- Friday, 29 August 2025
Kathmandu, Aug 20: The government has removed Sharad Ojha, the Chairman of the Nepal Insurance Authority.
A meeting of the Council of Ministers held on August 18 relieved Ojha of his post, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung said on Wednesday at a regular press meet organized to share the cabinet decisions.
Minister Gurung, also the Spokesperson of the government, said Ojha was removed from the post based on the recommendation of the probe committee on the ground of his indecent performance, poor work competency and failing to discharge his positional responsibility.
Likewise, the cabinet meeting approved the visit of National Planning Commission Member Dr Prakash Kumar Shrestha to Thailand for the participation to Resilient Supply Chains and Equitable Growth in a Changing World of Work which is taking place on September 15 and 16.
Similarly, the cabinet approved the visit of Secretary of Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Narayan Prasad Sharma Duwadi to attend the “Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific-2025” to be held in Indonesia on September 23-25.
The government has given permission to a delegation headed by Auditor General Toyam Rana to participate in 25th International Convention of International Organization of Supreme Audit Institution to be held in Sharm El Sheikh of Egypt from October 27-31.
It also decided to approve around Rs 30.8 billion concessional loan from Japanese government for the implementation of Koteshowor Intersection Improvement Project.
Similarly, the government also took the decision to approve principle of formulation of bill related to lease finance and amendment of grant and loan agreement of forest project for prosperity. It also approved Human Rights Award Fund Operation (First Amendment) Regulation, 2082 as well as appointed Dr Tek Bahadur Ghimire (Sankhuwasabha) as the chairperson of Administrative Court and advocates Nawal Kishor Yadav (Parsa) and Alok Chandra Shrestha (Baglung) as members.
Permission was given to Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ajay Kumar Chaurasiya, to participate in 63rd ‘Annual session of Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation to be organised at Kampala of Uganda from September 8-12.
Minister Gurung shared that the government decided to issue diplomatic passport for Bandana Rana, a member of Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) as well as permission was granted to Foreign Minister Dr Arzu Rana Deuba to participate in high-level conference of Asia Cooperation Dialogue related to World Financial structures to be organised from September 2 in Bangkok of Thailand. .
Likewise, the meeting decided to approve Customs (Eighth Amendment) Regulations, 2082, National Youth Policy, 2082 as well as Headquarters Agreement between Government of Nepal and South Wildlife Enforcement Network, 2025′.
Permission was granted to table bill designed to amend act related to reconciliation, 2068 at the federal parliament.
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SAFF U17 Women’s Championship: Nepal lost to India
Kathmandu, Aug 20: Nepal lost to India in the opening match of the SAFF U17 Women’s Championship 2025 today.
In the match held today at the Changlimithang Stadium in Thimphu, Bhutan, the team India defeated Nepal by 7-0. India scored five goals in the first half and two more goals in the second half.
Four teams including Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Bhutan will play against each other in a double round-robin league. The Nepal will play against Bhutan in the next match on Friday.
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23- Destitute Citizens to have Insurance coverage
Kathmandu, Aug 20: The Ministry of Health and Population is going to integrate the social health security programs.
Accordingly, Minister for Health and Population Pradeep Poudel today approved the ‘Destitute Citizen Medical Treatment Program Operation Guidelines, 2080 (First Amendment 2082)’.
The Guidelines has made a provision for a single-door system to provide payment for the treatment of eight types of serious diseases provided through the Destitute Citizen Treatment Program through the Health Insurance Board. With the approval of these guidelines, the Destitute Citizen Treatment Program has come under the umbrella of health insurance.
The revised guidelines has made a provision for the payment process of the destitute citizens treatment program run by the Department of Health Services, Nursing and Social Security Division to be enforced through the Health Insurance Board and other activities related to the program, such as hospital listing, integrated monitoring, etc., to be done by the Nursing and Social Security Division.
Approving the guidelines, Minister Poudel said that the government is committed to the medical treatment of destitute citizens and is active in making the insurance program more integrated, systematic and transparent.
Ministry spokesperson Dr Prakash Budhathoki said that after the implementation of this guidelines will make the state’s investment economical. After the implementation of this guidelines, everyone’s accounts will be clear and benefits will reach the real patients.
