- Wednesday, 1 July 2026
Kathmandu, July 1: Speaking during the ‘zero hour’ in the meeting of the National Assembly (NA) today, the MPs drew the government’s attention to local and national issues of public concerns.
Kamala Panta drew attention, saying that even though a long time has passed since the parliament session started, the government has not answered the questions on current issues voiced by the parliamentarians.
Jayanti Devi Rai urged the government to immediately provide relief and compensation for the 28 families displaced by the severe flood and landslide in Siduwakhola, Silichong Rural Municipality-1, Sankhuwasabha, after three days of continuous rain.
She demanded restoring the electricity supply since 600 households were affected due to a power outage in that area following the flood and landslide.
Durga Gurung said that the incident involving 28-year-old Dambar Tamang, who was displaced while evicting landless squatters and the unorganized settlers, and is now taking shelter at the holding center in Kirtipur, has seriously raised humanitarian and legal concerns.
Nara Bahadur Bista requested the parliament and the government to create an environment for replying to MPs’ queries since the government has not responded to the questions raised by the MP during zero hour and special sessions.
He said, “When will the government respond to the burning questions of the people raised by the MPs? The government should be responsible for answering the questions raised by the MPs.”
Bhuvan Bahadur Sunar mentioned the incident of vehicles worth around seven billion rupees burning inside Singha Durbar during the Gen-Z uprising last September and said that buying vehicles with development and construction expenses would not be practical.
Mohammad Khalid expressed that it is very sad and worrying that 127 Nepali citizens have lost their lives after going to Russia due to poverty and unemployment, and since about 100 Nepali citizens are also missing, he requested the government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to search for them.
Rajendra Lakshmi Gaire called on the government to create an environment where the daughters of the people are safe.
Yuvaraj Sharma said that the proposed bill on transportation and vehicles shouldn’t set fines too high and cause trouble for the people.
Suresh Alemagar pointed out that the government should pay attention to the issue that it was trying to remove the homeless squatters from the holding centre by charging a certain fee from them.
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13- FNNTE calls for automatic adjustment of transport fare in line with petro prices
Kathmandu, July 1: The Federation of Nepalese National Transport Entrepreneurs (FNNTE) has urged the government to adjust fares automatically in line with the drop in petroleum prices since last night.
Nepal Oil Corporation (NOC) had reduced the price of petrol by Rs 20 per liter and diesel/kerosene by Rs 30 per liter, effective from Wednesday morning.
FNNTE president Punya Prasad Sitoula has requested the government to adjust the transport fare according to the automated fare adjustment system.
“Along with the fluctuations in the price of petroleum products, the fare for public transport also needs to be adjusted in a transparent, scientific, and objective way. The tendency of raising fares when fuel prices go up but not adjusting them in time when prices drop has created confusion to both passengers and transport operators,” he said.
Sitoula stated that not only the fuel cost but also the operating expenses of vehicles, maintenance, insurance, worker wages, the cost of spare parts, banking costs, and overall economic indicators should be evaluated on a scientific basis when determining fares for public transportation.
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14- HoR committee discusses Bill on National Forensic Science Laboratory
Kathmandu, July 1: The Education, Health, and Information Technology Committee of the House of Representatives (HoR) has held a clause-by-clause discussions on the preamble and various sections of the ‘National Forensic Science Laboratory (Establishment and Operation) Bill, 2081.’
In today’s meeting convened at the committee’s meeting hall in Singha Durbar, the committee members suggested mentioning in the proposal separate provisions for reliable testing in determining serious crimes, classifying crimes, and conducting effective study and research.
They said that since technology-based crimes are increasing, the bill should include testing and investigation of digital crimes along with biological and physical ones. Members mentioned that the law should set proper arrangements for having adequate human resources and laboratories, ending the need to wait for testing after sample collection.
The committee chairperson Dr. Ojaswi Sherchan said that because there is no provision for higher studies in Nepal for laboratory personnel, the committee will decide on setting educational qualifications after getting data on manpower.
