- Saturday, 18 May 2024
Kathmandu, May 5: Namaste ｍy dear Nepali friends. What do you think of when you hear the word “Japan”? The first thing that comes to the minds of the Japanese people when we hear the word” Nepal” is the divinely majestic Himalayan Mountains represented by Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest). Having been born and raised in Shizuoka Prefecture located at the foot of Mt. Fuji, I feel a deep sense of affinity with Nepal, and I am very pleased to be able to visit Nepal for the first time today.
In recent years, the presence of Nepal across Japan has been on the rise day by day. Over120 years have passed since the arrival of the first eight Nepali students dispatched by the Government of Nepal in 1902.Today,our two countries are connected by direct flights that take about 7 hours. The total number of Nepalis living in Japan exceeds 170,000, the sixth largest number of foreign nationals living in Japan. I am very pleased to see that our bilateral relationship is steadily deepening thanks to the active participation of our Nepali friends in the Japanese society.
Japan and Nepal have many things in common. One of them is that 70 to 80% of its land area is covered with mountains and hills. Considering Japan’s history of constantly facing natural threats due to its steep terrain, I can fully understand, as a Japanese, how difficult a challenge it is to undertake nation-building in a mountainous country like Nepal.
Both countries also have the same unfortunate history of suffering damages due to earthquakes. That is why, whenever the other side was affected by a major earthquake, our two countries have reached out to each other like family, with a special compassion and solidarity. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, Nepal donated 5,000 blankets and our Nepali friends in Japan provided assistance including the setting up of Nepali soup kitchens as well as provision of Nepali coffee. After the Gorkha Earthquake in 2015, Japan dispatched the Japan Disaster Relief Teams (Urban Search and Rescue Team, Medical Team, and Japan Self-Defense Force Units) and provided an Emergency Grant Aid of approximately 1.68 billion yen as well as Emergency Relief Goods including tents and blankets. In addition to these emergency humanitarian assistance, Japan provided a total of over 32 billion yen for “Build Back Better” after earthquakes in areas such as reconstruction of schools, residences, and public facilities.
Following the Noto Peninsula Earthquake in January this year, we received heartfelt messages of sympathy from Rt. Honourable President Paudel, Rt. Honourable Prime Minister Dahal and many other members of the Nepali government. Furthermore, the Nepali people living in Japan rushed to the affected areas many times to offer their support, and with the words of “Friend should help each other in tough times” they cooked spicy curry to warm and encourage the hearts and bodies of the local residents there in the midst of heavy snow and severe cold weather. As Foreign Minister of Japan, I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Nepali people for their warm support and sympathy for Japan.
Japan and Nepal have also face scarcity of natural resources. Thus, both countries need an international community that ensures connectivity and is free from force or coercion and values freedom as well as the rule of law regardless of the size of the country. In order to realize such an international community, it is a prerequisite that each country overcomes its vulnerabilities and builds a resilient society. With this in mind, Japan attaches great importance that Nepal will get on track for sustainable growth and stability.
Based on this idea, Japan has been supporting Nepal’s development since 1969 in a wide range of fields, including infrastructure construction such as electricity, roads, airports, and water supply, as well as agriculture, education, and health care, with Nepal’s geographical and historical background in mind. The Nagdhunga tunnel, the breakthrough of which has recently been achieved, is Nepal’s first mountain road tunnel. Once the construction of the tunnel is completed, it will contribute to the promotion of social and economic development in the region and strongly support Nepal’s further development, facilitating the transportation network by meeting the rapidly increasing traffic demand, reducing travel time and improving transportation safety. Through such assistance in infrastructure, Japan will continue its efforts to ensure that the people of Nepal can experience the safety and convenience of infrastructure in their daily lives.
Another thing Japan and Nepal have in common is that both countries are democratic countries, and Japan has provided various assistance to Nepal’s democratization efforts. After the abolition of the monarchy and the transition to a federal democracy was declared in 2008, Japan has dispatched election observers to the parliamentary elections. In addition, Japan has also provided support for the development of the legal system and various other assistances that contribute to the promotion of democracy in Nepal. When I served as Justice Minister, the Ministry of Justice provided training on civil code and the development of civil code commentaries in support of the preparation for a new civil code of Nepal in cooperation with JICA.
Taking this opportunity, I would like to touch on cooperation with Nepal on “Women, Peace and Security” (WPS), which the Japanese government has strongly promoted in recent years and is also my life’s work. WPS is based on the idea that society can be much closer to a more sustainable peace through the participation of women themselves in leadership positions in prevention as well as humanitarian and reconstruction assistance, while at the same time working to protect vulnerable groups such as women in times of crisis. The Japanese government is strongly promoting WPS, and I have been involved in various initiatives since I became Foreign Minister. Nepal is the world’s largest contributor of personnel for UN peacekeeping operations (PKO) and has the largest number of female PKO personnel in the world. As such, I believe that there are great potentials for cooperation with Nepal in the field of WPS. During this visit to Nepal, I would like to explore with Nepal what kind of cooperation is possible in the future.
