- Friday, 29 August 2025
Hemanta Joshi
Kathmandu, Aug 2: Nepal exported the highest amount of soybean oil out of the total goods exported by Nepal in the last fiscal year 2024/25. Similarly, sunflower oil is the fourth most exported goods after iron products and yarn.
Nepal imports the raw materials of these goods and exported after processing and packaging. The export of these goods witnessed an unusual growth in the last fiscal year.
According to the Trade and Export Promotion Centre, the export of soybean oil increased by more than 11,000 per cent in the last fiscal year. Of the total export of Nepal last fiscal year, soybean oil alone stood 38.5 per cent.
Out of total export worth Rs 277 billion, soybean oil worth Rs 106 billion was exported. As per the report released by the Centre, the export of iron and iron products decreased by 6.01 per cent in the last fiscal year.
Similarly, sunflower oil export increased by 7,436 per cent and Nepal brought Rs 12.33 billion from its export.
Nepal brought Rs 14.40 billion to the country after the export of yarn had increased by 19.85 per cent. However, the export of readymade clothes had decreased by 2.39 per cent and it was limited to Rs 8.75 billion while the export of plywood had also decreased by 4.26 per cent.
Likewise, the export of cardamom had also decreased by 3.24 per cent, tea by 26.64 per cent, oil cake by 22.80 per cent in the last fiscal year.
Nepal’s export to India had increased by 117.8 per cent and reached Rs 224 billion. The export to India was 67.71 per cent on the previous fiscal year 2023/24 and it increased to 81.10 per cent in the fiscal year 2024/25.
India, the USA, Germany, the UK, UAE, China, France, Australia, Japan, Italy, Turkey, the Netherlands and Afghanistan are the major destinations for Nepal’s export business.
The raw materials for soybean oil is at the top of the country’s imports in the last fiscal year. During the period, the raw materials for soybean oil witnessed an increase of 711.96 percent, amounting to Rs 108.95 billion.
Likewise, the imports of the petroleum products decreased by 4.29 percent in the last fiscal year, reaching Rs 287.65 billion.
Imports of iron and steels and their products increased by 10.18 per cent and reached Rs 162.5 billion during the period.
Similarly, the country imported machinery goods worth Rs 124.15 billion and the imports of electric and electronic goods totaled Rs 73.88 billion, while the imports of vehicles and their spare parts reached Rs 109.12 billion. But, the imports of palm oil decreased by 35.68 percent, reaching Rs 6.82 billion.
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Swiss National Day marked
Kathmandu, Aug 2: The Swiss National Day was marked amidst a programme in Kathmandu on Friday.
Nepal Swiss Chamber of Commerce and Industries (NSCCI) hosted a celebration of Swiss National Day, bringing together dignitaries, members, and guests from diverse professional backgrounds.
The event underscored the deep-rooted friendships and longstanding diplomatic relations between Nepal and Switzerland.
On the occasion, Matthias Meier, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Switzerland in Nepal, highlighted the recent Nepal visit of Swiss Foreign Minister Dr. Ignazio Cassis, which marks the 69 years of meaningful diplomatic relationships and preparing the ground for next year’s 70th anniversary.
Also speaking on the occasion, Khem Lakai, President of NSCCI, highlighted the strong economic, cultural, and social ties that have evolved over decades between Nepal and Switzerland.
He emphasized the significance of the year 2026 as it marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations, a milestone that reflects a legacy of mutual respect and collaboration.
Also addressing the gathering, Rewant Prasad Dhaubhadel, President of the Nepal Swiss Friendship Society, stressed the importance of building on these historical ties through continuous engagement and people-to-people connections.
The Swiss National Day celebration provided a unique platform for NSCCI members, Swiss alumni, business leaders, and guests to interact, share experiences, and explore potential opportunities for collaboration.
This year’s Swiss National Day celebration was not just an opportunity to honor Switzerland’s national heritage but also a testament to the enduring partnership between the two countries, NSCCI sources said.
The presence of key diplomatic representatives, prominent industry figures, and members of the Nepal-Swiss community highlighted the importance of continued collaboration across business, culture, and friendship.
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Sindhuli section of Mid-Hill Highway obstructed
Sindhuli, Aug 2: The Sindhuli section of the Mid-Hill Highway has been obstructed since this morning.
