- Friday, 29 August 2025
Kathmandu, Aug 24: The family of Bipin Joshi, who is believed to be held captive by Hamas, met Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Arzu Rana Deuba at the ministry on Sunday and expressed gratitude for her ongoing efforts to secure his safe release.
Joshi’s mother and sister also urged Minister Dr Rana to continue further initiatives for his freedom. The meeting followed their recent trip to Israel to inquire Joshi’s condition and appeal for his safe release. Their visit was supported by the Israeli Embassy in Nepal on the initiatives of Dr Rana.
During the conversation, they informed that their stay in Israel was assisted by Nepali Ambassador Prof Dr Dhan Prasad Pandit and Israeli government officials. They also held a talk with the President and high-ranking government officials of Israel, appealing for Joshi’s freedom.
Dr Rana assured the family that the government is making all possible diplomatic efforts for the safe release of Joshi. Since assuming efforts over a year ago, she said she has raised the issue even at the UN General Assembly, international forums, and in various bilateral and international meetings. “We will continue further diplomatic efforts,” she pledged.
The Minister informed that she has been vigorously seeking assistance for the safe release of Joshi. In this connection, meetings and phone calls were made with foreign ministers and officials from Israel, Egypt, Iran, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and other countries.
“The government of Nepal is committed to taking further initiatives to secure Joshi’s safe release,” she said. Joshi was kidnapped from Israel by Hamas in October 2023.
Information on it was shared by the Foreign Ministry on Sunday.
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19- ‘Teej festival fosters goodwill’
Kathmandu, Aug 24: Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Deepak Khadka said the Teej festival helps foster goodwill.
Addressing the Teej celebration programme organized by the Sakhuwasabha-Kathmandu Journalists Association here Sunday, Minister Khadka noted that the Teej festival, considered as the festival observed only by the Hindu women in the past, is now developing into a common celebration.
The Minister also highly acknowledged the role of the media persons hailing from Sankhuwasabha district and pursuing journalism in Kathmandu in development of Sankhuwasabha on religious and cultural fronts.
Likewise, CPN (UML) leader Rajendra Gautam highlighted the important role of Teej festival in empowering women. However, he expressed his concern that the festival was being commercialized in the recent years.
Leaders from various political parties attending the Teej celebration and the Association’s Chairperson Shankar Khanal also expressed their views on the Teej festival.
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20- Central security committee to mobilize medics to curb cholera in Birgunj
Kathmandu, Aug 24: The meeting of the central security committee decided to mobilize a team of medical practitioners in the cholera-hit Bijgunj city, Parsa.
The committee meeting was chaired by Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak. In the meeting, Minister Lekhak directed the subordinates to ensure the team to be fanned out immediately in the cholera-hit area. He directed the Nepali Army, the Nepal Police and the Armed Police Force to pay adequate attention to it, according to Spokesperson at Home Ministry, Ananda Kafle.
The peace and security situation across the country was reviewed in the meeting attended by Secretary at Home Ministry, Gokarna Mani Duwadi, and chiefs of the security agencies.
Meanwhile, Minister for Health and Population, Pradip Paudel, and Minister for Drinking Water, Pradip Yadav, held a discussion how cholera outbreak could be controlled in Birgunj city.
Minister Poudel had informed during the discussion that the arrangement was ensured for the immediate treatment of cholera patients for free of cost at both public and private hospitals.
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21- A decade of constitution to be observed in grand manner; PM Oli leads main celebration committee
Kathmandu, Aug 24: A decade of the constitution would be observed in a grand manner by organizing various programmes that ensure wider public participation. The Constitution Day and the National Day, 2082 main celebration committee has been formed under the chairmanship of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
The government has initiated preparations to observe the Constitution Day (Asoj 3) in a special way on the occasion of a decade since the promulgation of the constitution that paved a solid foundation for the enforcement of Federal Democratic Republic.
A meeting held in the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, Singh Durbar on Sunday formed the main celebration committee under PM’s chairmanship. The Constitution Day would be marked across the country and in the Nepali missions abroad on Asoj 2, 3 and 4. The main celebration committee has the members like Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers and Ministers of State, Secretary, high level government officials, chiefs of the local levels in Kathmandu Valley and chiefs of the security agencies.