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24 – Dharan in a fix with no budget for new FY
Dharan (Sunsari), Aug 20: Dharan Sub-municipal Corporation is in a trouble as the budget estimates for the new fiscal year has not been passed, even a month after it was supposed to be done.
The budget for the current fiscal year has not been passed by the municipal assembly due to differences between Mayor Harkaraj Rai (Sampang) and Deputy Mayor Indra Bikram Begha.
Although Local Government Operation Act, 2017 provides that the budget for every fiscal year should be passed by Asad 10 in the lunar calendar, Dharan could not meet the requirement. As a result, development activities, employee salaries, distribution of social security allowances, public services and other financial transactions have come to a standstill.
The Revenue Advisory Committee led by Deputy Mayor Begha had proposed a budget of around Rs 1.6 billion. However, even before finalizing the budget, the executive meeting could not be held due to increasing differences between the mayor and deputy mayor, resulting in the budget process being obstructed.
Mayor Rai and Deputy Mayor Begha have been fighting over issues such as the voluntary labour program, administrative decisions, and budget ceiling determination. According to Senior Accounts Officer of Dharan Sub-metropolis, Bheshraj Adhikari, payment for completed projects, employee salary, and other financial transactions have not been made due to the lack of budget approval. Since the start of the new fiscal year, all payments for development project contracts, road maintenance, waste management, and health supplies have been stopped.
Dharan Spokesperson and Chair of Ward 17, Surya Prasad Bhattarai (Manoj), said that we have already sent the budget ceiling to the ward level based on population, area, revenue collection capacity and development needs. Wards have been given time until next Friday to finalize their plans. After that, the budget will be presented to the municipal assembly in an executive meeting.
Meanwhile, the local residents have been expressing regret that political differences are hampering their engagement with the sub-metropolis. They have urged all parties to reach an agreement soon and move forward with the budget process.
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25 – Cabinet relieves Insurance Authority Chairman Ojha of his post
Kathmandu, Aug 20: The CPN (UML) has called its 10th central committee meeting at his central office, Chysal on August 29.
CPN (UML) Central Office Secretary Dr Bhisma Adhikari shared that the meeting was called for the preparation of its second statute convention. During the meeting, discussion would be held on statute amendment proposal report to be presented in the convention.
Vice-Chairperson of the party, Bishnu Prasad Paudel, would present the report. The UML has asked its subordinate committees to send their suggestions on statute amendment proposal report within August 26.
The UML is holding its second statute convention in Godavari, Lalitpur, from September 5-7.
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27 – Chairman Dahal meets Rabi Lamichhane in Nakkhu jail
Patan (Lalitpur), Aug 20: CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman and former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ met with Rabi Lamichhane, the President of Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), in Nakkhu jail on Wednesday.
Dahal’s Secretariat stated that he enquired about Lamichhane’s stay in jail, and about the facilities and other issues too.
Lamichhane, who is in the judicial custody in Nakkhu, mentioned that the facilities and services in Nakkhu jail were better compared to the Bhairahawa jail, it is said.
Facing a legal case on cooperative fraud, Lamichhane is currently kept in Nakkhu jail and was transferred there some days ago from Rupandehi prison.
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28- Women’s role crucial to advance society, DPM Singh
Kathmandu, Aug. 20: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Urban Development Prakashman Singh has said that the women’s role was crucial to take the society ahead.
At a Teej celebration programme organized by the Kathmandu constituency no. 1 of the Nepal Women Association on Wednesday, the Deputy Prime Minister mentioned that women’s role in Nepal’s major political transformations was important.
He argued that the values of the Teej festival should not be disfigured while observing this festival adding that this festival has remained as a tradition to express women’s achievements and grief through songs and dances.
Likewise, he urged the women to be equally responsible in discharging their responsibilities along with seeking equal rights.
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29- Late Giri was intellectual, studious leader: President Deuba
Kathmandu, Aug 20: Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has mentioned that NC leader late Pradip Giri was an intellectual and studious leader.
At a programme organised here on Wednesday in memory of late Giri, President Deuba shared, “I met Pradipji in Varanasi of India. Later he and I were in jail together. Giri was a person who could read the book the whole night.”
