- Tuesday, 21 January 2025
Karnali, March 12: Chief Minister of Karnali Province, Raj Kumar Sharma, has said industrial development is essential in Karnali.
During a concluding session of the ‘Third Karnali Expo’ that ran for two weeks in Birendranagar, CM Sharma, on Monday, said Karnali’s economic prosperity was impossible unless it witnessed development in industrial sector.
The expo organized by Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Surkhet would help promote tourism and economic prosperity, he hoped, adding that cooperation among diverse sectors is required for holistic development.
“Status of Karnali will be elevated once all sides worked together. Collective thoughts and works are imperative for it,” the CM underlined.
According to him, Karnali Province government would forward the construction of huge structures for conducting such exhibition.
The expo was visited by more than 50,000 people.
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02- Agreement with usury victims will be fully enforced: DPM Lamichhane
Kathmandu, March 12: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has vowed full implementation of the agreement government made with usury victims.
A four-point agreement was reached between the two sides. One among the agreement points is the formation of a probe commission.
Reaching the talks venue, DPM Lamichhane said government was aware about the plights and rights of usury victims. Although the situation turned otherwise, government was together with the victims for their rights, he reminded.
He however said agreement was a beginning, so struggle for rights could not stop here. The DPM also apologized before the victims of loan-shark, saying the long struggle took toll on them.
According to him, the probe commission would furnish suggestion to the government, which would be a base for further action.
Moreover, the DPM shared that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal was informed about the agreement. “Now the government shoulders the responsibility to enforce the agreement,” he said.
Lamichhane, however, sought some days with the victims of extortionate money lending for enforcement of the pact. He also urged them to continue close watch.
As per agreement, a request will also be made to the Ministry of Finance to make necessary arrangements in the upcoming budget for financial aid, relief and compensation to the underprivileged class so that they do not fall victims to usury.
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03- Teachers decide to enroll children at community schools
Damauli, March 12: The school principals, teachers and employees at Ambukhaireni rural municipality of Tanahu district have decided to admit their children to community schools.
A meeting of the school principals took a decision that they must enroll their wards at the community schools.
Chief of education section at rural municipality, Nirmala Kunwar, informed that the decision was made in a bid to increase quality education and spread positive message. “The decision would be enforced from coming academic session,” she said.
The people’s representatives in rural municipality had launched a campaign for community school enrolment since last year. The recent decision of the principals and teachers is expected to make the drive successful.
Rural municipality Chair Shukra Chuman observed that teachers’ cooperation to their campaign had encouraged them. The people’s representatives joined the bandwagon by admitting their children at community since last academic session, he added. “It is a historic initiative,” he argued.
Chuman further said an education transformation drive was in place at local levels so that it would contribute to quality education at community schools.
In addition to this, management of physical infrastructures, fulfillment of teachers’ quota and capacity building of teachers are other priorities.
There are 35 community schools from six wards of Ambukhaireni rural municipality. Some 400 students are receiving education there.
The rural municipality has also planned to provide shuttle service on grant for the schools.
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04- Transportation halted on Karnali Bridge after 14 support wires damaged partially in fire
Lamki (Kailali), March 12: Transportation on the Karnali Bridge has been halted after the damage in 14 support wires when it caught fire from a truck on Monday.
A special technical team suggested the authority not to operate vehicles on bridge till the conduct of a detailed inspection, according to Road Division Office, Nepalgunj.
Engineer at Division Office, Niraj Shakya, said vehicular movement along the bridge was stopped for now. “We reached the incident site last night. Another technical team is arriving today for further inspection,” he added.
Police Inspector at Area Police Office, Chisapani, Hariram Dangi, said everyone driving vehicles was requested to adopt diversion in traffic route with the closure of regular route.
The vehicles operated from Sudurpaschim Province to federal capital Kathmandu and other provinces are asked to use the way from Bardiya and Nepalgunj via Sattipur Bridge.
A truck (Na 5 Kha 5297) heading to west had suddenly caught fire while running on the Karnali Bridge on Monday afternoon. The fire from truck later caught the construction wires of the bridge, spreading panic among the people.
