Kathmandu, March 13: Exports and stakeholders stressed the need for the three tiers of governments to work with effective coordination to mitigate climate change induced risks.
At a national dialogue on climate change organized on the occasion of the 31st establishment day of the Municipality Association of Nepal (MUAN) on Tuesday, speakers demanded policy and budgetary arrangement in a way that local governments can make climate change adaptation programme.
The speakers also recommended for taking initiative for arrangement of compensation from the developed countries to the developing countries, including Nepal.
President of State Affairs and Good Governance Committee, Ramhari Khatiwada underscored the need of international commitment to put measures to reduce climate change effects.
He demanded policy and structural reforms to address climate change impacts by enabling local governments.
Also speaking on the occasion, National Natural Resource and Fiscal Commission Chairperson Balananda Poudel underlined effective implementation of policy level action plan of climate change. He said the local government’s budget and programme should be transparent and effective.
Former chief secretary Dr Somlal Subedi highlighted the need of effective implementation of laws related to climate change in coordination among the three tiers of the governments.
Also speaking on the occasion, constitutional law expert Kashiraj Dahal, joint secretary at Ministry of Finance, Suman Dahal, joint secretary of Ministry of Forest and Environment Dr Buddhi Sagar Poudel and MUAN Chairperson Bhim Prasad Dhungana and National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal Chairperson Laxmi Devi Pandey highlighted the need of legal reforms coupled with wider public awareness and implementation of country’s strategic action plane of climate change.
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02- PM taking vote of confidence in parliament today
Kathmandu, March 13: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is taking a vote of confidence in the meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) scheduled for today.
The federal parliamentary secretariat has already made necessary preparations to this effect. The HoR meeting is scheduled to be held at 11 am today.
The Prime Minister is going to seek the vote of confidence again today after the Nepali Congress withdrew the vote of confidence given to the Prime Minister with the change in the ruling coalition on March 4.
Dahal, also the chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre), was elected the Prime Minister on 25 December 2022. He had taken the vote of confidence 10 January 2023.
Out of the 270 lawmakers present in the parliament, 268 gave a vote of confidence to PM Dahal. At the moment, all the parties, including Nepali Congress had given him a vote of confidence.
During the presidential election, the ruling coalition changed again. CPN (UML), Rastriya Swatantra Party and Rastriya Prajatantra Party withdrew their support to the government. Prime Minister Dahal had again taken the vote of confidence on 20 March 2023, after change of the ruling coalition. He had secured 172 votes at the HoR.
After the change of alliance again on 4 March, the then ruling partner Nepali Congress now has reached the opposition. The party has withdrawn the vote of confidence. CPN (UML), CPN (Maoist Centre), Rastriya Swatantra Party, Janata Samajwadi Party and CPN (Unified Socialist) have formed a new alliance.
Prime Minister Dahal, who has the support of the new alliance, is going to take a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives today. The parties affiliated to the alliance have also issued whip to give a vote of confidence to the Prime Minister.
In the HoR, UML has 78 lawmakers, Maoist Centre 32, Rastriya Swatantra Party 21, Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal 12 and Unified Socialist 10.
Chairperson of Nagarik Unmukti Party and parliamentary party leader Ranjita Shrestha has also issued a whip to vote for PM Dahal.
On this basis, the Prime Minister will easily get a vote of confidence. The prime minister needs 138 votes to trust him. The parliamentary secretariat has included PM Dahal’s vote of confidence as a possible agenda for today’s meeting of the HoR.
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03- Indian and Chinese counterparts congratulate Foreign Minister Shrestha
Kathmandu, March 13: Indian and Chinese counterparts have congratulated Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayan Kaji Shrestha.
Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi sent separate congratulatory messages wishing Minister Shrestha a successful tenure.
Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha’s personal secretary Suresh Kaji Shrestha told RSS that Minister Shrestha expressed his gratitude for their congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure.
Shrestha, the senior vice-chair of the CPN (Maoist Centre), was appointed as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs on March 6.
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04- ‘Both ruling and opposition parties should show initiative to make parliament vibrant’
Kathmandu, March 13: Lawmaker Asha BK said the ruling and opposition parties should show proactive initiative to make the parliament vibrant.
Talking to RSS, lawmaker BK said there has been a lot of change in the awareness level of the people yesterday and today. “People are closely watching the performance of lawmakers in parliament. The role of parliament is becoming more effective”.
She shared all the questions raised by the lawmakers in the House have not been implemented, yet pressure has been exerted on the political leadership and the government leadership to address them. Lawmakers have a role to play in making laws as well as solving the problems of the people by taking them to the government. “The work has not been done to make the people feel it. The main issue is to give hope to the people, increase credibility towards political parties and present people’s issues in parliament”.