The year 2026 is the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Nepal, and also the year of Nepal’s graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category. As Foreign Minister of Japan, I would like to further strengthen our relationship with Nepal towards this commemorative year, and strongly support Nepal’s further development after the graduation from the LDC category.
—
07- Khadka elected UML Bhojpur chair
Bhojpur, May 5: Makkar Bahadur Khadka has been elected as the chairperson of Nepal Communist Party (UML) District Committee Bhojpur. Khadka was elected after defeating the former chair Sharan Kumar Rai in the party’s ninth convention held on Saturday.
The convention elected Kiran Rai (vice chair), Exon Rai (secretary), Daulath Kumar Kulung (Deputy Secretary) Ramadevi Rai (deputy secretary, female category). Five hundred and seventy-three people out of six hundred and eight representatives of 81 wards of the district voted for the selection of new leadership.
After the unanimous leadership could not be elected, elections were held for five office bearers, five open members and three open women members.
Similarly, Indra Thapa, Revati Raman Thapa, Badrinath Niraula, Rajesh Katuwal, Naveen Pradhan have been elected as open members while Ashadevi Rai, Sushmita Rai and Sangeeta Kandel have been elected as female members.
The convention elected a 90-member working committee with office bearers.
—
08- Nepal-India border in Siraha to be closed for Loksabha polls
Siraha, May 5: The Nepal-India border in Siraha district will be closed for a total of eight days in two phases, due to the upcoming Loksabha elections in the neighboring Indian state of Bihar.
The elections are scheduled to take place in two phases: on May 7 and May 20. As per directives from the District Administration Office in Siraha, transit points will be closed 72 hours before each election date. Consequently, the border areas will be inaccessible from Saturday midnight until May 7 for the first phase and from midnight on May 17 until May 20 for the second phase.
Around two months ago, a meeting between Nepal-India security officials concluded that the Thadhi, Bariyapatti, and Madarana points along the Nepal-India border in Siraha would be closed during the Loksabha polls in Madhuwani district of Bihar, according to Assistant Chief District Officer Naresh Kumar Yadav.
—
09- Gandaki CM Adhikari seeking vote of confidence today
Gandaki, May 5 : Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Khagaraj Adhikari, is seeking a vote of confidence today. According to the Gandaki Province Assembly (PA) Secretariat, the Chief Minister is scheduled to seek a vote of confidence at 3:00 pm today.
He was elected to the post on April 7 in support of the CPN (UML), CPN (Maoist Centre) and one independent PA member. As per the Constitution, the Chief Minister is mandated to obtain a vote of confidence from the PA no later than thirty days after the date of the appointment.
—
11- Japanese Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko arrives
Kathmandu, May 5: Japan’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kamikawa Yoko, arrived here this afternoon on an official visit to Nepal. The Minister arrived in the course of the visit at the cordial invitation of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Narayan Kaji Shrestha.
Foreign Service Secretary Sewa Lamsal received the Japanese Minister at Tribhuvan International Airport. This marks her first visit to Nepal after she was appointed to the post.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Japanese Minister is scheduled to pay a separate courtesy call on President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’. She will engage in a bilateral meeting and talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shrestha at the Ministry today.
Similarly, she will visit the Kathmandu Durbar Area and the Jamal-based Mandala Book Point.
DPM Shrestha will host dinner in honor of his Japanese counterpart this evening.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan will depart from Kathmandu on a flight of Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC) tonight.
—
12- Government sensitive for promoting citizens’ health: PM Dahal
Kathmandu, May 5: Prime Minster Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said the government is sensitive to the citizens’ health and working accordingly.
In his address to a programme organised to mark the 22nd Establishment Day of the National Academy of Health Sciences (NAMS) here today, the Prime Minister said implementation of the citizens’ fundamental rights is the special priority of the government.
“It is the responsibility of the State to promote the implementation of the fundamental rights of each citizen achieved through a tremendous struggle and sacrifices. The government is serious about this. Social security programme in health services is also the top priority of the government,” he said.
Stating that 2,800 beds in government-run health facilities have been allotted to patients from poor, indigent communities and who are helpless, the government head said provisions are in place to provide vaccines against uterine and breast cancers at a free of cost. The effort to dedicate 10 percent of all hospital beds whether they are of government, community, or private cones to indigent and helpless people carries a significant value for the improvement of citizens’ rights.