Secretary at the Home Ministry is the member secretary of the celebration committee. Even the thematic subcommittees are formed in this regard.
Main celebration is held at Tundikhel, Kathmandu on Asoj 3, while several programmes are proposed for the provincial and local levels. A National Day concert will be held performing patriotic songs and pageants including the national anthem.
Special audio visual publicity will be made through State-run media as Radio Nepal and Nepal Television and public, private electronic media and social networks. They will feature discussions, dialogues, message-oriented drama and other creative contents reflecting history and significance of the constitution.
Addressing the meeting on Sunday, PM Oli said opportunity of a decade since the new constitution should be given a special regard at the national and people’s level. The celebration of the constitution can be linked to its salient features like development, nationality, human rights, inclusion, women’s empowerment, welfare state and culture, he added.
The Constitution Day would be observed at ward and school levels, ensuring broader participation of citizens, he reminded, adding that achievements of the constitution need to be extolled.
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22- NCC discusses with Vietnamese Vice President
Kathmandu, Aug 24: The Nepal Chamber of Commerce (NCC) held a discussion with the visiting Vietnamese Vice President Vo Thi Anh Xuan on trade and investment between Nepal and Vietnam and collaboration between the private sectors of the two countries.
Present in the meeting were Former NCC President and Honorary Consul of Vietnam Rajesh Kasi Shrestha, NCC President Kamlesh Kumar Agrawal, Immediate Past President of NCC Rajendra Malla, NCC Senior Vice-President Deepak Kumar Malhotra, and Women’s Chamber President Urmila Shrestha among others.
The Nepali business delegates held a meeting with the visiting Vietnamese Vice President and deliberated on further bolstering trade between Nepal and Vietnam. The NCC said that, they discussed how the trade access between the two countries could be expanded, creating investment-friendly environment and promoting industries.
NCC has viewed the meeting as an opportunity to begin a new chapter in trade, investment and economic partnership.
It may be noted that Vietnamese Vice President Xuan arrived in Nepal last Friday at the invitation of Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav on the historic occasion of the completion of 50 years of the diplomatic relations between Nepal and Vietnam.
During today’s meeting, Vice President Xuan underscored the importance of close coordination between the private sector from both countries to expand bilateral trade and facilitate investment flow. She also laid emphasis on the active role of the private sectors to further strengthen economic ties between Vietnam and Nepal.
NCC highlighted sectors such as agriculture, tourism, energy, and education and information technology as potential areas for cooperation between Nepal and Vietnam and called for viable approach while taking forward the collaboration in these sectors.
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23- Minister Neupane calls for prompt public service delivery
Damauli (Tanahun), Aug 24: Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Bhagawati Neupane has viewed that the public institutions should ensure prompt service delivery to appease the people.
At a programme organized today by Shuklagandaki Municipality, Minister Neupane argued that the service delivery from the public bodies should be transparent to contribute to good governance.
She was of the view that people were at the top of the politicians and the people’s representatives should work to serve the people.
Minister Neupane stated that the people’s representatives should also work to address the concerns raised by the people about the public institutions.
“Public institutions should ensure prompt services by being transparent. They should address people’s concerns without escaping the public’s questions.”
Likewise, she added that the pace of development work should be expedited since the people were still unhappy with the current performance.
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24- Ministers discuss ways to control cholera outbreak in Birgunj
Kathmandu, Aug 24: Minister for Drinking Water and Minister for Health and Population Pradip Paudel discussed the issues of control and prevention of the cholera outbreak in Birgunj city.
During the meeting held at the Ministry of Health and Population on Sunday, the minister duo discussed the issues of cholera outbreak in Birgunj agreeing to ensure availability of cholera kit in affected Birgunj city, provide immediate treatment facilities to the infected ones based on their symptoms, make arrangements for free checkup in the private hospitals and mobilize sufficient human resources, according to Joint Secretary at the Drinking Water Ministry Kamalraj Shrestha.
Likewise, the two leaders agreed to take steps by ensuring coordination of all three layers of government, Shrestha added.
“We are fully active in controlling cholera. Cooperation of all stakeholders, civil society and local community is inevitable for this,” according to Joint Secretary Shrestha.
Meanwhile, a meeting of the Central Security Committee also decided to mobilize a team of medical practitioners in the cholera-hit Bijgunj city.
