- Friday, 18 July 2025
Kathmandu, July 17: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has unveiled the procedure for the selection of its candidate to stand in the House of Representatives by-election. The selection of candidates shall be based on leadership potential, political proximity, inclusiveness, and the votes received in the internal primary elections.
In a press conference held at the party central office in Kathmandu today, party’s Deputy General Secretary Bipin Acharya said that the candidates for the upcoming by-election in Rupandehi-3 will be selected on the basis of the procedure unveiled today.
“Considering Rupandehi as the starting point, the party has introduced the candidate selection procedure,” he said, adding that the party prepared the procedure to select candidates who are involved in the party’s activities, from office bearers to members and capable ones who are able to contribute to the country and the people.
Party spokesperson Manish Jha made it clear that the acceptability, personality and competency of the candidates will always remain intact. The RSP has been saying that the party has been internally selecting candidates through the primary election method.
A new methodology has been developed to further refine this approach. “The weightage is 25 per cent in Leadership, 20 per cent in Political Proximity, 5 per cent in Inclusion and 50 per cent in Primary Election Results,” Jha said.
The party will announce the list of candidates within a week.
Minister Adhikari pledges to accept action if found guilty on Pokhara land
Kathmandu, July 17: In wake of an audio tape making rounds in media and social network sites for some time, implicating two sitting ministers over a machination to usurp a public land in the Pokhara City, a minister has tendered resignation, while another pledged to accept action in case his involvement was proved by the investigation.
Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Raj Kumar Gupta, resigned from the post after the audio tape went viral. In the audio tape, he is heard in a conversation over a bribery deal which also implicated Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Balram Adhikari.
Organizing a press conference in the ministry on Thursday, Minister Adhikari expressed why such audio tape was released in a coordinated manner that implicates his family members as well. He asserted that the audio tape dragging him over a disputed land of Pokhara City was intended to assassinate his character. “Efforts are on to assassinate my character while I was working untiringly for the country and people by establishing law and rules in the concerned sector. I demand a genuine investigation on the audio record,” he reiterated in the press conference.
He argued that his ministry had performed very well during his term. But it was condemnable to assail his image, Adhikari added.
The Minister also requested the media to bring real stories behind the disputed audio tape. “I’m ready to face any action if I’m found guilty over the issue after investigation,” he vowed.
Both Gupta and Adhikari are the ministers representing the CPN UML.
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Biodiversity monitoring thru camera trap, GPS device in Taplejung
Kathmandu, July 17: The biodiversity monitoring has begun with the installation of camera trap and GPS device in Taplejung. In collaboration with the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council (KCAMC) and the Samriddha Pahad, UNESCO began the installation of trail cameras and GPS devices in Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCA).
These installations are taking place from July 16 to 19 in Tapethok, Hellok, and Lelep. The initiative aims to integrate modern scientific methods with indigenous knowledge to improve information collection on biodiversity and support real-time ecological monitoring, according to a press release issued by UNESCO Nepal.
Before the camera and GPS installations, a two-day capacity-building training was organized in Lelep on July 14-15. This workshop stressed encouraging the participation of local communities and engagement in environmental supervision within the KCA. It also improved the skills of local indigenous people and communities, including school students and other local stakeholders, in biodiversity conservation.
Participants also received hands-on experience in handling and setting up modern scientific devices. Speaking of their ongoing conservation efforts, Khagendra Phembu Limbu, Chairperson of the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Management Council (KCAMC), highlighted their aim to identify biodiversity hotspots and potential pocket areas for conservation.
“We are interested in the designation of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and plan to conduct local awareness programmes to promote its significance. We hope to receive support toward gaining international recognition, which would play a vital role in the protection and sustainable conservation of this unique conservation area. Additionally, training activities such as the use of trail cameras will strengthen the knowledge and capacity of indigenous communities in monitoring local biodiversity,” added Limbu.
During the workshop, the concept of a Biosphere Reserve was also introduced to the participants. This session raised awareness about the importance, objectives, nomination process, and possible benefits of KCA receiving a Biosphere Reserve designation under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme.