In the discussion, Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation Mahabir Pun mentioned that schools which even do not have posts for primary level teachers are compelled to carry out the functions of secondary level principals.
The committee has decided to invite subject expert Gopal Chaudhary along with representatives from the relevant ministry to the next discussion.
The National Assembly, upper house of the Federal Parliament, had passed the bill on February 6 and then sent it to the House of Representatives, the lower house.
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16- Respond to MPs’ queries, National Assembly Chair’s ruling to government
Kathmandu, July 1: National Assembly Chairman Narayan Prasad Dahal has made a ruling that the government respond to the issues raised in the Assembly’s sessions.
He made this ruling in today’s meeting of the National Assembly, the upper chamber of the Federal Parliament.
“I direct all the relevant ministers of the Nepal government to respond in the Assembly to the issues raised by the honorable members during urgent time, zero hour, special time, and on matters of provincial concerns in the National Assembly meeting,” Chairman Dahal said in his ruling.
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17- Newly-elected RSP office-bearers, central members take oath
Kathmandu, July 1: Office-bearers and central committee members elected from the first general convention of Rastriya Swatantra Party have taken oath.
At a programme organised at Chamati-based Party Office today, at first RSP Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane administered oath to newly elected central committee members. He presented certificates and gifted ‘bell’ to them.
After the oath of central committee members, Chair Lamichhane administered oath to office-bearers. The first general convention of the RSP was held in Bharatpur of Chitwan from June 21-26.
The general convention had elected a 99-member central committee along with one chairperson, two vice-chairpersons, one general-secretary and three joint general-secretaries. Rabi Lamichhane elected to the post of chairperson had already taken oath.
Thirty-three central committee members were elected towards open and inclusive category, 10 towards Khas/Arya category, nine towards Indigenous/tribal category, two towards Tharu category, five towards Madhesi category, three towards Dalit category and two towards Muslim category.
Similarly, five members were elected in Koshi, Madhes, Bagmati, Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim Provinces each towards provincial category.
Rabi Lamichhane, Dr Swarnim Wagle, Sobita Gautam, Shisir Khanal, Sagar Dhakal, Dr Toshima Karki, Ranju Neupane, Manish Jha, Hari Dhakal, Kabindra Burlakoti, Bipin Kumar Acharya, Ramesh Prasain, Biraj Bhakta Shrestha, Nisha Dangi, Indira Rana Magar, Ganesh Parajuli, Pukar Bam, Jagadish Kharel (Lalitpur), Shulav Kharel, Yagya Mani Neupane, Pramod Neupane, Sasmit Pokharel, Rima Bishwokarma, Rajunath Pandey, Rajeev Khatri, Samikshya Baskota, Ganesh Karki, Khagendra Sunar, Asim Shah, Himesh Panta, Jagadish Kharel (Dolakha), Gita Chaudhary and Lima Adhikari were elected towards open category.
Likewise, members elected towards Khas/Arya category are—Sushant Baidik, Sudip Dhakal, Hem Raj Bhatta, Pradip Bista, Dillishwor Karki (Roshan), Prakriti Dhakal, Tika Sangraula (Jwala), Kranti Shikha Dhital, Jamuna Sharma and Shushila Karki Pokharel while Milan Limbu, Shankar Shrestha, Mingma Dandu Sherpa, Mahesh Lama, Dhurba Thapa (Magar), Ashika Tamang, Anushka Shrestha, Nisha Shrestha and Kushum Maharjan were elected towards Indigenous/Nationalities category.
Karishma Kathariya and Ashok Kumar Chaudhary were elected towards Tharu category; Bablu Gupta, Arbinda Sah, Dipak Kumar Sah, Juli Yadav and Kamini Kumari Chaudhary towards Madhesi category; Bijay Jairu, Shiva Nepali, Sabina BK and Khima BK towards Dalit category, and Samina Miya and Rahabar Ansari towards Muslim category.
