- Saturday, 30 August 2025
Kathmandu: The prices of gold and silver slightly increased in the domestic market today compared to the previous day. This rise followed a similar increase in the international market.
According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Associationgold is being traded at Rs 193,200 per tola (11.66 grams) todayup by Rs 500 per tola from Tuesday.
Similarlythe price of silver has been set at Rs 2,075 per tolamarking an increase of Rs 30.
In the international marketthe price of gold was fixed at USD 3,379 per ounce todayaccording to international media reports.
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Leader Tamang calls for protecting mountains
Kathmandu: CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Hit Bahadur Tamang has drawn global attention to the urgent need to protect mountain ranges and human civilization.
During his visit to the RSS photo exhibition themed “Mountain Tourism: Our PrideOur Identity” todaythe former Minister for CultureTourismand Civil Aviation stressed that the government and relevant organizations must actively lobby for climate reparations. He urged the world to recognize the importance of mountains and the severe consequences of climate change in Nepal.
He highlighted the increasing risks of snow melting and glacier lake outburstsstressing the necessity for collective global efforts to protect mountain ecosystems.
Prior to thisRSS Executive Chair Dharmendra Jha welcomed Tamang to the exhibition. Briefing him on the eventJha said that the exhibition aims to highlight the significance and beauty of Nepal’s mountains.
The exhibition has been organized to commemorate the 18th Republic Day.
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Newly introduced budget focuses on effective utilization of resources: Finance Minister Paudel
Patan (Lalitpur): Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Bishnu Prasad Paudel assured that the newly introduced budget for the fiscal year 2025/26 would ensure proper utilization of the available resources and to foster infrastructure development.
In a discussion organized by the Society of Infrastructure Journalists (SIJ-Nepal) on the ‘Infrastructure sector in budget and its implementation’DPM Paudel reiterated that the budget has been devised to prevent the misuse of the resources in construction of infrastructures.
Paudel added that the budget was allocated in a realistic approach taking into consideration the needs of the nation and available resources.
According to himseveral reforms measures have been introduced and implemented to address the longstanding problems and challenges in the infrastructure sector. He believed that these measures would yield result-oriented outcomes.
“Budget is only a single digit document. The budget is prepared in a realistic so that the credibility of the budget is not questioned,” the DPM assertedclaiming that there has been no any criticism on the newly introduced annual estimates of income and expenditure.
It may be noted that the incumbent government on May 29 had introduced an annual budget of Rs 1.964 trillion the fiscal year 2025/26.
Furthermorefor fiscal disciplinehe informed that budget includes a dedicated focus on capital expenditure to ensure proper management of the resources and timely spending of the allocated budget.
In a departure from the trend of increasing general expenditurethe DPM highlighted that stringent measures have been put in place to cap the general expenditure to prevent excessive recurrent spending.
As for the Public Procurement Acthe informed that the 14th amendment to the Act has already addressed some existing issues. He expressed his readiness to consider further amendments in the Act if need beso as to promote country’s construction sector.
Addressing concerns over shortage of construction materials affecting construction works’ timelinessthe DPM said that the excavation of mining and aggregate materials will be allowed from only appropriate places and after conducting environment impact assessment.
Citing the provision of alternative development financing for mega projects introduced by the governmenthe was confident that the parliament would endorse necessary laws to facilitate such provisions.
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‘Climate change impacts are adverse in Nepal’
Kathmandu: Nepali Congress President and former Prime MinisterSher Bahadur Deuba has said that Nepal is among the countries having adverse impacts of climate change.
Receiving a memorandum calling for an end to the use of coal energyDeuba claimed that Nepal has been disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate change despite negligible contribution to the carbon emission.
The former Prime Minister emphasized the need of global efforts for its compensation to the affected countries.
Due to global rise in temperatureNepal’s icebergs are increasingly melting and unintended weather variations have mounting impacts on lives and livelihoods of the peoplehe noted.