The road section has remained disrupted with the pile-up of debris after landslide.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) at District Police Office Sindhuli, Surya Prakash Subedi, informed that the local road has been blocked due to landslide in Golanjhor Rural Municipality-6, Akarebhir.
As a result of the incessant rainfall last night, an 11-wheeler truck (Na 7 Kha 7890) carrying buffalo from Okhaldhunga to Kathmandu got stuck in the mudslide, he shared.
DSP Subedi said that efforts are being made to pull out the truck from mud.
Three trucks have been stuck at various places on the local road. A landslide that occurred on the Mid-Hill Highway in Golanjhor Rural Municipality-6, Baleni, has blocked the traffic.
With the road disruption, vehicles plying on the Khurkot-Ghumri road section are being halted in Khurkot. Vehicles heading from eastern districts including Okhaldhunga, Solukhumbu, and Bhojpur will have to wait for some time.
The police shared that efforts are underway to remove the landslide debris from the road.
Continuous rainfall has occurred in Sindhuli since last night.
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Heavy rainfall likely in three provinces today
Kathmandu, Aug 2: Currently the monsoon winds have impacts across the country.
The Meteorological Forecasting Division has stated that the low pressure line of the monsoon is located slightly north from the average position.
There will be general changes in the weather across the country this afternoon.
According to the Division, moderate rain with thunder and lightning is likely to take place in many parts of the hilly regions in the country, including Gandaki and Lumbini Provinces, as well as in some areas of the Terai region.
It has also indicated a possibility of heavy rain in one or two places in Koshi, Gandaki, and Lumbini Provinces.
The weather across the country will generally remain overcast tonight.
There is a possibility of moderate rain with thunder and lightning in many places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati, and Gandaki provinces, as well as in some areas of the remaining provinces.
Heavy rain is also predicted in one or two locations of Koshi Province. Since there is a possibility of heavy rain in one or two places in Koshi, Gandaki, and Lumbini Provinces, the Division has urged the general public and all concerned agencies to keep abreast of the latest weather information.
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‘Coliform’ bacteria detected in 125 sources of drinking water
Dhorpatan (Baglung), Aug 2: Faecal coliform bacteria have been found in the sources of drinking water in Baglung every year.
Baglung Provincial Public Health Office has found coliform bacteria in 125 sources while testing water samples collected from 341 sources in all ten municipalities of the district.
The highest presence of coliform was detected in drinking water sources of Jaymini Municipality.
According to Dilli Acharya, a lab technician at the Provincial Public Health Office, coliform was found in samples of 42 out of 106 sources of drinking water tested in this municipality.
He also mentioned that 40 sources of water were found contaminated with coliform bacteria among 91 places tested in Galkot Municipality.
In Baglung Municipality, samples of four out of 24 sources tested were found with coliform, while in Kathekhola Rural Municipality, out of the 47 sources tested, the faecal coliform was detected in 27 sources.
As informed, coliform was found in 10 sources out of 68 tested in Badigaad Rural Municipality.
None of the five sources tested with coliform in Dhorpatan Municipality, he informed.
Acharya noted that sources have not been tested in Nisikhola, Tamankhola, Tarakhola, and Bareng Rural Municipality.
Last year too, coliform was found in 103 sources, which has increased to 125 this year.
“We will expand the scope of testing in all municipalities as coliform has been found in many sources”, Acharya said.
Dr. Kiran Tiwari, Medical Superintendent of Dhaulagiri Provincial Hospital, stated that drinking water contaminated with coliform can cause diseases such as diarrhea, cholera, typhoid, jaundice, hepatitis B, urinary infections, and blood infections.
Dr. Tiwari recommends the consumption of the water from coliform-affected sources only after boiling. Harihar Sharma, the deputy mayor of Jamini Municipality, which has shown the highest level of coliform, mentioned that the municipality is engaged in the cleaning and conservation of the sources.
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Commercial production of ‘Diktel Millet Biscuit’ begins in Khotang
Khotang, Aug 2: Coinciding the ‘First National Millet Day-2082’, the Shubham Foundation Diktel Khotang has begun commercial production of ‘millet biscuit’.