The Biosphere Reserves are living laboratories where conservation, sustainable development, and scientific researches are integrated to create a harmonious relationship, bringing a balance between the conservation of biodiversity and its sustainable use by local communities.
During the workshop, Prof Dr Hari Prasad Aryal UNESCO MAB committee member, NATCOM highlighted the importance of integrating local knowledge with scientific tools to address biodiversity challenges in high-altitude ecosystems like KCA.
“It was encouraging to witness the strong participation of indigenous communities in the workshop. Their innate understanding of nature, and their commitment to protecting wildlife, soil integrity, and water resources, stands as a model for sustainability. We must listen, learn, and act with humility and respect for the wisdom of these guardians,” added Prof Aryal.
Moreover, this initiative supports KCA’s long-term vision of securing international recognition through the IUCN Green List, a global campaign for successful nature conservation and eventual designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, aligning with the goals of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. This framework is designed to help achieve global sustainable development goals building upon earlier conservation strategies and outlines an ambitious path towards a global vision of a world living in harmony with nature by 2050.
“For UNESCO, the ongoing initiatives at Kanchenjunga are not merely about protecting nature. It is about valuing local people, their indigenous knowledge, and their sustainable livelihoods. Here in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area, our collaborative efforts and actions strongly resonate with the very essence of UNESCO’s overarching mission,” says Jaco Du Toit, UNESCO Representative to Nepal.
The activities are key components of the “Strengthening Community Engagement for Biodiversity Conservation in the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area” project, funded by the Kunming Biodiversity Fund (KBF). By improving local capacity, promoting knowledge exchange, and enabling practical engagement with scientific tools, this project represents a significant step toward more resilient, community-driven biodiversity management in one of Nepal’s most ecologically rich landscapes.
This collaborative effort emphasizes a shared commitment to safeguarding the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area is unique biodiversity for generations to come. By fostering a powerful synergy between modern technology and invaluable local knowledge, this initiative sets an example for community-led conservation, paving the way for a more sustainable future for similar ecosystems in Nepal. It also highlights the transformative potential of combining global expertise with local dedication and knowledge to address pressing current environmental challenges.
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Suspension bridge to replace tuin in Kharpunath
Simikot, (Humla), July 17: A suspension bridge has been constructed to replace a Tuin or ropeway crossing over the Karnali river in Kharpunath Rural Municipality.
A new suspension bridge has been constructed by removing the ropeway cross at Lighe in Lalibagar to connect Kharpunath-1 and 2.
Ward-2 Chair Chandrabir Rawal said that after the construction of the suspension bridge on the Karnali river at Lighe in Lalibagar the mobility of the citizens of Wards 1 and 2 has become efficient and safer.
This was the last ropeway crossing to be replaced and now the entire rural municipality is free of Tuins, said Rawal.
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General Secretary Thapa seeks NC’s role to resolve national problems
Lalitpur, July 17: General Secretary of Nepali Congress (NC), Gagan Thapa, has sought an active role of NC to resolve the problems facing the country at present.
During a dialogue organized by the party’s Economic Policy and Planning Department on ‘NC’s youth centric policy and plans’ on Thursday, General Secretary Thapa underlined the need for connecting youths to technology so that new jobs and entrepreneurship would be created and promoted. “NC discusses citizens’ problems in its meeting. Addressing problems should be linked to result and enforcement of policy decisions,” he said, adding that agriculture sector requires in-depth research and promotion.
He urged youths to focus more on production, employment, industrialism and potential rather than politics. Education should be aligned with market need and knowledge promotion.
On the occasion, NC Treasurer Umesh Shrestha said old education policy was hindering the sweeping change in education sector in Nepal. Global change and country’s needs should be reflected in education promotion, he stressed.
According to him, industrial development is imperative in all seven provinces for creation of jobs.
Central member Chinkaji Shrestha said implementation of policy is weak in Nepal while another central member Uday Shamser Rana viewed IT and agriculture are the areas where youths need to be engaged. Market management should be ensured in a way it pays heed to farmer’s production and cost.
