- Thursday, 18 September 2025
Kathmandu: Light to moderate rain with thunder and lightning is currently taking place in some places of Gandaki province and in few places of Bagmati, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces and in one or two places of Karnali province.
Currently, some areas of Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, Gandaki provinces and a few areas in the eastern region of Lumbini province are under the influence of monsoon winds. In addition, westerly winds and local winds are affecting the western region of the country, according to the Weather Forecasting Division.
The weather today remains partly to generally cloudy across the country. In the afternoon, there is possibility of light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning at a few places in the hilly areas of the country including Koshi and Madhesh provinces and at one or two places in the rest of the country. There is also a possibility of heavy rainfall at one or two places in the hilly areas of Koshi province.
Tonight, the weather will be partly to generally cloudy across the country. There is also a possibility of light to moderate rainfall with thunder and lightning at many places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, some places in Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces and at a few places in the rest of the country.
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Task Force to seek ways to reform the banking sector
Kathmandu: Nepal Rastra Bank has formed a task force to study and suggest ways for the overall reform and consolidation of the banking sector of the country.
The task force is led by Dr Rebat Bahadur Karki with former banker Bhuwan Kumar Dahal as a member and the Executive Director of the Banking and Financial Institutions Regulation Department of Nepal Rastra Bank as the member-secretary.
With a term of one month, the task force has been given a mandate to make recommendations on liberal but prudent banking policy regulation, risk-based effective supervision and development of customer-friendly banking services.
Similarly, it has been asked to suggest the role that the banking sector should play in making economic activities fully viable, steps to be taken to make credit flow effective in rural areas, mergers and acquisitions of banks and financial institutions.
It has also been requested to suggest the role that the banking sector should play in removing Nepal from the grey list and the coordinating role of the central bank in capital market development, according to NRB Governor’s Office.
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NC Central Committee meeting on June 29
Kathmandu: The Nepali Congress Central Working Committee is meeting on coming June 29.
The meeting has been called to discuss about contemporary political issues, said NC Office Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Poudel. The CWC office bearers, members and invitee members are scheduled to attend the meeting.
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NRN Sujan Katwal awarded prestigious MBE by UK government
London: Non-resident Nepali businessman and social worker Sujan Katwal has been awarded the prestigious MBE medal by the British government. Katwal was awarded the prestigious ‘Member of the Order of the British Empire’ (MBE) in the list of various awards made public on the occasion of the British monarch’s birthday.
Speaking to RSS after announcement, Katwal said that he was very happy, while dedicating the honour to his team, family and community that inspired him to serve the society.
Katwal was recognized for his special contribution to the community through social service. He had provided free food to more than 250,000 people during the COVID-19 pandemic and had played an important role in the welfare of the community through various other social works.
He had also been included in the list of 100 influential people in Britain just a few months ago. The MBE award, established by King George V in 1917, is presented by the Royal Palace to individuals who have made a lasting impact on society.
Prior to this, record climber former Gurkha army personnel, Hari Budhamagar had received the MBE last year and mountaineer Nirmal Purja in 2018.
Katuwal runs the Panas Gorkha Restaurant in South London, UK, and is active in social service through Panas Helping Hands Charity. Born in Biratnagar, Nepal, Katuwal had come to the UK in 1998.
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Demand for coffee seedlings increasing in Gulmi
Gulmi: The demand for coffee seedlings has increased significantly in Gulmi, as the coffee nursery run by the Coffee Development Center in Aapchaur, Musikot Municipality-5, finds it difficult to meet the rising demand.
The coffee seedlings as per the farmers’ demand have not been met due to low production, shared Jeevan Acharya, the head of the Center. A demand has been received for 200,000 coffee seedlings from the nursery but only 70,000 seedlings have been produced.
The Centre has stated that coffee seedlings have been demanded from more than 40 districts including Arghakhanchi, Kaski, Syangja, Lamjung, Dhading, and others, including Gulmi.
The center is not able to produce seedlings as per the demand due to lack of necessary resources and human personnel. The Coffee Development Center in Aapchaur is also the Federal Horticulture and National Seed Sowing Resource Center of the Government.
Commercial coffee cultivation began in Gulmi when the then King Birendra established the Coffee Development Center in Aapchaur in 2041 BS.
Each seedling is currently being sold at Rs. 40 at the Coffee Development Center. The Center has been involved in garden management, seed cultivation, picking and processing. For this, around 50 people are temporarily employed during coffee production seasons. The center has coffee pulping machines, coffee hauler machines, coffee dryers, roaster machines, and coffee spray sow machines.