The Foundation has commercially produced and brought ‘Diktel Millet (Kodo) Biscuit’ in the market.
The Foundation, as informed, has installed equipment purchased with a 50 percent grant assistance from Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadi Municipality. The biscuit, manufactured using millet flour, ghee, milk, and sugar, is packaged in a 100-gram packet priced at Rs 50.
The biscuits produced by Shubham Foundation under the municipality’s indigenous crop promotion programme were jointly launched by the chief of the District Coordination Committee Khotang Sanbahadur Rai, Chief District Officer Kalpana Shrestha, heads of the three security agencies, and ward-2 chair Solma Dhruba Bikram Rai among others.
On the occasion of the first National Millet Day, food items made from millet were showcased along with the biscuits.
The day organized jointly by the Agriculture Knowledge Center Khotang, Diktel Rupakot Majhuwagadi Municipality, and Shubham Foundation, featured cakes, momos, cookies, selroti, dried bread, kheer, and tongba alongside the biscuits in the exhibition.
Executive Director of Shubham Foundation, Surya Bahadur Rai, informed that the production of ‘Dikhel Millet Biscuit’ has begun commercially by fulfilling the standards set by the Department of Food Technology and Quality Control. ‘We have started the commercial production of biscuits with the aim of creating employment by marketing millet dishes’, he added.
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PPHL, Gandaki launches histopathology services
Gandaki, Aug 2: Histopathology services have been launched for the first time under Gandaki Province.
Histopathology is crucial for diagnosing cancer, monitoring disease progression, and guiding treatment decisions, experts say.
According to Dr Bishwaraj Baral, Acting Chief of the Province Public Health Laboratory (PPHL), histopathology is about the microscopic examination of tissue samples typically collected through biopsies or surgeries to diagnose diseases and understand their underlying causes.
While histopathology services have already been available in federal government hospitals and some private institutions, this marks the first time the service has been officially introduced from the government level in the province.
Minister for Health Krishna Prasad Pathak expressed his confidence that the newly launched service would significantly contribute to the expansion and strengthening of the health services in the Province.
“We are the first one to launch the histopathology service among the public hospitals at the province-level. We have introduced the state-of-the-art technology in the laboratory tests,” Minister Pathak said.
He believed that with the introduction of this new service, patients in the province would no longer need to visit health facilities elsewhere for cancer diagnosis. “This service is conveniently accessible from the Provincial Public Health Laboratory.”
The lab has been providing service from 8 am to 5pm daily through 22 human resources.
Dr Baral said that the samples from both public and private hospitals will be examined in the newly introduced lab.
He informed that samples of 50 to 100 patients are being examined in the lab on a daily basis.
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Seven teenage girls prevented from potential trafficking in India
Jhapa, Aug 2: Seven Nepali teenage girls, who were lured to India with false promises of employment, have been rescued by Indian police at the Panitanki border checkpoint.
According to Govinda Ghimire, Coordinator of Koshi Province for Maiti Nepal, two Nepali men involved in the alleged trafficking of the girls were arrested by the Indian police.
Coordinator Ghimire shared that the rescue operation took place last Friday, and the girls and accused ones are presently put in Kharibari police station in Siliguri, India.
The rescued teenagers, all from Sankhuwasabha district, were reportedly lured with false promises of jobs in Hong Kong.
The accused traffickers have been identified as Dipesh Gurung 41, of Toribari in Darjeeling in India, and Japan Gurung, 61, of Makalu rural municipality-3 in Sankhuwasabha district.
It has been learnt that the accused ones brought the girls across the border at Panitanki via Kakarvitta, a border point in the eastern part of Nepal. Indian police intercepted them while they were en route to Siliguri produced fake travel documents.
A team comprising Coordinator Ghimire arrived Panitanki on the same day of the rescue operation. However, Indian police have kept both the alleged survivors and traffickers in custody to proceed with necessary legal procedures.
Area Police Office, Kakarvitta stated that they had not received any official information from the Indian police regarding this case.
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Citizens start getting water from supply tank in drought-hit Lahan
Siraha, Aug 2: Citizens of Lahan municipality-24, who had been facing an acute shortage of drinking water, have now started receiving drinking water from storage tanks.