Towards provincial category, Nisha Mehta, Bishwo Raj Pokharel, Shova Karki, Kalpana Thapa and Sujata Tamang were elected from Koshi Province, Susma Basnet, Sunita Kumari Chaudhary, Namita Yadav, Manju Singh and Ankit Kumar Yadav from Madhes Province, Prabha Dhakal, Bidushi Rana, Akanshya Pokharel, Anita Shrestha and Parbati Thapa from Bagmati Province.
Similarly, Pabitra Thapa, Manish Khanal, Sagar Bhusal, Puja Bastola and Bishnu Kumari Gurung were elected from Gandaki Province while Kalpana Pandey, Sangita Dhakal, Gyanu Poudyal, Devraj Pathak and Sharmila Khanal from Lumbini Province. Sita Badi, Binita Kadayat, Tasi Lhajom, Menuka Shahi and Prakash Neupane were elected from Karnali Province and Hem Raj Thapa, KP Khanal, Dipak Bohara, Januka Joshi and Chandra Ayer ‘Chandani’ from Sudurpaschim Province.
Six office-bearers of RSP
Chairperson Rabi Lamichhane and Vice-Chair Dr Swarnim Wagle (Open category) were elected unopposed.
Similarly, Sobita Gautam was elected as vice-chairperson towards women category, Bipin Kumar Acharya as general-secretary towards open category, Asim Shah and Hari Dhakal as joint general-secretaries towards open category and Nisha Dangi as joint general-secretary towards women category.
The election to the post of office-bearers was held in the second phase after first-phase central member election.
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18- Ministry seeks clarification from local levels for not presenting budget within deadline
Kathmandu, July 1: The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives, Federal Affairs, and General Administration has asked 23 local levels for clarification for not presenting the annual policies and programmes, and budget for fiscal year 2083/84 in their respective municipal assembly within the stipulated date.
The ministry, via a letter to the local bodies today, instructed various rural municipalities and municipalities to send details within three days, explaining the status of the budget preparation process and the reasons for the delay.
The ministry’s letter mentions that, according to the Local Government Operation Act, 2074, and the Intergovernmental Fiscal Management Act, 2074, local bodies are legally required to have their revenue and expenditure (budget) for the upcoming fiscal year approved by the municipal executive and presented to the assembly by the 10th of the Nepali month Ashar (June 24 or 25) and passed by the end of Ashar.
The ministry has stated that, based on the details entered on its portal and the reports received, it appears that some local bodies have not yet submitted the budget for FY 2083/84 within the deadline set by law, and necessary clarification has been requested.
In addition, it has been requested to provide the ministry with the upcoming schedule of local council meetings so that it becomes easier to pass the budget by the end of Ashar.
The ministry has stated that this initiative was taken to ensure the timely completion of the budget-making process at the local level and the full implementation of related legal provisions.
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19- Revised national academic calendar of university comes into force
Kathmandu, July 1: The University Grants Commission has developed a national academic calendar and brought it into implementation in order to make academic activities of higher education systematic and effective.
The Commission brought the national academic calendar into force in coordination with universities, thereby integrating educational activities of universities.
The Ministry of Education and Sports on Tuesday approved the new national academic calendar with timely revision to the national academic calendar report for higher education, 2080. It was implemented following the ministerial decision. The Ministry shared that a decision was taken to send circular to all universities through the Commission for necessary actions.
The Commission believed that university education would improve with the implementation of the integrated national academic calendar.
The point no 87 of the 100-day reform agenda of the government had set a target to publish the results of Bachelor and Master Level examination as per the calendar provided by the Education Ministry. The Ministry brought it into implementation through University Grants Commission.
Earlier, the academic calendar prepared by the Commission was brought into implementation by approving from ministerial decision on September 15, 2023. Later, the Commission had formed a committee to revise the calendar in a bid to improve education quality as per time.
The new academic calendar was sent to the Ministry for approval after making necessary amendment.
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20- Pakistani Ambassador calls on President Paudel
Kathmandu, July 1: Pakistani Ambassador to Nepal, Abrar H. Hashmi, paid a farewell call on President Ramchandra Paudel at the Office of the President today.