The center has 184 ropani of land in Aapchaur for a coffee plantation. Centre Chief Acharya said that 12,000 coffee seedlings have been planted in the garden so far while 60,000 coffee seedlings have been planted in six nurseries in Aapchaur.
Coffee is currently being cultivated in an area of about 300 hectares in Gulmi.
In Gulmi, the Agricultural Knowledge Center, Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project, Coffee Development Center Aapchaur, Coffee Research Center Bhandaridanda, and other local level governments are working to promote coffee farming.
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Death toll rise to four in road accident
Dhorpatan (Baglung): The death toll in the road accident that took place at Batasedanda in Dhorpatan Municipality-5, Baglung, on Friday evening has reached four.
The accident involving a vehicle (Lu. Pra. 01001 Cha. 1775) took place on Friday evening as it was carrying 16 passengers from Burtibang Bazaar to Dhorpatan Municipality-5 and fell about 60 meters from the road.
In the accident, 70-year-old Nara Bahadur Karki, 75-year-old Bhim Kumari Budha and Tika Kumari Kunwar, 21, of Dhorpatan Municipality-2 died. Likewise, Mana Kumari Thapa, 75, of the same ward, died while undergoing treatment at Manipal Hospital in Pokhara on Saturday morning, shared Anand Basnet, Chief Police Inspector of the Area Police Office, Burtibang.
The injured in the accident include the jeep driver Govinda Thapa, 27, Lumbini Mahat, 18, of Dhorpatan Municipality-2, Baglung, Indra Kunwar, 23, Nirmaya Khatri, 38, Devi Pariyar, 53, Durgi Darji, 12, eight-year-old Anju Pariyar, five-year-old Biano Budha Magar, Binaya Budha, 35, of Dhorpatan Municipality-5, Shishir Karki, 11, of Dhorpatan-1, and Tanmaya Kunwar, 30, of Dhorpatan-5.
The injured are undergoing treatment at Manipal Hospital Pokhara and Mission Hospital Palpa, police said,
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Two-point deal in favour of people: Chair Dahal
Morang: Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre), Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has said two-point agreement was signed with the ruling parties for the broader welfare of the country and people.
Talking to media persons at Biratnagar Airport today, Chairperson Dahal mentioned that the deal was signed on the issue of forming a probe committee to investigate into visit visa scam. He argued that the House stalemate ended because important bills including the civil service and school education have to be passed from the House.
Also the former Prime Minister, Dahal pointed out the need of making laws also in the context of the return of former presidents and former vice-presidents to politics.
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Dialysis machines left conked out for over a year
Tulsipur: Rapti Provincial Hospital, Tulsipur has been waiting for the repair of conked out dialysis machines for over a year. Five out of 14 such essential medical equipment to treat kidney patients are left in dysfunctional state.
Dialysis section chief in the hospital, Lina Badel, informed that the hospital needs engineers from Kathmandu to repair the dysfunctional machines, but they did not come despite repeated requests. “Maybe, they did not come, for the machines are of old design. The machines left conked out have created huge problems in regular treatment.”
Due to insufficient dialyses facility in the hospital, the patients are forced to leave for Ghorahi, Lamahi and Butwal. The patients in need of dialyses visit the Rapti Hospital from Dang, Salyan, Rukum Purba, Rukum Paschim, Rolpa and Pyuthan districts.
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Finance Minister Paudel stresses pollution control
Kathmandu: Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Bishnu Prasad Paudel has stressed conservation of environment and pollution control. In these priorities of the government, all sides’ cooperation is essential, he reminded.
During an ‘EV Rally’ organized by the Annapurna Media Network here today, Minister Paudel informed that government was making relevant policies and laws in view of climate change and its impact in environment. “Clean environment is a need not only of a country but of entire planet,” he said, adding that Nepal, however, has twin priorities- infrastructure development and environment conservation.
He expressed pride on recent conduct of the Sagarmatha Samaad because it was a medium to spread global message of climate change impact and preserve mountain. Government is firm in promoting electric vehicles, Minister Paudel shared.
On the occasion, Chairman of the Annapurna Media Network, Rameshwor Thapa, said his institution was not only for spreading message for environmental conservation but also in the campaign to realize it.
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Local level closes down four industries for failure to pay tax
Kavrepalanchowk: Four industries operated at Mandandeupur municipality of Kavrepalanchowk have been closed down for their failure to pay tax.
These industries were locked after they did not pay tax despite frequent requests, according to the municipality. A team led by Mayor Tok Bahadur Waiba comprising people’s representatives on Friday padlocked the crusher and brick industries that were not renewed nor registered. They failed to pay tax either.