In Lahan, particularly in the northern settlements, shallow tube wells, the main and most reliable sources of drinking water have dried up due to a prolonged drought.
With joint support from the Wicken Project and WaterAid, arrangements have been made to supply water to the locals from a 2,000-liter capacity tank transported by a water tanker vehicle.
Mayor Mahesh Prasad Chaudhary stated that the municipality has planned to distribute four liters of drinking water per person daily, free of cost, for the next three months. “The programme will be extended if needed,” he added.
The settlement is home to around 60 families, who now fetch water using buckets and other vessels.
The Wicken Project has already allocated Rs two million to implement the programme in coordination with Lahan Municipality and the Water Supply Office.
Local resident Purna Bahadur Sarki expressed relief at receiving drinking water in the locality. “Drinking water has become like our lifeline these days,” he said. “We also struggle to manage water for washing clothes, daily use, and for our cattle. We wait for the rains.”
Other areas, including Lahan municipality wards 13, 15, 16, 17, and 18, have also been severely affected by the water shortage. The local government has plans to reach out to these areas with drinking water supplies as well.
The drought has led to the depletion and drying up of water sources such as wells, ponds, hand tube wells, and irrigation systems.
Jagabir Yadav of Lahan-13 shared that this is the worst drought he has experienced in six decades. “The Salahesh Garden Pond and the Saraswoti Stream have also dried up,” he noted.
Environment expert Dinesh Yadav stressed the urgency of preserving the Chure region in the Tarai/Madhesh as a sustainable solution to the region’s ongoing water crisis.
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14 injured in road accident
Kimathanka (Sankhuwasabha) Aug 2: A total of 14 people have been injured in a road accident that took place at Deurali Ghumti in Laligurans Municipality-1 earlier today.
The accident involving a public passenger bus (Ba 2 Pa 7244) took place when the bus, on its way to Damak from Mulgaun in Dharmadevi Municipality fell some 10 meters off the road, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Leela Raj Lamichhane of the District Police Office, Tehrathum.
Among the injured, the condition of Sabin Bista, 23, of Dharmadevi Municipality-9, is reported to be critical condition and has been sent to BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan for further treatment. Other injured are undergoing treatment at Basantapur Hospital, police said.
The bus driver, Khem Mahat of Dharmadevi-6 in Sankhuwasabha, is absconding after the bus accident.
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One dead, two injured in road accident in Sunsari
Dharan (Sunsari), Aug 2: One person died while two others sustained injuries in a road accident involving a collision between two motorcycles at Pachira of Duhabi Municipality-2 in Sunsari district on Friday night.
According to the District Police Office (DPO), Sunsari, 18-year-old Nazamuddin Miya, a resident of Gadhi rural municipality-2, Sunsari died when two motorcycles collided head-on last Friday night.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and Spokesperson at the DPO, Sunsari, Yograj Khatiwada said that the mishap occurred when a motorcycle (Ko 6 Pa 5241) collided with another motorcycle (Ko 32 Pa 1504) around 9:10 PM last night.
Critically injured in the accident, Miya was rushed to Birat Nursing Home at Biratnagar where he breathed his last at 10:30 PM on last Friday, informed Spokesperson Khatiwada.
Similarly, 17-year-old Sabad Alam, who was riding pillion with Miya, and 22-year-old Bishwajit Chaudhary, another pillion rider on the another motorcycle, were seriously hurt in the accident, added Khatiwada.
Both are currently receiving treatment at Birat Nursing Home, police said.
Police have launched a manhunt for Mahesh Chaudhary, the rider of another motorcycle involved in the collision, who fled the scene following the accident.
Further investigation into the accident is underway, police said.
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Chhayanath pilgrimage begins on Friday
Mugu, Aug 2: A famous pilgrimage of Mugu, the Chhayanath Dharmik Yatra, commenced on Friday.
Chhayanath, a famous Hindu shrine in Mugu, the mountainous district in Karnali, is considered a historic center of the ancient Sinja civilisation. The number of devotees visiting Chhayanath has increased with the arrival of Saun, a month religiously dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva.
The journey that passes along the Chhayanath area located at an altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level began on Friday following rituals of worship offered to the historic idol of Lord Shiva.
Special worship was performed at the Chhayanath Temple premises in the presence of local priests, government employees, security personnel, local devotees, and people’s representatives.