He utilized the forum to call on the NAMS to facilitate in fulfilling the State’s responsibility to increase citizens’ access to quality healthcare services. He also pledged full support on his behalf to establish the NAMS as an academic institute of international standards in cooperation with national and foreign academic bodies.
Prime Minister Dahal shared that he has taken initiatives to make the service delivery of Bir Hospital effectives since he assumed the post.
He further said that he has given priority to bringing all the beds and operation rooms into operation, operating the services in two shifts. In the programme, Dr Lochan Karki, Rector of NAMS, requested that NAMS should not be separated from Bir Hospital immediately until its own hospital is built. “There is a debate going on about the separation of NAMS and Bir Hospital.
If these two bodies are separated immediately, it seems that there will be problems in many matters”, Rector Dr. Karki said, “All the educational programmes currently running at NAMS will be closed and it may also affect the services of the hospital itself. There should be a comprehensive discussion on this.” He informed that the scope of NAMS has been further expanded. Similarly, Dr. Santosh Paudel, director of Bir Hospital, drew the attention of the Prime Minister to develop Bir Hospital as a specialized hospital for quality health services in the country.
“The area of service provided by NAMS is wide but there are challenges in Bir Hospital within NAMS. The bed has not been able to operate at full capacity. Due to the lack of budget, we have not been able to manage the service delivery further smooth and effective”, said Paudel.
According to the responsibilities of the three levels of government, if we can concentrate the responsibility of specific services, we can provide more quality services. The hospital should be developed as a referral centre.”
On the occasion of its 22nd foundation day, NAMS has honored the first Vice-Chancellor Dineshnath Gangol and Dr Upendra Devkota (posthumously), Dr Raviraman Neupane, Dr Niroj Banepali and Dr Mukesh Prasad Yadav.
Dr Raviraman Neupane, Dr Niroj Banepali and Dr Mukesh Prasad Yadav, who have passed out from NAMS at different times, have also been awarded.
—
13- K-Culture Event to mark 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between RoK and Nepal
Kathmandu, May 5: The Embassy of the Republic of Korea organized a cultural event on Saturday to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the Republic of Korea (RoK) and Nepal.
In a press release, the RoK Embassy in Kathmandu said this event was a vibrant showcase of the rich cultural heritage and artistic talent of Korea, offering a unique opportunity for K-culture appreciation.
According to the Embassy of RoK in Kathmandu, the Event highlights included traditional but fresh and new martial art demonstration, the ‘K-Tigers’, the K-Dance Showcase and the Celebrating Friendship.
‘K-Tigers performed Korea’s traditional martial art, Taekwondo as skilled practitioners demonstrate ancient techniques and rituals passed down through generations with modern touch.
K-Tigers, which developed K-pop into a cultural and artistic performance by combining it with Taekwondo, is a world-renowned Taekwondo performance team for 33 years, it is stated.
The team recently participated in the famous K-pop show in Korea, <M-COUNTDOWN> held in Paris, France. There, K-Tigers attracted audiences with differentiated and colorful stages that combine K-culture Taekwondo and K-pop. They show Taekwondo’s various aspects of showing collaborations with songs, performances, dances, and acting. K-Tigers are a mixture of tradition, art, and culture of Korea, the RoK Embassy added.
Similarly, the K-Dance Showcase featured the electrifying energy and creativity of Korea’s renowned B-boy dance teams as they showcase their talent and innovation on the dance floor.
People on Stage including Gambler Crew, Animation Crew, Rolling Hands have attended many Dance Competition TV programs like M-NET Hit the Stage, JTBC Showdown, America’s Got Talent etc. They are the top-notched performers showing K-Dance adding Korean cultural dynamism and modernity. In this event, they will show the performance of “Street on the Top” by Korea’s top dancers who want to communicate the cultural characteristics of Korea to the world.
The Embassy further said Celebrating Friendship was another programme as part of the event commemorating 50 years of friendship and cooperation between our two nations, as we look ahead to a future filled with mutual respect, understanding, and goodwill in the powerful cultural experiences.
—
14- Kathmandu’s air quality slightly improves but still unhealthy
Kathmandu, May 5: Kathmandu’s Air Quality Index has reached 177 to be ranked the world’s second most polluted city after New Delhi of India.
Last Thursday, Kathmandu’s AQI was 168 and it was measured 195 on Wednesday and 185 on Saturday.
New Delhi’s AQI has reached 245 while Beijing, China has been listed as the third most polluted city in the world with AQI of 172, it is stated.
The main contributors to air pollution include carbon emissions from vehicles, dust from road repairs and construction, emissions from industries and brick kilns, poor waste management practices, and forest fires. Addressing these issues systematically is needed, according to experts concerned.