Public interest and public sentiment have been raised in the parliament, but due to lack of address, there is a state ssof frustration among the people, she reflected.
BK said even the congress-led government could not play an effective role in law making after the dissolution of the parliament.
“The government has completed one yea following last election. Only two bills were enacted. However, some bills are under discussion in parliament. The pace of law-making has not been as fast as it should be”.
Laws should not only be made, but they should also be implemented effectively, she said, adding the Constitution and laws gave authority to the local level but the local governments also failed to perform effectively.
“Along with rights, corruption also reached the villages”, she commented.
Lawmaker BK further said all parties should unite to make the country prosperous and rekindle hope among the people. “Whether it is the ruling party or the opposition, the parties should not delay the formulation of laws related to the implementation of federalism”, she asserted.
BK is the Member of Parliament on behalf of the Nepali Congress.
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05- Nepal’s beautiful nature and rich culture attracts world-President Paudel
Patan (Lalitpur), March 13: President Ram Chandra Poudel has said that Nepal has become a center of attraction in the globe for its beautiful nature and glorious culture.
In his address to the inaugural ceremony of the reconstructed Balkumari Temple at Balkumari in Lalitpur, President Poudel lauded the efforts made by the government to rebuild and keep alive the important historical heritages of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur.
“Kathmandu Valley is a glorious city of art and multi-culture. Lalitpur Metropolitan City’s contribution in bringing freshness by rebuilding many heritages is commendable. Among the local levels across the country, this metropolitan city has become an exemplary municipality. If other local levels follow the suit, we can be confident that the country will become prosperous”, the President noted.
Lalitpur Metropolitan City mayor Chiribabu Maharjan shared that the metropolis has provided financial assistance for the construction of Balkumari temple which was damaged by the earthquake in 2015.
Stating that the Public Procurement Act, 2063 BS was an obstacle in the construction of heritages of archaeological importance such as Devalaya and Shivalaya, he suggested amending the Act.
Chairperson of Balkumari Temple Conservation and Reconstruction Committee Khadga Lal Maharjan briefed about the historical background and reconstruction of the temple.
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06- HoR Business Advisory Committee meets prior to parliament meeting
Kathmandu, March 13: The meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), Business Advisory Committee has commenced. The meeting is called by Speaker Devraj Ghimire in connection with the vote of confidence that the Prime Minister is seeking in parliament today and to discuss the time-table of the lower house for the next 15 days.
Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is taking a vote of confidence in the meeting of the HoR today after the change on March 4 in the ruling coalition.
The Committee is meeting to decide on the process of the vote of confidence and the parliament’s business in the coming 15 days.
Newly-appointed Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Padam Giri, Deputy Speaker Indira Rana and the Chief Whips and Whips of various parties representing in parliament are in attendance in the meeting.
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07- NC expresses its objection citing controversial figure appointed as minister
Kathmandu, March 13: Nepali Congress Whip Sushila Thing has called attention of the Speaker, pointing out that an individual with controversial image was included in the present Council of Ministers.
Speaking at the outset of the meeting of the House of Representatives today, she alleged that the Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has rewarded a person with controversial image linked to cooperative fraud by appointing as minister instead of taking legal action against that person.
She also, through the Speaker, drew the attention of the government that no action has been taken when the then Vice President Nanda Bahadur Pun’s Secretariat and his family member were found involved in gold smuggling.
Whip Thing said the House cannot carry out its business in an effective way without holding thorough discussions on all the above topics.
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08- Economic indicators gradually improving: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, March 13: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said the country’s economic indicators are on a positive trajectory due to the consistent efforts.
Making a statement prior to seeking a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives today, he said he has been continuously working since the beginning for improving the economy and made it clear that most of the economic indicators have improved in the latest situation.
“The balance of payment is in reserve by 297 billion and 720 million in the seven months’ period of the current fiscal year. The foreign exchange reserve has increased by 19.9 percent and reached nearly equivalent to Rs 1 trillion and 845 billion,” the PM said, adding that the trade deficit has reduced by 1.8 percent.
He further said the inflation has been limited to 5.1 percent in the seven months’ period and the loan disbursement has increased by 4.7 percent.
“It is not that the government cannot interpret the existing economic condition as a big achievement, but the expected progress has not been made in the domestic production and employment generation. Similarly, capital expenditure has also not been increased as expected. It is necessary to give extra impetus to the projects of national pride and priority, to increase the capital expenditure and to further improve in public service delivery,” the PM pointed out on the occasion.
He made it clear that making the administration mechanism efficient, removing the procedural obstacles and creating an environment conducive for fully harnessing the capacity of the private sector were his first priority.
‘We are close to power trade agreement with Bangladesh’
Prime Minister Dahal announced on the occasion that a tri-nation electricity trade agreement would be signed for exporting up to 40 megawatts power from Nepal to Bangladesh. He asserted that Nepal has reached close to electricity trade not only with India but with Bangladesh as well.