He opined that Pradipji left us so early and all should work together to complete the remaining activities. The NC President urged leaders and cadres to carryout activities by winning people’s hearts.
Similarly, CPN (UML) General-Secretary Shankar Pokhrel opined that he knew leader Giri as a fearless leader while Deputy General-Secretary of the CPN (Maoist Centre) Barsha Man Pun, recalled that he was impressed by Pradeep Giri’s articles and books.
Pun further said that late Giri’s integrity and ethics were more relevant in today’s politics. Likewise, General-Secretary of the CPN (Unified Socialist), Dr Ghan Shyam Bhusal, argued that late Giri was a true socialist leader and there is a lack of leaders like Giri in present politics.
Chief Whip of Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, Rekha Yadav, NC central committee member and President of School of Democracy, Nain Singh Mahar, late Giri’s wife Bharati Silwal, among others also shared that late Giri was a profound political thinker having deep knowledge of philosophy.
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Bailey bridge over Puwa Stream inaugurated
Fikkal (Ilam), Aug 20: A bailey bridge installed over the Puwa Khola (stream
) along the Kechana-Kanchenjunga (Mechi Corridor) has been inaugurated.
Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport, Debendra Dahal, inaugurated the newly developed infrastructure amidst a programme here today.
The project costs Rs 13.5 million, according to Road Division Office’s engineer Arjun Ghimire. The total length of the bridge is 48.6 meters.
With this, the Kechana-Kanchenjunga road has been readied as an alternative to the Mechi Highway.
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11- Top End T20 Series: Nepal to bat first against Melbourne Renegades
Kathmandu, Aug 20: Nepal has opted to bat first after winning the toss in its fifth march against Melbourne Renegades Academy under the Top End T-20 series underway in Northern Territory of Australia.
In the recent toss at the Cazalys Arena Palmerston, Darwin, Nepali team captain, Rohit Paudel, won the toss and opted to bat first. With this, the Melbourne Renegades Academy will bowl first.
Nepal has won one match and lost three out of four matches played so far. In the first match, Nepal had lost to NT Strikers by 42 runs, while the team suffered a loss to Bangladesh ‘A’ by 32 runs.
Similarly, in the third match, Melbourne Stars beat Nepal by 31 runs. However, in their fourth match on Tuesday, Nepal bounced back with victory against Hobart Hurricanes Academy, winning by 66 runs.
Today, Nepal aims to continue their winning streak.
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12- Pakistani parliamentarians’ delegation calls on Speaker Ghimire
Kathmandu, Aug 20: Visiting parliamentary delegation from Pakistan today called on Speaker of the House of Representatives (HoR), Devraj Ghimire.
The delegation arrived here to take part in the two-day Hindu Kush Himalayan Region Parliamentarians’ Meet-2025 that concluded in Kathmandu on Tuesday.
Welcoming to the Pakistani MPs’ delegation led by Munaza Hassan to his office at Singha Durbar, the Speaker talked about the friendly relations between the two countries and potentials for strengthened regional cooperation in the areas of climate change, sustainable development and for addressing climate change-induced challenges to the mountain life.
He pressed the need for owning up such issues as shared agenda of the region and responding them accordingly.
The Speaker talked about the potentials for enhanced trade, connectivity and tourism between the two countries, adding that the parliamentary cooperation can be directed to that end.
The team leader congratulated Nepal for successfully hosting the Meet, applauding Nepal’s role in mitigation of climate change impacts and conservation of mountain ecosystems
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13- 845 youths undergoing treatment in rehabilitation centres in Jhapa
Jhapa, Aug 20: As many as 845 youths in Jhapa district who are in addiction of narcotic drugs are undergoing treatment in various 27 rehabilitation centres across the district at present.
According to the District Administration Office, Jhapa, the narcotic drug addicts were admitted to such correction centres either by their parents or by police to help them come out of the addiction.
An increasing number of cases involving narcotic drugs among the youths have been reported in the district, possibly influenced by the district’s open border with India which may facilitate easier access to such substances for the drug abuses.
Police regularly detain youths found with narcotic drugs in bordering areas, big markets and rural settlements.