The team had locked three brick industries and one crusher industry. The Washing and Crushing Industry operated at Mandandeupuer-9 owes Rs 4.58 million in tax since fiscal year 2078/79 BS, while the Kalidevi Bricks Industry located at Mandandeupur-6 has Rs 6.1 million to pay.
The Dakshinkali Bricks Industry owes Rs 4.58 million tax. The team shut down the Chandeni-Nagarkot Bricks Industry because it was not renewed for long.
Mayor Waiba said they were compelled to shut down the industries after they turned deaf ears to the frequent requests of local levels. He, however, informed the industries would be opened if they fulfilled the criteria and submitted tax determined by the municipality.
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Leader Koirala for Rs 40,000 as minimum wage to workers
Kathmandu: Nepali Congress leader Dr Sekhar Koirala has said workers’ minimum wage should be raised to Rs 40,000.
Inaugurating the 13th convention of the Employees’ Association of Nepal Electricity Authority here Friday, leader Koirala argued it was difficult to ensure dignified labour at Rs 17,300. So, it needs immediate hike.
“For equal works, the men and women should be paid equally. The informal sector’s link to the social security was essential for proper remuneration and respect for labour,” he said, adding that workers are foundation of prosperity.
Koirala further said his party was preparing to establish a labour commission. It is wrong to say that NEA was in jitters while it was yet to recover Rs 23 billion.
According to him, Nepal is in need of improving its status to free itself from grey lists of FATF and European Union. “It is worrying that none is trusted in his/her claim of not involving in corruption. The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority should not be biased- punishing some while pardoning others,” he viewed.
Moreover, the leader underlined the need of resolving problems relating to remittance.
On the occasion, NC central member Nain Singh Mahar said the electrification in Nepal was 7 percent in 2046BS, while it has covered 98 percent people at present. It is a huge achievement Nepal made after loktantra.
NEA’s strengthening is instrumental in reinforcing development pillars in Nepal, according to Mahar.
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Seven health facilities handed over ambulances in Gandaki Province
Kaski: Seven health facilities from various districts in Gandaki Province have been provided ambulance.
The Indian Embassy in Nepal provided the ambulances under the Nepal-India development programme. Chief of Indian Pension Camp, Prashant Singh Bagel, handed over the essential vehicles.
Those receiving the ambulances are- Gorkha District Hospital, Gorkha Municipality-6, Beni Hospital and Manpang Health Post of Myagdi, Arthur Dandakharka Health Post of Parbat, and City Hospital of Syangja and Anbukhaireni Hospital of Tanahun.
On the occasion, Bagel said Nepal and India were enjoying relations in socio-cultural levels. India has been providing assistance to Nepal for its development in health, education, infrastructures and emergency, he reminded. The handover of ambulances would be helpful in catering health services promptly.
Chairman of Beni Hospital, Dil Kumari Khatri, shared happiness that it was the first ambulance the Hospital ever had. We approached several institutions for the ambulance, but the Indian Embassy finally provided the support, she added.
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Coffee farming begun in 22 ropanis of land in Khoksik village
Bhojpur: Coffee farming has been launched in 22 ropanis of land at Khoksik village of Bhojpur district. Ramprasad Rai rural municipality in the district began the coffee farming with the support of Rs 700 thousand by the Koshi Province government.
A group of eight farmers associated with Gurans Cooperative started the cash crop by planting 2,200 coffee saplings with an objective of expanding coffee cultivation, according to Bach Kumar Rai, Chairperson of ward no 8 in the rural municipality.
“Khoksik is a suitable place for coffee plantation. It is believed that the programme will help connect farmers for the income generation through coffee cultivation”, he mentioned.
Vice-Chairperson of the Cooperative, Manoj Rai, shared that earlier coffee farming was done in a traditional way, but this programme would help us expand the coffee cultivation remarkably. He added, “Though they were thinking to expand the coffee farming, it was not possible due to financial crunch. We have now been encouraged for the expansion of the cash crop after the programme in place.”
In addition to Ramprasad Rai rural municipality, the local levels doing coffee farming are Sindrang, Homtang, Lungin, Lumthung of Hatuwagadhi rural municipality, and Amchowk rural municipality.
A coffee entrepreneur Sunil Shrestha opined that coffee produced here was supplied to Dharan, Itahari, Biratnagar, Kathmandu and even out of the country- Japan and Korea.
Demand of organic coffee is on rise in the international market, he said, adding that he collects coffee produced in Bhojpur and sells in the market.