“The door for electricity trade is opening towards China as well. This is also not a small achievement, but we need to carry out great deal of works in electricity infrastructure development to achieve this possibility,” the PM observed.
Stating that Nepal has now made its presence in the world forum on the concept of climate justice and equality, he recalled that the visit of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Nepal and Nepal’s presentation in the COP-28 held in Dubai, UAE have sent new message to that connection.
“We have given the message that now Nepal will give leadership to the voice of mountain nations affected by climate crisis,” he said, expressing that the list of government’s achievement is not short, but these achievements were not adequate to fulfill the country’s needs and possibilities
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09- PM calls on all sides to come together for addressing national problems
Kathmandu, March 13: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has called on all sides to stand at one place for resolving the problems facing the nation.
PM Dahal said this while addressing the House of Representatives prior to seeking a vote of confidence today. On the occasion, he stressed on the need of maintaining national unity for achieving the opportunities before the nation.
“I repeat here even amid various allegations that in my capacity as the Prime Minister, I am committed for consensus, collaboration and mutual trust, and not for negation, dishonor and retribution,” said the PM, adding, “We all have ownership and share in the present power appropriation. The President is from the Nepali Congress background, the Vice President is from the Janata Samajbadi Party, the Speaker is from the CPN (UML) background, the National Assembly Chair is from the Maoist Centre background and the Deputy Speaker is from the Rastriya Swatantra Party background.”
Stating that he has e decisive role in this ‘respectable’ representation of all, Prime Minister Dahal said and he takes pride in this.
Parliament is not place for trading personal accusation: PM
PM Dahal said the sovereign parliament is not the proper place for exchange of personal accusation and counter-accusations.
“Although the reconstitution of the government is only a political process, some colleagues of the Nepali Congress made a non-political interpretation of this process and leveled personal slur and attack on me. I did not want to hit back at the allegations, but my principle was and is that this sovereign parliament is not an appropriate place for trading personal accusations and counter-accusations.”
Stating that he wanted to put some views from his side in the House thinking that not denying the allegations that are in the parliament’s record itself would send the wrong message, PM Dahal reminded that the Nepali Congress had at one time described his as a statesman from the rostrum of the parliament.
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10- PM Dahal presents proposal in parliament, seeking vote of confidence
Kathmandu, March 13: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has presented a proposal in the House of Representatives today as per the Rule 155 of the House of Representatives Regulations, 2079BS, seeking a vote of confidence in accordance with Article 100, Sub-Article (2) of the Constitution of Nepal.
Addressing the meeting of the House of Representatives, the Prime Minister tabled the proposal, seeking that the House give him the vote of confidence as the Prime Minister.
Making a statement in the parliament, he urged lawmakers to give him the vote of confidence for preventing various sorts of anomalies inconsistent with the spirit of the constitution.
He argued on the occasion that it was necessary for the government to get the confidence vote for improving the business environment in the economy and for bringing about a change in the social anarchy, rage and negative thinking engendered by the political instability.
“I need the support of the parliament to feel proud of the nationalism, self-worth and sovereignty by defending the achievements made from all the past movements. I assure the esteemed parliament that thousands of new startups and entrepreneurship ventures would be started within some months alone. Systematic efforts would be made towards self-reliance,” the Prime Minister said.
Noting that the initiations made so far in the good governance front have restored the public faith towards the democracy, he said confidence of the citizens towards the State would be enhanced by means of public service delivery and good governance.
After the Prime Minister’s statement, the top leaders of the rest of the political parties have been putting their views on party-wise.
The PM is seeking a vote of confidence from the parliament today after he changed the governing coalition and as a consequence the Nepali Congress which had been supporting that coalition withdrew its support.
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11- New political alliance is formed due to problems in the previous one: UML Chair
Kathmandu, March 13: CPN (UML) Chair KP Sharma Oli has said they formed the new alliance as there were problems in the previous ruling alliance.
Expressing his party’s support to the proposal seeking vote of confidence that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ presented in the House of Representatives meeting today, the UML Chair said the government has been reconstituted as per the wish of the Prime Minister and with their backing since the alliance with the Nepali Congress became inconvenient.
He argued that it is not necessary to publicize that reconstitution of the government alone will pave the way towards political instability.
“The change of government is done on the basis of our need. We, the political parties of Nepal, have together carried out this work. PM Dahal is the main person in it and I am also his supporter. You can give us the credit for this. It is not necessary to link this to foreign or the neighbouring countries,” he clarified. Leader Oli further said PM Dahal has already explained why the current new situation came to be and why.