Recalling that he had pledged to maintain net zero emission by 2045 BS on behalf of Nepal in the COP-2026 held in Glasgow of the United Kingdomhe stressed that Nepal should gradually increase the use of electric energy.
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HoR meeting not yet convened
Kathmandu: The meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) could not take place until now.
Although an agenda was set for the meeting scheduled to be held at 1.00 pm todayit has not yet convened.
The opposition parties have been obstructing the Parliamentdemanding the formation of a parliamentary or judicial inquiry committee to investigate the irregularitiescorruptionand human trafficking issues that have arisen regarding the visit visa scam.
Ruling parties – Nepali Congress and CPN (UML) have stood firm on not forming a judicial or parliamentary inquiry committeewhich led to the obstruction of the meeting on Tuesday as well.
HoR member Madhav Sapkota mentioned that the delay in the functioning of the parliament is due to the lack of consensus between the ruling and opposition parties regarding the formation of the inquiry committee.
The opposition parties have demanded that the Home Minister be allowed to address the House and that an announcement on the formation of the inquiry committee should be madeSapkota added.
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NA chair calls to announce public holiday on National Day for Elimination of Caste-based Discrimination and Untouchability
Kathmandu: Chairperson of National Assembly (NA)Narayana Prasad Dahalhas stressed the need of announcing the public holiday on the occasion of the National Day for the Elimination of Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability
During his address to a programme organised by the National Dalit Commission here today on the occasion of the 19th National Day for the Elimination of Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchabilitythe NA Chair urged the government to make necessary arrangements to that end.
“Even these daysDalit community people have yet to have access to educationhealthemploymenthousingsocial security and representation in the State’s other bodies as per the expectation,” he saidadding that the Constitutional rights of the dalits are yet to be fully implemented. “Dalit children are still deprived of quality education.”
He went on to say that access of Dalits to healthcare facilities is weak and their participation in employment opportunities is discouraging.
Despite the illegalization and criminalization of the practice of untouchability since longDalits continue to suffer the caste-based discriminations including violence and exclusion.
According to the NA Chairrealising all these injustices against the Dalitsthe NA has already instructed the government to implement the resolution motion regarding the guarantee of culturaleconomic and political rightsrights to social justice of the Dalits with their progress and prosperity by eliminating all sorts of discriminations and suppression against them,
The Day is observed on 21st of the month of Jeth each year calling for action against the elimination of caste-based discrimination and untouchability and building an equitable society.
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Home Minister’s resignation sought for fair investigation into visit visa scam
Kathmandu: In a meeting of the National Assemblythe resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has been sought over the visit visa scam.
During the meetinglawmaker Maya Prasad Sharma from the CPN (Maoist Centre) demanded the formation of a parliamentary or a judicial committee for investigation into the alleged irregularitiescorruption and human smuggling in regard to the visit visa scandalurging the Home Minister to step down from the post by paving the way for impartial investigation.
“The Home Minister should resign from the post to pave the way for impartial investigation into the issue,” he said.
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NA members voice against prevalence of caste-based discriminations
Kathmandu: Members of the National Assembly have expressed their concerns over the defacto practice of caste-based discriminationsand untouchability despite its illegalization long back ago.
Airing their views in a zero hour of the National Assemblythey echoed the need for wider and collaborative efforts for ending the caste-based discriminations.
They called for eliminating discriminations persisting in each communitiesreligions and sectors.
Gomadevi TimilsinaBhuwan Bahadur SunsarRajendra Laxmi Gaire and Madan Kumari Shah (Garima) were among those advocating for the elimination of the discriminations.
It may be noted that today marked the 19th National Day for the Elimination of Caste-Based Discrimination and Untouchability.
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‘Govt leading mountain conservation efforts’
Kathmandu: Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development Ramnath Adhikari asserted that the State has been playing a leading role in protecting the natural beauty of ‘our’ mountains.
Minister Adhikari said so during his visit to the ‘s central office for a photo exhibition themed “Mountain Tourism: Our PrideOur Identity” today.