Farmers here have attracted towards this cash crop after this product started getting good price in the markets.
Meanwhile, Temkemaiung rural municipality-1 honoured 22 locals for their contribution to the development of the ward.
Ward Chairperson Nar Bahadur Rai said the locals were honoured with shawl and letters of felicitation for their support such as land to construct different structures.
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Litterateur Rimal’s ‘Himal Ta Kalai Bhayechha’ unveiled
Kathmandu: ‘Himal Ta Kalai Bhayechha’, an anthology of poems penned by litterateur and journalist, Shyam Prasad Rimal, has been unveiled in the federal capital.
Poet Rimal, litterateur and journalist Gandhi Raj Kafle, a travel writer Bishnu Prasad Sharma Parajuli, former administrator and literati Hari Prasad Rimal, Madan Prasad Rimal and Skanda Rimal released the poetry collection on Friday on the occasion of 108th birth anniversary of litterateur Gopal Prasad Rimal.
The anthology has 29 poems including ‘Bihe’, Ma Pani Patrakar Hun’, ‘Jado Ko Barga’ and ‘Himal Ta Kalai Bhayechha’.
On the occasion, litterateurs Kafle and Sharma commented that the poems were written on various issues ranging from impacts of climate change on human and wildlife to political aggression.
Similarly, publisher Shuvam Adhikari informed the writer had shed light on various issues from politics to pollution.
Rimal has already published five books—’Euta Kanda Bijhda’, ‘Trishuli Ko Kinar Bata’, ‘Barpak’, ‘Nadi Bagdaina’ and ‘Chamero: Corona Kabita’.
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‘UML-NC collaboration essential’
Kathmandu: Deputy General Secretary of the CPN UML, Pradip Gyawali, has said collaboration between UML and Nepali Congress is imperative for political stability and development in the country.
The two-party partnership is for broader welfare of the country although the UML and NC are competitors, he said while inaugurating the third national conference of the Progressive and Professional Legal Practitioners’ Organization in the federal capital on Saturday. “NC and UML are major stakeholders of democracy, so we exercise both competition and cooperation,” Gyawali reiterated.
He claimed that since the formation of the present government led by UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli, private sector has regained hope and development activities gained pace.
On a different note, he said amendment of constitution is necessary. Unity among leftist parties is also awaited, Gyawali stressed.
Chief of election commission in UML, Bijay Subba, spoke the need of making election competitive as per democratic norms.
Similarly, the party cadres can play a constructive role to restore trust in judiciary, according to UML standing committee member Bhanubhakta Dhakal.
Chairman of the Organization, Bhojraj Acharya, informed that they were extending support to the party on legal issues.
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Mustang farmers distributed agricultural tools
Mustang: The farmers in the district have been distributed agricultural tools under the Prime Minister Agriculture Modernization Project. The farmers are provided 16 types of automated agricultural machines at fifty percent grant. It falls under the apple and potato zones schemes.
Currently, there are chyangra (Himalayan goats) zone, potato zone and apple zone being implemented in the mountainous district. The farmers from Gharpajhong, Thasang, Baragaon Muktichhetra and Lomangthang rural municipality received the automated plough, according to chief of project implementation unit in the district, Bharat Raj Gautam.
The tools under apple zone cost Rs 1.5 million, and under potato zone Rs 1.8 million, Gautam added. Total 35 mechanical ploughs- 26 run by diesel and nine by petrol-are distributed in grant.
Also distributed are brush cutters (19), secateurs (18), digital balances (36), motor spray (21), power spray (29), refractometer (1), ladder (7), spade (83), shovel (5), portable lead spray (4).
In addition to apple, Mustang grows millet, potato, maize and varieties of vegetables.
The agricultural tools are distributed in a bid to ease the farmers, making their daily works hassle-free. Even the cost in cultivation will decline.
As the district has witnessed a shortage of workforce and tilling oxen, agriculture system is facing severe challenges in the district of late.
A government official at agriculture section of Gharpajhong rural municipality, Roshan Thakali, informed that the local level is providing agricultural tools every year.
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House proceedings resume after two weeks
Kathmandu: The session of the House of Representatives that was obstructed for over two weeks resumed Friday.
The lower house session resumed after the ruling parties and the major opposition CPN (Maoist Centre) agreed to end the parliamentary impasse.
However, during the House proceedings, the lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) stood from the respective seats and hit the table as the protest on Friday as well.
Speaker Devraj Ghimire allowed Hitraj Pandey, Chief Whip of the major opposition party Maoist (Centre), to put forth his views. He reiterated the party’s demand for an impartial investigation into the alleged corruption and human trafficking in the visit visa procedures.