Cases of forest fires and fire are prevalent presently and it has led to an increase in air pollution besides the loss of lives and properties. The Department of Environment said the Satellite data shows that as of now there are 1,653 cases of wildfire and fire since the beginning of the year 2024.
AQI from 0-50 is considered good for public health as it is indicated by a green signal while 51-100 is moderate and marked by yellow, but it still warns us to be careful on time.
It is unhealthy specifically for sensitive groups such as those who have respiratory and cardio issues if measured from 101-150 and is it highlighted by orange.
Similarly, AQI from 151-200 is indicated by red to suggest that it is unhealthy for all, 201-300 is highlighted by purple and it is very unhealthy. If it is measured 301-400, it is hazardous and 401-500 is highly hazardous to health and it is denoted by maroon.
—
15- KMC’s skill fair gets 10,000 plus applications for vocational training
Kathmandu, May 5: More than 10,000 people have applied for the ‘Skill Fair 2081 BS’ conducted by Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) on May 1. KMC organized the fair with the goal of training 2,081 people but more than 10,000 applied for the same.
According to Bimala Koirala, acting head of KMC Social Development Department, all those who fill the application (form) will be provided training.
She informed that the applicants who fill the form before May 1 will be allowed to participate in the skill fair. Koirala said that there is a plan to provide them with the training schedule by Friday, May 10. She further informed that training will be provided at various stages in collaboration with various campuses and community schools for those who fill the form after May 2.
She shared that 2 thousand 81 of those who filled the form will be trained immediately and others will be trained for the next three years based on their needs. The skill fair has been started under KMC’s Gaurav Yojana (Pride Project) under ‘Increase in Employment and Income, Prosperity of Kathmandu’.
For the fair, KMC has collaborated with the Nepal Training and Employment Association. According to KMC, the aim is to provide training in 36 occupations in 10 areas. KMC believes that the fair will integrate skills that are scattered and help people with skills reach employers. Koirala further informed that people who have completed 18 years of age up to 58 years of age can participate in the training.
For those who find it difficult to fill the details online, arrangements were made to fill the form on paper from the ward office as well. The participants who came to Tundikhel on the opening day should be able to fill the form from that place as well, KMC said.
—
16- Japanese Minister Kamikawa observes Basantapur area
Kathmandu, May 5: Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kamikawa Yoko observed the Basantapur area of Kathmandu today. She arrived in Nepal today itself. The visiting Japanese Minister reached Basantapur at 2.00pm.
She spent about half an hour there, seeing around Kalabhairav, Hanumandhoka and the Nepali cultural heritages and artifacts. The Japanese special guest bought a Buddha statue after the observation tour.
This is Kamikawa’s first visit to Nepal after her appointment as Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister. During the visit, she will pay separate courtesy call on President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The Japanese Foreign Minister will hold bilateral talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Shrestha today. The DPM and Foreign Affairs Minister Shrestha will host a dinner in her honour.
Foreign Minister Kamikawa will depart for Japan tonight via Nepal Airlines Plane.
—
17- Government promotes Natural resource-based industries: Minister Bhandari
Rastriya Samachar Samiti
Kathmandu, May 5: Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has underlined the need to intensify the exploration of mines
In his address to an inauguration of the well drilling, a joint effort of the Department of Mines and Geology, and China Geological Xibu Drilling Engineering Company Ltd here today,
The Minister hoped that exploration of oil and gas and its exports would help transform Nepal’s socio-economic scenario, empowering the future generation.
According to the Minister’s Secretariat, the successful exploration of underground natural resources will help create a foundation for the nation’s prosperity, making us secure in terms of access to energy.
He also wished that the launching of the well drilling may find a good storage of petroleum products.
He took time to say that the government is committed to promoting industries based on natural resources, adding that the government is focused on creating an investment-friendly atmosphere with priorities for industrial, agriculture, tourism, and energy sectors.
—
18- Herbs worth over Rs 700 million exported from Nepalgunj border checkpoint
Khajura (Banke), May 5: Herbs worth more than Rs 700 million have been exported from Nepalganj, which is the main gateway for the export of herbs, in nine months.
Despite various problems and obstacles, during the nine months from July to March of the current year, herbs worth Rs 700 million have been exported, according to the Nepal Herb Traders Association.
According to Tank Prasad Sharma, President of Nepal Herb Traders Association, due to the difficulties faced in export from internal and external sectors, the traders have managed to export over Rs 700 million worth of herbs in nine months.
Chairman Sharma said that due to India’s complicated process towards Nepali herbs and Nepali government’s unclear policy, the export of herbs has been decreasing every year, but there are signs of it rising again from this year.
According to the Nepalgunj Customs Office, till the end of March 2023/24, 2 million 805 thousand and 839 kilograms of various herbs worth Rs 700 million and 961 thousand were exported from this border checkpoint till the end of March of last year 2022/23.