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05- Draft bill on IT and cyber security seeks transparent, accountable use of AI
Narayan Prasad Ghimire/RSS
Kathmandu, March 12: A draft bill designed to manage IT and cyber security has underlined the use of innovative technology. It has stated that artificial intelligence, machine learning, block chain, and IoT should be used in a transparent, accountable, safe and respected manner.
Such provision has been incorporated in the draft bill the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology released on Sunday. The Ministry has sought feedback on it within two weeks.
In the bill, Nepal government has been asked to set up a centre for excellence for research and development of the new technologies such as AI, machine learning and block chain.
Similarly, structure for IT and cyber security has been provisioned in it, under which, establishment of directors’ committee having Minister for Communications and Information Technology as its head is stated.
The document has incorporated a coordination committee under the coordination of Joint Secretary at ministry. The committee is to be established aiming at rapid response on cyber security and provide immediate assistance.
Electronic records, data, originator of records, invocation of law of contract for electronic transaction, digital signature, public service delivery via electronic medium, technical audit of IT, vetting, operation, regulation and management of domain name, registration of IT industry and business, information/data safety and privacy, digital harassment, collection of personal details, establishment of cyber security centre, of data centre and cloud, are included in the bill.
Critical IT infrastructures, cyber monitoring of critical IT infrastructures, cyber security audit and auditor for it, activities banned on cyber space, crime and punishment, use of digital forensic, and establishment of IT tribunal are other topics in the draft bill.
Under the data safety, none is allowed to disrupt harmonious relations among federal units, nationality or national unity, dignity, national security, sovereignty, territorial integrity by means of electronic system.
Cyber bulling, cyber harassment, production and distribution of indecent content, and cyber scam are banned on cyber space. Theft of data and code is punishable.
The government would not collect personal data except as required by law. In case of the need to collect personal information, he/she would be informed mandatorily before it.
As per bill, every government body and public corporation is asked to run its own website to provide service and share information. The development/design of website to be operated by these bodies would be similar and meet standard set by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.
Similarly, any individual or office willing to register np domain needs to get it registered at the department, submitting necessary fee. The domain name needs to be renewed every two years.
Those- individual or company- willing to provide cyber security service is also required to get license.
The draft bill is available at https://api.giwms.gov.np/storage/22/posts/1710050856_14.pdf.
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06- PM Dahal meets Oli, Nepal to discuss about contemporary politics
Kathmandu, March 12: Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, today held a meeting with CPN (UML) Chairperson KP Sharma Oli and CPN (Unified Socialist) Chair Madhav Kumar Nepal.
During the meeting held at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar, the three discussed about the country’s contemporary political atmosphere, the Prime Minister’s schedule to seek a vote of confidence in the Federal Parliament on Wednesday and the election of the National Assembly (NA) Chairperson scheduled for today, according to Prime Minister’s press expert Manohari Timilsina.
The incumbent Prime Minister met with two former Prime Ministers in a bid to develop a common understanding on the matters of national importance among the parties in the existing ruling alliance, it is said.
A new political alliance among the CPN (UML), Rastriya Swatantra Party and Janata Samajbadi Party was formed on March 4, leading to the formation of a new government in which the CPN (Unified Socialist) has also been included.
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07- Tri-nation Int’l T-20 Cricket Series: Nepal sails into final edging PNG
Kathmandu, March 12: Nepal edged Papua New Guinea in the second match of the Tri-nation International T-20 Series to enter the finals.
In the match held at the Mong Kok-based Mission Road Cricket Ground in Hong Kong today, Nepal bear PNG by85 runs. With this victory, Nepal has secured three points in two games. The first match held between Nepal and Hong Kong before this was put off due to rain.
PNG which was chasing a victory target of 199 runs posted by Nepal was contained in 113 runs in 16.1 overs, losing all wickets. Hiri Hiri made the highest 28 runs for PNG. Similarly, Sese Bau scored 21 runs, Tony Ura 13 and Nosaina Pokana 12 runs for PNG.
Kushal Bhurtel took four wickets while Pratish GC two wickets for Nepal. Likewise, Akash Chand and Gulsan Jha took one wicket each.