On the occasion, President Paudel congratulated Ambassador Hashmi on successfully completing his term and expressed confidence that the relations between Nepal and Pakistan would further strengthen in the future, the Office said.
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21- No agreement made on uranium exploration: Foreign Minister Khanal
Kathmandu, July 1: Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has made it clear that government had not made agreement with anyone on uranium exploration in Mustang.
Minister Khanal said related government bodies had already refuted the news reports in the digital media. The mine, however, is under preliminary study, he added in response to the queries raised by the National Assembly members.
Minister Khanal was responding to a question raised by NA member Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar. The government is fully committed to the provisions made by the Constitution on use of natural resources. Agreement with any country would not be made in a way it goes against the foreign policy of non-alignment and principles of panchasheel, the Minister pledged.
He further reminded that preliminary study had verified the mines and further study would be carried out by the related agency, Department of Mines and Geology.
Similarly, replying to lawmaker Bishnu Bahadur Bishwokarma, the Minister made it clear that Nepal and India were yet to finalize border demarcation at Susta, Limpiyadhura, Lipulek and Kalapani area. The bilateral mechanism, ‘Boundary Working Group’ and the subordinate groups would be given continuity.
Nearly one-km-long levee was being built on Susta, to which, India had not shown any reservation. In regards to the 132-m-long embankment, Indiangovernment has been urged for coordination between the two country officials before forwarding construction, according to Minister Khanal.
He shared before the Upper House that a joint team of the Armed Police Force of Nepal and the Border Security Force (SSB) of India had inspected Nepal-India border area at Susta Rural Municipality of Susta in Paschim Nawalparasi, Nepal and Rampurwa, Champaran on the Indian side. Construction of an embankment of nearly one-km is underway on the Narayani River bank through the Irrigation and Water Resources Management Project, Bharatpur. It stretches on the land 250-m inside Nepal-India border and ending in Nepali territory.
Minister Khanal further clarified that the government is firm in resolving border-related issues through diplomatic dialogue and being based on historical treaties, agreements and maps that reflect the spirit of close relations between Nepal and India.
Although the bilateral technical committee between Nepal and India has finalized the demarcation of many areas between Nepal and India, it is true that the technical team of the two sides has not demarcated the Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, Kalapani and Susta areas. He reiterated, “It is true and a fact in deed that these territories belong to Nepal. We have historical basis, evidence and maps. We want to resolve the differences through bilateral diplomatic dialogue with our claims.”
It is normal to have some differences and disputes between neighbours, he said, adding we want to resolve dispute through diplomatic channel along with historical facts and evidence.
The Foreign Minister also shared to the lawmakers about his recent visit to China. He stated that both countries held thorough discussions on entire gamut of Nepal-China bilateral relations during the visit. There is consensus between both sides on the issue of further reinforcing Nepal-China relations based on mutual friendship, goodwill and cooperation, according to him.
The government’s efforts to resolve problem are reflected well with easing Nepal’s tea exports after high-level discussions. Foreign Minister Khanal said he received information that an Indian helicopter had entered Nepali territory due to bad weather a few days ago.
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22- Saudi Ambassador calls on Speaker Aryal
Kathmandu, July 1: Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nepal, Fahd Mohammad A. Manikh, paid a courtesy call on Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal at the latter’s office today.
During the meeting, Speaker Aryal stated that the Federal Parliament of Nepal is interested in collaborating with the Shura Council of Saudi Arabia and informed that a Nepal-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group has been formed as per the recent decision of the Federal Parliament.
He also expressed confidence that cooperation between the parliaments of both countries on issues of mutual interest would be facilitated through the group, according to the Speaker’s private secretariat.
Likewise, Speaker Aryal expressed gratitude for the increased cooperation between Nepal and Saudi Arabia in the field of labour migration and expressed gratitude for Saudi Arabia giving priority to Nepalis.
Ambassador Manikh stated that he was working to further strengthening the relations between Saudi Arabia and Nepal and is committed to expanding labour, trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people contacts between the two countries.
It may be noted that Nepal and Saudi Arabia are observing the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 2027.