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25- Bangladesh defeats Nepal 3-0 in SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship
Kathmandu, Aug 24: Nepal has conceded a defeat to Bangladesh in the SAFF U-17 Women’s Championship. In the match held at Changlimithang Stadium in Bhutan on Sunday, Bangladesh beat Nepal by 3-0. With this victory, Bangladesh has climbed to the second spot in the championship by amassing six points from three matches.
Nepal, meanwhile, is in third place with three points added from the same number of games.
Earlier in the championship, Nepal had lost to India by a margin of 7-0. Likewise, Bangladesh, which had thrashed Bhutan 3-1, lost 2-0 to India. In today’s match between Nepal and Bangladesh, Thunue Marma, Sauravi Akhand Priti and Mamoni Chakma scored goals.
Bangladesh took the lead in the 41st minute of the match through a goal by Marma followed by Sauravi’s goal in just three minutes later to double the lead.
Then Chakma scored the third goal in injury time, securing a victory for her team.
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26- CoAS Sigdel to visit Thailand on Monday
Kathmandu, Aug 24: Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) Ashokraj Sigdel is scheduled to visit Hua Hin in Thailand to participate in the Chiefs of Defense Conference.
According to a press statement issued by the Directorate of Public Relations and Information of the Nepali Army (NA), CoAS Sigdel will depart for Thailand on Monday to partake in the conference set to take place from August 26-28.
The event is going to be jointly held by the Royal Thai Armed Forces and the United States Indo-Pacific Command.
The Nepali Army has been regularly participating in this annual conference since 1999. The NA said that the event will serve as a platform for military chiefs from participating countries to deliberate and interact with and exchange ideas on the current global security situation, technology, strategic thinking, and other contemporary issues.
The NA is confident that such an event would help further strengthen the bilateral military relations and would positively contribute to Nepal’s foreign policy.
A contingent of NA on Sunday offered a guard of honour to CoAS Sigdel before he leaves for Thailand, read the press statement issued by the Directorate.
Chief of General Staff Nirmal Kumar Thapa will serve as the Acting Army Chief in the absence of CoAS Sigdel, the press statement said.
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27- Chief Justice Raut calls for conservation and protection of water resources
Kathmandu, Aug 24: Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut has said that the pressing and top agenda of the present time was the conservation, protection and utilization of water resources.
At a programme organized by the Nepal Water Conservation Foundation on Sunday, the Chief Justice said that the crisis of drinking water and its imbalances caused due to climate change impacts could be the severest crisis in human life.
“We are gradually losing the white Himalayas. Now, they are changing into the black mountains. Climate change impacts have seriously impacted our sources of water. In this situation, conservation and protection of water is inevitable besides its utilization,” according to the Chief Justice.
On the occasion, the Chief Justice described water not only as a natural resource but a lifeline for the continuation of human civilization and nature.
Chief Justice Raut warned that our future could be dark if we failed to ensure proper management of water.
He also stated that the stage should be serious to the implementation of the constitutionally ensured right to natural resources and added that water is also a backbone for national prosperity and sustainable development.
Foundation’s Chairman Dr Ngmindra Dahal said that the sources of water across the country were at risk due to unequal distribution of water, pollution, unplanned urbanization and some other reasons.
During the event, writer and former water resources secretary Bhubanesh Kumar Pradhan was awarded the ‘National Resource Protector Award.’ This prestigious award was established to celebrate and honour those exceptional patriots who have dedicated themselves to safeguarding Nepal’s most vital natural resources, according to the Foundation.
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28- Nepal exemplary in South Asia for periodic election: NC Gen-Secy Thapa
Kathmandu, Aug 24: Nepali Congress (NC) General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has said that Nepal has set an example in the South Asia region for conducting periodic elections.
At an interaction organized by the Nepal Voters’ Rights Forum on ‘Integrated Election Bill’, leader Thapa argued that holding a timely election was a reflection of the country’s strong commitment towards democracy.
Stating that the Bill proposed by the Election Commission of Nepal was a well-drafted document, he said that there was room for improvement in the Bill.
He emphasized taking it forward after considering some changes through parliamentary discussions. He also called on all political parties for an honest political commitment and pressed for population-based representation.
