmandu, March 7: Ambassador of the United States of America to Nepal, Dean R. Thompson paid a courtesy call on Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav.
During the meeting held today at the Office of the Vice President in Lainchour, matters relating to the bilateral relations between the two countries, development assistance, trade and areas of common interests and concern were discussed.
On the occasion, Vice President Yadav expressed his gratitude to the US government for the support provided to the socio-economic development endeavours and strengthening of democracy in Nepal.
US Ambassador Thomnson said that the US wants to build strong relations with Nepal and appreciated Nepal’s good leadership in the United Nations peacekeeping mission.
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18- Section Officer held for giving citizenship to Chinese nationals
Makawanpur, March 7: A section officer has been arrested for giving Nepali citizenship to two Chinese nationals, who are in police custody on the charge of gold smuggling.
Ram Chandra Aryal, a sixth level officer working at Bagmati Province Assembly Secretariat, was arrested from Hetauda on Wednesday. Aryal was transferred to the Bagmati Province Assembly Secretariat from Transport Management Office in Thulo Bharyang, Kathmandu.
Chief of District Police Office, Makawanpur, Sitaram Rijal said that Aryal was arrested at the request of the District Police Office, Kavre. Aryal has been sent to Kavre. Aryal has been charged of extending support to provide Nepali citizenship to the Chinese nationals while working as the Nayab Subba at the District Administration Office, Kavre.
As revealed from the police investigation, the officials of the Kavre District Administration Office had given the Nepali citizenship on the basis of descent to the Chinese. The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police is also investigating into the case.
The Kavre District Administration Office had issued Nepali citizenships on the basis of descent in the name of Belgian citizen Dawa Tshiring of Tibetan origin and Chinese national Dawa Jin Wang in January 2018.
Aryal had entered those names in the computer system as revealed from the investigation. Dawa had taken the Nepali citizenship in the name of Nima Tamang while Wang took by putting his pseudo name Pasang Tamang.Investigations into Jhapendra Raj Kharel, another government official supporting in issuing citizenships, are ongoing, according to the police.
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19- Parliamentary committee submits report
Kathmandu, March 7: The Women and Social Committee of the parliament has submitted its annual report, 2079/80 in the House of Representatives meeting today.Committee Chair Kiran Kumar Sah presented the report. Earlier, Speaker Devraj Ghimire read out a letter from the President’s Office on Cabinet reshuffle.
The HoR meeting will be held next on March 13.
Meanwhile, the 64th annual report of Public Service Commission, 2079/80 has been submitted before the National Assembly meeting today. Minister for Water Supply Rajendra Kumar Rai presented the report on behalf of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
In the National Assembly meeting, Secretary Dr Surendra Aryal shared a message received from the House of Representatives on Monitoring and Evaluation Bill, 2076.NA Vice Chair Urmila Aryal read out a letter received from President’s Office on Cabinet reshuffle. The NA meeting would be held next on March 10.
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20- Nepal out of SAFF U-16 Women’s Championship
Kathmandu, March 7: Host Nepal is no longer in the race in SAFF U-16 Women’s Championship 2024. In the tournament underway in the capital, Nepal was eliminated from the tournament after losing to India in the final league match today.
India trounced Nepal by 10-0 in today’s match held at the ANFA complex in Satdobato. India scored 6 goals in the first half and four more in the second half, including a suicide goal from Nepal.
Nepal registered just one win in the tournament. In the first match, Nepal lost to Bangladesh by 0-2 while it defeated Bhutan with a 3-0 goal difference in the second match.With the win, India has entered the final of the tournament. India will face Bangladesh for the championship title. The final match of the league stage will be played between Bhutan and Bangladesh on Friday.
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21- Foreign Minister Shrestha requests Russian counterpart to expedite repatriation of dead bodies
Kathmandu, March 7: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha has requested Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov to expedite the repatriation of dead bodies of Nepalis, provide compensation to the deceased family and facilitate return of Nepali citizens serving in the Russian Army.
DPM Shrestha made such request to Russian Minister by holding a telephone conversation with him on Thursday. The DPM thanked the Russian Minister for initiating the compensation process and requested to conclude it as soon as possible, according to a press release issued by Foreign Ministry.
In response, the Russian Foreign Minister assured of the Ministry’s support in addressing the concerns of Nepali side. During the conversation, the Foreign Minister of Russia congratulated the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on his assumption of office and extended best wishes. He also expressed his willingness to cooperate with the Nepali side on various fronts including trade, tourism and culture, among others.
Similarly, the two Foreign Ministers discussed various aspects of Nepal-Russia relations, including issues of Nepali citizens in the Russian Army.
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22- Minister Shahi relieved from post
Kailali, March 7: Chief Minister of Sudurpaschim Province Kamal Bahadur Shah has relieved Minister of Financial Affairs, Naresh Shahi, from post.