Around 100 photos of Nepal’s mountains and mountain heritages taken by RSS photographers and journalists have been put at display in the exhibition organized since May 25 in commemoration of the 18th Republic Day.
Minister Adhikariafter observing photosemphasized effective plans in consultation with the experts to protect our mountains.
Adhikari also urged all Nepalis should work in unison to minimize the effects of climate change on our mountains and mountain lives.
He informed that the incumbent government has been holding discussions at various levels for a unified response to reduce the impact of climate change on mountain.
“The government is moving forward in a serious and planned manner to conserve mountains,” the Minister reiterated.
Highlighting the need to educate the general public in Nepal about the bounty of natureheritages and abundance of natural resourceshe exclaimed that Nepal has unique natural heritages.
Expressing his delight that almost of the high mountains in the country were included in the photo exhibitionthe Minister remarked our country’s invaluable treasures – mountains and mountain heritages were reflected in the exhibition.
Prior to thisRSS Executive Chair Dharmendra Jha along with RSS staffs had welcomed Minister Adhikari to the exhibition.
On the occasionChairperson Jha had expressed his confidence that the exhibition would serve as a platform to educate ourselves about the importance of mountains of Nepal and their beauty.
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NA begins general discussions on budget for upcoming fiscal year
Kathmandu: The National Assembly (NA) has begun discussions on the government’s estimated revenues and expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year 2082-83 BS (2025-26).
Today’s session of the Upper House endorsed the proposal put forth by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Affairs to convene general discussions on the budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
While tabling the proposalthe Minister said attempts have been placed to make the budget realistic and implementable as much as possible.
“The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the current fiscal year is around 28 percent,” he informed the Houseadding that the government is effortful to limit the recurrent expenditures within the expected ceiling and increase capital expenditures.
According to the Ministerthe federal budget allocations to the province and local levels under the fiscal transfers have been increased in the upcoming fiscal year.
He acknowledged that limiting the current expenditure and increasing the capital spending has remained a challenge for the government. As he saidit seems also difficult to secure sources for the upcoming budget amounting to Rs 1,964.11 billion.
He further argued that the internal revenue targetloansand grants have been presented in a realistic and predictable way.
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NA members air mixed views on executive’s budget proposal
Kathmandu: Members of the National Assembly (NA) have expressed mixed views regarding the budget for the upcoming fiscal year. While some welcomed it as ‘balanced’ and ‘pro-citizen’others criticized it as ‘unwanted’.
During the general discussions on the government’s revenue and expenditure estimations for the fiscal year 2082-83 BS (2025-26) in the Upper House session todayGeljen Sherpa said the budget has laid focuse on enabling federalism.
“The budget has avoided programme duplications across the three levels of government and prioritized the development of backward areas,” he saidadding that it also pursues policies encouraging the private sector to stimulate economic growth.
Highlighting Nepal’s placement on the FATF grey list due to poor economic governanceKamala Panta talked about the lack of clarity in the budget’s goals and performance indicators.
“It is essential to ensure spending effectivenessestablish monitoring mechanismsand implement result-oriented indicators,” she stressed. She further criticized the budget for lacking clear plans to address regional inequalities in proportional access and distributionurging the government to commit to completing previously incomplete projects.
Dr. Beduram Bhusal criticized the budget as incapable of addressing existing challenges.
“It is not a pro-people budget; insteadit seems to serve corporate interests and support land mafias,” he said.
On the other handSharada Devi Bhatta described the budget as welcomingaimed at improving the economycreating employment opportunitiessupporting developmentand enabling better service delivery.
Urmila Aryal argued that the budget is dominated by distributive projects and fails to tap into the potential of the IT sector.
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HoR meeting postponed till Thursday noon
KathmanduMay 4: The meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR) has been adjourned until coming Thursday.