Assistant Chief District Officer Taj Prakash Prasai informed that six rehabilitation centres are operating in Mechninagar and same other in Birtamod. Four such centres are running in Shivasatakshi, three each in Damak and Kankai, two each in Arjundhara and Kamal, and one in Buddha Shanti.
The Birtamod’s rehabilitation centre has the highest number of youths (223) being treated for drug addiction, said Assistant CDO Prasai. Likewise, 178 youths are being treated in Mechninagar, 105 in Shivasakatshi, 89 in Damak, 82 in Kankai, 73 in Kamal, 55 in Arjundhara and 40 in Dhuhashanti.
Bhim Prasad Luitel, the operator of the Nawayatra Rehabilitation Centre at Mechninagar, said that a total of 33 youths are being treated at the centre. Luitel admitted that rehabilitating youths who were discarded by society and who had lost their family’s confidence is not an easy task.
“The State is supposed to do this work but we are doing it on our own. The situation of drug abuse has become severe in the bordering area while the State is delaying in taking cognizance of this issue,” he noted. The rehabilitation centres here offer residential, paid treatment for youths with three-month and six-month recovery programme, informed Luitel who has been leading rehabilitation campaign in the locality for the past 13 years.
According to him, the youths in these centres participate in counseling sessions daily, receive regular health check-ups and engage in yoga and meditation regularly as a part of the rehabilitation process.
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14- Nepal sets target of 140 runs for MRA
Kathmandu, Aug 20: Nepal has set a 140 run target against Melbourne Renegades Academy (MRA) in its fifth match under Top End T20 Series underway in the Northern Territory of Australia.
Put to bat first after winning the toss at Darwin’s Cazalys Arena Palmerston, Nepal scored 139 runs for the loss of nine wickets in 20 limited overs.
Batsman Kushal Malla stroke the highest 29 runs – with one boundary and one six off 22 balls to the team. Likewise, Deependra Singh Airee posted 27 runs off 28 balls while Lokesh Bam made 24 off 16 balls.
Bhim Sarki registered 17 runs while Arif Sheikh and Rupesh Singh contributed equal 12 runs to the team. Toward bowling, Fargus O’ Neill, Lachian Wads, Kyalam Sto, and Michael Archer of Melbourne Renegades Academy took two wickets each.
The MRA is batting against Nepal now.
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15- ‘Karnali province is born of people’s sacrifices’
Karnali, Aug 20: Chief of Karnali Province, Yagya Raj Joshi, has said Karnali province was established through the dedication and sacrifices of the people.
Addressing the major celebration of Karnali Province Establishment and Martyrs’ Day 2082 BS held today, he urged the province government to act in ways that promote the rights and interests of the people, by honoring the legacy of those who attained martyrdom for the province’s creation.
“With the country’s transition to federalism, there has been not only progress in Karnali’s development but also tangible improvements in citizens’ lives,” he said.
Stating that the province is rich in natural resources, he said, “Collective willpower is key to shaping our future. Let’s enhance our capacity to utilize the budget effectively and implement a governance system based on rewards and accountability.”
Province Speaker Nanda Gurung said that while Karnali is the youngest among the seven provinces in terms of establishment, it was the first to be named. She added that the implementation of federalism has uplifted people across castes, communities, geographies, and sectors.
Political leaders including Raj Kumar Sharma of the CPN (Maoist Centre) and Jeevan Bahadur Shahi of the Nepali Congress called on the federal government to change its perception towards Karnali.
They stressed that strengthening provincial and local governments is essential for the effective implementation of federalism. The event was attended by province ministers, the District Coordination Committee chief, province secretaries, local representatives, heads of security bodies, government employees, civil society representatives, and media personnel.
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16- Grant agreement between Gandaki Institute of Technology and South Korean govt for infrastructure development
Kathmandu, Aug 20: The Gandaki Institute of Technology and the government of South Korea have signed a grant agreement worth Rs 1.25 billion for the development of infrastructure in the Gandaki Institute of Technology.
The Institute is being operated under the Gandaki Technical Education and Vocational Training Academy (GTEVTA).
Finance Secretary Ghanashyam Upadhyaya and South Korean Ambassador to Nepal, Park Tae-Young, signed the agreement here today representing the government of Nepal and the government of South Korea respectively.
