- Tuesday, 16 December 2025
Kathmandu, Nov 20: Coordinator of the Nepali Communist Party, Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has urged all political factions to exercise restraint so that protest in Simara, Bara would not worsen to violence and chaos.
He emphasized that political and ideological differences are common in democracy, but sliding Simara incident into violence with provocation is sheer reflection of democratic deficiency.
“I appeal to the government to create an environment where freedoms of politics and expression are respected- political parties and their leaders can move freely and conduct meetings and conferences without fear and obstruction,” coordinator Dahal mentioned in his official statement.
The former Prime Minister called on all concerned parties to remain watchful and responsible to ensure that no incidents unsettle the peaceful and fair conduct of the upcoming elections. He also directed local party committees to extend facilitation from their sides to help peace bid in Bara.
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19- NPL: Chitwan Rhinos posts 143-run victory target before Lumbini Lions
Kathmandu, Nov 20: Chitwan Rhinos has posted a 143-run victory target before Lumbini Lions in today’s match being held under the ongoing Nepal Premier League.
Invited to bat first after losing the toss at TU International Cricket Stadium, Kirtipur, Chitwan Rhions made 142 runs in 20 overs losing seven wickets. The team had lost three wickets while collecting 43 runs. Captain Kushal Malla gathered 21 runs while Ravi Bopara 66 runs, Dev Khanal 14 runs, Deepak Bohara 10 runs, Saif Zaib 15 runs, Arjun Saud 15 runs (not out) and Sohail Tanvir five runs.
Towards bowling, Ruben Trumpelmann of Lumbini Lions took three wickets while Abhishesh Gautam and Glubadin Naib took two wickets each.
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20- Curfew continues in Bara
Bara, Nov 20: Following a protest by Gen Z in Simara, the District Administration Office here has issued a curfew order.
Chief District Officer Dharmendra Kumar Mishra stated that the curfew was enforced to prevent untoward incidents. After a clash erupted between leaders and supporters of the CPN (UML) and Gen Z on Wednesday, the local administration had imposed curfew from 12:30pm to 8:00pm.
As the Gen Z youths organized a demonstration at Simara Chowk since early Thursday morning, the District Administration Office clamped a curfew from 1:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Meanwhile, CDO Mishra has urged Gen Z to seek solution through dialogue.
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21- CIAA files corruption case against six persons
Kathmandu, Nov 20: The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed a graft case against six people including then officiating chief of District Health Office in Bajura, Ashok Kumar Singh, at the Special Court.
The case was registered also against then engineer of Education Development and Coordination Unit in Bajura, Sunesh Kumar Chaurasiya, sub-engineer Naresh Rawat, Chairperson of maternity centre building construction users’ committee, Paras Rokaya, secretary Muna Rokaya and treasurer Khadak Aidee on the charge of corruption. They are accused of causing damages to public property, shared CIAA Spokesperson, Rajendra Kumar Poudel.
The District Health Office had given responsibility to the users’ committee to construct the maternity centre at Himali rural municipality-6 at a cost of Rs 2.615 million. Later, it was revealed from CIAA’s investigation that the building was constructed against the estimated cost and subpar. Payment was made by producing fake bills and reports.
Now, the constructed structure has become useless, stated the CIAA. The anti-graft body has sought the fine of Rs 1.585 million from each defender.
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22- Recommendation made to mobilize Nepali Army in election
Kathmandu, Nov 20: The Council of Ministers has been recommended to mobilize the Nepali Army in the election to the upcoming House of Representatives.
A meeting of the National Security Council held on Thursday under chairmanship of Prime Minister Sushila Karki, decided to recommend before the Council of Ministers to mobilize Nepali Army in accordance with Article 266 (1) of the constitution in order to conduct the election in a free, impartial and fear-free environment, reads a press statement issued by NSC member-secretary, Suman Raj Aryal.
Various issues including possible challenges of national security in the wake of recent development in the national and international levels and future strategies to be adopted were focused during the meeting.
NSC’s eighth annual report, 2081/82 and its endorsement with after necessary amendment also featured in the meeting.
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23- Probe panel on purchase of billing system at Nepal Telecom submits report
Kathmandu, Nov 20: The investigation committee on purchase of the Nepal Telecom billing system has submitted its report.
Former secretary and coordinator of the committee, Maniram Gelal, presented the report to Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jagdish Kharel, on Thursday.
Receiving the report, Minister Kharel emphasized that the committee was established for the ministry’s internal review and assured that the report would not interfere with the process of purchasing the billing system at Nepal Telecom. “Nepal Telecom retains autonomy in decision-making within legal boundaries,” Kharel added.
Minister Kharel noted that a study report was prepared as a reference after a letter of concern received from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) over the procurement of billing system. The ministry will review the report.
He, however, believed the recommendations furnished by the report would be beneficial for future procurement. Probe panel coordinator Gelal clarified that the study report did not influence the confidential bid evaluation in the procurement of Nepal Telecom’s billing system. “This report also suggest Nepal Telecom on how it could position itself in the competitive market and ensure safety and privacy of customers’ personal data,” he observed.