The meeting of the Lower House was initially summoned at 1:00 pm today. It was shifted to 3:15 pm after failing to forge a consensus among the parties for the meetingaccording to the Parliament Secretariat.
The meeting also could not convene at the aforesaid time leading to the postponement of the House meeting till 1:00 pm Thursdayadded the Secretariat.
The Secretariatthusissued a notice here today to officially notify about the postponement and summoning the next meeting at 1:00 PM on coming Thursday.
The opposition party including CPN (Maoist Centre)Rastriya Swatantra Party and CPN (Unified Socialist) among others have been obstructing the Parliament.
They have been demanding resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak and the formation of a parliamentary or judicial inquiry committee to probe the irregularities and human trafficking issues relating to the visit visa scam.
Deliberation on the newly unveiled budget was in today’s agenda for the meeting.
It may be noted that the incumbent government on May 29 had introduced an annual budget of Rs 1,964 billion for the fiscal year 2025/26.
The House could not hold a meeting on last Tuesday either after the protesting parliamentarians remained adamant on their demands.
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Nepal facing disproportionate effects of climate change despite negligible role-Leader Koirala
Kathmandu: Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr Shekhar Koirala said though Nepal has no role in climate changethe Himalayan nation has been facing disproportionate effects.
Dr Koirala said so during his visit to the ‘s central office today for a photo exhibition themed “Mountain Tourism: Our PrideOur Identity” today on the occasion of the 18th Republic Day.
He commented that the international community should seriously take the issues raised by Nepal on the adverse impacts of climate change in mountains and glaciers.
“We have been raising the voice about the effects of climate change in nature and human life. Nepal’s mountainous lie has been in trouble due to climate change and Himalayan series are facing the crisis due to its impacts. The international community should understand this aspect”he added.
He recalled his statement on the impact of climate change on nature and human lifewhich he delivered to a parliamentary committee in the UK during his visit there.
The photos displayed in the exhibition highlight the geographical diversity of Nepalmaking the exhibition an effective tool for promoting Nepal’s tourismthe leader added.
He emphasized the need to amplify our voices for the protection of mountains and the promotion of tourism.
Prior to thisRSS Executive Chair Dharmendra Jha welcomed the leader to the exhibitionwhich was organized to mark the 18th Republic Day.
The exhibition that had kicked off on May 25 features 96 photos about Nepal’s mountain ranges from east to westmountain life and the country’s touristic destinations.
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NA members for impactful budget implementation
Kathmandu: The National Assembly members have drawn government’s attention towards making budget implementation impactful for ensuring good governance.
Taking part in the discussion on the annual estimate of revenue and expenditure in the NA meeting todaythey argued that the budget for the coming fiscal year could not address the poor and backward people.
Nar Bahadur Bista mentioned that the budget was not people-centricfailing to address the poorDalits and low-income people. He shared that the budget was focused more on privatization.
Radhe Shyam Paswan also asserted that the budget was beyond their expectationfor it was private-sector centric.
Howeversupporting the budget as a realistic documentBishnu Kumari Sapkota hoped that the government would pay attention to make the budget implementation effective and pave wary for good governance. Stating that the government has not been able to ensure security by creating investment-friendly environmentshe suggested introducing a special plan to stop the compulsion of brain drainone of the problems plaguing Nepali society and economy.
SimilarlyIndira Devi Gautam hoped the budget introduced for coming fiscal year would make the economic activities vibrant.
The NA will meet next at 1:15pm Thursday.
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Inclusive political parties prerequisite to inclusive state mechanism: NC President Deuba
Patan: Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has said inclusion in political parties is prerequisite to inclusive state mechanisms.
Addressing a function organized by NC’s Dalit Community Coordination and Empowerment Department on the occasion of the National Equity Day on WednesdayNC President reminded that NC is the first party to raise a voice against the discrimination faced by Dalit community.