CM Shah removed Shahi from the post in the wake of coalition change in the federal government. Shahi belongs to CPN (Unified Socialist). Earlier, CM Shah had sacked two ministers from CPN (Maoist Centre) and a State Minister as well.
Now, there are two ministers from NC and two from Nagarik Unmukti Party.
In the 53-member Province Assembly, there are 52 members currently. The Shah-led government has turned a minority government now.
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23- Resham Chaudhary ineligible to become party chairman, EC rules
Kathmandu, March 7: The Election Commission (EC) has interpreted that Reshamlal Chaudhary, who was convicted from the Supreme Court in a murder case, was not eligible to become the chief of Nagarik Unmukti Party.
The EC has rejected to update the Nagarik Unmukti Party’s decision to elect Reshamlal Chaudhary as the party chairman from the general convention held on January 5 in Kailail.
EC’s Spokesperson Shaligram Sharma Poudel shared that Chaudhary is not qualified to become the chief of the party as per the SC verdict in line with the qualification determined by the Act relating to the Political Party.
The SC had issued lifetime imprisonment to Chaudhary in his involvement to the Tikapur carnage. Later, Chaudhary was granted clemency from President Ramchandra Paudel on the occasion of the Republic Day.
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24- Jhapa Gold Cup: Jhapa-11 into semi-finals
Jhapa, March 7: The Jhapa-11 Football Club has entered the semi-finals of the 6th Jhapa Gold Cup football tournament. In the quarter-final match held at Domalal Stadium in Birtamode today, Jhapa-11 defeated ANFA Makwanpur by 5-1 to book a place in the last four.
Jhapa-11 will now face Church Boys football club in the second final on Saturday. The first semi-final match will be held between Tribhuvan Army Club and APF Football Club on Friday.
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25 – President for meaningful participation of women
(To be disseminated March 7)
Kathmandu, March 7: President Ramchandra Paudel has wished for meaningful participation of women at all levels and sectors of the state.
In a message on the occasion of the 114th International Women’s Day (March 8), President Paudel has said that may the day inspire all governmental and non-governmental organizations and human rights activists working for a gender-equal nation to work with more energy and enthusiasm.
Pointing out the need for more programs to eliminate harmful practices such as witchcraft, chhaupadi, child marriage, dowry and tilak, which inflict physical and mental violence against women and girls, the President has in the message appealed to all to contribute from their respective side in ending all forms of discrimination and oppression against women.
“Women’s access to every sector of the state such as education, health, employment, decision-making level and politics should be ensured to fulfill the goal of gender equality and women’s empowerment,” reads the message.
In a similar message, on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, Army Day and International Women’s Day, Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav has said that may the Shivaratri festival provide an opportunity for everyone for spiritual advancement by establishing the true religion of peace, purity and love in Nepal and the world.
Similarly, while expressing his best wishes on the occasion of Army Day-2080, the Vice-President has said that the Nepali Army should modernize itself according to the changing times.
On the occasion of International Women’s Day-2080, he has said that there is no doubt in the fact that we all benefit from women’s equality, inclusion and progress.
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26 – Karnali province producing skilled workers for reconstruction in
quake-hit area
Karnali, March 7: The Karnali province government has decided to prepare skilled workers (masons) for reconstruction in Jajarkot earthquake-affected areas.
The province government is planning to impart training to rebuild environment-friendly physical infrastructure, reduce the disaster-caused damage adhering to the necessary policies and methods and prepare human resources with knowledge, skills and technology in the community.
A tripartite agreement has been signed for this. A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Karnali Province Training Academy, National Society of Earthquake Technology Nepal and local levels on Wednesday.
At the MoU signing programme, Chief Minister of Karnali province Raj Kumar Sharma said that Jajarkot earthquake would be taken as an opportunity for rebuild. “There is no alternative but to bring into action the lessons learnt by the earthquake,” he said, adding had we been able to learn from the 2015 Gorkha Barpak earthquake, we would not have suffered such a huge loss from the Jajarkot earthquake”.
Chief Minister Sharma said although the government’s initiatives in search, rescue and relief after the earthquake were significant, the reconstruction work has been delayed.
An agreement has been signed to conduct training for the people’s representatives, employees and carpenters for the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings and structures in five local levels including Jajarkot Chhedagad Municipality, Barekot Rural Municipality, Rukum West Chaurjahari Municipality, Triveni Rural Municipality and Darma Rural Municipality of Salyan.
The mason training will be for 20 days. The people’s representatives from all the local levels of the quake-hit districts, including Jajarkot, Rukum West and Salyan will be provided skills related to building reconstruction methods, principles of earthquake resistant design and capacity building of resistant practices, it is informed.
Rs 14.6 million will be spent for conducting the training. The training will prepare 60 skilled workers. Executive director at the National Society of Earthquake Technology and National Society Nepal, Surya Narayan Shrestha said the programme would also help in the construction of earthquake-resistant buildings in compliance with the building code.