Likewise, CPN (UML)’s Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai stressed the importance of aligning the election act with other political parties’ acts.
CPN (Maoist Centre)’s central committee member Madhav Sapkota criticized the current electoral system as extravagant and suggested adopting a fully proportional electoral system to cut election expenses.
Rastriya Swatantra Party’s Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar emphasized for an inclusive proportional provision enshrined in the constitution.
Likewise, Janamat Party’s Secretary-General Chandan Kumar Singh viewed that inclusive and proportional principles stipulated in the constitution should be prioritized.
Janata Samajwadi Party’s General Secretary Ram Kumar Sharma called for adopting the electoral system that benefits all since, he argued, all Nepalis had equally contributed to the cause of democracy.
CPN (Unified Socialist) Vice-Chairperson Jayanti Rai viewed that the proposed Bill should be presented in the parliament at the earliest.
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07 – Gold price up by Rs 2,300 per tola
Kathmandu, Aug 24: The price of gold and silver has increased in the domestic market today as compared to Friday.
According to the Federation of Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, gold is being traded at Rs 197,500 today against Rs 195,200 per tola (11.66 grammes) on Friday. It has increased by Rs 2,300 per tola.
Similarly, the price of silver has been determined at Rs 2,350 per tola today. It was traded at Rs 2,310 per tola.
The price of gold is 3,372 US dollar per ounce in the international market today.
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08 – Muglin-Pokhara road: Deadline for upgrading eastern sector extended
for fourth time
Damauli (Tanahu), Aug 24: The deadline for the expansion of Muglin-Pokhara road project (eastern sector) has been extended for the fourth time.
The Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport has extended the deadline for the fourth time for the eastern section from Jamune to Ambukhaireni in Tanahu.
The Muglin-Pokhara Road Project (Eastern Section) Engineer, Bishnu Prasad Pandey, said the deadline has been extended until October 11, 2025. This is the third extension of this section, with the previous deadline having ended on July 13, 2025.
The blacktopping works on the 41.5 kilometres section from Aambukhaireni to Jamune under the Eastern Sector has been completed in four lanes. Since there are still some other works remaining aside from the blacktopping, a recommendation for a time extension was made to the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport.
“All the blacktopping work has been completed. The six-lane road in Damuli has been blacktopped in addition to the entire four lanes in other places. The road painting has also been completed in most places. Now, since only a little work remains, we had sent a request for an extension of time,” engineer Pandey added.
He said that the blacktopping work has been completed in the three years since the agreement and in the last 456 days.
An agreement was reached on January 30, 2021, for the road widening works in the eastern sector and work started from April 15, 2021. The contract for this section has been awarded to China Communication Construction.
The roadway has been upgraded into four-lane with the loan assistance of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The contract for the eastern sector has been awarded for Rs 6 billion 213 million and 31 thousand.
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09 – Interview – Natural beauty of Nepal fascinates me: Director Duo
Kathmandu, Aug 24: Professor Huang Zheng Duo is the Director of the Nepal Study Centre at Sichuan University, China. Duo, who also studied at Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies in USA, is active as a researcher about relations between China and South Asian Countries. He has penned three books and published many research articles.
The following are the excerpts of an interview taken by sub-editor of the , Madhu Shahi, with Director Duo, who arrived in Kathmandu to participate in different programmes taking place on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Nepal-China relations, focusing in various aspects of Nepal-China relations:
Q. You visit Nepal frequently. What are the things that make you visit Nepal?
A. I have visited Nepal more than 20 times so far. So it can be said that Nepal is my second home. I used to visit Nepal in course of research as well as participate in various programmes including educational seminars and workshops.
More than that Nepal’s natural beauty has always fascinated me. I have also visited different places out of Kathmandu—Janakpur, Chitwan, Lumbini, Pokhara and Manang, among others. All these places have their own specialty. However, Lumbini is my one of the favourite place and it is also important because it is the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. China has a very old connection with Buddhism.
Q. Of the foreign tourists visiting Nepal, number of Chinese tourists is high. What improvements Nepal can make in tourism sector to attract more Chinese tourists?
