- Friday, 18 July 2025
Kathmandu, July 17: Former chairman of the Press Council Nepal, Kishor Shrestha has been elected as the Vice President of the World Press Council.
He has been elected to the post from the Council’s summit held in Tanzania. He is also the immediate past General Secretary of the World Press Council.
A new leadership has been unanimously selected for the Council for the next three years. However, the newly elected Vice President Shrestha said that the entire election process has been completed.
Sudhir Kumar Panda, a representative of the Press Council of India, brought the proposal supporting Shrestha to the post while Lofty Dubey from Zimbabwe, Dr Tin Tun O from Myanmar, Ibrahim Arslan from Kosovo, and Kazubi Mukajanga from Tanzania seconded the proposal.
David Omoyo of Kenya has been elected as the President of the Council and Ali Hanserli from Cyprus as another Vice President. Similarly, Ernest Samson from Tanzania takes over as General Secretary while Tamer Atabarut from Turkey has been elected the Treasurer.
Likewise, CK Nayak from India and Jiada Kilobo from Tanzania have been elected as the International Liaison Coordinators.
The world conference of the council happening in Arusha, Tanzania will conclude on Friday. The conference has the participation of representatives from 27 countries including Nepal.
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Tikapur Municipality prohibits use of plastic bags from today
Tikapur, July 17: Tikapur Municipality has prohibited the use of plastic bags effective from today.
Mayor Ram Lal Tharu said they were active in the campaign of making the municipality plastic- free zone for the past two months. He urged the local political parties, business community, different organisations, journalists and social workers to prohibit the use of plastic products.
Mayor Tharu shared that Rs 1,000 will be fined against the seller of plastic bags and against those violating the municipality’s decision for the first time, Rs 3,000 for the second time and Rs 50,000 for the third time.
Similarly, for the first time, Rs 10 would be fined against those using plastic bag, Rs 50 for the second time and Rs 100 for the third time.
Likewise, the municipality would fine Rs 2,000 for the first time against those producing plastic bags, Rs 4,000 fine for the second time and Rs 6,000 for third time.
Mayor Chaudhary expressed commitment to strictly implement this decision.
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BP Highway to remain closed for 12 hours at night for a month
Kavrepalanchowk, July 17: The Kavrepalanchowk road section along the BP Highway is to remain closed for 12 hours at night for a month.
The District Administration Office, Kavrepalanchowk has confirmed the closure of traffic from Kavrebhanjyang to Nepalthok, the border with Sindhuli, for one month, bearing in mind the increased risk of landslides and floods during the active monsoon season.
The closure will be enforced from 5:00pm to 5:00am, said Chief District Officer of Kavrepalanchowk, Umesh Kumar Dhakal.
Previously, a meeting of the inter-district coordination committee of Kavrepalanchowk, Sindhuli, and Ramechhap districts had decided to close the highway from 6:30pm to 5:00 am, beginning on June 21.
In the past week alone, floods and landslides have already disrupted this section four times.
The devastating flooding caused by unseasonal downpours in September 2024 had significantly damaged the BP Highway, particularly from Chaukidanda of Kavrepalanchowk to Barshekhola of Sindhuli. An eight-kilometre section was swept away by the flood.
Of the total 160-km highway, 34 kilometres on the third section from Khurkot to Nepalthok of Sindhuli and 50 kilometres on the fourth section from Nepalthok to Dhulikhel of Kavrepalanchowk were damaged at various locations.
Contracts have begun for restoring the highway in four sections, it has been said.
As the shortest route connecting the Kathmandu Valley with eastern Nepal, the highway sees the movement of thousands of vehicles each day.
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34 cattle infected from lumpy skin disease in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West)
Nawalparasi, July 17: Thirty-four cattle have been found infected from lumpy skin disease in Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West).
In recent period, such infection has been seen on the cattle, which were not vaccinated, and there is a risk of spreading of the infection, said Chief of Veterinary Hospital and Livestock Service Expert Centre, Shrawan Kumar Chaudhary.
The lumpy skin infection has spread in Sunawal, Bardaghat, Susta, Pratappur and Ramgram in the district, he added.
Dr Bibhuti Singh of the Centre mentioned that they have been doing regular treatment of infected cattle and inspection of such areas.
Though the infection has not claimed the lives of many cattle, farmers are worried after milk production has decreased due to this, she opined.
Saying lumpy skin infection has been seen across the country in recent period, Dr Singh it was seen in Bardaghat for the first time in Asar and has now spread in five local levels of the district.
Fever, drop on milk production, firm nodules on skin, discharge from nose and eyes are some symptoms of lumpy skin disease, added Dr Chaudhary.
Cows at Sundarharaicha municipality-11 of Morang had developed such symptoms on June 24, 2020 for the first time and Central Veterinary Lab, Tripureshwor confirmed it as lumpy skin disease on July 27, 2020.
As per the data of Central Referral Veterinary Hospital, Tripureshwor, the lumpy skin disease has spread in 76 districts and 555,000 cattle were infected with this disease. Of them, 21,000 cattle died.