A large number of devotees visit the shrine especially between the Nag Panchami and Janai Purnima festivals, both of which fall in the month of Saun in the Lunar Calendar.
Chhayanath Rara municipality mayor Bishnu Kumar Bham said that a medical team has been deployed to the area to provide essential health services to the pilgrims.
Local resident Ain Bahadur Hamal stated that Chhayanath Dham, a site of immense religious and historical significance, is considered one of the major pilgrimage destinations after Mount Kailash Mansarovar.
According to him, the idols of Thakurju (Lord Shiva), Vishnu, Ganesh, and Lord Buddha at the site were installed in 1836 B.S. by Sundar Chaulagai Upadhyay, the then-priest of Chain village.
Devotees from nearly all districts of Sudurpashchim and Karnali provinces, as well as from the neighbouring Uttarakhand, Himachal, and Kumaon regions of India, visit the Chhayanath Dham.
It is believed that one is with the blessed with ancestral blessings, ancestral goods with visiting the Dham.
Devotees and pilgrims, some accompanied by shamans, also reach the Chhayanath Dham to witness the ‘incarnation’ of new shamans, perform the Bratabandha (sacred thread ceremony), and engage in other spiritual rituals.
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Man arrested for murdering paralyzed wife
Bagmati, Aug 2: A man has been arrested for murdering his wife in Bungdol of Makwanpurgadhi Rural Municipality-5.
Man Bahadur Shivabhakti, 45, who lived with his in-laws in Bungdol, has been arrested on the charge of strangling his 40-year-old wife Durgalaxmi to death, according to the District Police Office, Makawanpur.
Man Bahadur has reportedly confessed to police saying that he strangled his wife under stress because his wife was paralyzed and unable to walk. He also told police that he tried to commit suicide but the rope snapped and hence came to contact police.
Police have said that further investigation into the incident is underway while an autopsy of Laxmi’s body is awaited at Hetauda Hospital.
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New bailey bridge shortens road distance by 36 kms
Fikkal (Ilam), Aug 2: A bailey bridge has been constructed over the Puwa Khola falling in the Kechana-Kanchanjunga (Mechi Corridor) road connecting Ilam headquarters to Birtamod in Jhapa.
After the construction of the first bailey bridge over Puwa Khola connecting Ilam Municipality-9 and 11, a shorter and safer route option has been opened for travelers on the Jhapa-Ilam-Panchthar-Taplejung route.
The 48.6-meter-long bailey bridge was completed at a cost of Rs 13.5 million from the federal government. said Engineer Arjun Ghimire, Information Officer of the Road Division, Ilam.
With the bailey bridge over the Puwa River in operation it is now possible to reach Birtamod in Jhapa covering 47 kilometers by using the Kechana-Kanchanjunga road directly from the Golakharka section of the Mechi Highway. Earlier, Birtamod could be reached only after travelling a distance of 83 kilometers using the Mechi Highway.
Under the road, which is considered an alternative to the Mechi Highway, 15 kilometers of the road has been blacktopped in the Mai Municipality area of the Ilam section. Out of the remaining 17 kilometers, 14 kilometers are under-construction, said Road Division Chief Engineer Pawan Bhattarai.
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Survivors-centric approach stressed for transitional justice process
Kathmandu, Aug 2: Commitments have been expressed to ensuring meaningful participation of survivors in transitional justice processes, particularly in prosecutions and truth-seeking efforts, with a focus on guaranteeing justice and accountability.
This assurance was given during a discussion organized on Friday by the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP) with survivors of conflict-era incidents and relevant stakeholders.
The meeting aimed to support the drafting of rules in line with recent amendments to the Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Act, 2071 BS (2014). A survivor-centric approach was emphasized as central to both truth-finding and justice delivery.
According to Commission Member and Spokesperson Shrijana Pokhrel, the discussions were attended by former commission officials, former secretaries, families of the disappeared, senior government officials, senior advocates, and other key stakeholders.
Valuable input was received on several critical areas, including the formation of specialized units within the commission, the inclusion of thematic experts, procedures for investigation, repatriation, truth exploration, psychosocial support, security, and managing confidentiality and practical challenges.