As per the agreement, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) will serve as a project implementing agency on behalf of the South Korean government.
Similarly, the Gandaki Province’s Ministry of Social Development, Youth and Sports Ministry, and the GTEVTA will coordinated the implementation on behalf of the government of Nepal.
During the signing of agreement, Finance Secretary Upadhyay shared that the project is expected to be accepted to be completed by December 31, 2030. According to him, the project aims to produce competent workforces capable of meeting national and international needs of the current era.
The Project is also intended to develop Gandaki Province as a technical hub, strengthen vocational training programmes, enhance skills of teachers and students, and foster partnership with the industries and businesses, he explained. “The agreement signed today is expected to add a new dimension to the advancement of vocational and technical education in Nepal. I am hopeful that this Project would contribute to Nepal’s socio-economic development by developing a skilled workforce that meets labour market demands and enhances employability,” remarked the Finance Secretary.
Likewise, South Korean Envoy to Nepal Tae-Young noted, “This project is not only an investment in buildings and facilities. It is an investment in people, in skills, and the future workforce of Nepal.”
He expressed his confidence that through this project, Nepal will strengthen its capacity to provide high-quality, industry-relevant technical education that meets the need of the 21st century’s economy.
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17- ‘Govt committed to creating investment-friendly environment’
Kathmandu, Aug 16: Minister for Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an investment-friendly environment for private sector to invest in tourism sector.
Addressing the annual general assembly of the 13th anniversary of Kalanki Hotel and Guest House Association here today, Minister Pandey asserted that the government cannot run hotels and similar business by itself.
“Hence, the government is ready to roll out red carpet to welcome the private sector’s investment in the hospitality and tourism sector,” he said, encouraging the private sector.
The Minister, on the occasion, urged the private sector to cooperate the government in its regulatory efforts, to avoid labour exploitation and not to charge customers exorbitantly.
He suggested that we should treat guests in a manner that would make them to come again and again. Stating that the reason for popularity of Thakali cuisine is how it is presented with warm hospitality, he emphasized the importance of physical infrastructures alongside good hospitality in tourism and hospitality sector.
The Association, established in 2066 BS, currently has 105 guest house and hotels that are running in Kalanki, Koteshwor and Swyambhu area in Kathmandu. Formed to promote the professional interest of these hotels and guests houses, the Association seeks to issue code of conduct for hoteliers, launch sanitation drive in Kalanki area and carry out other social activities to mark its 13th anniversary.
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18- Lawmakers demand practical implementation of Senior Citizens Act
Kathmandu, Aug 20: National Assembly (NA) members have called for the implementation of the Senior Citizens Act, 2063 BS (2006) in a true sense.
The voice was raised during discussions in regard to the “implementation of the proposal of urgent public importance in regard to making additional special provisions to ensure a safe, quality, and dignified life for senior citizens” in today’s meeting of the National Assembly’s Committee on Public Policy and Delegated Legislation.
On the occasion, the lawmakers said that though law has provisioned a 50 percent discount on healthcare for senior citizens, it has not been practically implemented.
Sumita BC said, “Senior citizens are facing issues even for staying at old age homes in absence of citizenships. Due to this, many have been denied of senior citizen allowance. The government should mandatorily take initiative to address such problems.”
Madan Kumari Shah (Garima) demanded allocations of dedicated hospital beds for the senior citizens, calling for the full enforcement of a 50 percent discount for them on public transport fares.
Renu Chand stressed the need for building senior citizens-friendly physical infrastructures while Yubaraj Sharma advocated for granting parents with the legal right to claim property from their children.
According to the Ministry of Women, Children, and Senior Citizens, free and partially subsidized healthcare services, as determined by hospitals, have been ensured for senior citizens through 94 hospitals across 77 districts. Such services have been implemented through Social Service Unit Programme within such health facilities.
As updated by Ministry Secretary Laxmi Kumari Basnet, a total of 1,660,370 senior citizens, including 161,825 Dalit senior citizens, 173,560 single women senior citizens, and 17,159 other senior citizens, have been presently benefited from the social security allowance.