Nepalgunj is a major transit point for the storage and export of herbs produced in hilly districts including Karnali Province. Herbs have been exported to various countries including India through Nepalgunj. Timmur (botanical name Zanthoxylum armatum), Ritha (Sapindus mukorossi) and Kaulo (Machilus odoratissima) are being exported the most through this channel.
According to the Nepal Herb Traders Association, these herbs which are used to make ingredients like medicine, soap and shampoo are being exported not only to India but also to third countries like Germany and Bangladesh.
Similarly, Timmur, Kaulo and Ritha, found in the hilly districts of Karnali Province, have been purchased from there by businessmen and exported abroad. But during the export, herbal traders have had to face various difficulties for the past few years and the problem is becoming a tough, said Sharma, the president of the herbal traders association.
—
19- Research centre based on Eastern philosophy needed: Minister Sharma
Kathmandu, May 5: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Rekha Sharma, has spoken about the need to establish a research centre based on Oriental philosophy.
Launching a book entitled ‘Punsaban’ amidst a programme here today, the Minister proposed to establish such a centre to promote Orientalism. She expressed her hope that the book would help readers understand Eastern philosophy and further amplify voices for women’s rights.
The fiction work by senior journalist Kapil Kafley highlights conventional oriental practices and their consequences through the lens of women’s rights, highlighting the significance of, struggles, and challenges of motherhood, as the writer said.
Prof Dr Krishna Gautam described the novel as analytical and research-based while women rights activist Bandana Rana said the book would be useful for promotion of women’s rights and awareness.
‘Punsaban’ is Kafley’s seventh creation. Before this he has published six books, including three on journalism. Kafley is the founding editor of the Nepal Samachar Patra Daily.
—
20- Dengue cases surpass 11 thousand in Bagmati
Bagmati, May 5: Cases of dengue fever are prevalent in the Bagmati Province. In the past nine months, over 11 thousand positive cases of dengue have been confirmed in the province.
As of now a total of 11,409 dengue cases have been diagnosed since the beginning of the current fiscal year 2080-81 BS which commenced on July 17 2023, according to the Health Directorate, Bagmati Province.
Of this figure, the highest cases 3,501 are reported from Dhading and the lowest two from Rasuwa, Directorate focal person Uttam Prasad Pyakurel said.
In this period, Kathmandu reported 3,000 cases followed by 1,708 in Chitwan, 857 in Makwanpur, 494 in Bhaktapur, 167 in Kavrepalanchowk, 81 in Nuwakot, 79 in Dolakha, 32 in Sindhupalchowk, 27 in Ramechhap and 23 in Sindhuli.
In the current fiscal, one succumbed to dengue in Makwanpur. The risk for dengue infection is higher in summer and the Office urges one and all to take precautions against it. It said is preparing to launch a campaign aiming to seek and destroy mosquito larvae to contain dengue, a viral infection which is caused by the mosquito bite.
—
21- Table tennis Olympics qualification being held for first time in Nepal
Kathmandu, May 5: The South Asian table tennis qualifier matches for the Paris Olympics are to be held in Nepal. The Olympics is taking place in July. The qualifier matches taking place for the first time in Nepal will be held from May 13 to May 15.
Table tennis chief coach Rajendra Kapali said 20 players from Nepal, Bangladesh, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will be competing in the qualifiers. India has already been selected before this as it is ranked among the top eight countries in the world ranking.
Two male and two female players from each country will be playing in the qualification matches. Among them, one male and one female player from each country would be selected to play in the Olympics Games to be held in Paris of France.
The qualifier matches will be conducted at the Lainchaur-based National Table Tennis Training Centre. The Nepali players competing in the qualification matches are Sanyog Kapali, Syantu Shrestha, Nabita Shrestha and Ivana Thapa.
—
22- Bajhang by-election report presented to Province Chief
Sudurpashim, May 5: A report about the April 27 by-election of the Province Assembly (PA) in Bajhang 1(A) has been presented to Sudurpaschim Province Chief, Najir Miya.
Province Election Office Chief, Premraj Bhatta, today presented the report to the Province Chief today. The document was presented in accordance with the Election to the Members in Province Assembly Act-2074 BS.
The by-poll was warranted in Bajhang following the demise of PA member Prithvi Bahadur Singh in a road accident last June. He was from the Nepali Congress and the by-election was won by CPN (UML) candidate Daman Bahadur Bhandari.
—
23- Nepal, Japan Foreign Ministers hold bilateral talks
Kathmandu, May 5: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Narayankaji Shrestha and visiting Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kamikawa Yoko, held bilateral talks today.