Pandey demanded policy, legal and structural reforms in the immigration office and visit visa procedures through the establishment of a probe committee with the guarantee that if anyone else found responsible for the scam would be brought to the justice.
“It is necessary for the government to move ahead by keeping the civic trust intact,” he reminded. He went on to say that, the oppositions agreed to end the parliamentary deadlock with the belief that the government would act in a way to reflect behaviour in parliament and practice in response to opposition’s concern.
He underlined the need of taking stringent legal actions to those- government employees, travel agencies, manpower agencies and airlines- involved in the visit visa scam.
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Home Minister pledges full cooperation for CIAA probe into visit visa scam
Kathmandu: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has claimed he is being politically targeted in connection with the visit visa scam, asserting that he has no involvement in the matter.
Addressing Friday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, the Home Minister stated, “I am not responsible for the visit visa scam at all.” He added that the visit visa system has been in place for many years, and a greater number of people had taken advantage of the facility during the tenures of previous ministers.
“The charges against me are politically motivated, intended to serve vested interests and tarnish my reputation,” he argued, calling for an end to such political culture. He expressed full support for the ongoing investigation anchored by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA). It would be free from any interference, he assured.
The Nepali Congress leader also reiterated his commitment to strengthening democracy. He said he learned through media reports that the CIAA had summoned Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) Office Chief Tirtha Raj Bhattarai for interrogation into this topic.
Minister Lekhak vowed initiation of policy, legal, and structural reforms at TIA immigration system within a week. He also welcomed the agreement between ruling and opposition parties to resume parliamentary proceedings.
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Ruling and opposition parties agree to end parliamentary deadlock
Kathmandu: The ruling and opposition parties have entered into a two-point consensus to resume the parliamentary meeting by ending the deadlock surfaced in the House of Representatives (HoR).
The consensus has been reached between Chief whip of the CPN (UML), Mahesh Kumar Bartaula and chief whip of the main opposition CPN (Maoist) Centre), today.
With the consensus in place, the ways for the resumption of the obstructed House proceeding have been opened.
Earlier, the opposition parties had helped in the unveiling of the budget for the upcoming fiscal year 2-82\83.
The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) is probing the issues related to the visit visa and immigration. The anti-graft body will take this to the conclusion. The Nepal government will lend necessary support to the CIAA in this process as per the demand”, it is stated in the first point of the consensus.
Likewise, the second point stated, “Nepal government has expressed its commitment to take concrete initiative to place necessary arrangements for policy, legal and structural reforms by carrying out study and investigation in regard to the immigration and visit visa issues”.
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RPP Chair Lingden against interference on freedom of speech
Kathmandu: Chairperson of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Rajendra Prasad Lingden has said the government should not meddle with the people’s right to freedom of speech.
In today’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), leader Lingden vented ire on the government’s act of issuing arrest warrant on the basis of exercising freedom of speech, and writing and urged the executive to refrain from such action.
It was unconstitutional for the police to detain RPP leader and lawmaker Deepak Bahadur Singh while heading to meet Kamal Thapa – a leader of the constituent of the peaceful protest, he added.
Lingden further shared that it was a slur in the image of the country for the upper level to charge Rs 50,000 each from those going abroad seeking opportunity for not getting works in the country.
The opposition party leader also demanded resignation of the Home Minister on moral grounds and enabled environment for the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) to freely carry out probe in the political sector.
Lawmaker Manish Jha questioned the transfer of immigration employee in connection with the case of visit visa and immigration.
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Baglung jeep mishap: Two deceased and 14 injured identified
Dhorpatan (Baglung): Identities of all those killed and wounded in a jeep accident that occurred in Dhorpatan municipality-5 of Baglung have been ascertained.
Police informed that Nara Bahadur Karki, 70, and Bhim Kumari Budha, 75, of Dhorpatan-2 died in the road mishap.
Among 14 injured in the accident were jeep driver Govinda Thapa, 27, a local of
Dhorpatan-2 as well as the passengers, including Lumbini Mahat, 18, Indra Kunwar, 23, Nirmaya Khatri, 29, Devi Pariyar, 38, Durga Darji, 53, Anju Pariyar, 12, eight-year-old Biyano Budha Magar, five-year-old Binaya Budha, Man Kumari Thapa, 75, and Tikakumari Kunwar, 21, and Dalli BK, 35, from Dhorpatan-5, Police Inspector at the Baglung Police, Keshab Thapa informed.
