- Wednesday, 17 September 2025
Pokhara, May 23: Prime Minister and Chairman of the CPN UML, KP Sharma Oli, has said UML would remain in front to thwart all sorts of regression and protect citizen’s rights.
PM Oli said it while inaugurating the 10th national general convention of the National Youth Association on Friday. He urged one and all not to dream of restoration of monarchy, the system that the Nepali citizen already abolished.
Indicating former Chancellor of Nepal Academy Jagman Gurung that he spread baseless rumour that former king Gyanendra Shah’s birth chart showed he would return in power, PM Oli said, “It is useless to dwell on former king’s horoscope, but the fate of citizen. The astrologers can observe my birth chart. The royal crown can not be imagined any more in Nepal.” He asked everyone not to dream such when we, the people fighting against monarchy, are still alive.
Moreover, he said some were making so illogical views that Prime Minister could be given privileges of using helicopter to flee. “I reiterate that any ill-intention for regression will be crushed. The Youth Association should come in front with preparation to curb such untoward efforts.”
Moreover, the UML Chair reminded his party leaders and cadres to be aware that UML was being cornered. UML is a party firm in policy, good governance and development, which brought the party to this heightened stage. He requested the party line to accomplish duties, ignoring unnecessary blames.
According to him, the UML and all patriotic forces could work in unison to frustrate baseless rumours. He argued that the once nation’s power goes in the hand of those who never did politics, it certainly invites instability.
The UML and NC coalition government was formed for good governance and development. He made it clear that he would hand over government leadership to NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba after 14 months which would conduct the next election.
He vowed stringent action against those involved in corruption. There will be zero tolerance toward corruption, Oli added.
He asked the Association to elect new leadership unopposed. Those who do not come in new leadership would be managed gradually. If the consensus eludes, fair competition can be adopted, Oli suggested.
Various leaders of the party addressed the function.
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20- Unity must for prosperity, argue politicos
Kathmandu, May 23: The leaders of political parties which partnered for political change in the country have underlined the need of working together for national prosperity.
They made such remark during an interaction organized by the Public Policy and Strategic Study Centre on ‘current political problems and remedy’ in the federal capital on Friday. The vicious cycle of instability needs immediate ceasing, for which national consensus is imperative, they added.
They also pointed out the need of further seriousness in political parties to fulfill people’s aspiration and institutionalize political achievements. Political stability and good governance are prerequisite to addressing people’s aspiration, according to them.
Nepali Congress leader NP Saud viewed the country failed to make headway to prosperity due to political instability. Stable government for certain period through national consensus is necessary, he said, adding, “Despite having government with two-thirds majority, we are away from stability. National consensus is the need of hour, for which all parties’ leaders should work in unison.”
The enforcement of constitution requires serious attention of political leaderships. Those agitating in the street against system must be brought to legal remit, he suggested.
On the occasion, Vice Chairman of the CPN UML, Surendra Pande, said politics and economy are interrelated, so essential problems in national economy needs proper attention. “Identification of structural problems in politics and economy will help resolve pressing concerns,” he opined.
Deputy General Secretary of CPN (Maoist Centre), Janardan Sharma, said there is no option but to consolidate republic and amend constitution to resolve common problems facing the country. “Amendment of constitution is needed for strengthening governance, electoral system and republic,” he underlined. Protection of nationality, economic rise, balanced diplomacy and foreign policy and security are other priorities, according to him.
General Secretary of CPN (Unified Socialist), Ghanashyam Bhusal, expressed worry that political parties failed to address people’s expectation of good governance and prosperity after political change.
He suggested the top leaders correcting working system so that deepening crises would be obviated.
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21- Stress on science diplomacy
Kathmandu, May 23: Need of adopting and promoting science diplomacy has been underlined at a programme in the federal capital on Friday. Speakers at a discussion on ‘potential of science diplomacy in Nepal’ argued science diplomacy could be linked to country’s prosperity.
The event was organized by the Diplomacy and Development Centre.
In view of former Minister Ganesh Sah, developing country like Nepal could forward science diplomacy as a new pillar of foreign relations, making it a mandatory strategic process.
Former vice-chancellor of Nepal Academy of Science and Technology, Dr Sunil Babu Shrestha, however, said lack of budgets is the major barrier to promotion of diplomatic science. “Science diplomacy has a key role in expanding relations in a pandemic like Covid-19. It is instrumental in expanding diplomatic relations in bilateral and multi lateral forums.” Science diplomacy can be promoted along the economic diplomacy, he suggested.