In the meeting held at Deputy Prime Minister Shrestha’s office in Singha Durbar, the two Foreign Ministers discussed strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation between Nepal and Japan.
This is Kamikawa’s first visit to Nepal since her appointment as Japan’s Foreign Affairs Minister.
Talking to media persons after the meeting, DPM Shrestha shared that they dwelt on broadening economic cooperation between the two countries besides deliberating on various international affairs.
Since it is Kamikawa’s formal goodwill visit, no agreement was made between the two counterparts during the bilateral talks, clarified DPM Shrestha.
Kamikawa arrived in Nepal today noon at the invitation of DPM Shrestha. Foreign Secretary Sewa Lamsal had welcomed the visiting Japanese Foreign Minister and her delegation at the Tribhuvan International Airport.
During her visit, the Japanese Foreign Minister is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on President Ramchandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ separately, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Foreign Minister Kamikawa will depart for Japan tonight itself via Nepal Airlines plane, it was shared.
—
24- ‘Journalists’ socioeconomic security prerequisite to fair reporting’
Kathmandu, May 4: In the wake of a severe financial dent to Nepali media, especially after the COVID-19, the Law Minister has underlined the need of socioeconomic security to journalists to ensure fair reporting.
“Journalists’ social security is fragile. If any journalist faces intimidation causing damage or loss in course of duty, there is none, but he/she alone to bear it. At such situation, journalists are not able to work independently and fear-free,” the Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Padam Giri, underlined.
Minister Giri made such observation while addressing a dialogue on ‘digital dynamics of press freedom: Nepali context’ organized by the Digital Media Foundation in the federal capital on Saturday. He further argued as long as the journalists face financial insecurity, they can not disseminate news in a free and fair manner. The Minister also said government would cooperate to address this problem.
The Minister also expressed worry over non-implementation of Working Journalists Act.
According to him, media has significant role to institutionalize democracy, so media too needs to be accountable. Media accountability builds public trust in media, he asserted.
On the occasion, Chairman of Press Council Nepal, Balkrishna Basnet, said dearth of media literacy has created confusion over content creators and journalists. “Those running personal YouTubes, flouting journalistic practice and code of conduct can not be termed journalists at all. Society is confused over their contents. So, time has come to sort out this issue,” he emphasized.
Chairman Basnet asserted that Press Council Nepal had made a right and timely decision on disputed video disseminated by sidhakura.com.
However, General Secretary of the Federation of Nepali Journalists, Roshan Puri, viewed the way the sidhakura.com received directions from the Council and the Supreme Court seemed intended to suppress press. The issue got hyper attention, Puri argued.
According to him, political leaders’ behaviour was responsible behind threats to journalists on digital spheres, so the political leaders and their cadres need to be accountable.
Making a presentation at the programme, Nepal representative to Reporters Without Borders, Binod Dhungel, shared that World Press Freedom Index had showed Nepal’s situation improving, but challenges continued.
The challenges to press were on rise owing to increasing digital spheres where there is spurt of information flow. Dhungel urged all sides concerned to be aware over the laws being made to make them favourable to press freedom.
Similarly, former Chairperson of Centre for Investigative Journalism, Namrata Sharma, commented Dhungel’s presentation and stressed a formation of a mechanism to sort out the digital problems as trolls on social networks against media and journalists.
Foundation’s Chairman Prabesh Subedi viewed although revolution of digital technology had created opportunities for free press, it is also lumped together with host of challenges. So, time has come to strike a balance and move ahead accordingly, he laid emphasis.
The human resources capable to understand the nature of IT is essential to make friendly IT laws surrounding press and media, Subedi insisted.
—
25- Rights watchdog urges prompt rescue of war victims
Kathmandu, May 5: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to make arrangement for bringing back the dead bodies of those who died in war abroad and cremate them according to their religion and rituals.
In a press statement issued by Commission’s Spokesperson Dr Tikaram Pokharel on Sunday, the national rights watch requested the government to take a diplomatic initiative for managing treatment for those injured ones and rescuing others waiting to return home.
The human rights watchdog has also appealed to the government to safeguard Kritu Bhandari’s life who has been staging hunger strike in Kathmandu for 17 days, demanding prompt rescue of the Nepalis in risk of the war.
Bhandari is a family member of one of the Nepalis joining Russian Army. Bhandari, along with war victims’ family members, has been demanding release and rescue of their family members serving the Russian military.
The NHRC has reminded the government that it is the responsibility of the government to rescue those Nepalis stranded abroad and protect their human rights regardless of their situation and whereabouts.
It has been confirmed that 39 Nepalis serving in the Russian Army have lost their lives in the war between Russia and Ukraine while some are injured and undergoing treatment at present.