In the programme titled’Present Status of Dalit Community and Role of Political Parties in Resolving Dalit’s Problems’the President said the NC had launched an anti-discrimination campaignsloganeering against mistreatment to Dalit people. “Let’s sit togetherlet’s eat together” was the slogan then during the 2007BS revolutionDeuba recounted.
He also said”In course of state building and rulesthe working class has faced tribulation and exploitation of different sorts in each country. Various practices perpetuated in the name of religioncustoms and tradition for long in South Asiaespecially in Nepal has blighted the society. Caste discrimination and untouchability are ills.”
The parliament restored after people’s movement-II had declared Nepal free of untouchability on Jestha 212063BSwhich is a milestone in the sector of social transformation.
According to himthe present coalition government is at work to fully end the remnants of discriminationand Dalit community needs to make their voice louder.
At the eventDepartment ChiefLaxmi Pariyarhoweversaid many laws were awaited to fully enforce the provisions against untouchability.
Writer and researcher JB Bishwokarma made a presentation that there is 13.4 percent Dalit population in Nepal. Dalit community requires reservation in major areas in addition to access to politicshe stressed.
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NHRC asks govt. to effectively implement laws against caste discrimination
Kathmandu: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to effectively implement the laws to address serious human rights violations such as ethnic discrimination and untouchability.
“We call on all three tiers of governmentpolitical partiescivil
societyall religious organizationshuman rights activistsand citizens to fully implement the recommendations of theCommission and adopt impactful steps to end untouchability and racial discrimination in practice.”NHRC said.
In a press statement issued by the Commission’s Spokesperson Dr Tikaram Pokharel on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the Declaration of an Untouchability-free Nation and the Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Untouchabilitythe NHRC has reminded the governments to take legal action without providing political protection to those involved in caste discriminations.
“Caste discrimination and untouchability are still the blights because the constitution and laws have not been enforced honestly.”
According to NHRCthe incident of an inter-caste marriage in Saptari could be taken to the judicial processbut it was not done soresulting into girl’s commission of suicide. Rathershe was forced for mediation to settle the case. The Constitution of Nepal ensures right to live with dignityright to equalityright of the crime victimsthe right against untouchability and racial discriminationthe right of Dalitsand the right to social justice.
Nepal is a party to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial and Social Discriminations.
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Youth entrepreneurship is top priority: PM Oli
Kathmandu: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged one and all to work with high morale and confidence as the government would be with youths who foster entrepreneurship and employments in the country.
At the ‘Prime Minister with Innovative Youth’ programme organized in the federal capital on WednesdayPM Oli recalled when he was the Prime Minister for the first timehe had conducted a study to formulate a policy on human resource projection in education. The schemes of ‘Gen Z’ and ‘Startup’ were given special importance in the budgethe added.
Hehoweveradmitted”Youths are not satisfied with the way things are. We need to be willing to change for the better.” PM Oli termed tendency of venting ire on social media wrong act.
PM Oli said further viewed the youths should now focus on creatingrather than searching the opportunities. Leaving country for foreign job not solution but spurring entrepreneurshipemploymentmarketingand innovationthe Head of the Government underlined.
According to himyouths’ creativity was prerequisite to country’s prosperity. On the occasionPM Oli inspected an exhibition of indigenously produced goods and innovations in honor of ‘Idea Studio’.
Founder of ‘Idea Studio,’ Dr. Chhering Lamaand Chairman of the Kathmandu Model CollegeRameshwar Aryalinformed PM Oli about the efforts and achievements being made for the innovation anchored by the youth.
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Three people test COVID-19 positive in Sudur Pashchim Province
Baitadi: Three people who had returned home from India have been confirmed carrying the COVID-19 virus in Sudur Pashchim Province.
Hemraj Joshithe epidemic focal person of the Directorate General of Health Services of the Provincesaid that two men and one woman were confirmed positive to COVID-19. They are 20-year-old man from Kanchanpura 32-year-old man from Dhakari in Achhamand a 24-year-old woman from Dhangadhi in Kailali.