Also injured in the accident were 11-year-old Shishir Karki from Dhorpatan-1, and 30-year-old Tonmaya Kunwar from Dhorpatan-5.
Inspector Thapa said that the condition of driver Thapa, and passenger Lumbini Mahat, is serious.
All wounded are undergoing treatment at Burtibang Provincial Hospital, the police informed.
The accident had occurred at 5:45 pm when the jeep (Lu Pra 01001 Cha 1775) was heading towards Chaur in Dhorpatan Municipality-5 from Burtibang market.
The jeep fell down around 60 meters off the road. A total of 16 people, including the driver were onboard in the jeep.
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NC adheres to inclusive and responsible politics: General Secretary Thapa
Sunsari: Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary has said the party practices politics of patience and responsibility, guided by the principle of inclusion.
Addressing the first convention of the Nepal Tamang Association, Koshi Province on Friday, the NC leader said, “Impulsive and prohibitive politics is never the preference of our party.” He underscored that no one should incite division in society based on religion or ethnicity for personal or political gain. Instead, promotion of communal harmony and goodwill are imperative.
“NC stands for moderate and progressive politics. Our focus is on strengthening citizens’ rights, implementing inclusive policies, promoting civic awareness, and encouraging self-correction,” he stated, adding that any amendment to the Constitution would be based on broader political consensus. He clarified that constitutional amendment would not curtail anyone’s rights but strengthens civic rights and freedoms.
The NC lawmaker also pledged support to the development of the Tamang community, reiterating that the party is inclusive of all castes, religions, languages and communities.
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Managing Director of World Bank Group pays courtesy call on PM Oli
Kathmandu: Managing Director and Chief Administrative Officer of the World Bank Group, Wencai Zhang, paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Friday.
During the meeting held at PM’s residence, Baluwatar, they discussed mutual cooperation for the achievement of development goals through increased investment and employment opportunities in Nepal. PM Oli thanked the World Bank for accepting Nepal’s six-year strategic cooperation framework (2025-31) and expressed happiness over the World Bank’s continued financial and technical assistance to Nepal on its journey towards achievement of SDGs and graduation to the developing country.
Government has prioritized youths’ involvement in modernization of agriculture, increase of productivity, entrepreneurship, and service sector, PM Oli reminded, underlining the need of proper compensation to Nepal for the loss and damage caused by climate change. Infrastructure development is another priority. However, government’s focus on reconstruction after earthquake and disasters slowed development works, he admitted, expecting assistance from the World Bank for production, marketing and employment generation.
Chief Administrative Officer Zhang said the six-year strategy had featured job creation, climate adaptation, agriculture, disaster reduction, and investment in sociocultural sectors. He informed that the World Bank was ready to cooperate with PM Oli’s concept of security from Himalaya to seas in terms of response to climate change impact.
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Nepal asserts his non-involvement in Patanjali land scam
Kathmandu: Chairperson of the CPN (Unified Socialist) and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal has said the party’s polices, principles and programmes are based on ambition of socio-economic prosperity of the country.
Addressing a party cadres meeting here Friday, he claimed that party has laid a robust ideological foundation for a socialist revolution, keeping the interests of the nation and citizens at the centre.
According to the leader, basic needs for the society have still remained unmet due to a division among the communist parties and this has caused frustration and anger among the citizens. The leader who was recently charged for the misappropriation of the public property claimed to be ‘innocent’ in the Patanjali land scam.
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Major infrastructure of Gwarko flyover completed
Kathmandu: The major infrastructure construction of the Gwarko flyover has been completed.
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Devendra Dahal, and a team of the Department of Roads made an inspection visit to the site today at the flyover construction area at Gwarko, Lalitpur.
On the occasion, Minister Dahal said that construction of the flyover was delayed since it was a new case for Nepal.
Likewise, Director General of the Department, Dr Bijay Jaisi, said that the flyover would be ready for vehicle operations within some days. It is said that some dividers at the centre of the flyover and few other tasks are left to do.
The project, costing Rs 176 million, was initially scheduled for completion by February 23, 2024, but the deadline was not met due to different circumstances.
With the completion of the flyover, vehicular movement along the Koteshwor-Gwarko section would be easier.
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Parliamentary hearing process for proposed SC Justices begins
Kathmandu: The Federal Parliamentary Hearing Committee has advanced the parliamentary hearing process for three proposed Justices of the Supreme Court and a member of the Judicial Council.