A. Nepal is naturally beautiful. Apart from this, there are different durbar areas that are listed in the list of world heritages, world’s highest mountain, Sagarmatha (Mt Everest), different national parks. Mainly, Lumbini has been the centre of attraction of Chinese tourists as it is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. I think there is lack of arrangement of spiritual and original gifts of Lumbini.
Tourists usually face problems in finding such types of gift they want to take from Lumbini to their homes.
Similarly, tourists visiting Nepal have to pay ticket charge to visit different places of Nepal as compared to other countries. I see the possibility that number of Chinese tourists visiting Nepal will increase significantly if concession can be offered in such tickets.
Q. Recently, high-level visits between the two countries are growing. What impact do you see this having on diplomatic relations?
A. It is necessary for any country to hold continuous meetings and talks to strengthen relation. It helps to further strengthen emotional bond between each other. High-level meetings and talks between heads of the government or head of the state in diplomatic manner is natural. Except this, people-to-people relations between the two countries are also expanding which helps to know each other in a better way. The exchange of students of both countries has been helping to know Chinese society.
Q. Nepal-China diplomatic relations have reached 70 years. What direction do you see the relationship between Nepal and China heading towards now?
A. The Nepal-China diplomatic relations began on August 1, 1955. Historically, the two nations have developed a relationship based on coexistence, cooperation, mutual respect, and friendship. Currently, throughout the month of August, Nepal and China are celebrating completion of 70 years of diplomatic relations between them.
Now, how to make the coming year even more fruitful and prosperous in terms of bilateral ties is an important topic. In my opinion, for the relationship between Nepal and China to be long-term and result-oriented, it is necessary for Nepal’s politics to be stable. A stable government is necessary for the development here to take a concrete form.
Similarly, collaboration can be done in the hydropower projects here. Similarly, as the present age is that of artificial intelligence (AI), I see another basis for Nepal to make its relationship meaningful in digital partnership with China. Nepal has recently introduced an AI policy, which is positive. Since China has made significant progress in this area, Nepal can also learn technology from China.
Q. Among the various bases such as political, economic, educational, social, and cultural, which one do you think is more effective in strengthening Nepal-China diplomatic relations?
A. As you mentioned, political, economic, educational, social, and cultural aspects all contribute to strengthening the diplomatic relations between the two countries. All these bases are interrelated with each other.
However, in my opinion, the partnership for economic development can also contribute to the prosperity of other sectors. In the context of economic development and poverty reduction, China wants to share what it knows with Nepal.
Q. In Nepal, there is a lot of interest in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project. What is your opinion on this?
A. As Nepal is a landlocked country, it is very important to expand external connectivity here. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) project can indeed become a supportive factor for connectivity expansion and development here.
However, the inability to progress in the way that the BRI projects should advance could also be attributed to the growing geopolitical situation in the region. It is essential for all political parties to come together in the context of development.
Q. Nepal is a comparatively small country located between two powerful neighboring countries. What strategies should Nepal adopt to maintain a balance between these large nations?
A. As you mentioned, Nepal is a geographically small country between two powerful nations. However, it has its own existence, sovereignty, and distinct identity.
Nepal may have felt some challenges in balancing the neighbourly relations between China and India. In my opinion, as long as Nepal maintains a spirit of goodwill and cooperation among neighbouring countries, it shouldn’t be a major problem. It doesn’t seem a problem maintaining balance for cooperation. Nepal has been engaging in such diplomatic practices as well.
Q. The number of Nepali students going to China for higher studies is increasing. What role can these students play in strengthening the relationship between the two countries?
A. Recently, the number of Nepali students studying in China is increasing. This is a positive aspect for us. The group of youth participating in various training, seminars, and discussions is also increasing. Since students are an important source of knowledge and cultural exchange, educational development helps to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Such activities are essential to understand each other.
Q. To conclude, which aspect of Nepal do you find beautiful?
A. Nepal is beautiful in terms of nature, culture, and religion. Along with this, another interesting aspect is its multi-dimensional society. I like the open ideological debates, discussions, and interactive culture present in this society.
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10 – Bipin Joshi’s mother and sister call on President
Kathmandu, Aug 24: The mother and sister of Bipin Joshi have met with President Ramchandra Paudel today.