According to the Ministry of Youth, Labour and Employment, there are currently 384,865 Nepalis working in Saudi Arabia.
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23- ‘Sale of fuel in order’, claims NOC
Kathmandu, July 1: Nepal Oil Corporation has claimed that the problem seen in the sale and distribution of petroleum products has been resolved.
The queue been seen at some fuel pumps was due to low few stock. Fuel from the Thankot depot has now been distributed as per demand in Kathmandu valley, said NOC spokesperson Manoj Thakur. “The problem seen in the sale and distribution of petroleum products has been resolved. There is no problem as of now.”
Following a sudden increase in consumer volume at pumps in major cities including the Valley, the NOC had carried out onsite monitoring some fuel pumps as the instruction of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies.
Fuel pumps in the Kathmandu Valley today picked up 1.3 million liters of diesel and 1.3 million liters of petrol from the NOC depot in Thankot, Spokesperson Thakur said. There are more than 130 fuel pumps operating inside the Valley alone.
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24- Integrated law being introduced to end gender-based violence: Minister Badi
Kathmandu, July 1: Minister for Women, Children, Gender and Sexual Minorities and Social Security, Sita Badi, has said that a concept paper to formulate an integrated law to combat gender-based violence has been prepared.
In response to the queries raised by lawmakers in the National Assembly meeting on Wednesday, she said that necessary initiatives are being taken to reduce violence against women in coordination with other agencies concerned.
National Assembly MP Renu Chand had presented a resolution on the prevention and control of gender-based violence using technology, and the protection of women’s rights and effective implementation by making necessary policy, legal and institutional arrangements to ensure access to justice.
MP Padam Bahadur Pariyar supported the resolution and pointed out the need to make necessary legal arrangements to end violence carried out through digital means.
MP Roshni Meche said that the nature of violence against women has changed with the development of information technology worldwide while MP Mina Singh Rakhal said that although Nepal has adopted a policy to end all forms of discrimination in the preamble of its constitution, various forms of violence still persist in practice.
MP Nar Bahadur Bista demanded that the Cyber Bureau of Nepal Police be expanded to all seven provinces.
MPs Shree Krishna Prasad Adhikari and Rukmini Koirala suggested that necessary legal arrangements should be made to end digital violence against women.
During the discussion on the resolution, MPs Bhuwan Bahadur Sunar, Geeta Devkota, Pooja Chaudhary, Bishnu Bahadur Bishwakarma, Bishnukumari Sapkota, Gomadevi Timilsina, Durga Gurung, Samjhana Devkota, Rajendra Lakshmi Gaire, Bishnu Devi Pudasaini, among others suggested various ways to protect women and girls from violence and victimization meted out through digital technology.
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25- Low number of passengers affects regular flights at Suntharali Airport: Minister Paudel
Kathmandu, July 1: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Khadak Raj Paudel, has said that regular flights could not operate at Suntharali Airport in Kalikot due to low number of passengers.
Responding to queries raised by lawmaker Bishnu Bahadur Biswokarma at today’s National Assembly meeting about the airport’s operation, Minister Paudel explained that regular flights could not take place at the airport owing to low availability of passengers.
It may be noted that the airport was officially inaugurated on 14 Falgun 2080 BS. The first test flight by Tara Air took place on 29 Magh 2073 BS.
Minister Paudel shared that discussions were held with the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Nepal Airlines, Tara Air, Sita Air, Summit Air, and people’s representatives from Kalikot to run regular flights at the airport.
Although Tara Air agreed to operate regular flights twice a week, the flight could not be put into regular operation due to the lack of assured passengers. ‘Once there is assurance of regular passengers, flights will start,’ Minister Paudel said.
According to him, there are 55 airports in Nepal, of which 34 are operational. Most of these airports are in hilly regions and have not been in operation due to low number of passengers.
Minister Paudel said that reasons such as migration and cheaper road travel cost have led to a decline in the number of passengers.
Next meeting of the National Assembly will be held at 1.15 pm on Thursday.