A meeting of the Committee held Saturday has initiated steps for parliamentary hearing for proposed Justices of Supreme Court Senior Advocate Meghraj Pokhrel, Chief Judge of High Court Janakpur Shreekant Paudel and Chief Judge of High Court Dipayal Shanti Singh Thapa, and proposed member of the Judicial Council, Mahesh Kumar Nepal.
Committee Chairperson Ishwari Neupane said that the meeting decided to issue a public notice seeking any complaint or grievance within 10 days concerning the proposed SC Justices and Judicial Council member.
According to Neupane, such complaints could be send directly to the Committee Secretariat or via email.
The Judicial Council had recommended the names of Pokhrel, Paudel and Thapa last week for the post of Supreme Court Justice.
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Couple die while electrofishing in Morang
Sundarharaicha (Morang): A couple lost their lives due to electric shock on Saturday while attempting to electrofish in the Madeli River at Sundarharaicha municipality-7 in Morang district.
The deceased have been identified as local residents, Purna Bahadur Limbu, 58, and his spouse Phulmaya Limbu, 52, according to Spokesperson of the District Police Office, DSP Kopila Chundal.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred beneath the river bridge, where the couple was using electricity from a nearby electric pole to catch fish. Both died on the spot.
Their bodies have been sent to the BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan for post-mortem examinations. Further investigations into the incident are underway.
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Madhes province clinches TB Shah Memorial Cricket title
Karnali: The Madhes province has clinched the title of the TB Shah Memorial U-16 National Cricket tournament.
In the final match of the tournament held today in Birendranagar, Surkhet, the Madhes province emerged winner, defeating the Bagmati province by seven wickets.
Invited to bat first after losing the toss, the Bagmati gathered 112 runs in 33 overs of the limited 50-over game.
In response, opener for the Madhes province team Ayan Mukhiya stroke 22 off 33 being not out while Santu Mandal contributed 43 off 22. Likewise, Sushant Singh secured 12 off 15 and Parimarjan Yadav and Mahi Yadav made equal four runs.
Nepali Congress Karnali province parliamentary party leader, Jeewan Bahadur Shahi handed a cash prize of Rs 125,000 to the winner Madhes province.
Chairperson of the Karnali Provincial Cricket Association, Padam Bahadur Khadka informed that the tournament was hosted by the Cricket Association of Nepal and co-hosted by Karnali Provincial Cricket Association.
Cricket teams from all seven provinces had participated in the tournament held from June 2.
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‘Madhesi community should unite for effective implementation of rights secured so far’
Kathmandu: Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Shah Sudi, has called for the Madhesi community to further unite so as to institutionalize the rights achieved so far.
Addressing a health awareness programme organized by the Women Sub-Committee of the Sudi Society in Kathmandu on Saturday, the Minister stated that the participation of the Madhesi community in the executive, judiciary, and legislature has relatively increased compared to the past. However, he emphasized the need for greater unity among the community to secure additional rights.
The Minister also expressed confidence that the Society would play a constructive role in building a politically, socially, economically, and educationally empowered society.
Similarly, CPN (UML) leader and lawmaker Juli Kumari Mahato urged the State to increase investment in the economic, social, political, and educational development of Madhesi women, highlighting the need for their overall advancement.
According to Society Chair Sheetal Prasad Mahato, the programme focused on discussions with doctors about the symptoms and treatment procedures of cancer. The aim was to raise public awareness among women about breast and uterine cancer.
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Indian government gifts 40 ambulances to Nepal
Kathmandu: Nepal has received 40 ambulances as a gift from the southern close neighbor.
The Government of India on Saturday gifted 40 ambulances to various health institutions operating across different districts of Nepal.
The vehicle handover ceremony was held simultaneously in four different locations, including the Embassy of India in Kathmandu, the Consulate General of India in Birgunj and the Pension Paying Offices of the Embassy of India in Pokhara and Dharan, the Embassy said in the press statement.
A total of 40 ambulances were gifted today covering 33 districts across all the seven provinces of Nepal. Out of these, 22 ambulances were handed over in Kathmandu.
Further, seven ambulances were handed over in Birgunj, seven ambulances in Pokhara and four ambulances in Dharan by the representatives of the Government of India, it has been stated.
At the ceremony held in Kathmandu, the keys of the vehicles were handed over by Shri Prasanna Shrivastava, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Kathmandu.
Also present on the occasion were Mayors and Chairpersons of Municipalities and Rural Municipalities of various districts of Bagmati, Karnali, Lumbini and Sudurpaschim provinces as well as representatives of various beneficiary organisations, political representatives, and social workers.
India and Nepal enjoy multi-faceted and multi-sectoral development partnership is the manifestation of the closeness of the people of both the countries.