Spokesperson Pokhrel added that these submissions will be incorporated into the preliminary draft of the rules, which will then be submitted to the government.
The submissions are expected to serve as a milestone in concluding the transitional justice process with a strong focus on a survivor-centric approach.
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We must work resolutely to fulfill resolutions of elders and martyrs: PM Oli
Lalitpur, Aug 2: Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has urged younger generation to dedicate themselves to realizing the goals set by the elders and martyrs of the leftist democratic movements.
Prime Minister Oli called on the younger generations to uphold the resolutions of patriotic movements and of a prosperous country made by those leaders.
The PM said so at a programme organized on the 28th Tulsilal Memorial Day by Tulsilal Memorial Foundation here today.
Oli, also Chairperson of CPN (UML), appealed with everyone to follow the ideals and values of Tulsilal whose political life was marked by unwavering loyalty and sacrifices.
The septuagenarian leader also highlighted the role of the Constituent Assembly in promulgating the constitution, rooted in the long-held vision of the leaders who established republican system in the country through the Constituent Assembly.
On the occasion, winners of the secondary school-level quiz contest organized by the Foundation were awarded.
Likewise, a book penned by Prof Shyam Sundar Sherpa on Buddhist ideologies was launched.
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Boy electrocuted in Baitadi
Baitadi, Aug 2: A boy was electrocuted in Baitadi district today. The deceased is 13-year old Kiran Koli, the son of Keshav Koli, a resident of Dilashaini Rural Municipality-3, Giribagar in the district.
According to the Spokesperson of the District Police Office, Police Inspector Balram Pandey, Kiran had gone to collect sand at the local Dinnigad rivulet this noon where he got an electric shock after getting into touch with an electric pole.
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‘Quality education pays off’
Kanchanpur, Aug 2: Nepali Congress leader NP Saud has said that investment in quality education provides results in the long run.
The investment in education is not a business but a long term plan for returns, Saud said at a programme organized Saturday by Kalika Secondary School in Shuklaphanta, Kanchanpur.
He viewed that the quality of education in the community schools should be upgraded from the basic level along with the emphasis on infrastructure development.
The former Foreign Affairs Minister said that investment in education for the new generation ensures results upto eight decades.
Stating that the management part of the community schools should be guided with innovative ideas, Saud mentioned that quality enhancement of the community schools was the responsibility of all.
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Ex-president should not be allowed to join active politics, says Pariyar
Bhaktapur, Aug 2: Nepali Congress Deputy-General Secretary Jeevan Pariyar has argued that constitutional provision should be made to prevent the former presidents from joining the party politics.
Speaking at a programme organized by the NC Congress Surya Binayak Municipality on Saturday, such a provision should be in place even by amending the constitution.
Leader Pariyar noted that the constitution failed to incorporate the provision that allows individuals who have held the presidency to become rejoin active politics adding that it should be included in the current constitutional amendment.
He welcomed the decision made by the CPN (UML) that stopped former President Bidya Devi Bhandari from returning to the UML.
“It is not right for former president Bhandari to return to active politics. The decision made by UML regarding Bhandari is correct. The Nepali Congress too should make a similar decision,” Pariyar said.
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‘High Mast Light’ installed in Rampur
Rampur (Palpa), Aug 2: The ‘High Mast Light’ has been installed in Bejhada market area of Rampur Municipality in the district for security and beautification.
Mayor Raman Bahadur Thapa informed that the lights have been installed to scrutinize criminal activities in the market area, ensuring peace and security. “The high mast lights with automatic systems have been installed in the market to prevent various potential criminal incidents,” Thapa said.
The municipality will manage the electricity bills and other related expenses,” he said. The lights with the height of 16 meters and a capacity of 2,400 watts have been installed at a cost of NPR 600,000 by the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation of Lumbini Province.
The municipality has stated that street lights were installed in various streets and public areas under the Bright City Programme.
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Art expo organised on 70th anniversary of Nepal-China diplomatic relations
Kathmandu, Aug 2: An art exhibition has started in Kathmandu from Saturday to mark the 70th anniversary of Nepal-China diplomatic relations.
Former Foreign Minister Sujata Koirala and Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, inaugurated the expo organised by the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts and Silk Road Cities Alliance and China Culture Centre, Nepal. The expo is being organised at Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Naxal.