“Covid has been confirmed in three out of 36 suspected people who were returning home from different cities of India through Gauriphanta border point. All those who have tested positive for COVID have been asked to stay in isolation at home.”
The epidemic focal person of the Directorate shared that the swab sample collected has been sent to Central Public Health Laboratory in Kathmandu for the PCR test of all those who have been confirmed carrying COVID-19 virus.
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Cabinet decisions made public
Kathmandu: The government has endorsed the provisions relating to budget for the coming fiscal year and various acts.
Making public the decisions of the Cabinet meeting held on May 29 and June 2Minister for Communications and Information TechnologyPrithvi Subba Gurungon Wednesdaysaid the Cabinet meeting held on May 29 had decided for the presentation of the annual estimate of revenue and expenditure for coming fiscal year in the Federal Parliament.
Similarlythe meeting decided for the presentation of the Bill on allocating some amount from Federal Reserve Fund and managing expensesBill on rights to raise national debtand the Bill designed to implement the government’s economic proposal in the Federal Parliament.
The government also decided to pass the VAT (27th amendment) Regulations- 2082Excise Duty (27th amendment) Regulations- 2082Income Tax (16th amendment) Regulations-2082Customs (16th amendment) Regulations-2082Customs Tax (first amendment) Regulations-2082.
Deputy Inspector General Siddhi Bikram Shah has been promoted to the Additional Inspector General of the Nepal Police by the government. It has given permission in principle to promulgate the Bill related to road safetyand endorsed the principle to promulgate the Bill related to postal serviceBill related to Gorkhapara Corporation and the Bill related to Rastriya Samachar Samiti.
Also the Spokesperson of the governmentMinister Gurung shared that the Cabinet meeting held on June 2 allowed Secretary of the Finance Ministry to attend the OPEC Fund Development Forum scheduled in ViennaAustria on June 17.
MoreoverMinister for Agriculture and Livestock DevelopmentRam Nath Adhikarihas been given permission to attend a programme ‘Hand-in-Hand Investment Dialogue for Asia and the Pacific’ taking place in BangkokThailand from June 18-20.
Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan CityChiribabu Maharjanhas been permitted to participate in the Beijing CBD Multinational Enterprises Conference and Asian Mayors’ Forum scheduled in BeijingChina from June 11-13according to the Minister.
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Be ready for disaster response: Home Minister Lekhak
Kathmandu: Minister for Home AffairsRamesh Lekhakhas directed the Nepal Police to be prepared to reduce impact of disaster and its management.
During a visit to the Samakhusi-based Disaster Management Office of the Nepal Police on WednesdayHome Minister Lekhak shared”Disaster might take place anytime. We can predict monsoon-induced disaster but cannot forecast incident like earthquake and fire. We are on the eve of monsoon. So we should stay prepared for it.”
The Nepal Police has given the responsibility for disaster managementhe saidasking them to be prepared round the clock.
“It has been mentioned in the law that disaster risks reduction and management is the responsibility of the Nepal Police. Nepal Police presence in people level is high. People’s hope towards police is increasing and they are trusting people. We should address the sentiments of the people with a sense of service”the Home Minister mentioned.
He pointed out that the Nepal Police personnel should be prepared for reducing disaster risks and its management as there is high risk of floodlandslide and inundationadding it has been forecast that monsoon will be active from June 11.
Home Minister Lekhak shared that discussion would begin at the State Affairs and Good Governance Committee of the Federal Parliament soon for the amendment of the Nepal Police Act.
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Jordanian Ambassador Abdelghani calls on Speaker Ghimire
Kathmandu: Non-Resident Ambassador of Jordan to Nepal Yousef Abdelghani called on Speaker Devraj Ghimire today.
During the meeting held at the Speaker’s office in Singha Durbarmatters related to economic and labor relations and parliamentary exchange between two countries were discussedaccording to the Speaker’s secretariat.
Nepal and Jordan established diplomatic relations on August 201965.