Before this, Nepal, which was invited to bat first after losing the toss, hit 198 runs in the allotted 20 overs, losing six wickets.
Kushal Bhurtel made the highest number of 59 runs with the help of four fours and four sixes off 39 balls for Nepal. Sandip Jora made 56 runs off 26 balls with the help of four sixes and three fours, Binod Bhandari made 27 runs, Bibek Yadav 19 runs, Gulsan Jha 15 and Lokesh Bom 14 runs.
PNG captain Assad Vala took two wickets while Nosaina Pokana, John Kariko and Norman Vanua took one wicket each.
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08- NA Chair election: candidacies of Dahal, Sharma proposed
Kathmandu, March 12: The candidacies for the election of the National Assembly (NA) Chairperson scheduled to take place today have been proposed in today’s meeting of the upper house.
Narayan Dahal of CPN (Maoist Centre) registered his candidacy for the post of NA Chair on behalf of the ruling alliance while the major opposition Nepali Congress has fielded Yubaraj Sharma. Their nominations were registered on Monday.
In today’s session of the upper house, Ananda Prasad Dhungana of NC tabled the candidacy of Sharma, proposing the meeting to elect him on the post. He said Sharma is dedicated to democracy and development, and he is a competent candidate for the election.
He also accused Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ of going against the people’s mandate by deciding to break the alliance with the NC. As he claimed, the party decided to forge an alliance with the Maoist Centre in a bid to end political instability due to possibility of frequent government changes. Kiran Babu Shrestha and Loktantrik Samajbadi Party Nepal’s Kishore Kumar Singh backed the nomination of Sharma.
Similarly, CPN (Maoist Centre)’s lawmaker Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami proposed the candidacy of Dahal before the meeting and urged the upper house to elect Dahal on the post, citing that he is from the new political alliance that ‘aims’ to promote social justice and bring prosperity in the country.
CPN (UML) lawmaker Devendra Dahal, Beduram Bhusal of CPN (Unified Socialist) and Mohammed Khalid of Janata Samajbadi Party supported the nomination of Dahal.
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09- No delay in formulation of laws required for three tiers of government: Law Minister
Parbat, March 12: Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Padam Giri, has said the federal government should not make any delay to formulate laws required for the three tiers of government.
At a press meet organised by Parbat chapter of Federation of Nepali Journalists here today, Minister Giri shared that the ministry is engaging in formulating necessary laws.
“Federal, provincial and local governments are still complaining that they are not able to carry out activities in lack of some of the important acts, laws and policies. Homework is underway to formulate necessary laws as soon as possible to resolve this problem,” he underlined.
Stating that some of the policies and laws are unfavourable to the current situation, Minister Giri laid emphasis on the need of formulating necessary policies and laws for the country and general people.
The Law Minister mentioned that the responsibility of formulating laws and acts is upon his shoulder, adding he would take ahead this task through coordination with all ministries and bodies concerned.
He pointed out that formulating appropriate laws for reforms in the country at a time when the country is in acute economic pressure was the need of hour. Saying the incumbent government is serious to maintain good governance in the country, Minister Giri shared that the government is moving ahead carrying out result-oriented works.
The Law Minister claimed that anomalies taking place in the judicial sector would be ended. He argued that the incumbent power alliance would complete its remaining four-year term, mentioning that an outlet would be given by passing the act related to truth and reconciliation, federal civil service act and education act from the parliament immediately.
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10- Five parties in ruling alliance sign seven-point agreement
Kathmandu, March 12: Five political parties in the coalition government have inked a seven-point agreement, pledging to support the Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’-led government and make it successful.
The meeting took place at the Prime Minister’s official residence in Baluwatar today decided to support Narayan Dahal, the candidate for the election of National Assembly (NA) Chair on behalf of the CPN (Maoist Centre).
The election for the post of NA Chair is taking place today.
A meeting attended by the top leadership of five political parties representing in the Federal Parliament decided to promote the mutual cooperation to make the government delivery further ‘effective’ and ‘advance’ towards the good governance, social justice and prosperity.