Chief of Economic Policy and Planning Department of NC, Prof Dr Govind Raj Pokharel, said State should function as a potential and promote opportunity.
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Workers to get minimum wage of Rs 19,550 effective today
Kathmandu, July 17: An agreement has been reached between the government, employers and labour unions to set the minimum wage for workers at Rs 19,550 per month.
The agreement was reached at a tripartite meeting held at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Security earlier today. Prior to this, the minimum monthly wage for workers was Rs 17,300. The agreement comes into effect from today, which is the first day of the new financial year 2082/83.
As per the agreement, the monthly basic wage will be Rs 12,170 and dearness allowance will be Rs 7,380. According to the ministry, the daily basic wage is Rs 470 along with dearness allowance of Rs 284, while the basic wage per hour will be Rs 63 and dearness allowance Rs 38. However, the minimum wage per hour for part-time workers will be Rs 107.
The minimum wage was reviewed as per Section 107 of the Labour Act, 2074 BS, which requires that the minimum wage for workers should be reviewed every two years. The ministry says the agreement will apply to all workers except for those working in estate and tea gardens.
Speaking after the agreement, Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Sharat Singh Bhandari all parties should now work seriously and responsibly to implement the new minimum wage effectively.
Coordinator of Minimum Wage Determination Committee and Joint secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Pradeep Koirala, said that the agreement was reached after a long consultation, coordination and in-depth discussions among all sides concerned including the workers.
President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Chandra Prasad Dhakal, welcomed the agreement and described it as necessary to maintain sustainable labour relations. The agreement reached through transparent discussions and flexibility of all parties is acceptable for all sides concerned.
Likewise, representative of the Joint Trade Union Coordination Center (JTUCC), Janak Chaudhary, said that the agreement was a victory for the workers, as it is for the first time that an agreement on the minimum wage has been reached by including our voices. Now, strong monitoring will be carried out to ensure its implementation.
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Stress laid on disaster preparedness, prompt recovery
Kathmandu, July 17: The leaders of major political parties represented in the Federal Parliament have suggested that the government should focus more on disaster preparedness and prompt recovery measures.
At an interaction organized today by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) on recent glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) in Rasuwa and the overall aspects of the disaster management, the politicians pledged to mobilize their cadres to act as volunteers and run campaigns for disaster risk reduction.
Nepali Congress leader and lawmaker Mohan Acharya said that there should a strong presence of government in recovery and added that the local government should be empowered further for effective disaster management.
CPN (UML) leader Khimlal Bhattarai said that the rescue teams should be trained and there should be sufficient supply of search and rescue materials.
Likewise, CPN (Maoist Centre) leader Surya Subedi stated that the government and the NDRRMA should take initiatives to engage the political cadres in disaster management adding that the NDRRMA should be made resourceful and powerful.
Also speaking at the event Rastriya Swatantra Party leader Sajan Sharma suggested that the disaster preparedness and management should be run as a regular business of the NDRRMA. Information dissemination should be done in a quick manner and the state should invest for warehouse of essential goods.
Leader of CPN (Unified Socialist) Rajendraman Shrestha mentioned that all citizens should be given training on disaster related issues and the schools-level and university-level curriculums should include contents on disaster safety.
Spokesperson of Janata Samajwadi Party, Nepal Manish Kumar Suman talked about the draught and its dire consequence looming in Madhes.
Lawmaker of Nagarik Unmukti Party Lalbir Chaudhary said that Nepal’s territory in Tarai gets inundated due to the dams constructed in the bordering areas with India and added that the NDRRMA should take initiatives to open the dams on time.
Prem Suwal of Nepal Workers and Peasants Party and Manoj Bhatta of Rastriya Janamorcha asked the government to remove the policy-level barriers in disaster management.
CEO of NDRRMA Dinesh Bhatta shared that the agency was working on post-disaster reconstruction, policy reforms, enhancing credibility of the early warning system, training and other issues concerning disaster management.