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26- Ambassador Ernst, Minister Dr Timilsina discuss digital transformation, cooperation
Kathmandu, July 1: Australian Ambassador to Nepal, Simon Ernst, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Information and Communications, Dr Bikram Timilsina, today.
Various issues related to development partnership such as strengthening bilateral relations were discussed during the meeting held at Ministry. Empowerment of media sector and digital transformation, enforcement of federalism and other topics surfaced in the meeting.
On the occasion, Minister Dr Timilsina thanked the Australian government for its continued assistance to the development endeavours of Nepal. He also expressed confidence the Australian support to Nepal would continue in the days ahead. The Minister urged for the continuation of scholarship scheme provided by Australia to Nepali students and even expand the scope of scholarships.
The government of Nepal is working untiringly for modernization and reform of the postal service as a priority, the Minister said, adding that Nepal wants to learn from Australia’s experience and successful practices on it. However, technical assistance is needed to apply the best practice on modernization of postal service.
Minister Dr Timilsina shared Nepal government’s ongoing initiatives to integrate technology in public service for better and prompt delivery. Expansion of digital infrastructure was forwarded as per goal of building a Digital Nepal, the Minister shared, expecting Australia’s support in this connection.
Nepal’s full commitment to human rights, freedom of press and expression were also reiterated by the Minister. The government is however for making journalism responsible, accountable, credible and professional along with capacity building and fact-checking skills.
They observed that the people-to-people relations between Nepal and Australia were reinforced in recent years.
Ambassador Ernst stated that Nepal and Australia were extending cooperation as development partners for a long time and expressed his interest in areas where further cooperation could be spurred in future. While protection and promotion of freedom of expression is imperative in a democracy, increasing misinformation and disinformation have been seen as a challenge in recent times, so collective efforts are imperative to control it, according to him.
Ernst pledged Australian support for effective enforcement of federal governance in Nepal along with necessary technical and institutional support.
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27- Jha appointed advisor to the Ministry of Education and Sports
Kathmandu, July 1: Shailendra Jha has been appointed as the advisor to the Ministry of Education and Sports.
Jha has a long experience working in the fields of education, technology, public policy and educational innovation and is active in education system reform, policy making, youth empowerment and technology-friendly education.
Prior to this, Jha was working as a board member in the Urban Planning Commission of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, overseeing education, technology and social innovation. He had led the policy making, planning, resource management and monitoring of the education department, social development department and research and innovation related departments of the metropolis.
Jha also worked as the operations director and recruitment manager at ‘Teach for Nepal’ for about eight years, playing an important role in institutional strategy, human resource management, teacher selection system, leadership development, communication and partnership expansion. He is the founding chair of BITS Ladder International Pvt. Ltd.
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28- Don’t scan official documents using mobile phones, says PMO
Kathmandu, July 1: The Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers has issued a circular today, instructing all three levels of government authorities not to scan official government documents using mobile apps.
The circular issued by Bodhraj Baral, a computer engineer at the Office, states that it is the responsibility of every office and employee to ensure the confidentiality and secure archiving of government documents.
Using mobile scanning apps may adversely affect the confidentiality of sensitive and confidential government documents, adds the Office.
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29- NA passes resolution unanimously
Kathmandu, July 1: Today’s meeting of the National Assembly has unanimously passed the resolution on combating gender-based violence carried out by using technology.
The resolution presented by NA member Renu Chand on ‘Effective implementation of the resolution on preventing and controlling gender-based violence carried out by using technology and ensuring protection of women’s rights and access to justice by making necessary policy, legal and institutional arrangements’ was unanimously passed.
On the occasion, NA Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal directed the government to submit before the Upper House the progress of the effective implementation of the resolution every three months. He also urged the concerned parliamentary committee to monitor the progress of the enforcement of the resolution.
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30- Former Secretary Thapa appointed Chairperson of TU Service Commission
Kathmandu, July 1: Former Secretary to the Government of Nepal and senior urban planner Kishor Thapa has been appointed as the Chairperson of the Tribhuvan University (TU) Service Commission.