The meeting also agreed to proceed ahead with dialogue with other political parties positive over the process to form a new coalition government and promptly conclude the transitional justice issue, remaining task of the peace process and matters regarding the establishment of a durable peace on the basis of consensus.
They also agreed to enact remaining laws required for implementing the federalism, make the operation of the three-tier government effective and prepare common minimum programme among the parties in the government, and to come up with the government policies and programmes capable of promoting the interests of the nation and democracy.
An understanding has been reached among the political parties to strengthen national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity as well as to move ahead towards the path of political stability for socialism-oriented socio-economic development.
The five political parties agreed to move ahead to fulfill people’s aspirations of good governance, development and social justice as well as putting the issues of national interest and concerns in priority.
Similarly, these parties have made an understanding to develop a balanced and holistic international relations and to moving ahead in the path of prosperity in an effective manner by strengthening federal democratic republic as per sentiments and spirit of constitution of Nepal.
Chairperson of CPN (UML), KP Sharma Oli, CPN (Maoist Centre)’s Chair and Prime Minister Dahal, Chairperson of CPN (Unified Socialist), Madhav Kumar Nepal, Chairperson of Rastriya Swatantra Party, Rabi Lamichhane, and Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal chair Upendra Yadav have signed the seven-point agreement.
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11- JSP summons parliamentary party meeting for 4:00 pm today
Kathmandu, March 12: The Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal has called a parliamentary party meeting for 4:00 pm today to decide about the party’s position over the Prime Minister’s bid to obtain a vote of confidence.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is scheduled to seek a vote of confidence tomorrow, Wednesday in the House of Representatives.
According to party’s central publicity and publication department chief, Purna Basnet, the meeting will decide the party’s position over the Prime Minister’s efforts to obtain the vote of confidence in the House.
The decision of Nepali Congress to withdraw the party’s support to the Dahal-led government in the aftermath of Dahal’s move to break the alliance with the NC and induct the CPN (UML) and other parties in the government required him to obtain the vote of confidence.
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12- NA Chair election: Sharma’s candidacy refused by majority
Kathmandu, March 12: The proposal tabled in the upper house to elect Yubaraj Sharma of Nepali Congress to the post of National Assembly (NA) Chairperson has been rejected by a majority votes.
The candidacy of Sharma received 17 votes in favour while 39 votes were against it, according to NA Vice-Chair Urmila Aryal who chaired the meeting. A total of 56 upper house members took part in the voting held today.
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13- Dahal elected National Assembly Chair
Kathmandu, March 12: Narayan Prasad Dahal, the candidate of the ruling coalition, has been elected to the post of National Assembly Chairperson.
Announcing the results of the voting held through the ‘voice vote’ method in the meeting of the National Assembly today, Vice-Chairperson Urmila Aryal, who chaired the meeting, declared that the proposal seeking Dahal’s election to the post has been passed as 39 votes went in his favour.
Before this, 17 votes went in favour of the proposal seeking election of Dahal’s contender and candidate of the main opposition Nepali Congress, Yubaraj Sharma. Fifty-six lawmakers participated in the voting on both proposals while one lawmaker stayed neutral.
The upper house of the Federal Parliament has 59 members, but presently it has 58 members.
CPN (Maoist Centre)’s lawmaker Gopi Bahadur Sarki Achhami proposed the candidacy of Dahal before the meeting and urged the upper house to elect Dahal on the post, citing that he is from the new political alliance that ‘aims’ to promote social justice and bring prosperity in the country. CPN (UML) lawmaker Devendra Dahal, Beduram Bhusal of CPN (Unified Socialist) and Mohammed Khalid of Janata Samajbadi Party supported the nomination of Dahal.
Congratulating the newly-elected Chair Dahal, Vice-Chairperson Aryal wished him a successful term in office.
Ananda Prasad Dhungana of NC tabled the candidacy of Sharma, proposing the meeting to elect him on the post while Kiran Babu Shrestha and Loktantrik Samajbadi Party Nepal’s Kishore Kumar Singh backed the nomination of Sharma.
The National Assembly will next meet at 1.09 pm on March 13.