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19- Current achievements possible only through women’s struggle: Minister Dr Rana
Kathmandu, Aug 19: Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba has claimed that Nepali women have achieved progress in securing their rights and empowerment through their own efforts and struggles.
Inaugurating a seminar on ‘Past, Present and Role of Nepal Women’ Association in the Future’ organised by the Nepal Women Association affiliated with the Nepali Congress here today, the Minister and also NC central member said the significant achievements so far in the areas of women’s rights, including constitutional rights, were possible due to long and tremendous struggle of women themselves.
Recalling the contribution of NC women leaders from Mangala Devi Singh to Shailaja Acharya, Dr Rana lauded Nepali women’s movement, struggle and sacrifice, which, she said, led to today’s achievement.
However, she argued that women have still a long way to go. Recalling Nepali women’s’ active political engagements in all movements from the 2007 BS historical revolution to the establishment of the republic, she said, “With their inspiration, we joined the struggle for women’s rights and were able to create an environment where, for the first time, favourable provisions were made regarding women’s rights in the existing constitution and laws of Nepal.”
According to her, the constitutional guarantee of 33 percent women’s representation in the federal parliament and the province assemblies and 40 percent at the local levels is a positive step indeed, but Nepali women should continue to struggle to make this legal guarantee meaningful and practical.
Sharing her own political experiences, she said, “Patriarchal thinking still dominates our society. Politics is still an uphill battle for women. Therefore, we have made all our sisters aware, empowered and prepared them to move forward for their rights, with the belief that women must fight for themselves.”
The Minister stated that hardship of Nepali women is similar to challenges facing by women leaders globally, reflecting the global nature of gender-based barriers.
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20- ‘Govt committed to creating investment-friendly environment’
Kathmandu, Aug 16: Minister for Tourism, Culture and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an investment-friendly environment for private sector to invest in tourism sector.
Addressing the annual general assembly of the 13th anniversary of Kalanki Hotel and Guest House Association here today, Minister Pandey asserted that the government cannot run hotels and similar business by itself.
“Hence, the government is ready to roll out red carpet to welcome the private sector’s investment in the hospitality and tourism sector,” he said, encouraging the private sector.
The Minister, on the occasion, urged the private sector to cooperate the government in its regulatory efforts, to avoid labour exploitation and not to charge customers exorbitantly.
He suggested that we should treat guests in a manner that would make them to come again and again.
Stating that the reason for popularity of Thakali cuisine is how it is presented with warm hospitality, he emphasized the importance of physical infrastructures alongside good hospitality in tourism and hospitality sector.
The Association, established in 2066 BS, currently has 105 guest house and hotels that are running in Kalanki, Koteshwor and Swyambhu area in Kathmandu.
Formed to promote the professional interest of these hotels and guests houses, the Association seeks to issue code of conduct for hoteliers, launch sanitation drive in Kalanki area and carry out other social activities to mark its 13th anniversary.
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20- Communciations Minister calls on Gurung community to preserve their mother language
Kathmandu, Aug 20: Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung emphasized the need for the Gurung community to initiate a campaign at home to preserve the Gurung language and pass it to the younger generations.
Speaking at a programme organized by the Nepal Academy to launch Gurung language magazine named ‘Tamu Kaye’ today, Minister Gurung expressed his concern over gradual disappearing of the Gurung language and cultures with rapid migration.
He, thus, called on the Gurung community to take special initiatives to preserve its language and pass it down to younger generations besides preserving and promoting other unique cultural heritages of this community.
Stating that language preservation truly begins within the families and communities, the Minister warned that if we do not underscore handing over the languages and cultures to younger generation, these cultural heritages passed over to us by our ancestor would extinct.
He also praised the effort of the Academy to publish the magazine in Gurung language for the first time. Reminding that the federal democratic republican system was introduced to ensure equity and inclusivity, he grieved that the Gurung community had not fully utilized opportunities like reservation and inclusive policies.
Other speakers such as Resham Gurung, Vice-Chairperson of the National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities and Nepal Academy Chancellor Bhupal Rai among others highlighted the efforts to document indigenous languages and culture and called for better access to civil cervices for indigenous people.