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24- NPL 2025: Lumbini Lions registers first victory
Kathmandu, Nov 20: Playing the first match under Nepal Premier League at Kirtipur-based TU International Cricket Ground on Thursday, Lumbini Lions defeated Chitwan Rhinos by six wickets.
Chasing the 143-run victory target posted by Chitwan Rhinos, Lumbini Lions completed it in18.3 overs at the loss of four wickets.
For the victory, Glubadin Naib made 44 runs (not out) and Captain Rohit Paudel made 39 runs. Towards bowling, Rijan Dhakal of Chitwan Rhinos took two wickets while Sohail Tanvir one wicket.
Earlier, invited to bat first after losing the toss, Chitwan Rhinos made 142 runs in 20 overs losing seven wickets. The team had lost three wickets while collecting 43 runs. Captain Kushal Malla gathered 21 runs while Ravi Bopara 66 runs, Dev Khanal 14 runs, Deepak Bohara 10 runs, Saif Zaib 15 runs, Arjun Saud 15 runs (not out) and Sohail Tanvir five runs.
Towards bowling, Ruben Trumpelmann of Lumbini Lions took three wickets while Abhishesh Gautam and Glubadin Naib took two wickets each.
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25- Holding elections in slated date is government’s key responsibility, Home Minister says
Kathmandu, Nov 20: Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal has said holding the elections to the House of Representatives (HoR) in a peaceful manner in the slated date is the key responsibility of the government.
At a review meeting of the first quarter of the current fiscal year of the Home Ministry on Thursday, Minister Aryal directed all agencies under the ministry to work with serious commitment for the preparations of polls.
Minister Aryal also thanked the Ministry of Finance for ensuring budget and programmes for the upcoming polls slated for March 5, 2026.
On the occasion, Minister Aryal made commitments to implement the recommendations received from the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, National Planning Commission, Finance Ministry and Ministry of Federal Affairs.
Likewise, Minister Aryal asked the officials to ensure prompt public service delivery through electronic medium in a simplified process by considering the public aspirations created after the Gen-Z protests.
Aryal also directed the ministry’s officials to work to meet the annual plan of actions and major milestones by reviewing the internal progress of the ministry on a regular basis.
During the review meeting, Home Secretary Rameshwor Dangal said that the officials should work by making good-governance and transparency as the foundation pillars of work execution.
He asked the officials at the Department of National ID and Civil Registration to make their services further effective as the Department’s performance reflects the Home Ministry’s work execution.
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26- UAE Ambassador calls on Vice President Yadav
Kathmandu, Nov 20: Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nepal Saeed Mubarak Jarwan Al Shamsi paid a courtesy call on Vice President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav at the latter’s office on Thursday.
According to the Secretariat of the Vice President, discussions were held on bilateral relations, high-level visits, labour issues as well as economic and multilateral cooperation.
Vice President Yadav said that relations between Nepal and UAE have advanced on the basis of mutual trust, friendship and cooperation since the diplomatic ties between the two nations in 1977.
Similarly, Vice President Yadav extended gratitude towards the UAE government for granting amnesty to 286 Nepali citizens on the occasion of Ramadan this year.
The Vice President pointed out the possibilities of economic cooperation between Nepal and UAE adding that such cooperation can be advanced in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, health care, clean energy, tourism and drinking water.
On the occasion, Ambassador Saeed Mubarak Jarwan recalled the visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of UAE in 2025 and added that his visit to Nepal was a major achievement in the history of bilateral relations.
Likewise, the UAE Ambassador said that the UAE government is ready to establish a skill development centre in Nepal for Nepali workers. He also stated that the UAE government is ready to cooperate with Nepal in energy, technology and other areas.
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27- Minister Kharel visits Journalism Department, vows support for academic excellence
Kathmandu, Nov 20: Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jagdish Kharel, visited the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communications at Balkhu on Thursday.
He also inspected the ‘Camera Building’ of the Department and assured support to journalism educators for the academic excellence of the institution.
“I felt humble seeing the Camera Building of the Journalism and Mass Communications Department. It is a temple of knowledge,” he said, adding that he, as a student, felt it was a dream house. The classrooms at RR Campus when he was a journalism student were narrow and lacked facilities, Minister Kharel remembered the past.
He vowed he would extend support from government side for the academic excellence of the Department which is now in a spacious location.
On the occasion, Department Chief Dr Kundan Aryal said the Central Department of Journalism and Mass Communications had a vital role in producing quality human resources. He further shared that the Department was planning the educational programmes on digital media production and film studies, for which, collaboration with foreign universities was going on.
The Central Department which was limited at RR Campus for long has been running from its own building in a spacious location of Balkhu, Kathmandu for two years. The students of MA, MPhil and PhD are catered education here.