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14- Disciplined youths dedicated to nation is primary need: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, March 12: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has asserted that disciplined youths dedicated towards the nation is the first need of every nation in changing world context.
Addressing the convocation ceremony of 18th Batch Senior Division Training run by National Cadet Corps (NCC) here today, Prime Minister Dahal shared that the primary duty of youths is to serve the nation.
The government is effortful in producing youths capable to make meaningful contribution in favour of the nation, he said, adding trainings related to youth empowerment would help prepare future leaders having competency, and creative and positive thinking characteristics.
PM Dahal shared, “Youths have significant contribution in every political change and social transformation of the country.”
He underlined that he has found that the NCC training is useful to make capable, civilized and conscious citizen by boosting leadership, moral conducts and discipline of youths.
The Prime Minister mentioned that the training provided an opportunity to youths to get knowledge about military arts and contemporary issues living in one place and understand the traditions, norms, values, cultures of each other, according to PM Dahal’s Secretariat.
“I believe that the skills and knowledge gained from the training have engendered sentiment of national unity among the youths,” he explained, stating that graduated youths would play significant role as a Nepali citizen dedicated to the nation at a time when the nation needs.
On the occasion, graduated youths had presented different arts and cultural programmes.
Prime Minister and Patron of NCC, Dahal, had presented insignia, prize and letter of appreciation to the graduated youths.
Co-Patron of NCC and Minister for Defence, the Chief of the Army Staff as well as other high-ranking officials were present on the occasion.
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15- Janamat Party to field candidacies for by-election in Ilam and Bajhang
Kathmandu, March 12: The Janamat Party will field its candidates in the by-election for the Member of House of Representatives to be held in Ilam constituency no 2 and for election of Member to the Province Assembly Bajhang constituency no 1(1).
Janamat Party National Spokesperson Dr Sharad Singh Yadav gave out this information today while making public the decisions taken by the party’s central secretariat meeting held recently.
He also shared on the occasion that the party will not immediately participate in the newly-formed ruling alliance.
Spokesperson Yadav also said that the central secretariat meeting made a decision to move a directed process ahead after holding discussions on the report submitted by an investigation committee to look into the incident that took place in Saptari on January 22.
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16- Newly-elected NA Chair Dahal assures of boosting upper house prestige
Kathmandu, March 12: Newly elected chairperson of the National Assembly (NA), Narayan Prasad Dahal, said he would take initiative to boost the prestige and importance of the upper chamber of the Federal Parliament.
Talking to media persons while exiting from the meeting after his election to the post, Chair Dahal shared that he would play active role to establish the thinking that NA is the essential institution.
“I am committed to unite NA members of all parties to fulfill the entire roles and responsibilities of NA. I have also self-confidence that I will be successful in it,” he underlined.
Stating that he would move ahead taking every activity that falls within NA’s jurisdiction seriously, the NA Chair Dahal stressed that he would involve in formulating laws as well as boosting the prestige of the NA in other context.
Dahal is scheduled to take oath of office and secrecy before President Ramchandra Paudel today itself.
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17- Brief bio of newly elected NA Chair Dahal
Kathmandu, March 12: Narayan Prasad Dahal has been elected as the Chairperson of the National Assembly in today’s election.
The 68-year-old Dahal, widely known as ‘Saral’ within the Maoist circle, was born on Chaitra 16, 2012 BS (March 29, 1956), in Dhikurpokhari, Kaski, as the eldest child of mother Deurupa Dahal and father Kul Prasad Dahal. He has a rich political background and is credited for his role in the success of the Maoist People’s War.
Growing up, Dahal developed a strong affinity for Communist ideology, actively engaging in politics since his student years. His dedication to the Maoist movement was evident in his active participation, both politically and ideologically, during the People’s War. Despite facing numerous obstacles, he played a significant role in strengthening the Maoist movement institutionally and garnering economic resources for it even during his days in overseas.
In his political journey, Dahal served as the joint-secretary of Akhil Bharat Nepali Ekata Samaj and eventually rose to the position of its Chairperson. He became the central secretary for the organization in 2038 BS and had an incredible role in the publication of the Nepali Ekata Prakashan, the organization’s mouthpiece, promoting political awareness and unity among Nepalis in India.