Stating that tendencies like undermining the national unity, spreading discord in society and taking it towards retrograde have been seen in the country in various names, the UML Chair called on all to forsake such things and move ahead for securing justice and equality by keeping the country at the centre.
He stressed on protecting and promoting the notion that the State is for the people of all geographies, castes and religions living here.
The UML parliamentary party leader Oli called on the parliament to be aware of the fact that the country cannot be developed by fomenting communal hatred, inviting anarchy and talking about regression.
Stating that there is no need for anyone to be panicked when someone else is ahead or back in the healthy competition as the competitive multi-party system is the dispensation that all the parties themselves have chosen, he urged the main opposition Nepali Congress not to be agitated and infuriated.
“A false propaganda has been spread that an unwritten agreement has been made by the new ruling alliance for taking turns in becoming the Prime Minister. We are not hungry for the power. Who remains in power and for how long is not important. One should carry out good works in favour of the people and the country while in government, this is the important thing. I have no desire for becoming the Prime Minister. The ruling side and the opposition side, let us come together and discuss on addressing the problems facing the country. Let us stop the misrule and take the nation towards economic prosperity,” the UML Chair reiterated.
He also emphasised on the occasion that his party was consistently committed to move forward on the issue of finalizing the laws related to the transitional justice on the basis of international principles, victim-friendly approach and the Supreme Court verdict.
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12- House forced to see PM’s proposal for vote of confidence thrice in one and half year: NC leader Sharma
Kathmandu, March 13: Nepali Congress (NC) general secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma has stressed that the citizens’ issues should be prioritised in the parliament over the dominance of political voices of the ruling and opposition parties.
During discussions on a proposal presented by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ seeking a vote of confidence from the House of Representatives (HoR) today, Sharma said that the House had spent considerable time over the past 15 months on the Prime Minister’s confidence vote proposal.
He questioned why topics such as low capital expenditure, pending tasks in the peace process, federalism strengthening, improvements in education and healthcare services, the whereabouts of Nepali student Bipin Joshi missing since the Hamas attack in Israel, and the condition and rights of Nepali individuals involved in the Russia-Ukraine war weren’t prioritized for discussion in the House.
Sharma also raised concerns about the Prime Minister having to seek a vote of confidence three times within a year and a half.
The Congress leader also took time to claim that his party always delivered historically in the interests of the nation and people while staying both in the government with a two-third majority and in the opposition at different course of times.
Sharma defended the agenda set by the recent Mahasamiti meeting of the party, asserting that it was within the meeting’s sovereignty to determine the agenda.
He was addressing the alleged discontent from Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal regarding the NC Mahasamiti meeting’s contents, which reportedly contributed to Dahal’s decision to break the alliance with the NC and form a new government with CPN (UML) and other parties.
Sharma criticized the government decision to postpone the Peace Conference in Lumbini, stating that it sent a negative message to the international forum.
Asserting the need for political leadership to cultivate an atmosphere for listening to criticism and trust-building, Sharma condemned the Prime Minister’s decision to break the alliance with the NC as a breach of public trust, declaring that the NC would not grant him the vote of confidence.
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13- RSP’s presence for delivery, claims lawmaker Wagle
Kathmandu, March 13: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Vice President Dr Swarnim Wagle has said the party is lately emerged and its presence is meant for serving the citizens.
Taking part in the partisan deliberations on the proposal seeking a vote of confidence Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ presented in the House of the Representatives (HoR) today, he said the party’s decision to join the coalition government aimed to deliver in the public service sector.
Promising to contribute to the areas of good governance and public service as a collation partner, he said the party will leave the government if it fails to implement its agenda.
He also announced the party’s vote of confidence to Prime Minister Dahal.
RPP denies vote of confidence to PM Dahal
Similarly, taking part in the discussions, Chairperson of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Rajendra Lingden said the party will not grant the vote of confidence to Prime Minister Dahal.
Accusing Dahal of indulging in forming and toppling the government, he denied his party’s support to the government.
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14- Janata Samajbadi to vote in favour of confidence motion
Kathmandu, March 13: Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal’s Raj Kishore Yadav has stressed that the new coalition government should focus on addressing the aspirations of the nation and the citizens.
Taking part in the deliberations on the PM’s proposal for the vote of confidence, also echoed the need of further amplifying the roles and effectiveness of the parliament.
Announcing the party’s support to the Prime Minister, he urged the government to prioritise the issues of Madhesh.
Rastriya Janamorcha, NWPP, Janamat deny vote of confidence to PM Dahal
Meanwhile, Chairperson of Rastriya Janamorcha, Chitra Bahadur KC, declared that the party will not support the Dahal-led government. He also expressed concerns over the government’s ‘apathy’ to take action against those high-profile people alleged in gold smuggling and illicit economic gains.