Prime Minister and TU Chancellor Balendra Shah appointed Thapa as the Chairperson of the Service Commission.
Similarly, Prof Dr Rejina Maskey has been appointed as a member of the Service Commission.
The Chairperson Recommendation Committee formed under the leadership of TU Pro-Chancellor Sasmit Pokharel, who is also the Minister of Education and Sports, had recommended the names of three individuals from among those who had applied for the post.
Known as an architect and urban planner, Thapa has served in the civil service of the Government of Nepal for more than four decades in various capacities. He served as a secretary in the Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the Secretariat of the Water and Energy Commission, among other agencies.
Thapa also worked as an expert member of the Steering Committee of the National Reconstruction Authority and is currently an urban planner at the Nepal Institute of Urban and Regional Studies and a visiting faculty at Kathmandu University.
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31- Home Ministry directs to take action against hospitals not providing discounts
Kathmandu, July 1: A directive has been issued to all District Administration Offices (DAOs) across the country to take legal action against the health facilities not adhering to the arrangements specified in the Target Group Free Treatment Portal (Operation and Management) Procedure, 2083.
A circular issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs today directs the DAOs to immediately make arrangement for providing discounts/benefits after ascertaining whether the facilities stipulated in the procedure are being offered to the beneficiaries, and penalize the health facilities for failing to do so.
The procedure requires hospitals to allocate 10 per cent of total beds for free treatment of disadvantaged, helpless, and orphaned citizens.
The circular was issued after complaints were received from targeted beneficiaries for not receiving discounts/benefits they were entitled to during health treatment at government, non-government, private, cooperatives, or non-profit hospitals as per the procedure.
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32- Nepal to receive Rs 1.29 billion in climate resilience grants; expectation mounts for climate action
Kathmandu, July 1: At a time when Nepal has been suffering worst due to climate change for quite a while, the 45th meeting of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) Board has approved a financial proposal of 1.29 billion rupees for climate resilience initiatives in Nepal.
The GCF Board endorsed the financial proposal focused on climate resilience of forest-dependent communities through livelihood opportunities and local capacity building in Karnali Province of Nepal. The document was advanced on Wednesday.
The assistance has been welcomed as a milestone in Nepal’s climate finance journey. The project was initially developed by the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), a Nepali agency having direct access to GCF, under a simplified approval procedure.
The four-year initiative underscores strengthening of ecosystem resilience, climate-resilient livelihoods and institutional capacity in Karnali Province, one of the most vulnerable provinces to climate change in Nepal. The province features fragile mountain ecosystems, difficult terrain, high poverty rates, and increasing vulnerability to climate-related disasters like landslides, floods and prolonged droughts.
The project is expected to contribute directly to the enforcement of the National Adaptation Plan (2021-2050), the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), and other national climate actions. Local levels’ climate initiatives would be given impetus by the project.
Over 100,000 people would be benefitted through ecological restoration, nature-based solutions, climate-resilient livelihood opportunities, community-based early warning systems and capacity building of local institutions. Meaningful participation and equitable benefits to women, indigenous people, Dalits and other marginalized and climate-vulnerable communities are given special focus for the project.
It aims at enhancing climate resilience of more than 400 thousand people from Karnali Province. Partnership model will be adopted for executing the project, thereby taking onboard national, provincial, and local institutions. NTNC, as a GCF accredited body, will act as the coordinating body.
The Finance Ministry will channels the GCF resources and the Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Forest and Environment of Karnali Province lead the implementation of the provincial-level intervention and coordinate project activities.
Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment and NTNC Chairperson Gita Chaudhary described the Board’s approval as a significant achievement for Nepal’s climate resilience drive. “This approval is also a reflection of Nepal’s untiring commitment to realizing national climate policy into practical action and reaching the most climate-vulnerable communities,” she observed, adding that the assistance helps Nepal advance its commitments under the Paris Agreement, thereby reinforcing resilient ecosystems, improving sustainable livelihoods and ensuring that no one is left behind.