Transitioning into a full-time Communist party member in 2037 BS, Dahal assumed the role of a central member of the Maoist party in 2057 BS. Following the party’s directives, he travelled Nepal and India in course of fulfilling the party responsibilities, spending 18 years in various capacities within the All India Ekata Samaj and the party.
During the peak of the people’s war, Dahal returned to Nepal in 2060 BS, carrying out responsibilities assigned by the party in the Bheri-Karnali region. He also served as the party’s district in charge in Kaski and later took on responsibilities in the Kathmandu Valley and adjoining districts.
Dahal is recognized as a leader deeply connected with the people, who underlined the need of the implementation of a rule of law within the party.
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18- ‘I was effortful to bring economy back to normal’, says Dr Mahat
Patan (Lalitpur), March 12: Former Finance Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said he had, as Finance Minister, tried to bring the economy back to normal with tireless efforts.
Organising a press meet at Nepali Congress Party Central Office, Lalitpur, today, he, also the Spokesperson of the party, clarified that the economic indicators were not negative and he worked hard for the same.
“The country’s economy was under pressure when I took charge of the post of Finance Minister. We worked hard to bring the economy back to normal. Statistics published by Nepal Rastra Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank also proved the same,” he stressed.
The inflation rate was 8.5 per cent at the time when he was appointed the Finance Minister and it has been lowered to five per cent now, the former Finance Minister shared, adding interest rate of banks is decreasing in recent period due to liberal monetary policy to resolve problems seen in country’s economy.
He underlined that the increasing revenue collection of 10 per cent as compared to previous fiscal year was satisfactory.
The former Finance Minister mentioned that he carried out activities keeping good governance and frugality in mind while remaining in the government.
He further said many investors were ready to invest in investment summit scheduled in April, claiming that he carried out activities in order to bring in more foreign investment through the investment summit.
On a different note, Dr Mahat explained that the NC was strongly in favour of the then ruling alliance and the Mahasamiti meeting of the party had also decided to give continuity to the same alliance.
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19- Tri-nation Int’l T-20 Cricket Series: Nepal, PNG to meet in final
Kathmandu, March 12: Papua New Guinea has defeated Hong Kong in the second match of the Tri-nation International T-20 Series today ensuring its clash with Nepal in the final. In the first match of the Series today, Nepal sailed into final by defeating Papua New Guinea by 85 runs.
In the second match held at the Mong Kok-based Mission Road Cricket Ground in Hong Kong today, PNG defeated the host Hong Kong by 10 wickets. With this victory, PNG has collected two points from two matches while Nepal has three points. Hong Kong with one point from the equal number of games was barred from entering the final. The first match held between Nepal and Hong Kong before this was cancelled due to rain.
Nepal and PNG will be meeting for the final tomorrow, Wednesday.
The target of 122 runs posted by Hong Kong for the victory, Papua New Guinea completed it in 12.4 overs without losing any wicket.
Sese Bau of Papua New Guinea made 61 runs (not out) in 43 balls while Tony Ura 51 runs (not out) in 33 balls.
Invited to b at first after losing the toss, Hong Kong gathered 121 runs in 18.3 overs losing all wickets. For Hong Kong, Zeeshan Ali collected 55 runs in 29 balls while Nasrulla Rana and Ehsan Khan 16 runs each and Babar Hayat 12 runs.
Kabua Morea, Alei Nao, Assad Vala and Sese Bau of Papua New Guinea took two wickets each.
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20- Sub-committee to study customs duty on Sponge Iron and Billet
Kathmandu, March 12 : The Industry and Commerce, Labour and Consumer Interest Committee under the House of Representatives has formed a sub-committee to carry out study and observe the industries in relation to the customs and excise duties on Sponge Iron and Billet. The Committee today formed a seven-member sub-committee.
The members of the sub-committee are Krishna Kumar Shrestha, Ganesh Parajuli, Geeta Basnet, Dhurba Thapa, Rekha Yadav, Lakshmi Mahato Koiri and Suryaman Tamang.