Similarly, Prem Suwal of Nepal Workers and Peasants’ Party said the party will not grant the vote of confidence to Prime Minister Dahal.
Likewise, Janamat Party’s Chairperson and lawmaker Dr CK Raut claimed that the change in the coalition government will not address the issues of citizens. His assessment is that the frequent formation and collapse of the ruling alliance will not benefit the citizens.
“We are not in the opposition of supporting the new coalition government, bust just wish for its success,” he said.
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15- I altered the alliance to make government functioning effective: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, March 13: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said he had to change the alliance as he felt discomforts with the government’s operation.
In his address to a session of the House of Representatives following the partisan deliberations on his proposal to seek a vote of confidence, the Prime Minister said he had to alter the alliance as he wished to make the government functioning effective.
Stating that the opinions for and against the proposal in the House have made the House more lively, he said it will contribute to further strengthening the democratic system.
“If the House grants the vote of confidence, we are committed to visibly serving the interests of the citizens and the nation,” he affirmed, pledging to uphold and advance the Constitution and democracy. “For this purpose, I am prepared to change course.”
According to the Prime Minister, arguments in favour of the proposal and against it are the treasury of the House, he said the deliberations will contribute to enhance democracy.
“All political parties are independent to forge a political alliance, but it should be for the interests of the citizens. I urge all political parties to stand for the case of the people,” he said.
Defending his decision to form a new political equation, he said it is meant for addressing the people’s aspirations.
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16- PM’s proposal to obtain vote of confidence put to House decision
Kathmandu, March 13: A proposal tabled by Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ seeking a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives today has been put to a decision.
The proposal tabled by the Prime Minister and CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair in accordance with the Article 100 (2) of the Constitution has been presented for a decision of the House by Speaker Devraj Ghimire as per the Rule 155 of the HoR regulations, 2079 BS.
The Article 100 (2) of the Constitution states that if the political party which the Prime Minister represents is divided or a political party in coalition government withdraws its support, the Prime Minister shall table a motion in the House of Representatives for a vote of confidence within thirty days. PM Dahal had sought a vote of confidence today in accordance with this provision.
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17- Tri-nation International T20 series: PNG wins title
Kathmandu, March 13: Nepal faced a defeat against Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the final match of the Tri-nation International T20 Series held in Hong Kong. Nepal lost the match to PNG today at the Mission Road Cricket Ground in Mong Kok by a margin of 86 runs. Consequently, PNG secured the Series title, relegating Nepal to the second position.
In Tuesday’s match, Nepal emerged victorious against PNG, securing their place in the final. Prior to that encounter, a match between Nepal and Hong Kong was called off due to rain. In the subsequent match held yesterday, PNG defeated Hong Kong by 10 wickets, securing their spot in the final.
In today’s match, Nepal, chasing a target of 172 runs, was limited to 85 runs in 16.3 overs, losing all its wickets. None of Nepal’s batsmen performed significantly, with Sundeep Jora scoring the highest runs of 17, including three boundaries, in 13 balls. Aarif Sheikh contributed 15 runs, while Captain Rohit Kumar Paudel added 12. No other player managed to score in double digits.
Gulsan Jha and Lokesh Bam scored six runs each, Kushal Bhurtel scored five, Binod Bhandari managed four, and Karan KC scored three. In their effort to restrict Nepal to below 100, PNG’s Kabua Morea, Sese Bau, Chad Soper, and Semo Kame took two wickets each, while Alei Nao dismissed one Nepalese batsman.
For PNG, Tony Ura smashed beyond a half-century, scoring 61 runs with five boundaries and four sixes in 37 balls. Alei Nao remained unbeaten with 30 runs, while Hiri Hiri contributed 15, Hila Vare scored 18, Chad Soper made 13, and Kiplin Doriga added 14.
Towards Nepal’s bowling, Kushal Bhurtel and Akash Chand taking three wickets each, while Karan KC and Gulsan Jha claimed one wicket each.
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18- HoR reaffirms confidence on PM Dahal for third time
Kathmandu, March 13: Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has secured a vote of confidence in the House of Representatives (HoR) for the third time.
The proposal that the Prime Minister presented in the meeting of the HoR today, seeking the vote of confidence, obtained 157 votes in its favour while 110 votes went against it when the proposal was put to a voice vote for a decision.
Two hundred and sixty-eight lawmakers were present in the meeting and seven were absent. One hundred and thirty-eight votes are required for the vote of confidence in the 275-member House of Representatives.
Announcing the results of the voice vote on the proposal, Speaker Devraj Ghimire said that 157 votes were in support of the proposal. He declared on the occasion that the proposal the Prime Minister presented in the House of Representatives, seeking a vote of confidence, has been passed by a majority since the number of votes in favour of the proposal comprised a majority of the total number of members present in the HoR at the time.