Head of the International Economic Cooperation Coordination Division under the Ministry of Finance and National Designated Authority (NDA) Focal Point for the GCF, Dhaniram Sharma, congratulated NTNC, viewing that it suggests Nepal’s increasing institutional capacity in accessing and managing international climate finance.
Moreover, NTNC Member-Secretary Dr Chiranjivi Prasad Pokharel said he was excited to work with government bodies and local communities to provide nature-based long-term climate resilience and work on international climate finance.
The project was developed after extensive consultation and evidence-based process with sub-national government and stakeholders like community forest user groups, women’s groups, indigenous people, technical experts and other stakeholders in Jajarkot, Jumla, Dolpa and Dailekh districts.
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33- International cooperation necessary to face climate-related challenges: Minister Chaudhary
Kathmandu, July 1: Minister for Agriculture, Forest and Environment Gita Chaudhary has drawn the attention of the international community to the climate change-induced challenges seen in natural disasters and food security
Addressing the 9th ministerial meeting of the Committee on Environment and Development of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific held in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday, she drew the world’s attention towards issues such as the rapid melting of glaciers, the risk of glacial lake outburst, and the loss of biodiversity.
Stating that Nepal needs additional international support for climate justice, adequate and accessible climate finance, technology transfer, capacity development and adaptation, she shared the important achievements made by Nepal in the fields of environmental protection, biodiversity, forest management, climate change adaptation, green economy and sustainable development, according to the Nepali Embassy in Bangkok.
Minister Chaudhary stated that Nepal, which contributes very little to global greenhouse gas emissions, is facing serious impacts of climate change, while emphasizing the need to provide preferential, and easy market access to environmentally friendly and organic products produced by underdeveloped, landlocked, and mountainous countries like Nepal in the international market.
During the meeting, which will be held for three days starting Wednesday, Minister Chaudhary also presented Nepal’s successful community forest management program, climate-friendly agriculture, promotion of renewable energy, and nature-based solutions as exemplary practices for the regional and global levels.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Chaudhary met with Executive Secretary of the UNESCAP, Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana.
Similarly, a bilateral meeting was held between Minister Chaudhary and Abdul Awal Mintoo, the Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change of Bangladesh, according to a statement issued by the Embassy.
Matters related to further strengthening bilateral partnerships in the areas of environment, forests, biodiversity conservation, climate change, bio-economy, disaster risk reduction, and South-South cooperation were discussed during the meeting.
The two ministers also agreed to raise the common voice of developing and climate-vulnerable countries more strongly in international forums on issues including climate justice, climate finance, adaptation, damage and loss fund.
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34- UAE Ambassador to Nepal calls on Labour Minister
Kathmandu, July 3: Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Nepal, Abdullah Saeed Mubarak Jarwan Al Shamsi, paid a courtesy call on Minister for Youth, Labour and Employment, Ramji Yadav, on Wednesday.
During the meeting held at the Ministry in Singha Durbar, Minister Yadav urged for effective implementation of the bilateral labour agreements reached between Nepal and the UAE, according to his secretariat.
On the occasion, UAE Ambassador Shamsi informed that 111 Nepali prisoners had been granted amnesty on the occasion of Eid ul Azha. Minister Yadav expressed gratitude to the UAE government in this regard.
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35- No policy at all to make children below 18 year party members : RSP
Kathmandu, July 1: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has said its attention was drawn seriously towards the news report on party members as mentioned in organizational document presented in recent first general convention of party.
Issuing a press statement on Wednesday, RSP General Secretary Bipin Acharya refuted the news saying, “There is no truth in the news that RSP had 35,257 party members below 18 years.”
“RSP has neither a policy nor practice to make children below 18 year the party members or involve them in politics. It has not the institutional objective for it,” he made it clear.
He however said the data received in the digital membership system were presented as raw statistics. These are not final approvals as party members, Acharya added.
Acharya admitted in the press statement that it was cased due to typographical errors or technical errors.
So far, 390,112 people with citizenship had filed for membership and they were verified, while, 523,435 had applied via digital system in total.
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