Meanwhile, the meeting of the committee today has also instructed concerned authorities to provide details of tobacco and tobacco products production in Nepal and details of annual imports.
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21- Russian Ambassador calls on Foreign Minister Shrestha
Kathmandu, March 12: Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Nepal, Alexei A. Novikov, paid a courtesy call on newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Narayankaji Shrestha.
During the meeting, various matters of bilateral mutual interest were discussed in the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, said MOFA Spokesman, Amrit Bahadur Rai.
On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha urged for the return of the Nepali citizens who joined the Russian army, bringing back the bodies of Nepalis who have died there and to provide necessary compensation to the families of the deceased.
Ambassador Novikov congratulated and wished Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha a successful term.
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22- Cabinet decision: PM office secretary Aryal transferred to Home Ministry
Kathmandu, March 12 : The government has decided to allow the finance minister-led delegation to participate in the 57th annual meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) scheduled to take place in Tbilisi, Georgia on coming May 2-5.
At a press conference here today to disclose the decisions of the cabinet meeting held on last March 11, Minister for Communications and Information Technology and government spokesperson Rekha Sharma shared that the Council of Ministers designated chairperson and member of the compensation determination committee to acquire land for the Kaligandaki-Ridi 132-km transmission line project.
Spokesperson Sharma said, “The cabinet decided to allow Election Commissioner of the Election Commission Nepal, Sagun Shumsher JB Rana, for observing the 22nd national assembly election of Republic Korea to be held on coming April 10”.
The government has decided to allow the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to present Nepal’s candidacy to the post of member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for 2017-29 and Social and Economic Council for the term 2029-31. Spokesperson Sharma said that the government has also decided to allow the use of the land registered in the name of the government for the construction of a 15-bed basic hospital building and administrative building of Namkha rural municipality.
Similarly, the cabinet meeting also decided to allow the use of a total of 16.93 hectares of national forest land in Madi rural municipality under Annapurna Conservation Area for the construction of Upper Madi Zero Khola Hydropower Project (42 MW) and to purchase land equivalent to the government forest area used by the KhaniKhola-1 Hydropower Project in the vicinity of Gaurishankar Conservation Area.
Likewise, the cabinet meeting also decided to give in-principle approval to formulate a bill to manage the liability and insurance of air transport service operators, promote three gazetted second class officers of different service groups to the gazetted first class in the respective service groups and transfer two joint secretaries, Sharma informed.
Secretary at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers Ek Narayan Aryal has been transferred to the post of Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs and Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs Dinesh Bhattarai has been transferred to the post of Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers.
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23- Swiss Ambassador pays courtesy call on DPM Shrestha
Kathmandu, March 12 : Ambassador of Switzerland to Nepal, Daniel Meuli, paid a courtesy call on newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Narayankaji Shrestha at the latter’s office today.
During the meeting, various issues of bilateral mutual interest and expansion of cooperation between the two countries were discussed, according Spokesperson of the Ministry, Amrit Bahadur Rai. Ambassador Meuli on the occasion congratulated and wished Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha a successful tenure.
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24- ADB Country Director calls on Finance Minister Pun
Kathmandu, March 12 : Country Director of Asian Development Bank (ADB) for Nepal, Arnaud Cauchois, paid a courtesy call on Finance Minister Barshman Pun at the Ministry of Finance today.
During the meeting, matters relating to strengthening bilateral partnership and further cooperation for investment in potential projects in Nepal were discussed, according to the Secretariat of Finance Minister Pun.
On the occasion, Finance Minister Pun extended gratitude to ADB for being one of the major development partners supporting Nepal’s important development projects, and expressed the hope that there will be meaningful cooperation in the future as well. He also requested the ADB to increase investment in Nepal.
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25- Request to search for Bipin Joshi
Kathmandu, March 12 : Israeli Ambassador to Nepal Hanan Goder paid a courtesy call on newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Narayankaji Shrestha.
During the meeting held today at the Ministry of foreign affairs, various issues of bilateral interest and expansion of mutual cooperation were discussed.
On the occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha requested for assistance in finding and releasing Nepali student Bipin Joshi, whose status remains unknown following the attack by the rebel Hamas group in Israel, MOFA spokesperson Amrit Bahadur Rai said.