It may be recalled here that Joshi from Mahendranagar was taken hostage by the Palestinian group Hamas in course of its assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
With the coordination of the Nepalese embassy in Israel, Bipin’s mother Padma and sister Pushpa Joshi had gone to Israel and recently returned after a meeting with the President and Prime Minister there.
Bipin’s mother and sister mentioned that while in Israel they had met the president, prime minister, and ambassadors from various countries there, stating this issue (Bipin’s being held hostage by Hamas) has reached an international level.
They urged everyone to make further efforts for Bipin’s release.
Padma urged that her son Bipin, being an innocent student, should be released on humanitarian grounds.
On the occasion, President Paudel stated that he would make further efforts for Bipin’s release.
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Possibility of heavy rainfall in Bagmati and Karnali today
Kathmandu, Aug 24: There is possibility of heavy rainfall at one or two places in the hilly areas of Bagmati and Karnali Provinces today. Moderate rainfall is also likely at some places in Bagmati, Gandaki, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces along with the hilly regions of the country, as well as at a few places in the Tarai region, according to the Weather Forecasting Division.
The weather will remain generally cloudy throughout the country today. In addition, there is a possibility of wind gust in Madhesh Province along with the Tarai regions of Koshi and Lumbini Provinces.
Later tonight, the weather will remain generally cloudy in Koshi and Madesh Provinces along with the hilly regions of the country and partly cloudy in the rest of the country. There is a possibility of moderate rainfall at a few places in Koshi, Madhesh, Bagmati and Gandaki Provinces along with the remaining hilly regions of the country, as well as at one or two places in the Tarai region. There is also a possibility of heavy rainfall at one or two places in the hilly areas of Gandaki Province.
The meteorological analysis by the Division says that the monsoon low pressure line is currently located near the normal position. There is influence of water vapor-rich air coming from the Bay of Bengal.
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02- Pratham declared winner of Mero Voice Universe, Rista Mero wins Dance Universe title
Patan (Lalitpur), Aug 24: Pratham Gurung has been declared the winner of Mero Voice Universe Season-2, a singing competition based on a reality show. Similarly, Rista Gurung has been declared the winner of Mero Dance Universe Season-2.
Both were declared the winners at the grand finale of Mero Voice Universe and Mero Dance Universe Season-2 organized by Intra National Welfare and Support Foundation at Sunrise Conference Center Godavari, Lalitpur on Friday. Both the winners received a cash prize of Rs 10 million each, a life insurance worth Rs 2.5 million, free air tickets and various other prizes.
Amrita Rai became the first runner-up of Mero Dance Universe while Situ Maharjan became the second runner-up, Suraj Sinjali Magar the third runner-up, Susana Koirala the fourth runner-up and Sajan Pakhrin Tamang the fifth runner-up. They received cash prize of Rs 2.5 million, Rs 1 million, Rs 600,000, Rs 500,000 and Rs 400,000 in cash respectively. They also bagged life insurance policy from Citizens Life Insurance.
Similarly, Topraj Tamang became the first runner-up of Mero Voice Universe, Junu Prasai the second runner-up, Wange Gurung the Third runner-up, Prashant Pokharel the fourth runner-up and Deepraj Rai fifth runner-up. They received Rs 2.5 million, 1 million, Rs 600,000, Rs 500,000 and Rs 400,000 in cash respectively along with and a life insurance policy from Citizens Life.
In the cultural group dance competition, Bhutanese Refugee Dance Group came first to win a cash prize of Rs 2.5 million while Manaslu Word College won the first runner-up title to win Rs 1.5 million. Similarly, Yuma Maharani Dance Group became the second runner-up and received Rs 1 million while Nepal Police received Rs 500,000 as the third runner-up and Tareli Cultural Group came fourth and received Rs 300,000 in the group dance category.
Speaker Devraj Ghimire, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, Minister for Communications and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City Chiribabu Maharjan, and others dignitaries presented awards and trophies to the winners.
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03- Sherpa elected Nepal Mountaineering Association President
Kathmandu, Aug 24: Phurba Gyaljen Sherpa has been elected as the President of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). The NMA is an umbrella organization of mountain tourism entrepreneurs.
According to the vote counting conducted this morning, Sherpa defeated his rival candidate Kul Bahadur Gurung to be elected the new NMA President. Sherpa received 342 votes while Gurung received 288 votes, according to the election committee.