The magazine’s editor Anita Gurung discussed about the challenges in writing the Guruing language although it is still spoken in villages,. The Academy have so far published magazines in four different indigenous leagues, it was shared.
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21- HoR meeting :question and answer session with PM withdrawn
Kathmandu, Aug 20: The scheduled question-and-answer session with the Prime Minister was removed from today’s meeting of the House of Representatives (HoR), citing a special reason.
In today’s lower house meeting, the Prime Minister was expected to participate in a direct question-and-answer session, during which lawmakers were likely to raise various issues before him.
Chapter 9 of the House of Representatives (HoR) Regulations, 2079 BS, has provisions for lawmakers to directly question the Prime Minister during such sessions.
Speaker Devraj Ghimire informed the House about the withdrawal of the session from today’s agenda of the meeting.
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Public holiday in Karnali Province today
Karnali, Aug 20: The Karnali Province government has given a public holiday today on the occasion of the establishment day of the province and the Martyrs Day.
The decision for the public holiday was taken by the Cabinet meeting of the Province government held on March 30 early this year, according to Uttam Gautam, Spokesperson at the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Law in the province.
The establishment day of the province is being observed by organizing various programmes including morning rally.
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02- First nat’l mini skate marathon on Sept 20
Kathmandu, Aug 20: The first National Mini Skate Marathon is to be organized on September 20. The Skate Land and the Nepal Skating and Skateboarding Association are jointly organizing the event.
The mini skate marathon will begin from Alapot of Sundarijal and conclude at Gokarna Talim Chowk, Kathmandu, covering a five-kilometer distance.
Founder of the Skate Land, Abrahim Rai, informed at a press conference on Tuesday that 200 players from Nepal, India and the United Arab Emirates (Dubai) would participate in the competition.
It is the first national inline skating being held in Nepal. The player securing gold medal in the competition would receive skate shoes and safety gear along with Rs 50,000 cash prize, while the silver medalist would be provided skate shoes and safety gear along with Rs 30,000 cash prize. Similarly, the one winning bronze medal would be handed over skate shoes and safety gear along with Rs 15,000 cash prize.
It is said the best players from more than 300 skate parks which are in operation in Nepal at present and more than 50 players from India will participate in the competition.
Moreover, Chairman of the Nepal Skating and Skateboarding Association, Achyut Khanal, hoped the competition would prove to be a milestone for inline skating and skateboarding so that the sports would be developed as the professional sport in the future.
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03- Over 200 deep borings found dysfunctional in Siraha alone
Siraha, Aug 20: Although the government had announced to set up as many as 500 deep borings- some new installations and some old ones with repair- in Madhes districts in the wake of prolonged drought some weeks back, more than half of such deep borings installed previously in Siraha are found dysfunctional for lack of necessary infrastructures.
There were neither transformers nor pipelines as essential support to operate the deep boring. Importantly, locals lacked adequate interest to revive the essential irrigation facility. More than 200 such deep borings installed previously in the district were left conked out.
Chief of Agriculture Knowledge Centre, Narendra Kumar Mahaseth, informed that 32 out of 154 deep borings were left conked out in Golbazaar municipality, while such number of dysfunctional facility was 17 in Dhangadhimai municipality, seven each in Bhagwanpur and Nawarajpur rural municipalities, 16 in Karjanha municipality, three in Bishnupur rural municipality and one in Sakhuwankarkati rural municipality.
It was informed during the inspection that some of such facilities were set up 30 years back, he added.
The number of inoperative deep borings included 10 in Bariyapatti rural municipality, 24 in Mirchaiya municipality, 14 in Arnama rural municipality, 15 in Siraha municipality, one in Kalyanpur, all 21 in Laxmipur Patari, 10 in Sukhipur and 32 in Naraha rural municipalities. Out 16, 13 such water pumping facilities are dysfunctional in Lahan municipality.
The local farmers and stakeholders have now stressed the resumption of the deep borings with proper maintenance.
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04- Monsoon waning
Kathmandu, Aug 20: With the low pressure belt of monsoon towards south of the average range, the monsoon effect is decreasing gradually in the country. The Weather Forecasting Division, however, said the wind with water vapor is entering Nepali from the Bay of Bengal.