Lawmakers from the parties in the ruling alliance, namely the CPN (UML), the CPN (Maoist Centre), the Rastriya Swatantra Party, the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, the CPN (Unified Socialist) and the Nagarik Unmukti Party, gave the vote of confidence to PM Dahal.
The PM sought a vote of confidence from the parliament again today after he changed the governing coalition on March 4 and as a consequence the Nepali Congress which had been supporting that coalition withdrew its support.
Also the Maoist Centre Chair, Dahal was elected the Prime Minister on December 25, 2022. He took a vote of confidence first time on January 10, 2023. That time, he had secured the vote of confidence of most parties representing in the House of Representatives and the lawmakers, including those of CPN (UML), the CPN (Maoist Centre), the Rastriya Swatantra Party, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, the Janamat Party and the Nagarik Unmukti Party, among others.
Out of 270 lawmakers who participated in the voting, 268 had given vote of confidence to PM Dahal. This was the highest number of votes that he secured in Nepal’s history at that time. The Nepali Congress, the CPN (Unified Socialist), among all parties, had voted for him at that time.
Prime Minister Dahal took a vote of confidence on March 20, 2023 for second time with the change in the then ruling alliance in course of the election to the post of President. He had to seek a vote of confidence second time after the UML, the Rastriya Swatantra Party and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party withdrew their support to the government. That time he secured 172 votes while 89 votes were against the motion seeking the vote of confidence.
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19- Three Province Chiefs relieved of their post
Kathmandu, March 13: President Ramchandra Paudel has relieved the Province Chiefs of three provinces from their posts.
The President relieved Chief of the Madhes Province Harishankar Mishra, the Chief of the Gandaki Province Prithviman Gurung and the Chief of the Sudurpaschim Province Devraj Joshi of their posts in accordance with Article 165 (1) of the Constitution of Nepal and on the recommendation on March 11 of the Council of Ministers, the Office of the President stated in a communique issued today.
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20- Alternative members to chair NA session nominated
Kathmandu, March 13: Chairperson of the National Assembly (NA), Narayan Prasad Dahal, has nominated names of upper house members to chair the NA meeting in the absence of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson.
The names nominated in accordance with the Rule 10 (1) of the National Assembly Regulations-2075 BS are Ganga Kumari Belbase, Jayanti Devi Rai, Tulasa Kumari Dahal, Puja Chaudhary and Bishnu Devi Pudasaini. The nominations were endorsed by the upper house members.
Similarly, the NA Chair reshuffled and nominated members on the thematic committees as per the Rule 149 (1) of the NA Regulations-2075 BS.
Kamala Panth, Krishna Prasad Paudel, Ghanashyam Rijal, Jit Jung Basnet, Jhakku Prasad Subedi, Tul Prasad Bishwakarma, Narayan Datta Bhatta, Puja Chaudhary, Bamdev Gautam, Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar, Manarupa Sharma, Bimala Ghimire, Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma, Sharada Devi Bhatta and Sabitri Malla have been nominated on the Sustainable Development and Good Governance Committee.
The Legislative Management Committee includes Anand Prasad Dhungana, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Ganga Kumari Belbase, Jayanti Devi Rai, Taraman Swanr, Tulasa Kumari Dahal, Debendra Dahal, Narayana Datta Mishra, Dr Beduram Bhusal, Bhagawati Neupane, Mrigendra Kumar Singh Yadav, Radheshyam Paswan, Bishnu Devi Pudasaini and Suresh Kumar Ale Magar.
Similarly, Gopal Kumar Basnet, Gopal Bhattarai, Gomadevi Timilsina, Baladev Bohora, Nar Bahadur Bista, Padam Bahadur Pariyar, Madan Kumari Shah Garima, Maya Prasad Sharma, Yuvraj Sharma, Renu Chand, Rukmini Koirala, Shreekrishna Prasad Adhikari and Sumitra BC have been nominated on the Delegated Management and Government Assurance Committee.
Uday Bahadur Bohara, Indira Devi Gautam, Kiran Babu Shrestha, Krishna Bahadur Rokya, Gopi Bahadur Sharki Aachhami, Jaga Prasad Sharma, Jagat Bahadur Parki, Durga Gurung, Mohammad Khalid, Rajendra Laxmi Gaire, Bishnu Kumari Sapkota, Shekhar Kumar Singh and Sonam Geljen Sherpa have been named for the Federalism Strengthening and National Concerns Committee.
The nominations were endorsed by the NA.
The elections for the Presidents of the Committees have been slated for upcoming March 17. The NA shall meet again at 11:00 am on March 15.
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22- Newly appointed Ambassador Paudel takes oath
Kathmandu, March 13: President Ram Chandra Paudel has administered oath of office and secrecy to residential ambassador of Nepal to Canada, Bharat Raj Paudel.