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Jankavi’s ‘Danfechari’ republished
Kathmandu, July 17: The research-based folk literature and culture-oriented magazine ‘Danfechari’, which was started by Janakavi Keshari Dharmaraj Thapa in 2010 BS, has been republished.
The magazine was re-launched at a programme organized by Janakavi Keshari Dharmaraj Sabitri Thapa Foundation on the occasion of Thapa’s 101st birth anniversary today.
On the occasion, Prof. Dr. Churamani Bandhu, Prof. Dr. Dayaram Shrestha ‘Sambhav’, cultural expert Dr. Jagman Gurung, Prof. Rama Sharma, former Minister Radhakrishna Mainali and other guests discussed Dharmaraj Thapa’s musical and literary contributions to the Nepali society.
Chair of the foundation, Madan Raj Thapa, said that the magazine has been republished by covering the ups and down in the life of Janakavi Dharmaraj Thapa. He said that Thapa’s poetry and music are still alive in the soul and culture of Nepal and Nepalis, adding that his creations should be discovered, researched and preserved by the state.
On the occasion, senior artists Premraja Mahat, Bikasjang Rana, Sita Shrestha and Sandesh Shrestha presented their creations including songs of Janakavi Keshari Thapa and Dharmaraj Thapa.
The late Thapa has left an indelible mark in the hearts of the Nepali people by singing immortal timeless songs like ‘Ghar Mero Tada’, ‘Koi Na Hasne Koi Na Rune’, ‘Mathi Mathi Sailunge Danda’, ‘Aaj Madal Bajeko Kin’, ‘Dhurudhuru Narou Ama’, ‘Hamro Tenzin Sherpale’, among others.
Thapa first recorded song was’ Mathi Mathi Sailunge Danda ‘. He was born in Batulechaur of Kaski district in 1981 BS and died in Kathmandu on 29 Aswin 2071 BS.
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Bicycle Trail in Mustang
Mustang, July 17: A bicycle trail has been constructed from Jomsom of Gharpajhong-4 to Dharkajung of Baragung Muktikshetra-5 in Mustang district.
According to the Tourism and Industry Office Mustang, the eight-kilometer cycle trail from Jomsom to Dharkajung has been constructed at a budget of Rs 2 million. Prem Poudel, chief of the Tourism and Industry Office, said that the cycle trail has been constructed for tourism development of Mustang, promotion of tourism as well as to extend the stay of tourists.
For trail construction, two iron bridges have been built on the Jomsom-Dharkazung trail. With the construction of this adventurous high-altitude mountain cycling trail, tourists coming to cycle will be able to make a shorter journey from Jomsom to Dolpa in Mustang without using the Jomsom-Kagbeni road.
“Cycling through Dhalkedanda, which is located at an altitude of over four thousand meters above sea level, tourists will be able to experience the natural beauty and the unique atmosphere of the mountain highlands,” said Paudel.
According to him, tourists reaching Dalkhanda will be able to view various areas of Upper Mustang, the Nepal-China border, Lower Mustang, and Central Mustang. Those traveling on the bicycle trail will also be able to see Dalkhanda, Nilgiri and Dhaulagiri Himalayas, Kali Gandaki corridor, apple orchards, and the settlements of Jomsom.
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Footfalls up by 55 percent in Mustang
Mustang, July 17: The number of tourist- domestic and foreign- visiting Mustang has increased significantly thanks to the completion of national pride project, Beni-Jomsom-Korala roadway.
Information Officer at District Police Office, Mustang, Bishal Adhikari, shared that last fiscal year (2081/82) recorded the tourists’ arrival at 705 thousand tourists, which is upped by 55 percent compared to the previous fiscal year, 2080/81.
The knowledgeable persons argue that the historic, religious, cultural and biodiversity are key attraction in Mustang district. The Muktinath Temple, Kagbnei Dham, Damodar Kunda are important religious sites here.
In addition to the shrines for Hindu people, there are monasteries for Buddhists followers as well. The Durbar Square of Mustang cultural king, Kaligandaki corridor, Taltalaiya are other touristdestinations.
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