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27- JSP holding central executive committee meeting
Kathmandu, March 7: Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) has called its central executive committee meeting to finalize names of the ministers from the party in the new coalition government.
The meeting has been called for 8.00 am today at the Balkumari-based party central office, informed JSP’s publicity and publication department chief Purna Basnet.
According to him, the party having 15 federal parliamentarians has already decided to join the government.
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28- Seven female film artists feted
Kathmandu, March 7: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Rekha Sharma honoured female film artists in recognition of their contributions to Nepali film sector. At a programme organized by the Film Development Board on Wednesday to mark the International Women Day, actresses KeKi Adhikari, Priyanka Karki and Sarita Lamichhane, director Renasha Wantawa Rai, technician Ritu Rana and fight director Kiran Dahal.
Each of them was given a cash prize of Rs 25,000 and a certificate. On the occasion, Minister Sharma urged the board to institutionally send their recommendations to the ministry in view of the formulation of Film Act.
The minister further said, “The Film Act will definitely ensure a strong presence of women in the Film Development Board, Film Screening Committee, etc. The new law thus will prepare women for leadership roles”.
On the occasion, Minister Sharma suggested that the Board should continue various other creative activities along with felicitation programme to encourage women filmmakers.
Film Development Board’s Chairperson Bhuwan KC said, “The felicitation programme was designed to encourage female artists active in film sector and give a sense of support to the artists from our side in upcoming journey”.
He further expressed his optimism to have their plans gained momentum with the continuation of Minister Sharma second time in the Communication Ministry.
Secretary at the Ministry of Communications Ram Krishna Subedi, Chairman of the Central Film Screening Committee Netra Prasad Subedi, Members of the Film Development Board Ravi Adhikari, Raju KC, KL Budhathoki, Central Film Screening Committee member Rishi Raj Acharya, first actress Bhuvan Chand, actress Chaitya Devi, Karishma Manandhar, film director Raksha Singh Rana, Film Technicians Association president Pushkar Lama, among others, were present on the occasion.
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29- China’s economic development also benefits Nepal: experts
Kathmandu, March 7: Experts claimed that neighboring country China’s economic development can also benefit Nepal.
At an interaction ‘China’s Economic Development and New Opportunities for Neighboring Countries’ organized by China Media Group and co-organized by Nepal-China Youth Friendship Association here on Wednesday, the speakers said that China’s economic development will benefit other neighboring countries.
On the occasion, former Nepali Ambassador to China Leelamani Poudyal said China’s economic policy would have an impact in the world.
He said Nepal could benefit from stability and economic development in China. “China’s economic policy during the global recession in 2008 had helped the world economy,” he said.
Diplomat HiranyaLal Shrestha said China has made great strides in economic development in a short span of time. He said the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Nepal has given some hope for Nepal’s development.
Wang Xin, representative of the Chinese Embassy in Nepal, said China’s economy has been able to take a leap due to rapid industrialization development and research. He also claimed that China contributed 42 per cent to the global economy in 2023.
President of the Federation of Export Entrepreneurs Shankar Pandey, Chairman of Nepal-China Cultural and Educational Council Dr Harish Chandra Shah, Chairman of World Cultural Net Deepak Sarkar, General Secretary of Nepal Himalayan Cross-Border Commerce Association Ram Chandra Parajuli, Secretary of China Study Center Prakash Babu Poudel, among others, said Nepal-China relations have not developed as they should have been.
Chief of China Media Group, South Asia Bureau Zhang Yue and President of Nepal-China Youth Friendship Association Bishnu Sapkota stressed the need to work for Nepal’s development by removing the confusion among the people about Nepal-China relations.
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30- Tourists’ arrival rebounding in Kanchanjunga Himalayan range
Fungling (Taplejung), March 7: Number of tourists visiting Kanchenjunga area has gone up lately.
As many as 650 foreign tourists have visited the Kanchenjunga area in the last three months.
Information Officer at the Office of The Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council, Dobhan Limbu, informed 650 foreign tourists visited the base camp of the Kanchenjunga Mountain in the first season of the current fiscal year.
An equal number of domestic tourists also visited the area, but there is no arrangement to keep the data of domestic tourists so far, according to the Council Office. Hoteliers here are elated with the rise in the arrival of tourists in the area.
According to tourism entrepreneurs, the second season spanning from April to June will see higher number of tourist arrival. Last year, 439 foreign tourists visited Nepal. According to the Council’s data, there has been an increase of 211 foreign tourists in the current fiscal year as compared to the previous year.
With the rise in arrival of tourists, the tourism business has started returning to normal. Man Kumar Limbu, office secretary at the Council, said the Kanchenjunga mountain area, which has been deserted for a long time due to Covid-19, is slowly returning to normalcy.
Tourism is the main source of income for the communities living in the Kanchenjunga region. Tourism entrepreneurs and hoteliers have been encouraged by the arrival of tourists gradually.
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