At a programme organised at Shital Niwas today, newly appointed Ambassador Paudel took the oath of office and secrecy, reads a press release issued by the President’s office.
High-ranking government officials were present on the occasion.
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23- Sports ministry calls for action against ANFA
Kathmandu, March 13: The Ministry of Youth and Sports has expressed its objection over the foreign visit of 10 officials of the All Nepal Football Association (ANFA).
The Ministry has directed the National Sports Council to take action against ANFA after the officials were found to gone abroad without taking permission of the NSC. National Sports Development Act, 2077 provides that a prior approval is necessary from the NSC for officials to go on an official trip abroad.
The national football team of Nepal is playing a friendly match against Malaysia on March 15 in the leading to the world cup qualifiers. After the friendly match with Malaysia, the Nepali team is scheduled to play two ‘Home and Away’ matches with Bahrain on March 21 and 26.
Ten ANFA officials joined the Nepali team that is currently in Malaysia.
Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, the Ministry has also urged the Home Ministry to allow sports official to go on foreign visit to participate in international match, training, seminar and conference only after NSC’s approval.
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24- New Province Chiefs take oath of office
Kathmandu, March 13: President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly appointed province Chiefs in accordance with Article 167 of the Constitution of Nepal.
Chief of Madhes Province, Sumitra Bhandari, Chief of Gandaki Province, Dilliraj Bhatt, and Chief of Sudurpaschim Province, Nazir Miya, took oath of office and secrecy before the President at a special ceremony held at the Office of President today.
Vice President Ram Sahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Speaker Devraj Ghimire, National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal were present on the occasion.
Earlier, President Paudel had, in accordance with Article 163 (2) of the Constitution and on the recommendation of the Council of Ministers, appointed the new Province Chiefs on March 11.
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25- Local levels want federal govt to capacitate them to cope with climate crisis
(Narayan Ghimire and CB Adhikari/RSS)
Kathmandu, March 13: When it comes to dealing with climate change impacts, the role of local level is underscored at national and international debates. The local levels have however found themselves belittled by the federal and provincial governments to this regard.
Whether it is foreign exposure or the discussions on pressing issues of climate change, the federal level officials dominate the scene. Budget allocation to the local levels is meagre for climate actions. This was what they viewed during a programme organized in the federal capital, Kathmandu, on Tuesday.
The local level people’s representatives wondered concentration of knowledge and training at central level, which have direct role on limiting local level’s capacity to launch programmes on climate change adaption, mitigation and resilience.
During the ‘national dialogue on climate change’ organized by Municipality Association of Nepal (MuAN), Mayor of Kageshwori Manohara municipality, Upendra Karki, viewed, “Institutional study and management of environment and climate change is required at local level. Strengthening of local level is essential so that climate actions could be ensured effective.”
According to him, our ability to ascertain whether any incident is caused by climate change bears significance. It helps build knowledge and skills for climate change adaptation and mitigation at local level. Establishment of knowledge centres at local level can be helpful to spread widespread publicity on this pressing issue, according to him.
Similarly, Deputy Mayor of Nagarjun Municipality, Sushila Adhikari, wondered why only government officials from central levels participated in the international forums, while local level employees and people’s representatives were in dire need of knowledge on climate change. Although local levels are close observers of climate change impacts, very few people from local level were given opportunity to attend the COP28, she reminded.
Adhikari emphasized that without local levels’ capacity building, climate actions could not be achieve desired result.
Similarly, MuAN Chair Bhim Prasad Dhungana, Vice Chair Krishna Prasad Sapkota and Chairperson of National Association of Rural Municipalities in Nepal, Laxmi Devi Pande, urged the federal government to be liberal on budget allocation and release it to local levels for efficient and effective climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Chairperson of Centre for Democracy and Development, Dr Dila Sangraula, expressed worry why climate change issue was not prioritized to the extent it had to be. Massive awareness on climate change and its impacts is imperative at local levels, while robust coordination among three tiers of government is equal urgency, she viewed.
On the occasion, Chairperson of State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of federal parliament, Ramhari Khatiwada, opined that policy and structural reform could be mulled for strengthening local government.
Secretary at Ministry of Forest and Environment, Buddi Sagar Paudel, admitted that present systems of energy and finance were insufficient to help Nepal achieve climate ambitions. The SDGs, disaster response and climate changes could be dealt with together, he suggested.
Chairperson of National Natural Resource and Financial Commission, Balananda Paudel, underscored the need of effective implementation of policy work plan on climate change. He also sought transparency in local level budget for it.
The dialogue was held on the occasion of the 31st anniversary of the MuAN, an umbrella organisations of municipalities in the country.