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Discussions underway to address ‘take and pay’ in energy sector
Kathmandu: Minister for EnergyWater Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka has said that there is no reason for banks and financial institutions not to invest in the hydropower sector over the issue of ‘take and pay’ scheme.
Speaking at the financial management ceremony of the Mid-Chameliya (28.3 MW) Hydropower Project to be constructed in Darchula by Darchula Power Companya subsidiary of Api Power Limitedhe said there may be concerns over how the financial management will constitute after the term ‘take and pay’ was introduced in the new FY budget. “The proposal is not from the Ministry of Energy and hence discussions are underway with the Ministry of Finance to amend it,” he said.
Energy Minister Khadka said that the private sector has an important role to play in achieving the government’s target of generating 28,500 MW of electricity in the next 10 years. “We have the resources to producewe have the marketso why not invest?,” he said.
He also urged for the timely completion of the Chameliya Hydropower Project.
Nabil Bank has also committed to investing in the projectwhich is being built under the leadership of Nepal Bank Limited. The projectwhich is being constructed at an investment of Rs 5.66 billionwill be completed within the next 18 monthssaid the company’s chairSanjeev Neupane.
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Promotion of biomass stressed
Kathmandu: Biomass entrepreneurs have underlined the need of promoting biomass to reduce pollution and trade deficit in petroleum products. Biomass helps ensure high efficiencythey argued.
At a programme organized jointly by the Nepal Forum of Environmental Journalists (NEFEJ) and the Biomass Entrepreneurs’ Association in the federal capital on Wednesdaythe speakers suggested the government that it encouraged the use of bio-fuel. They complained that government took a wrong decision to impose tax on bio-energy.
Energy expert at British Embassy in KathmanduResha Piyaviewed it was worrying that many people were unaware about environmental and commercial aspect of biomass technology.
NEFEJ Chair Chandra Sekhar Karki said the environmental and sustainable development were prioritized by the NEFEJ. The government must prioritize the environment-friendly programmeshe added.
Former Minister for EnvironmentGanesh Sahsuggested compulsory adoption of bio-fuel at every industry.
Deputy Director at Alternative Energy Promotion CentreDr Rana Bahadur Thapasaid clean energy has been mentioned as a fundamental rights in constitution which need full enforcement to protect environment. Use of biomass can replace the LPG useso necessary programme was required.
Association Chair Aditya Parajuli worried why the government imposed excise duty in biomass through the budget for the coming year.
Presenting a working paper on the occasionenvironmentalist Nabaraj Pokharel saod biomass carries much significance in management of dry fodder and shrubs. It further contributes to minimize wildfire and even the global problem- the emission of carbon.
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SC issues interlocutory order not to close public transport service
Kathmandu: The Supreme Court has issued an interlocutory order in the name of transport entrepreneurs not to close public transport service and launch strike in the sector.
A single bench of Justice Nitya Nanda Pandeya on Wednesday issued such order not to close public transport servicelaunch strike which directly affect the citizens. The SC has called both sides for discussion on the issue whether or not to continue the interlocutory order.
Advocate Bimal Pokharel had filed a writ petition at the SCsaying public transport entrepreneurs violated the constitution rights of citizens by shutting down public transport servicean essential service.
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SC order to forward criminal investigation against Agni Sapkota
Kathmandu: The Supreme Court (SC) has issue an order to continue investigation into the murder case filed against former Speaker Agni Sapkota.
A joint bench of Chief Justice Prakash Singh RautJustices Sapana Pradhan MallaKumar RemiManoj Kumar Sharmaand Kumar Chundal issued the stay order to forward the investigation process against Sapkota.
Purnima Lama had filed a case with the Kavre District Police Office in 2016 over the kidnapping and murder of her husband48-year-old Arjun Lama of Kavre. Former Speaker Sapkota was named as an accused in the case.
Purnima had filed a writ petition before the Supreme Court after the police refused to register an FIR in the case related to the armed conflict.
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