He further stated science diplomacy’s remit could incorporate food security, sustainable development goals, and climate-friendly agricultural systems.
Secretary at the Centre, Samjhana Pokharel Shah, shared that the Centre had also published some significant books on foreign policy and diplomacy which could contributing to the understanding of international politics.
Founder Chairman of the Centre and former Ambassador Mohan Krishna Shrestha said that scientific knowledge and suggestions could be useful for better living.
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22- President Paudel emphasizes on embracing self-discipline, compassion, tolerance and non-violence in life
Kathmandu, May 23: President Ramchandra Paudel has said that one and all should translate the Buddhist philosophy of self-discipline, compassion, tolerance and non-violence into actions.
President Paudel said this in his address to a programme attended by lamas and nuns who returned after completing 47th country visit with participation from different monasteries within the country on Friday.
“Various avenues would gradually open up for the benefits of the country if the applied aspects of Buddhist philosophy were translated into actions by preserving tangible and intangible Buddhist heritage”, the Head of the State noted.
President Paudel expressed his belief that the Buddhist Philosophy Promotion and Monastery Development Committee would play further effective role in coming days.
He stated that this kind of visit would enable positive atmosphere in boosting religious tourism, contributing to the preservation, development, and promotion of Buddhism and philosophy.
“I am confident that the visit to the Buddhist pilgrimage sites would contribute to sustainable peace and development in the country”, President Paudel added.
He expressed belief that the lamas and nuns returning from this journey have not only undertaken pilgrimage at various Buddhist destinations in the country but have also brought back messages of religious unity and spiritual prosperity of Nepali society.
President Paudel praised the contribution of the monastery development committees in the fields of Buddhist education, practice, and cultural awakening in Nepali society.
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23- NC set the foundation for labour sector policies and laws-President Deuba
Kathmandu, May 23: Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has claimed that his party had prepared the base of labour sector policy and laws in the country.
Former Prime Minister Deuba said this at a programme ‘Workers’ Issues related to professional respect, security and dignified job’, organized by the NC Department of Labour and Trade Union at the party central office, today.
He further stated that the Congress government got the Factory Act, 2016 BS, Labor Act, 2048 (Revised 2074), and the Contribution-Based Social Security Act, 2074 endorsed through Parliament.
‘I myself freed the Kamaiyas (previous bonder labourers) in 2057 BS, therefore the bases of labour policies and laws were prepared by the Congress. Some sections of the Labour Act, including 145 and 180, are not favourable for workers, and the lax in implementation of the minimum wage set by the government may be due to weaknesses in the labor inspection system. This will be reconsidered’, President Deuba asserted.
He expressed the commitment that Congress would advocate for Nepal to ratify Convention 87 on the right to organize of the International Labour Organization and for the establishment of a constitutional labour commission, and amend and implement labour laws.
He further expressed the commitment from the party’s end to advance education and civil service bills.
Deuba mentioned that the Congress would take an initiative to identify and register informal sector workers at local level. He also stated that national policies would prioritize creating employment opportunities for the youth in the country.
During the event, senior advocate Gopal Krishna Ghimire, Dean of the Faculty of Management at Tribhuvan University, Prof. Dr. Mahananda Chalise, and Chartered Accountant Arjun Kumar Gautam presented papers on workers’ rights. The NC has stated that the participants would be allowed to put their deliberations on the papers.
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24- Maoists will contest in upcoming election alone: Chair Dahal
Parbat, May 23: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ claimed that his party would lead the social and economic prosperity after political change.
In his address to a public gathering in Parbat district headquarters, Kushma, today, in course of the ‘Maoist with People, Mid Hill Highway-based Awareness Campaign’, he asserted that Maoists would contest in upcoming election alone without forging alliance with any political parties.
He said that the wider participation of the people in the campaign has also enthused himself. “We have met several people saying that good governance would be maintained with the Maoists coming to the power”.
Chair Dahal further said that the socialist front has been keeping vigil on the government to mend its way and perform for the benefits of the country.
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25- Leverage positive sides of AI: Minister Panta
Lalitpur, May 23: Minister for Education, Science and Technology, Raghuji Panta, has urged all concerned to utilize the positive sides of artificial intelligence (AI).