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26- Strife among powerful nations poses challenges before small states: CoAS Sharma
Kathmandu, March 13: Chief of Army Staffs (CoAS) Prabhu Ram Sharma has underlined the need of common initiative and commitment for Nepal’s sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, nationality, dignity, border security and economic prosperity.
Inaugurating the high level national security training organized jointly by the Defense Ministry and Nepali Army at Army Command and Staff College on Wednesday, CoAS Sharma viewed common concept and understanding and coordination is needed for it. “By analyzing and studying the national and international atmospheres, it is imperative to formulate and implement policy for protecting national interest,” he said, adding that the direct and indirect strife among powerful states has posed challenges before small states.
In Nepalese context, geopolitical sensitivity, open border and interest of powerful states are challenges, according to him. Even the religious and communal conflict and covert activities of some separatist groups are affecting national security, he reminded.
CoAS Sharma further viewed various aspects of traditional and modern security concerns along with socioeconomic and development landscapes should be studied well by all agencies so that national policy and laws would enforced effectively. The national security policy and strategy need change as per changing global security scenario, he viewed.
On the occasion, Defense Secretary Kiran Raj Sharma said multi sectoral dialogue, coordination and cooperation are needed to strengthen national security.
The ninth edition of the high level training has participation of 30 persons from diverse sectors including ministries, constitutional bodies, university, CSO, media, Nepali Army, Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and the National Investigation Department. It will last for two weeks. A total of 173 persons have been trained so far since 2072BS.
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27- US Ambassador Thomson calls on leader Nepal
Kathmandu, March 13: US Ambassador to Nepal Dean R. Thomson paid a courtesy call on Chairperson of CPN (Unified Socialist) Madhav Nepal.
During the meeting held at the residence of Nepal in Koteshwar, various issues of mutual interest and concern were discussed, said Mohan Gautam, the personal secretary of leader Nepal.
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28- Nepal-India border coordination meeting held
Dodhara Chandni (Kanchanpur), March 13: The Nepal-India border coordination meeting concluded in Mahendranagar on Wednesday with an agreement to boost security in view of upcoming Lok Sabha elections to be held in India.
In the meeting, the security officials of both countries also agreed on working to control criminal activities in the Nepal-India border area.
The Lok Sabha elections to be held in India and issues of mutual interest at the local level were discussed in the meeting, said Chief District Officer of Kanchanpur, Gopal Kumar Adhikari.
Navneet Pandey, the head of Champawat district in India, said that the discussions were held for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in India and to solve the problems at the local level. Pandey said there is a campaign to make Uttarakhand drug-free by 2025 and there is commitment on the part of Nepal as well.
Chief District Officer of Kanchanpur Adhikari, Assistant Chief District Officer Dharmaraj Joshi, Superintendent of Police of Kanchanpur Chakraraj Joshi, Superintendent of Armed Police Force Khagendra Bahadur Chand participated in the meeting representing Nepal.
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29- Finance Ministry invites MFI victims struggle committee for talks
Kathmandu, March 13: The Finance Ministry has invited the agitating microfinance institution victims struggle committee for a dialogue.
The Ministry at the directive of Finance Minister Barshaman Pun invited the representatives of struggle committee to sit for talks at the Finance Ministry on coming Friday.
A committee formed under leadership of Joint-Secretary and Chief of Financial Sector Management and Cooperation Coordination Division of the Finance Ministry, Narayan Prasad Risal, invited the representatives of struggle committee for the talks, according to Finance Minister Pun’s Secretariat.
Joint-Secretary of the Home Ministry, Narayan Prasad Bhattarai, Under-Secretary of the Law Ministry, Jhaindra Guragain, and representative of Nepal Rastra Bank are in the talks committee.
Finance Minister Pun asked the talks committee to hold discussion with the struggle committee and submit a report with measures to address their demands.
The Ministry had earlier directed the operators of microfinance institutions not to use any force upon borrowers until a resolution to the problem is found.
It had already urged the bodies concerned to carry out investigation against microfinance institutions carrying out activities against existing laws and policy and directive issued by Nepal Rastra Bank and to bring them under the ambit of law.
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30- Fire in plywood industry extinguished after two days
Jhapa, March 13: The fire that broke out at the plywood industry at Jamirgadhi in Mechinagar municipality-15 since Monday morning has been extinguished today.
It took more than 60 hours to put out the fire that led to a damage worth Rs 150 million, said Santosh Acharya, the owner of the industry. The main block of the industry has been completely damaged while a large amount of wood pellets and manufactured ply have been reduced to ashes.
Considered to be the largest in Nepal, the plywood industry employed 1200 workers. The goods produced by the industry were being exported abroad. A total of 12 fire engines including by neighbouring India was employed to extinguish the fire.
Chief of District Police Office, Jhapa, Milan KC, said that teams of Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police were mobilized along with the local people to put out the fire.
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