On the occasion, Koirala said that such an expo will connect arts and cultures and help strengthen the bilateral relations.
Similarly, Chancellor of the Academy, Naradmani Hartamchhali expressed the belief that the expo would help strengthen cultural and diplomatic relations between Nepal and China.
He shared that the art is not just a means of expressing beauty rather it unites like a bridge.
Likewise, the Chinese Ambassador opined that Nepal-China relation is based on mutual respect, cooperation and partnership.
Sharing that he was pleased to see the artists from both countries in the same forum, the Ambassador expressed the view that such programmes should be continued in coming days.
Paintings of Chancellor Hartamchhali, former chancellors– Kiran Manandhar, KK Karmacharya, Vice-Chancellor Lalkaji Lama, Academy’s Council Members Pradeep Adhikari, Dineshwor Mahato, Sanjay Wantaba, Aruna Hingmang as well as of Chinese artists have been put on display in the expo.
A total 44 paintings of Nepali artists and 60 of Chinese artists have been kept in the expo.
Member Secretary of the Academy Devendra Kumar Kafle Thumkeli mentioned that 15 Chinese artists have been participating in the expo.
The expo will run till August 16.
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Everyone must perform well for nation building: Chairman Bijukchhe
Bhaktapur, Aug 2: Nepal Workers and Peasants Party Chairman Narayanman Bijukchhe ‘Rohit’ has said that everyone’s honesty was needed for the nation building.
Speaking at an event of the Neo Fusion School of Computer Institute on Saturday, he stated that the country’s status was further deteriorating due to the wrong motives of employees and technical human resources.
Bijukchhe said, “Currently, the technical field has not contributed to the country as expected. The country could not develop due to a lack of attention from the bureaucracy and the technical experts. Most of the issues will settle only if civil servants and technicians work in the right manner.”
Students from 54 different schools and campuses across the country participated the event, Chairman of the Institute Balkrishna Banmala said.
On the occasion, a renowned artist from Bhaktapur, Ramsharan Prajapati, was feted for his contributions to the art field.
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Rainfall brings relief to farmers in Dhanusha
Dhanusha, Aug 2: A rain occurred since Friday evening in Dhanusha district after a longstanding drought has brought a great sigh of relief to the farmers, who were waiting for a long for the paddy seedling transplantation.
The cracks were seen in the paddy farms while the paddy seedlings readied for plantation have dried up due to drought in the districts of Tarai.
Dipo Yadav, a farmer from Chhireshwor Municipality-4, said the rainfall has brought cheers to the farmers to some extent.
The Agriculture Knowledge Centre in Dhanusha said that the farmers are expected to resume paddy plantation now after the downpour.
Chief of the Centre, Dr Ram Chandra Yadav, said around 65 percent of the total arable land in Dhanusha district is dependent on rainwater for paddy farming.
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Strong leadership stressed in CPN (Maoist Centre)
Kathmandu, Aug 2: The Standing Committee (SC) members of the opposition CPN (Maoist Centre) have voiced for a strong leadership and unity in the party.
Speaking at the ongoing SC meeting on Saturday, 18 SC members, five office-bearers and a leader from the party’s disciplinary commission said that the leadership of the party should be made stronger and further united.
The SC meeting that started on Friday is scheduled to take place at 11:00 am on Sunday, Maoist Centre Spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota said.
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‘Ideological struggle within party should be addressed’
Kathmandu, Aug 2: Senior leader of the CPN (Unified Socialist) and former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal has pointed out the need of addressing ideological struggle within the party.
At a press conference organised on Saturday, he opined that the party leadership has not been able to bring ideological policy and programmes of socialism passed by the party’s general convention.
The CPN (Unified Socialist) leader stressed the need of holding discussions from the secretariat to the standing committee about the challenges seen in the party.
“Ideological struggle within the party should be addressed through discussions as well as solutions should be explored in the party’s meeting”, he argued.
Remembering the five-decade long collaboration with party chairperson Madhav Kumar Nepal, leader Khanal opined, “Chairman Nepal asked me to quit the party. The dispute with Chairperson is not on a personal level. Ideological and theoretical clarity was necessary in order to establish justification even after four years of split from the CPN (UML).”
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