Addressing a programme organized on the 29th anniversary of the Radio Sagarmatha, the first community radio in south Asia, Minister Panta viewed AI could be utilized without jeopardizing human values. “If it is used in a wrong way, it could create negative impacts,” he warned.
According to him, the spurt of digital media has broken the barriers like gate-keeping and editorial permission. It has also created a platform to explore individual talent. However, diligence and passion keeps journalism alive, he reminded.
Minister Panta suggested linking mobile and online media to radio for its further effectiveness in the digital age.
Secretary at Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Radhika Aryal, said community radio has played a significant role in social transformation. Although community radios have some problems in operation, Ministry would extend support to sort out the issues, she vowed.
Chief of the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Tribhuvan University, Kundan Aryal, said with the development of technology, we need to upgrade ourselves for meaningful navigation of digital spheres.
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26- Financial crisis hits journalism in mother language: Chair Jha
Kathmandu, May 23: Executive Chairman of the Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), Dharmendra Jha, has said journalism in mother language was not thriving in Nepal due to financial crisis.
“Language is the major identity of a community. It is related to civilization as well. So, time has come for making local levels responsible for preserving mother languages,” Jha reminded, while addressing a programme organized in the federal capital on Friday.
Chairman Jha argued that there is no option but to nurture journalism in mother language for building informed citizenry. Democratic values like inclusion suffers much if the mother language and journalism in it are ignored, he asserted.
At the programme organized by Press Council Nepal, Chairman of Language Commission, Dr Gopal Thakur, said keeping alive mother languages is present urgency. The journalism in mother language should be linked to technology, he suggested.
Thakur released booklets published in various five mother languages and Council’s three-monthly publication, ‘Samhita’, focusing journalism in ethnic languages. “Collective effort is imperative to preserve languages. Originality is essential to language, for which journalism can contribute,” he reminded.
Chairman Dr Thakur also showed interest in forging collaboration between the Commission and the Press Council. He appreciated Council’s work in translating the journalists’ code of conduct in different languages.
The code of conduct is now available in Bhojpuri, Rai (Bantawa), Tamang, Dotyali, and Limbu languages. Earlier, it was translated into Tharu, Maithili and Nepal Bhasa.
On the occasion, Press Council Chairman Balkrishna Basnet viewed discussion on how the journalism in various languages could be bolstered. Reporting in different languages has enriched our journalism, he shared.
Chairman Basnet informed Council works for further promotion of such initiatives.
Also speaking on the occasion were General Manager of Gorkhapatra Sansthan, Lal Bahadur Airi, and Board Member of PSB, Phulman Bal.
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27- SC upholds High Court’s order to continue Lamichhane’s custody
Kathmandu, May 23: The Supreme Court has upheld the decision of Tulsipur High Court to keep Chairman of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Rabi Lamichhane, in custody over the case of cooperatives fraud.
A division bench of Justices Dr Nakhul Subedi and Balkrishna Dhakal issued the order in response to a writ petition of habeas corpus filed by Lamichhane’s wife, Nikita Poudel.
The order read that the Tulsipur High Court, Butwal Bench’s order to proceed with the investigation by keeping Lamichhane and Chhabi Lal Joshi in custody until final verdict, was not found wrong, so High Court’s order remains in effect.
Lamichhane is currently in custody of Bhairahawa, Rupandehi in connection with the investigation on Supreme Cooperative fraud case.
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28- FNCCI President urges effective operation of Nepal Airlines
Kathmandu, May 23: President of the Federation of Nepalese Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FNCCI), Chandra Prasad Dhakal, has suggested the national flag carrier, Nepal Airlines Corporation, that it operated more effectively.
At the inaugural programme of the third Buddhist International Travel Mart (BITM), organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and the Nepal Association of Tour and Travel Agents (NATTA), President Dhakal emphasized the need of boosting connectivity by Nepal Airlines for its performance. The event was held with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.
The business leader said along with branding the products, tourist-oriented ‘packages’ could be prepared targeting to tourists from Buddhist countries. He urged the concerned bodies to pay heed to development of infrastructures for the promotion of tourism.
The mart will help establish Nepal as a Buddhist tourism hub, he added. According to him, Nepal’s fare has become more expensive due to the imposition of VAT on tickets by the government.
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