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Dhanabir Kami in dire need of medical attention
Simkot (Humla), July 17: Dhanabir Kami, 56, from Yanggu in Simkot rural municipality-8, has been suffering from leprosy for years. Instead of receiving treatment, his family has kept him separate, and he has now reached a condition in which he cannot walk.
However, so far he has not been able to receive treatment. The secretary of the Nepal Red Cross Society Humla branch, Arjun Bohara, said that Kami has been suffering from leprosy for six years and is currently in a dire condition.
For the first two years after contracting leprosy, he was able to walk around and managed to seek necessary treatment at the district hospital. However, for the past four years, he has not been able to receive treatment due to the poor financial condition of his family.
His hearing has diminished and he has to crawl to go to the toilet as he cannot walk. Kami has been provided with a small room built on the roof of the house. He has been provided tattered bedding and old clothes.
The families of his two younger brothers have been arranging meals alternately every month. Bohora said that Kami communicated with him in sign language to help him find medical treatment.
There is a need for supportive organizations for Kami who is not in a position to seek treatment himself and his two brothers also cannot afford his treatment.
The Simkot rural municipality has provided a disability identification card to Kami, but he has not received any assistance so far.
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Chair Dahal urges YCL to build strong relationship with people
Patan (Lalitpur), July 17: Chairperson of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has pointed out the need of taking labour and production together by building strong relationship with the people.
Inaugurating ‘YCL in labour and production’ campaign organised by YCL Nepal Central Committee at Balkumari ground of Sunakothi in Lalitpur today, Chair Dahal urged YCL members to help stop possible destruction from incessant rainfall, flood and landslide.
“Conspiracy has been hatched to reverse the change and it can be made unsuccessful. Significant changes can be achieved with participation of youth. It should be forwarded as a campaign”, he argued.
Vice-Chairperson Pampha Bhusal, In-charge of Bagmati Province Saral Sahayatri, central members Hari Dahal, Ramkaji Maharjan, among others were present on the occasion.
YCL Nepal In-Charge Ram Prasad Sapkota ‘Deepshikha’ shared that the campaign would be launched across the country in Saun and Bhadau, adding the campaign has been launched in 50 districts today itself.
YCL Nepal would carry out activities giving priority to production, labour and disaster management, he opined.
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‘Government will be facilitator in the development of industrial infrastructure’
Kathmandu, July 17: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari has said that the government is focused on the development of industrial infrastructure as this will create employment opportunities in areas with economic entrepreneurship.
Addressing the 38th anniversary ceremony of Industrial Zone Management Limited here today, he expressed the view that the government should not be an obstacle but a facilitator in the development of industrial infrastructure.
The Secretary of Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Krishna Bahadur Raut, highlighted the necessity to link the industrial sector with information technology for development. He emphasized the need to collaborate with the private sector to make the industrial sector modern, innovative, and competitive.
The chairman of the Balaju Industrial District Management Office, Baburam Pant, mentioned that they are progressing by collaborating with the private sector for industrial promotion.
Outstanding employees working in various industrial sectors and successful industries were awarded with honours at the ceremony.
The Limited, established with the objective of integrated management, coordination, and promotion of industrial sectors across the country, has organized various programmes on the occasion of its annual celebration.
According to the policies adopted by the government, Industrial Zone Management Limited has been strengthening its role as an active mechanism to provide services to industries.
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Kirtipur Cricket Stadium construction in final stage: PM Oli
Kathmandu, July 17: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has said that the construction of the cricket stadium in Kirtipur has reached its final stage.
Taking to his social site today, he mentioned that the contractor company is currently proceeding ahead with the work by paying compensation because they did not complete the construction of the stadium on time.
“Even while working in three shifts, there could have been delays due to the monsoon and other technical reasons. However, the government has now made provision for penalties and rewards to ensure results and maintain discipline in work, which is a positive step,” Prime Minister Oli wrote on his social media wall.
He also mentioned that this system of reward and punishment is being implemented in other related public construction works as well.
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Home Minister pledges actions against culprits of VAW, menstrual discrimination
Kathmandu, July 17: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has said facilities from the local levels will be denied to those compelling menstruating woman to isolate and stay in a hut. As he said, circulars towards that end will be issued for local levels across the country.
During his meeting with office-bearers of the Inter Party Women’s Alliance here today, the Home Minister said the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration will be requested for issuing the circular.
“Superstition has a great role in the menstrual discriminations,” he said, seeking the support and advice from the Alliance towards the elimination of such discriminations.
As the Minister reiterated, the government is serious about the existence of violence against women including sexual assaults. “The government is serious about the need to work towards the dignity, pride, prestige and security of women,” he said, pledging that those responsible for the violence against women will be brought to justice.
During the meeting Alliance President Mamata Giri submitted a memorandum to the Minister, demanding an end to all sorts of discriminations against women. They expressed their grave concerns over increasing case of violence and discriminations on women.
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Disaster casualties in three months: 93 deaths, 22 missing
Kathmandu, July 17: During the last three months since April 14, there have been 2,065 disaster-related incidents, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) said.
NDRRMA stated that in these three months of this Nepali year, 93 people have died due to these disaster-related incidents and 22 are missing.