Similarly, Ishwori Poudel has been elected as the senior Vice-president, Mingma Gyalbo Sherpa as the first Vice-president, Bodhraj Bhandari as the secondVice-president, and Rajendra Lama as the General Secretary. Similarly, Chandan Thapa has been elected as the Secretary, Ngima Nurbu Sherpa and Sumi Lama have received equal votes for the post of treasurer.
Madhav Kumar Dhamala, Kedar Neupane, Thupden Sherpa, Gokul Thapa, Mulal Gurung, Dendi Sherpa, Bikram Karki, Rinje Sherpa, Devendra Dangol, Diki Sherpa and Nisha Bhote were elected members of the new NMA Executive Committee.
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04- Tharus celebrating Aatwari festival today
Ghodaghodi (Kailali), Aug 24: The Tharu community living in the Tarai region of Nepal is celebrating the Atwari festival with special faith and enthusiasm today. Considered the second biggest festival after Maghi, Aatwari is an important festival celebrated with mostly men staying on a fast. Some women also voluntarily observe a fast during this festival.
This festival is celebrated every year on the second Sunday after Shri Krishna Janmashtami. Since it is celebrated on a Sunday or Aaitabar, this festival is called Aatwari. It is customary for brothers to fast for the good health and prosperity of their sisters on this festival.
The religious importance of the Aatwari festival is linked to the story of the Mahabharata, says Budhram Chaudhary, chair of the Ghodaghodi municipal Bhalmansa Working Committeei. The sun is also worshipped during this festival. The devotees observe a fast without even drinking water from Sunday morning. It is customary to take a bath and perform puja on the day of fasting.
After the puja, various native dishes are cooked including rice flour roti, phulauri, and mixed beans. On the second day of the festival, i.e. Monday morning, the devotees bathe again and perform pooja to break the fast. Then, the brothers take offerings set aside for their sisters and reach their homes. The sisters bless their brothers and accept the offerings brought by the brothers. It is believed that this will further strengthen the relationship between brothers and sisters, said Aman Chaudhary, Secretary of the Ghodaghodi municipal Bhalmansa Working Committee.
This festival is celebrated with much fanfare by the Tharu community living in Kailali, Kanchanpur, Banke, Bardiya, Surkhet and Dang districts.
Recognizing the importance of the festival, the Sudurpaschim Provincial Government has declared a public holiday across the province today.
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05- Grievance handling Center at MoFAGA
Damauli (Tanahun), Aug 24: Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Bhagwati Neupane has said pledged to fulfill her responsibilities with honesty.
At a reception organized by her party, the CPN (UML) in Dulegauda this morning, she expressed her commitment to honestly fulfill the responsibility received under special circumstances.
She said the Ministry of Federal Affairs and General Administration (MoFAGA) work is not only about transferring and promoting employees but also about strengthening the federal system as a whole.
A Grievance Handling Center has been established in the ministry to hear the complaints of employees as well as service recipients, and complaints have started being heard from the Centre, she added.
At the program, Deputy Secretary of the CPN (UML) District Committee Khim Bahadur Kumal, Chair of the Shuklagandaki Municipal Committee Raghunath Poudel and others leaders extended their best wishes for the success of newly appointed Minister Neupane.
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06- All local levels in Makawanpur fail to spend Conditional Grant funds
Makwanpur, Aug 24: Ten local levels under Makwanpur district have returned Rs 322.2 million that they could not spend under conditional grants received from the federal government in the fiscal year 2081/82.
According to the Treasury and Accounts Comptroller’s Office, all 10 local levels in the district have returned the funds that they could not spend in the fiscal year 2081/82. In the fiscal year the local levels had received Rs 2.94 billion in conditional grants but Rs 322.2 million was returned after not being spent, shared Dinesh Regmi, Chief of the Office based in Hetauda.
The budget for conditional grants was returned due to various reasons including the inability of local levels to implement programs on time and to complete the plans on time.
Similarly, Chief Regmi said that the Bagmati Provincial Government has returned Rs 420 million that it could not spend in the fiscal year 2081/82. Although the Provincial Government had received a budget of Rs 11.96 billion in the fiscal year 2081/82, it was only able to spend Rs 11.47 billion. Hence, 490 million was returned.
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