Meanwhile, the NHRC inspected the hunger strike zone at Ratnapark after receiving complaints from the families of war affected persons.
The health condition of protesting Bhandari was fragile, according to the watchdog.
The Commission on December 16 last year had also drawn the attention of the government to rescue the Nepalis abroad at risk and end the situation of youths going abroad for foreign employment through illegal means.
—
26- Japanese Minister calls on President
Kathmandu, May 5: The visiting Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kamikawa Yoko, paid a courtesy call on President Ramchandra Paudel at the President House in Shital Niwas today.
On the occasion, President Paudel said Nepal is very much concerned about protecting the Himalayas and sources of water to save the earth and urged the carbon-emitting developed nations to become sensitive for the climate change impacts reduction, the President’s press advisor Kiran Poharel quoted the President as saying.
Stating that Nepal and Japan have close cultural ties since the dissemination of the teachings of Gautam Buddha, the Light of Asia, President Paudel said Nepal and Japan have enjoyed trouble-free relations and Nepal has always realized a higher level of goodwill from Japan.
Saying that Japan was an important and trustworthy partner for Nepal’s socioeconomic development, the President expressed confidence that the areas of cooperation and assistance between Nepal and Japan would further expand.
Likewise, the President said that we should give priority to expanding people-to-people relations and viewed that more Japanese tourists would come to visit Nepal due to the religious and cultural proximity between the two countries and also due to Nepal’s natural beauties.
On the occasion, Japanese Minister Yoko shared that Japan is also worried about the climate change impacts and all should collaborate to protect the Himalayas of Nepal and other countries.
She added that a massive revolution was imperative in the technology for the use of alternative energy.
Furthermore, the Japanese Minister shared that Japan would extend every possible support to Nepal realizing that Nepal’s development and stability was needed for this region.
—
27- Economic prosperity begins from Dailekh: Minister Bhandari
Karnali, May 5: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supply, Damodar Bhandari, has said Dailekh district would pave a way for economic prosperity.
Inaugurating the final drilling as part of the petroleum exploration at Jaljale of Bhairabi rural municipality in Dailekh district on Sunday, Minister Bhandari hoped the final exploration will be successful, which would usher country into economic prosperity.
He inaugurated the drilling works by placing the national flags of Nepal and China.
“Government is for finalizing the significant projects in order to realize the national ambition of happy Nepali-prosperous Nepal,” Bhandari shared.
On the occasion, Director General at Department of Mines and Geology, Ram Prasad Ghimire, also said if the exploration results in a positive note, it would certainly make Dailekh an economic hub of Nepal. “The exploration of petroleum here has been known to the world. All Nepalis have been happy over the progress so far,” he informed.
Minister Bhandari, Director General Ghimire, and Member of the House of Representatives inspected the exploration site.
The Department informed that the works for final drilling were intensified after the 150 trucks reached exploration materials at Jaljale from Nepalgunj.
The final exploration will conclude in six months. With this, it would be determined how much petroleum and gas is available here.
If the examination indicates the natural assets as usable, it would be followed with measures for processing.
The exploration has been continued at the grant of Rs 2.50 billion provided by the Chinese government as per government to government agreement reached in 2075BS.
—
28- Seven JSP MPs submit application to EC seeking legitimacy
Kathmandu, May 5: Seven members of parliament (MPs) have submitted an application to the Election Commission seeking legitimacy.
With this, the party is on the brink of split.
JSP’s MP Sushila Shrestha told that a group of seven MPs led by Ashok Rai submitted the application claiming for the same.
“Now we are seven parliamentarians. More and more MPs are joining. They are in touch with us,” said leader Shrestha, who is one among them to the application seeking legitimate status.
Shrestha justified that they took the move to effectively take their agenda to the people and to further strengthen internal democracy.
It may be noted that another faction in the party registered the application while party Chairperson, also Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health and Population Upendra Yadav, is currently in the US.
EC’s Assistant Spokesperson Ramdutta Pande confirmed about seven MPs of JSP registering an application and said that the EC was looking into it.
The party has 12 MPs in the federal parliament at present. Of them, seven differing MPs took to the EC, claiming themselves as the legitimate party.
Those signing in the application are Ashok Rai, Nawal Kishore Shah Sudi, Pradeep Yadav, Ranju Jha, Birendra Mahato, Hasina Khan and Sushila Shrestha.
It is said that nine party members from central executive committee and 27 from central committee are in favor of leader Rai’s group.
—
29- Minister Pun says govt committed to creating business-friendly environment
Kathmandu, May 5: Finance Minister Barshaman Pun has said the government was successful in giving the message of its private sector-friendly moves. The active participation of the private sector in the recently held Nepal Investment Summit also demonstrated the government’s friendly gestures to the private sector.