The extension of these logistical arrangements reflects the continued commitment of the Government of India to the development of Nepal and to further strengthening of the people to people linkage between both countries, the statement adds.
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Speaker Ghimire stresses on reviewing electoral systems
Kathmandu: Speaker Devraj Ghimire has spoken of the need to critically review the existing electoral systems so as to address challenges towards making the governance more effective and pro-citizen.
While unveiling a book entitled ” Electoral Systems: A Comparative Study” authored by constitutional expert and senior advocate Dr Chandrakanta Gyawali here on Saturday, he called for broader discussions on the issues and challenges of the governance and electoral systems.
“Either is it the fault of the existing electoral systems or are the issues related to the electoral code of conduct, or is it the problem of the political parties using it?” he questioned, underlining the need to review electoral processes and the systems.
It is necessary to explore potential ways for ensuring that each election is conducted in a fair and transparent atmosphere with the appropriate participation of all, and for enabling environment where elected representatives can perform in a stable and result-oriented manner, he added.
The book is published by the Pairavi Book House.
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Bailey bridge collapses, injuring six with four critical
Panchthar, June 13: Six workers were injured when an under-construction Bailey bridge over the Hewa River along the Mechi Highway in Panchthar caved in on Saturday.
According to police, among them, four have sustained severe injuries.
The modular bridge with around 70 meters length collapsed this evening while it was being fixed towards Hilihang rural municipality, confirmed Deputy Superintendent of Police Kaushal Kumar Budhathoki, the Chief of the District Police Office.
According to him, those critically injured in the accident are Rupalal Chaudhary, 22, Rajan Chaudhary, 27, Rakesh Chaudhary, 22 and Bhuleshwar Chaudhary, 25. They are all from Simara Sub-metropolis-12 in Bara district. The others injured are Prakash Chaudhary, 35, and Abhishek Chaudhary, 30.
The injured are receiving treatment at Panchthar District Hospital, police said. According to locals, the issue of overload led to the incident.
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Dura promoted to secretary of parliament secretariat
Kathmandu: Suraj Kumar Dura has been promoted to the vacant position of Secretary of the Federal Parliament Secretariat.
A meeting of the secretariat operations and management committee held today under the chair of the Speaker took the decision to that end.
Two days earlier, the promotion committee chaired by the Public Service Commission had recommended for the promotion of Dura along with Manoj Kumar Giri and Hridayaram Maharjan.
A post of secretary has remained vacant in the parliament secretariat after secretariat secretary Sudarshan Khadka resigned from the post.
Speaker Devraj Ghimire and National Assembly Chairperson Narayan Prasad Dahal, among others had congratulated newly-appointed Secretary Dura wishing him for the successful tenure.
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‘Fully proportional electoral system needed’
Kathmandu: Leaders of different political parties and senior advocates have called for opting the fully-proportional electoral system in the country.
At a programme organized to release a book entitled “Electoral System in Nepal: A Comparative Study” by senior advocate Dr Chandra Kant Gyawali on Saturday, the politicians and advocates said that existing electoral system was costlier and was a cause for political instability as well as lacks fully-proportional feature.
On the occasion, Chairman of Janata Samajwadi Party Upendra Yadav viewed that the existing electoral system should be changed also to make it inexpensive. He added that we have to embrace a new electoral system so that candidates from all classes can contest the polls.
“The current electoral system should be changed. The Prime Minister and Members of Parliament should be elected from the directly-elected system,” according to Yadav.
Likewise, CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Rekha Sharma said that fully-proportional electoral system and directly-elected executive head would end instability in the country.
She argued that the provision of making ministers to the lawmakers has shrunk their role in the lawmaking process.
Also speaking at the event, CPN (Unified Socialist) leader Prakash Jwala voiced for new electoral system to adopt the directly-elected executive head in the country. “Based on the existing experience, the electoral system should be c hanged. This (electoral system) failed to ensure stability and feeling of republic,” Jwala added.
Similarly, former chief election commissioner Nilkantha Upreti also argued that fully electoral system was appropriate to ensure representation of all classes and groups, and for a stable government.
Former Attorney General Dr Dinmani Pokhrel called for further debates on selecting an appropriate electoral system while Attorney General Ramesh Badal argued for effective operation of the current mixed electoral system adding that frequent changes in the electoral system would plunge us into an abyss of political instability.
Writer of the book Dr Gyawali said that election constituencies should be determined to ensure inclusive representation under the first-past-the-post electoral system by ending the provision of proportional seat in the current electoral system.
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