NDRRMA spokesperson and under-secretary, Suresh Sunar, said a total of 445 people have been injured in those incidents till date and 4,136 families have been affected by those incidents.
According to the latest report of the last three months published by the NDRRMA today for the year 2082 BS, there have been a total of 137 incidents of floods, resulting in the death of 13 people and 22 others missing.
A few days ago, on July 8, the flood that occurred in Rasuwa Bhotekoshi caused the most human casualties. This incident was caused by a glacial lake outburst in the upper region.
Six people were killed in the 175 incidents of landslide that were reported during this period. Spokesperson Sunar said that 26 people died from lightning strikes, 14 from fire, 12 from wild animal attacks, and 11 from altitude sickness in the last three months.
The NDRRMA has stated that there have also been human casualties due to storms, snake bites, and heavy rains.
A total of 1,246 families have been affected by the floods and 1,048 families by the fires. It has been reported that hundreds of families have been affected by incidents such as landslides, lightning, heavy rainfall, snake bites, storms and forest fires.
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Nepal-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group to promote investment
Kathmandu, July 17: Nepal-UK Parliamentary Friendship Group has organized a policy-making experience sharing and discussed about investment promotion.
The meeting held at Singha Durbar today discussed with office-bearers of Westminster Foundation for Democracy and Nepal Britain UK Chamber of Commerce, and drew conclusion to use parliamentary diplomacy for investment promotion in various sectors of both countries.
Group Coordinator Biraj Bhakta Shrestha said an understanding has been reached with Westminster Foundation about exchanging experiences about parliamentary practice as well as policy making process of Nepal and UK.
Similarly, an understanding has been reached with Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce to collaborate in possible areas and investment promotion between the two countries and the Friendship Group to use parliamentary diplomacy, he opined.
A draft of collaboration with both organisations would be prepared. The Friendship Group also decided to hold discussion with Foreign Ministry about parliamentary dimensions of Nepal-UK relations.
In the meeting, Director of Westminster Foundation for Democracy Dinesh Wagle made presentation about activities carried out so far in Nepal, framework of memorandum of understanding and future plans.
Likewise, Chief of Nepal- Britain Chamber of Commerce, Rajendra Khetan, expressed view about Nepal’s investment possibility, attractive sector for British investors, opportunities and challenges in the economic partnership between the two countries.
Nepal-UK relations would be further strengthened and parliamentary diplomacy and economic collaboration would be made strong, according to the Group.
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Dengue infection risk heightens in Kathmandu: local government
Kathmandu, July 17: The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has urged its residents to take preventive measures against dengue amidst its increased risk due to continuous rains.
There has been almost uninterrupted rainfall for the past one month, heightening the risk of dengue transmission caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, according to Rhishi Bhusal, Resource Person for the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention at the KMC Office.
He said that arrangements are in place for the distribution of cetamol, and jeevan jal (oral rehydration salts), which are the generic medicine and supplement used for dengue infection.
The Department of Hydrology and Meteorology has predicted above-average rainfall during this monsoon season, and the Metropolis has stated that, in light of this forecast, the risk of dengue infection has further heightened.
Health workers at the Urban Health Promotion Center clinic, female community health volunteers, and sanitation workers are also engaged in cleaning areas and neighborhoods where water has accumulated, it has been said.
Likewise, awareness programmes on dengue have been implemented in community schools across all 32 wards of the Metropolis, targeting students from grades 8 to 10.
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Dharahara to remain open for 12 hours from today
Kathmandu, July 17: Dharahara (the historic Bhimsen Tower) is to remain open to the public for 12 hours a day.
According to the new schedule implemented by the Ministry of Urban Development, the monument will now be open for visitors from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm each day, including public holidays.
Previously, it was open to the public from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm daily.
The structure, which had been flattened by the 2015 major earthquake, was restored with quake-resistant features. It was reopened to the public on September 19, 2024. Entry to the tower has been chargeable since November 24, 2024.
Ministry Spokesperson Narayan Mainali stated that the tower will now be operated in two shifts. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development, Prakash Man Singh, considered public feedback regarding the extension of Dharahara’s opening hours, leading the Ministry to implement the new schedule for its operation.
In the past seven months, Rs 43.39 million has been collected from the sale of Dharahara entry tickets. Since its reopening following the restoration, 203,765 people have visited the tower, it has been said.
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NIC brings RTI Management System in operation
Kathmandu, July 17: The National Information Commission has brought ‘RTI Management System’ into operation from today to facilitate in implementation of citizen’s right to information provision.
At a programme organised at the Commission today, Chief Information Commissioner Dr Suresh Prasad Acharya, inaugurated the preliminary-phase of the system.
In the first phase, an arrangement has been made to seek information of federal ministries, constitutional bodies, central commissions, departments and departmental offices through online. The system also includes a provision for appeal if the requested information is not provided.
Chief Commissioner Acharya said they have a plan to bring such system into practice gradually in three-tier governments, public bodies and nationwide.
With this, information seeker should not email at the respective bodies for the information. One can demand information from public bodies through this system, he added.
The Commission has already informed campaigners of right to information about the issues including demanding information and appealing if information is not provided through this system.
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