At a meeting with the representatives of the Revenue Advisory Committee and the umbrella organizations of the private sector at the Ministry of Finance on Sunday, Minister Pun said the government was committed to creating a business-friendly environment for the private sector.
On the occasion, Minister Pun shared that eight different laws were revised through the ordinance to create an investment-friendly situation.
The Finance Minister was of the view that a favorable situation would be created if the state and private sector collaborated to end the ongoing economic slowdown.
“We have presented the private sector in all sessions and closing session of the investment summit. A positive situation has been created from the amendments made in the laws targeting domestic and foreign investors. We have given the message to the entire world that the government is private sector- friendly,” according to the Finance Minister.
Minister Pun argued that the economy will be accelerated by enhancing productivity through the partnership with the private sector and added that the government has taken the policy to ensure competitiveness of the private sector.
On the occasion, Minister Pun said that the change in the rate of tax would be done by being based on needs and relevance.
—
30- Hearing continues on sidhakura.com
Kathmandu, May 5: The Supreme Court conducted a hearing on the case of sidhakura.com on Sunday as well.
The hearing was not completed because the recording of statement from Raj Kumar Timilsina, the person who provided audio clip to the media, was not over on Sunday.
A division bench of justices Hari Prasad Phuyal and Mahesh Sharma Paudel conducted the hearing, which will be continued on Monday as well.
The court has already recorded the statements from executive editor of sidhakura.com online, Nabin Dhungana, and publisher Yubraj Kandel.
A week back, the online media had run a story with an audio on a ‘sting operation’ launched by the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority where it mentioned the ‘Supreme Court justices held a meeting to influence a case’.
Following the news, deputy registrar at SC, Govinda Ghimire, had submitted a report on contempt of court against the media. In response to the contempt of court case on April 29, the division bench of justices Nahakul Subedi and Tek Prasad Dhungana ordered the media to take down the news story within 24 hours.
——
31- NC’s protest in Gandaki Province Assembly meeting
Gandaki, May 5: The Nepali Congress (NC) has expressed its disagreement with the way Gandaki Province’s Chief Minister Khagaraj Adhikari obtained vote of confidence in the Province Assembly meeting.
The NC’s Province Assembly members stood from their respective places and chanted slogans in protest after CM Adhikari was announced to have obtained the vote of confidence based on the support of majority where Adhikari received vote of confidence from 30 out of the 59 Province Assembly members excluding the Speaker.
NC argued the Speaker announced that Adhikari secured the vote of confidence without complying with parliamentary practice and traditions, while he who is seeking vote of confidence has to obtain it from the majority number of members from among all members in the Province Assembly.
NC Province Assembly Parliamentary Party leader and outgoing Chief Minister of the Province Surendra Raj Pandey said that the announcement about obtaining vote of confidence was ”unconstitutional” and thus they would move to Supreme Court for legal recourse.
In a press meet organized at the NC parliamentary party’s office in Pokhara on Sunday, leader Pandey insisted that at least 31 Province Assembly members out of 60 members in the Province Assembly has to be secured as vote of confidence for the Chief Minister.
The Speaker, according to Pandey, should play a neutral role and remain within constitution and Province Assembly regulation and should not favour any party.
Speaker Krishna Prasad Dhital had announced that CM Adhikari had secured the vote of confidence based on the principle of majority. Adhikari had received 30 votes, 22 from CPN (UML), 7 from CPN (Maoist Centre) and one from independent member.
—-
32- Chief Minister Adhikari gets vote of confidence
Gandaki, May 5: Chief Minister of Gandaki Province Khagaraj Adhikari has won a vote of confidence from the Gandaki Province Assembly meeting on Sunday.
Speaker of Gandaki Province Assembly Krishna Prasad Dhital announced that Chief Minister Adhikari’s proposal tabled at the province assembly meeting was approved with a majority of votes.
A total of 30 province assembly members seconded the proposal tabled by Chief Minister Adhikari while 27 voted against the motion. Likewise, two province assembly members chose to remain neutral.
The province assembly members of the CPN (UML), Maoist Centre, and an independent voted for Adhikari while Nepali Congress lawmakers voted against Adhikari’s proposal.
The NC province assembly members protested the Speaker’s announcement after he declared the voting by 30 as a majority of votes by making a basis for the Supreme Court (SC) verdict.
Earlier, Nepali Congress parliamentary party leader in Gandaki Province Surendra Raj Pandey asked the Speaker not to take a side and urged the Speaker to consider the message written in the constitution.
Likewise, the parliamentary party leader of CPN (Maoist Centre) in Gandaki Hari Bahadur Chuman asked the Speaker to act as a referee adding that the Speaker has the responsibility to safeguard the Gandaki Province Assembly from its dissolution.
—