Some hilly regions of Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces are predicted to have generally cloudy weather, while remaining places partly cloudy today. Similarly, some places of hilly region in Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces are likely to have moderate rainfall.
It will be generally cloudy in the hilly region of Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces, while Madhes, Bagmati and Gandaki provinces will have moderate rainfall coming night. Few places in hilly region of Koshi and Gandaki provinces are predicted to experience heavy rainfall.
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05- PM scheduled to respond to lawmakers’ queries at HoR meeting today
Kathmandu, Aug 20: The House of Representatives (HoR) is meeting at 1:00pm today.
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is scheduled to respond to the queries of lawmakers in the parliament meeting as per HoR Regulation, 2079.
Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens, Nawal Kishor Sah, will be presenting a proposal, seeking consideration on ‘Bill Relating to Children (first amendment), 2082 at the HoR meeting.
Similarly, the HoR is receiving a proposal that wants to send the Human Rights Trafficking (Control) First Amendment Bill, 2081 to the related committee for clause-wise discussion.
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06- Federal govt honouring six best performing local levels
Kathmandu, Aug 20: The federal government has decided to award six best performing local levels.
The Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration is honouring six local levels which performed best in the local level institutional self assessment (LISA) system for the fiscal year, 2080/81.
The results of LISA were checked to observe institutional capacity of the respective local levels. The award is expected to foster healthy competition among local governments. The reforms in governance and development management are indentified through LISA.
The local levels being awarded are Khairahani municipality of Chitwan, Tilottama municipality of Rupandehi, Nilakanth municipality of Dhading, Arjunchaupari rural municipality of Syangja, Benighat Rorang rural municipality of Dhading and Ruruchhetra rural municipality of Gulmi district.
These governments close to citizen’s doorsteps would be awarded amidst a function attended by Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Bhagawati Neupane on August 22.
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07- PM Oli confers ‘Outstanding RTI Activist Award’ on Gaunle
Kathmandu, Aug 20: The National Information Commission (NIC) has conferred on the ‘Binay Kasaju Outstanding Right to Information Activist Award’ on senor journalist Shiva Gaunle.
Gaunle, also the former chair of FNJ, was handed over the award by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amidst a function in the federal capital on Tuesday.
PM Oli also conferred the ‘Banay Kasajoo Best RTI Campaigner Award’ on journalists Arati Chataut, Amrit Nath Nimilsina and Krishna Paudel.
The PM also honoured former Information Commission Kiran Kumar Pokharel by offering him a shawl in recognition to his role in protection and promotion of RTI in the country.
On the occasion, Bipin Karki from Manebhanjyang rural municipality office of Okhaldhunga, Yek Narayan Sharma from Public Service Commission, Damodar Adhikari from Khairahani municipality of Chitwan, Subhadra Pudashaini from Shankharapur municipality of Kathmandu, and Menaka Pandit from Bharatpur municipality of Chitwan were awarded as the best RTI officers of the year. The National Information Day is observed every year on Bhadra 3.
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08- Truck hits motorcyclist to death
Kavrepalanchowk, Aug 20: A motorcyclist died after a truck hit him near Keraghari of Panchkhal municipality-5 along the Araniko Highway today.
Rupesh Kharel, 35, a resident of Chaurideurali rural municipality, was injured seriously when the truck heading to Panchkhal hit him.
The heavy vehicle hit Kharel while he attempted to overtake it, according to the Area Police Office, Panchkhal.
Kharel was rushed to the Dhulikhel Hospital, but the doctors declared that he had already breathed his last.
Truck driver Madhav Kumar Badal has been taken under control and the vehicle impounded for further investigation.
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09- Kathmandu-Manthali road blocked
Ramechhap, Aug 20: Vehicular movement along the Kathmandu-Manthali roadway has been obstructed after the road subsided at Halede of Likhu Tamakoshi rural municipality-7 in the district today.
A local Sanjiv Chauhan informed RSS that with the road disruption, passengers heading to Charikot, Dolakha from Kathmandu were stranded in the midway.
Meanwhile, Chief District Officer Shyam Krishna Thapa informed that efforts were on to reopen the roadway after repairing the depressed section.
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