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26- Democratic credentials need to be strengthened, leader Dr Koirala says
Morang, March 12 : The Gurans Library Bargachhi, Biratnagar has honoured two persons of social and political sectors on the occasion of its 54th establishment years.
It may be noted that the library had played spectacular role in the establishment of democracy in the country. Pitambar Dahal has been feted with the late Mukti Prasad Yadunath Chapagain honour on the political category and Dinabandhu Goyal with social sector award.
Likewise, literary figure Dirgaraj Subedi was also presented a letter of appreciation. Highest scorers in grade eight, Drona Dangi and Salina Rajbamshi, were honoured with cash awards.
Handing over the letters of appreciation, Nepali Congress leader Dr Shekhar Koirala highlighted the need to promote democratic credentials and characters in a responsible manner. Democracy should be consolidated by averting anomalies and aberrations, he noted, adding political culture and ethics are explicitly lacking in contemporary Nepali politics.
Library Chairperson Sunil Pandey informed that the library has been felicitating the people contributing to the democracy and social sectors.
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27- Festival holidays to be managed properly
Kathmandu, March 12: Learning from this year’s experience, the Government has decided to come to a conclusion on festival-based holidays after discussion with the representatives of the relevant religious communities.
Spokesperson of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, said that the government was in favor of addressing the matter before the next year’s calendar is published. He also appealed for all the stakeholders to contribute towards that end.
Referring to the miscommunication over the public holiday of Gyalpo Lhosar on Monday, Bhattarai said the calendar was hanging in our homes for almost a year but none raised it as an issue, and the holiday was announced based on the same calendar. In the case of next year’s holidays, the calendar will be published only after discussion with the concerned community.
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28- CPN (UML) Chair directs its MPs to vote for PM Dahal
Kathmandu, March 12: CPN-UML Chairperson KP Sharma Oli has directed the party’s parliamentarians to give vote of confidence to Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ in the House of Representatives meeting.
In his address to the party’s parliamentary party meeting today, Chair Oli said the new alliance was formed realizing the need of the country, which he claimed has raised hope among the people.
Making it clear that the new alliance was made on their initiative, Chair Oli said there is no need to blame any foreign or neighbouring countries for it. The former Prime Minister further said it was their obligation to sustain the new alliance.
It may be noted that the CPN (UML), CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Swatantra Party and Janata Samajwadi Party had agreed to form a new alliance on March 4. The CPN (Unified Socialist) has also joined the new alliance lately.
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29- Government working to realize the goal of prosperity: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, March 12: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said that the current government is working in realizing the goals of social justice, good governance and prosperity.
Extending greetings on the occasion of Ramadan festival, which started today, the Prime Minister said that the government is always committed to protecting national independence and integrity by strengthening internal unity through the protection of identity.
Stating that festivals, religions and rituals have important contribution in promoting mutual harmony, love, fraternity, tolerance and strengthening national unity and national interests, Prime Minister Dahal said that the festival of Ramadan also guides people to the right path, to be humble, restrained, tolerant, charitable, kind and virtuous.
On the occasion of Ramadan, Prime Minister Dahal has expressed his best wishes for good health, happiness, peace and prosperity to all the Muslim sisters and brothers living at home and abroad. He wished that this festival would strengthen mutual harmony, tolerance, cooperation and national unity, and inspire all to unite for the prosperity and development of the nation.
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30- National Assembly Chair Dahal assumes office
Kathmandu, March 12: Newly elected Chairperson of the National Assembly, Narayan Prasad Dahal, assumed his office at Singha Durbar today.
Earlier, the NA Chair took oath of office and secrecy before President Ramchandra Paudel. He took the oath of office and secrecy during a ceremony held at Sheetal Niwas.
Dahal, who became a candidate on behalf of the CPN (Maoist Centre), was supported by the ruling coalition. He defeated Yubaraj Sharma of Congress to be elected the new Chair of the National Assembly.
After taking the oath of office and secrecy from President Poudel, Dahal visited and laid a wreath at the Martyr’s Memorial in Lainchour.
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