Minister Kharel meets Prof Lal Deusa Rai
Meanwhile, Minister Kharel met the founder of the Journalism Department and journalism guru Lal Deusa Rai at the latter’s residence, Banasthali, on Thursday itself.
He acquired information about Professor Rai’s health condition and wished good health and longevity. The Minister also discussed development of journalism and professionalism with Professor Rai.
Kharel remarked that Professor Rai had an instrumental role in elevating the status of Nepali journalism. Rai was the university teacher for 40 years. He is 92-year-old.
Together with Minister Kharel to visit Professor Rai were Department Chief Dr Aryal, other professors and students.
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28- Efforts on to augment Indian investment in Nepal: Chair KC
Kathmandu, Nov 20: Chairman of Nepal-India Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NICCI), Sunil KC, has said there is a huge potential of investment in Nepal, so NICCI is making efforts for further Indian investment here.
Chairman KC said it during an interaction with Society of Economic Journalists, Nepal (SEJON) in Kathmandu on Thursday. He however said policy and legal reforms were imperative for attracting foreign investment.
“Indian businesspersons are interested in investing in Nepal, for it, NICCI is trying to cut through inconvenience and obstacles,” he said, adding that NICCI is even planning to set up its office in New Delhi, Delhi. Plan was afoot even for holding an investment summit in India for bringing in Indian investment in Nepal.
He further informed security to investment, its promotion and re-investment are NICCI’s priorities. Providing opportunities for Indian investors with market expansion is essential, KC stressed.
In view of exponential growth, IT bears significance for flow of the money. Other speakers at the interaction including NICCI’s Vice Chairmen Rabi Kumar Rayabara and Kunal Kayal, General Secretary Rajan Sharma and Treasurer Kiran Malla also underlined the need for policy and legal reforms for launching ventures.
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29- Govt requested to lift restriction to Upper Mustang
Kathmandu, Nov 20: People’s representatives from Mustang have demanded lifting restriction imposed in some areas of Upper Mustang.
A team of people’s representatives led by Chief of District Coordination Committee, Maya Gurung, met Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Thursday, and requested the government to waive the fee charged to the foreign tourists.
Earlier, an arrangement had been made where a foreign tourist had to mandatorily buy a package of 10 days by paying 500 US dollar. However, the Cabinet meeting held recently amended the Immigration Regulations increasing the fee to 50 US dollar per day for foreign tourist to visit the restricted area, according to the PM’s Secretariat.
The delegation put forth the demand to scrap such huge hike in fee. “Restriction has been imposed in the areas of three rural municipalities of Upper Mustang and charging high fee to the foreign tourists has discouraged them,” reads a memorandum submitted by the delegation.
Chief Maya Gurung, Chairperson of Thasang rural municipality, Pradip Thakali, Chairperson of Lo Ghekar Damodarkunda rural municipality Lopsang Chhomfel Bista, Chairperson of Gharpajhong rural municipality Mohan Singh Lalchan, Chairperson of Baragung Muktichherta rural municipality Rinjin Namgel Gurung, Chairperson of Lomanthang rural municipality, Tasi Narbu Gurung and Vice-Chairperson of Lomthang rural municipality, Chhyumi Bista Gurung were in the delegation.
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30- CPN Maoist leaders meet PM Karki
Kathmandu, Nov 20: Top leaders of the CPN (Maoist) have met Prime Minister Sushila Karki and discussed contemporary issues including upcoming election.
General Secretary of CPN (Maoist), Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplav’ and Spokesperson Khadga Bahadur Bishwokarma met PM Karki at her official residence, Baluwatar on Thursday, according to PM’s press coordinator, Ram Bahadur Rawal.
Chanda said his party had full support to the present government formed on the back up of Gen Z movement.
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31- UML Secretariat meeting forms committees to convene 11th general convention
Kathmandu, Nov 20: The secretariat meeting of the CPN (UML) held on Thursday has formed different committees for holding the party’s 11th general convention.
The 11th general convention of the UML is scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from December 13-15.
After the secretariat meeting, UML deputy general secretary Pradip Gyawali said that a secretariat for the general convention is formed under the coordination of party general secretary Shankar Pokhrel and Prithvi Subba Gurung as the secretary and Yogesh Bhattarai as the member.
Likewise, Pradip Gyawali is the coordinator of the mass mobilization committee and Rajan Bhattarai as the secretary as decided by the secretariat meeting.
Similarly, general convention representative’s management committee is formed under the coordinator of Kashinath Adhikari and Madhav Dhungel as the secretary.
The UML has formed residence management committee; foodstuffs management committee; transport management committee; reception committee; publicity committee and volunteer management committee.
The party has also made some changes in the criteria of selection of the national convention representatives. According to Gywali, quotas of two women representatives each from Pravasi Nepali Manch, India, and Pravasi Nepali International Manch have been added for their participation in the general convention.
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(Time: 22:30)
Editors:- Narayan Ghimire, Mahendra Subedi & Avilasha Pokhrel)
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